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Table of Contents 06 THINKING OF BUILDING A BARN
Some things to consider
08 KENNY HARLOW
VA’s Trainer- Clinician- Horseman Shares his wisdom with GA Wilson
12 EYE ON VA EQUINE BUSINESS
Penny Hawes and Bonnie Dada bring us Diane Crump, Harmon Carriages and Lantern Light Farm
14 THE VERSATILE CONNEMARA PONY
Meagan Lawrence tells us about this breed of wonderful ponies
20 VAULTING
We visit with Camille Swan and the girls of GOHA and see their moves
26 THROUGH THE LENS
Photo Pictorial images from Pam Talley Stoneburner
30 VPBA REPORT
Virginia Pony Breeder Association Highlights provided by Kathryn Southard
34 BUGS BUGS AND MORE BUGS
Dr. Dan Moore the Natural Vet clues us in on probiotics
38 UNIQUE FENCING
Debbie Disbrow of RAMM Fence
Contributing photographers Emily Howden Pam Talley Stoneburner Rick Beldon Robin Burkett Horse Country Jillian Chilson PhotoLuv Neil Rothschild Stacy Lynne Photography Kathryn Southard Emily Chetkowski Liz Callar
Contributing Writers Meagan Lawrence Debbie Disbrow Bonnie Dada Penny Hawes Dr. Dan Moore G A Wilson
40 KIKI’S KITCHEN
Editor/ Advertising Bonnie Dada 860-618-2992
Advertising Sales Phylllis Johnson phyllis@virginiahorselovers.com
This time Kiki cooks up some crispy Pomme Souffle
44 CWC PICTORIAL
Rick Beldon shares his photos from a recent Carolina Welsh Pony Club Show
virginiahorselovers.com
Art Director G A Wilson
Publisher Hoof It Equine Publications
info@virginiahorselovers.com VIRGINIA HORSE LOVERS 3
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EquiCrown medical compression bandages for horses are characterized by their anatomically perfit fit and precisely defined compression pressure, which contributes to faster drainage of lymphatic fluid and removal of unwanted toxins. EquiCrown was developed on the basis of over 100 years of experience in human medical compression therapy. EquiCrown bandages not only promote and support lymphatic flow, they also promote blood circulation. This contributes to a faster recovery pf the horse’s legs to become thinner and fitter. EquiCrown braces are effective due to their graduated compression from bottom to top. The range of applications for this product include the support of lymphatic flow, blood circulation, post-operative care, for injuries, during and after training, and for long transports. EquiCrown braces are also offered with silver ions knitted into the fabric giving them an antibacterial effect making them ideal for the treatment of skin issues. For more information, please visit: www.equicrown.com or visit us on Facebook; EquiCrown USA
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Thinking About Building A Horse Structure? We Suggest You Plan Your Every Move Planning to build a horse structure? There are a number of considerations that will reduce the headaches, heartaches and save you time and money so that you will enable your dream project to achieve realization a bit more smoothly. First, try to finalize the building plans as completely as possible to reduce the complications of unforeseen obstacles. Visit your local municipality to find out your town’s laws. Every area is different and you will find some are more agricultural-friendly than others. The zoning department is the best place to start. Try to find out as much as you can about the zoning, permits and limitations for building as possible. Ask about particular restrictions like how far the buildings need to be from the property boundaries and residences, how much land per horse, which departments need to give approvals; this may include the board of heath, conservation as well as building and zoning. Be as prepared as possible before construction begins. Do your best to find out and understand what laws are applicable. This will help avoid a lot of grief down the road. When possible, try and speak with someone in your community who has recently built a horse structure. Chance are since they will have completed the process and can give you a heads up as to what difficulties you might run into, or if the process may be easier than expected. 6 VIRGINIA HORSE LOVERS
Sometimes a lot of engineering work will be required, Shop around for local contractors that are experienced with local requirements. Find the right contractor often seems a bit more costly, but can save you tens of thousands dollars redo things and bringing them up to code. The more information you have going into the negotiation, the better your bargaining position. Location is the key to the placement of the structure on the property. Make a thorough assessment of the lay of the land. Take notes on everything. What direction does the sun shine, in various seasons? Which direction does the prevailing wind blow? Where are the low-lying, swampy or wetter areas? Is the waste water runoff going to affect conservation laws? How much excavation will be required, will soil need to be brought in or taken out? Each of these factors, while they may seem insignificant can play an important role in the future usability and your overall satisfaction of your structure project. One feature often overlooked is sufficient ingress/ egress drives. Depending on the size of your structure you may need enough room for large vehicles to park and turn around when making delivers such as horses or hay. Nothing is more frustrating than having a wonderful facility and not be able to access it easily. It’s a good idea to stake out the building in the purposed location and make observations of the pros
and cons of that lot. Sometimes what seemed to be the dream location is actually not as functional as another spot on the property. Plans often change due to unforeseen occurrences like an abundance of hidden rock (which can force a whole structure to have to be moved over). Other considerations that need to be determined before ground breaking is the size and placement of stalls, a fresh water source, is another well required and is that a feasibility due to location, a manure storage and management system, the flooring material and feed and hay delivery and storage. The electrical and lighting scheme will need to be in your plans for the permitting process as will the sewage and drainage if you plan on having restroom facilities. Do your homework and be as prepared and as knowledgeable as possible even when hiring a turn-key contractor. Knowing what is required and what is fluff can save you thousands. Our final piece of advice is not to take or allow shortcuts on materials or workmanship, horses are big strong animals with absolutely no regard for the structure you have painstakingly provided them. When it comes to horse structures the bigger, stronger, tougher you build it, the better off you will be in the long run. Virginia Horse Lovers have a number of associate and advertisers that construct equine structures including barns, arenas and fencing .
We believe they all are good choices when seeking out reliable professionals to help you with your next equine structure. All these builders have counseling services to aid you in your design and building process. By supporting these advertisers you make this magazine possible. Penn Dutch Structures Glenn Rock PA Serving the Mid-Atlantic area including VA MD WVA PA and NC and more. They build all types of horse structures and have an excellent reputation for quality. Find out more at: penndutchstructures.com Diversified Structures LTD., Alan Lipscomb, owner/contractor, Class A , Building Barns since 1989 Does a turn-key package including electrical & plumbing or will do a basic shell and let customer finish. Also installs fencing including Ramm & Centaur + board, hi-tensile, & woven wire Find out more at: 540-871-3025, DIVERSIFIEDSTRUCTURESLTD@gmail.com Eberly Barns One of Lancaster PA’s leading providers of pre-built, Shed-Row Horse Barns, RunIn Sheds, Storage Sheds and Modular/Monitor Barns, specializing in creating that one of kind barn of your dreams. With builders in 3 locations in PA, one in VA and one in SC we can provide our buildings competitively throughout the Mid-Atlantic, South East and New England areas. But this does not limit us for making a special delivery to anywhere in
the continental US. Recently we have a launched a new online store that includes saddle cabinets, feed bins, cupola’s, weather vanes, hardware for your barns and so much more. Our motto is “Helping you achieve your dreams one barn at a time”. Find out more at: www.eberlybarns.net Professional Building Inc. Steve Vess A MD Barn Master Builder Fredrickburg, VA Class A licensed builder Complete turnkey package including electrical & plumbing. Building custom barns of all siz-
es with complete interiors that can include living quarters Find out more at: www.webuildbarns.com Point To Point Builders Fairfax VA Equestrian Design/Build Firm Class A VA licensed builder with complete turnkey service from “Concept to Reality” Norsemen building horse barns : steel, post frame and masonry, steel indoor arenas and all weather riding rings as well as remodeling of existing structures Find out more at: www.pt2pt.net
We offer Shed-Rows, Run-Ins, Storage Sheds, Lean-To, Modular Barns, Garages, Chicken Coops and much more. Call us today! Like us on Facebook and become eligible for future promotions.
Helping you achieve your equine dreams one barn at a time.
Be sure to visit our New Online Store at www.EberlyBarns.net/ eberly-barns-store
PO Box 72 Conestoga, PA 17516 866.391.7808 717.872.2040 (Fax) www.EberlyBarns.net Contact Sherry today for your customized estimate sales@EberlyBarns.net
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sTrainersCliniciansHorsemans
BY G..A. WILSON 8 VIRGINIA HORSE LOVERS
TRAINING WITH TRUST
Back in the beginning of the 1990’s, Kenny Harlow headed west piloting an old International dump truck, with the bed removed, and a goose-neck trailer containing two unbroken horses in tow. He was heading out to participate and graduate from what would be the first John Lyons Trainer Certification Course. The first step in a journey that would eventually, some twenty-odd years later, bring him to where he is today.
his foundational training background to Lyons and Richard Shrake, pioneers in the popular equine training clinics.
He adds that he has worked and personally known most of the well-known clinicians and many not so well known. He says he has
man full of wisdom and good old common sense, both horse sense and people sense. It was also clearly evident he loves what he does. Harlow is quick to credit much of
No stranger to the television cameras, Harlow has appeared on nearly every horse related television network and has made an appearance on the national program Hard Copy. Add to that he has started over five thousand unbroken horses and he maintains classes at his Buckingham facility and it is clear that he rarely lacks for something to keep him busy.
Kenny Harlow, a Buckingham, Virginia resident, is a nationally acclaimed horse trainer and clinician of some renown. He trains privately and conducts a variety of group classes aimed at helping horse folks achieve results in training their horses with trust and respect. We spoke with Harlow and he came across as the quintessential reserved Virginia country gentle-
America presenting clinics and has even completed a European tour in three countries.
learned something from every one of them, “even if it was what not to do”. His journey has been a long and sometimes grueling one, but one that has amassed an impressive list of accomplishments. He has performed at many horse expos, and in fact has been the only clinician asked to participate in every Horse World Expo since it began. He has toured
When asked how he has sustained his popularity and status when so many others has risen and disappeared in the “horse whisperer era”, Harlow states his focus is on providing real knowledge the folks can take home with them and improve their relationships with their own horses. “I’m not here to put on a show,” Harlow says, “so many others of those that have come and gone were really just good entertainers, tricking the horses they worked with to respond in a certain way and convincing the audience that it was what the clinicians had wanted them to do.” “Some would get out there and buck a horse out, a horse can only buck so long until they give in, and then act like they had accomplish some great feat of training.” continued on next page VIRGINIA HORSE LOVERS 9
Although he admits that the equine industry on whole has suffered from the nation’s economy, Harlow says that he feels like participation is returning and he introduced us to ACTHA the American Competitive Trail Horse Association. A group that Harlow thinks is the best thing for horse owners to come along in quite a while.
Harlow prefers to instruct a student how to ask their horse for a response with respect and having achieved that response how to get it time after time until the horse truly understands what you are asking for and therefore becomes willing and eager to comply. It is that kind of training will produce a willing partner you can count on. Another point of failure Harlow mentioned about those who have declined or disappeared from the scene was that away from the expos, at home or on the road, they just tried to make their clinics to large by taking on anyone with the price of admission. “If you have twenty five riders in a clinic you just can’t give personal attention to each participant.” At his facility, Harlow limits his classes to ten riders allowing each to fully receive what they need. 10 VIRGINIA HORSE LOVERS
The American Competitive Trail Horse Association, a relatively new group holds events that highlight trail horses in 2 formats, a Competitive Trail Challenge (CTC) where riders participate in a six mile ride with six judged obstacles and six judges and ACTHA Obstacle Challenge (AOC) where riders negotiate eight obstacles in an arena setting. The CTCs offer 6 divisions - open, pleasure, scout, junior, and buddy and the AOCs four divisions, open, pleasure, scout, and junior riders. Harlow is quite keen on the ACTHA organization and states that it is a great activity that can bring new life to equine participation because any
level rider can enjoy competing at a low cost on any horse of any breed and without a lot of special expensive trapping required for the usual horse show environment. While there is the competitive element, ACTHA’s focus is on fun and using your horse for a productive purpose while ongoing training and experience improves both the horse and riders abilities. If you have the opportunity to see Kenny Harlow perform at an expo or clinic it will be time well spent. If you are having a problem with or horse or are in need of help with your riding or training he is available privately or one of his small, results targeted classes at his farm in Buckingham, VA. Primarily concerned with helping people with horses get the most enjoyment from them by sharing his experience, horse sense and results centered techniques, Kenny Harlow seems to us to still be one of the best trainers, clinicians, horseman in Virginia. For more information visit Kenny Harlow’s website: www.kennyharlow.com Find out more about ACTHA at: www.actha.us
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Diane Crump Equine Sales Inc. “It was a good ride, literally and figuratively,” says Diane Crump, owner of Diane Crump Equine Sales, referring to her legendary career in racing. As the first female jockey to race professionally in the US, and the first woman to ride in the Kentucky Derby, she spent 30 years riding dozens of horses a day, despite coming from a decidedly non-horsey background.
BY PENNY HAWES
“I always had a fascination with horses, always.” But growing up on the waterfront in Connecticut, owning a horse wasn’t in the cards. “Some people are born with what they’re meant to be. You’re born with the love that you have for whatever that might be. There were no horses, so I would have dogs and cats. At night I’d walk along the beach rescuing seagulls and pelicans that had tar on them. I was always bringing home some creature that needed to be saved.” Her father’s dream of opening a marina led the family to Florida when Diane was in her early teens. The money she’d saved from odd jobs was spent on her first horse. He was soon followed by two paint mares given to her by the man who sold her father the land for his marina. They were untouched for about 10 years, but she loved them
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and started handling them and riding them. “I learned as I went.” At 13, Diane got a job handling weanlings at a Thoroughbred barn working after school and on weekends. She continued to learn, and was soon breaking yearlings and galloping horses. “I was winging it from day one, but I loved it - always. The more I learned, the more I loved it.” While she never had a mentor, “Everybody wanted to help me. I was a hard worker. I’d be there every day, before school, after school. I would do anything. Everyone could see that I was a hard worker and I really wanted it.”
In her senior year of high school, Diane transferred to night school and graduated early so she could head to the Gulfstream Racetrack with those first horses she’d halter broken. She loved being at the track, and never looked back. She got a job with a better barn, and when it became legal for women to ride in races in 1999, Diane was ready. She headed to Hialeah and got her license. Ultimately, it was a trainer’s wife who told her husband “You need to put that girl on a horse.” To this day, Diane has never met the woman who made her historic ride possible. For the next 30 years, Diane enjoyed many wins and notable firsts. She held not only her jockey’s license, but her trainer’s license for the last decade of her career, and trained many of the horses she rode in races.
After retiring from racing when her mother became ill, she started her successful sales business in Virginia, Diane Crump Equine Sales. Like racing, Diane moved into her new career by degrees. Initially, helping one or two people find a buyer for their horse. They referred other friends and the business grew. Now, there are dozens of horses and ponies for sale on her site, and her services include photographing and/ or videoing the horse, arranging pre-purchase exams, chauffeuring prospective clients to see the horse and arranging shipping. Her years with horses have given her an invaluable education in recognizing a quality horse and she has an excellent sales record, proving her to be a talented horse/human matchmaker as well.
Diane works on a commission basis, and does not charge owners to list their horses with her. Her fee is only paid if she provides a buyer for the horse. She is admired for her integrity, as well as her keen knowledge of horses, and is a very well respected figure in the Virginia horse world. If you’d like more information on Diane Crump Equine Sales, you may visit her site at www.DianeCrump. com or call her at 540.635.7483. Penny Hawes is a freelance writer and owner of The Horse Writer, LLC, which provides freelance writing and marketing services to the equine businesses. To find more about her work, visit her website at www.TheHorseWriter.com.
Harmon
Carriages Midge Harmon’s daughter was headed to college and needed job to help cover expenses. But what could she do? Well, the family had horses and a hay wagon and lived at Brandy Station, Virginia, close to the Civil War’s Manassas battlefield. What about taking people on hay rides to tour such an iconic place? Think that would work?
Apparently, because forty years later Harmon Carriages has been providing wagons, drivers and horses for some of the Metro DC’s most prestigious clients and events. “We have twenty-two magnificent Belgian Draft horses and Percherons and four wagons and have had the opportunity to work with some extraordinary people and wonderful events,” stated Midge.
Those events included the delivery of an 18 ½ foot Douglas Fir Christmas tree to Laura Bush at the White House, carrying Miss U.S.A. in a 4th of July parade, and again appearing on the east lawn of the White House for the annual Congressional Picnic. “We’ve done proms, parades and worked with Internet millionaires, appeared at Mt. Vernon-
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The Spanish lost about one-third of its ships and about 5,000 men to Ireland’s rocky coast and Spanish horses aboard the galleons escaped the wreckage or were turned loose and interbred with the native Irish ponies. It is thought that the mixture of Andalusian blood refined the early Connemara breed, and for additional strength and stamina, Arabian blood was added to the ponies in the 1700s. They were also crossed with Hackney ponies and Thoroughbreds, but too much crossbreeding began to dilute the native pony bloodlines. To protect the purity of Ireland’s only native horse breed, the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society was founded in 1928 in order to take steps toward the preservation and improvement of the Connemara Pony. History Because of the topography they originate from, the Connemara pony belongs to the group of equine known as mountain and moorland ponies. Coming from a harsh and varying terrain made these ponies naturally rugged and strong. One careless step in this mountainous landscape might send a pony to its death, so the wild horses had to be careful and learn how to survive and adapt to their surroundings. Not only the wild terrain, but also the early domesticated lifestyle of the Connemara 16 VIRGINIA HORSE LOVERS
pony contributed to its hardiness. Early Irish farmers usually had very large families to feed but only a small income to sustain them. They needed work horses, but most could not afford to buy a good draft, so farmers would often capture the wild Connemara ponies straight from the moorlands, gentle them and train them for farm work. Most families owned a mare so that her offspring could be sold once a year for essential supplemental income. These ponies had to complete the kind of work traditionally designated to draft breeds of horse twice their size or more. Yet sometimes even while pregnant or with newborn foals, these Connemara pony mares would pull plows or heavy baskets called “creels” full of rock, dirt or people up and down the farmlands and through towns and villages. They also dragged seaweed from the shore to farmlands to fertilize the soil and they carried turf from the bogs that farmers used for cooking and heat. If the pony tired or could not perform the challenging work every day, she would be replaced with a fresh horse. This hard daily work and physically demanding lifestyle helped the Connemara pony breed develop its stamina, strength and versatility that it is still known for today. The origin of the Connemara pony breed may be shrouded in legend and myth, but as for the basis of
Duckworth’s Balmullo Farm: that is simple. It started with Duckworth’s seven-year-old son and ended with one fabulous Connemara mare named Speckles. “When my son was seven he decided he wanted a pony as someone had given his older sister a horse,” Duckworth said. “There was at the time a woman who was very aggressively marketing Arabians and she convinced me a two-year-old Arab was suitable for my seven-year-old child. ‘They can grow up together,’ she said. Luckily I realized what a bad idea this was before he got killed. So we went looking again. A Connemara mare was advertised in the newspaper, which never happens. We went to see her and we all fell in love: me, my son, my daughter, even dad. She was so wonderful and sweet that I decided the world needed more exactly like her. So ‘Speckles’ started it all! She took very good care of my son.” Today Duckworth owns nine purebred Connemara ponies and one half-Connemara. She isn’t doing so much breeding now as in the past, because she says the market has been bad lately for horses, but she prefers the late Aladdin line of Connemara ponies. “(Aladdin) was a famous stallion who . . . sired some of the most beautiful and talented
Connemaras,” Duckworth said. She has also crossed Connemara ponies with Thoroughbreds and says of the combination: “(They are) bigger and faster for eventing.” Before Balmullo Farm, Duckworth lived in Florida until she retired from her job as Professor of Microbiology at the University Of Florida College Of Medicine. Now she lives closer to her daughter who helps her with the horses and teaches riding. “It has worked out very well!” Duckworth says of her move to Virginia. Today at Balmullo Farm, Duckworth continues to promote her ponies through various competitions and disciplines. Her stallion, who currently lives in Florida with a trainer, has been a very successful eventer over the past couple years. “We do eventing and take lots of little kids to hunter shows,” Duckworth said. “My stallion Foothills Field Marshall, a five-year-old, was Reserve Champion at the American Eventing Championships last year at the Beginner Novice (level). He has qualified again this year at the Novice level.” Outside of eventing and hunter shows, Balmullo Farm has also hosted a summer camp for the past three years. Duckworth started a summer
camp at her farm “because most of the little kids in (her) granddaughter’s (first-grade) class at school wanted to learn how to ride.” The children who participate in summer camp are ages six to twelve, “with most around eight to ten (years old),” Duckworth said. They spend the hot Richmond summer days riding Balmullo Farm’s Connemara ponies, and also swimming and doing crafts. ... Physical Characteristics The original breed standards of the Connemara pony were put in place by the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society of Ireland and also used by the British Connemara Pony Society. The adult Connemara pony should stand between 12.2 and 14.2 hands tall, or 128 to 148 centimeters. The average Connemara is considered a large pony, with a height of 14 to 14.2 hands. The Connemara pony is built sturdily and is compact and balanced with a strong, sloping back and muscular hindquarters. They are deep and broad through the ribcage with a laid-back shoulder and a gracefully placed neck. The neck should allow for a good length of rein and not have an overly developed crest. They should have an attractive and proportionate “pony” head of moderate length with ample width between their large
and kind eyes. The ears should be small “pony” ears and the cheekbone should be well-defined with a deep jawline. Connemara ponies can be found in most solid coat colors. The most popular are grey, bay and brown and dun/buckskin, but black, roan, chestnut, palomino and cream are also acceptable colors. Piebald and skewbald pintos are unacceptable. “To me, there is nothing more beautiful than a grey pony,” Duckworth remarked. Connemara ponies are also inspected and graded, but inspections are not a registration requirement as long as at least one of the pony’s parents is a purebred Connemara. The American Connemara Pony Society registers full- and half-bred Connemara ponies. “To be registered as a purebred a pony must have two registered parents. Half-bred (ponies) can also be registered if they have one purebred parent,” Duckworth explains. They can be registered regardless of whether they are inspected or not, but to go into the registrar of approved ponies, they must be inspected and approved. Their conformation, temperament, breed type, and way of going are all examined. VIRGINIA HORSE LOVERS 17
Besides the things in the breed standard we look at the placement of the L-S joint [also known as the croup, the L-S joint can determine a horse’s ability to move well and should be as far forward as possible], the pillar of support, and the placement of the stifle.”
heart and stamina of the Connemara pony often gives even much taller, sportier breeds such as Warmbloods and Thoroughbreds a run for their money.
Temperament
Breed Shows
Along with its strength and beauty, the Connemara pony is loved for its good nature. Horses of any breed may have a good temperament, but a gentle disposition is one of the Connemara pony’s most outstanding and common characteristics.
Connemara ponies might steal the spotlight at open competitions, but they really shine at breed-only shows such as the famous three-day Clifden Connemara Pony Festival held every year in Clifden, County Galway, Ire-
The Connemara is known as kind and gentle, with a unique willingness and ability to bond with their human handlers. “(Their characteristics) are not absolutely unique, but they have excellent temperaments, are very tractable and try to please,” Duckworth says. Duckworth repeatedly refers to the breed as “very tractable,” which means easily managed and willing to learn or be guided. This willingness to learn makes the breed impressively versatile under saddle. Uses A combination of the Connemara pony’s strength, stamina, agility and willingness makes it an attractive breed for a wide variety of disciplines. The Connemara is a top quality performance and show horse and is suitable for riders of all ages. Their natural jumping ability makes the Connemara an excellent choice for show jumping and eventing. They also excel in dressage, driving and endurance, and some are ridden in the hunter ring. The intelligence, 18 VIRGINIA HORSE LOVERS
“The motto is: Connemaras do it all!” Duckworth says.
land. The Connemara Pony Festival is world famous and attracts visitors from all over the globe. It showcases Connemaras from local owners and breeders as well as international ponies. With more than 400 Connemaras on show each year, the festival is the largest display of Connemara ponies anywhere in the world. Over a two-day event held the Thursday and Friday of the three-day festival, the ponies compete in in-hand classes, under-saddle classes, working hunter displays and a puissance, or high jump, competition. A win at the Clifden Pony Festival is a source of
great pride for the dedicated owners and breeders who come from all around to showcase their ponies. The main attraction of the festival is of course the Connemara ponies, but there is also a dog show, a local art show and Irish dancing. Duckworth has visited Ireland “many times” and urges all pony enthusiasts to make it to the Clifden festival. “The annual Connemara Pony show in August in Clifden is something that every pony lover should go to at least once,” Duckworth says. Duckworth realized the quality and attraction of the Connemara pony 32 years ago when she bought and fell in love with her first Connemara mare. She hopes to raise awareness about and popularity for the breed through her efforts at Balmullo Farm. Through her breeding and training programs she hopes to achieve “lots of nice, quiet, famous Connemaras for the next generation – ones that are talented but also best friends.” She also hopes “to make Connemaras more well-known. They have such wonderful characteristics. I always say, I don’t understand why they are not ‘flying off the shelves!’” . . . If you would like to learn more about the Connemara pony breed, you can visit the American Connemara Pony Society’s website at acps.org or follow them on Facebook. To learn more about Balmullo Farm in Richmond, Virginia, or to contact Donna Duckworth, visit her farm’s website at connemaras.com/balmullo/ or follow the farm’s Facebook page.
Eye On Virginia Equine Business Harmon Carriages continued from page 13
and we’ve worked with a host of businesses including Smith Barney,” said Midge. But that’s only a part of her business. Weddings have always played a critical role at Harmon Carriages. The arrival of the bride and groom in a horse drawn carriage is an image both romantic and traditional. It is an image that remains forever with everyone. It completes the image of a very special celebration. And Harmon Carriages also works with a new set of clients, Indian traditional marriages. “The demand has been huge,” said Midge “and there are very special requirements.” According to tradition, the groom arrives to meet the bride astride an immaculate white mare. This is an integral part of the marriage procession, or the baratt. “We feel it is very important to include all the traditional attire and accoutrements and we have purchased them directly from India.” As with any special event, presentation is everything. And the team at Harmon Carriages have everything
covered. The horses are immaculate and appear with manes and tails groomed and hair- sprayed. They are be-decked and be-ribboned and absolutely magnificent. There are a variety of different carriages in a variety of styles and colors. And
ance, the wedding party, or horse, carriage and driver. Paris Hilton, in her wildest fantasies never looked so good.
then there are the drivers: they are as handsome as the horses. They come complete in traditional attire including top hat, frock coat, spotless white breeches and gleaming black boots. It is often a toss-up as to whom makes the most glamorous appear-
schedule continues very busy. “There are times that we have as many as twenty events going on at once,” said Midge. “oh, and we still do hay rides.”
Harmon Carriages has come a very long way in forty years and their
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Inspired? Contact the American Vaulting Association at www.americanvaulting.org and find, join or start a vaulting club
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THROUGH THE LENS Pam Talley Stoneburner
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to Virginia and opened the Lantern Lane Farm and Equestrian Training Center. “I have traveled and trained all over the country and I came to Virginia because of the willingness of local people to work with me to establish an exceptional training facility.” Her success is obvious.
...more Eye On Virginia Equine Business continued from page 19
Debbie Craig, owner of Lantern Lane Farm began her career as a trainer early. At the age of twelve as a 4H member in Atlanta, Georgia, she aspired to be the region’s Top Hand Award. One earned that special recognition by becoming a better horseman, developing her leadership and communication skills and hard work making a special contribution to the community. In this case, the work entailed teaching her sister and the neighborhood kids to ride. It was the beginning of a long and very interesting journey. She knew she wanted to work with horses on a professional level and understood that education was what separated the local trainer from the professional. So she enrolled at Meredith Manor School of Horsemanship in West Virginia. There she was exposed to every aspect of the horse business from Dressage to showing and training horses, western riding, hunter-jumper and stable management. Meredith Manor was a great beginning, but it was only the first step in a career that took her to Indiana and introduced her to some remarkable people. From 1985 to 1991, she oper28 VIRGINIA HORSE LOVERS
-ated the Equestrian Hills training center. Under her leadership, Equestrian Hills grew from an eighteen stall barn to one with one hundred and fifty. And it was here that she was introduced to the European school of horsemanship. “I worked with and learned from instructors from all over the world, “she commented. There was one in particular, however, that added a certain perspective to her education. This gentleman had served in the cavalry in Europe in World War Two and had been wounded six times. “He was very demanding but he knew his business,” she noted. “He made me a better rider.” “Having the opportunity to work with these people was critical” she noted. “In Europe, one needs to earn certification to teach. Certification isn’t necessary in the United States. Anyone can call themselves an instructor. It doesn’t mean that they understand everything that it entails to understand the event, the horse and truly enjoy a very special sport.” With that experience and education firmly in hand, in 1995 she moved
Debbie has two special passions: teaching Dressage and her Horseback Riding Vacations. “Dressage is a logical step-by-step system. You accomplish one goal at a time until both horse and rider are comfortable and become successful working together. Being a good instructor means being willing to share knowledge and a clear system for information delivery. And, most importantly, patience, patience, patience.” Her Horseback Riding Vacations have been a special success and have attracted riders and students from all over the world. Generally, people stay for three or four days and ride a minimum of two times a day. Debbie videotapes each lesson so students have an opportunity learn from their mistakes and make progress more rapidly. But some folks stay longer. A short while ago, a student stayed for three weeks. “Her progress was remarkable,” Debbie noted. In addition to Lantern Farm being is the ideal place for a horse person to learn and train, Loudon County is a wonderful vacation spot. There are Civil War battlefields to explore, wineries to experience and a number of wonderful B and B’s. “Lantern Farm has been a great deal of hard work,” she state, “but it has been very rewarding on many levels. Teaching is my great love. It is my business but, most importantly, it is my calling.”
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Little Bugs,
Big Bugs...
B y Dr Da n Moore T he N a t u ra l Vet I am not talking about spiders, ants or even bed bugs – though the later has certainly been in the news and according to experts are more likely than not to be around for a long time in the future. Viral flu or cold bugs are NOT the topic either…. But I promise there are millions upon millions of the culprits in the body and some experts say trillions. In fact, there are 100 times more of these bugs in the body than all the TOTAL number of cells in the human body. Other animals such as dogs, cats, horses and cows have them too. 34 VIRGINIA HORSE LOVERS
There are no exceptions – all animals are loaded with bugs! Millions of species and millions of bugs occupy all animal bodies. Some are good, some are bad. The good news is that IF you and your animal friends have more of the good bugs chances are you and your animals are healthy. On the flip side, if you have more bad bugs than good bugs more than likely you are sick and going downhill fast. The good guys and the bad guys do have, however, one big thing in common. …they are all bacteria – tiny microbial bugs that cause BIG THINGS!
Sometimes good things, sometimes bad things! Up until recent years many doctors and even experts in the field thought all bacteria were bad. Antibiotics, of which the word which essentially means against life, kill both good bugs AND bad bugs. Overuse of antibiotics have created “super bad bugs” by a process called resistance. The same thing is happening with dewormers. Indiscriminate use and deworming by the calendar instead of deworm-
Lots of bugs are the next
Big Thing! ing strictly based on need has created super worms that even harsh chemicals no longer kill. I have been on my soap box for nearly twenty years preaching the hazards of calendar rotational deworming and the need for fecal exams instead. I have been preaching that a healthy immune system through healthy nutrition is superior over use of drugs and medication too. Now as each day passes, health care professionals around the world are learning that the makeup of the massive bacterial populations of all
animal bodies, and even possibly some worms in the gut may very well be the PRIMARY FACTORS in our health status. Antibiotics and indiscriminate use of dewormers is on the way out! Probiotics are in! Coexistence with bugs and worms start at birth or at least shortly thereafter. Studies have shown that naturally born babies are healthier than those delivered by C-section. It is believed that this is likely due to exposure of the baby to bacteria in birth canal during delivery. Babies that get mothers milk are healthier
too, though this is hardly news to those that raise animals. Newborn animal babies that don’t get the first milk called colostrum almost always die despite heroic efforts to save. Of course colostrum delivers immunity but could it also deliver good bugs? Especially important to me as a veterinarian is that studies have shown that children of families with dogs are healthier than those without dogs – Maybe dog kisses too aren’t that bad after all! Of course, we all already knew that, right? continued on next page VIRGINIA HORSE LOVERS 35
Bugs Bugs Bugs continued from page 00
Would you believe that gut bacteria may be linked to obesity? Washington University has done a study that shows good bacteria improve weight and metabolism – at least in mice. Two doctors from the Netherlands say that further research may find ways to use intestinal microbes (bacteria etc.) to diagnose and even treat Type 2 diabetes. Another study from the Netherlands has shown that taking fecal material from a healthy person and transplanting it into a person infected with Clostridium difficile, a bacteria causing colitis and diarrhea, was 94% successful in helping reduce symptoms of the disease. Yuk! BUT... Clostridium difficile infects millions of people – this could be big! Big Companies too, are already on the move… Nestles’ Gerber now has an infant formula containing bifidobacterium bacteria that supports the immune system of infants. A leading biologist from North Carolina State University, my undergraduate alma mater by the way, has written a whole book, best selling book I might add, on the subject called “The Wild Life of Our Bodies: Predators, Parasites and Partners That Shape Who We Are”. He sees a link in the overuse of antibiotics and antibacterial wipes with an increase in autism, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease and more. Now that’s scary! One study that I read, showed that even ONE DOSE of an antibiotic can change our entire gut bacteria population (called flora) forever!! 36 VIRGINIA HORSE LOVERS
So what are the alternatives for good health? Overall, man still does not know everything and never will… So personally, I rely on naturally sourced foods, minerals and ingredients as much as possible. I take what man does know, formulate the best I can from it and then fill in the gaps with natural. Certainly good nutrition is upmost! No doubt, the less we and our animals get our food from bags or boxes the healthier we will be. Many, myself included, have also been using and suggesting probiotics for years. BUT…Can you believe that up until just a few years ago the “powers to be” wouldn’t even let us use the word probiotics – we were required to use the exact words… “direct fed microbials”! Sort of confusing huh? Just to be clear, PRO means…. related to or pertaining to “good”. BIOTIC means ….pertaining to “life”. I am sure you agree that a “good life” is better than a bad life or against life (antibiotic) - be it for animal or man! So before you take your antibiotic or medicine or give any antibiotic or medicine to your animals, think about the bugs. Is the medicine truly helping or hurting? Is it really needed or would a good probiotic formula help even more? Regardless, feed the good little bugs with probiotics. They just may be and science is proving that LITTLE BUGS ARE THE NEXT BIG THING! Dr. Dan Moore is the Natural Vet See more at:
www.thenaturalvet.net
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Unique Fencing, Safer and Functional
By Debbie Disbrow
There I was standing in the middle of a field with some stakes, a hammer and my son, (bugs abounding), thinking, “Our horses are coming home!” I was thrilled to look out over 30 acres of lush, green grass with beautiful trees surrounding our boundary lines. As a certified fence installer, I help horse owners choose which fencing will work best for their horses needs and how to lay out the fencing appropriately. This time the tables were turned and I would be deciding where our fence lines would go. Our installation was starting soon and we needed to be ready with a good plan. Our project had to be organized, run smoothly, and complete as soon as possible. Here are my thoughts from over 25 years of fencing experience that may help you with your own fence or farm projects you may be contemplating or in the process of doing. Stake and String Lines First, staking the string line for your layout is one of the most critical steps in getting started. The string line will actually remain until you have built your corners and then be restrung again when you install your line posts. This is the tool that will guide you to straight lines, plum posts, and provide the dimensions to form a perfect 90-degree, 45-degree or sweeping corner properly. Take Time to Read Manufacturer’s Installation Instructions Although most of us do not like to read instructions, I highly recom38 VIRGINIA HORSE LOVERS
mend you don’t skip this step for your particular fence. The amount of time you spend reading instructions and asking your fence expert questions before you start your project, will truly keep you from making mistakes during your installation. Why risk having a fence that fails in a few years (or less) when you can provide a pasture for your horse that will be long lasting and strong! Unique Fencing Idea A standard square or rectangle pasture is wonderful for horse turnout, but with a few unique ideas incorporated into your plan you can make your fencing much more functional, with only a few more materials. One very helpful concept is a “catch area” in line with the barn, connected to the pasture. The purpose of a catch area is to let your horses come in or out from the large pasture into a small area. Horses can be let into this smaller area through a gate, either one at a time or in small groups.
With my catch area, I don’t have to chase horses that are running from flies or lead them out of a large group (no horses on my heels). They come to me and this saves time, as well as teaches the horses to come in calmly when they are called in from turnout. A catch area can save you time and frustration. Most importantly, this area can also enclose entranceways to the barn. If a horse happens to get loose while you are leading him in, the only place to go is into the catch area. This is a benefit for anyone that lives near a busy highway, has inexperienced people or even children helping to lead horses! Consider a Bridle Path Another great and relatively easy idea is to allow for a bridle path around all of your pastures. I commonly find that from a utility perspective, 15’ allows access for large trucks or equipment to drive around the area. A bridle path will give you
more riding room and your horses will feel comfortable being next to their pastures. Often, local tree companies will give shredded trees away for free. You may be able to find a company that will give you pine for your paths. Be very sure to never use any fruit or nut bearing trees, as they are toxic to horses. Gates Strong gates are extremely important to use with horses. Being sure they are closed and secured provides needed safety. Sure-latches are heavy-duty, lockable gate latches that are durable and long lasting. They are easy to unlock, open and close with one hand. If you are debating on whether to put in a gate or not, a good rule of thumb is that it is easier to put one in to start rather than adding it later. If you don’t intend on using the gate, lock it with a lockable latch. If it’s ever needed as an entry, you have it there. Consider using larger utility gates, 16’ for areas that you may need to get large equipment through. Low to No Maintenance Saves Money Some customers talk to me about bringing their fence line to the corner of the barn. Over time the horses abuse the exposed barn exterior walls. When horses swish their tails and stomp at flies...the barn wall gets in the way. Dents, scratches, and even holes occur from everyday wear and tear. To save on maintenance costs you can fence along the side of your barn, leaving enough room to mow or drive between without hitting the exterior walls. Posts, the Backbone of Your Fence System Deciding on what posts to use?
Choose posts that are long lasting, the right size and length. I tell horse owners that you get what you pay for and not to forget that your posts are the backbone of your fence system! Be cautious of really good deals, as less expensive posts may look good, but could only last a year. Pulling and replacing posts is labor intense and time consuming, so be sure to find good quality pressure treated posts that will last as long as your rails do. Choose the Right Fence for Your Horses Particular Needs Fence choices are numerous, but I feel its best to purchase fencing that is made for horses rather than trying to get away with a residential fence that is not intended for large, strong animals. Each horse owner has particular needs that may not be the same as their friends or their trainers. That is why I strongly suggest talking about your horse’s habits, the lay of your land and your budget when you speaking to a fencing expert.
them. I cannot wait to have my horses at their new farm. Luckily, I know some great fence experts who are helping me finish this project! A big thank you dinner and lots of riding are just around the corner! Debbie Disbrow, owner of RAMM Horse Fencing and Stalls, has over 45 years experience with horses and equine-related businesses. She is a certified fence installer and has helped build fencing and stalls for horse facility owners across the USA as well as into Europe. Debbie is highly involved in horse ownership and riding. Visit Ramm Fencing and Stalls online at www.rammfence.com, or call 800.878.5644 for safer alternatives for your horses.
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Celebrates The Individual Way That Each Of Us Loves Our Horses It doesn’t matter how you ride or drive or use, or even don’t use your horses, we know that for Horse Lovers, the gift of owning, loving and just being around horses is its own reward
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Here at Virginia Horse Lovers we decided when we began to publish our magazine that we couldn’t be limited to a particular discipline or breed, but we also new we couldn’t be everybody’s everything. We said right then and there we would be a bit different from ever other same old horse magazine out there. We decided to always keep in mind that we would be just a few things consistently: We will be modern, we will be visual and we will be entertaining with content that can interest every equine enthusiast. We’re not trying to re-invent the wheel, just shine up a couple of the old spokes... and maybe some new streamers in the handlebars. Thank you for reading our magazine and supporting our advertisers. virginiahorselovers.com - info@virginiahorselovers.com 42 VIRGINIA HORSE LOVERS
Being relatively new, we are trying to grow our magazine so that we can bring Virginia Horse Lovers to many more of our valued readers. To do that we count on our advertisers. When you support our advertisers by buying their services and products you are helping us bring the magazine to you and many others. Let our advertisers know you saw their ad in Virginia Horse Lovers! VIRGINIA HORSE LOVERS 43
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