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FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK Rise of the “Machines”
It
has been disheartening to learn that with the inventions of what we oldsters call “the machines”, the horse industry has seen a drastic reduction in today’s youth participating in the equine By Vicki Long world. Fewer young people are registering for various equestrian events and horse shows throughout the nation. To make matters worse, have you seen the horse games that little girls can now play on their “machines” to get their “horsey” fix rather than do the real thing? Last year at the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show, I met several folks that were not involved directly with horses, but their children had a love for horses and the parents wanted to give them a treat by letting them see the events in real life. We in the industry need to unite, and show these parents how easily they can introduce their children to the “real” world of horses, and that is why we have done our feature issue on passing the love of the horse to the next generation. The American Horse Council has come up with a grass root organization called A Time To Ride which we discuss in the article. They have been successful over the past year getting more folks into our equine world. Trainers, stables, horse camps etc., really need to visit their website Timetoride. com and get involved. Your livelihood depends on it. There is an old animated movie that I have not been able to get out of my head. I don’t recall the name of it, but in it robots did all the physical aspects of human’s lives while obese people floated around in chairs with legs that didn’t seem to work (evolution I guess) just sitting at a computer screen living their lives in a virtual reality. When I see children giving up so much of outdoor activities for their machines, I am constantly reminded about this movie, and wonder if that could be in the cards for future generations. Yep, I’m glad I am old and would rather take care of, ride, and love a “real horse” than play a game on a machine that has me do it in a virtual world. Here in Texas, spring is coming, and I can’t think of anything better than riding my “living, breathing horse” through a “real” field of glorious bluebonnets.
On the Cover:
Daphne & Thalia Brandaw party with their favorite pony!
4 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 2 March 2016
March 2016
Cover Story: 16 Our Next Generation - Kelsey Hellmann
Lifestyle & Real Estate: 34 Quarter Cracks - Tab Pigg 36
Buying a Horse - Don Blazer
40 Diamonds & Dirt Barrel Race 22 Frederic Pignon & Magali Delgado Clinic - Elizabeth McCall
Columns: 6 26 28 32 46
Horse Bites Ride-N-Sync™ - Terry Myers On the English Front - Cathy Strobel Tack Talk - Lew Pewterbaugh Cowboy Corner - Jim Hubbard
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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jim Hubbard, Steven Long, Vicki Long, Roni Norquist, Linda Parelli, Lew Pewterbaugh, Cathy Strobel, Cory Johnson, Margaret Pirtle, Jaime Jackson Volume 23, No. 3 Horseback Magazine, P.O. Box 681397, Houston, TX 77268-1397, (281) 447-0772. The entire contents of the magazine are copyrighted March 2016 by Horseback Magazine. All rights reserved. Material in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Horseback Magazine assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs and other material unless accompanied by a stamped, self addressed envelope. Horseback Magazine is not responsible for any claims made by advertisers. The views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or management. Subscription rate is $25.00 for one year. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Horseback Magazine, P.O. Box 681397, Houston, TX 77268-1397. Fax: (281) 893-1029
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HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 5
International Dressage Rider Katherine Bateson-Chandler Becomes a Nutrena Ambassador Wellington, Florida— Internationally successful dressage rider and trainer Katherine Bateson-Chandler is thrilled to announce her new partnership with animal feed company Nutrena. Nutrena has chosen to partner with and sponsor Bateson-Chandler as she continues to compete and train successfully in the Grand Prix. Bateson-Chandler uses Nutrena’s products to help improve the performance and health of her dressage horses. She is thrilled to have the support from such a recognizable and highquality company — a relationship that can largely be credited to her successful career. “We like to partner with riders like Katherine Bateson-Chandler who
ing operation in 2008. Like most horse owners and trainers, she has spent “Horse Bites is compiled from Press Releases sent to Horseback many years trying to find the optimum balance of nutrition and performance Magazine. Original reporting is with different feeds. “After comparing done as circumstances warrant. Content is edited for length & style.” different companies and the many feeds that are on the market, I concluded that Nutrena has a fantastic range of feeds. are committed to the sport, the industry, I chose to feed my Grand Prix horse and to the health and performance of Nutrena’s Ultra Performance Feed,” she their horses,” said Steffany L. Dragon, said. M.S., a Cargill Equine Enterprise team With a global database of the consultant representing Nutrena Feeds nutritional values for over 180 different and Progressive Nutrition. “As an inter- ingredients, Nutrena feeds are backed national dressage trainer and competitor by scientific research and provide peak who has worked diligently to successful- nutritional balance for top level compely come up through the ranks, Katherine tition horses such as Bateson-Chandler’s fits the bill.” Grand Prix mount Alcazar, a 10-year Bateson-Chandler is originally old KWPN gelding (Cantango x Polin, from Great Britain, and today divides Ferro) known as “Lonzie” and owned her time between her home base in Wel- by Jane Forbes Clark. lington, Florida and Europe. She trains “Performance horses need nuwith U.S. Olympian Debbie McDonald trition that can provide intense bursts of while competing throughout the world- energy when needed along with stamina renowned twelve week Adequan Global and muscle recovery so they are ready Dressage Festival series in Wellington, to be at their peak performance the next then crosses the pond to train with the day,” Dragon explained. “That nutrition 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist Carl Hes- is found in Nutrena feed. Our state-ofter. the-art formulas deliver an ideal blend Bateson-Chandler began her ca- of nutrients for unmatched digestion reer as a groom and then assistant trainer and performance.” for U.S. Olympian Robert Dover. She Nutrena’s team of highly edutook over his ride after he retired from cated experts that collectively have over competition. In the years that followed, a century of experience are equipped Bateson-Chandler rode her way to suc- to provide in-depth knowledge and the cess with many wins at the small tour tools to customize feeding plans. Dragand Grand Prix levels. She also repre- on said, “Our Premium feeds contain sented the U.S. in the 2010 FEI World research-proven prebiotics and probiEquestrian Games and helped the team otics, organic trace mineral complexes bring home a fourth-place finish. for increased bioavailability and immune After such measured success, support, higher amino acid fortificaBateson-Chandler began her own train- tion for muscle recovery, and a line of feed that is flexible enough to provide the proper fuel sources depending upon performance goals.” This kind of quality is exactly what Bateson-Chandler needs for her horses to maintain their competitive edges in the show arena. “Our dressage horses have huge requirements in their job, and I believe these feeds make them feel able to better do their jobs,” she said. “We appreciate Katherine’s loyalty to Nutrena and look forward to the exposure and increased awareness of the benefits Nutrena provides through her ongoing success,” Dragon said. “We are very proud to have Katherine as a Nutrena Ambassador!” Bateson-Chandler offers training and coaching services through her business KBC Dressage. Her international Grand Prix experience ensures
Katherine Bateson Chandler Nutrena Ambassador
6 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 2 March 2016
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HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 7
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HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 9
TOGETHER
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Luke Branquinho © 2014 Purina Animal Nutrition LLC. All Rights Reserved. 10 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 2 March 2016
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HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 11
A History Of Bringing Healing Through Horse Power
H
orseback Magazine is proud to be a media sponsor for The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show. We look forward to it every year. If you have never been, we urge you to go. Beautiful horses, talented riders, children just starting out learning to compete, and wonderful vendors for some great shopping, it’s all there. You will have a great time, and the best part is you will help them support their charities: Texas Children’s Hospital, Ronald McDonald Family Rooms, Candlelighters of Houston. We also wanted to bring you a little history of how the show got started.
A
passion for helping build a better community by helping others was the driving force for J.S. Abercrombie in creating the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show. As a team, J.S. Abercrombie and Leopold Meyer worked tirelessly to create a horse show that excluded elegance and excellence to raise charitable funds to build a hospital specifically for children. “When the Golden Trumpet Sounded the Ringmaster’s Call, Moments Later Proud Horseflesh Filled the Pin Oak Arena and the Horse Show Was On” The show debuted in Houston on May 26, 1945 as J.S. Abercrombie’s Pin Oak Stables with proceeds given to charity. It was a premiere horse show in the country and quickly became the social event of the season in Houston. The annual horse show began at the original stables in Bellaire amid much fanfare. Quickly, tickets for Pin Oak were harder to come by than Kentucky Derby tickets. Through sponsorships, box, and tickets sales charitable funds were raised to make a difference in the community. In 1947, the first donation was made from the show’s proceeds as the seed money to begin the planning of the
12 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 2 March 2016
Pin Oak Charity Show 1946 first pediatric children’s hospital. This seed began the long-term commitment to raise funds to construct and support Texas Children’s Hospital which opened its doors on February 1, 1954. During the next three decades after the hospital opened in 1954, “Mr. Jim” Abercrombie, Leopold Meyer, the Junior League and a group of dedicated Houstonians established Pin Oak as one of the preeminent horse shows in the nation, attracting as many as 60,000 visitors, and enabling the Association to contribute millions of dollars to help sick children. With a devotion to creating a spectacular horse show steeped in excellence, Pin Oak is one of the only horse shows in the nation that features multiple breeds and disciplines - the show rings fill with Hunters and Jumpers, American Saddlebreds, Andalusians, Lusitanos, Working Equitation, and Welsh Hunter ponies. An equestrian extrava-
ganza that pleases and delights attendees of all ages and inspires giving. In its history the show has been met with challenges. Over time, the famed Pin Oak stables were no longer part of the Houston landscape and the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show struggled to find a permanent home. It moved from the Astrodome to the racetrack and finally to its current home at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, TX. Continuing in its social tradition and honoring its rich heritage, the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show continues to garner accolades, awards, and enjoys an enviable stature in the horse show world. In 2009, Pin Oak was designated as the first Heritage Competition in the country by the United State Equestrian Federation that is a source of pride for the show. Continuing to grow in prestige, PIn Oak was named by NARG (North American Riders Group) www.horsebackmagazine.com
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as Top 25 horse show in North America many times over. The recognition does not stop there, Pin Oak has been voted favorite breed show multiple years and a UPHA Chapter Honor Show - Pin Oak continues to strive for excellence in keeping with its traditions. A new generation of Pin Oak leaders continue to allocate funds to benefit Texas Children’s Hospital and two charities that work inside of Texas Children’s - Ronald McDonald Family Rooms and Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Family Alliance. The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show of today has evolved into something that is so much more than just a horse show with its charitable giving and outreach throughout the year. Houston’s hometown horse show has become the horse show that brings healing through horse power! Courtesy of The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show. To buy tickets, donate, & more information visit pinoak.org, 713.621.6290 www.horsebackmagazine.com
March 2016 2
HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 13
2016 M ARCH 22
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HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 15
The Next
Generation Passing on the LOVE of All Things Equine. by Kelsey Hellmann
L
ong, flowing manes, perfectly braided tails, glistening coats and sweet peppermint nuzzles are what most little girls dream of having and caring for a horse, most even have a stable full of fluffy stuffed ponies and toy horses to start practicing on. Working alongside horses is typically a life long passion. The instructors, trainers, clients, veterinarians, and everyone involved in the horse industry have a responsibility to help pass their passion for horses on to the next generation. All Abilities Equestrian strives to impart that passion and make horse-crazy kids dreams come true. All Abilities Equestrian provides riding lessons in Liberty Hill, Texas and Renee Jamieson is the instructor who helps kids make their equine dreams come true.
16 16 HHORSEBACK ORSEBACKM MAGAZINE AGAZINE2 2March March2016 2016
Jamieson is a PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) Certified Instructor and life coach. She has over fifteen years of high-end Eventing and Dressage training in addition to her instruction experience. She now specializes in working with a mix of special needs as well as able-bodied youth and adults on horseback. Jamieson became PATH certified following an injury which lead to her subsequent disability. She came to the realization that she didn’t want to stop either teaching or sharing the gift of horses with others, especially for those facing challenges. “By teaching again and helping others – my own healing began and continues to do so,” she explains. Jamieson did not start out teaching children, initially she taught adults and young adults at
a therapeutic riding center for several years. When her husband and step-children showed interested in horses, she pursued it and taught them how to both ride and care for horses. Soon other people at the facility where she boarded her horses wanted instruction, too. It was then that Jamieson decided to start her own business where she could tailor riding lessons to clients needs and abilities, and more specifically, to special-needs clients. She wanted to offer more than just a thirty-minute pony ride. Jamieson wanted to really expand each client’s skills and knowledge of horses. Jamieson described her lesson program as similar to the inclusion programs schools are using to help integrate children with disabilities in mainstream classrooms. While she is not working in a classroom setting, she has lessons with a www.horsebackmagazine.com www.horsebackmagazine.com
Often times all it takes is an opportunity to brush a horse, or braid a tail. We bask in the horse’s presence, take in the smells and sweetness, and suddenly we are hooked for life.
mix of special needs and able-bodied kids together. Her main focus teaching children is to allow each individual to feel included in the activities while not being distracted or singled out by disabilities. Jamieson now works mostly with young children, ranging from three to six years of age. While many people may balk at the idea of trying to teach a toddler anything besides table manners or putting their toys away, Jamieson did not shy away from her mission. When friends and neighbors asked her for lessons with their young children, she started out a bit unsure as to how to combine the tiny people and the big horses. Jamieson took it a small step at a time by starting with simply asking the kids what they wanted to do and learn. Not everyone would take the time to ask a four year old what they want to do today, but Jamieson did and it subsequently sparked a passion in the kids and in her. She has been teaching young kids to ride in this manner for two years and typically has a full schedule. Jamieson explains, “A lot of kids have choices made for them all the time, but they get on a horse they can choose. They can steer the horse left and right and make the horse stop or walk-on.� This is in part why riding horses helps to build character and www.horsebackmagazine.com
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Even the briefest and simplest interaction with a horse can spark a life long passion for all things equine.
helps those with special needs, who may not have the ability to make daily choices on their own. By creating her inclusive style lessons Jamieson’s program draws even more kids to horses because she includes siblings, friends along with other family members during sessions with a special-needs child. This approach can help tremendously when there is an insecure or unsure child. It also allows ablebodied children to accept everyone as equals, because at this age and level, they are all equal on horseback. While on a horse, each child is free to learn and ride without anything or anyone holding them back. With the understanding the children are young and still learning, some sessions will involve side walkers and people leading the horses. This is done as both a safety measure and to add a little security for the child when first starting out.
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The problem is how do parents of horse crazy, or even horse curious, children find a place like All Abilities Equine? How do parents encourage their child’s passion for horses? Where do they go for their first real equine experience, the experience that helps spark the fire for learning and fuels the desire to become involved with horses? The American Horse Council, along with various industry professionals noticed that, in today’s busy world, enthusiasm in horses was waning. What the industry needed was some “fresh blood”, some new participants. Moreover, the individuals who brought people and horses together - the riding stables, instructors and others, needed a way to entice and connect with families who had little to no previous horse experience. They needed an easy way to reach out to busy families and invite them to join in on all the fun they
could have with horses. With this one goal in mind, the Time To Ride coalition was launched in 2014, with the mission to connect American families, specifically moms, to local horse opportunities. Time To Ride is made up of leading horse-related businesses and organizations who recognized the decline in equine activity participation, especially participation by youth. This grass roots program is the horse industry’s answer to igniting a passion for horses, one experience at a time. Everyone involved with Time To Ride recognized that today’s youth are the future of the horse industry. They are working together to reach out and attract kids and families who may not have considered equestrian activities as a physical, emotional or spiritual outlet. Patti Colbert, Time To Ride www.horsebackmagazine.com www.horsebackmagazine.com
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Siblings and friends are encouraged to participate and get in on the fun!
marketing director, explains, “We want the public to feel safe engaging in a positive horse experience, delivered by quality horse enthusiasts that can provide great customer service. We aren’t going to grow the businesses by swapping customers and marketing to ourselves, we have to reach outside our arenas in order to grow.” Reach out is exactly what Time To Ride has done. They created a challenge for local riding stables to participate in which simultaneously helps the stables spark a passion for horses with youth and gives them the means to do so with both marketing and financial support. The Time To Ride Challenge has connected with over 1,500 stables, clubs and businesses across the country. In 2014 the challenge reached more than 25,000 newcomers and in 2015 it reached 40,000 newcomers. “We feel that in a short eighteen months the Challenge was a huge success. We are hoping it will continue to grow in 2016,” said Colbert. By introducing families to horses and promoting local horse activities, like shows, trail rides, rodeos, races, seminars and much more, it leads to the desire for another horse experience. The initial goal is
20 20 HHORSEBACK ORSEBACKM MAGAZINE AGAZINE2 2March March2016 2016
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Even very small or young children develop self-confidence from riding horses, along with much needed “outdoor time”
to make it easy for families to have that first or second encounter with horses and let the experience itself and the horses do the rest of the work. Once the initial encounter is made, parents and children alike typically want a chance for more. They want to feed, groom or saddle a horse, ride for just five more minutes, or even watch just a little longer to take it all in. Here is where the spark is lit and the passion begins, so instructors, like Renee Jamieson, can continue to pass on their knowledge and passion to others. They will create the next generation of equine enthusiasts. Join in the effort to pass on the love of all things horse! Introduce a friend’s children or a neighbor to your horse. See what you can do to help share the benefits of horses and riding with others. Help grow the horse world and spread the love. To find out more about the Time To Ride Challenge visit TimeToRide.com www.horsebackmagazine.com
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HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 21
Founding Stars of Cavalia to Debut First-Ever US Clinics in Texas
Frédéric Pignon and Magali Delgado will teach their training methods and philosophies in two back-to-back clinics on March 19-20 & March 21-22 at Valhalla Stables in Aubrey By Elizabeth Kaye McCall
W
hen the equestrian spectacle Cavalia first dazzled US audiences in 2004, few people knew of its founding stars Frédéric Pignon and Magali Delgado (despite their fame in Europe). By the time the show reached Texas two years later, first running in Houston and next in Dallas, North America had become entranced by these two remarkable individuals and their extraordinary cast of horses, many from the Delgado family’s Lusitano breeding farm in Provence, France. “I believe that Frédéric Pignon and Magali Delgado are two of the finest horsemen in the history of horsemanship,” says renowned behaviorist and trainer, Linda Tellington-Jones, founder of the Tellington Method, who brought two friends to see them during Cavalia’s Dallas debut 10 years ago. One of them, Jeannette Wright, is now organizing Frédéric and Magali’s first-ever clinic in the United States, which happens this month at Valhalla Stables show facility, just outside Dallas. Two back-to-back Liberty & Riding Clinics in Aubrey, Texas—March 19-20, 2016, and March 21 & 22, 2016—will feature Frédéric teaching participants the art of connecting with horses at Liberty, while Magali (a Grand Prix dressage competitor, as well as performer)
22 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 2 March 2016
shares principles on riding without tension and stress with riders from diverse disciplines. Auditors will have the chance to move about and watch them both (www. firehawkranch.org/#!pignon/c1cw0). Following their Texas clinics, Frédéric and Magali, authors of Gallop To Freedon and Building A Life Together - You And Your Horse, will head to Aiken, South Carolina, for a 2-day clinic at Stableview Farm on March 25-26, 2016, organized by Barbara Alexander of Leadership for Today (www.barbarainc.com), before a quick trip home to France, and immediately on to Australia. Horseback Magazine sat down with organizer Jeanette Wright to get the scoop on hosting the equestrian superstars’ first US clinic and the changes she and husband Dr. Lance Wright (a noted chiropractor and native Texan) have made in their lives since meeting Frédéric and Magali 10 years ago. Incredibly, Cavalia’s big top was located across the parking lot from Lance’s North Dallas chiropractic office. Q: In some ways, meeting Frédéric Pignon and Magali Delgado launched many changes for you and Lance. Do you remember the first time you saw them performing in Cavalia?
A: Yes. I was amazed at what they could do with their horses, their connection, and the joy they worked with. Their level of communication opened my eyes. Even though I was already interested in harmonious ways to work with the horse, they opened the doors of what was possible. Q: At that point, you didn’t have a whole lot of horse experience did you? A: Not at all. I was around my grandparents’ horses when I was a kid. Q: Still, you and a friend had recently adopted a PMU mare . . . A: A Belgian/Paint and she was very difficult when we first got her. She was terrified of people. Q: Meantime, synchronicity stepped in and Lance started working on Templado, Frédéric’s famous Lusitano liberty stallion—and then with other horses in the show— while Cavalia was in Dallas. A: Right, he was doing “Flowtrition” with Templado. There were quite a few times he did that after the show. Q: Flowtrition? A: An approach Lance developed. He’s used “Flow” on many animals, including rhinoceros, giraffe, zebra, kudu, and others at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Glen www.horsebackmagazine.com
Rose, Texas. Also, on newborn babies to people with all types of physical and emotional conditions. Q: Obviously, Frédéric and Magali saw the benefits . . . A: There were such dramatic changes with Templado, Lance went ahead and showed Frédéric what he was doing. After that, Lance realized he needed to make Flowtrition seminars available to the public, not just teach professionals, as he had in the past.
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Q: Incredibly, you and Lance moved to the country and bought Firehawk Ranch (www.firehawkranch.org) in Aubrey that same year. You’ve since gotten involved in classical dressage, among other things, and studied Parelli for a while. A: Yes. Parelli helped me to connect with my PMU mare Razza and to understand more about horses. I’m appreciative of that. As time went on, I got an Andalusian and really wanted to explore what it is to be a good rider. I now have two PREs,
Mystic and Jade. To me, the best riders are the classical dressage riders. That’s why I started pursuing that. Q: Now, you’re presenting the first-ever US clinic for Frédéric Pignon and Magali Delgado. What’s that like? A: This is a dream come true for me. No matter what discipline I’m learning, I always go back to what Frédéric and Magali did when I watched them train or saw them in Cavalia. Seeing them with their
March 2016 2
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horses was extremely moving. I always wanted to capture that, but I was such a beginner at the time, I didn’t have a place to file what they were doing. I have a little bigger perspective now, so having them here is a dream come true. Lance is also excited to see them. Cavalia flew him to three different cities after they left Dallas, so he could work with Templado and their other horses on a more consistent basis. Q: What’s the response been to Frédéric and Magali’s upcoming clinics? A: People are extremely excited and remember them from 10 years ago. What Frédéric and Magali bring to the table is unique. To this day, a lot of incredible horse people are in awe of what they experienced seeing them in Cavalia. Some people are a little bit intimidated at the thought of taking a clinic from them. There’s no reason for anyone to be nervous about taking their clinic. These are two of the most humble, likable, people you could ever meet. They asked me to encourage everyone. Magali was very clear— they want to share their knowledge with people of all different backgrounds and levels. That will be especially interesting for auditors too. Q: One last thing, talk about that upclose-and personal dinner with Frédéric and Magali you’re organizing. Might folks get the chance to hear the inside scoop on their new equestrian spectacle EQI? A: Yes! At Valhalla Stables on Saturday evening, March 19th after the clinic. Reservations are $50 per person and that includes dinner. Frédéric and Magali will do a video presentation and talk about their new show EQI (http://www.eqishow.com). It’s also an opportunity for people to ask their personal questions about training and working with horses, plus hearing about Frédéric and Magali’s own experiences and getting to know who they are. It’s one thing to be able to watch them and see what they’re doing. It’s another to be able to ask them questions and share some quality time!
•
Details: Jeannette Wright FireHawkHorses@gmail.com or 972-345-2718 or Bonnie Siegel at bonniepnh@mac.com or 214-7071873.
Elizabeth Kaye McCall is a Los Angelesbased author, journalist and media consultant. She was Cavalia’s horse industry liaison on its inaugural North American tour.
24 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 2 March 2016
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HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 25
When is it Time to Divorce your Horse!
T
he weather is getting nice and the prime riding season is coming. People are getting their horses out and back in the swing of things. Some people own the old steady Eddie type horses that they can pick up right where they left off last fall. But most of us have the horse that will need tuned up to get back to where they were before the weather went to pot. For everyone with the first horse, congratulations for owning such a broke and solid horse. For all of us with the second type of horse, it’s time to go to work. Getting started means being sure that you and your horse are starting back to work safely. Getting on your horse for the first time in months and going on a 25 mile trail ride is not advisable or fair to your horse. Chances are your horse is going to be stiff and not give to the bridle. You will also be stiff, out of shape (regardless of how many times you worked out) and your hands will not give to the bridle either. Any performance issues you
may have had last fall may be amplified with the winter time off. Consider things you can do to help you both get back in the swing. Clean and inspect your tack, looking for cracking or signs of excessive wear. Then start with your ground work. Ask your horse to give his neck, ribcage and hip. Be sure you have control of your horse from the ground and that you have his respect. Remember a house is build from the ground up. No matter what you do with your horse, ring work is still important. Working circles and asking for bending of neck and ribcage plus working on body control will help you in any discipline. Yes, trail riders, it includes you! Total body control is important on the trail. Considering the challenges and scary things on the trail, the trail horse needs to be a very well trained horse to ensure safety of both horse and rider. Ring work is also where you will re-establish the horse’s confidence in you as the leader of the horse/rider team. If you find you are having trouble, where do you turn? There are a lot of resources readily available, all with pros and cons. Probably the most expensive but easiest option is to hire a good trainer. Finding and choosing a trainer with the experience to solve your problems or train your horse and you in new skills can be a challenge. Look
for someone with a good reputation or who has been recommended by someone you respect. If the trainer promises miracles or wants you to only come to see your horse at prescheduled times, walk away. Ask the trainer to explain the methods and training plan for your horse, to ensure you understand how your horse will be trained, then ask how you will be trained to ensure that you and your horse are a team. Other resources include books and videos. These can be a great way to build your understanding of training and riding techniques. But you still need a second pair of eyes to tell you what you look like. You may think your arm or leg position is correct, when actually it is not. It may take someone to tell you what they see. Remember, even a clock that doesn’t work is right twice a day! Horse expos and demonstrations are a great way to be able to learn new training and riding skills. You can see the technique as it is demonstrated, then follow up with the clinician/trainer to ask questions. Clinics and lessons are a great way to gain the skills to resolve problems and learn new skills. The repetition of lessons is very valuable, as long as you are progressing over time. Considering all of these resources, no one type is going to resolve all your problems or remove
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all barriers, just as no bridle, bit or saddle is going to solve all your problems. Good horsemanship is a lifetime of building and continual learning. If none of this gets you to your goals, if you and your horse are still not getting along or you feel you have safety concerns, it may be time to divorce your horse and find a new one. You need to be safe and happy in your equine pursuits. Remember this expensive pursuit is supposed to be fun! Are you having fun? Questions about this or any of our articles can be emailed to us at myers5000@aol.com. Terry Myers is a national clinician and champion horse trainer with a depth of knowledge developed from over 45 years in the horse industry. Myers has been a popular clinician at multiple expos in the U.S. and Canada. To learn more about Myers’ Ride-In-Sync methods as well as clinic and training product/services available, visit Myers at www.tmtrainingcenter.com and on Facebook. www.horsebackmagazine.com
March 2016 2
HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 27
English...
L
et me tell you a tale about some people you might have seen. Anna is struggling with her classes in middle school, finds it difficult to focus and has very few friends. Although she likes people, she lacks the confidence to talk with the kids at school. Finding a study partner at school is impossible because her self-esteem is too low to admit she needs help. She often cries because she feels so helpless and alone. Mike is a high powered attorney at a busy law firm. His days are filled with stress as his clients make difficult demands on him. Dealing with a steady atmosphere of tension and apprehension has taken its toll on his health. He works constantly, has high blood pressure and lives on antacids. Angela is a 23 year old waitress who works at night in a busy restaurant. She lives alone, has little responsibility and has plenty of time on her hands to have fun. She lives for the moment and makes choices that are often less than healthy. She has no plan for her future and rarely considers consequences. Sam is a six year old boy who was born with a defect that has left him weak through his trunk and legs while developmentally and speech delayed. He can only speak in partial phrases or single words. His mother, Denise, lovingly fills her days and nights caring for him and taking him to therapy appointments on a routine basis. It is exhausting, hard work and sometimes boring but her love for him makes it worthwhile.
Now flash forward one year. Anna is now enjoying a positive circle of friends. She has the confidence to ask
28 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 2 March 2016
What Horse’s Can Do For Us! questions when she doesn’t understand something. She’s not afraid to ask for help in class and has learned to try new things without fear of failure. Her grades have improved greatly and she rarely cries anymore. Mike has found a new inner peace. He no longer takes antacids or blood pressure medicine and has a whole new level of fitness. He has also learned to take time out for himself. Angela still works in the same busy restaurant and still has lots of time to have fun. However, now her fun is channeled in a direction which not only keeps her healthy, but has given her the ability and desire to focus and set goals. She now budgets her money and has a plan for her future. Sam’s mother now beams with joy and pride as she hears her son forming sentences, watches him walk a straight line without stumbling and sees him happily using a crayon. Her life is no longer spent continuously on the inside of doctors’ and therapists’ offices. She also has a new circle of friends to share her joys with. Obviously these people come
from different walks of life. Yet, they all look forward to their time together and love sharing their trials and tribulations. They all see each other and share stories at least once a week. What is the common denominator? Horseback riding! As each of them struggled with the issues in their lives, they all had the good fortune of knowing someone involved in the horse world who encouraged them to try riding horses. Each of them had a love for animals and thought it would be fun to give it a go. As they struggled to understand how keeping your heels down would help you control a thousand pound animal, they all found themselves falling in love with these magnificent animals. As time marched on, each one discovered that the more they rode, the more they wanted to ride. They knew it would be fun and expected to enjoy it. What they didn’t expect however, were all of the other benefits that they discovered. Anna found through learning to ride that it is okay to make mistakes, that asking questions of her instructor spawns discussion and deeper thinking. She has learned that taking action can produce www.horsebackmagazine.com
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Steve Slivinski (281) 546-1132 Joe Slivinski (832) 584-6088 positive results. Her concentration skills have improved, she has learned how to use analytical thinking and her grades at school have drastically improved as a result. Her self-esteem has risen to new heights as control issues that initially seemed too difficult for her were mastered. Bonding with the horses has given her new confidence in relationships. She has begun to develop a few friendships at school and is much happier with her life. She is no longer terrified by new situations. Mike still works in a stressful law office, but learning to ride has given him a reason to improve his level of fitness. As he exercised more, his blood pressure improved and his heart has become stronger. Riding has made him concentrate on something positive. The immediate results of his efforts on the horse give him a sense of control and calm. The bonding time spent with the horse as he grooms before his ride, grazes him afterwards, and shares experiences with other riders has provided therapy which relieves his anxiety. He rarely feels the need to take antacids any more. He loves riding so much that he has recently purchased a www.horsebackmagazine.com
horse so that he can spend even more time in this peaceful environment. Angela has discovered through riding that setting goals and measuring progress is not only useful, but extremely satisfying. She has a reason to get up early and now goes to the barn every day. She loves working on her newly developed skills with the horse she is leasing. Her new goal-setting skills have made her think more about her future and she has developed a plan for her life. In addition, she has found that helping others by volunteering in the therapeutic riding program gives her a newfound purpose and respect for others. Angela now wants to do something constructive with her life. Sam cried when he first started to ride in the therapeutic program. It was scary being up so high, his muscles would get tired quickly and it was difficult for him to tell the team keeping him up there that it was hard. His mother cried for her son, too. She knew how hard this was for him and wondered if it was worth it. All those people persistently, but lovingly ignored his resistance until he accepted this new activity. As he became accustomed to the height and started using his muscles
Building Nationwide! www.barnsandbuildings.com jsj@barnsandbuildings.com in new ways, he began to not only accept it, but looked forward to each session spent on top of his new furry friend. His friends, the volunteers, no longer have to hold him to keep him on the horse. He has new balance, strength and coordination. The reins have sharpened his fine motor skills. He has learned to focus on his words and make sentences. Most of all, his pride in riding high above all those people on the ground has given him an inner strength to face life’s challenges. And as for his mother, Denise; wearing a smile on her face and with tears in her eyes, she says it was worth it. Horseback riding is many things to many people. We all know it is fun, exciting and a great outdoor activity. But maybe you never stopped to think about all the other benefits it has given to those who ride. The next time you meet someone struggling with difficulties in their life, maybe you should be a good friend. Introduce them to horseback riding. You may change a life for the better! Cathy Strobel has over 30 years of experience as a trainer, judge and clinician and can be reached at Southern Breeze Equestrian Center at (281) 431-4868 or www.sbreeze.com March 2016 2
HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 29
Horsebites...
that her students— both human and equine— have the competitive edge necessary for success in the dressage ring. KBC Dressage offers training services, lessons, clinics, and prospect selection for clients. For more information about Katherine Bateson-Chandler, visit www. kbcdressage.com. APHA honored with Texas Historic Marker Gainesville, Texas— On February 16, the American Paint Horse Association unveiled and dedicated an official Texas Historical Marker at Chili’s Grill & Bar in Gainesville, Texas. The marker honors the site of APHA’s founding meeting, which took place on February 16, 1962, at the Curtwood Motel. Rebecca Tyler met with a group of North Texas and Oklahoma horsemen and formally organized the American Paint Stock Horse Association; now known as APHA and headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas; the organization is the world’s second-largest equine breed association. Recognized with official Texas historical marker #17745, the sign was installed on the Chilis’ property, which sits on the original site of the Curtwood Motel coffee shop where the like-minded horsemen and -women worked to legitimize the American Paint Horse as a breed with defining standards. In 1965, APSHA merged with the American Paint Quarter Horse Association and became simply the American Paint Horse Association. With a new name, the organization moved to Fort Worth, where it now has more than 50,000 members and has registered more than 1 million horses. Founding members and their descendants, as well as APHA past presidents, former executive directors, the Cooke County Historical Society, members of the American Paint Horse Foundation and other guests were present for the unveiling and dedication. APHA member and Creative Director Art Vasquez atop his Paint gelding, Top Deck Champagne Jr, unveiled the marker to the delight of the assembled guests. Cooke County Historical Society member Ron Melugin described the detailed and lengthy process required to apply for and receive an official Texas Historic Marker. Michael Weeks, Chilis’ Grill and Bar Area Director accepted the marker, installed at the front of the restaurant, on behalf of Chilis’ and parent corporation Brinker International. APHA Founder Rebecca Tyler
30 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 2 March 2016
Horsebites- Con’t. from pg. 6
Lockhart did not live to see the installation of the marker; the Paint Horse world said goodbye to this legendary horsewoman May 31, 2015. Rebecca’s legacy lives on in the barns of Paint Horse enthusiasts everywhere, stamped indelibly on their hearts through the shared love of stock horses that stand out from the crowd with the perfect amount of chrome and celebrated forever in an official Texas Historic Marker.
$100,000 THOROUGHBRED MAKEOVER ATTRACTS TOP TRAINERS FROM TEN SPORTS Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) released a list of 480 trainers from 45 states, three Canadian Provinces and England who will acquire and train a recently retired racehorse for the $100,000 Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium, scheduled for October 2730 at the Kentucky Horse Park. All ten of the discipline winners from last year’s Makeover will return to defend their titles, along with seventythree other Makeover alumni on brand new horses. The remaining group of nearly 400 is doing this for the first time. This may be the most diverse group of accomplished horse trainers ever to gather in one place. Among the entries is a large contingent of professionals from the top ranks of their respective sports. It includes fifteen event riders who have competed at the advanced level, four grand prix dressage riders, and four grand prix show jumpers. The field hunter division features two past winners of the North American Field Hunter Championships, and among show hunters are ten who have trained winners at the country’s top A-circuit shows. The strong contingent of barrel racers will be eager to see what 20-time World Champion Lance Graves can do on a Thoroughbred, and the working ranch division mixes lifelong ranch hands with a half-dozen show and rodeo veterans wearing World Champion belt buckles. At least six of the polo trainers make their livings training and selling to the world’s top players, and the Competitive Trails division is an eclectic mix of endurance riders, Extreme Cowboy Race veterans, and all manner of trail and obstacle class winners. And then there is the crowd-favorite freestyle division. It features 14 Mustang Makeover alumni, Road to the Horse trainers, a National Cavalry Champion in mounted pistols and saber, an AQHA World Champion
driver, and the entertainment director of Arabian Nights Theater. “Reading through the applications of these 480 trainers was like opening Christmas presents,” said RRP President Steuart Pittman. “Off-track Thoroughbreds dominated the horse show world in this country when they were in the barns of our very best riders and trainers. We believe that a key to restoring demand for these horses is matching some of them with the best trainers. Doing so not only increases their chances of winning, but it inspires those trainers’ clients and fans. “With the carrot of $100,000 in prize money, lots of promotion, and a buzz among the horse industry too loud to ignore, we have done what we set out to do. We have recruited trainers who are looked up to in their sports, many of whom have barns full of warmbloods and Quarter Horses. Many grew up on Thoroughbreds and feel like this is coming home. Others are trying something completely new.” Lindsey Partridge won Competitive Trails and the overall title of America’s Most Wanted Thoroughbred last year with her grey mare Soar. When asked how she felt about the flood of top trainers coming to challenge her title she said without hesitation, “I think it’s fantastic! It means more Thoroughbreds are going to be rehomed and showcased to their full potential.” That is the spirit that makes this competition unique. It truly is about the horses, and that shared commitment is felt throughout the barns and all the arenas. It is an even playing field for amateurs, pros, and even juniors, and money can’t buy success. But with $100,000 and major bragging rights on the line, the Makeover does push trainers to do their very best work. Lindsey’s closing remark was, “I will be upping my game this year.” We suspect she speaks for many. The Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium takes place October 27-30 at the Kentucky Horse Park. It includes the Thoroughbred Makeover competition as well as educational seminars and demonstrations, a trade fair, and the Makeover Horse Sale, an opportunity for buyers to evaluate horses from the Makeover that are available for sale. Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) works to facilitate placement of Thoroughbred ex-racehorses in second careers by increasing demand for them in the marketplace and inspiring an Horsebites- Con’t. on pg. 42 www.horsebackmagazine.com
DURASOLE KEEPS YOUR BEST HOOF FORWARD!
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March 2016 2
HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 31
Tack Care...
R
Horseback Magazine’s Saddle & Tack Editor
ecently, my main antique saddle restoration customer brought me a saddle of a type he doesn’t usually handle. Being in the rare western antique business, he usually avoids “vintage saddles”, or any other western accoutrement that isn’t 100 years old or older. Vintage saddles, those less than 100 years old, are generally not collectible unless they are an extremely well known, high quality, reputable maker marked saddle, with a history. Of course, an Ed Bolin silver saddle, or something like that, is always desirable to a collector, but we are talking plain old leather saddles. Well, the saddle that was brought in was by a very famous maker, M.L. Leddy. What was somewhat rare was that the saddle was made in Brady, Texas, where they first started in 1922. According to their website, they moved to San Angelo in 1936, so the saddle referred to was made in between those years. M.L. Leddy has kept meticulous records of their custom boots and saddles since San Angelo, but not in Brady. However, the owner had a silver name plate installed on the back of the cantle, and out of curiosity, I googled the name. Helen M. Hall, Pecan Motte Ranch, Eden, Texas. Voila! She attended the University of Texas in Austin, and she didn’t want to leave her horses home, so she drove them from Eden to Austin to be near while she attended the university. She married a big rancher in 1932, so I have to guess that the saddle was made about the time she left for Austin, probably about 1926. In 1942, she was instrumental in founding the American Quarter Horse Association, and served as secretary for the first 8 years of the AQHA. Having the owners name on the saddle was a stroke of good fortune, as otherwise, this bit of history would have been lost. It really enhances the value of a nice saddle to know who owned it and where it
32 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 2 March 2016
History by Accident
M.L. Leddy Saddle
Heiser Saddle
has been. M.L. Leddy is a famous maker of sterling reputation, and their saddles have always held their value well. This saddle was made on a “form fitter” tree, with a 12 &1/2” seat. The tooling is beautiful, and it appears the only thing that has been changed over the years were the strings. For more information on this great saddle, contact Rio Grande Trading Co. of San Antonio. Look them up on line or call me for more information. I have prepared several saddles for museum display. Some were exceptional saddles, some were trophy saddles, and some were just good using saddles that were owned by someone that was influential in their area. The one thing they all had was history. Even if you aren’t famous, or your relatives aren’t famous, if you have a good old saddle in the family, write down the history. It will mean something to whoever acquires the saddle on down the road. I’ve often mentioned my old Heiser saddle. It is a gorgeous saddle, and one of the most comfortable I have ever sat in. I traded for the saddle when I had a saddle shop in Tennessee, and I need to write the history down and put it in an envelope and put it where it can be found by whoever is going through my papers when I reach my expiration date. The original owner left Tennessee in 1923 and went west to be a cowboy. He bought the Heiser when he got a job break-
ing colts on a ranch in Wyoming. In 1933, he got a letter from home saying his father was sick and they needed him back on the farm, so he bundled his saddle up, got on a train, and went back to Tennessee. His Grandson started using the saddle about 1980, and traded it to me in 1987. I traded him a brand new Hereford saddle, even up, for the old black kack, even though the kid would have been tickled if I had offered him $150.00 trade in. I’ve never regretted the trade. I suspect that Hereford has already crossed over Jordan, but the Heiser is still going strong. When I cleaned the old oil out of it and replaced the fleece and strings, the saddle came back to its original color and Lord help me, I should not have done it, but I put silver conchos on it. It really didn’t hurt the value much, because, back before the collectible market went in the crapper with the economy, I turned down several dollars profit on the saddle. It will probably go to one of my kids when I’m through riding, and I know they will appreciate knowing where it was before I got it. Write it down folks. It won’t do you a lick of good, but your heirs will appreciate it! Bandera’s Lew Pewterbaugh has been called the most knowledgeable saddle and tack authority in the Southwest. For private fitting consultation call (830) 328-0321 or (830) 522-6613 or email: saddlerlew@gmail.com.
Saddle Fitting & Saddle Repair Tack Store Custom Leather Work HOURS:
Wednesday Thru Saturday, 10 AM to Quitting Time 13611 Hwy. 16 N., Medina TX 78055 (830) 589-2286 or saddlerlew@gmail.com www.horsebackmagazine.com
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March 2016 2
HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 33
Managing Quarter Cracks with Proper Trimming and Pour-in Pads
W
hen a person wears the same pair of shoes for a long period of time, parts of the shoes wear out more than others based on how the person walks and distributes his or her weight. Once shoes wear out, the feet are not properly supported. This scenario is also true for horseshoes and hooves. When hooves aren’t trimmed properly or horseshoes don’t fit correctly, horses distribute their weight unevenly, and land on their feet differently. If they put excessive force and stress on one area of the hoof wall, it can cause a vertical crack, otherwise known as a Quarter Crack, which is how the condition gets its name. Because of this, it’s important that farriers trim and manage horse hooves so that horses distribute their weight evenly across each foot. Quarter Crack Symptoms and Conditions While some horses can be genetically predisposed to Quarter Cracks, they often happen because hooves are not being properly trimmed. When hooves are not well maintained, the horse strikes
The horse pictured above has a long toe. Therefore, the foot isn’t flat on the ground and the horse is bearing its weight unevenly. The marked area represents where the horse is at risk for a Quarter Crack.
34 34 HHORSEBACK ORSEBACKM MAGAZINE AGAZINE2 2March March2016 2016
by Tab Pigg the same area every time it bears weight, causing stress on one quarter of the hoof wall. This usually happens at the widest point of the hoof wall between the toe and the heel where pressure is built-up from uneven weight distribution. There are different causes and symptoms that can be identified before a Quarter Crack occurs. Some examples include: • Long Toes: Often times owners and farriers are afraid to trim a foot too much, and the heel grows forward towards the toe and underneath the foot. When this happens, the horse’s foot is not flat on the ground. A photo of a horse with a long toe is pictured on the right. • Heels: Heels grow at an angle. As seen in the image of the horse with the long toe, the angle continues under the foot because it is not trimmed. As the heel grows under the foot, it effects how the horse bears its weight. As the coronary band (where the hoof and hairline meet) bends down into the hoof, the hoof wall will eventually crack to relive the pressure. A photo of a healthy, trimmed hoof is pictured
The horse pictured above has a trimmed hoof. The horse’s foot is also flat on the ground.
on the right. • Uneven Hairline: If a horse distributes its weight unevenly, the hairline above the hoofwall becomes uneven. If you notice that a horse is lame and the hairline is crooked, that usually means its weight is being distributing unevenly. On a balanced hoof, the hairline is straight. Managing Quarter Cracks Often times, a horse becomes lame when it has a Quarter Crack, and it can become very lame if the condition is not treated. First and foremost, it’s important to decipher what caused the Quarter Crack in the first place. Is it because the horse’s toe is too long? Is the horse’s weight being distributed evenly? Is the horse striking in the same place repetitively during a racing competition? It’s important to figure out what causes the cracking in the hoof wall because the condition will never go away if the foot isn’t balanced properly. A horse needs to distribute its weight evenly so that it can land on its feet without putting stress on the hoof wall. A farrier should be able to measure and decide if the toe is too long
The horse pictured above has Quarter Crack.
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cause painful, bleeding conditions Solution
Trim heels back to provide proper weight bearing surface and balance the remainder of the foot. Apply a pour-in pad to provide necessary frog and sole support. Address stress to the coronary band above the crack. Debride the crack, removing bacteria and relieving pressure. Stabilize the crack with a repair. Result
Heels are where they should be, foot is balanced, and coronary band is level. The crack is stabilized allowing hoof wall to grow out.
Have a hoof problem? Contact us to talk it over. info@vettec.com
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and trim the feet as needed. When a horse is diagnosed with a Quarter Crack, it’s important to apply support to its hooves. Vettec Equi-Pak and Equi-Build are supportive pour-in pad materials that work well for this issue. Equi-Pak can be injected under a pad, or used as a pad itself since it bonds well to the sole and frog. Equi-Build is beneficial as it serves as a firm pad material that distributes a horse’s weight across the entire hoof-bottom. Since the horse needs to relieve pressure around the Quarter Crack, this material is key to providing the horse relief. Depending on the severity of the Quarter Crack, there are materials that can help close the cracked area. If it appears to be an exposed wound, it’s important that the area is cleaned and left uncovered to heal, and treated by a hoof care professional or veterinarian. If the crack seems to be healing and is not infected, Vettec Adhere can be applied over the crack to help close www.horsebackmagazine.com
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the gap. Adhere can be bonded to the hooves while the horse is standing. The feet support a horse’s entire body weight. If its weight is not distributed evenly, it can cause injury and cracking to the hooves. With proper trimming and pourin pads for support, a horse will be able to stand evenly and bear weight comfortably. Whether a horse is or isn’t active, it’s important that a farrier is managing and trimming a horse’s hooves consistently. As humans need new shoes for proper support every so often, horses need that treatment as well. Whether preventing or managing Quarter Cracks, trimming and pour-in pad materials can provide the support and durable protection needed to heal properly. With today’s modern tools and materials, farriers can help horses maintain healthy hoof function more than ever before.
Authorized Dealer
March 2016 2
HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 35
A Horse, Of Course By Don Blazer
How To Buy A Horse
If
there are million ways to buy a bad horse, there must be at least five ways to buy a good
one. To get a good horse, you have to use a little horse sense. Hard to do, being human. Emotion usually gets the best of us. It’s natural to be anxious and excited by the thrill of owning a new horse. But whoa, hold it, shorten the reins! I know the horse is beautiful, and the story that goes with him is reasonable, and he may be sold tomorrow. But you asked, so accept this fact: buyer beware! Before you start looking for a horse, determine what it is you want. Write down your requirements. Your list should include
breed, age, size, amount of training, color, sex, price and suitability for performing in your area of interest. Only you know the answers, and you are the one who must be satisfied. Knowing what it is you want gives you a direction in which to search. Bargain horses usually aren’t bargains, so beware of sad stories, auctions and the fast deal. Your horse may be anywhere, but there is a good chance he is with a professional trainer who specializes in your area of interest. A well-known trainer has a reputation to protect, and seldom, if ever, will he let you get stuck with a bad horse, or a horse he thinks won’t fit your needs. Make appointments to see horses which fit your criteria, and
then go see them—all of them. The first horse you see may be the one you want, but see the others so you’ll know what you don’t want. Here is the first rule: follow your heart. You will know almost instantly upon seeing a horse if it is one you should consider. If your heart says, “yes, yes, yes,” and the next four test are passed, this is your horse. If there is the slightest doubt in your heart, after four more tests, this is not the horse for you. You’ll find your horse, if you listen to your heart. Second test: study the person selling the horse, and take a good look at the horse’s surroundings. If the seller is neat, clean and takes some pride in himself and his
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36 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 2 March 2016
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facility, then he probably cares for his horses in much the same manner. Ask to see the horse in his stall or pen. Wood chewers and cribbers leave tell-tale signs. So do weavers, stall walkers and hole diggers. Bad habits are physically hard on a horse’s condition and health, and they are always hard to break. You don’t want those problems.
Ask to see the horse turned out so he can run free and you can see how he moves and uses his body. The horse should be happy to see people, curious, but not jumpy. He should have a clear, bright eye and should be smoothly put together. The horse’s conformation should be pleasing to you. ConHorse Buying Con’t. on pg. 44
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March 2016 2
HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 37
W
“Living the Lifestyle & Loving e Life”
Exquisite Custom Estate Ranch House and Guest House/Office on a 25.5 Acre working Horse Ranch. Custom Stone home with slate & hardwood oors, vaulted wood ceiling with beams and interior stone walls. Gourmet island kitchen with slate counters, 6 burner gas range, convection oven, built in bar fridge and wine rack with dry bar. 4 spacious bedrooms, 4.5 baths, 3 car carport. Guest house/office w kitchen, bath, bedroom and living/dining.Large outdoor arena with commercial lighting and a two story Announcers Stand. Multiple barns with electricity & water, 4 horse automatic walker.
Spectacular acreage four miles south of Hwy 290 on FM 1371- perfect for a custom home site located in the sought after Chappell Hill area. The property is fenced on three sides with a cross fenced contained pasture area. Fence line will be added on the north line of the property. Scattered trees with denser clusters running along Gibbs Creek on the northern edge. The property is currently used for hay production and grazing and is AG exempt. Existing survey is available.
Stunning 5 acre estate in the heart of Cypress off of Grant between Telge & Cypress Rosehill. 3,465 square foot 4 bed, 3 bath main house and 690 sf1 bed 1 bath garage apartment. Beautiful Stokes custom home with master retreat, high ceilings & French doors leading to expansive grounds & pool. Large island kitchen with built in desk & fantastic views. Living room with wet bar, dining room & breakfast, office with access from Master as well as hall. Property also features a pool with rock waterfall & a 4 stall horse barn with tack. Manicured lawns. Fenced & cross fenced. 38 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 2 March 2016 www.horsebackmagazine.com
Stunning Custom Home on 8 acres in River Park Ranch with a 100' X 150' Rigid Bldg Systems covered arena with built up arena pad; 10 stall insulated Barnmaster barn with 12' concrete aisle, auto waterers, y system, hot h20, wash rm & enclosed tack. Fenced and cross fenced. Home features interior Chicago brick walls; a library/oďŹƒce; spacious chef's kitchen with custom cabinets & a large granite island with seating, wine frig as well as gas & elec ovens. Huge master suite w double French doors open to terrace. Apartment over the 3 car detached garage with kitchen & game room.
Just south of Navasota is this lovely 35 Acre ranch with custom limestone one story home with pool & hot tub, 6 stall barn with tack room, wash rack & equipment storage. The stallS open up into turnouts that also open into one of the three pastures with round pen. Fenced & cross fenced with pond & custom iron gate, the property currently produces hay & is AG exempt. The home features a private oďŹƒce with french doors, an open plan with split bedrooms, limestone replace in a vaulted, wood beamed ceiling living room, a granite kitchen with large breakfast/serving bar.
Wonderful 33-acre property in Hempstead. All new construction. 122x36-foot barn with 16 stalls, radiant barrier insulation, air conditioning, automatic waterers, bathroom, vet room, tack room, saddle wall, rotating tie ring, pasture feeders, wash rack and insemination/palpation chute and porches. 130x70 arena and round pen with water. Property has been cleared. Newly fenced and cross-fenced. Three bed, two bath manufactured home - perfect to live in while you are building your custom home & then use as a guest house. New well & septic. Mosquito mist system.
www.horsebackmagazine.com
March 2016 2
HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 39
Schiller Ranch Presents
Diamonds & Dirt Barrel Horse Classic 2016
photo by Josh Welch
S
chiller Ranch is proud to announce the Diamonds & Dirt Barrel Horse Classic dates for the 2016 event to be held in Bryan, Texas at the Brazos County Expo Center from March 7th through March 13th. The 5th annual DDBHC will benefit K9s4Cops charity which purchases and places professionally trained K9s with law enforcement agencies across the country. For more information on the charity recipient, please visit www.K9s4Cops.org. Kristi Schiller, founder of K9s4Cops, says that a police service dog is a very important tool for a law enforcement agency. “Police canines are very efficient and can accomplish a task that could take several officers much longer to do. Any accomplished law enforcement agency comprehends how vital a well-trained K9 team can be to their department in keeping the community safe.”
40 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 2 March 2016
Barrel horse riders from all over the world will converge on the Brazos County Expo Center this March to compete in what has become one of the nation’s premier barrel horse events. In 2015, DDBHC gave away almost $1,000,000 in cash and prizes. “Bryan Expo is the place to be in March if you want to compete with the best,” said Latricia Duke, co-founder of Diamonds & Dirt Barrel Horse Classic. “Diamonds & Dirt is a premier barrel futurity in the state of Texas and known around the world as a first class event.” Latricia Duke, one of barrel horse racing’s legends, is set to compete in the 2016 Diamonds & Dirt Barrel Horse Classic. As co-founder of the event, Duke has more ‘riding’ on the event than just competition. Along with Kristi Schiller of Schiller Ranch, Duke has spent the past five years making this event the country’s
premier barrel horse competition with some of the world’s best in riders and horses on display. “D&D is a serious event with a lot of money to be won but there is also so much fun to be had all week that people seem to enjoy themselves and have a good time,” Duke said. “The atmosphere is always light and fun, even though an individual can win over $100,000 in one week. There’s not many places that can be done in this sport.” Duke has won a total of almost $2,000,000 in her career thus far and has trained several slot champions, futurity and derby champions as well as a world champion. Duke’s resume includes an AQHA & APHA World Championship, is a two-time LG Pro Classic Slot Champion as well as a BFA Derby Year End Champion. The Diamonds & Dirt Barrel Horse Classic offers free admission to spectators. www.horsebackmagazine.com
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March 2016 2
HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 41
Horsebites...
Bay Area Waterfront Specialist KELLY PAUL 281.924.8455 Realtor
®
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KellyPaul@usa.com
Connecting Great People with Great Properties for over 20 years. L
is
ted
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Li
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Horsebites- Con’t. from pg. 6
ste d! 2303 Carina Court | League City ©2016. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. Better Homes and Gardens® is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation licensed to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Franchise is Independently Owned and Operated.
Horsebites- Con’t. from pg. 30
army of equestrians to provide the training that secures their futures. RRP offers online directories, educational resources, and publishes Off-Track Thoroughbred Magazine. Its popular Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium is scheduled for October 27-30, 2016 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. www.retiredracehorseproject.org
SPLENDOR ON THE RANGE: AMERICAN INDIANS AND THE HORSE COMING TO THE WITTE MUSEUM
42 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 2 March 2016
SAN ANTONIO – Few animals have had as sweeping an impact on a civilization as did the horse when the Spanish re-introduced the animal to North America in the 1500s. The horse brought power to the American West. It brought wealth, trade, mobility and led to widespread conflict. The importance of the horse is underscored in Splendor on the Range: American Indians and the Horse. Presented by PlainsCapital Bank and researched by South Texas Heritage Curator Bruce Shackelford, Splendor on the Range runs from March 5 through August 21, 2016 in the Kathleen and Curtis Gunn Gallery. The arrival of the horse by the Spanish led to profound changes in the lifeways of
the American Indian tribes throughout the Plains and the Southwest. Explore this important period in history with more than 300 artifacts - some on display for the first time from the Witte’s unrivaled American Indian collection. Splendor on the Range tells the story of the critical relationship between American Indians and the horse with artifacts including moccasins, painted buffalo hides, saddles and Buffalo and Ghost Dance attire. “Splendor on the Range is a wonderful example of what the Witte embodies,” says Marise McDermott, President and CEO of the Witte Museum. “It shares a stunning narrative of Texas and the Plains, but also shows how one animal led to dramatic changes in the American West – changes which you can see here in Texas today.” “This exhibit tells a beautiful, and at times, painful piece of history in a respectful way,” notes Bruce Shackelford. “We will be exhibiting artifacts that many people have not seen, and some dating back to when the museum first opened.” The Witte will be offering public programs throughout the Splendor on the Range exhibit run. The museum is proud to present a Louis A. and Frances B. Wagner Series presentation with Bruce Shackelford and Dr. Daniel Gelo, Professor and Dean of the Department of Anthropology at UTSA, The Fort Parker Raid Revisited on Wednesday, March 30 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. A Splendor on the Range: American Indians and the Horse Time Travel Saturday Family Day on Saturday, April 9 from Noon-4 p.m. The Witte is also providing two new options for the Witte Museum Spring Break Camp, including a Splendor on the Range camp Monday, March 14 – Friday, March 18 from 1-5 p.m. For more information about Witte Museum programs, call 210.357.1910. Splendor on the Range: American Indians and the Horse runs through August 21, 2016. Admission is $3 for members and $5 for non-members, plus general admission. For more information call 210.357.1900 or visit www.WitteMuseum.org.
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HILL COUNTRY EQUESTRIAN ESTATE
T
his Hill Countr y Estate is located just 15 minutes from downtown Boer ne , Texas. 50¹ acres of beautifully maintained grounds covered in oak trees sur round this estate with a pr ivate gated entr ance . The main house consists of approximately 6,500 square feet of air-conditioned space with enor mous covered porches allowing access to the pool and outdoor kitchen. The proper ty offer s a 12-stall hor se bar n complete with an apar tment, tack and feed rooms. A lar ge 200x300 ft lighted r iding and roping arena is conveniently located near the bar n and hor se walker, plus there are plenty of covered par king areas for tr ailer s. LET’S RODEO!
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Specializing in Hill Countr y Homes & Ranches c 830.688.6194 o 830.816.5260 susanhallmar k@sothebysrealty.com kuper realty.com www.horsebackmagazine.com
March 2016 2
HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 43
Horse Buying Con’t. from pg. 36
formation faults or less than desirable traits for the performance which interests you can be pointed out during a vet check. If you have conformation questions, be sure to tell your veterinarian exactly what you intend to do with the horse. The third test is for performance ability and training. Of course, if you are looking at a horse not yet trained to a saddle, then you won’t be riding. But you certainly can watch the horse being longed, tied, groomed and handled. Note carefully the horse’s ground manners. If the horse is performance trained, the seller may wish to ride the horse first to show off the horse’s talents. This is fine because it gives you another chance to make some observations. If the seller is a bad rider, chances are the horse has had a bad start and much reschooling is ahead. If the seller jerks, bangs, spurs or hits the horse, pack up. You don’t want that bundle of trouble. If you decide to ride, then the secret of the test is to see how responsive the horse is to your cues, and how relaxed the horse is as he performs. You want a partner with a good attitude and a willingness to learn. If the horse is already a champion, then you want a super pleasant attitude to go with his performance record. The fourth test is the vet check. You only want to know a few things. How is the horse’s breathing, his heart, and does he have obvious soundness problems? (Look at the horse’s shoes. Special shoes mean special problems.) If there are soundness problems, you want to know how to manage them. Don’t ask for and don’t accept a pass-fail examination. You want information to consider, not someone else’s choice of horses. You need to make the final decision; it is your responsibility. There is no way to predict the future or the soundness of a horse, so don’t try. Accept the uncertainty and enjoy what you have at the moment. The final test is price. You set your price before you starting looking, so there should be no question now. If there is, what happened? Don’t overpay! If you feel you have overpaid for the horse, the horse is going to suffer in any number of ways. Don’t over-extend yourself financially. On the other hand, if you can afford the price, buy the horse. A horse is worth exactly what you believe he’s worth, and happy to pay. There’s no price limit on perfect friendship. For more information about buying and selling horses, enroll in the online course, The Business of Making Money with Horses, written by the late Don Blazer, and taught by Eleanor Blazer. Visit www.equinestudiesinstitute.com to earn certification as a horse trainer, riding instructor or stable manager.
44 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 2 March 2016
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General...
Trail Ride Readiness Book Howdy!
Welcome to Cowboy Corner.
S
pring is here, the bluebonnets are coming, and folks are making plans to enjoy the weather before the summer heat gets here with traveling to trail riding events, horse camping, shows, etc. so thought I would talk about a readiness list. I decided that paperwork should be the first item on our list. Under paperwork, and Equine Infectious Anemia laboratory test, indicating negative test results commonly known as a “Coggins Test” should be number one. The test should be one year or less old to comply with Texas Animal Health Commission regulations. Please remember that TAHC specifies one year or less, however an organization conducting a function can require a Coggins test of six months or less. Second item on our paperwork list is an “Equine Certificate of Veterinary Inspection”, commonly known as a “Health Certificate”. My understanding is that health certificates are required by TAHC when shipping horses especially across state lines. Health certificates by regulation
46 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE 2 March 2016
are good for thirty days and these days many functions are requiring current health certificates on participating horses and mules. Have learned a few tips about all this paperwork over the years. First, all these forms are state regulated and are on standard letter size paper (8 ½” X 11”). Easiest way for me to keep up with these forms is with a three ring loose leaf binder. Each horse has a divider tab section for his information, which may include more than Coggins test results. A list of vaccinations and de-worming, type and dates are also included. Second lesson learned is that all your horses used in say trail rides can be listed on the same health certificate. Since my veterinarian charges per certificate, I request all horses listed are on the same certificate. Paying for one is better on my ranch budget then paying for four. Third lesson is to make copies of the Coggins test and health certificate and file under each horse’s name. Some organizations want an originally signed copy of the test or certificate. So get some copies signed in a differ-
ent color ink, such as red while at the vet’s office. Copies of the horse’s papers sent in with event registration forms allows for “express check-in”, which benefits all. My “horse book” also makes the required information easier to find when needed. Fourth and last lesson learned is to be consistent on test, vaccinations, and de-worming dates. Our ranch schedule is during the first three weeks of January and July each year all horse issues are handled. Annual tests and vaccinations are done in January and vaccination boosters in July. De-worming is done every six months. Being consistent makes it easy to recall important dates and procedures. So let’s try a “horse book”, the price is right. Adding a photo of the horse to his section is also a good idea, and be sure the photo shows the horse’s brand if branded.
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