Horseback Magazine October 2016 by Horseback Magazine

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October 2016 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE

93388.V2.2.2016

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK Our Off Track Thoroughbred Turned Good, With Patience and a Calm Hand

ur cover story about off the track Thoroughbred whisper Valerie Ashker’s thirteen state trek to show the versatility of the breed, prompted me to tell our story. I’ve written about this before, but for those that remember our story, I hope you indulge me again for those that have not read it before. All of this horse stuff started for Vicki and me with an aging off the track Thoroughbred cast By: Steven Long aside when a friend’s teenage daughter tired of horses and her interests turned to boys. We were the closest people at hand who had the look of foolishness on our faces, and Vicki said “sure, we’ll take him.” She told me that evening at dinner that we were about to own a horse. We didn’t own so much as a rope, and Dillon didn’t so much as come with one, much less a halter! That “yes” was an answer that changed our lives. Vicki and I became the owners of Fleeter Algonquin, son of Whoa Boy and Algonquin Rose, AKA, “Dillon,” a cantankerous 16-hand-high registered Thoroughbred with a mind of his own and a temper to match. Oh, one more thing - nobody ever trained the horse to stop. He was a retired off the track racehorse who had won a couple of races but had endured an otherwise undistinguished career, then went on to become a young girl’s plaything. Dillon had never been taught the whoa command. It took a lot of patience to teach this 15-year-old to halt, (and Dillon had an abundance of it), and love, (we had an abundance of that). Eventually we turned him into one of the best trail horses I’ve ever known. When we were given Dillon we were told by more than one person that we were crazy. I was the more experienced horseman of the two of us, but that experience was scant indeed, riding my father’s old field horse, “Old Paint, and weekends (Sunday afternoons, really) over a summer at a friend’s ranch riding an old Quarter Horse he had sold me a quarter interest in. Vicki’s experience was, best I can remember, just paid trail rides on dude ranches, or the horses you used to be able to “rent” back when Westheimer road towards in the now populous area of West Houston was just pasture. But we were eager, and fearless. And after all, I had the experience under my belt of having Old Paint, when I was four year old! But Dillon was patient with us. While I was the more experienced of the two of us, I was still woefully inadequate. It was something I made up for with blind trust and ignorance of just how badly a horse can hurt you. Vicki was taught her own lesson when she suffered a compound fracture to her arm and hand that has left her somewhat handicapped for life. I learned quickly there is much sizing up a horse can do with his tiny brain. Dillon had our number quickly. Fortunately, our brains are considerably larger, and that, combined with the desire to ride, and blind courage, engaged us with this giant of a critter well enough that we eventually could call ourselves horse people with a straight face. And to Dillon’s credit, he learned from us as well. When we acquired the horse, we were told that as a racehorse, he had never been taught the “whoa” command, or the use of reins and bit to signal stop. But eventually, we proved something to ourselves. And the horse learned how to be a ridable horse as well, eventually becoming a wonderful trail horse. Dillon learned that old horses can indeed be taught new tricks. And we learned that after the injuries, you do get back up on the horse that threw you, or you get out of horses as fast as you possibly can. Dillon is long gone now and we are finally veteran horse folks, and maybe, just maybe, we have learned to stay in the saddle. In conclusion – for those of you out there who have the urge to get a horse but think you can’t afford one, remember, they are to be found at a reasonable price if you are willing to start training, or re-training from scratch as we did. We highly recommend you consider an OTTB. When they are matched with a discipline that fits them, they are wonderful! Dillon loved trail riding, and heck, we even took him team penning a time or two. The first time he saw a cow is another story for another time. We sure miss our “big guy!”

On the Cover:

Off The Track Thoroughbred goes from Starting Gate to Travel through 13 States!

4 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE October 2016

October 2016

Cover Story:

20 Out of the Gate, Through 13 States - Jane Meggitt

Lifestyle: 10 34 37 40

Pet Care Feature - Preventative Care - Texas A&M From Wild to Mild - Kelsey Hellmann Barefoot Tips - Carol Herder Brooke USA Fundraiser

Product Highlights: 12 I.C.E. Safety Products 24 Emerald Natural Health Care

Columns: 6 Horse Bites 26 Ride-N-Sync™ - Terry Myers 28 Tack Talk - Lew Pewterbaugh 42 Cowboy Corner - Jim Hubbard

ADVERTISING OFFICES

• HEADQUARTER OFFICE (281) 447-0772 Phone & (281) 893-1029 Fax Advertising@horsebackmagazine.com

Staff PUBLISHER Vicki Long

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• BRAZOS VALLEY BUREAU Diane Holt (936) 878-2678 Ranch & (713) 408-8114 Cell Dianeh@horsebackmagazine.com

LIFESTYLE EDITOR Margaret Pirtle 832-349-1427 Horsebackmag@gmail.com EVENTS EDITOR Leslie Greco

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jim Hubbard, Steven Long, Vicki Long, Roni Norquist, Lew Pewterbaugh, Cathy Strobel, Margaret Pirtle Volume 23, No. 10 Horseback Magazine, P.O. Box 681397, Houston, TX 77268-1397, (281) 447-0772. The entire contents of the magazine are copyrighted October 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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PIN OAK CHARITY HORSE SHOW’S FIFTH ANNUAL FUNDRAISING LUNCHEON AND FASHION PRESENTATION “What to Wear to that Equestrian Affaire” to Feature Fall Fashions from Neiman Marcus, Interior Designer Nina Magon to Serve as Event Chair and ABC 13 Anchor Ilona Carson to Serve as Emcee The Pin Oak Club, a social and charitable organization associated with The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show will host its fifth annual fall fundraising luncheon and fashion presentation, “What to Wear to That Equestrian Affaire,” on Wednesday, Oct. 19. The event will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at one of Houston’s most prestigious private venues. Nina Magon, chief executive officer and creative director of Contour Interior Design, will chair this year’s event. ABC-13 anchor Ilona Carson will return as Emcee role. Luxury retailer Neiman-Marcus will present a variety of men’s and women’s attire that would be suitable for equestrian competitive and social events. The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show also welcomes Houston Modern Luxury as a media partner for “What to Wear to That Equestrian Affaire.” Additional, non-exclusive media partners are always welcomed and appreciated Contour Interior Design has offices in Houston and Miami, Fla. Magon specializes in high-end residential, commercial, and hospitality design. Her signature creative designs combine modern elegance with dazzling finishes. A recipient of numerous accolades for her designs, Magon was named one of the top designers in the nation by NBC. Magon and her design team are responsible for the newly opened restaurant 51fifteen Cuisine and Cocktails, located inside Saks Fifth Avenue in The Houston Galleria. The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show thanks Houston Modern Luxury Magazine for serving as the presenting media partner for the What to Wear to That Equestrian

6 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE October 2016

American Affiliate Championship. Formally known as the NRHA World Championship “Horse Bites is compiled from Shootout, the competition falls under a new Press Releases sent to Horseback name and adds an exciting team component Magazine. Original reporting is for its return to the NRHA Futurity. See done as circumstances warrant. Content is edited for length & style.” which team will “rein” supreme during the $50,000 Silver Spurs Equine Team Challenge on Thursday, December 1st at 7 p.m. in the Affaire fashion luncheon. Pin Oak also acJim Norick Arena in Oklahoma City. knowledges the generous support of numer $50,000 Silver Spurs Equine Team ous non-exclusive local, national and regional Challenge Conditions media outlets for their editorial, event and In the Silver Spurs Equine Team promotional support. Challenge, exhibitors will run in a regular “We are so pleased to have Nina NRHA class with the highest scoring run chair this event for us this year. She is very winning the competition. As an added boinvolved in the Houston fashion community nus, riders will compete in teams to ride for and will bring in some new vibrant energy to an additional $10,000 to be disbursed evenly the show. Coupled with the fashions of Nei- among teammates. man Marcus, and models from the equestrian Once all entries are received, team and Houston community, this is an event captains will be selected based on their not to be missed,” commented Lynn Walsh, earnings in 2016. Team captains will then president of the board of directors and a pick their teams one by one. Each rider will long-time Pin Oak Charity horse show comride against the opposing team in the order petitor and volunteer. they were picked. The rider who receives Individual tickets and sponsored the highest score in that round, will receive tables for the fashion luncheon event are a point for their team. If, at any point in the available for purchase. Sponsor benefits vary competition, riders end up in a tie, one-half based on the level of financial commitment. point will be given to both teams. Not only Tables are selling fast. The $2,500 table spon- will this Team Challenge foster friendly comsorship level is sold out. In-kind support is petition among riders, but also comradery also welcomed and appreciated. For further via this unique competition only seen at the information on tickets, sponsorship or table NRHA Futurity. underwriting opportunities, call 713-621 Silver Spurs Equine is proud to 6290, visit pinoak.org or email info@pinoak. be a corporate partner with NRHA and the org. sponsor for the Team Challenge. All current NRHA members are able to participate in this exciting and competitive reining event presented by Silver NRHA PRESENTS THE $50,000 Spurs Equine. For forms and entry fee inforSILVER SPURS TEAM CHALLENGE mation, visit nrhafuturity.com. More information about the The National Reining Horse Association NRHA Futurity & Adequan® North Ameri(NRHA) is pleased to announce an exhilacan Affiliate Championship Show: rating reining event to take place during the • Reservations can be made at nrhafutu2016 NRHA Futurity & Adequan® North rity.com/hotels • Purchase box and general admission tickets at nrhafuturity.com/tickets • Download the latest schedule at nrhafuturity.com/schedule The world’s best reining horses and competitors come to Oklahoma City to compete for an estimated total purse and cash prizes of more than $2 million. This is one event NRHA does not want Oklahoma City, North America and the entire world to miss!

Nina Magon - 2016 Fashion Event Chair with husband, Karun Magon

USEF/USPEA CENTER OF EXCELLENCE, CARLISLE ACADEMY, RECEIVES FEDERAL GRANT TO COACH DISABLED VETERANS IN PARA-EQUESTRIAN SPORTS (Horsebites cont. on pg 23 www.horsebackmagazine.com

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October 2016 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE

Pet Care...

Preventative Care for Horses in the Fall

orses have a legendary history of helping mankind in all types of weather, proving that they can withstand more than most seasons dish out. However, it is important to take precautionary measures before each season to ensure the health and happiness of your horse. Fall is no different as certain weather conditions and pesky visitors at this time of year can possibly cause harm to your horse’s health. Dr. Leslie Easterwood, clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM), says the first thing to remember after the first freeze is to vaccinate your horse. Vaccinations for the following viruses and diseases are essential for the health of your horse: Venezuelan, Eastern and Western Encephalitis; Tetanus Toxoid; West Nile Virus; Strep; Equine Influenza; Rhinopnuemonitis; and Rabies (should only be given once a year). “The most commonly encountered fall virus is West Nile Virus,” Easterwood said. “The other viruses and bacterial organisms are year-round, so it is important to have a year-round vaccination protocol.” Deworming should also be yearround. It is good to have a deworming schedule similar with your vaccination schedule to ensure that all necessary precautions are taken care of. “The most commonly encountered internal parasite that we deworm for specifically in the fall is Bots,” Easterwood said. “The fly vector responsible for Bots is usually less prominent in the winter, so we try to clear the

10 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE October 2016

adult Bots out of the gastrointestinal tract after the first freeze. All other internal parasites are encountered year-round, so it is important to have a year-round deworming protocol.” Another important factor to keep in mind as the colder weather approaches is supplying appealing drinking water. The colder weather makes the cold drinking water less attractive to horses. Less water intake leads to dehydration, and secondarily to colic. To avoid these side effects, owners can add electrolyte powder to the horse’s daily grain ration. “Increased water intake, can also be accomplished by heating the water that is offered, but this option is rarely practical for most horse owners,” Easterwood added. “Electric water bucket warming devices are commercially available.” The weather does not start to take a drastic drop in temperature until the winter months. However, starting protection plans in the fall is a good idea in case a freeze happens early. Easterwood recommends a wind break for the horses and a place to keep them dry when the weather is wet and cold. Blankets are another popular option for horse owners. However, Easterwood notes that blankets are not necessary for every horse. “For the vast majority of horses, it will never be too cold for them to live outside with no blanket,” Easterwood said. “Horses survive in very harsh winter environments with their natural hair coat. Those horses that would benefit from blanketing are those that are thin, debilitated, ill, or have no natural hair coat.”

“We artificially keep our show horses thin haired in the winter so that we can show them with no hair,” Easterwood added. “Show horses definitely benefit from blanketing in the winter, but most horses who are allowed to grow a natural hair coat do not need to be blanketed at all.” Easterwood points out horses can actually sweat and overheat under blankets that are left on during the day when the temperature warms up. Especially in Texas, where the temperature varies significantly throughout the day, it would be best to refrain from blanketing healthy non-show horses. One last recommendation in the fall is to have a trained veterinarian check your horse’s teeth to ensure they are healthy. “Horses are going to need more energy to function in the rigors of winter weather,” Easterwood said. “They will need more energy and fiber in order to keep their body temperatures warm. For this reason, having the teeth in good shape is essential.” Fall preparation is necessary for a healthy and happy life in the winter. If you follow these simple guidelines and listen to the advice of your veterinarian your horse should be in tip top shape for the winter months.

Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed online at vetmed.tamu.edu/pet-talk. www.horsebackmagazine.com

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October 2016 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE

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ManeStay can be securely, safely and quickly attached (about 3 seconds!) to an equine’s mane in an emergency situation. (ManeStay also works beautifully on the mane of a high-lined horse.) While microchips, brands and tattoos are acceptable forms of permanent identification, the bright yellow ManeStay provides immediate access to the owner’s contact information. Rescue personnel tasked with identifying horses in a field of evacuated animals will likely process the easy ones first—those who are wearing visible identification—and return them to their families without delay. Be responsible—be reunited! Sierra View Ranch General Store LLC 10556 Combie Road PMB 6443, Auburn, CA 95602 805-231-5305 | www.iceproducts.net www.horsebackmagazine.com

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Equine veterinarians agree:

Healthy topline can help reduce injury and contribute to overall well-being So what makes a healthy topline? “There’s a lot of lore and confusion about the best way to build a healthy topline,” said Abby Keegan, Equine Innovation & Application Lead for Cargill Animal Nutrition’s Nutrena® brand. “Many people believe topline problems are simply a result of the horse not yet being in work, while others blame breed or genetics, said Keegan”

orse owners who want their horses to be as healthy as possible should focus on developing their topline. That conclusion is based on a survey of American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), which showed that seven out of 10 equine veterinarians consider adequate muscling surrounding/supporting the horse’s spine (topline) is key to equine well-being. The same survey showed that 62 percent of equine veterinarians believe a healthy topline is key to fewer injuries.

However, years of Nutrena® research and field trials have shown that balanced nutrition should form the core of any topline development or maintenance program. Horses, like people, need a nutritious diet to have a strong, healthy core. Select Nutrena® feed formulations contain easy-to-digest amino acids, the building blocks of protein. The correct amount and sources of amino acids – based on individual factors, such as a horse’s age and weight – is essential to create strong topline muscles, from withers to hind

quarters. Equine owners can now access an online tool, www.ToplineBalance.com, to help gauge their horse’s specific topline condition, and determine the best nutritional approach to improve it. The site offers an easy, state-of-the-art, Topline Evaluation System to help owners accurately assess their horse’s muscular condition and track improvements over time. Based on that evaluation, the tool recommends the right mix of feeds and supplements for their horse’s specific needs. The evaluation is grounded in Nutrena’s extensive expertise in equine health and nutrition. “The right nutritional balance, fed at the correct rates, may improve topline – both internally and visually – in as little as a few weeks,” said Keegan. The equine veterinarian study was commissioned by Nutrena and conducted by AAEP. More than 400 veterinarians were surveyed in April 2016. To learn more about topline and which Nutrena® products are best suited for your horse, visit www.ToplineBalance.com

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October 2016 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE

Ammonia: The Hidden Danger in the Barn By Jennifer Roberts

all like to think of the barn as a place to unwind and relax, but did you know that there may be a hidden danger to you lurking in your horse’s stall? When you open the stall door, pitchfork in hand, are you hit with an acrid burning of the nose, lungs and throat? That my friend, is the signature trademark of ammonia. Ammonia is naturally occurring in urine and manure. Most of us know that ammonia is harmful for our horses, but we don’t realize that it is more than just an noxious odor for humans… in fact it is an extreme health hazard. According to the New York State Department of Health, “Exposure to high concentrations of ammonia in air causes immediate burning of the nose, throat and respiratory tract. This can cause bronchiolar and alveolar edema, and airway destruction resulting in respiratory distress or failure. Inhalation of lower concentrations can cause cough-

ing, and nose and throat irritation.” The irritating and corrosive smell of the chemical is an adequate warning of its presence, but unfortunately the chemical causes a phenomenon known as “olfactory fatigue,” effectively reducing your awareness of the smell after prolonged exposure. This means that the longer you spend in the barn, the less you will smell it, and the more adverse affect it may have on your body. Don’t think that adults are the only ones at risk. Be sure to check out the condition of the barn before you drop your kids off for the day. “Children exposed to the same concentrations of ammonia vapor as adults may receive a larger dose because they have greater lung surface area-to-body weight ratios and increased minute volumes-to-weight ratios,” reports the New York State Department of Health. “In addition, they may be exposed to higher concentrations than adults in

the same location because of their shorter height and the higher concentrations of ammonia vapor initially found near the ground.” Luckily there are ways that we can combat this caustic chemical. In addition to frequent stall cleaning and proper ventilation, consider the use of a stall refresher, such as Sweet PDZ, which will effectively remove the ammonia from the air. Sweet PDZ has been keeping stalls healthy for over 32 years and continues to be the leading horse stall freshener on the market. This organic (OMRI Listed), non-toxic compound captures, neutralizes and eliminates harmful levels of ammonia and odors. Sweet PDZ is a far superior alternative to lime products for ammonia removal and moisture absorption. For more information, as well as a dealer locator, visit SweetPDZ.com.

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16 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE October 2016

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18 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE October 2016

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Somerville Farm and Ranch Somerville, TX 979-596-2224 October 2016 H ORSEBACK MAGAZINE

Out of the Gates Through 13 States By Jane Meggitt

60, some horsewomen may slow down, trading the hot horses of their younger days for mounts with more cold blood. That’s not the case with Valerie Ashker. For most horse folks, cross-country is the most challenging part of three-day eventing. While Ashker’s daughter, Laine, is a top eventer, for Valerie, cross country in 2016 means a literal trip via horseback from California to Virginia on an off-the-track Thoroughbred (OTTB) along historic Highway 50. She embarked on her journey in May, and plans to arrive in Virginia in late October. She intends that her ride blasts the stereotypes surrounding OTTBs. These are horses that can complete a 3,500 mile road trip on Highway 50 with semi-trailers constantly hurtling by. They aren’t lame and they aren’t crazy – and they’re ridden in bitless bridles. The OTTB Whisperer Valerie was born in California, but went to private school in Michigan, where she was first introduced to horses at age 13 at Centaur Farm, and joined Pony Club. She got her first horse, an Appaloosa, at 16, and worked two jobs to keep him. It was the OTTB that truly stole her heart. Through the years, she’s become legendary for her ability to spot talent in ex-racehorses and to find them new careers in eventing and other disciplines. As Laine says, her mother has a “knack for seeing a horse’s talent despite its condition.” She’s a connoisseur of bloodlines, and knows which lines are best suited for particular sports. Valerie’s knowledge and passion for OTTBs has provided prospects for the top event riders in the country, including Doug Payne, Becky Holder, Kristen Bond and Jocelyn Kriss. Her motto is “From Racetrack to Rolex.” Currently, she finds most of her OTTBs at California

20 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE October 2016

tracks, although she purchases ex-racehorses from all over the country. Valerie’s website states “no other breed possesses that amaranthine spirit and loveliness than that of our OTTBs.” In case you wonder what “amaranthine” means, I’ll save you the trouble of looking it up. It’s defined as something possessing undying quality and beauty. For thoroughbred lovers, that’s an excellent description of the breed. OTTBs have taken her and her daughter all over the world, including the United Kingdom and Hong Kong. Now they are taking her across the nation. “It was time for me to not just talk the talk, but walk the walk,” says Valerie about her sojourn. The Horses Although the horses on the trip are OTTBs, they’re very different. Solar Express, 17, is a retired eventer. He raced eight times, but broke his leg with a condylar fracture. Valerie got him at age 4, and after his leg healed the pair evented up to preliminary level. “I could never qualify for a 1 star,” she recalls. “We always had a stop on cross-country.” Solar likes to keep going, and is quite alpha. She bought Primitivo, now 7, for $350, and says the 15.1 hand animal looks more like a Paso Fino than a Thoroughbred, citing his bushy mane and forelock and skimpier tail. “He looks fat after going 1,500 miles. He’s very ponyish,” she says. On the trip, she rides Primitivo while Pete is aboard Solar. On occasion, she’s ridden one horse and ponied the other. Those days, they usually average 28 miles. Where East Meets West We caught up with Valerie and her companion Peter Friedman when they were in Newton, Kansas, about an eight day ride from Kansas City – where East meets West. They average about 20 www.horsebackmagazine.com

miles daily, starting out about 6 a.m. and continuing until 3 p.m., with breaks every 5 miles. During these breaks, horses are watered, and during the second stop they receive a mash, along with a Platinum Performance supplement. The horses consume about 15 pounds of feed every day, donated by Nutrena, one of her sponsors. They also receive alfalfa cubes and bagged alfalfa, but “finding good hay on the road is hard,” according to Valerie. In Kansas, they’re feeding brome, and the horses seem to like it. “I’m a big believer in hay, and don’t normally feed alfalfa, but at 20 miles a day, it keeps weight on them,” she says. The horses get a day off every eighth day. There have been some serious setbacks along the way, but Valerie is one tough and determined lady. Three weeks after they set out, in Nevada, Pete put the blankets on the wrong horse. At the end of the day, when he went to take off the blankets, Solar tried to bite Primitivo, and “Tivo went to clock him,” says Valerie. Unfortunately, she was in the way, and he kicked her in the ribcage, breaking several ribs. Pete bandaged her, and they went on. However, a day or so later she started coughing, and they decided Valerie should see a doctor in case she had punctured a lung. That wasn’t the case, but an X-ray revealed an abnormal mass in her right lung. Five weeks later, in Delta, Utah, Pete was giving water to Solar while Valerie was still astride Primitivo. Solar decided Tivo shouldn’t have water. Tivo spun suddenly and Valerie fell off, breaking her scapula and elbow. With both arms out of commission, she walked her horse 10 miles to the nearest hospital. Once treated, she waited five days to see an oncologist. The mass was still there and she will follow up, but even a cancer scare won’t make her abandon the ride. They ended up losing 10 days in Delta. Her friend, endurance rider Karen Chaton, told Valerie she got hurt because she was sloppy, and she was sloppy because she’s “tired beyond belief.”

Sightseeing Highlights of the trip so far include a herd of wild horses coming out of the mountains near Silver Spring, Nevada and nearly coming up to Solar and Primitivo to check them out. They saw their first whitetail deer 20 miles outside of Dodge City. Before that, it was all pronghorn deer. Valerie has seen 6 feet tall anthills in the early morning, with birds and lizards sitting on top, waiting for ants to emerge. Just 20 miles outside of Dodge City, the country changes to humid and green. She’s viewed badgers and other seldom seen creatures, and admired the flora of half the nation so far. “You just don’t get that [traveling] in a car,” says Valerie. She’s grateful for the good weather they’ve experienced. Much of the trip is grueling, but they’ve gained a million memories. Superstar Daughter Laine could only take two days out of her busy schedule to ride alongside her mom, but recalls the trip is something her mother talked about ever since she could remember. “It’s not something she randomly chose,” says Laine, noting how much thought and experience her mother put into the journey. “She hitchhiked across the country when she was a teenager, and she’s ridden her motorcycle across the country three times,” says Laine. That’s in addition to driving across the United States on countless occasions in automobile or driving a truck and horse trailer. The two have done a 100 mile trail ride together, and Laine says her mother is very fit and healthy. However, she admits there’s really no way to completely prepare

for a cross-country horseback expedition. Nearly all of Laine’s horses come from her mother. When asked if there was any specific advice her mother gave her about evaluating prospects, she replied, “Mom taught me never to look at a horse who is amazing at one thing. If they are brilliant at just one end of the spectrum, they will have something else that is not so hot. You want to look for a horse with an even keel.” That includes the all-important equine brain. “A horse can be an amazing mover but no brain,” she says. “You want a brain as good as his talent, which is hard to find.” While Laine has an ability to choose horses, she says it is a natural talent for her mom. Valerie starts all of the OTTBs destined for her daughter. “She lets them be pets,” says Laine. “They learn leg and connection. I just put on the finishing touches.” Off-the-track Thoroughbreds often come with injuries, and the Ashkers know what they can and can’t fix for competition at the top levels. They tend to stay away from soft tissue injuries, although Laine said a very well-bred horse that has had extensive rehabilitation for a soft-tissue injury may be fine. Of course, the claiming level horses rarely get that sort of rehab. “We can deal with a broken coffin bone, for example,” she says. “They repair and it’s a black and white [issue]. Spurs can be removed.” Healed soft-tissue injuries aren’t as much of a problem for horses intended for pleasure or the lower levels, but not for the highest echelons of the sport.

Logistics A truck and trailer follows the pair along the route, with water always available. A water tank was provided by a sponsor, Lee’s Feed. Valerie invites local riders to join her en route. When asked about farrier care, Valerie said that Pete has learned how to do glue-on shoes, and was instructed on a basic barefoot trim by their blacksmith. They are also sponsored by Easy Boots, and their horses wear Easy Boot Gloves. Chaton, whose horse, Granite Chief, is in the American Endurance Ride Conference Hall of Fame, helped Valerie plan the route. It includes some of the old Pony Express trails.

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October 2016 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE

Laine has brought three OTTBs to the four star level in eventing over the past 11 years, including the now 17 year old Anthony Patch. He was in danger of going to slaughter. Laine recalls that the horse was listed on a West Virginia CANTER website for just $300. If another woman hadn’t saved him, at that price his other option was the kill buyer. The two placed 14th internationally and 8th nationally at the 2010 Rolex CCI*** in Kentucky, and were first place in the advanced division at the Millbrook, New York Horse Trials in 2013 and 2014. The other two were Eight Saint James Place -who collapsed and died after crossing the finishing at the Jersey Fresh CCI*** in 2007- and Frodo Baggins. Laine and her mom also breed Thoroughbred sporthorses, and she thinks her homebred Calling All Comets, now 7, could take her to the Tokyo Olympics in 2020. After the Journey When her mom’s ride is over, Laine would like to see Valerie become an official spokesperson for thoroughbreds, possibly through the Jockey Club or the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA). Mother and daughter now serve as ambassadors for the TAA. “She just lights up when she talks about Thoroughbreds,” says Laine. Valerie wants people to know they don’t have to head to Europe and purchase a warmblood for $50k and up, as there’s the same sort of athleticism in the OTTB. “Those without a lot of money can find potentially world-class horses,” she says. Valerie points out three OTTBs competed in England’s Burghley Horse Trials this year, the world’s most difficult 4 star event. When the ride is finished, Valerie will keep the horses at Laine’s barn and possibly look for someone to lease Primitivo. She then intends to move back to Virginia from her California base, Crow’s Ear Farm. She has babies to train, including a homebred Thoroughbred/Appaloosa cross. The mare died after foaling, and they had to bottle raise him. Valerie notes that her first horse was an Appaloosa, and it looks like her last horse is an App. She plans to event him. For Valerie, not completing this ride isn’t an option. “I’m going to make it,” she says. I have my eye on the prize. I’m not turning back.” For more information on Valerie and her ride, including livestreaming, visit her Facebook page, 2nd Makes Thru Starting Gates. That’s the best way to contact her if you’d like to ride along for part of the route.

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(Horsebites cont. from pg 6

Carlisle Academy, New England’s premier integrative riding school, has received a federal grant of $52,100 from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Adaptive Sports Program. This grant was awarded in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH) to increase and expand para-equestrian sport opportunities to disabled veterans and their coaches at the community, regional, and national levels. The USEF and the United States Para-Equestrian Association (USPEA) recently designated Carlisle Academy as one of three International Para-Equestrian Dressage Centers of Excellence for fostering growth in para-equestrian dressage. “This grant is a testament to the success of Carlisle Academy and the vision of Sarah Armentrout and all who work with her,” said Will Connell, USEF Director of Sport. “Equestrian has so much to offer those with disabilities, whether it be therapeutic or the opportunity to excel as an elite athlete on the international stage. As a former member the British Armed Forces, I have complete admiration for, and fully support, those that seek to provide opportunities for our disabled veterans. This grant will expand opportunities for veterans and www.horsebackmagazine.com

I hope will allow more to experience all the noble horse has to offer.” Carlisle Academy has been a longtime leader in its field and offers a range of equine-assisted therapy and sport programs. Since 2008, the Academy has provided services to disabled veterans, and this grant will expand on these offerings to build a national coaching and training pathway for eligible veterans to pursue their Paralympic sport dreams. “We are thrilled to receive this grant which will allow us to bridge the thera-

Carlisle Academy

peutic horsemanship and para-equestrian communities, while creating greater access for veterans and their coaches to these growing adaptive sports,” said Sarah Armentrout, Head of School at Carlisle Academy. “I would like to thank our congressional leaders, U.S. Senator Susan M. Collins, U.S. Senator Angus S. King Jr., and U.S. Representative Chellie Pingree for their ongoing support.” Carlisle Academy has invested considerable resources in para-equestrian experts who complement its staff of therapists and instructors to help athletes and their coaches lay the foundation for success in para-dressage and para-driving. Clive Milkins, Paralympic Coach from the United Kingdom with over 20 years dedicated to the sport of para-dressage is on staff at the Academy, actively training athletes, coaches, and their horses from the grassroots through highperformance levels. Scott Monroe, a carriage driving national champion and PATH Level 2 Therapeutic Driving Instructor is an affiliate coach for driving clinics and lessons. As a veteran who served in the U.S. Marine Corps, Monroe has a keen interest in working with wounded service men and women to develop their competition skills in Para-Driving. “Carlisle Academy is staffed with highly trained and enthusiastic personnel (Horsebites cont. on pg 29 October 2016 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE

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24 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE October 2016

ers along with our loyal customers. Emerald Valley works closely with two herbal/nutraceutical labs and an equine nutritionist to develop herbal and natural supplements that are a part of the EVNH family. Emerald Valley’s line of herbal solutions are made with purified water, under strict batch control and quality guidelines in an FDA registered/ audited facility. There is no alcohol, sugars or fillers added, only natural herbs that invigorate the horses in your life! “Formula 4 Feet”, a non-GMO horse hoof supplement from EquiLife, joined our product line. It was a perfect fit for us as it addresses so many equine issues in a natural and balanced way. De-

veloped in the United Kingdom at The Laminitis Clinic by Dr. Robert Eustace, Formula 4 Feet is the most advanced and complete, natural horse hoof supplement on the market today. The Laminitis Clinic has developed a real understanding of the nutritional factors which keep a horse’s hooves in peak condition. Emerald Valley continues to develop and market healthy and natural animal health products to the industry. Emerald Valley is the sole USA importer and distributor of Speedi-Beet and FibreBeet, beet pulp based feeds. Speedi-Beet and Fibre-Beet feeds from British Horse Feeds, are sought after as they are both non-GMO and low sugar. British Horse Feeds is one of the UK’s most successful specialist suppliers of farm feeds, micronized ingredients and horse feed, with customers worldwide. Our equine (and canine!) natural supplements are of the highest quality, reliable and trusted. We are an audited company boasting the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) Seal on our herbals, your guarantee that our products meet the NASC high standards of Quality, Integrity and Labeling guidelines, providing the consumer and professional alike the assurance of our quality standards. “It’s our pledge to bring the very best to your horse and dog, naturally.” www.horsebackmagazine.com

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October 2016 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE

Training Tips..

while back we asked our Facebook friends what they would like to read about and we received a lot of great suggestions. By far, the most requested topic was regarding collection; what it is and what it isn’t, how to achieve collection, how do you know when you do achieve collection with your horse. We will try to address many of the questions in this article regarding collection basics. The following is my description of a collected horse. Collection starts in the hind quarters of the horse. The horse must round their body from the poll to their tail and propel themselves from the back, not drag themselves along from the front. In order to do this, the horse must be able to elevate their shoulders, which allows them to pick up their back and make room for the hind quarters to reach deeper and achieve the drive. If you could come up with one word to describe collection, it would be elevation. The height of the horse’s head does not indicate collection. When I do clinics and ask my riders for their description of collection they usually say it is when a horse puts their head down. NO! Not true. A horse travelling with their head down, if they don’t have their shoulders elevated and back lifted, will be forehand heavy. This means the horse is actually pulling themselves with their front end rather than pushing themselves with their backend. If you see a horse loping on level ground but they look like they are traveling downhill, they are probably forehand heavy and therefore not collected. This type of movement contributes to much of the lameness that is prevalent in our pleasure horses today, both in front end foot issues from pounding and back end hock

26 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE October 2016

Collection Basics for All Horses issues from an un-natural movement. A horse’s head height when they are moving depends on the confirmation of the horse. Most dressage horses have a neck that comes out of their shoulder higher than a western horse. As a result, a dressage horse will carry their head higher, with their poll being the highest point of their body. A stock type horse’s neck comes out of their shoulders lower, which allows them to have a naturally lower head carriage. This helps them excel with working cattle and general ranch work. In looking at the movement of the horse, regardless of the breed, an easy way to tell if a horse is moving with collection is to look at the movement of their back legs. If the stride of their back legs puts their hocks out into their tail and they do not reach up under themselves, the horse cannot achieve the drive with their hind end. Hocks back in the tail = no collection and a horse which is forehand heavy. Another key to collection is rhythm. A horse which is collected moves with a regular rhythm or cadence to their feet, similar to the beat of a metronome (one of those gadgets that your piano

teacher put on the piano that goes ticktick-tick). A horse that is not collected will have an uneven foot fall and will even make a heavier sound when their front feet hit the ground. We have spent much of this article describing collection and what I feel collection looks like. Achieving collection is a topic that entire books are written about. Many of my past articles have dealt with some aspect of collection. Collection starts with the rider’s body position. If the rider is out of balance, the horse will be out of balance and therefore cannot move in a collected manner. So collection starts with you! The characteristics a horse needs to have to achieve collection: the horse must be soft and light in the bride with both lateral and vertical flexion, they must stand up in the shoulders as they move, they need to be able to bend in the rib cage when asked, and the rider must be able to push hip/haunches in. Much of this relies on the rider’s proper use of the outside (not the inside) rein to help keep the horse balance as I discussed in last month’s article.

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Collection for a horse takes time to achieve, both mentally and physically. You will not get this accomplished in 30 or 60 days. It takes time to develop the mental skills in the horse as well as the physical conditioning in the hind end and across the horse’s loin. Collection is a mental and physical development for both the horse and the rider, but well worth the time and work it takes to achieve it! Remember…horses don’t make mistakes, people do. If you try to keep this philosophy in the forefront of your mind when working with your horse, you will be a more effective partner. 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 services available, visit Myers at www.tmtrainingcenter.com or on Facebook.

www.horsebackmagazine.com

October 2016 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE

Tack Care...

Cattle Guards, Horses & Tractors

Horseback Magazine’s Saddle & Tack Editor

’ve had a real run of bad luck lately. A friend came into the shop, and I was telling him my woes. He said, “A man’s problems are directly proportional to the number of internal combustion engines he owns”. Well, that sure fits my situation. This month has seen my good Chevy truck’s transmission stop transmitting, my 1973 Ford tractor stepped on a rainbow, my Cub Cadet mower loses power every time I engage the PTO, and my Harley, has a dead battery and the gas is leaking out somewhere. It’s not just regular pump gas, either. I go to the local airport and buy avgas for it, because it won’t run on pump gas. I thought about riding my horse to work. It’s only 8 miles; one hour at a steady trot, or one hour at a combination of walk, trot, and canter. Wide bar ditches would keep us pretty safe on the state highway, and the riding would sure do the fluffy fella good in many ways. Those of you who read my column regularly, know I try to be an efficient saddle fitter. My little Polish Arab, is a round little fellow, and I modified a full quarter horse bar tree saddle to fit him, but I still have to be careful mounting, or the saddle will roll right around his witherless back. I mention this because, in the two miles to the state highway, there are five cattle guards. Now the law requires a pass gate next to a cattle

guard, but it doesn’t specify what kind. Some are old western wire gates, some are galvanized gates, but regardless of what type of gate they are, they are never horse friendly. You have to dismount, hold on to your horse, and use both hands, three feet, and a crowbar to open the gate, and then close it behind you. Sort of takes the fun out of road riding. In the old days, there were wooden panels at the side of the cattle guards that you could let down, drive your buggy or wagon across, lift the panel back up and be on your way. If you were riding, you could lay the panel down, lead your horse through, lift the panel back up and be on your way. So my tractor, a 1973 Ford, was doing fine until it wasn’t. I got a good deal on it. Paid $4,000.00 for it, about $1,000.00 below average resale value. It needed paint, which I hadn’t got around to yet. So, two new front tires, a new starter, ignition switch, two batteries, a battery tray, several gallons of hydraulic fluid, and several other things, and I’ve got almost $6,000.00 in a $5,000.00 tractor that is now going to take another two to three thousand dollars to make usable again. So, as much as I hate to buy foreign made stuff, I bought a new Kubota tractor. Better to pay monthly payments, and have the use of the tractor, than pay out hundreds and thousands along with the lack of use, to keep a 45 year old tractor running. My new tractor got delivered this morning. I didn’t have time to play with it because I had to take my truck back to the transmission shop because they had screwed up the exhaust. Got home around five and spent two hours trying to align the bush hog and get it hooked up. Finally got it hooked to the three point hitch, but the power take off shaft was too short! I wonder if it would be possible to find a horse drawn sickle mower. I know there are a

few around. Imagine the pleasure of hitching up a team of horses, and going to the field, engaging the clutch, and listening to the snick, snick, snick, of the sickle bar going back and forth, as you watch the horses pulling in tandem. We have lost the patience to work a team or to ride an hour to town to work or to pick up some groceries. The modern world is too inconvenient for using old time methods. I think it’s a real loss. I have a friend in a mountain town in south western Virginia. He lives in a log house, with a fireplace and wood stove. He takes his riding horse and a pack horse to town for groceries about once a month. He doesn’t have to. He’s got more money than ninety percent of my readers. He’s choosing to keep his money, and follow a dream. The nice thing about so many parts of the Eastern states is they don’t have cattle guards on the dirt roads! I’ve traveled lots of Tennessee back roads, and you can drive a buggy or ride a horse for miles and never encounter a cattle guard. I guess I’m getting to the age where I would really like for things to be more peaceful, tranquil, and enjoyable. Modern times have made it difficult to move slowly and efficiently. If we elect to move slowly, it’s very difficult, and let’s not forget, as you’re taking the team to the field, and a rabbit spooks the horse, and they both take off in a stampede, your tranquil afternoon of mowing has now turned into a runaway wreck, with your harness broken, your machinery wrecked, and the horse that didn’t spook, crippled. Life can be a bitch. 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. 0 YEARS

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(Horsebites cont. from pg 23

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THOROUGHBRED MAKEOVER JUDGES ANNOUNCED Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) announced the judges for its 2016 $100,000 Thoroughbred Makeover, which takes place October 27-30 at Kentucky Horse Park and is presented by Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA). The eighteen judges announced hail from eleven states and Canada, and together demonstrate a deep admiration by leaders of ten equestrian disciplines for the talent and trainability of the off-track Thoroughbred. www.horsebackmagazine.com

“I believe I speak for all of the judges when I say that we are travelling to Kentucky to promote the Thoroughbred horse in our respective sports,” said hall of fame rider and legendary show jumper Bernie Traurig. “We look forward to seeing what these trainers have accomplished and rewarding the best.” Three hundred Thoroughbreds are registered to make the trip to Kentucky from 42 states, three Canadian provinces, and England. All began training in second careers this year. They will compete for $100,000 in prize money in ten equestrian sports, and the overall winner will be crowned America’s Most Wanted Thoroughbred. The Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium includes over 100 Horses For Sale, eighty vendors in the Sponsor Fair, five Seminars, five Bridges to Second Careers Roundtables, ten Training Demonstrations, and three Special Presentations. For tickets and schedule go to RetiredRacehorseProject.org. The Thoroughbred Makeover Judges: Barrel Racing Liana Deweese of Claremore, Oklahoma has trained and competed barrel horses for the past 21 years while operating Deweese Barrel Horses with her husband Mark, but also trains horses and competes in team

roping, ranch horse, jumping, team penning, cutting, and polo. Nancy Wilde of Lone Oak, Texas has judged for 39 years and holds judges cards in the following associations: AQHA, APHA, NSBA, PTHA, APHC, and PHBA. She has shown, trained, or bred 54 PHBA World or Reserve World Champions and placed at the All American Quarter Horse Congress and AQHA World Championship Show. She is office manager of Diamond D Racing Thoroughbreds, a large training center in Texas. Competitive Trails Steward - Cindy Brasfield of Robertsdale, Alabama trains horses for trails, obstacles, driving, and liberty work from her Arco Farm. She has trained everthing from mules to more than 24 Mustangs and is one of the most decorated Mustang Makeover trainers in the country. Dressage Karen Winn of Lexington, Kentucky is a United States Equestrian Federation “R” judge in dressage and “S” judge in eventing, as well as an FEI Eventing Judge and Chief Steward. She currently serves as staff accountant at the Kentucky Horse (Horsebites cont. on pg 31 October 2016 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE

DIGESTION & COLIC

by: Horse Sense Solutions Don’t tell me your horse has never had a digestive problem, just as I am sure you yourself have never had a digestion problem, also? Some horses tolerate pain better than others and just seem very somber.I hope this article has been an awakening for you – It’s not IF my horse will get colic – It’s WHEN (will it always be your friends horse)

You Say – Not My Horse!!

the colon actually pulls so much water out of the feed stuff, that it is now But, then.... there was this horse in sticking (adhering) to the mucosal linyour memory that almost died. ing. If given mineral oil as a treatment for impaction colic, may work because the barrier made IT CAN and WILL happen to you! not in feed stuffs sticking to the mucosal lining. The oil is not getting through to the other end and you do not see it being eliminated. Also, giving muscle hat you should know relaxants (NSAIDs) as a treatment for about impaction colic: In Digestion System and Why Horses impaction colic may not work because previous issues, published you need the smooth muscles to help are at Risk of Impaction Colic 1st and 2nd articles of the digestive with peristalsis (wave like movements) by Reba Martinez tract, I have brought your attention in moving partial digested feed stuffs to various reasons why a horse may through. have colic. It may be your horse’s teeth SayWhoa! to horses in not properly maintained, over feeding at distress. This product assists in reversing one time or sudden change of feed, or not the situation to aid in bringing body fluids adequate intake of water. Not drinking back into the colon which supples up the enough water can be simply as a severe mucosal lining which releases the adherweather change. Horses drink when ing feed stuffs. Then the ionic solution of weather is warm, but if it suddenly drops calcium plus other natural ingredients aid overnight to 20 to 30 degrees or lower; in promoting smooth muscles needed for the horse does not feel thirsty or hot the peristalsis which assists in elimination of next day, so they do not drink adequate retained stools. amounts. SayWhoa! has been on the market for Impaction Colic is the number some time now and is sold in stores across one killer of horses. Feed stuffs must be the United States. Why wouldn’t you keep adequately broken down through digesthis on hand with a 5 year shelf life, no temtion and flowing properly through a well perature control and the horse just swallows hydrated horse. If not, the results are it with an included oral dosing syringe (even large masses of the food stuffs being moved slowly and actually your care taker can give). Use as your first defense when you see trapped in the colon. Remember as explained above, the small signs of distress in horses. For more information, go to www. colon keeps doing its job as usual, pulling out the moisture to HorseSenseSolutions.com or call 800-448-8180. See why veterimake fecal balls. When movement of digestion is slowed down, narians recommend this and leading trainers won’t be without it.

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(Horsebites cont. frin pg 29

and is enrolled in the FEI Eventing Steward Training Program.

Jennifer Maynard of Vancouver, British Columbia is one of Canada’s most sought-after dressage judges. Having shown and judged at FEI levels she is particularly passionate about judging paraequestrian dressage. She and her husband Rick own Southlands Heritage Farm and Maynard’s Pony Meadows.

Mary Grace of Coatesville, Pennsylvania is a United States Equestrian Federation “r” dressage judge, a USDF Bronze Medalist, and a United States Eventing Association approved judge for Young Event Horse and Future Event Horse.

Park Foundation.

Eventing Allie Knowles of Midway, Kentucky is currently competing at the CCI 4 Star level of eventing on two Thoroughbreds. She was the top placed American at Rolex Kentucky CCI 4 Star after dressage in 2015 and place 16th in 2016. Richard Lamb of Aiken, South Carolina is a USEA Instructor Certification Program Level 3 instructor whose students have competed through the CCI** level. He maintains a busy schedule travelling across the country as a course designer, clinician, and coach. Ann Forer of Milford, New Jersey is a USEF “R” dressage judge and “r” eventing judge. She is a United States Dressage Federation Bronze and Silver Medalist who has also evented through Preliminary www.horsebackmagazine.com

Field Hunters Laura Sloan of Berryville, VA may have trained more field hunters than anyone in America. She judges MFHA Centennial Performance Trials, has colors from four clubs, has been keynote speaker at MFHA Staff Seminars on the training and care of field hunters, and operates Laura Sloan Foxhunters. Julie McKee of Grantville, GA trains and sells foxhunters out of her Fox View Farm. She has colors from three hunts, has hunted in eleven states and throughout Ireland, and has competed successfully on multiple horses in MFHA Centennial Field Hunter and North American Field Hunter Championships. Steward - Lt. Col. Dennis J. Foster of Millwood, VA has served as executive director of the Masters of Foxhounds Association (MFHA) for the past twenty-four years.

In that time he has hunted with over 340 different hunts in eleven countries while promoting and protecting the sport here in America. Freestyle Cindy Brasfield of Robertsdale, Alabama trains horses professionally for trails, obstacles, driving, and liberty work from her Arco Farm. She has trained everything from mules to mustangs and is one of the most decorated Mustang Makeover trainers in the country. Braxton Lynch of Paris, Kentucky owns and operates Royal Oak Farm with her husband Damien and serves on the board of Thoroughbred Charities of America. Growing up in Pennsylvania with bloodstock agent Richard Jones as her father and event horse owner Annie Jones as her mother, Braxton went from ponies to galloping racehorses at an early age. Polo Charles Muldoon of Poolesville, Maryland is executive director of U.S. Polo Umpires, LLC, was a 7-goal professional player at top tournaments worldwide, has trained hundreds of off-track Thoroughbred polo ponies, and owns and operates Summerhill Farm.

(Horsebites cont. on pg 33

October 2016 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE

Horsebites...

(Horsebites cont. from pg 31

Jorge Vazquez of Lexington, Kentucky manages the Lexington Polo Club, coaches the University of Kentucky polo team, and has played professionally in seven countries. He also works in the Thoroughbred industry at Gainesway Farm. Show Hunters Thom Brede of Stamping Ground, Kentucky is a USEF “R” judge who has judged hunters at the most prestigious shows in the country for decades and chaired the USEF Licensed Officials Committee. He hails from the era when Thoroughbreds dominated the hunter division and owns Thoroughbred racehorses. Tiffany Teeter of Southern Pines, North Carolina has spent her life riding and judging hunters and jumpers at the top shows. She has judged with Thom Brede in the past and is dedicated to marketing the Thoroughbred horse to modern riders. Show Jumpers Bernie Traurig of San Marcos, California has ridden for the United States Equestrian Team, been inducted into the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame, trained and sold Thoroughbreds like Idle Dice who went on to become the world’s best show jumpers, competed in advanced eventing and Grand Prix dressage, and created EquestrianCoach.com. His passions are Thoroughbreds

and teaching. David Hopper of Armenia, New York has spent the last forty years evaluating, purchasing, training, and selling jumpers, hunters, eventers, and dressage horses, including many who have risen to the top of their sport and represented the US internationally. His career began by repurposing off-track Thoroughbreds and he still admires the breed.

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Horsebites...

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Mary Babcock President-elect of the USHJA Working Ranch Liana Deweese of Claremore, Oklahoma has trained and competed barrel horses for the past 21 years while operating Deweese Barrel Horses with her husband Mark. She also trains horses and competes in team roping, ranch horse, jumping, team penning, cutting, and polo. Nancy Wilde of Lone Oak, Texas has judged for 39 years and holds judges cards in the following associations: AQHA, APHA, NSBA, PTHA, APHC, and PHBA. She has shown, trained, or bred 54 PHBA World or Reserve World Champions and placed at the All American Quarter Horse Congress and AQHA World Championship Show. She is office manager of Diamond D Racing Thoroughbreds, a large training center in Texas. Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium is scheduled for October 27-30, 2016 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. www.RetiredRacehorseProject.org

NEW AMERICAN PAINT HORSE FOUNDATION INITIATIVE FUNDS GENETIC RESEARCH The American Paint Horse Foundation announces a new research initiative established by Mountain View Paint Horse Ranch, home of APHA Leading Sire The Gift Of Midas. The initiative will fund continued research on equine genetics. Chuck and Sherry Marx, owners of Mountain View Paint Horse Ranch in Prescott Valley, Arizona, got their start in the Paint Horse industry in 2003, before many of today’s genetic health tests were designed. The industry-standard “Five- or Six-Panel” tests evaluate some of the most well-known conditions, but more genetic health conditions in horses are known and tests have not yet been developed for all. One of the most widely discussed non-five-panel conditions is Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy Type 1 or PSSM1; research into this disorder is ongoing, and it’s possible external conditions could influence symptoms or symptom development. Mountain View Paint Horse Ranch believes breeding decisions should be based on informed research—today, much of that research is incomplete. For that reason, Chuck and Sherry have decided to donate every dollar of breeding revenue generated by their decorated stallion, The Gift Of Midas, over his lifetime to furthering this research and making a difference in the industry. This initiative, made through APHF, is supported through a $70,000 whole life www.horsebackmagazine.com

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www.bigbalebuddy.com insurance policy. Funds will be available to help researchers identify the factors that give rise to the various symptoms of genetic health conditions, rather than simple identification of genetic “markers” for those conditions; interested researchers are urged to express their interest to APHF by emailing ljesberg@apha.com. Mountain View Paint Horse Ranch also encourages the testing of all breeding stallions and mares. “When we began in the business, we were told by top trainers to always breed the best stallion to the best mare,” Chuck said. “In addition to considering the current and ever-expanding list of genetic conditions, that meant we looked for world champion stallion performers, world champion producers, conformation, demonstrated success of foals, size and color, bone and feet quality, and enrollment in major futurity and incentive programs. “We encourage other breeders to think about supporting endowments such as the one we have begun here,” Chuck continued. “The American Paint Horse Foundation is happy to work with you to accomplish goals for our breed.” To make a donation to this research effort, visit the APHF online donation form at apha.com/foundation/aphf-donation-form. Browse down to the “Honorarium or Memorial Endowment” section and type in “The Gift Of Midas” and the amount you would like to donate.

MARY BABICK NAMED NEXT PRESIDENT OF THE USHJA Four-year term to begin December 15 following the USHJA An(Horsebites cont. on pg 39 October 2016 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE

From WILD

To MILD by Kelsey Hellmann

ust what does it truly take to get an off the range mustang to go from ‘Wild to Mild’? Well, the ever famed Extreme Mustang Makeover is taking America by storm this year to show case exactly what it takes. The Mustang Heritage Foundation designed the Extreme Mustang Makeover and held the first event in 2007 in Fort Worth, Texas. Since then they have hosted makeovers in 22 states, 30 cities and have adopted out over 3,700 mustangs. This year will be their record adoption year by placing over 1,100 mustangs into new homes through gentling and training programs. This year was special for the mustang crowd not just for all of the adoptions, but because the organization is celebrating ten years of the Extreme Mustang Makeover. In honor of ten successful years of working with mustangs they held ten Makeovers across the United States in 2016. But what better way to celebrate than to bring it back to the city where it all began, Fort Worth, Texas! The final Ex-

34 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE October 2016

treme Mustang Makeover of 2016 was held at the Will Rogers Equestrian Center in Fort Worth, Texas September 15th through the 17th. The event offers three different divisions. There is an extreme makeover for both youths and adults, plus an open mustang division for all previously adopted Bureau of Land Management mustangs and burros at any level of training. The Mustang Open Division is broken down into three categories; In-Hand, Walk-Trot, and Walk-Trot-Lope catering to various levels of training. The In-Hand Division was won by Hannah Catalino and her mustang Esarosa Catori. The Walk-Trot division winners were Kiki White, of Fort Worth, Texas, and her 10-year-old gelding, Snazzy’s Sentry. The winner of the Walk-Trot-Lope Division was Claire Walsh and her 3-yearold gelding, Dare To Dream. This was her second year to be involved with the Mustang Makeover. In 2015, Walsh competed with Dream in the Extreme Mustang Makeover

Youth Division placing third overall. She kept her mustang and started to train him under saddle in preparation for the 2016 Mustang Open competition. “I was shocked when I realized I won. I had little expectations of winning, I was only hoping that we would do our best. However, all the hours of hard work paid off!” said Walsh. Walsh explains that to take a mustang from wild to mild, it takes an extreme amount of hard work and a unique willingness to learn, from the horse and from others. In the Extreme Mustang Makeover Youth Division, the contestants are given a young mustang and approximately 100 days to train and gentle their mustang for the competition. They are judged in three different classes; Handling and Conditioning, Trail and Freestyle. The Handling and Conditioning is based in a round pen where the exhibitor will release the horse, re-halter the horse, work the horse from the ground at a walk, trot and lope, pick up each of the horse’s www.horsebackmagazine.com

hooves and load the horse in to a trailer. In addition, the horse is judged on its overall condition, muscle tone and coat. The second class is in-hand trail, where the exhibitor will demonstrate their horse’s willingness to work over obstacles such as trotting or side passing over logs, backing between poles and much more. The final class is the in hand freestyle. In this class the youth are able to set up their own obstacle pattern, use props, dress up both themselves and their mustang and put it all together to music. This is the class where many of the trainers will demonstrate their horse’s capability to work at liberty, or free of halters, ropes or harnesses tethering the horse to the exhibitor. The Extreme Mustang Makeover Youth Division was won by Kayden Frazier of Comanche, Texas and her 2-year-old mustang mare, Raindrops On Roses. Frazier placed in the top ten in the handling and conditioning and in the trail classes, but she and the mare stole the show with their freestyle performance. The team’s freestyle was set to the theme of the old cartoon, The Flintstones. Frazier dressed her mustang up as the famous Fred Flintstone while she dressed up as Wilma Flintstone. The whole arena was set with obstacles that reflected the cartoon shows introduction, complete with a horse sized ‘car’ that the mustang stood in, a frame that looked like the rock home of the Flintstone’s family that the horse walked through and backed out of, and a large purple dinosaur ramp in which the horse climbed up, stood and climbed down all with direction from Frazier. All of this while the theme song was playing. Frazier walked away from Fort Worth with some great prizes, a Resistol cowboy hat, a Gist belt buckle and $1,000 in prize money! The Extreme Mustang Makeover Adult Division is set up differently from the youth division because the exhibitors are riding their mustangs. Starting out with three classes and taking the top ten horse and rider teams from those classes to compete in two more classes to determine the placings. The first three classes in which all exhibitors compete are Handling and Conditioning, Trail and Compulsory Maneuvers. The two top ten classes are Compulsory Maneuvers and Freestyle. The handling and conditioning is the same set up that the youth do, but the trail is mounted and the horse is ridwww.horsebackmagazine.com

Kayden Frazier of Comanche, Texas and her 2-year-old mustang mare, Raindrops On Roses den over obstacles at a variety of gates. The compulsory maneuvers are mounted and in the arena; there are signs at various points for the rider that dictate a maneuver to be done, like extended trot or turn around to the right. The Freestyle is where the trainers will demonstrate other skills they have taught their horses such as reining maneuvers, working at liberty, jumping obstacles and much more. The Extreme Mustang Makeover Adult Division was won by Katie Ketterhagen from Granger, Texas, and Teddy, a 6-year-old mustang gelding. Ketterhagen is a horse trainer, specializing in colt breaking. This was Ketterhagen’s sixth makeover and she won on the 10-year anniversary of the Extreme Mustang Makeover. She plans to continue competing in as many of the makeovers as she can. “I think it’s a really fun event and the people you get involved with are great and then also the horses. The excitement of getting a completely wild horse and seeing what I can do with them in a short amount of time, it’s fun and it is kind of addicting.”

Ketterhagen said she was very excited when she saw the horse she was getting for the Fort Worth makeover, because he had good conformation and a good amount of weight on him. She got her horse on May 14, 2016 and named him Teddy because of his ears. Unlike a typical horse’s ears, Teddy’s ears were rounded at the tops, due to frost bite when he was on the range. In the short time she had Teddy in training in addition to teaching ground work and getting him broke to ride, she was able to teach him such things as laying down, lead changes, working at liberty, reining maneuvers and working over trail obstacles. Ketterhagen explains that to take a mustang from wild to mild the trainer must be patient, have good timing and be able to read the horse. The trainer needs to know how to communicate with horses through body language, because that is all the offrange horses know and understand starting out. Ketterhagen earned quite the haul for winning the makeover with Teddy. Along with her bragging rights she took home $10,000 in prize money, a Martin saddle, a Gist belt buckle, a Resistol cowboy hat, a October 2016 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE

Claire Walsh (Center) Walk-Trot-Lope Division Winner

Classic Equine saddle pad, an Equibrand horse sheet, a Cinch award jacket donated by National Ropers Supply, and the use of a 4-Star trailer for one year donated by Wayne Hodges Trailer Sales. At the end of the makeover the horses were auctioned to BLM-approved adopters. Teddy was the highest selling horse at the Fort Worth makeover, selling to a family from Florida for $13,500. The auction works just like a typical horse sale where the highest bidder is awarded the mustang but the money that the horse sells for is split between the mustang trainer and the Mustang Heritage Foundation. While all seventeen of the youth at the Fort Worth event adopted their mustangs prior to the competition, the adult division mustangs went to new homes where they will be used for everything from trail riding horses to show horses, a true testament that these off-range horses have gone from Wild to Mild! If you would like to know more about getting involved with mustangs or a makeover in your area visit ExtremeMustangMakeover.com

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ARE YOU FIGHTING A WAR WITH SEEDY TOE, THRUSH, HOOF CRACKS? 4 Simple Tips to Make Sure You Win By Carole Herder

ollowing is not a discussion on the more serious hoof related issues such as laminitis, deformity, injury or navicular disease but rather a simple over view of our common problems; their cause, origin and some basic considerations for treatment. 1. NUTRIENTS First and foremost, the hoof requires nutrients. Horses are not cows and interestingly can survive in areas where cows and sheep cannot. Even if the food digested is lower quality, as long as it is high fibre, horses can digest huge amounts. Feeding them cultivated high proteins with starchy sugars and fructose, rich hays and grains, are difficult to digest and can lead to any number of hoof related problems. Slow Feeders are a wonderful way to slow them down so they are not gorging, but rather eating smaller amounts with continuous mastication as nature intended. Keep the Feeder low or on the ground, as head-down position is best for your horse’s digestion. 2. BALANCE In a wild horse environment, horses move around 15 - 20 kilometres a day on hard aggressive terrain ultimately trimming their own hoofs. When keeping a domestic horse, it is our responsibility to ensure their hoofs are properly balanced and correctly trimmed. This goes a long way in alleviated many of the problems our horses are plagued with. 3. TREATMENTS Tenacious and smelly, thrush is characterized by a foul odor involving the frog and the central and lateral sulci. The area should be cleaned out with antiseptic, protected from mud and moisture and kept dry. You may have to delve quite deep into sensitive tissue to really clean the infestation out and it can be painful for your horse. Once it’s clean, it should be treated with antibacterial product. Be www.horsebackmagazine.com

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diligent and treat thrush daily or you will not conquer its obstinate persistence. A horizontal hoof crack is often referred to as a “blowout”. It results from an injury to the coronary band or a blow to the hoof. These cracks will generally not increase in size, will heal on their own, and

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can often go unnoticed. On the other hand, the vertical varieties are most often a result of hoof imbalance. All that may be required is to remove the bacteria and re-balance the hoof. Horses have incredible healing power and in this case, new growth is essential for healing. You may use one of several repair prodOctober 2016 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE

ucts to patch the crack, but be very cautious not to trap moisture inside. Seedy toe cannot exist without white line separation which stems from inadequate nutrition, lack of movement (hoof mechanism) or a badly imbalanced hoof. Thankfully all of the above can be resolved. If it’s very bad it may require a Veterinarian for a possible diagnosis of insulin resistance, (which then relates back to the feed program), or she may advise a hoof re-section. You could pack the white line separation with an antifungal batting which should be kept dry and protected. 4. HOOF BOOTS Trying to keep your horse’s hoofs dry and protected while re-habilitating a problem can be challenging. Hoof boots will facilitate your efforts. Leave your horse barefoot so that you can often and easily treat the problem, while maintaining a good balanced trim to correct negative mechanical forces. Boots will help to hold the batting or treatments in place. The drainage holes in Cavallo Boots, which are so beneficial while riding can easily be blocked with duct tape to allow poultice treatments and bandaging. Your horse will likely be more inclined to move as he will be comforted by sole protection. Cavallo Hoof Boots are an indispensible aid in healing hoof problems and can easily be used when riding.

Carole Herder is the Author of the International Bestseller “There Are No Horseshoes in Heaven”. Carole has been involved in horse health since 1994. Her Company, Cavallo Horse & Rider Inc. develops, manufactures and distributes horse products in 26 countries worldwide. Carole and her partner Greg Giles designed and patented the full range of Cavallo Hoof Boots. Carole developed the Total Comfort System Saddle Pads to address the other ‘hot spot’ for horses ridden under saddle – their sore backs. Providing comfort for horses is Carole’s passion. She presents educational trainings around the world on the benefits of keeping horses barefoot and in their natural state. Ms. Herder is the proud recipient of the Royal Bank of Canada Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award as a western region Trail Blazer. Carole is a proud member of the Women’s Presidents Organization, supporting female Entrepreneurs in every industry.

HAVE FUN – GO RIDING Really - Get out there and ride. Horses thrive on movement and increased circulation. It can be that simple. There is good information readily available for you to learn more. Hopefully your farrier/trimmer can be your best resource. Find someone you can talk to and who’s company you enjoy; someone who answers your questions in a way you can understand. And most of all do not over react when you discover a problem. Horses have amazing ability to heal and very often with treatments - less is best. For more information visit www.cavallo-inc.com to download your free Q&A, listing the 20 most often asked barefoot questions.

38 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE October 2016

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Horsebites...

(Horsebites cont. from pg 33

nual Meeting. The United States Hunter Jumper Association Board of Directors elected Mary Babick as the next president of the organization, during the Board of Directors meeting held in Dallas, Texas. Babick will take office on December 15, following the final Board of Directors meeting of the USHJA Annual Meeting, which will be held in Palm Springs, California. The election consisted of brief presentations from both candidates, Mary Babick and Diane Carney, followed by a question-and-answer session with the board. Board members conducted their vote by secret ballot. A recorded webcast of the election will be available on the USHJA website. “It’s such an honor and a huge responsibility to be selected as president,” said Babick after the election. “I look forward to working in concert with other passionate volunteers to unite our industry, tackle our problems and, in so doing, assist in the development of our future leaders.” A professional horsewoman for 38 years, Babick has trained several well-known riders in hunter, jumper and equitation, who have continued successful careers in the industry. She is a USEF

Registered judge and has officiated at competitions all across the United States. Babick earned her instructor certification from the British Horse Society and is a USHJA Certified Trainer. Also, she has trained in certified management accounting and worked on Wall Street in the area of compliance. Babick has served as a member of the USHJA Board of Directors since 2010, most recently serving as the Hunter Discipline Vice President and a member of the Executive Committee since 2012. Additionally, Babick has served on the Planning Committee, the Emerging Athletes Committee (on which she still serves), as well as chairing the Youth Committee. Her committee work dates back to the earliest USHJA committees. In addition to her USHJA service, Babick currently serves as Chair of both the USEF National Breeds and Disciplines Council as well as its Horse Identification Task Force. “The USHJA has an incredibly bright future, and I look forward to Mary’s leadership continuing to improve our excellent member services while growing our sport,” said Bill Moroney, current USHJA president on leave of

absence and CEO of the United States Equestrian Federation, who presided over the election. “As Mary transitions into the role over the next several months prior to taking office, I look forward to working with her to ensure a smooth transition for our members, volunteers and staff.” Over the next three months, the president-elect will work with the current president and officers to ensure a smooth transition of leadership in December. Additionally, in December, the USHJA Board of Directors will elect a new treasurer, national vice president, and three at-large board of director positions. These will all be seated following the December 15 board meeting. “We appreciate the Board’s time and leadership in electing a new president,” said Kevin Price, USHJA executive director. “On behalf of the staff, we look forward to working with Mary throughout the transition period and when she takes office in December.” For more information about the election process, visit www.ushja.org/ elections2016.

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2016 Clinicians:

Michael Battenﬁeld Sue DeLaurentis Aaron England Dan Keen Deidre Malburg Ginger Reed DVM Jack Lieser Kaylon & Cathy Sullins Dr. David Warren

October 2016 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE

Landmark Evening at 2016 Nutrena® USEA American Eventing Championships Presented by Land Rover Raises

$5,000 for Brooke USA During “Sounds of Nashville” at the Tryon International Equestrian Center

housands of exhibitors, owners and spectators joined together at the Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) on Saturday evening, Sept. 3, to not only celebrate the 2016 Nutrena® United States Eventing Association (USEA) American Eventing Championships (AEC) presented by Land Rover, but to also support Brooke USA through the “Celebrity Bartender Showdown” and silent auction. The event took place during the “Sounds of Nashville” Concert presented by Coca Cola®, raising $5,000 for Brooke USA’s “Buy a Donkey a Drink” campaign. As everyone prepared for the concert, the festivities kicked off at “The Brooke Watering Hole” located at the TIEC’s onsite restaurant patio, Roger’s Diner. Brooke USA Ambassadors and Team USA Eventing members Boyd Martin and Lauren Kieffer were joined by Bobby Costello, Allison Springer, and Lynn Symansky, as well as Brooke USA Board Member Jim Wolf, as the celebrity bartenders throughout the evening. They concocted cocktails and raised awareness for the “Buy a Donkey a Drink” campaign, which ensures lifetime access to water for 81,000 livestock animals, including 13,500 equines in drought-prone areas of Ethiopia through the construction of five large, permanent water troughs. The project is expected to lower the equine mortality rate in that area by 45 percent, and benefit 67,500 of the

Starsky collecting donations for Brooke USA world’s poorest people who depend on those animals. “Our team was incredibly motivated to host an event that would generate awareness for Brooke USA and the ‘Buy a Donkey a Drink’ campaign in an engaging and energetic atmosphere,” said Katherine Bellissimo, Brooke USA Board Member and Principal of Tryon

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Equestrian Partners. “We’re thrilled with the success of this event and are looking forward to continuing our efforts to maximize exposure for Brooke USA and the mission of the organization at TIEC.” Guests had the choice to sip on a signature orange sangria, Moscow mule, or orangeade while listening to the sounds of “Raised by the Radio” star Mitch Rossell, who has opened for the legendary Garth Brooks, and country music singer Julia Cole, who has opened for country music sensation Hunter Hayes. Each drink and all tips raised throughout the night benefited Brooke USA, as well as a silent auction. Starsky, a miniature horse rescued by The Peeps Foundation and now owned by the Bellissimo family, paraded around “The Brooke Watering Hole” donning a special Brooke USA cooler outfitted with donation pockets. Starsky interacted with guests and served as an ambassador for organization, welcoming attention and contributions. Brooke USA is now only $9,500 away from raising enough money to construct the fifth and final water trough of the campaign, with the help of the funds raised during the event. For every $9 raised, one working equine will have lifetime access to a water supply, and the campaign will continue to run through the entire 2016 Tryon Fall Series. www.horsebackmagazine.com

“We are so fortunate to have the help and support of the Tryon International Equestrian Center, as well as Mark and Katherine Bellissimo and Jim Wolf,” Executive Director of Brooke USA Emily Dulin said. “The evening was filled with fun, laughter and of course, a greater mission-raising awareness for the 13,500 working equines that will benefit from the ‘Buy a Donkey a Drink’ Campaign.” Each water trough allows as many as 340 horses, donkeys and mules to quench their thirst with each filling, and will allow other livestock such as cattle and camels to receive lifesaving water as well.

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General...

Fall Thoughts. Howdy!

Welcome to Cowboy Corner.

ummer has finally gone, left with a bang, 95 degrees on the last day. Fall is in the air and as I have said before “saddle up, Jack Frost and start our way”. Don’t want frost any time soon, but 90 degrees+ temperatures wore out their welcome. Cooler, dryer days makes me think of all the fall activities which I really enjoy. Fall is time for the county fairs, rodeo’s and honky tonkin’. The winter trail rides are warmin’ up for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo rides in February. The fairs allow the FFA and 4H members to show their projects and be a part of the stock show sales. Great training for dealing with the real world. Had the opportunity to be an FFA member in high school and have fond memories of the training received. My Ag teacher was a fellow of great common sense and taught me lots of tricks in the Ag shop. Have described here before the best advice I ever got about ranch construction. “Build ‘er hell for stout”, were the words from my teacher almost sixty years ago. Some things just don’t change. Unless you’re working with an unlimited budget it’s hard to over engineer ranch construction. Never met anyone ranching with an unlimited budget. Back to the stock show sales at the county fairs. Urge folks to support FFA and 4H. The organizations really make a difference in the world and isn’t it time for those of us that have been blessed

42 HORSEBACK MAGAZINE October 2016

to give some back? Look in the mirror in the morning and think about what you can do for the young folks just beginning the long road of life. Believe that my generation thinks that education is one of the keys to solving many of the world’s problems. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a great example of promoting education. A popular rodeo sayin’ is “it’s for the kids”, and givin’ some back is good for the inner soul. If you plan to attend a sale, take a hard look at the breeding cattle. These calves have been handled and might be a good starter for a new beef cattle producer. Sure you might buy cheaper out of the pasture, but some newbys might need the training of a show heifer when getting’ started. Making cattle wild is easy, anybody can do that, but keeping them calm and easy to handle takes time and skill. Have always enjoyed the horse sales at the fair. An imprinted filly or colt never forgets, and in my experience maintains a good disposition throughout life. Sure some of the horses may be a little young, but many have the foundation for a great performance or ranch horse. Always thought the best training years were

two to four to get a young horse started on his job in life, and the fair sale horses are ready to start. Early handling really pays off, so think about a horse committee colt or filly. As fall progresses saddle up and enjoy the real world. Big part of the real world is the folks you meet on the trail, and the western heritage we all hold so dear. Take your children or grand-children along and allow them to experience what is read about in history class at school. Preservation of western heritage for future generations is a challenge, and have spent many years trying to do my part. The fairs and rodeos do a good job of reminding us of our heritage, and how agriculture has changed over the years. Not much farmin’ with a team of mules and a Georgia stock plow any more, but plenty of teams pullin’ wagons on the trail rides and at the rodeos. Thank you Lord for me remembering the Georgia stock plow and the 4X4 tractors and thirty foot plow used today. Been a hell of a ride.

Happy Trails...

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