Oct edition

HORSEBLAZE Volume 3

Jockeying for position from a VERY early age

Indian Dressage Team

Issue 8

Price 15USD

Navajo Nation eyes agreement reining in slaughter of wild horses

Aka Queensland itch (sweet itch) Cause, Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment

ESTER SEGNINI AND BEAUTIFUL TIME

We need to CONSERVE it! and SERVE it! www.neeranjali.com Save Water..... Save Life

HBM TEAM EDITOR

DARSDIDAR SINGH

CREATIVE/DESIGNING HEAD

NEHA AGGARWAL JINDAL

MARKETING HEAD

CHIRAGDEEP DUA (WARIS)

PUBLIC RELATIONS INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS USA MARKETING HEAD PHOTOGRAPHERS

VIJAY BHINDER RAJBIR BANDESHA LISA ULLMAN JONES DAVINDER SINGH ANKUR THATAI ADRIANO COLOMBO MAX BASSO GINO ROSA ANNAMARIA QUARESIMA

WRITERS

APURVA SHEEL LAURA ZUCKERMAN DR. NADIA CYMBALUK CHRISTOPHER THOMON

ADVISERS

BARBARA CARMINATI COL. SARPARTAP SINGH SAAB VIRK

Horse Love ... Healthy Active Life Style with Sense of freedom and power

T

he relationship between a horse and a human is an old one. It goes way back.

Before 3500 BC humans knew how to deal with the wild horses.

They used them for agriculture, hunting, carrying luggage for Nowadays horses are still bred, for many sports like dressage, jumping, western riding and driving (horse-drawn carriage).

For the most success in any horse-related activity, you have to build a good relationship with the horse to get the best of the best.

HARJIT SINGH RAI C.E.O

07

Global Equestrian Design An architect among Equestrians

Sertasil A new approach to wound care

09

Training the Young Horse

13

Pit Ponies

17

Sweet Itch

23

Indian Dressage Team

31

Winter Care for Horses

37

Equine Healing Program

41

Equestrian Trends

61

Some reflections

The equin miners

Cause, Symptoms, Prevention & Treatment

First Fame Asian Games

Thermoregulation & Management An innovative program made in Italy For Men and Women

Cases of Swamp Fever Confirmed in American Fever

64

Crazy Horses

85

Ester Segnini

93

Show Jumping

Yakut Horses International Star of Horse Hula Hoop & Artistic Dance

Authenticity, Connection and Confidence in this sport

INSIDE

05

Global Equestrian Design An Architect among Equestrians ..................................................................................................................................................................... .....................................................................................................................................................................

When I first met, Rashiv Gupta, an aspiring Architect, I could tell he was different. When he spoke, he spoke with vision, passion and purpose.

His voice commanded the room, silencing even the loudest of “diplomats.” So when I asked him why he chose to pursue a career with horses as his main passion he answered just as deliberately.

Rashiv Gupta had never ridden a horse, much less participated in any equestrian sports, however as he became more and more enamored with horses his passion grew. He began to attend polo matches, show jumping and dressage competitions and befriended countless professionals in the sport. He oversaw the development of Endurance and Breeding facilities as well as developed all the infrastructure and design projects including: indoor and outdoor arena design, logo design, FEI Regulated Competition arenas, resorts overseeing the polo fields, hot walkers and horse swimming pools along with various construction and project

“I grew up in the bustling city of Kanpur, famous for its factories designing leather products, in particular horse saddlery. I always loved horses and was surrounded by people that spoke day and night about horses as if they were their bread and butter. I'll never forget the first time I walked into a horse stables…the high ceilings, the fiber-footing arenas, the imported warmblood horses from Germany, and the absolute feeling of being engrossed in natural beauty. It was then that I knew I wanted to mix my love of design and craft with the lifestyle of an equestrian.”

“Horses have been man's most trusted friend since the beginning of time and have carried man into wars and battles. It is therefore my duty to ensure the needs of the horse as first and foremost when designing a top facility. Secondly will be the demand of the site as well as the goals of the owner,” as spoken by Rashiv, and rightly so.

“I want to be able to develop facilities that co-exist humans and animals with nature. I want to modernize the way equestrianism design is developed and bring an aesthetically pleasing stables to the forefront as well as ensure the health and happiness of the horses and clients.

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My designs encompass hygiene and airflow and are cool in summers and warm in winters.

Most importantly, I help clients to select the property right from the get-go as finding the key location and working based on its environment are key components when developing a horse facility.”

Architects specializing in horse design are few are far between in the world and Rashiv's vision is a new concept for others to lead by. His determination, spirit and bravery is much like that of the powerful horses he applauses and I for one am enraptured not only by this man's hold on the Architectural world, but also by his love of horses.

“I wanted to do something different. There are lots of good Architects out there, but there aren't many that specialize in horses. There's more to horses than just dimensions and measurements and numbers. You are dealing with living breathing animals. You have to factor in things like wind direction, the rising and setting of the sun and plants that are both beautiful but also non-toxic to the horses. Most Architects won't be able to understand the real desires of the clients, especially considering that there are so many various equestrian sports and factors to consider. Dressage, Show Jumping, Polo, Endurance, Breeding, Racing…they all have different needs and different priorities. This is why I started Global Equestrian Design and this is why I firmly believe that the trail ahead leads to grand horizons.”

– Rashiv Gupta CEO Global Equestrian Design

6

SertaSil

A new approach to wound care...

SertaSil is still in development, but will soon be available for veterinary wound care. It is also being developed for human clinical use.

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I

SertaSil

n many cases, wounds have to close on their own by growing back together, i.e. they cannot be closed using sutures. These open wounds are very prone to infection and in many cases the healing process is disturbed and the healing process is delayed.

SertaSil is a new product developed to help this type of wounds in their healing process. It has two different actions: First, a wound can get into a vicious circle, where the wound itself produces exudate containing factors that interfere with the healing process. One of the effects of SertaSil is to bind and remove this wound exudate, such that the wound can return to a normal healing process. Second, in infected wounds, the bacteria protect themselves against the immune system and antibiotics by building a protective layer, a biofilm, wherein they can hide. The other effect of SertaSil is to break up this biofilm layer, whereby the immune system again can reach the bacteria and fight the infection. It has many times been seen that SertaSil can help the body to remove an infection without the use of antibiotics, including antibiotic resistant infections.

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A number of studies have shown that this approach is highly successful. In a preclinical study, it was found that SertaSil accelerated the early wound healing phase by 60% compared to a topical antibiotic. These effects have been confirmed by vets, who have used of SertaSil in the treatment of wounds in horses as well as in small animals.

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The pictures show a puncture wound that had been treated for 3-4 months with all types of antibiotics, but without healing. The horse was then referred to Dr. Simon Knapp, who is clinical director at Scott Dunn's Equine Clinic, UK as well as senior veterinary surgeon at several racecourses, including Ascot, and the Guards Polo Club and is responsible for the Queens horses at the Royal Mews. Dr. Knapp first tried surgical debridement and suturing the wound, but the infection returned, the stitches broke and it was therefore necessary to take a different approach. Next, daily application of SertaSil for 3 weeks was used and the wound closed without further complications. One of the advantages of SertaSil is that it can work without a covering dressing and it is therefore excellent for hard to dress areas, as in this case. Dr. Knapp was recently interviewed by Scientific American Worldwide about SertaSil and the interview can be seen here: http://www.saworldview.com/countryspotlights/united-kingdom/. SertaSil has had similar positive effects on wounds in other horses, donkeys, dogs, cats and even an elephant.

8

Some

Reflections on

Training the Young Horse Teaching a young horse to follow the aids and accept a rider's influence is both an art and a science. It is like teaching a child to read – one starts with small words and short sentences before using complicated words and sentence structure.

A rider talks to the horse through her aids, which are the legs, seat and hands. By using simple “language” and being consistent in the messages being sent by the aids, a rider and young horse are able to perform seemingly complex tasks in the ring.

In order to be able to do this, one needs to do three things:

1 develop independence of position; 2 independently apply specific aids.

3 keep the messaging simple.

Independence of position is easy to describe but hard to develop. One of two things are happening when a rider in on a horse – the rider is either following the horse or trying to influence the horse to do something different. While the rider is pleasantly following the horse, the horse and rider are in harmony without the rider causing any discomfort or irritation to the horse. In this happy state, the horse movesforward freely with the rider.

A rider must know where this balance is and be able to sit firmly but softly around the horse and connect the aids without irritationso the horse accepts him as if he were not there. The rider can't be gripping or holding onto the horse uncomfortably in order to just stay on. Like dance partners, the rider must be connected with the horse firmly enough to stay together at pace without being unduly rigid or over-gripping the horse in an uncomfortable way just to stay on. It takes an educated seat to sit on an uneducated horse without interference.

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Armand Leone January 17, 2015

Some Reflections on

Training the Young Horse When the rider wants to influence the horse to change what it is doing, the rider selectively applies pressure and/or irritation through one of more of the aids at specific touch points on the horsewhile maintaining the other aids in a neutral position. The horse will try to reduce or eliminate the specific pressure or irritation of the aid by changing what it is doing. When the horse correctly changes its behavior in response to the aid and moves into the correct position or speed, the rider removes the pressure of the aid(s) and resumes the pleasurable state of following the horse in balance and harmony.

For example, when the right leg alone is applied to a horse's side, the rider applies varying pressure on the horse's right side until the horse moves its body to the left away from the right leg, at which point the right leg resumes a normal comfortable resting position and the horse resumes unencumbered movement.

Armand Leone January 17, 2015

However, the rider has to be very conscientious when applying one aid to not unintentionally apply another conflicting aid on the horse. For example, when a young horse goes into the canter in response to pressure from the legs, there is a natural tendency for the rider to fall back as the horse surges forward underneath him. The last thing the rider wants to do is to be fall back, pull on the reins and hit the horse in the mouth at the very moment the horse goes forward in response to the legs. This is the equivalent of stepping on the gas pedal and brake pedal of a car at the same time – the horse doesn't know what you want him to do. Messages must be simple and consistent at first - legs mean forward, hands mean backwards, right leg moves the body left and left leg moves the body right. The young horse first needs to understand the basic aids and trust them before moving on to higher level movements. If the rider gives conflicting signals, it is hard for the horse to follow them.

Patience, clarity and simple messages are the pathway to a well broke horse.

As the horse becomes more experienced, the hands and legs can work together and control the horse in a more sophisticated manner.With training a young horse, the rider must use clear simple commands in a consistent fashion. It is no different than a professional dance instructor dancing with a student - when the student lets the professional lead and the professional gives the student easy signals to follow, the dance unfolds. So too with the young horse and rider.

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VIRK STUD FARM

Village Bandipur, Near Mandi Distt. Fatehgarh Shaib, Punjab Mob. +919417162182 E-mail:- saabvirk@hotmail.com

Pit Ponies the equin miners Pit ponies the miners of the equin world earned their name from there duty of helping mine caol in the u.s. from as early as the 1600's to the mid-20th century when coal was first being mined.hearty breeds such as the shetland ponies from northern scotland were imported in high qaunities to work in the mines of Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia,kentucky and europe.

The ponies having to be low set,with a heavy body and limb build and plenty of bone and body substance their heads being low set and sure footed.under the british coal mining act of 1911,ponies had to be at least the age of four years old and in working condition,being shod and vet checked before being permittited to work underground were they could work into their twenties.

O

ther larger breeds of horse such as the the clevland bay,could be used on higher underground roadways but for many tasks smaller ponies were needed being no bigger than 12 hands high,the shetland ponies being a common breed to use because of their small size.during the interwar period ponies began being imported to britain fromthe faroe islands in iceland and the u.s. .geldings and stallions being the only ones used.donkeys being used later in the late 19th century.

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Working in the mines at the start of a young age often replacing women and childern, when the distance from pit head to coal face became greater, mining was never easy for humans or the sturdy little ponies.Though few horses of the equin world where given such great care and high respect as the pit ponies,though in some mines ponies would be bred,born and put to work without having ever seen the light of day,it has been long debated weither this confinement was insensetive or more humane,never the less the ponies that worked these mines received excellant care throughout their lives of work.

By 1984 there were only 55 ponies still in use by the national coal board in Britain at the modern pit in wellington, Northumberland when closing for the first time in 1994 only four pit ponies were brought out,out of the four ponies two went to the museum of national coal mining for England in caphouse.the last surviving pony called tony died in 2011 at the age of 40.while the last colliery horse named robbie to work underground in a British mine was retired in may 1999.

The last pony mine in the u.s. closed in 1971,at the peak of this practice in britian there was an estimated 70,000 ponies underground,in the later years mechanical tools and hauling equiptment was introduced replacing the pony routs also called pony hauls.The ponies then became restricted and confined to smaller runs from coal face to the main roads "also known as putting in europe"because these were much more difficult to mechanise.

In the shaft mines ponies were often stabled underground,where they were fed a diet consisting of a high portion of chopped hay and maize also known as corn and because of the risk of fire were not bedded on straw but rather on sawdust or peat,only coming to the surface during the collinary's annual holiday.in the slope and drift mines they were commonly stabled above ground near the main entrances.

Typically these ponies worked an eight hour shift each work day,during this time they would haul up to 30 tons of coal,in tubs on narrow underground gauge railways.one writer in 1911 wrote and estimated that the average working life of the coal mining mules was 3 1/2 years,while a 20-year working life was common on the surface.

Pit Ponies As common practice ponies were usually partnered and handled by one and only one driver as it was thought to have formed tight bonds and a good working relationship between miner and horse.there were many reports of ponies not adapting well when switched between drivers.as the ponies got older their work shifts may be cut back to four hours a day and had the luxery or not of working year around in consistant temperatures of 54-56 degrees.the ponies were trained on voice commends and often bits were not used only using one rain running to their halters.

Because of the difficulties of getting the pit ponies in and out of the mine, mining strikes were quit the production and this meant that the miners had to remove all the ponies since no one would be present to care for the ponies which were often lowered into the mines via cages, later, labor negotiations would allow the miners permission to keep the ponies in their homes below ground, with permission for stable crew to tend to their needs for the duration of the stoppage and the return of the ponies above ground due to strike or holiday caused much excitement and entertainment.

Though many miners were still dreading returning their ponies above ground since turning the highly fit,and highly regimated pit ponies used to a high calorie feed out to pasture with a bunch of other pit ponies often led to overexertion while running and bucking leaving many ponies with injury or killing them with kicks from other pit ponies,the chaos when the ponies were turned out was explained by many during the time as the ponies being blinded by the sunlight.

The sun possiablly being part of the cause though it is unclear to what degree and how the eyesight of the ponies was effected by the years they spent working underground,as horses see very well in the dark and low lighting while the miners also had their lamps to help light the way.in fact it is more likely that the ponies vision problems came from injury to their eyes through falling debris or equiptment.which is why in most pictures it shows the ponies wearing some form of protection in shields or gaurds on their faces to protect their eyes.

INTERNATIONAL UNION OF EQUESTRIAN ARTISTS Enter in the World of International Equestrian Artists from heart President & Founder Zebrablond Barbara Carminati

Contact No. +39 3292597816

Email: zebrablond@gmail.com

www.internationalunionofequestrianartists.com

Sweet Itch Cause, Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment After

a long winter, it feels great to welcome summer back with open arms. But after about three weeks, you remember the horror that summer brings with it‌flies! While many stables have great fl y management strategies in place, many horses may still be at risk from biting insects. Sweet itch (aka Queensland itch) is a common equine skin allergy seen in various parts of the US as well as internationally. ..................................................................................................................................................................... .....................................................................................................................................................................

Horses that suffer from sweet itch are hypersensitive to the saliva from a biting insect known as the Culicids midge. The allergen in the saliva will cause a histamine release from the horse resulting in inflammation and itching of that area.

Unfortunately, many horses will itch the areas until they bleed, creating greater risk for infection. Genetics play a large part in how sensitive a horse may be to the saliva, but many breeds are known to have issues with this particular allergy.

Cause

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Horses with this allergy will show swelling, redness, and loss of hair along the main dock of the tail, face, chest into the midline, and around the scrotal area. As itching continues, these areas will become more prevalent, eventually leading to open sores or bald patches.

Symptoms

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Delaying the onset of this reaction is paramount in keeping your horses healthy during the summer months. As with many other fly management strategies, reducing standing water near your horses (breeding ground for the midges) is a primary goal. In addition, midges reside in wooded areas concealed in fallen foliage. Increasing distance from woodlands and dense foliage may aid in reducing the midge populations near your horses. Limit paddock or pasture access during dusk and dawn hours, when midge activity is at its highest. As midges have trouble flying in windy conditions, place a fan outside your horse's stall or paddock to allow moving air around them. Providing garlic to your horse's diet and using ample fly spray may also aid in reducing insect populations at the farm. Use ample conditioner in the horse's mane and tail to reduce brittleness and create an oily barrier on targeted areas to prevent bites with products such as tea tree oils or diluted AVONÂŽ skin-so-soft.

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Prevention

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Sweet Itch

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Many treatment options are available pending the everity of your horse's skin reaction.

Many salves in combination with hydrocortisone creams are extremely successful in re-hydrating skin and reducing itching (Note to be careful around the face and eyes, especially with the concern of sweating on hot days). If the horse has a full breakout, check with your veterinarian about various options such as antihistamines, allergy shots, and in more severe cases, steroids. Once the horse has a breakout, continue to keep an eye for further swelling and inflammation, as the animal has a greater chance of developing a secondary infection from these open wounds. Knowing the symptoms, prevention plans, and treatment options are crucial in keeping those pesky insects at bay and a happy horse for another great summer to come.

Treatment

18

John F. Kennedy International

New JFK Airport Facilities for Traveling Equine The facility is located at Building 78 and encompasses 14 acres. Planes may taxi directly up to the facility to load and unload horses.

Designers believe the ease of loading and unloading will place less stress on horses transported through the JFK Airport. The innovations represent a giant leap forward in the care of transporting equine.

Developers estimate that the Ark will expedite transport of 70,000 animals per year. JFK is considered the area's busiest air cargo airports.

The airport accommodates nonstop international and transcontinental flights, which also decreases stress for animals. The amount of cargo is expected to increase significantly throughout the airport due to the new facility. In addition to the equine services, the managing facility, Ark Development, LLC, has designated separate areas of the facility to care for birds, livestock and other pets.

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Airport, located in New York, has recently completed a new equine air cargo facility. The new facility is estimated to be worth $48 million. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has entered into a contract with Ark Development, LLC, to manage the facility.

The combined efforts of GH2 Gralla Equine Architects, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine, construction manager Holt, and Grandin Livestock Handling Systems has created a state of the art, 178,000square-foot holding facility. The facility is designed to reduce stress for both horses and owners.

Amenities for the equine air cargo facility include around the clock veterinarian care, quarantine services, day-lit stalls, import and export center, and kennel services. Horses waiting for transport will be given a private climate controlled stall, food, and water in the departure lounge. Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine will provide veterinary care.

Veterinarians will be available for emergencies, surgical procedures, diagnostic testing, and general medicine. Vitals will be checked for each incoming horse. Animal behaviorists will also be on-hand to care for the horses.

M any

types of wildlife are finding their way back to southern Spain's 1,235 acre Campanarios de Azaba Reserve.

Because man had moved into this area and taken up natural wildlife habitats, large numbers of herbivores had disappeared from the area. With the decline in farming in the area, it is now leaving the deserted countryside open to vultures, wolves and other animals as well as the rare Spanish Retuerta horses.

After 2000 years, this horse had been reintroduced to the reserve and seems to be adapting well to their new home. There was recently an assessment done that showed 47 of the Retuerta roaming their new environment.

With the support of Rewilding Europe, the release was made possible by the Foundation Naturaleza y Hombre, a government organization. Rewilding Europe is a group that helps in re-establishing wildlife across Europe.

Rare Horses May Be On Their Way Out of Near Extinction Jose Negro, who is the director of the Danana Biological Station, is glad the first stages are going so well. He plans to establish two different populations of this ancient breed. Their goal is to have two different bands of the Retuerta at two different locations.

The two bands are complimentary to one another in that this helps to ensure a more effective rate of reestablishment for this rare breed. In strengthening the population, it guarantees the survival of the breed.

Both herds will be treated as strictly wild and will live in natural social groups in this Dehesa savannah woodland area.

Known as Iberian horses due the peninsula they are native to, only about 18 breeds are now recognized.

In 2012, the number of Retuertas with ancestral genes was 150 having been recognized as nearing extinction in 2003. The breed had thrived in the wild and this had helped to strengthen the breed. There was only about half a dozen of these left in 1980 due to other breeds being used for the agricultural work they had been doing.

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Chincoteague Island Tourist Destination for the Annual Pony Swim Celebrates 90 years ..................................................................................................................................................................... .....................................................................................................................................................................

First there was Misty of Chincoteague, then there was Surfer Dude. And through it all, there was thenChincoteague Pony Swim: equal parts cultural celebration and functioning auction.

For the citizens of Chincoteague, the swim is part of a week of events honoring the island's culture and heritage, and the ponies themselves. This year marks the swim's 90th year, a milestone that comes as no surprise to organizers, who expect it will continue for years in the future.

3

“The swim, these ponies, they're in our blood. It's all we've known,” said Denise Bowden, who has organized the week's events for 26 years in her position with Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company. “The whole town is based on the ponies, really.

The swim is something we've always had and always want to continue to have.”

The week's schedule of events - which runs from July 25 through July 31 -- includes the herd roundups, A fireman's carnival takes place each night during the week.

Bowden said nothing specific is planned to honor the 90th anniversary. The real highlight of the auction, she said, is that this year's ponies are the last generation sired by Surfer Dude, the prolific stud who died this spring.

Surfer Dude, a 23-year-old stallion, had amassed a following of loving fans who admired his appearance and gentle personality. With his long blond mane, beautiful blue eyes and attractive markings, he was the “manly man out on the beach,” Bowden said, and “everyone just took to him.”

Evelyn Shotwell, from the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce called the week of the pony swim “Christmas in July” for Chincoteague, a celebration akin to homecoming.

“It becomes part of your family and heritage to be a 'saltwater cowboy' or ride in the round-up. People come back every year to participate, it's a big family here on the island,” she said.

And that love of the ponies is not contained to the island's residents, Bowden said, but stretches across the country and the world.

“These ponies are national treasures,” Bowden said. “Even though they are owned by the fire company, so many thousands of people out there love them, want the best care for them and follow them.”

22

Indian Dressage Team Claims First Fame Asian Games Dressage in India has come a long way. This rising dressage nation finished sixth at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon (KOR) on 18 - 21 September 2014 where it gained its first international recognition as a developing dressage country. India's 3* judge Sunil Shivdas and the Indian team riders all consider this result very encouraging, particularly as it raises awareness for the country's potential as a dressage nation.

For the citizens of Chincoteague, the swim is part of a week of events honoring the island's culture and heritage, and the ponies themselves. This year marks the swim's 90th year, a milestone that comes as no surprise to organizers, who expect it will continue for years in the future.

3

The stars on the

Indian dressage firmament are Nadia Haridass, Vanita Malhotra, and Shubhsri Rajendra, spearheaded by national champion and the Asian Games highest ranked Indian Shruti Vora.

India has only been a member of the FEI since 1971 and dressage has been considered the ugly duckling discipline due to its lack of adrenaline.

4

Finishing the individual championship in 9th place at the Asian Games, Shruti Vora is the Indian National Champion in all categories from novice up to Intermediaire I. Born into a family of industrialists, Shruti was definitely not destined for a life with horses.

“As you might be aware India is definitely not a horse country like you have in Europe, Germany, and the Netherlands, etc," Vora told Eurodressage. "However this is slowly changing and in recent years more and more people are importing warmbloods with the aim of improving the standard. In fact back in 1993 I was amongst the first private individuals, apart from the Indian army, to have imported a Dutch Warmblood into India.”

Happy with her individual ranking on her 13-year old Danish Warmblood mare Akira (by Akinos x Loran) which she acquired in Denmark as 2010 Asian Games' hopeful, Shruti became the highest ranked Indian rider ever at a continental Championship.

Personally Shruti felt she messed up big time and was too ambitious in her kur.

“There was not even a proper dressage arena and with temperatures hovering between 40-45 degrees centigrae it was not the best preparation, not for the horses' emotional nor physical well being," Shruti admitted, even though she does not like to make excuses.

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INDIAN DRESSAGE TEAM

Shruti Vora Makes International Debut in Record Style.

“I made too many mistakes -- in fact in every tempi change -and there are no excuses for doing badly, but if it is of any importance, in India we only have one dressage competition per year," she stated.

With little test practice and just four qualifying opportunities, the Indians faced further obstacles on their way to Incheon with tough quarantine procedures. However, at least in 2014 India was able to compete whereas in 2010 host country China refused India to participate Over the last three months before Incheon the team riders had to keep the horses in the temporary established Equine disease free zone in a small town in Meerut, where the ground conditions were rather pathetic .

Her eighth individual place at the Asian Games after only five shows was an amazing feat nevertheless, adding that Shruti had never in fact ridden a freestyle before.

"The Kur in India is nonexistent and even for the qualifying trials there was not a chance to ride it. I was sure of my horse's capability though and had Joost Peters do my kur. While I was ok in the practice ring, when I actually entered I must have been tense and somehow passed it onto my mare. This is why we made so many mistakes in the tempi changes, something we usually do not do.�

Coached by Indian legend Major Jolly Ahlluwalia, Shruti calls her trainer the one and only good coach for dressage in India.

Taking advantage of his power position to determine the rules of the game on a national level, Jolly is the vice president of development for the Indian Equestrian Federation. He made the rule that only international FEI judges (3* or more) are allowed to judge in the country. Shruti actually agrees with this rule as part of the dressage development plan in her country.

"While this brought a lot of resistance in India, it is because of this very reason that someone like me, who with absolutely no competition exposure, has been able to ranked eighth in my very first international competition," Shruti stated.

“Fortunately or unfortunately it's a one man show.

This fact does have a negative impact within the riding fraternity in India but the fact remains that others who pretend to be trainers can't even get a 60 % at advanced level," said Shruti frankly. "At Prix St Georges and higher, apart from the four of us who went to the games, there is no one who can ride. Every single horse in India that has been ridden and competed at Prix St Georges level has been trained by Jolly.�

INDIAN DRESSAGE TEAM

Shubhsri Rajendra and her 16-year old Smoky 249 (by Samico) was quite pleased with their 28th individual place, particularly as she was without her trainer at the Games.

“Smoky is absolutely the most handsome piebald one can lay their eyes on," she said. "He is also the kindest, most patient and best school master I've ever known. I bought him from Bernadette Brune in France, who represents Germany in various CDI's.”

"I have never really competed in India as I came to England to train after I started riding," said Rajendra. "At the Games the competitors were really friendly and helpful, most of them are based in Europe. Personally, I liked the Hong Kong team the best as they signed their national flag as a gift for me. The volunteers were nice and accommodating. For an adolescent, it was one of the most memorable times of my life.”

Because of Visa issues Shubhsri first had to go back to India from England and then to South Korea while her horse remained in quarantine in Germany with her groom.

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Trained by Vicki ThompsonWinfield of Oldencraig Equestrian Centre in Lingfield, U.K., Shubhsri says due to the harsh weather conditions she never really considered asking a trainer to come to India to help her.

“Finding trainers as good as the ones in Europe is very hard in India.

Also, the quality of horses is not the same in India," said Rajendra. "In fact equestrian sports are not very common at all in India due to various reasons like cost, space, time, etc. Dressage is the least popular choice and faces a lot of stereotypes in India. The most prominent one is that it is just for girls because it does not provide the same level of exhilaration as jumping or eventing. I believe that breaking this will take quite a while," she said regrettably.

Nadia Haridass, Training Internationally to Make it Big Second to come in for India, Nadia Haridass and 15-year old Dutch imported horse Toronto (by Jazz) finished 15th individually.

To her the 2014 Asian Games were a good experience. “My horse spooked in the Intermediaire I and also in the Kur so I lost marks due to that," Haridass told Euro dressage. "The inter I was going very, very well until the second canter pirouette in which he spooked and I made three mistakes from there on.�

"Dressage in India is only just emerging and there are very few riders at small tour level.

However I feel there is a lot of scope for dressage in India in the future," she said with high hopes.

Haridass' first coach was also Major Jolly Ahlluwalia.

The Bangalore based Haridass has been training with Hubertus Schmidt and Emma Kanerva in Paderborn, Germany, to prepare herself for her first major championships.

Haridass says that renowned trainers refuse to come to India for clinics so the ambitious riders are forced to make their way to Europe if they want to get anywhere in the sport.

“He is the best rider India has seen and apart from him, there is no one credible in this discipline," said Nadia. "Dressage in India is still into its formative stages and India is a country that loves action. Show jumping is more appealing to the public, which has almost zero knowledge of the sport. In time, I do believe dressage will gain popularity."

Vanita Malhotra Has Long Awaited Games Debut For New Delhi based Vanita Malhotra, the fourth rider on the Indian team, competing at the 2014 Asian Games was a great experience and a long awaited one after having missed the 2010 edition due to veterinary protocol.

"I was relieved when my horse took off from Delhi to Incheon, because after last time I was taking nothing for granted. I felt that the standard of horses at the 2014 Asian Games had improved tremendously and the standards are really very high,” Vanita told Eurodressage.

Riding one of the oldest horses at the event, Vanita bought her 19-year old Holsteiner gelding Cantaro in Austria in 2010. She is also trained

by Jolly Ahlluwalia at her own farm.

Vanita believes that dressage is picking up in India, but the trainers are still an issue.

“We need good trainers and sponsors for the sport to pick up.

Public awareness is required, many children from business homes are now taking up riding, but it's not a mass sport like cricket," she said. "It is a sport for the elite as it is capital intensive. Also in India, the army is involved in this sport. Before there were hardly any civilian riders but now you see many civilian riders especially children taking up riding, but they give up at senior level due a lack of proper training.

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INDIAN DRESSAGE TEAM

“You need to invest a lot in good quality horses, which I plan to," Malhotra explained. "In order to compete at this level and win a medal one has to be based in Europe and be competing regularly.

Major Ahlluwalia has many horses in Germany and has breeding stallions. He is a mentor when it comes to riding and selecting a horse for purchase. I have a few younger horses in India which I plan to train and I also plan to purchase two horses in Germany, one younger one and an older one to compete there. I feel it is important to be in the heart of the competition world in order to do well at big events and make a mark."

Hoping to get his 4* status by 2017, as a serving Army officer of the 61st Cavalry, Colonel Sunil plans to judge as much as his military duties permit him.

“On the home front a new series of dressage competitions called the 'Indian Dressage League' have been introduced, based on the FEI World Challenge format, judged by a single FEI dressage judge," said Shivdas. "This has served to bring back the focus onto dressage at all levels, and I feel that dressage In India has come a long way and its future is very promising.”

Indian Judges, a two man show Indian FEI 3* Judge Colonel Sunil Shivdas was not present at the Asian Games, but as a judge for India he is now in a position to pay it forward in a sport that has already given him so much.

"It gives me great pleasure imparting the knowledge I have to our riders, trainers and judges. I have taken a number of clinics so far and have judged extensively in South East Asia.

The biggest challenge I now face is to get Grand Prix competitions to judge since they are few and far between in this region.”

With only one other dressage judge from India, Col Dushyant Bali (FEI 2*) Sunil says it was indeed quite difficult to become a judge given his nationality.

“In 2007 I embarked on my journey to become an FEI dressage judge. I had to spend a lot of time in Europe to do my sit-ins and shadow judging. In 2010 when I had met all the criteria to attend the exam for promotion to FEI Candidate judges, the FEI changed the criteria. Furthermore no exams were held in 2010.

The new criteria was different for countries like India that did not have Grand Prix. So I had to begin qualifying all over again. In June 2011, at Gangeung, S Korea, I got my FEI 2* status. Now I was helped extensively by the FEI under the exchange programme for FEI officials. There are a number of senior judges who have helped me reach where I am but if I have to name a single person it would certainly be Mariette Withages who motivated me and steadfastly supported me all along.”

WINTER for Horses CARE lthough horses are very adaptable to cold weather, they must be managed sensibly during winter.

A basic review of energy (heat) exchange in the horse will help to explain why certain management practices are necessary during cold weather. The easiest way to understand the impact of cold weather on a horse is based on the heat (energy) balance equation. Heat or energy balance is the difference between heat loss and heat gain over time. If heat gain exceeds heat loss over time, the horse will gain weight. If heat loss exceeds heat gain, the horse will lose weight.

A

The most important loss of heat in cold weather is to the environment. Warm objects lose heat to the environment whenever air temperature is colder than the object. Horses, whose skin temperature is about 30oC, will lose heat to the air around them whenever the air temperature is below 30oC. The colder the air around the horse, the greater the heat loss will be. The main source of heat gain is the energy (calories which convert to heat) obtained from feed. Other minor sources of heat gain are muscular activity, the sun and mechanical heat in barns.

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Thermoregulation in Cold Weather Horses respond in two ways to cold: acutely (immediately) and chronically (adaptive or acclimatization). The immediate response of a horse to a sudden change in temperature is to change its behavior. Horses will seek shelter from the cold and wind, or huddle together, to decrease heat loss. Horses stop foraging and stop moving to conserve energy. Horses in cold, windy conditions typically stand with their heads away from the wind, their tails set low and into the wind. Shivering and other voluntary muscular activity can generate substantial body heat. It is not unusual to see horses running in cold weather. The muscular contraction involved in physical activity, such as running, results in heat production. In the dissipation of this heat, the horse's inner body core (heart, liver, intestine, etc.) is warmed. Thyroid hormone secretion is increased during sudden cold exposure in adult horses, but this response is short-lived. Horses will also vasoconstrict (reduce) blood flow to the extremities, such as the lower legs, the ears and the muzzle, and their hair will stand up (piloerection) to effectively increase the haircoat depth.

Horses exposed to constant chronic cold weather acclimatize to the cold. Typically, horses require 10 – 21 days to adapt to cold. For example, a horse kept at 20°C and exposed to temperatures of 5°C will adapt to temperatures of 5°C over 10 to 21 days. When the temperature drops to – 5°C, the horse will need another 10 – 21 days to adapt to this increasing cold. This process continues up to –15°C, which is the lower critical temperature (LCT). Once the LCT is reached, physiological changes and human intervention, such as shelter and/or extra feed, are needed to help the horse cope with the cold. One of the physiological changes is an increase in density and length of the horse's coat. Body temperature and respiratory rates decrease to conserve heat/energy. The temperature of the lower legs, ears and muzzle decrease because blood is shunted from the extremities to reduce surface heat loss.

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Thermoregulation in Cold Weather The horse's ability to adapt to cold depends on the duration of the cold weather and on the horse's energy intake. The latter factor, energy intake, is the most critical in determining how readily a horse develops a tolerance for cold. Horses lose weight if they do not eat enough energy to offset the heat loss to the cold surrounding air. Enough feed and goodquality feed are needed to supply adequate energy intake for the horse. Fat horses are able to mobilize some of their fat deposits as energy during cold snaps but enough good feed is the main solution for keeping horses in good condition through winter. Well-fed horses adapt without problem to cold weather, whereas unfed horses lose weight and lose cold tolerance. Yearling horses fed a high quality diet free-choice are able to tolerate temperatures as low as -11°C with no ill effect. Horses will generally eat to meet their energy requirements. In cold weather, feeding good quality hay free-choice is the simplest way to ensure that the horse will meet its energy requirements.

Management of Horses in Cold Weather HORSE Various factors affect the ability of a horse to withstand cold. Large bodied horses, e.g. draft horses, are much more able to withstand cold because of a lower relative body surface area per unit of weight (area: weight ratio).

Belgians are more cold tolerant than Thoroughbreds.

Newborn foals have very poor cold tolerance. Horses up to one year of age are less cold tolerant than adult horses. In late pregnancy (9th month and beyond), energy requirements of mares increase and, consequently, cold tolerance decreases. However, a winter-adapted, well-fed, pregnant mare is at no higher risk than a gelding. Poor teeth, parasites and disease also decrease the cold tolerance of horses.

SHELTER Horses kept in a shelter (shed) can conserve up to 20% more body heat than horses kept in an exposed area. A three-sided shed is suitable protection from cold winds and snow. A typical shed should be 8 meters deep and should provide an area of 7.5 - 9 m2 per horse for lying down. Adequate bedding, preferably straw, should be provided in sheds, especially for young horses. Wellbedded bluffs, coulees and treed areas can serve as alternatives for sheds. Animals that are able to lie down can reduce surface area heat loss by 20 – 25%.

FEEDING Dietary energy is the only nutrient that must be increased for horses kept at temperatures below their LCT. The LCT for growing and adult horses in Canada is 0°C and -15°C, respectively. Maintenance energy intakes of adult horses must be increased 2.5% per Celsius degree below temperatures of –15°C or the equivalent of 2% more feed. Feeding good quality hay is the easiest and most suitable way to supply additional energy for idle, adult horses kept outdoors in cold weather. Horses will increase their voluntary feed intake if permitted.

Horses can be fed hay free-choice without fear of producing laminitis (founder). However, owners who are limit-feeding their horses should ensure that 2% more feed per degree below -15°C is available to their horses. Groups of horses housed outdoors should be fed in a way that reduces competition among horses.

Grouped horses typically have a pecking order for feed and space. Often, timid horses will become thin, even if plenty of feed is available, because the dominant horses in the group won't allow them to eat. Any type of feeder, including feeding on top of clean snowy areas, can be used, as long as enough individual feeding space (3 – 15 meters between horses) is available for the horses in the group. Feeders are preferable since they will reduce feed wastage by 25%. This is especially true of those with a floor in them. Salt and mineral should also be provided. Clean fresh water should always be available to horses. Snow is an unsuitable substitute. A horse would have to consume ten times its water requirement in snow to meet its needs. The horse would then need to use energy to raise the temperature of the snow from the outside ambient temperature to the horse's body temperature of 37° C. This is a huge energy drain and, when coupled with poorly digestible hay, can lead to gut impaction.

Winter pastures should not be relied upon to provide the sole source of nutrients for horses since they are usually poor feed sources for overwintered horses. Not only is the nutrient quality poor but, in deep snow, the maintenance energy needs of horses can increase by 40% because the horses have to crater or paw through the snow to find low quality feed.

The cost of weight loss in the horse is much higher than most people realize. Thin, malnourished stallions lose their ability to produce sperm.

Thin mares have a very low conception rate. Underfed weanlings can become permanently stunted.

Finally, the extra cost of feed needed to rehabilitate a thin horse back to normal will equal or exceed the cost of the feed that should have been given to the horse to maintain its body weight. Feeding horses is costly; not feeding horses is more costly.

Guidelines for

Feeding Horses During Cold 1.

2.

The easiest method of feeding horses in cold weather is the simplest: feed high quality forages free-choice. Most horses will eat 2 to 2.5% of their body weight in hay per day. Average daily free-choice intakes of hay by a 600 kg (1320 lb) horse is 12 – 15 kg (26 – 33 lbs)/day or about a half of a 65-lb square bale per horse per day.

If you are limit-feeding horses outdoors, adult horses being fed at maintenance will need an additional 2% more feed per degree below the lower critical temperature (15°C). At –40°C, the horse will need 4.5 – 5 kg (10 - 12 lbs) more than it ate at temperatures above –15°C.

3.

Use highly digestible hays and supply a sufficient quantity of hay. Coarse over mature hays are low in energy and high in indigestible fiber. In cold weather, when energy demands are high, over mature hays will not supply sufficient energy and, furthermore, if fed without sufficient water, can cause impactions. Alternatively, grain can be added to the diet. Caution must be used when adding grain to the diets of horses unaccustomed to grain because founder (laminitis) can occur. All horses fed grain should be gradually adapted to small amounts of grain over a period of 7-10 days.

4.

Supplemental vitamins A, D and E may be needed. Appropriate mineral-vitamin mixes should be chosen. A fortified 2:1 calcium-phosphorus mixture is recommended for feeding with grass hays and a 1:1 Ca-P mixture is recommended for feeding with alfalfa hay.

5.

Provide adequate heated (2-10°C) water, if possible. Water helps maintain appetite and digestive function. Snow is not a suitable substitute.

6.

If available, a well-bedded, south or east-facing shed is useful for young and old horses. Alternatively, provide protection from the wind by providing bedding areas behind snow fences, in coulees or bluffs, or among trees. Horses that can lie down will conserve body heat.

An Innovating Equine Healing Program made in Italy

Elena Bajona, an Italian equine applied behaviorist and massage therapist has recently created one-of-a-kind healing program that offers a unique way to solve behavioral and physical problem on horses.

Elena is an equine specialist professional dedicating her life to the welfare of these wonderful animals and helping people to understand the language and behavior of the horse.

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The healing program made in Italy consists of a combination of cognitive and psychological therapies, involving the brain and the hearth of horses, with the physical work such as massages and bodywork that goes in depth in the musculoskeletal apparatus.

Behavior problems are often an unfamiliar field of practice for many veterinarians, so individuals outside the profession are often consulted for advice on such matters. However, many of these behaviors involve medical conditions so an understanding of the fundamental concepts underlying these problems and appropriate application of clinical skills is essential.

Elena's therapies are supporting and not substituting the veterinarian job. She manages all behavioral issues and performs various therapeutic treatments based on the type of injury or problem a horse is experiencing.

The combination of the two work fields (mind and body) goes into depth of the problem and reduces the healing process for the animal. The goal of this unique program is to build confidence in the horse eliminating all his psychological issues, deepening the bond between horse and rider, and at the same time, with massage therapies, to promote circulation, relieve tension, improve muscle tone, and relax muscle spasms.

Healthy, spasm free, fully extensible muscle tissue is less prone to injury. As homeopathic and natural remedies are quickly becoming the choice for injuries, massage has emerged in the forefront of modalities used, as its benefits are profound, and almost instantly a difference can be observed as the horse will begin to move more easily. At the same time an improved mental attitude can reduce the pain and enhance athletic performance.

Based in Italy, Elena Bajona is travelling in Europe and overseas for private consultancies and for short and long term therapies.

She is the founder of the Equine Behavior Academy ANIMANTIA- a private international academy founded in 2002 specialized in the study and teaching of Applied Animal Behavior, dedicated to develop a better understanding and a perfect relationship between humans and animals. Elena teaches professional classes in applied equine behavior in Italy, Germany, UK, USA and conducts special field trip in different countries to teach and apply the study of the animal behavior.

In 2004 she started, together with the American professional Jason Buckingham, the organization named Wild Horse Watching. Special observation activities of real wild horses are held in natural pristine sites all over the world, open to researchers/students or wild horses enthusiasts. Elena's strong believe is that only studying and understanding the real natural behavior of horses leaving free in the wild allows to comprehend the issues related to a bad behavior and identify the real cause. And this way of thinking was a huge support to find a fine tuning of all her therapies programs and to create the last innovating, both physical and psychological healing program here presented.

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Caterpillars that Cause Abortion in Mares The horse industry was shaken in 2001 and again in 2004 when abortion storms occurred in two Thoroughbred breeding strongholds with none of the usual reasons implicated.

Central Kentucky was hit with this mare reproductive loss syndrome (MRLS) in 2001, while Scone, Australia, was impacted in 2004.

Both locations lost a substantial portion of their foal crops.

Scientists quickly started looking into the cause of these outbreaks. Researchers in Kentucky, using an epidemiological study to ascertain what factors could be considered risk factors, developed a few interesting theories. One of the most surprising to many horse people was exposure to Eastern tent caterpillars (ETC)—one of the many types of hairy, bristly caterpillars.

How Is This Possible?

During the 2001 MRLS outbreak, more than 20% of Kentucky's pregnant mares suffered abortions. However, it is likely that prior abortion storms in the 1980s were also due to the ETC, but technology (e.g., ultrasonography) at the time was not sufficient to detect problems with the fetus until abortion occurred.

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In Australia, researchers at the University of Queensland have identified processionary caterpillars as a cause of equine amnionitis (inflammation of the amnion, or placental membrane) and fetal loss (EAFL). Veterinarians Kristen Todhunter, DVM, MANZCVS; Judy Cawdel-Smith, BVSc (Hons), DipVetClinStud, GradCertEd (Higher Ed); Nigel Perkins, BVSc, PhD, Dipl. ACT; and Joan Carrick, BVSc, MVSC, PhD, Dipl.

ACVIM, have been major players in this quest for information. As with MRLS, it is likely that previous abortion outbreaks were also due to caterpillar infestation.

The two syndromes differ in that there were no known cases of early pregnancy loss due to EAFL, whereas early pregnancy loss was the most substantial problem associated with MRLS. This is likely due to the timing of the breeding season in relation to the suspected exposure period for their respective caterpillars.

In Australia, mares are most likely to be exposed to caterpillars while grazing around trees where nests are present or when caterpillars form long lines (“processions”) as they move between trees. In the Southern Hemisphere (including Australia), mares appear most at risk of exposure to these caterpillars from about early fall to early winter (March to June).

In Brazil, another caterpillar species—the giant silkworm moth—has been implicated, as well. Other species of hairy caterpillars could also be capable of causing abortion in mares.

It appears that the caterpillars' hairs, or setae, are key to causing disease. They pierce the mouth, nose, esophagus (the tube from the mouth to the stomach), stomach, and even bowel after mares inadvertently eat or inhale them. Because the hairs carry bacteria (from the environment and the mare's mouth, for instance), they can cause enormous problems (including abortions) should they wind up in organs such as the uterus or heart.

The caterpillar life cycle is very important, and seasonality and timing will vary depending on the species and the region's climate. Processionary caterpillar moths in Australia emerge in late spring, lay eggs, and then die. The eggs hatch, and by late fall or early winter the caterpillars are mature and ready to pupate (or form a cocoon and turn into a moth).

Decreasing The Risk To decrease the likelihood of Australian mares consuming or inhaling processionary caterpillars, aim to prevent exposure and provide safe pasture environments by removing nests from trees and disposing of them. For the latter task, deep burial is better than burning, as nest material appears to be dispersed by burning. Nest material is very light, so avoid working in windy conditions that could spread it further.

In the United States, Eastern tent caterpillars appear to prefer to nest in black cherry trees. Thus, decreasing the number of these trees on a property can be effective but could be seen to be too drastic. Consequently, muzzling mares at pasture during exposure times and feeding them in safe locations or even avoiding pastures with known caterpillar populations can also be effective.

But remember: All caterpillar nest material is capable of causing irritation to humans.

Allergic skin reactions and eye, nose, and mouth irritation can occur. Individuals with asthma should be hypervigilant and avoid such material. Further, personal protective garb—including disposable coveralls, gloves, head cover, etc.—should be worn when working with nests.

Finally, it remains imperative to thoroughly investigate every case of abortion on a property.

ANYA’S FARM HOUSE DHRUV SINGH KUNWAR

(NANGAL) PUNJAB

Ph No. +91 9814501887

Horse-lover's haven: Riding high with the dashing gauchos of Golega in Portugal at their annual 10-day equine festival The equine town of Golega boasts of being the horse capital of Portugal Every November, there is a 10-day festival in honour of the Lusitano horse For the rest of the year, their presence is felt with wrought-iron statues 53

Sending a horse-lover like me to Golega is the equivalent of sending a chocoholic to a chocolate factory.

For the rest of the year, Golega is a sleepy place, although its love affair with the horse is always evident.

The town boasts of being the horse capital of Portugal, and for ten days every November it holds a festival dedicated to the worship of the Lusitano horse.

As you enter the town, the main roundabout is decorated with the brands of local studs, and there are wrought-iron statues of horses and riders everywhere.

There are horses everywhere: parading round the central square; trotting up and down the streets until five in the morning when the manure-cleaners move in; lined up outside makeshift bars; even going into discotheques in the small hours of the morning, seemingly unphased by the strobe lights.

The main square, which is about the size of a cricket pitch, is laid out with a sand area in the middle to practice dressage, and a track round the outside where riders and drivers of horse-drawn But it is in the week of the horse fair that the town bursts into life. Hundreds of horses, some from as far away as

They are crammed into temporary stables erected in back yards.

Other spaces are taken over by discotheques and pop-up bars.

Like their Andalusian cousins, they are descendants of the horses brought over when the Iberian Peninsula was occupied by the Arabs. And they still look like warhorses.

All round the square, stallions are tethered and studs entertain potential clients.

They are hot-blooded, always seeming as if they are about to explode into action, but remarkably calm in some ways.

The lanes off the square are full of stalls selling every conceivable kind of horse accessory, as well as cafes offering barbecued meats and delicious Portuguese cakes.

Lusitano horses are about the size of a police horse, but they are much more elegant and athletic. They have arched necks, powerful muscles and a naturally high gait.

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Nearly all the horses brought to the fair are stallions yet they never seem to fight.

It is not as colorful as some of the Spanish horse events, where women wear flamenco dresses and sit decorously in carriages or perch, sidesaddle, behind horse riders.

In Portugal, men and women ride astride – the women in elegant divided skirts, and the men in bum freezer jackets and tight trousers.

Most of them wear the traditional wide black and grey hats of the gaucho, though some dress down in flat caps and jeans.

The art is to look as nonchalant as possible, even when making your horse trot up and down on the spot, pirouette in impossibly tight turns or even rear.

Traditionally, the locals tend to ride with one hand, leaving the other free to carry a pole to prod cattle. But these days the spare hands tend to be used for sending text messages or chatting on the phone.

Among the riders weave traps drawn by even more powerful horses, or sometimes small ponies, though Portuguese children seem to graduate to riding full-size stallions at the age of about eight.

There are formal competitions and displays in the main arena.

But the real entertainment comes from watching the riders strut their stuff outside the ring, the young men – and sometimes not-so-young men – occasionally sweeping a young woman off her feet and on to the back of a horse.

They go on riding late into the night, the steam from the horses mingling with the smoke from the roast-chestnut sellers As they trotted along the street outside my bedroom until the small hours, their hooves sounded like the frantic rattling of coconut shells.

In the background was the steady beat of the discotheque opposite, interspersed with the occasional jangle of bells on a horse's harness. You don't go to the festival to sleep.

Historically, the centerpiece of the fair is the procession to the church of St Martin for a blessing.

I joined the pilgrims and was lucky enough to be offered a ride in one of the traps.

As we rode through the streets, everyone clapped and I felt immensely proud.

Tempted though I was, I didn't actually buy a horse at the fair – Lusitanos are too like a coiled spring for me to want to ride one.

But as a spectator sport for horse-lovers, the festival can't be bettered.

Jockeying for position from a VERY early age: Children as young as FIVE compete in 50mph traditional Indonesian horse race

The horses reach speeds of up to 50mph as their child jockeys race them around the mile-long oval track.

Child horse racing is part of traditional festival on Sumbawa Island, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia.

The young jockeys ride bareback and risk injury and even death if they fall off the horse at high speed.

The horses burst forward, kicking up clouds of dust as the starting gate opens to the cheers of spectators - but this is no ordinary race.

Children as young as five risk severe injury and even their lives as they gallop around racetracks at speeds of up to 50mph on the Indonesian island of Sumbawa.

Most of the youngsters ride bareback, desperately holding onto makeshift reins, many without helmets to protect them if they fall off during the hotly contested races around a mile-long, oval track.

To locals, horse racing or 'pacoa jara' is inseparable from life with young boys taught to ride from an early age and entered into the annual races from the age of five.

Each equine festival lasts from eight to ten days with hundreds of horses and riders participating in the traditional races.

The horses are small, often standing at about four feet tall to suit their equally small riders.

During the racing season, the children might get in the saddle up to 15 times a day, making between 50,000-100,000 Rupiah (ÂŁ3-ÂŁ6) per race, depending on how they finish.

Despite its obvious dangers, the regional government sees the Moyo festival as part of a tradition that needs to be preserved. A blind eye is even turned to the betting, which is technically illegal in Indonesia.

4 SWAMP FEVER cases of

confirmed in AMERICAN HORSES

Swamp fever, also known as equine infectious anemia (EIA), is much scarier than it sounds.

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It is the HIV of the horse world with no cure. Horses infected with swamp fever stay infectious their whole lives. Swamp fever is spread by mainly by flies, although in the past cases of vet medical equipment spreading the disease have been found as well. While this outbreak seems localized to a county in Kentucky, it is time now for horse owners to be extra vigilant in keeping flies down and monitoring your horses. When your first gets the disease – if it is acute, she will have a high fever, weakness (due to anemia) and perhaps a bloat abdomen or legs. Be sure to keep your Coggins test updated – this how swamp fever is detected. Vets must be contacted in order to contain the disease.

Let's nip this outbreak in the bud now! ~ HfH From: The Horse The Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) is reporting today that during the past two weeks, four horses in Western Kentucky's Marshall County have tested positive for equine infectious anemia (EIA). These are the first Kentucky horses found positive for the viral disease since 2007. A private veterinarian tested and found the initial horse positive, with the remaining three (3) cases discovered through testing conducted as part of a KDA investigation. Each of the horses were confirmed positive by additional testing and have since been humanely destroyed and buried. Seven additional “cohorts” tested negative on the initial testing. These seven remain under quarantine and will be sampled periodically during the next 60 days. Though authorities are unable to definitively determine the route of transmission, they have not ruled out iatrogenic (inadvertent veterinary) transmission. The fact that one group of seven horses were commingled in a confined location the past 10 months with no evidence of transmission minimizes chance of natural transmission having occurred. The horses testing positive are described as pleasure riding horses that have resided on one of two farms for several years and range in age from 6 to 21 years. When the KDA evaluated the positive horses, they found them to be asymptomatic (not showing clinical signs) and in good body condition. The older horses were all reported to have been purchased through livestock markets, and as such would have been tested negative at the time of purchase.

These pleasure horses have not regularly participated in events that would require they be routinely tested and are defined as representing the “untested population.”

CRAZY HORSES! They may look like Shetland ponies but these tiny Yakuts love running across frozen Siberian wasteland despite bone-chilling temperatures of -50C .......................................................................................................................

Yakut horses can live and graze all year round without any protection from Siberia's harsh winters Animals are around 150cm tall and are similar to Shetland ponies, with their thick manes and heavy hair coats Yakut horses are used for their meat and milk, and their warm coat can be turned into clothes .......................................................................................................................

With the outside temperature a bonechilling -50C, it is one of the most frozen places on earth - and miles away from the rouble crisis and a new 'Cold War' engulfing Russia.

But sinking thermometers do not bother one breed of special horses which are oblivious to the fact their environment is even colder than the North Pole.

And while their human farm herders layer up to cope with the extreme Siberian elements, the little Yakuts love nothing more than running about the frozen wastelands, without even the need for a blanket to keep them warm.

Frozen: The cold never bothered these tiny Yakut horses, who are oblivious to the fact they inhabit one of the most frozen places on earth.

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While their human farm herders layer up to cope with the extreme Siberian elements, the little Yakuts love nothing more than running about the frozen wastelands, without even the need for a blanket to keep them warm.

The most northern breed in the world, the Yakut horse somehow manages to live outdoors and graze all year round without any protection from the harsh cold.

With very thick and long hair, resilient skin and a layer of fat, they are the most frost resistant of all known breeds - and they simply have to be since they live harshest climate in Russia.

With the winter sun setting on the horizon, they appear happy to gather and socialise in herds on the icy wastelands.

The pictures were taken by photographer Maria Vasilyeva during a visit to an agricultural cooperative in the village of Abaga, about 140 miles from the city Yakutsk.

'It was lower than -50C,' she told 'Maybe you think it is not so easy to shoot pictures at such temperatures, but as for me there are no difficulties.

'I was born in Yakutia and got used to the frosts.

'It was a kind of creative impulse, to go there and make these pictures. I love my homeland and sometimes, we want to feel unity with nature. We love nature deeply.

No matter the weather, both the workers and the animals have to spend a lot of time outdoors. In the summer temperatures can reach a high of 30C, while in winter the mercury regularly plummets lower than -40C an astonishing difference of 70 degrees or more. ‘It was fantastic to be out and picture those horses.'

And it can get lower still to around minus 60C. In December when frosts are at their worst, the men check their herds and make sure the animals have enough food, and have not fallen ill. As the images show, though, it's clear that the horses fare better in the cold climate than the farm workers.

The agricultural cooperative was established in 2002 for breeding purposes and at the moment the facility has more than 200 horses and the same number of cows. No matter the weather, both the workers and the animals have to spend a lot of time outdoors. In the summer temperatures can reach a high of 30C, while in winter the mercury regularly plummets lower than -40C - an astonishing difference of 70 degrees or more.

The Yakut horse averages about 150cm in height and shares a number of obvious similarities with the Shetland pony, including its sturdy nature, thick mane and heavy hair coat.

Its winter hair reaches about 10cm in length, and the horse also has a very thick busy tail and a long mane that not only covers its neck but its shoulders. They are particularly good at foraging for food on their own and can even reach grass from under the snow, using their hooves to dig beneath the frozen ground.

Yakut horses are used for their meat and milk, while their warm coat can be turned into clothes. The local government is trying to increase their numbers in the region to 200,000 by 2020 as part of a scheme to also attract more young people to work as herders.

While temperatures of minus 50C are expected again over the next few days in the region, forecasters say it will be a warmer minus 25C at the North Pole.

T N ME

E V AD

E S I RT

My Story “If you can dream it, you can do it. Remember that this whole thing was started with a dream and a mouse.” – Walt E. Disney ..................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... .....................................................................................................................................

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This quote perfectly embodies Rosie and I's relationship. But in order for you to understand that, you'll not only need to know who I am, but more importantly who Rosie is. My name is Charlena Alexandra Sokolov or “Charlie” for short. I am 18 years old and have been involved in the equine industry for 15 years. Clever Move aka “Rosie” is a 15 year old, chestnut Appendix Quarter Horse Mare, (Dantrick (TB) X Rowdy's Pretty Lass (QH)) who I have been blessed to own for 8 years.

Our journey began in 2007 when I first rode Rosie, a horse that wouldn't stop, soften, bend or really do anything. I remember crying all the way home after I rode Rosie the first time. My mom encouraged me to keep working with her as there were no other horses for me to ride. I kept working with Rosie and quickly bonded with her. I became even more attached and actually empathized with Rosie after I became aware of her past. Rosie had been sold at a series of auctions starting in Tennessee where she was born and making her way to Illinois where she was picked up by a horse broker from Texas in the fall of 2006. The instructor I rode with at the time needed a horse for her lesson program and traded a pony and $200 for Rosie. By the winter of 2007, my instructor had determined that she couldn't keep Rosie as a lesson horse and offered to sell her to my mom. I will never forget that Christmas when I learned Rosie could stay with me forever!

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T

here will be no words to describe the relationship that Rosie and I share. I adore everything about this majestic mare, and it can all be traced back to her outstanding personality and work ethic. Some think I'm crazy when I say Rosie talks to me, but she does. Not only in the vocal sense, as evidence by her loud deep whinny, but when I'm with her she's constantly telling me what she thinks. More often than not, you will find me talking to Rosie about my day; both the good and the bad. I will even ask her opinion on things, because yes her opinion does matter. I enjoy everything about Rosie starting with her shiny copper chestnut coat that ends at her white socks with brown spots on her hind legs. With that I am under the assumption she couldn't decide which color she wanted to be. Rosie has a superior work ethic, as she can literally work her heart out all day. But more so, she is constantly is trying to figure out what you want.

The real success comes from when I am able to so eloquently find a way to ask Rosie for something and her sharp mind grasps the concept for it is never forgotten. No matter what, Rosie always manages to put a smile on my face, as her personality shines brighter than the sun. Whenever I see her I am reminded of the lessons she has taught me over the years and anticipate the ones I have yet to learn. I've learned that, you have to actually work for everything you want; a concept that in today's society is slowly diminishing.Rosie is my symbol of hope, a reminder that dreams do come true, and to never let someone tell you you're not good enough. .....................................................................................................................................

Many people that I come into contact with ask me, “Why do you show horses?�

Well, there are many reasons, but to start I enjoy working on something and then being given the opportunity to show it off.

But more so, I enjoy showing because Rosie likes it. We both feed off of the energy of preparing and then preforming.

Currently Rosie and I show in dressage and western dressage competitions where our training efforts have paid off drastically.

Rosie and I have recently been named the 2014 AQHA (American Quarter Horse Association) Reserve yr. end High Point for 1st Level Dressage.

In addition, at the 2014 WDAA (Western Dressage Association World Show) Rosie and I earned a World and a Reserve World title and were the Youth High Point for Level 1 where I got a beautiful buckle from Gist Silversmiths.

Rosie was a horse that no one really had plans for, and I was a rider that was just starting out and together we have accomplished so much continuously being each other's teacher. I will always cherish what Rosie has done for me and what an amazing partner she has been and continues to be. Currently, Rosie and I reside in College Station, TX where I am working on my BS degree in Animal Science at Texas A&M University. In addition to school, I plan to take Rosie to the 2015 WDAA World Show and breed her in the spring. As I continue my life with Rosie I remember that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to and that this whole thing was started with a dream and a horse.

RSPCA shoots 11 HEALTHY horses: Charity culled 'bright, alert and responsive' animals …and continued to claim vet and stable fees months AFTER deaths 75

RSPCA ordered the killing of 11 healthy horses after they were rescued Several horses were described as 'doing ok' but were still shot days later The charity then claimed thousands of pounds for stabling expenses

The RSPCA ordered the killing of 11 healthy horses after they were rescued from appalling conditions, despite the fact some could have been rehomed, a Mail on Sunday investigation can reveal.

Astonishingly, Britain's largest animal charity had the horses shot – but went on to claim thousands of pounds for stabling expenses as well as veterinary bills for animals which were already dead, leaked documents show.

The scandal is the latest in a series of controversies to engulf the charity, which critics say has lost sight of its core mission to protect animals.

In total, 12 out of 14 horses were killed after being 'signed over' to the ownership of the RSPCA when they were rescued from a farm in Lancashire in March 2013, raising fears that it is now the charity's policy to kill large numbers of such horses.

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Our investigation revealed that: Four were put down shortly after being rescued from the farm, despite veterinary assessments diagnosing them with no life-threatening conditions.

Most were killed after they were assessed by a vet as being 'bright, alert and responsive'.

Of 14 horses signed over to the RSPCA's care, only two were rehomed – the rest dispatched by a slaughterman's bullet.

A mare was shot on arrival after breaking its leg while being transported to a 'rescue yard' by the RSPCA. The charity then claimed £200,000 in prosecution costs, which included more than £10,000 in spurious stabling charges, but later withdrew the claim, blaming an administrative error.

In several cases, the charity claimed more than 100 days' costs for stabling some of the horses – although they were already dead. ......................................................................................................................................

An independent vet who has seen the evidence in our disturbing dossier confirmed none of the horses' conditions justified euthanasia.

Even the man who shot the horses for the RSPCA told the MoS: 'Some of those horses could have been rehomed, but I was told I wasn't allowed to. I could have rehomed four of them.' Last night the RSPCA insisted the horses had 'no realistic prospect of being rehomed' at the time, yet the MoS saw ample evidence that horselovers were desperate to give the animals a loving home.

Last week in an online chat forum for the Arab Horse Society, one member told how, after repeated enquiries to the RSPCA, she was told no information could be given about the horses because of the Data Protection Act. And a woman describing herself as a previous owner of one of the horses wrote that she intended to write to the RSPCA although she feared 'my poor mare is long gone'.

Another user wrote: 'Is there a suggestion that the RSPCA have destroyed horses who could have recovered with good care and decent food? Something truly stinks in this whole case.'

In all, 31 horses and seven dogs were removed from the farm of project manager Rachelle Peel, near Clitheroe.

No caring person would question the RSPCA's intentions in rescuing the animals or prosecuting their owner. Six dead horses and skeletons were found around the fields at Brookhouse Green Farm and horses and dogs were found in filthy conditions.

After a lengthy trial, Peel, 56, was convicted of four offences of animal neglect. The court heard the animals' welfare had suffered after her husband was diagnosed with dementia and she was fined ÂŁ2,200 with ÂŁ8,000 costs at Blackburn Magistrates' Court earlier this month.

But it is what happened in the days following the raid on the farm – and particularly the fate of the 14 horses which Peel 'signed over' ownership of to the RSPCA – which will raise serious concern among animal lovers.

Only two horses were rehomed. The rest were dispatched by the slaughterman's bullet after, according to the RSPCA, 'assessing the welfare and temperament of the horses and the likelihood of them being able to be rehomed, given that over 800 equines in the RSPCA's care at that time were also needing new homes'.

She was shot by Mr Wilson after her injury was discovered shortly before midnight on the day of the raid.

Mr Wilson, who describes himself on his website as an 'animal communicator, healer and reiki master' – but fails to mention he is also a licensed slaughterman – then shot ten more of the horses within a month. The last to die, a bay Arab gelding called Pip, was despatched on June 26.

Yet when the case came to trial this year, the RSPCA initially tried to claim more than £200,000 in costs from Peel. They submitted hundreds of documents in support of their claim, suggesting either spectacular incompetence or something worse.

The horses were taken to stables approved by the RSPCA. On arrival at the Equine Support Centre in Whenby run by Mr Wilson, Cresh was examined by a vet with seven other horses, four days after arriving.

On an official form, the vet described the horse's condition as: 'BAR [bright, alert, responsive], quiet. Unshod, slight splaying, overgrowth on all 4 feet.

Rainscald [a skin disease caused by bacteria] over dorsum [upper side].' The diagnosis was not ideal, but treatable.

It added: 'Feet need trimming, passport note to say mechanically lame after hoof injury in 2005.'

Cresh was given wormer and other treatment, with a charge of £65.70. But the next day he was shot by Cooper Wilson, who told the court he was 'ordered' to do so by the RSPCA. But while Cresh's stabling lasted just five days, the RSPCA Animal Welfare Database claimed he had been stabled for 106 days, at a charge of £13.20 a day, totalling £1,399.20.

The RSPCA documents also contained another claim for worming treatment for Cresh, costing £16.44, supposedly dispensed on August 13 – almost five months after Cresh had been killed. The total in the documents we have seen for false stabling charges alone is well over £10,000.

The RSPCA said there was a 'difference of opinion' with Mr Wilson about the suitability for rehoming of the horses he didn't want to shoot.

When we showed our dossier to Norfolk vet Colin Vogel, who has frequently testified in defence cases against the RSPCA, he said: 'The contemporaneous notes do not suggest any of the horses had a veterinary problem that required euthanasia. Two horses were difficult to handle, but that is a completely different matter.

'Horses had overgrown feet that were not causing lameness, but that would not justify euthanasia.'

During the court case, another vet, Peter Green, appearing as an expert witness on behalf of the RSPCA, expressed surprise at the case of Midge, the second horse to die, who according to the RSPCA vet was 'very hard to handle'.

Mr Green told the court: 'I am surprised Midge was killed in the way she was.' The RSPCA was accused in court of trying to keep the death of the horses secret – even during the trial.

An internal spreadsheet was repeatedly exhibited, but a column showing that the horses had been put to sleep (PTS) was not shown until midway through the trial after much questioning about the fate of the horses.

In her notebook, RSPCA inspector Kat Hamblin, 36, who had led the original raid to rescue the animals, refers to a telephone call on March 28 with the centre where horses Heron, Pip and Anna were sent: 'Doing ok. Their vet has also examined. Unsure of rehoming prospects for HS9 [Anna] as grumpy temperament.' Five days later, Heron and Anna were shot. Miss Hamblin also told Peel's solicitor in May 2013, when 11 of the 12 signed over animals were dead, that the animals were 'improving in our care'.

Challenged in court, she said she was referring to animals owned by the family which had not been signed over to the RSPCA.

The RSPCA said the 'erroneous' stabling fees were due to an 'administrative error'.

It added: 'When the error was highlighted‌ [the RSPCA] decided not to make a claim for any boarding fees... The care of animals rescued by the RSPCA is of utmost importance to us.'

And the invoices from Howells Veterinary Services in Easingwold were 'allocated to the incorrect horses due to an administrative error' said the charity, on the firm's behalf. An RSPCA spokesman added yesterday: 'The accusation that the RSPCA tried to keep the fate of the horses secret is strongly refuted. ‘The inspector was cross-examined on her conversation on March 28 with the Peels and explained under oath that her comments related to the animals still owned by the Peels. The issue referred to about the spreadsheets was also fully dealt with at the trial.'

Last night, Tory MP Sir Edward Garnier called for an inquiry into the revelations, adding: 'The RSPCA needs to provide all the documents relating to these shootings and they need to provide a full, frank and urgent explanation.'

Mrs Peel's daughter Evie, 20, who was not implicated in the neglect, said: 'When I found out during the trial that so many of the rescued horses had been shot by the RSPCA and looked through the documents I was horrified.'

The spokesman added: 'In his judgment, District Judge Clarke commented, 'This was an expansive investigation and the amounts of records and documentary evidence was huge. Record keeping was not perfect and some documents were not retained as they should have been. I am not satisfied that there was any bad faith in this investigation, merely shortcomings and human error.' '

IT’S MY TIME

ESTER SEGNINI ...

INTERNATIONAL STAR OF HORSE HULA HOOP AND ARTISTIC DANCE ...

Ester Segnini and her horse -Azzurra, is an extraordinary pair. Since an early age Ester cultivated a passionate love for horses and at the age of 8 she participated at the Olympics ponies games in Rome (Italy). She finished the event with bronze medal.

Thereafter she earned the first grade for Jumping, Dressage and Cross country of Fise with numerous victories in the national show jumping.

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The name Ester means star, Ester Segnini and her horse Azzurra, the divine of Zebrablond is just 10 years old but she has already earned laurels at the international equestrian show..... special guest at the Western Show....

Ester and the horse Azzurra... the shining stars of the INTERNATIONAL EQUESTRIAN ARTISTS UNION...

THE ARTISTS FROM HEART ...

Ester rides bareback with Hula Hoop, like an angel flying on the wings of Azzurra ...

Like the winged horse of the heart and in the tales. Tales, symbol of the INTERNATIONAL EQUESTRIAN ARTISTS HEART UNION ... www.unioneinternazionaleartistiequestri.com and

www.internationalunionofequestrianartists.co m

in the HORSE HULA HOOP DANCE and in the HORSE ARTISTIC DANCE! Ester Segnini has attended two editions of Fieracavalli Verona international horse festival.

In 2010 during the show "THE LEGEND OF THE PAINT HORSE" with paint pony stallion Zar, and in 2012 in the show " HORSE HULA HOOP DANCE " and "HORSE ARTISTIC DANCE", special guest at Western show in the Horse Fair Verona with the horse Azzurra. . In 2013 in Bergamo (Italy) she participated in the event "Cavalcando" and again in Milan (Italy) during the event "Cavalli al Chiaro di Luna" in the show HORSE ARTISTIC DANCE and HORSE HULA HOOP DANCE .

In 2014, the ever and most prestigious event that made her famous internationally was HORSES AT PALAZZO ISIMBARDI in MILAN, . for three days she was covered by most prestigious national and international newspapers and magazines. Ester and her horse Azzura, were the highlight of the event in Milan. They performed evolutions of artistic gymnastics, riding bareback in complete freedom.

At the prestigious building of Milan province - Palazzo Isimbardi - the mayor of Milan, the prefect, the Sport Councilor and other important personalities were mesmerized by the beauty and the artistic and athletic talent of Ester. She was truly inimitable, unique and original - in the show HORSE ARTISTIC DANCE and HORSE HULA HOOP DANCE! The younger generations are the future of these shows. The artistic gymnastics and hula hoop horse bareback riding ... pure EQUESTRIAN FUTURISTIC ART! Ester Segnini is the art daughter of Barbara Carminati - Zebrablond the only woman in the world who rode a zebra without reins and saddle.

Exceptional star at Fieracavalli Verona in 2011 (Italy) she became famous for bringing, to the largest horse show in Europe, the first zebra in 113 years of the event Fieracavalli Verona, the international horse festival - The legency Zebrablond continues from mother to daughter ... without limits!

ZEBRABLOND AND ESTER SEGNINI

EQUINE ART

ANNALISA BERTAINA Artist

Authenticity, Connection, and Confidence in the Sport of

SHOW JUMPING

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rench Show Jumping rider Yannick F Partron strives to answer that question every day from horses, their riders and owners alike. Regardless if it's training, competing, or caring for the horses, dedication to long-term successful relationships is obvious.

Before any of that could happen Yannick had to persuade his family that he belonged with horses. His background did not hint at becoming a professional rider, let alone become one with enough natural talent and ability to win two major Championships only 5 years after his first taste.

Yannick grew up in a normal French family in Brittany, France. He attended school and played football like most kids. He likely never thought that his future would be deeply immersed and eventually dependent on building relationships between himself, horses, and the people related to those horses. He discovered that a positive connection, regardless of the participants, was dependent on reciprocity, authenticity, and honesty. An owner or client can only be persuaded to do something when there is an authentic emotional connection established though honest professional guidance based on strong personal values resulting in a benefit to all.

It's clear that rider, horse, client, and owner success on both personal and professional levels represents something bigger than they are; the journey, victories, limelight, being involved in an elite sport, the synchronicity of horse and rider; whatever the case might, it's gravitating.

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Realistically, judging a rider on their wins alone barely scratches the surface of the of the core of not just an athlete, but a horseman.

SHOW JUMPING

"There was a riding school next to the football field I played in as a child. I was always looking over the fence, staring at the (wrong) coach and watching what his students were doing instead of the ball. Starring led to doing. I was allowed to hang around, do some chores and interact with the horses. One day, when some students were having trouble with vaulitge, the coach yelled over at me, gave me instructions which I easily completed. He then turned to his class and demanded to know why someone who had never, ever sat on a horse could follow those instructions but they couldn't.

The lesson ended there. I was 12, that was the first time I rode a horse. Now I was sure that I really, really wanted to be with horses. Five years later, I became French National and European Champion in the same year". From the beginning everything Yannick was disciplined. His precise style and smooth natural feeling in a timeless understated effortless way perfectly mirrored his confident but humble personality and gave him the confidence to do anything. "The more prepared a rider can be, the more confident they will feel in the ring. Confidence transpires into strategy, and strategists make the most cool competitors out there".

How do you convince a horse, to do what you want them to do that makes everyone feel good?

Yannick's early Championships puts him in a certain elite category higher than many from his generation. As the 1990's arrived, along with some good jobs riding for a variety of owners so did a plethora of appearances representing France individually and on Nations Cups Teams.

It was at this time he was offered what many viewed as a dream job. It offered safety from the volatile industry changes.

It uprooted him from France, made him learn English and be transplanted to Bermuda, the United States, and finish in the present, no longer in this so called dream job, in Canada operating Triskel Equestrian Inc.

Yannick Partron Show Jumping Rider

SHOW JUMPING "This offer came up when my then future boss bought many horses at once. The condition in exchange for not discussing the price was that the rider had to come with the horses to Bermuda to continue their training and train the owner with them, which happened to be me. I had no idea where Bermuda was or what it was like. So I went with the horses and life began in the now unfortunately defunct Windsome Farms.

Bermuda quickly became very small. We then picked everything up and settled in what eventually became the nucleus of winter show jumping for the uber wealthy; Wellington, Florida. Fast-forward to today, all the horses are happily retired and the people have moved on to other jobs or like myself, established their own businesses.

The transition from employed to entrepreneur has been easier for some more than others and maintaining success in the sport at the best of times challenging. It's even harder to achieve without the support of investors and owners like my previous employer".

Fortunate or not, your own career becomes secondary to the rewarding necessity of being an outstanding employee. The challenge after is separating, developing, and promoting yourself and your business from the past. In all fairness, despite being a highly respected, successful competitor, Yannick has perhaps not taken full advantage of being in that upper Despite not having a stable deep with horses of echelon his own to compete with consistently, Yannick of the sport continues to manage clear round after clear as many round regardless if it's to school a horse for its others have. owner, developing youngsters, or introducing a Although horse to a new, much larger height than what admirable, it's used to. It happens, like always, as his if he never skipped a beat, like clockwork, humble nature, ethical loyalty to amongst competitors that provide the same the people and horses, and pure services many times per day, day in and day honest passion for all things out, that Yannick shows up and quietly gets equestrian can be opposite to tucked away into the top results of the class. A many of the sharks true testament to his ability to take action in competitive and adverse environments.

SHOW JUMPING

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It is s given that Yannick is always looking to source new opportunities to reassume his place internationally. Transparency and authenticity solidify the base to which he conducts himself personally and professionally. He is passionate about responsible strengthening of solidarity and abilities within show jumping by nurturing and promoting a higher standard of riding, care, knowledge and horsemanship for his students, partners, and investors. His high expectations and standards help to promote and preserve these qualities to defend the soul of horsemanship. The horse should always be first, they are a partner before a product. Great riders and trainers have a high degree of self-awareness and a willingness to be honest to their clients, even when sharing the truth is difficult.

Being an aggressive, dazzling wordsmith shark flaunting every success most definitely inspires and attracts people and horses. They openly sell and seek domination but benefits are often one sided and usually do not last. Yannick is different. He helps people and their horses figure out a path that provides them with a better sense of themselves. There is shared sense of purpose, their successes are his successes. This collaboration preserves core integrity of horsemanship, sportsmanship, and professionalism. It creates partners, not followers. It's a chance to deliver good work. It's an investment in Yannick, the horse, and the client.

SHOW JUMPING "I believe in creating relationships that are sustainable, loyal, and honest. Those relationships can only be created in the presence of trust. When the clients and horses trust you, the envelope can be pushed, the comfortable can be made pleasantly uncomfortable, even go beyond what the natural abilities might be. It's only then you can be prepared.

Competition is, and should only be an extension of training.

Nerves should not be a source of fear, they should fuel desire to be better than the time before, to make the next step forward and to give it your best shot. That's what being a competitor is all about". .............................................................................................................................

To judge the character of a rider, look to their animals for the answer. Healthy, happy horses are naturally willing to do their job, even willing to go above and beyond to match what their rider asks of them will indicate the authenticity and reciprocity of their relationship. When Yannick ups the ante, the horse is always there to please him because they trust him. Because there is a connection. .............................................................................................................................

True rider success should never be defined by how they act when everything is going their way. Anyone can celebrate victory. It is the reaction during tumultuous times that indicate character. It takes a special individual to take what appears to be a loss or an adverse event and use it as propulsion. Sometimes you're up, sometimes you're down, it's easy to create excuses for defeat. Confidence to maneuver around adverse environments to reposition yourself for opportunity is a skill difficult to maintain even during good times. .....................................................................................................................................................................

Many believe that to be the best in Show Jumping you must have a larger than life personality, be a smooth talker, and know all the answers (all the time). The opposite is just as true: Yannick listens, picks-up and understands the subtleties. There are no tricks, no shades of the truth, no ideas being forced on anyone. There is an obvious pursuit of mutual self-interest, he looks for things that work for all those involved.

Regardless of circumstance or aspirations, Yannick has highly valuable skills to help people and horses get to where they want to go. He is definitely more concerned with the outcome than about taking the credit.

Ultimately Show Jumping allows us to reach high, dream deep, and open our hearts.

Yannick is certainly no exception.

Navajo Nation eyes agreement reining in slaughter of wild horses The first effort of its kind to prevent wild horses roaming the Navajo Nation in the U.S. Southwest from being sent to slaughter in Mexico has gained the preliminary approval of tribal leaders, former New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson said on Thursday.

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Under a draft agreement that still must be reviewed by the tribe, a foundation established by Richardson and actor Robert Redford would provide funds and expertise to the Navajo Nation to halt reservation roundups that have seen thousands of wild horses shipped to slaughterhouses in Mexico.

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The impact of intensive grazing by wild horses in a high-desert reservation that spans more than 27,000 square miles (70,000 square km) of New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado and Utah has been compounded by drought and led to competition with livestock for sparse vegetation, said Rick Abasta, spokesman for Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye.

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The roundups by the nation's agriculture department and the fate of the captured animals has ignited controversy among the tribe's more than 300,000 enrolled members, including wild horse advocates, Abasta said.

The issue has divided a tribal nation whose economy relies in part on free-range cattle and sheep but which also reveres horses.

"The Navajo elders have a saying which translates into English as 'Our horses are sacred,'" said Abasta.

Richardson, whose second term as New Mexico governor ended in 2011, said he and Redford formed the Foundation to Protect New Mexico Wildlife with the aim of aiding wild horses. “Our main objective is to stop the roundups and stop the horse slaughter," said Richardson, who said Redford is a fellow horse enthusiast who owns a home in New Mexico.

Richardson said the agreement would first seek to identify the number of wild horses on the reservation, where estimates have ranged from several thousand to more than 70,000.

Navajo Nation eyes agreement reining in slaughter of wild horses

If ultimately approved, the deal, which proposes such methods as birth control to keep wild herds in check, would be the first of its kind on Indian lands and perhaps in the nation, he said.

“The Navajos are the biggest tribe in the country. If we strike an agreement here, it will set an example for other tribes that still slaughter," - said Richardson

"President Begaye wants a little more time to gather the input of grassroots organizations, ranchers and others to determine how best to go forward on implementing the agreement," he said.

Abasta said the nation's newly elected president is seeking feedback from tribal members.

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