October 2016 Horses Magazine

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Publisher Jim Hargrove Editor John Hawfield Advertising Sales Kristina Goulet and Colt Williams

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• Horses Magazine has no liability for content, representations in advertisements, and articles may not express the opinion of the editors/publishers/owners. It is the buyer’s sole responsibility to clarify any and all advertising representations.

We cannot be held responsible for any representations concerning a horse’s health, eye status, disposition, gait or any other aspect of the horse. Any burden of proof rests solely on the advertisers.

• Horses Magazine reserves the right to edit or refuse any advertising or articles submitted for publication. We do not assume any liability for errors, but will correct it in next issue or a credit will be negotiated. Designs by Horses Magazine are the property of Horses Magazine.

• Articles, editorials opinions in Horses Magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the staff of Horses Magzine or the publishers.

• Address changes must be sent in 6 weeks in advance, magazines are not forwarded by the U.S. Post Office.

• Copyright 2016 by Jim Hargrove Creative, Inc. All or part of Horses Magazine, including logos, cannot be reprinted without permission.

• Horses Magazine is published twelve times a year by Jim Hargrove Creative, Inc., 2730 Lansing Rd., Bancroft, MI 48414

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Call Toll Free 877-476-6270

to Advertise E-Mail National Sale Manager Kristina Goulet Kristina@horsesmagazine.com or Call Direct 517-204-9110

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Horses Calendar

Would you like your event included in the next Horses Magazine and on our web site for no charge? Just send your information to jim@ horsesmagazine.com

driving. Kentucky Horse Park, 4089 Iron Works Pike, Lexington, KY

October 5-8 UPHA Chapter 9 Kentucky Fall Classic Horse Show Alltech Arena at Kentucky Horse Park. United Professional Horseman’s Association Chapter 9. Fall Classic Horse Show is a 3-day show for saddle/gaited horses. The show also benefits the American Saddlebred Museum. The horse show starts at 1:00 p.m. on WednesdayFriday, and starts at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday.

For more information on this event please go to www.kentuckyfallclassic.com or call Chuck Walker at (859) 333-1406. Picture courtesy of www.kentuckyfallclassic.com.

October 6-30 All American Quarter Horse Congress www.quarterhorsecongress.com, Ohio Expo Center, 717 East 17th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43211

October 8 US Team Roping NTRL / USTRC Affiliate Regional Shelbyville Allday Arena; Shelbyville, KY www.ustrc.com

October 8 - 9 US Team Roping Buckeye Fall Roundup October 7-9, MCQHA AQHA/KyQHA Special Event Poles & Barrels 3 Sets of Points, Briken Hill Arena - 1509 Red House Rd - Richmond, KY

Since shedules can change, be sure to confirm the event’s date, time and location before you travel!

Rodeo Run Arena; Canal Winchester, OH www.ustrc.com

October 11-16 The National Drive 6-day event devoted to recreational equine

October 22 Fall Harvest Show Showcases the Arabian, Morgan, and Friesian breeds. Covered Arena, Kentucky Horse Park, 4089 Iron Works Pike, Lexington, KY

October 22-23 US Mounted Games Fall Finale US Championship Final, Rolex Stadium, Kentucky Horse Park, 4089 Iron Works Pike, Lexington, KY

October 27-30 Hagyard MidSouth Three-Day Event and Team Challenge Hunter Jumper, Kentucky Horse Park, 4089 Iron Works Pike, Lexington, KY

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Van Paemel Equipment

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Budd’s All Tractor Jackson, MI 517-206-5761

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Brownies Tractors Nelsonville, OH 740-753-9242

Moon Tractor Co. Hillsboro, OH 937-393-4258

Owens Implements Dover, OH 330-343-5708

Riley Equipment Portsmouth, OH 740-858-4574

Medina Tractor Sales Medina, OH 330-725-4951

Miners Tractor Sales Rootstown, OH 330-325-9914

Miners Tractor Sales Canfield, OH 330-702-0400

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IN INDIANA Burkes Lawn & Garden

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Claussen Equipment Rensselaer, IN 219-866-5812

D&D Tractor Sales Batesville, IN 812-933-0568

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Haltom Equipment Mooresville, IN 317-831-4985

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Horses Calendar October 27-30 THOROUGHBRED MAKEOVER

Would you like your event included in the next Horses Magazine and on our web site for no charge? Just send your information to jim@ horsesmagazine.com

The purpose is to promote the usefulness of these retired Thoroughbreds, who may otherwise be disregarded after their racing days are over. Thoroughbred Makeover is one of the program’s most important events, due to the fact that it showcases the versatility and unique capabilities that are often overlooked with these horses. For more information, or if you would like to support their program, you can visit their website at www.retiredracehorseproject.

Kentucky Horse Park Covered Arena. Retired Racehorse Project. They say you cannot teach an old dog new tricks, but what about an old horse? The Thoroughbred Makeover is proof that this age old saying does not apply to the horse world. This event is a great opportunity to see some retired race horses showing off their “new tricks.” There are around 350 Thoroughbreds training for this event, each October 28-30 ALL BREED YOUTH horse with the option to compete in up to SHOW two of ten different riding disciplines. Come MSU Pavilion, East Lansing, MI, www. on out to the Covered Arena and see these miquarterhorse.com/ for more information Thoroughbreds in action. The event is put on by theHorses Retired Racehorse Program, and 12:43 PM Magazine.pdf 8 8/19/16 organization dedicated to building further careers for retired Thoroughbred race horses.

Since shedules can change, be sure to confirm the event’s date, time and location before you travel!

November 1-6 CP NATIONAL HORSE SHOW Kentucky Horse Park Alltech Arena. 5-day hunter/jumper event. The event will feature a full array of hunter divisions, Junior & Amateur Owner Jumpers, the top Open Jumpers from the USA and around the world, and the Maclay National Championship.

The CP National Horse Show is consistently ranked as one of the top shows in the United States by the North American Riders Group (NARG). For more information on the CP National Horse Show please visit www.nhs. org or call (561) 753-3389.

November 4-6 MQHA Harvest Classic 4 Judges! MSU Pavilion, East Lansing, MI, www.miquarterhorse.com/ for more information

Calendar for FREE just e-mail jim@horsesmagazine.com with your details

STUDENTS IN GRADES 6-12: TAKE THE REINS AND JOIN THE IEA

www.rideiea.org

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Riders in grades 6-12 can compete with teams in the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA). School-age equestrians, with various levels of experience, compete in Hunt Seat and Western disciplines throughout the school year. Riders not only compete for individual points, but for their team as well.

Founded in 2002, the IEA has more than 12,500 riders on over 1,300 teams competing in hundreds of shows across the United States each year.

For more information, please contact Jennifer Eaton, IEA Membership Coordinator, at 877-RIDE-IEA (877-743-3432) or Jenn@rideiea.org.

It’s fun and challenging – and there is no need for any rider to own a horse! The IEA is available to public or private schools and barn teams.

Horses are provided to each rider at every event. All mounts are selected by a draw.

Parents like that the IEA provides an affordable format for their child as he/she builds riding skills.

Many of our riders receive scholarships based on their performance throughout their IEA years.

TH

A N N I V E R S A R Y

2002

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Horses Calendar

Would you like your event included in the next Horses Magazine and on our web site for no charge? Just send your information to jim@ horsesmagazine.com

admission is free, and VIP seating may be purchased on-site. For more information on the United States Dressage Finals please call the United States Dressage Federation at 859971-2277, or go to www.usdf.org.

Championship of Colt Starting.

2017 Tickets NOW Available Call 1-877-772-5425 or order on their web site www.roadtothehorse.com

To add your event to the Horses Magazine Calendar for FREE just e-mail jim@ horsesmagazine.com with your details

November 10-13 US DRESSAGE FINALS Kentucky Horse Park Alltech Arena The United States Dressage Finals is the national championship competition for the United States Dressage Federation. The US Dressage Finals will be split into Open and Amateur divisions. Each division will hold classes from Training Level to Grand Prix Freestyle. A non-championship competition will also take place, USDF Dressage in the Bluegrass which will be a qualifying competition for The 2016 Great American/ USDF Regional Championships and USDF/ Dover Adult Amateur Medal Program. The USDF Dressage in the Bluegrass will have USEF and FEI classes with Training Level to Grand Prix Level exhibited. General

Since shedules can change, be sure to confirm the event’s date, time and location before you travel!

March 23-26, 2017 Road to the Horse 2017 The World Championship of Colt Starting Sponsored by Horses Magazine Kentucky Horse Park Alltech Arena. Don’t miss the thrill and excitement of Road To The Horse in 2017. Sarah Dawson, Barbara Cox and Rachelle Valentine have been named as the first three competitors in the 2017 World

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Green Reinin Entry Level Classes Help Michigan Association Bring in New Memberships

By Kristina Goulet For years show organizations have realized the value of offering beginner level classes. Novice events allow participants to either try something new or continue to hone their skills in classes that they may either have not ever shown in before or have limited experience with. In most cases though, the only thing different in a Novice class is the exhibitors in the class.

For example in a Novice Western Pleasure class, the objectives of the class remain the same as if it were, say an Amateur or even Open class. Even though a “Novice” class, the requirements of the class can still make it a bit intimidating to get started.

For over 15 years now the Michigan Reining Horse Association (MRHA) has taken one more step to assist aspiring reiners by modifying the standard National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) reining patterns. MRHA offers 2 levels of beginner classes starting with Green Reiner 1 (GR1) followed by Green Reiner 2 (GR2). In MRHA GR1 the main three differences from the standard NRHA patterns are (1) that you may ride 2 handed no matter what style of bit, (2) that the pattern requires only 2 spins in both directions (as opposed to 4 in standard patterns) and (3) that there are no flying lead changes, horses are required to come down to a complete stop to change leads.

In MRHA GR2 the pattern is bumped

10 • HORSES MAGAZINE • October 2016 • Download and View FREE on-line at www.horsesmagazine.com

ing up a level by requiring 4 spins in each direction and lead changes must be either a traditional simple (breaking down to a trot) or flying. The use of riding 2 handed is still an option in MRHA GR2.

So have these class offerings helped? Based on feedback from the association and some of their beginner competitors, the answer is absolutely YES! According to Amber Wentz, MRHA Director, “The MRHA Green program is the starting point for reining in Michigan. It helps people get their feet wet and see if Reining is what they want to do. It has definitely increased our membership numbers. This past season

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Green Reining

saw about 18 entries per show in the GR1 and a whopping 30 entries per show in the GR2.”

GR1 exhibitor Nicole Mackinder of Mason, MI explains that “Green Reiner classes are different from other entry level classes because their modified patterns truly promote an environment for learning the basic reining maneuvers.” Mackinder, who finished this year in the number 1 spot for MRHA GR1, continues to say that “Learning to ride reining is very challenging and the way the

12 • HORSES MAGAZINE • October 2016 • Download and View FREE on-line at www.horsesmagazine.com

levels are set up means there is endless opportunity to keep improving. Reining gets your adrenaline flowing and is kind of addicting!”

Rachel Becker from Birmingham, MI, who finished 4th on the year-end standings for 2016 in GR1 describes reining as “A terrific way to improve your skill and communication with your horse. The green classes give you experience in the pen where you compete with others at the same beginner level of the sport.” Rachel, who rode in other disciplines such as barrel racing and hunter jumpers before, goes on to say that, “I went to a reining show last year as a spectator and enjoyed it so much I went out and bought a reining horse!”

Want to take advantage of the MRHA Green Reiner program and give this exciting sport a try? Visit www.mrha. org for more information. For those of you not in Michigan, but wanting to give reining a try, NRHA has its own Entry Level program as well, though the rules are a bit different.

Check NRHA www.NRHA1.com or your local affiliate for rules.

Download and View FREE on-line at www.horsesmagazine.com • October 2016 • HORSES MAGAZINE • 13

The Way of the Horses

Managing and Feeding the Wean

By Eleanor Blazer Caelan (a warmblood) is a weanling with a challenge.

Every full sister and brother acquired developmental orthopedic disease (DOD).

DOD is the term used to describe musculoskeletal problems in growing horses.

These problems include physitis (often called epiphysitis), osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) and flexor deformities, such as contracted tendons.

Some known causes of DOD are genetics, exercise, excessive digestible energy, excessive body weight and mineral imbalances.

Genetics: Studies have shown certain stallions and mares pass on the tendency to develop musculoskeletal problems. Fast growing foals from these crosses have a higher risk of incurring DOD. Caelan fell into this group.

Exercise: Exercise is an important part of joint development and health. Growing foals need exercise. The freedom to run and play enhances bone growth and development. Forced exercise is not good for foals and should be avoided. Foals should not be confined in a stall or small area.

It is possible that during rough play a foal may injure the growth plate. The small risk of

program which produces excessive amounts of digestible energy is a major cause of physitis.

Overfeeding carbohydrates and starch

generally recommended.

The following are approximate nutrient levels per day for a four month old foal that should

increases the production of insulin and glucose.

mature to 1,100 pounds (NRC 6th Revised

Research has shown high insulin and glucose

Edition 2007):

levels suppress the development of cartilage cells. These studies have proven the glycemic

Digestible Energy/Mcals: 13.3

response (the measurement of how much

Protein: 669 grams

blood sugar rises after a meal) needs to be kept

Calcium: 39.1 grams

low in growing foals. It is important to feed a concentrate that has a low glycemic index.

Examples of feeds that have a low glycemic

Phosphorus: 21.7 grams Sodium: 12.8 grams

index are forages (not new spring grass, or

Copper: 142.1 milligrams

quickly growing grass following a drought), feeds

Iron: 210.6 milligrams

containing forage, and concentrates that provide calories from fat - not grains.

Excessive Body Weight: Excessive amounts

Selenium: 0.42 milligram Zinc: 168.5 milligrams

of digestible energy can lead to overweight foals.

Vitamin A: 7,600 I.U.

The extra weight puts pressure on the joints.

Vitamin D: 3,740 I.U.

Weanlings should be kept lean, while meeting their mineral requirements.

Mineral imbalances: The amount of minerals

Vitamin E:

337 I.U.

A nutrient, believed erroneously by many, to cause DOD is protein. For years many weanling

available and the ratio of calcium to phosphorus

owners with DOD problems, decreased feed in

are very important to a growing foal.

an effort to lower the protein levels, thinking

Calcium and phosphorus are needed in bone

excessive protein caused the joint pain and

development. But supplementation can interfere

swelling. This led to stunted foals, which never

with the absorption of other minerals.

reached their genetic potential.

The ratio of calcium to phosphorus needs

Protein is needed for the development of

this occurring is not a good reason to keep a foal

to be monitored. High phosphorus levels have

muscle, skin, hair, and hooves. It maintains

confined.

caused lesions in the cartilage of growing foals.

healthy red blood cells, bones, and is needed for

A desired ratio of 2:1 (calcium to phosphorus) is

the regulation of the body’s internal organs.

Excessive Digestible Energy: A feeding

14 • HORSES MAGAZINE • October 2016 • Download and View FREE on-line at www.horsesmagazine.com

nling Limiting the amount of protein in a growing foal will not prevent or cure physitis.

Creating a protein deficiency will cause poor growth.

The first step taken to insure Caelan’s health began before his birth. Caelan’s owner, Ada Thompson, contacted me for advice regarding the mare’s nutritional requirements. Fortunately we had 90 days before Caelan was due.

The foal in utero does most of it’s growing during the last 90 days of gestation. It is important the mare receives adequate amounts of the proper nutrients to sustain her and the foal, plus provide enough extra for the foal to store.

While the foal is in utero he must store adequate amounts of copper, zinc and manganese in his liver to sustain him for at least three months of life. Mare’s milk is low in these minerals and research has found supplementing the mare to try to improve the concentration of minerals in the milk does not work.

After analyzing the hay, we found a balanced

A note from Ada: “Caelan is almost a year

commercial product that provided the needed

old and is 15 hands at the withers. He was 11

nutrients for an 1100-pound mare in the last 90

hands at birth. Despite his large size and quick

days of pregnancy.

growth I have seen no signs of DOD or any

Then we relaxed and waited…well, I relaxed – Ada paced and counted the days.

In April, Caelan arrived. He was healthy; avoiding the problems his siblings suffered.

As the mare’s nutritional requirements changed during lactation, the ration was adjusted.

other growth or joint issues.” * Earn a Bachelor of Science degree in equine studies or certification as a Professional Horse Trainer or Riding Instructor. Start your new career as a riding instructor, horse trainer, or stable manager. All courses are online. Start anytime and work at your own pace. Visit www.horsecoursesonline.com for information.

As soon as Caelan showed interest in feed, he was started on a balanced fortified supplement.

This provided his needed protein, vitamins and minerals, without him adding weight. He and his dam had access to a large pasture, so he could exercise freely.

Weaning presented no problems.

Caelan was on a balanced supplement that complimented the nutrients in the forage and was not allowed to get overweight.

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Equine veterinarians agree: Healthy topline can help reduce injury and contribute to overall well-being MINNEAPOLIS-- Horse owners who want their horses to be as healthy as possible should focus on developing their topline. That conclusion is based on a survey of American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), which showed that seven out of 10 equine veterinarians consider adequate muscling surrounding/ supporting the horse’s spine (topline) is key to equine wellbeing.

The same survey showed that 62 percent of equine veterinarians believe a healthy topline is key to fewer injuries.

So what makes a healthy topline?

“There’s a lot of lore and confusion about the best way to build a healthy topline,” said Abby Keegan, Equine Innovation & Application Lead for Cargill Animal Nutrition’s Nutrena® brand. “Many people believe topline problems are simply a result of the horse not yet being in

work, while others blame breed or genetics, said

Evaluation System to help owners accurately

Keegan”

assess their horse’s muscular condition and track

However, years of Nutrena® research and field trials have shown that balanced nutrition

improvements over time.

Based on that evaluation, the tool

should form the core of any topline

recommends the right mix of feeds and

development or maintenance

supplements for their horse’s specific needs. The

program. Horses, like people, need

evaluation is grounded in Nutrena’s extensive

a nutritious diet to have a strong,

expertise in equine health and nutrition.

healthy core.

Select Nutrena® feed

“The right nutritional balance, fed at the correct rates, may improve topline – both

formulations contain easy-to-digest

internally and visually – in as little as a few

amino acids, the building blocks

weeks,” said Keegan.

of protein. The correct amount and sources of amino acids – based on individual factors, such as a horse’s age and weight – is essential to create strong topline muscles, from withers to hind quarters.

Equine owners can now access an online tool, www.ToplineBalance.com, to help gauge their horse’s specific topline condition, and determine

The equine veterinarian study was commissioned by Nutrena and conducted

by AAEP. More than 400 veterinarians were surveyed in April 2016.

To learn more about topline and which Nutrena® products are best suited for your horse, visit www.ToplineBalance.com

the best nutritional approach to improve it.

The site offers an easy, state-of-the-art, Topline

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EACH SWIFT, SURE STRIDE BEGINS WITH A SOUND FOUNDATION.

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As Is!

Do “As Is” Clauses in Sales Contracts Prevent All Lawsuits?

Equine sales agreements sometimes include the words "as is" and "with all faults.” Sellers use these phrases with the hope of preventing buyers from bringing claims and lawsuits in an effort to reverse the sale. Do these words stop all sales-related lawsuits?

The answer is “no.”

“AS IS” CLAUSES An “as is” clause in an equine sale contract is generally designed to exclude or limit a buyer’s claims against sellers for a breach of warranty relating to the horse’s fitness for a particular purpose or condition at the time of sale. One example of an “as-is” clause is: SELLER MAKES NO WARRANTIES WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THE PURCHASE OF THIS HORSE IS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF AN “AS IS” SALE.

AVOIDING DISPUTES Sellers who want to maximize the effectiveness of an “as is” clause can check their state’s law to determine whether their state’s Uniform Commercial Code provides language for use in sales documents, such as disclaimers of warranty. Since these laws often provide that disclaimers should be “conspicuous” to be enforceable, sellers might want to set these clauses apart from the rest of the contracts and make them noticeable with bold-type font, contrasting color, or larger type size.

Buyers and sellers in equine sale transactions should consult with their own counsel to draft or review sales documents. Because state laws can differ, and because buyers and sellers typically have different interests in the transaction, parties to equine sales contracts should be especially cautious before using “one-size-fits-all” forms.

This article does not constitute legal advice. When questions arise based on specific situations, direct them to a knowledgeable attorney.

LIMITS ON HOW “AS-IS” CLAUSES ARE ENFORCED “As-is” clauses do not prevent all possible equine sales disputes. When a contract with an “as-is” clause becomes the subject of a dispute, courts have considered these factors: Courts in some states have held that “as-is” clauses do not bar claims of sales fraud, fraudulent misrepresentation, or fraud in the inducement (i.e., fraud from the seller that led the buyer to enter into the contract and make the purchase).

Some courts have held that these clauses will bar a buyer’s breach of warranty claims against horse sellers under Uniform Commercial Codes, as long as the seller qualifies as a “merchant” as the law defines.

According to some courts, an “as-is” clause in a sales contract will not bar claims against sellers based on consumer protection statutes (or state deceptive trade practice statutes).

“As is” clauses are sometimes subject to interpretation. In a Vermont case involving the sale of an Arabian stallion, for example, the Court held that the sales contract’s “as is” clause did not stop the buyer from suing the seller because the stallion was not breeding sound. In that case, the court ruled that the “as is” clause only applied to the stallion’s general physical health.

Julie Fershtman is one of the nation’s most experienced Equine Law practitioners. A Shareholder with the firm Foster Swift Collins & Smith, PC, based in Michigan, she has successfully tried equine cases before juries in 4 states. She has also drafted hundreds of equine industry contracts. She is a Fellow and officer of the American College of Equine Attorneys. Her speaking engagements on Equine Law span 28 states, and she is the author of three books on equine law issues. For more information, please visit www.fershtmanlaw.com, www.equinelawblog.com, and www. equinelaw.net.

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SOME ARE LEADERS

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Clinton Anderson

Best Foot

Forward moving with energy, is alert and focused on you, put him on a loose

Stop Your Horse from Stumbling

It’s normal for a horse to trip or stumble every once in a while.

Just like us, sometimes they take a misstep, especially if the ground is rough or uneven. But if stumbling in the arena or on the trail is becoming a regular occurrence, your horse is in need of help. First,

rule out any physical problems that could be making your horse trip such as poorly trimmed feet, soreness and lameness issues or EPM. (EPM, or Equine Protozoal Myeleoncephalitis, is a neurological disease that often causes horses to lose coordination and stumble.)

Once you’ve done that, then the culprit of the problem usually lies in a lazy horse not paying attention. And like everything we do with our horses, the more you let them trip, the better they get at it, and soon it becomes an ingrained habit.

for his feet – where he places them and how fast he moves them.

Stumbling is a sure sign that your horse is letting his mind wander and not concentrating on

too much variety the horse will

the task at hand.

never learn anything because he

attention, you’re

enough to get good at it.

of the habit of babysitting him and trying to micromanage his every step. Put him on a loose rein and let him commit to the mistake. If he trips again, repeat the same steps. Make the right thing easy and the wrong thing difficult. As long as he’s paying attention to where he’s placing his feet, you’ll leave him alone. But if he chooses to get lazy and let his mind wander, you’ll wake him up and make him feel uncomfortable by hustling his feet.

Keep Him Interested When a horse constantly stumbles, he’s basically telling you that incorporating more variety into your lessons. You’ve heard me say

No matter what you’re doing with your horse, he’s responsible

never gets to practice a lesson long

horse on a loose rein so that you dare him to make a mistake. Get out

he’s bored to death. Keep things interesting and challenge him by

Who’s Responsible?

Remember that if you include

rein and go back to what you were doing. It’s important to put your

If he’s not paying going to give him a reason to. When he stumbles, immediately pick up on one rein, thump his

belly with the heel of your boot or roll your spur up his side and bend him around in a circle, hustling his feet. Make it clear that he needs to wake up and pay attention. If he ignores your leg, spank his hindquarters with the end of your reins or a whip. When he’s

time and again that consistency and repetition are keys to teaching your horse, and that’s certainly true. You can’t expect your horse to learn anything if you’re only working with him once a week. But you also have to be sure to add variety and keep things interesting for your horse. Remember that if you include too much variety the horse will never learn anything because he never gets to practice a lesson long enough to get good at it. But if you have too much consistency (you practice the same thing every single day) the horse will get bored and resentful. Set poles on the ground and ride your horse over them so that he has to think about where he’s placing his feet. Get out of the arena and ride him outside. Canter him down the road or around the pasture to free up his mind and get energy in his feet. Ride him over uneven terrain so that he really has to concentrate on where he’s placing his feet. I love working my horses over the obstacle course on my ranch because it allows me to work on exercises but offers a new challenge to the horses and keeps them on their toes. The more you can keep your horse guessing, the more attention he’ll pay to you, the more interested he’ll be in his work and the more fun you’ll both have.

22 • HORSES MAGAZINE • October 2016 • Download and View FREE on-line at www.horsesmagazine.com

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24 • HORSES MAGAZINE • October 2016 • Download and View FREE on-line at www.horsesmagazine.com

Don’t be Part of the Problem Stay balanced in the saddle. Constantly leaning from side to side or back and forth can throw your horse off balance and make it harder for him to keep a steady pace without tripping.

Don’t put your horse on autopilot and just forget about him. Give him a reason to pay attention to where he’s placing his feet – practice serpentines, sidepassing or two-tracking. Not only will you keep your horse engaged, but you’ll

him pick his way through. Horses use their necks

Horsemanship Method gives horse owners

to balance themselves, so having free-rein will

the knowledge needed to become skilled

allow him to raise and lower his head and neck

horsemen and train their horses to be consistent

as he needs.

and willing partners. Discover for yourself

For great ideas on how to train your horse on the trail and keep him interested in his work, refer to my Correcting Problems

downunderhorsemanship.com.

downunderhorsemanship.com to learn more.

Author note: Clinton Anderson is a clinician, horse trainer and competitor. He’s

never get a horse too soft or supple.

dedicated his life to helping others realize

rough terrain, give your horse his head and let

achieve your horsemanship dreams at www.

on the Trail DVD series. Visit www.

be suppling his five body parts as well. You can If you’re on a trail and going through rocky or

how Clinton and the Method can help you

their horsemanship dreams and keeping them inspired to achieve their goals. The Downunder

Download and View FREE on-line at www.horsesmagazine.com • October 2016 • HORSES MAGAZINE • 25

Richard Winters

International

Horsemanship With Richard Winters Today we will board the aircraft in Heathrow and will be returning to the United States. My wife, Cheryl, and I have just spent ten great days in the United Kingdom. I conducted a Cow Working and Horsemanship Clinic in Northern England and drove on to Scotland for another Horsemanship Clinic. I’ve taught horsemanship from Brazil to Sweden and Australia to Poland.

It’s always interesting to me how there are always a few things that are distinctly different and many things that are universally the same.

While it is fresh in my mind, here are some of my observations from our trip to the United Kingdom.

Interestingly, a mental barrier to some was my cowboy hat. There is an attitude among some equine enthusiasts that “cowboy” horsemanship is crude and rough and that it has absolutely no application to their own equine practices. Much of their perception is based on what they have seen in western movies. And of course we can all agree that much of the riding in western movies leaves little to be desired.

It was important for me to explain and demonstrate that good horsemanship is universal. Whether you ride English or Western, with a cowboy hat or riding helmet, we are all striving to communicate an idea to our horse. I know I could learn valuable techniques while riding with an upper level Dressage trainer. I also believe it is possible for an English rider to gain valuable insights by spending time with a Western performance trainer.

For centuries English riding has been the norm in the UK. Only in the last few decades

has there been an interest or enthusiasm for Western riding. Riding with contact and snug reins is all that some of these riders have ever known. I have nothing against riding with contact and collection. Refined collection and a horse traveling in frame is my goal as well. However, It was fun to observe clinic participants as they began to release the reins and allow their horse to move out freely from time to time. It was also important to show our eager Western riders the proper use and adjustment of their equipment. Lowering snaffle bits in their horse’s mouth and applying chins straps to snaffle bits as well as proper Western saddle fitting and adjustments were addressed.

The Cow Working Clinic was a lot of fun for every participant. It was interesting to note that the riders from England have no background or frame of reference for working cattle while horseback. Unlike the American West with its large expanse rangeland, the UK farmers have smaller plots of ground and all of the cattle handling is done on foot. I learned that there are actually animal welfare laws that make it illegal to rope cattle in the UK. Needless to say, that’s a little different. The Cattle Working Clinic was a huge success. Participants loved having a real job to do with their equine partner. Creating an interest in their horse’s mind in regard to cattle was a lot of fun and everyone was eager to do it again.

After noting all of the differences, it was interesting to observe that we all struggle with certain things with our horses regardless of where we are from or what language we speak.

There is always the horse that wants to be a little pushy and disrespectful on the ground.

There were also riders who were hesitant to

26 • HORSES MAGAZINE • October 2016 • Download and View FREE on-line at www.horsesmagazine.com

begin to lope or canter their horse. Some of them had not asked the horse to pick up this gait for many months. Of course that creates a horse that thinks loping is no longer in their job description. After showing each rider how to properly prepare and warm up their horse on the ground, it was great to help each of them feel the exhilaration and accomplishment of loping/cantering in a successful and

safe way.

The following was a Facebook post that exemplifies what I have been writing about in this article: Cheryl, please tell Richard I was so inspired by his clinic at Brandon’s that I got on my pony and loped a few good circles round the school and it felt awesome!!

Janice Reilly

In the end, we all had much more in common than our few differences. Each of us wants to communicate effectively with our horse, become better leaders and enjoy this horsemanship experience.

Beyond horsemanship, our travels included: Three Star Eventing at Blair Castle, a trip to the majestic Scottish Highlands and monster hunting at Loch Ness. Thank you Brandon and

Claire for hosting our clinics and organizing all of our travels. Horses brought us all together and we’re eager to return! You can catch a glimpse of these UK Clinics on RFD-TV each Wednesday at noon and again at 8:00 PM (PST).

Download and View FREE on-line at www.horsesmagazine.com • October 2016 • HORSES MAGAZINE • 27

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28 • HORSES MAGAZINE • October 2016 • Download and View FREE on-line at www.horsesmagazine.com

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Download and View FREE on-line at www.horsesmagazine.com • October 2016 • HORSES MAGAZINE • 29

Lynn Palm

Saddles You Can Do The Same in a Western Saddle as a Dressage Saddle

By Lynn Palm This is a subject that reminds me of our Western Dressage motto “Why Not?!” A saying I have said since I learned of the vast interests in Western Dressage at the 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games. For the first 30 years of riding

I rode consistently in the Dressage saddle. I still find myself training the exact same way if I am in a western saddle or the dressage saddle. Dressage principles are the basis of my show ring success.

By using these principles with the training of the horses I find I ride the same when riding in a Hunt Seat or Western Saddle.

I would guarantee you if you put a western saddle (correctly fitted of course) on a Gran Prix horse and started to do Piaffe, Tempi changes, Passage, Half Pass, etc., you would find that a horse can do just as well in a western saddle! It does not matter to a horse what saddle, unless it does not fit the horse or rider correctly. Actually,

I find the Dressage and Western saddles are the most similar. You ride in a sitting position at the walk, trot, and canter in a dressage saddle and one that rides correctly sitting in the western saddle at the walk, jog, lope in a western saddle mirrors the same basic principle of dressage. You can post to the trot in the Western or English saddle too.

Comparing Dressage and Western Riders: Get a book with Dressage riders and then with Western Riders. My latest book, A Riders Guide To Real Collection, will be perfect to use.

Make sure your books are of good quality training and correct horsemanship. Now, compare photos of riders.

You are going to find the English riders and the Western riders are in similar positions. You should be able to define a vertical straight line from their ear, shoulder, middle of the hip, back of the heel to the ground. This vertical alignment that we must maintain while riding the horse in his three gaits is so similar. For example, the western rider can ride with two hands just like the English rider. This is a similar balanced position.

Remember, the horse does not care about the saddle as long as it fits properly.

Communication through the natural aids: Whether you are riding in a Dressage or Western saddle, the universal aids to communicate with seat, legs, and hands are all the same. It should not matter what saddle you

30 • HORSES MAGAZINE • October 2016 • Download and View FREE on-line at www.horsesmagazine.com

are in, as long as you are consistently using your aids correctly. If you had a big bulky and thick leathered western saddle, you may not be able to use your aids as “close contact” as a dressage saddle. My Western Dressage saddle is just as much close contact to my horse as my dressage saddle. I just love it!

Also, take a peak at our English Dressage saddle; handmade in France that has a tree we developed specifically for the Stock Horse breeds or other horses with broad shoulders and broad backs. It is something special and surely gives you a correct balance when you ride in it. If you would like to try one of our saddles, please contact my husband, Cyril at cyrilalliancesaddlery@msn.com. He would be more than happy to answer any saddle or saddle fitting questions you may have. He is an expert in this field.

The training of the horse and the levels you follow to improve the horse’s knowledge and performance, as well as your own skills, does not matter what saddle you ride in! The

saddle is just a tool to keep you in balance with your horse, feel the horse underneath of you, and to give your horse comfort as he carries your weight. A horse should have no problems unless the saddle does not fit.

I find that most riders love the western saddle because it has a bigger seat, a horn for confidence, and more saddle that is around you. A western saddle does not challenge your balance as much as an English dressage saddle does. All English saddles require more balance from the rider and a skill level so they don’t rely on the horn if they should need it for balance. However, we require all our western riders to ride English! I believe that riding English (Dressage or Hunt Seat) will improve your Western riding. Over the years this has proven very true.

I would like to end this training article with a challenge for you. If you have a friend or student who rides only western, try to get them in an English saddle. They will find it will help their western riding by enhancing balance and confidence.

If you know an English rider, try to get them to ride in the western saddle. They will have a blast, as it is so much more comfortable if the saddle is of top quality. Most riders retire riding in a western saddle! Don’t ever forget that!

Download and View FREE on-line at www.horsesmagazine.com • October 2016 • HORSES MAGAZINE • 31

Poor topline is more than just lousy saddle fit or bad genetics. It’s a critical indicator of overall health. Fortunately, there is a path to improvement through better nutrition. Put your horse to the test. Start by checking the topline health of your horse with our new assessment tool.

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32 • HORSES MAGAZINE • October 2016 • Download and View FREE on-line at www.horsesmagazine.com