Horse Talk March April 2017 by Horse Talk

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6 WHAT’S NEWS 8 Tad Coffin Saddles 18 TOM SEAY TALKS ABOUT... 20 4 MYTHS ABOUT INSULIN RESISTANCE 24 PREVENTING PROBLEMS ON THE TRAIL 30 CONTROL YOUR ECTOPARASITES 34 FLEX YOUR ANKLE FOR A BETTER RIDE 36 GEGI WINSLETT INDUCTED INTO

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VHSA HALL OF FAME

38 2017 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 44 CLASSIFIED ADS 46 SERVICE DIRECTORY March/April 2017

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HORSE TALK March/April 2017 Vol. 25#2

PUBliSHER/dESiGNER Lois Baird

Katie Eisner, DVM Mary Beth Jackson Susan Larson Sarah McKay Wendy Murdoch Turnbull COVER PHOTO: ThisJackie issue celebrates our 25th year in print. On

the cover are the publisher’s two horses - Ice and Tango. The last 25 years have been an amazing journey with huge changes COVER PHOTO: This photo was our 2nd in the horse industry, and of

place winner in our 2016 Cover Photo Contest. Photographer, Sean Elim-Durden took the photo in May, 2016 at the James River Hunt “A” show. The rider, Heather ProVorse was getting some last minute coaching before she went in for her 2nd trip.

Horse Talk is published six times a year by Imagemakers Design Studio. Copies are free to the public and are distributed throughout Virginia and Southern Maryland. Subscription rates: one year $12, two years $20 via 3rd class. Editorial views expressed are not necessarily those of Horse Talk Magazine Copyright© 2017 by Imagemakers Design Studio. All Rights Reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or copied in whole or in part without written permission of the Editor. Horse Talk assumes no ﬁnancial responsibility for errors in or the omission of copy.

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Virginia Horse Council Annual Meeting March 25 The Virginia Horse Council will hold its annual meeting for on Saturday, March 25, 2017 at 11:30 am, during the Virginia Horse Festival at the Meadow Event Park in Doswell, Virginia. Members are invited to attend the general meeting session. Officers will be elected at the meeting and annual service awards will be presented. To register your attendance at the meeting and to reserve your box luncheon please visit the Horse Council website http:// www.virginiahorsecouncil.org/ or call the Virginia Horse Council office at 1-888-467-7382.

VHC Equine Education Seminar Series In addition to their Annual Meeting, the Virginia Horse Council will include the annual Equine Education Seminar Series. The seminars will be held on March 25, 2017 at the Virginia Horse Festival. Admission to the seminar is free with a paid admission to the Virginia Horse Festival. Seminar topics include equine welfare laws, information about and tips for adopting a horse from an equine rescue group, acupuncture, and hoof bandaging and emergency horse

Email us your news: lois@horsetalkmagazine.com Go to HorseTalkMagazine.com for more news and event listings! Virginia’s equine news and events are added to our website daily!

shoe removal. Seminar registration will be handled on site at the VHC booth during the VA Horse Festival.

Mid-Atlantic Nutrition Conference April 5-6, 2017 The 2017 Mid-Atlantic nutrition Conference, the region’s premier animal nutrition conference, will be held April 5-6, 2017 at the Hunt Valley Wyndam Grand in Hunt Valley, MD. Two days of expert speakers have been lined up with the Equine Session held on the second day featuring morning seminars devoted to the aged horse, allergies, and how to boost the equine immune system. The afternoon will be devoted to the equine gut microbiome and related supplements. Veterinarians, students, horse trainers, horse breeders, and horse owners should not miss this opportunity to learn about exciting new discoveries related to their equine health and nutrition. All attendees will receive lunch and the opportunity to ask questions of all of the experts. Pre-registrations are encouraged and can be done online at: https://ansc.umd.edu/extension/mid-atlantic-nutrition-conference/ registration-information

Horses, Beer, Music! Come “hoist a pint” for the horses! March 29 from 4-8pm at Legend Brewing Company, 321 W 7th St, Richmond, VA 23224. The Richmond Ski Club/Parrot Head Club of Richmond are holding a social which will benefit Friends of the Richmond Mounted Squad and their

“Raise the Barn Campaign”! Meet the officers and our four-legged crime fighters! Music by John Small and Mark Merritt. $1 from every draft beer sold benefits FRMS’ “Raise the Barn” Campaign to build a new stable facility for the Richmond Police Mounted Squad.

Save A Horse, Taste Some Bourbon April 8, 2017 Join RVHR on April 8th as we celebrate the hard work of the Roanoke Valley Horse Rescue and raise funds for the continued care of the abused and neglected horses being served! Entertainment by The YES Movement and ticket purchasers receive free bourbon tasting, heavy hor d’ourves, and non-alcoholic beverages. A beer and wine cash bar available. Have a fun time bidding on some great silent auction packages/items. Come out and help the horses! Visit www.rvhr.com through event date for sneak peek at silent auction packages/items to be offered. Price for event: $17 advance purchase, $22 at door. Kazim Shrine Ballroom 628 Campbell Avenue, Roanoke, Virginia, 540-798-0543, dcaldwell@rvhr. com, or visit their website at www.rvhr.com.

March/April 2017

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Photo Left: Tad Coffin has committed 25 years to an ongoing research and development program that has led to many surprising conclusions that offer a new narrative in our conversation around saddles and how they are designed and manufactured. Photos courtesy of Tad Coffin.

Forme r O ly m pic R i de r makes s a d d l e DE S I GN an a rt an d a s c ien ce

Tad Coffin Saddles Wr it t e n b y S ara h Mc K ay

he n y o u step i n t o the barn at Ta d C o ff i n Performance Saddles, you immediately sense that there is something very different going

on there. Nestled at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Greene County, Virginia, Tad and his team are committed to evolving the technology and conversation around saddles. Oftentimes, when it comes to finding the right saddle for our horses, we turn to a saddle fitter or rely on a system of padding to find the right fit. However, at Tad Coffin Performance Saddles (TCPS), Tad

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takes a different approach, striving to explore the full potential of the saddle by fundamentally changing the design and technology of the tree and panels in order to maximize performance. Tad has committed 25 years to an ongoing research and development program that has led to many surprising conclusions that offer a new narrative in our conversation around saddles and how they are designed and manufactured. For Tad, the decades of research, engineering, and testing saddle structure and design has been a labor of love and one that stems from his own time as an Olympic rider. “In every other sport, there have been endless hours of research and technology developed in search of finding the best shoe or the best swimsuit that allows athletes to reach their full potential.” Tad points out that “we have ridden horses for thousands of years, yet we have never seriously explored the saddle as a tool.” In fact, when comparing saddle trees from different points in time over the last century, one can see that little has changed, with the majority of saddle trees today remaining technologically unevolved. The tree is the foundation of Tad’s research and development and the initial tree that he designed, a wood version with smooth metal reinforcement, was very different in terms of ergonomics. This version gave way

to the next iterations, trees with a wood and carbon fiber laminate, and then to the generations of the SmartRide Technology. SmartRide trees begin with an ergonomic, thermoformed acrylic alloy core that employs many elements of geometry to accomplish specific motion and strengthening. These engineered features were developed after many iterations and experiments to determine what horses respond to best. This core is then further reinforced and fine-tuned with an array of carbon

for years—sympathetic movement. “I don’t call it flexibility, because this idea often implies a non-descript bending

fibers and carbon elements in order to refine motion, strength, and durability. In the evolution of their saddles, Tad and his team focus on three guiding principles. The first is ergonomics, which was the starting point for Tad, as it is crucial for the tree to have the right shape to correspond to a horse’s back in correct motion. The second is one that Tad and his team have been pushing hard on

or folding. I am persuaded that our long standing notion of flexibility is not really what the horses appreciate. I have come to believe that the tree and panels should be engineered to have specific axis of motion that evolve and correspond to the dynamic needs of the horse’s moving back underneath.” Tad likens the notion of sympathetic movement to that of an excellent rider’s

“we have ridden horses for thousands of years, yet we have never seriously explored the saddle as a tool.”

March/April 2017

seat—complex, specific, and highly toned, allowing the rider to sit quietly on a moving horse. “Saddle trees with high degrees of flex and bending are the equivalent to a rider with no core. Horses don’t want a rider flopping around on their back, they want a rider who has just the right amount of flexibility in just the right places to sit in complete harmony with the horse. The same concept holds for saddles and to achieve this presents a very different engineering challenge.” The third guiding principle is durability. “Good riders and athletic horses put enormous stress loads on saddle components. We are engineering our saddles to accommodate the highest stress loads in a dynamic riding environment.” This however, is no easy feat, as “when you think of having something that has motion in it, and something that has a tremendous amount of durability, those two concepts are in tension. The strongest things we know of going back to the Roman ruins are not particularly flexible, and the things that are the most flexible, are not particularly durable. So, we are walking the fine line between what is sufficiently robust to handle dynamic stress loads while simultaneously serving the horse’s needs in motion.” Tad’s approach to saddle design is horse centric, which may sound obvious, but is often a missing central element, according to Tad. “We have maintained a group of 5 horses since the beginning of our R&D efforts which began in 1992. While some are no longer with us, and others have filled in, these horses have provided me with the feedback necessary to evolve our understanding.” The management of these horses is designed to limit the number of variables in order to make precise evaluations of their reactions to the saddle design iterations. These horses are Continued on page 10 H O R S E TA L K M A G A Z I N E

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TAD COFFIN SADDLES...... from page 9

not on any medications, do not receive therapies of any kind, and are not fed any supplements. They are all ridden every day by Tad in a simple egg butt snaffle and plain cavesson bridle with neither martingale nor breastplate. Tad rides them in an open, rolling field and is constantly evaluating their responses. “It is their feedback that has guided us throughout this entire process. They are completely honest in their assessment of our work and through this process, they have led us to new truths about what they require.” Tad is able to determine how a horse reacts to a change in design by riding them. “People often ask me if I use pressure sensors or heat sensors to help determine how our saddles fit. To that, I say no, not that you couldn’t, but at the end of the day, how

do we determine whether a horse is going well? By a computer program or with our senses? It’s a relationship thing—we don’t need a computer print out to let us know if we are having success or not on a relational basis. I have used my experience as a rider and my relationship with these horses

March/April 2017

over many years as the basis for all my evaluations.” Over the years, Tad and his team have done thousands of experiments in their effort to discover the untapped potential in the saddle. In addition to Continued on page 12

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TAD COFFIN SADDLES...... from page 11 the feedback from the equine “saddle testers,” they have received invaluable guidance from one of America’s top engineers, Stan Yavoroski. A rider himself, Stan recognized the need for improved saddle design. “He has helped us solve the major issues that have held back progress in the technological advancement of saddle trees,” Tad says. “He has given us the design concepts, parameters within which to explore, and helped us solve a host of technical difficulties.” There have been multiple iterations of the SmartRide technology that was originally introduced in 2009. “As we discover improvements that will impact horse comfort and performance, we put them through the testing process. If they get a green light, we put them into production. This might happen 2-3 times per year.” This many evolutions may seem like a lot, but as Tad points out, they are striving to make up for centuries of status quo. Each and every saddle TCPS makes can come back for a technology upgrade, which is something completely unprecedented in the world of saddles. “Customers can take full advantage of our discoveries and have their saddles retrofitted. Some have this done multiple times.” Every saddle is made on site from the tree up in a workshop that shares the same roof as the horses. “To build a saddle with this level of technological complexity requires a team with a wide skill set, a dedication to quality, and a willingness to evolve the manufacturing process as design changes are incorporated,” Tad explains. He has a hand in the production of every saddle, ensuring that all steps and

procedures are followed. “I have had the honor and pleasure to work alongside some truly remarkable and talented individuals. Everyone on this team contributes to our success.” Tad notes that his saddles do not conform to many of the current saddle design trends and defy many of the commonly held ideas regarding saddle fit. “Current design trends have shifted over the past 40 years, from saddles that we could describe as being minimalist, to today’s designs which are substantially ‘fuller’ in every respect. Much of this design shift is the result of efforts to provide greater security for

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riders.” Tad offers an alternative to this thinking, suggesting that real security and rider safety comes not from building more into the saddle, but from improving the agility of the horse. “There is no greater sense of security than that which comes from riding a horse that is using his back and carrying himself correctly. Such a horse is easy to sit to and moves across all kinds of terrain in a beautifully balanced manner without resistance, giving the rider both joy and great confidence.” In contrast, Tad notes that “when horses are unable to use their physiology as it was designed, their natural suspension and balance recovery mechanism is compromised. I’m persuaded that the root cause of this inability comes from saddles. When back mobility is compromised, horses compensate, which results in movement that is either exaggerated or stilted, difficult and uncomfortable to sit to, and puts undue stress on the horse, particularly on the joints of the hind legs. Horses do their best to comply to riders’ demands, but back pain causes tension, greater levels of resistance, slower learning, and premature unsoundness.” Tad is persuaded that his improved saddle technology is where real security, safety, and the joy of riding are to be found. “I have been amazed by how quickly horses react to a truly comfortable ‘saddle experience’; resistances peel away like layers of an onion and their relationship with the rider becomes one of partnership.” Tad’s insights over the years has led him to consider an even more radical idea—“as improved equipment has changed performance expectations in other sports, does the same possibility not exist for riding? We are breeding more phenomenal equine athletes all the time. Are we short changing their

Continued on page 14 March/April 2017

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TAD COFFIN SADDLES...... from page 13 true abilities or leaving such promise unrealized because we’ve overlooked the modernization and technical development of our most significant tool; the saddle? I am persuaded that we’re formulating performance expectations, training methods, therapies and veterinary practices based, at least partially, on horses’ responses to a piece of equipment that has hardly evolved and certainly has never been given a serious, well-funded, long term concerted effort to explore it’s potential benefits.” Beyond the efforts to improve athletic performance and the relationship between horse and rider, Tad and his team’s results have yielded some real surprises. Tad notes “where we are now is a pretty interesting place where the latest version of our technology called SmartRide Rx can actually be

therapeutic.” When placed on a horse’s back for 20 minutes with the girth on, the technology, “has consistently demonstrated an ability to significantly reduce or completely eradicate back pain and create a state of deep relaxation.” To see this for yourself, check out the video of Tad demonstrating this response at https://youtu.be/0vWrWRItZ9A. While this may seem like magic, Tad explains that “this is due, in part, to an electromagnetic phenomenon in the tree that is a result of the combination of the materials we use, the manufacturing processes, and the geometric features.” The efforts at TCPS is “a lot of very precise work that is all being driven by horse language and by a willingness to go to the ends of the earth to find ways to make them more comfortable.” As they go through the development process, Tad is “continuously amazed that the smallest difference that we can’t even imagine would affect the way the

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horse goes, really make a big difference to them.” Noticing and exploring these differences, however, are decades and millions of dollars’ worth of research and development. “Going down this road has never had a guarantee, but how are we to make progress if we aren’t willing to go down that road and do a lot of exploration, study, and careful thinking? I call this my second Olympic effort as it has required a similar singularity of focus, an extraordinary work ethic from a dedicated, highly skilled team, and an extraordinary willingness to persevere when the going gets tough or when there are failures.” Tad’s process is different than that of an academic study, “We aren’t doing it for the sake of studying it, we’re doing this with the kind of drive that we want it to make a difference now…but it is not purely commercial either, which makes it different.” Continued on page 16

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TAD COFFIN SADDLES...... from page 14 Reflecting on his own time as an Olympic rider, Tad suggests that there is an “Olympic ideal” that he always found appealing and worthy—“it’s a full on effort to realize the best possible performance with the goal being something that is fairly idealistic.” The work Tad and his team are doing is a very similar effort and one that is not solely about athletic performance. “It is because we have a very deep seated belief that the horse, who is responsible for all of our joy and the subject of a lot of our affection and money, deserves something fundamentally different and better if it’s possible to do that.” As far as what’s next for TCPS, Tad and his team are seeking to “understand as best as we can the therapeutic nature of this piece of equipment.” Beyond that, it’s trying to change the conversation around saddles both in terms of performance improvement and therapeutic capabilities so that even more discoveries can be made and technology can be further advanced. Tad and his team are hard at these efforts every day and

they take their mission very seriously— “I have found this work to be fascinating, rewarding, and morally compelling. To have spent all these years with these marvelous creatures and find yet a new way to bring comfort, relief and fashion a new relationship, based not on tolerance but on partnership—well, it doesn’t get much better. Now we need to bring the possibility of a new saddle narrative to the larger equestrian community.”

To learn more about Tad Coffin’s Saddles, visit www.tadcoffinsaddles. com or give Tad a call at 434-989-3229.

MaY/JUNE CALENDAR ISSUE Deadline for the

MAY/JUNE Issue

APRIL 10th CAll 540-548-4613 or eMAil lois@horsetalkmagazine.com or click on the advertising tab at www. HorseTalkMagazine.com for more information!

Our May/June issue will be distributed at many of the Rated Shows and Events in Virginia including the Upperville Horse Show, Keswick, Deep Run, Morven Park & More!

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Tom Seay Talks About... His favorite Virginia Trails and Upcoming Adventures b y tom seay

ow is the time to plan those trail riding trips right here at home in Virginia. The television show, Best of America by Horseback has blessed me with guiding trail riders on incredible journeys such as my Atlantic to Pacific 3,300 mile ride, the 2,000 mile Old Mexico to Canada ride, the Yukon, Alaska, Hawaii, every state in the continental United States, the countries of Belize, Mexico, Honduras and the Caribbean. We have ridden to Mount Rushmore, President Reagan’s Ranch, old Tombstone, and more, but my favorite places to ride are right here in Virginia. I want to share some of those Virginia places to ride and share some upcoming rides with the television show as well.

Pl a c e s t o ri d e in Vi rg i n i a : Virginia parks: There are no state parks better than Virginia State Parks. Over the last several years, they have specifically added horse facilities and improved trails. We

were impressed enough to produce several shows on these facilities for you to preview in your trail riding plans. Locations around the state make it a short drive to enjoy more time in the saddle. Almost all have incredibly easy access and large parking. Cabins are reasonable or full hook-ups are there. Parks we have showcased are Douthat State Park in Millboro, New River State Park in Max Meadows, James River State Park in Gladstone, Grayson Highlands in Mouth of New Wilson, Fairy Stone State Park in Stuart and most recently Lake Anna State Park in Spotsylvania. Fort Valley Ranch (Fort Valley, VA): This is a well-run campground that has trails of every level. Moreover, they have many events each month that add to the enjoyment of riding the mountains of Virginia. I have ridden there, love the people and can recommend them. Visit the website of Fort Valley to learn more www.fortvalleyranch. com. Lake Anna State Park (Spotsylvania, VA): Lake Anna is

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a surprisingly great place to ride even though it is (at this time) limited to day trips. Trails are well maintained, plenty of large parking areas, clean rest rooms and showers, and great views of the Lake itself. The park encompasses Spotsylvania, Orange and Louisa counties, and it is easy to get to and worth being on your places to ride list. Graves Mountain Lodge (Syria, VA): This is area in central Virginia is where I was an horseback outfitter for many years. We would ride into the mountains, tent camp in the wilderness (soft cushions and warm sleeping bags), campfire cooking and unlimited trails. I rode many of the trails into the Shenandoah National Park from Graves Mountain where you can still park your rig at the base of the mountains and ride trails in every direction. Cattle Drives: Why go west? Here at our farm in Culpeper, Virginia, we have regular cattle drives where any rider of any level can quickly and easily learn to work cattle. The greatest concern is the question, “will my

horse do this?” The constant answer is, “Wow, my horse loves this!” We teach you everything - to real cattle driving and working your horse, plus you can join the Friday night team penning event at no charge. Other than a charge for the basic ride, we supply all indoor, sitdown down home country meals, free stalls, free hook-ups and a lifetime of memories. Upcoming locations outside of Virginia for Best of America by Horseback will be in Gettysburg, PA, a cruise to Alaska with riding in the Yukon, a trip to the southern part of Ohio to ride a great equine campground in the middle of a National Forest. In the works for the fall is a ride in South Carolina in October and Louisiana in October as well. Canada is in for mid-September and Wyoming is in August. Soon we will be announcing a series of rides from Oklahoma to North Carolina where

folks can join for the entire ride or any part. You may know of this route of the Native American historic “Trail of Tears”. There is so much more to come for places to ride. Join these rides or enjoy the ones we have previewed for you on the television show (visit our website to see them for no charge! www.bestofamericabyhorseback.com). If you want to join a cattle drive or any future show, simply call our office for more information. Call 540-829-9555 for details or to signup. As always, you can contact me directly at any time on my private Email, tseay10@aol.com. Upcoming Rides with Tom Seay and Best of America by Horseback: April 19-23: Gettysburg National Battlefield in Gettysburg, PA May 12-14: Gathering at the Farm “Plow Days” in Culpeper, VA

March/April 2017

May 27: John Wayne Birthday Celebration in Winterset, IA June 23-30: Cruise to Alaska September 11-17 Horse Country Campground in Forester Falls, Ontario September 22-24: Elkins Creek Horse Camp & Tack Shop in Pedro, OH Learn more about Best of America by Horseback, see our upcoming rides and events and watch our past episodes for free: www.bestofamericabyhorseback.com Follow Best of America by Horseback on Facebook & YouTube: Best of America by Horseback Join Tom Seay on his farm, Andora Farm for Cattle Drives: March 24-26 • April 7-9 • April 14-16 • May 5-7 • June 9-11 • July 7-9 Follow Andora Farm on Facebook: Andora Farm

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Insulin Resistance

Written by Mary Beth Jackson

nsulin resistance (also known as equine metabolic syndrome) is a growing equine health concern – and one of the most maddening to deal with. Dr. Joyce Harman of Harmany Equine unravels how modern horse keeping and conventional wisdom is making our horses sick, and what we can do to improve their health.

MYTH: Horses need to put on weight before the w i n t e r. TRUTH: Extra weight

in the spring sets up a horse for insulin resistance and laminitis. There’s a natural cycle of weight gain and loss that occurs seasonally, and humans are messing that up, says Harman. Horse owners want to see consistency year-round, but that’s not how it works in the wild, she says. Horses naturally lose weight in the winter and gain it in the spring. If they have been allowed to lose weight in the winter, horses are ready for the nutritious spring grass when it arrives. In the fall, rain brings more grass growth, and grazing animals

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naturally put on more weight. The error, says Harman, is that “we don’t let the winter weight loss happen.” “So when spring comes, they don’t need to gain any more weight,” she says. “But mother nature has just provided more spring grass designed to put weight on. So we start at a higher set point every spring, and we have this high sugar grass, and the horses add more weight easily because in spring time they’re designed to do that. So the high sugar grass is too much carbohydrates for their system and the sugars are processed using insulin.” As the horse takes in those sugars

through the digestive process, the sugars are broken down into glucose molecules. The way that glucose gets into the cells to be used as fuel is with insulin. “Sugar comes into the stomach and in order for that sugar to get into the muscle cells to be used as fuel, the insulin picks it up, carries it to the muscle cell, and deposits it in the muscle cell.” Insulin is like the key that unlocks the muscle cell. “In insulin resistance, the cell is now impermeable, or too stiff, for the insulin to get in. So now you have insulin running around with nothing to do.” So the insulin is deposited as fat, stored for later use. “In the wild horse, that later use is the middle of January when there’s nothing to eat,” she says. But the coddled domestic horse is more likely to get obese at this point, developing inflammation and a cresty neck and fat pads at the tailhead. “There comes a tipping point where the fat and the inflammatory triggers become too much for the system and that tips you over to laminitis,” she says.

Continued on page 20

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Insuline Resistance..... from page 21 MYTH: Your horse needs a test to determine if h e ’s i n s u l i n r e s i s t a n t . A horse with normal insulin levels is not i n s u l i n re s i s tan t. TRUTH: The best e v id e n c e i s b efo re yo u r e y es . “The human research shows insulin resistance can be occurring at the cellular level years before it shows up in the blood,” says Harman. “The same thing is very true with horses.” Look at your herd for the classic easy-keeping body type with a cresty neck. “If you look at their fat pads and crest of their neck, you can visually inspect the horse and have an idea if a horse is an easy keeper and tends toward insulin

resistance,” she says. She adds, “If they have the easykeeping or obese body type and they are already on a limited amount of food and they are still not losing weight, they are insulin resistant, even if the blood isn’t showing the high level of insulin.”

MYTH: Severe calorie re s trict ion is necessary to take of f t he weight . TR U TH : The s t r e s s of a severe diet can keep the we ig ht on. Harman takes aim at common advice to only give a horse 4-6 flakes of hay flakes a day until the extra weight comes off. “In the conventional veterinary world, so much of the answer is basically to starve them,” she says. “That is so unfair to the horses and it really doesn’t

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work in the long run.” The more insulin resistant the horse is, the harder it is for the horse to lose weight on a severely restricted diet, Harman says. “You can starve these horses to the point they’re all stressed out and miserable and won’t lose weight,” she says, adding that stress has been linked to insulin resistance in humans as well. And it isn’t just the horse that feels frazzled when she’s given a severe diet, says Harman. “Part of having the horse is caring for it and feeding it,” she says. “Owners get stressed out when horses are told they can only have two flakes of hay and nothing else to eat.” Harman recommends slow feeders that eliminate the binge and starve yo-yo, but says, “What we really need to do for the insulin resistant horse is change their metabolism. That’s where supplementation comes in.”

MYTH: Once an insulin resistant horse, a l w a y s a n i n su lin re s is tan t h o rse. T RU T H : W h i le s o me h o rs e s re ach t he poi n t i t w i l l b e ch ro n ic, a g re a t many c a n b e re h a b ilitated . “IR can be reversed or controlled using supplements,” Harman says. “The best control is exercise. But the reality is that most of us don’t ride our horses that much.” She acknowledges that life gets in the way, with important things like kids, work, and caregiving. “That is the reality of modern horse keeping,” she says. “We don’t need to give up our horses, we need to find ways to help them metabolically and exercise-wise.” Harman, whose personal horse is insulin resistant, says the key is to get creative about exercise. She suggests allowing more turnout, putting more space between water and hay so that horses have to move more, and making sure your horse has a companion for play. Another important aspect is to test hay for sugar and starch content, watch grasses, and use muzzles. “The way muzzles are made, they are nasty things,” she says. “Muzzles are still not my first choice.” But horses can still exercise with their friends instead of being confined, and that’s important too. “It’s a good option because the horse gets to move around and socialize and be in the field,” she says. “Sometimes, making a dry lot is an impossibility.” Concerning supplements, Harman says human research reveals magnesium and chromium are helpful and says the benefits extend to horses. “There’s also an entire list of other nutrients as well as herbs -- simple things like flax or hemp or chia seeds or omega 3s,” she says. “For some horses all you have to do is feed them four ounces of flax twice a day.” If they don’t have a big problem, that may be all that’s needed (in addition to forage), she says. The world of supplements can be a confusing and expensive one, and Harman suggests seeking advice from a holistic-minded veterinarian with nutritional knowledge. She offers consultations and says she will also have a nutritional course on her website this spring. “It’ll teach people to figure out what’s marketing hype and what’s real,” she says. She also suggests looking for supplements with seal of the National Animal Supplement Council, which are tested to make sure the container’s contents are what’s on the label.

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Preventing Problems on the Trail READ THESE TIPS before you venture out on a trail ride TO help you avoid any problems you COULD encounter Writt e n By Jackie Tur nbull

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ome of the most enjoyable times that you can spend on a horse can be found by riding through beautiful, natural trails. Recreational riding is the number one sport that riders do with their equines. If properly prepared and equipped, you and your horse or mule can enjoy some of the most scenic areas to be found in our

your general surroundings or loading up in the trailer and hauling to a state park for a 6 hour ride, preparation can prevent or lesson most problems that can occur. The extra time that you take to prepare yourself, your horse, tack and equipment, will pay off tremendously in the long run. I always teach my students and those that attend my clinics, “there are no shortcuts with horses”. So let’s get started and learn to “ride safe”. One of the first Before planning your trip and things to think about, is ride, you need to prepare, prepare, if your horses’ hooves prepare. Whether planning a short are in the proper conhour ride in your general surrounddition for the trails you ings or loading up and hauling to a will be riding. If you state park for a 6 hour ride. are riding on groomed or sand trails and your beautiful country. horse is used to riding barefoot without Before planning your trip and ride, shoes, he should be fine. But if you will you need to prepare, prepare, prepare. Continued on page 26 Whether planning a short hour ride in

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Preventing Problems on the trail...... from page 25 be riding in the mountains where there are lots of rocks, or on rugged terrain, your horse will most likely need some

bit fits correctly in the horses’ mouth, with no space between the bit and the corner of the mouth and no more than one wrinkle. Next, is one of the most important things I believe riders should do before

in the riding mode. Whether you do it before you load up in the trailer, or before you head out on the trail, it is at the top of the list for getting your horse trail ready. I have heard many stories of injuries on the trail and after I listen

shoes on all four feet to help prevent stone bruises. Before you leave out on the ride, you should pick your horses’ hooves and check to see if a shoe is loose and may need to be tightened. If you are going on a pack trip or long day ride, it is good to carry a shoeing tool for emergencies so you can remove a shoe that has been twisted and partially ripped from the hoof. Some trail riders will carry an easy boot to replace a lost shoe on the trail. Having good tack and equipment is vital to a comfortable and safe ride. You want to check any Chicago screws that you may have on your headstall or reins to see that they have not loosened up and may fall off. Inspect your curb strap or chain, also the girth and the billet straps on each side of your saddle, checking for wear and tear. Check the underside of your saddle pad as you put it on to make sure you have not picked up any burrs that may rub your horse or cause him to be uncomfortable or in pain. Make sure your snaffle or curb

heading out on the trail, that is to lunge your horse! So many riders think, well all we are going to do is walk…..but a horse doesn’t know that or think that way. If you don’t allow them to get the kinks out, stretch their muscles, or even hump their back a little, they are more likely to find an opportunity that allows them to over react at some point on the trail. They are way more likely to spook, wheel sideways, buck or run off if you saddle right up, get on, and ride off. Lunging gets the “fresh” off of your horse, especially if the weather is cold or chilly, or if he has been in a stall or paddock overnight. On my time clock of preparation, I always allow time to lunge. I find that about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on your horse, is plenty. I also lunge with the saddle on which also gets them

to them, I always ask did you lunge your horse before you went out? Most of the answers I get back are no, followed by excuses why they didn’t. Take the time necessary to be prepared. When riding out on an all-day trail ride, such as any of the state parks where you may be miles away from your start point, it is important to have the necessary equipment along with you. Helmets are very important, especially if you are riding in rocky terrain. A saddle bag is a must, it will give you plenty of

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room to carry essentials you will need such as a cell phone, bottled water, snacks, small first aid kit, vet wrap and gauze pad. You will want to train your horse to carry the saddle bag as well as a rain slicker. Work with your horse to let you mount and dismount with the slicker before you are on the trails. There may be a situation where you will want to dismount to eat lunch, rest or other necessary chores, and you will need a halter to tie your horse up. Hobbles also work very well for restraining your horse, once again, introduce those at home where they can adjust to the restraint. Most state parks with equine riding trails offer a map of the trails, make sure you get one of those to take with you so you don’t get lost. They will also have some park rules that you will want to familiarize yourself with. Some things you need to be aware of on park trails are bikers, hikers and dogs. If you ride with horse’s that have been there and done that, your first time trip may go much easier because you will have seasoned horse’s to follow. It is always a good idea to introduce your horse to dogs when you are in a comfortable barn situation before you meet them on the trails. Once a horse has the opportunity to become accustomed to the barking and a dog trotting along beside them at home, he will be able to deal with them more calmly on the trails or an encounter away from the barn. Being attacked by a dog is a whole different matter. It is best to not try to run away, as that can be very dangerous to you and your horse. If you stand still and try to face up to the dog, your horse will be able to see the dog and then you as the rider must keep your horse under control as best you can. Your horse will most likely try to kick the dog and hopefully that will drive the dog away. You will then be able to walk off and leave that area. Always try to check the weather the day before you plan to leave for a ride. This will give you an idea if a storm could be heading your way. That said, we know sometimes we are caught in a sudden storm and it can be frightening if the lightning is flashing. There really is no safe place to be outside, but do try to get to the lowest point possible and away from any trees. If there is no lightning, keep moving and try to get back to a safe place. Downed trees can be a problem if they fall on your pathway. Training your horse to cross over logs is definitely a plus. That said, some trees are just too large to cross over and you will have to then find a safe passage around the tree to get back on your trail. Another situation to be aware of is that of a loose horse. When that happens it is best for everyone to stop and stay in Continued on page 28 March/April 2017

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Preventing Problems on the trail...... from page 27 one place. Either let the owner go after the horse on foot, or designate one rider to try and catch the horse. Remember the herd mentality is extremely strong in horses and you don’t want to get a group of horses trying to catch one horse. Once you decide that you want to trail ride, you accept that you are entering the domain of the wild life that lives there. This will include creatures that live in the ground and they will leave deep holes that can be dangerous to your horse if he steps into one. Always

keep your eyes open ahead of you, checking the ground directly in your path. Deer and turkeys are known to run right across the trail in front of you. If you spot one ahead holler, and they will usually take off back into the woods. Your horse will most likely alert to deer or turkey in the woods way before you see them. Make sure to softly collect your reins and to get your horses attention immediately on you. This may include maneuvers such as bending their necks, taking control of their head, circling or changing direction. This puts all of their attention on you and keeps them from focusing on the animal and spooking, bolting, or wheeling. Watch for the signs that the horse will give you that he has alerted on something. These signs are lifting of the head, ears pricked forward in a certain direction, tenseness in their body, and

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often times they will stop in their own tracks. Your immediate response can be critical in diverting their attention and removing the fear of the noise in the woods. Be the herd leader and take control of the situation as soon as you feel it develop. Your horse is depending on you for leadership that he can trust and follow. Most accidents occur when the rider panics and freezes and hopes it will all go away. Never jump off of your horse in a panic. Nine times out of 10 people will be critically hurt because they chose to jump off of their horse instead of trying to correct the situation and ride through it. Finally, remember that the joy of a beautiful and pleasurable trail ride is well worth the challenges that may arise. Make sure your horse has had the training and experience that you need for your riding skills. If you are lacking confidence, get lessons with your horse and learn the skills that you need to communicate with him. Be prepared, be in control of your horse, don’t take short cuts, and ride safe. Jackie Turnbull, Clinician and Trainer, produces the Great American Ranch and Trail Horse Sale held on April 7-8 at the Virginia Horse Center.

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Ectoparasites HORSE HEALTH:

Control your

ecto pa r a s i t e s

Katie Eisner, DVM Rappahannock Equine Clinic

armer , drier weather will soon be on the horizon. As we come out of our winter hibernation and eagerly make plans with our horses, so too are flies, ticks, and mosquitoes making plans to be a nuisance. The unseasonably warm weather this past winter means insect populations will be returning in full force even earlier. Although small, flies, mosquitos, and ticks, each present unique threats to your horse’s health. Perhaps, the most ubiquitous pest of horses, the flies can be categorized into ‘nonbiting’ and horn fly ‘biting’. The face fly is the most commonly seen nonbiting fly around horses. As its name implies, the face fly tends to hang out on a horse’s head. Nonbiting flies transmit infectious agents and intestinal parasites. Good care and management of open wounds and proper application of fly repellents are the best defense

face fly against face flies and other nonbiting flies, like house flies. horse fly Several species of biting flies harass our unfortunate steeds, including, in this area, Tabanids, Stable flies, and Horn flies. Tabanids include horse flies and deer flies. In addition to imparting a hefty bite, Tabanids are able to transmit Equine Infectious Anemia due to their large size. Although smaller than Tabanids, Stable flies still produce a painful bite, leaving a grouping of 3-4 bites that are capable of transmitting dermatophilosis (rain rot) and dermatophytosis (ringworm). Like Face flies, they also are drawn to wounds where they can deposit larvae of the stomach worm. Horn flies are more typically seen on cattle, however, if horses are nearby they will land on them as well.

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They too can spread infectious diseases with their bites. Although more commonly, Horn flies cause ventral midline dermatitis (hair loss and crusting of the

Culicoides - no-see-ums belly) in horses. Control of biting flies is best accomplished by eliminating their breeding sites, by removing decaying vegetation and fecal matter and creating a vegetation barrier of ~ 6 feet. Fly repellents are helpful against Horn flies, however, they are more effective if the local cows are treated as well. Similar to flies are the biting midges, properly known as Culicoides. Also called “no-see-ums,” these insects are

best known for causing fly bite hypersensitivity, an allergic reaction to fly saliva that causes itching, hair loss, and thickening of the skin from repeated self-trauma. Rubbing of the mane and tail are the most common symptoms, however, the head, ears, rump, and belly can be affected as well. As with all allergies, minimizing exposure is key to treatment. This involves keeping horses in from dusk to dawn when the midges are feeding and eliminating wet areas that can serve as breeding grounds.

mosquitos Traditional treatment of the itching is addressed in multiple ways, including

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topical therapies and oral medications. Next up, are the mosquitos, notorious for spreading a range of neurologic diseases. Given their predilection for human blood as well as equine, most of us are aware that they favor morning and evening feedings and that standing water is often their h o m e base and breeding ground. ticks In horses, mosquitos are the major vectors of West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), Western Equine Encephalitis, and Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis. At this time, there is no evidence that the newly emerged Zika virus affects Continued on page 32

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Control your Ectoparasites............ from page 31

horses. Eliminating areas of standing water and applying fly repellents a minimum of twice daily will help reduce the incidence of bites. Nonetheless, given their prevalence and the severity of disease they can cause, vaccina-

ear tick tion against these viruses is especially important in protecting your horse. Last, but not least, are the ticks. In horses, we worry primarily about the spread of Lymes Disease and

Anaplasma. For some horses, the Brown Dog Tick bites cause an intense hypersensitivity reaction with itching and hives. Ear infections can result from infestations of other tick species in the ear canal. With severe infestations, particularly in ponies and foals, significant blood loss can occur resulting in anemia or Tick Paralysis can occur with exposure to a neurotoxin in certain tick’s saliva. Just as with ourselves, prevention of tick-borne diseases starts with avoiding areas where ticks are likely to be and following that up with topical tick repellents. Tick repellents are available for horses and come in wipes, sprays, and spot-ons. While small, these pesky parasites can pack a big punch in your horse’s health. As the winter weather fades into the past, don’t forget to protect your horses from these potent disease vectors. Make sure to manage trails and pastures to limit overgrown vegetation,

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keep vaccinations up-to-date, and be sure to have plenty of insect repellent on hand!

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Improve your riding in a Murdoch Minute

Fl e x y o u r a n k l e for a b e t t er r i d e Use this Murdoch Minute to HELP DEVELOP FLEXIBILITY AND DEPTH IN YOUR HEELS

By Wendy Murdoch

o you feel like your ankles are inflexible? Do you have difficulty getting your heels down? Do your ankles hurt? Do you need hinged stirrups in order to get weight in your heels? Here’s a quick tip develop flexibility and depth in your heels. Next time you ride notice what happens to your ankles when your feet are in the stirrups. Do your ankles feel stiff? Do you roll to the outside of your foot with the weight on the little toe? Or do your feet stick like wings instead of parallel to the horse’s sides? To improve ankle flexibility it is important to understand how your ankles work. There are different types of movements that you can make with your

ankles and feet. Your foot can pronate and supinate which is a rather complex movement involving the entire foot and ankle. To remember the difference between pronation and supination take your hand and form a cup as if you wanted to eat soup with your hand – this is supination. The opposite of supination is pronation or turning your palm away. To supinate your foot, turn the sole inward and upward like you did with your hand. Dressage and western riders often supinate their feet when trying to “wrap their leg around the horse” but this isn’t good for your knees. Pronation is when the inside of the foot moves down and away from midline. If your foot pronates when in the stirrup someone on the ground could see the

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sole of your boot, commonly seen in hunter riders. Neither of these positions is ideal because the ankles are jammed preventing the ankle from acting like a shock absorber. Point and flex your foot a few times. This movement occurs in the true ankle where tibia and fibula form an upsidedown “U” resting over the talus bone. This joint that is critical to getting weight in your heels. For this joint to work smoothly your foot needs to be in a neutral position side-to-side, with no pronation or supination. Point and flex your foot again. Pronate the foot and notice what happens to the ease of pointing and flexing. Then supinate and feel what happens. Both pronation and supination make it more difficult to point and flex at the true ankle. For good shock absorption you want your foot to be flat to the ground while in the stirrup, as when standing. This will allow your ankle joint the greatest amount of freedom to move with the horse’s movement. If you ever have an opportunity to watch the riders at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, Austria you will observe that their feet are level

Place your toe on the stirrup and raise your heel until you are on point. Roll from big toe to little toe and back again across the tips of the toes.

Supinate and pronate on the foot so that the sole of the foot is faced toward and away from the horse.

and their ankles are so free they make little circles while maintaining full contact with the stirrup. To improve your ankle mobility while on your horse standing still place your foot in the stirrup and move the stirrup from side-to- side as if you wanted show someone the sole of your foot and then aim it towards the horse’s belly (pronation and supination). Make a circle vertically with your heel with your toes as the center of the circle. Go both clockwise and counter clockwise. Lift the heel so that only your toes are touching the stirrup. The heel needs to be high enough so that your big toe is as upright as possible, as if you were in ballet shoes on point. Slowly roll across the tips of your toes from the big toe to the little toe and back again. The heel will make a large arc as you move from big to little toe. Feel what happens in your ankle as you do this movement. Play with the side-to-side balance of your foot as you flex at the ankle joint. What foot position makes this easier? Harder? Find the place where your foot is evenly contacting the stirrup across the entire ball of the foot and you can flex in the ankle easily. As you ride notice if your ankles move with the horse while keeping your weight evenly distributed across the stirrup.

Use this Murdoch Minute to improve your ankle flexibility and weight in your heels. As with all these exercises go gently and do less or stop if you feel any ankle pain. Any time you feel your ankle getting a bit stiff make small circular movements with your heels until you feel the ankles become more like shock absorbers and always remember to enjoy the ride! Wendy Murdoch is available for lessons and clinics in the Northern

Virginia region as well as throughout the United States. She teaches riders of all levels and disciplines how to improve the horse’s performance by improving their body position. On-line join Wendy’s Facebook group Fans of the Murdoch Method and find more articles, blog and her new book 50 5-Minute Fixes to Improve Your Riding, based on the Murdoch Minutes at www: murdochmethod.com.Murdoch Minutes at www: murdochmethod.com

Place your foot in the stirrup so that the ball of your foot is resting on the tread and you have contact across the entire foot from big to pinky toe.

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Gegi W ins le t t I n d u c t e d i nto V H S A H a ll o f F a m e Story and photo by Susan Larson, originally published in Fredericksburg.Today online news

eorgina “Gegi” Winslett was inducted into the Virginia Horse Shows Association (VHSA) Hall of Fame during the association’s annual meeting on December 3, 2016. She also received a 2016 “Ten Best Associate Horse Shows” recognition for her April 2016 Virginia Pony Breeders Association (VPBA) show. The Locust Grove, Virginia, resident teaches, coaches and trains riders and horses in eventing, jumpers, hunters, and equitation. She also produces horse shows, and designs courses through her business, The Winslett Advantage - TWA Horse Shows. Gegi is a licensed United

Gegi Winslett (center) receives the VHSA Hall of Fame Induction award from previous inductees Ernest Oare and Carol Miller. Photo by Susan Larson

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States Equestrian Federation (USEF) “R” judge for hunters, jumpers, and hunter equitation. Winslett was born in Beverly Hills, California. Her father was an army officer, and the family lived on post. It was cavalry personnel who first taught her how to ride. When the family moved to Spokane, Washington, friends loaned Winslett different breeds of horses for her lessons. She rode Saddlebreds, Paints, Arabians, and Quarter Horses in English and Western tack. This diversity of experience set the stage for future opportunities and achievements. Winslett’s father was transferred to Tokyo during the Korean War. On base there she began apprentice teaching. There were no hunter classes in those days. Winslett rode open jumpers, at heights ranging from 3’6’ to 5’9”. Most of the cavalry horses she rode in shows were Anglo-Arabians. When her family moved back to the

states, Winslett enrolled in George Washington University in Washington, D.C. She majored in foreign affairs, played basketball, and rode and taught in Fairfax County. Winslett’s introduction to hunters and hunt seat equitation came from Jane Dillon, owner of Full Cry Farm and the Junior Equitation School. Winslett started teaching pony classes with Jane, and was also teaching an advanced riding class at GWU. In the mid-1960s, she began judging and course designing for the Washington Bridle Trails Association (WBTA). Gegi became executive secretary for the Washington International Horse Show in 1965. She held this position through 1972. In 1973 she went to Florida to work with Gene Mische and Steve Stephens, serving as executive secretary of Stadium Jumping, Inc., and show secretary for the American Invitational, and other shows Mische managed. In 1981 she accepted a position with the Appaloosa Horse Club in Moscow,

Idaho, to serve as youth director and head of the show and contest department. She’d had previous experience with Appaloosas from her time living in the west. She organized Western shows and classes including calf roping, cutting, roping, and reining competitions, and she learned how to obtain the correct cattle for the cattle classes. Winslett was asked to help with the military inaugural committee for President-elect Ronald Reagan’s inaugural parade. Reagan wanted lots of horses in his parade, and Winslett provided 500 of all different breeds. Later in the 80s, she became director of special events for the International Arabian Horse Association, and assisted with the management of the National Arabian and Half-Arabian Championship. Winslett returned to Virginia in 1991, and ran shows for John “Monk” Reynolds at what was then Showday Farm, and now is Commonwealth Park in Culpeper. Winslett has been involved with the United States Pony Clubs (USPC) at

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the national level since 1980, including recent service as chairperson of the National Advisory Committee, and current service on the Board of Governors. In 2004, she received the USPC National Activities Legend award, and in 2008 the Founders’ Award. Her many other positions on boards and commissions include membership on the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture’s Horse Industry Advisory Committee; president of the Maryland Horse Show Association; director, president and treasurer of VHSA; and current president of Battlefield Horse Show Association (BHSA). Winslett has instructed for the University of Mary Washington equestrian team. In 2011, Winslett received the United States Hunter Jumper Association’s (USHJA) Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2012, she was honored with the USEF Sportsmanship Award. Winslett continues to attend many of George Morris’ clinics. The internationally renown rider, trainer, and judge calls her, “A real horsewoman.”

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2 0 1 7 S how & E v en t Ca l e n dar March 2017 Hunter and Jumper

March 2-5 - Hollins Spring Welcome H/J/M Rated Show, Lexington, VA 540-460-2305 www.horsecenter.org March 4 - Topline Horse Center H/E/J/ M, Yorktown, VA 757-591-8791 www. toplinehorsecenter.com, jpcva@juno.com March 5 - Red Gate Farm Hunter/Jumper Series, Bluemont, VA (New Location) 540-882-3530 www.redgatefarmva.com, redgatefarmva@aol.com March 10-12 - The Barracks March Show H/M Rated Show, Charlottesville, VA, 434-293-6568 www.thebarracksfarm. com, thebarracksfarm@gmail.com March 11 - TWA Jumper Show at Hazelwild Farm, Spotsylvania, VA 540-972-1342, www.facebook.com/twahorseshows, g.winslett@earthlink.net March 11 - Foxtail Farm Winter Hunter Show, Smithfield, VA 757-359-9197, foxtailfarm1@gmail.com March 11 - Four Oaks Farm Hunter Horse Show Series, Palmyra, VA 434-589-8488 ,www.fouroaksfarmva.com, four_oaks_ farm@yahoo.com March 11 - ECHSA H/J/E, Virginia Beach, VA 757-270-5228, www.echsa.com March 11-12 - House Mountain Hunter Horse Show, Lexington, VA 540-2616928 www.horsecenter.org, horseyack@ rockbridge.net March 11 - 12 - LTD Horse Shows (Jumpers 2nd Day) H/E/J/ M Carol Bailey Leesburg, VA 540-664-1599 www.ltdhorseshows. com, ltdhorseshows@gmail.com March 12 - TWA Hunter Show, Fredericksburg, VA 540-972-4342 www.facebook. com/twahorseshows, g.winslett@ earthlink.net

March 16-19 - Raleigh Indoors Spring Classic H/J Rated Show, Raleigh, NC, 919-556-7321 www.trianglefarms.com, horseshows@ trianglefarms.com March 18 - Just Jumpers @ FPP, Herndon, VA 703-437-9101 www.fryingpanequestrain. org, chris.monson@fairfaxcounty.gov March 18 – Trimbles Ridge 1, VA Horse Center, Lexington VA 540-261-6928, www.swvhja. org, horseyack@rockbridge.net, March 18 - Hampden Row Hunter Horse Show, Manakin-Sabot, VA 804-370-5943, 804–338-2233 www.hampdenrow.net, hampdenrow1@aol.com March 18 - Fox Chase Farm Hunter Show, Middleburg, VA 540-687-5255, www.HunterHorseShows.com, contact@foxchasefarm. com March 18 - Whippoorwill Farm Hunter Show, Shackelfords, VA 804-366-8778 www.whipporwillfarm.net, rde2wn@gmail.com March 18 - McDonogh Spring Jumper and Equitation Show “B” J/E Rated Show, Owings Mills, MD 410-446-1310, smoore@ mcdonogh.org March 18 - Hanover Heritage Hunter Show, Hanover, VA 804-399-4022 www.hanoverheritage.com March 18 - Trimble’s Ridge Hunter Show @ VA Horse Center, Lexington, VA 540-261-6928 horseyack@rockbridge.net March 18 - Pam Herman Farms Hunter Show, Chesapeake, VA 757-421-4340 www. pamhermanfarms.com, pamhermanfarms@ aol.com March 19 - Hidden Haven @ The Meadows Event Park Hunter Show, Doswell, VA 804-677-6051 www.hdnhvn.com, hdnhvn@ earthlink.net

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March 19 - McDonogh Spring Classic “B” H/M Rated Show, Owings Mills, MD 410-4461310 smoore@mcdonogh.org March 19 - Virginia Hunters @ FPP, Herndon, VA 703-437-9101 www.fryingpanequestrain. org, chris.monson@fairfaxcounty.gov March 19 – Bridgewater College SWVHJA Show, Bridgewater Riding Center, Weyers Cave, VA www.swvhja.org, www.bridgewater.edu March 19 - Princess Anne Farm Horse Show H/E/J, Virginia Beach, VA 757-630-9170 msturtz@cox.net March 25 - Autumn Olive Farm Hunter Show, Goochland, VA 804-457-3707 www.autumnolivefarm.com, autumolivefarm@msn.com March 25 - Fox Pointe Farm Hunter Show, Quinton, VA 804-263-5191 www.foxpointefarmva.com, foxpointefarm@yahoo.com March 25 - Hazelwild Farm Hunter Show, Fredericksburg, VA 540-891-7101 www. hazelwildfarm.com, secretary@hazelwildfarm.com March 25 - Fox Chase Farm Hunter Show, Middleburg, VA 540-687-5255 www.HunterHorseShows.com, contact@foxchasefarm. com March 25 -Sweet Briar College Equitation Show, Sweet Briar, VA 434-381-6116, www.sbc.edu/ riding, mwroten@sbc.edu March 26 - EKG Stables at Hill Valley Farm Hunter Show, Spotsylvania, VA 540-5826272, www.ekgstables.com, eringrampp@ aol.com March 26 - Princess Anne Farm Horse Show H/E/J, Virginia Beach, VA 757-630-9170, msturtz@cox.net March 30-April 2 - Showplace Spring Festival H/J/M Rated Show, Upper Marlboro, MD 410-446-1310 www.bfshowmanagement. org

March 2017 Dressage, Eventing & CT March 4-5 – Silvio Mazzoni Show Jumping Clinic, Oakdale Farm, Powhatan, VA, http://www.cvacta.org/ March 4-5 – Southeast VA Dressage Assoc. Jr./Youth Clinic with Nicole DelGiorno, www.southeastvirginiadressage.org March 11 – 12 – Stephen Bradley Eventing Clinic, Penmerryl Farm, Greenville, VA http://www.cvacta.org/ https://www.eventinginvirginia.com/ March 18 – CVACTA CT & Dressage Show, Keystone Acres, Chesterfield, Va, 804-517-0722, rose.equestrian@gmail.com, www.cvacta.org, March 18 – Eventing in Virginia Jumper Derby, VA Horse Center, Lexington, VA www.horsecenter.org, www.eventinginvirginia.com March 25 – Calais Spring Horse Trials, Level Green Riding School, Powhatan, VA, http://www.levelgreenriding.com/ March 25 – Fix a test with Rebecca Langwost-Barlo, Morven Park, Leesburg, VA www.vadanova.org March 25-26– SWVA Dressage Assoc. March Magic Dressage, Williamston, NC, http://www.swvada.org/ March 26 – VADA/Nova Dressage Schooling show, Morven Park, Leesburg, VA http://www.vadanova.org/ March 26 - Fix-A-Test with Aviva Nebesky “L-grad” at Southern Heritage Farm. https://mitchellds.jimdo.com/aviva-nebesky-clinic/

March 2017 All Other Events March 11 – Shenandoah Trail Riders and Horseman’s Assoc. Bucktail Trail, Wadensville, WV. http://www.strha.net/rides.html March 18 – Morven Park Arena Driving Trial, Leesburg, VA ldoyle@ morvenpark.org, 703-777-2414 x6614, www.morvenpark.org March 18 - Liz Graves’ Essentials of Horsemanship, Joe London Training, 8021 Olympic Way, Culpeper, VA, 5402208460, joelondontraining@gmail.com, www.joelondontraining.com, March 19 – Bull Run Hunt Oyster Roast & Pig Pickin, Locust Hill Barn, Benefit Hope’s Legacy equine Rescue, www.bullrunhuntclub.com March 19-25 – Bull Run Hunt March Madness - A week full of racing, hunting, parties, the BRH Hunt Ball and FUN! $550 includes tickets to the races, 6 days of hunting, parties, and FUN! www.bullrunhuntclub.com/march-madness/

send us your events

send us your 2017 events to be included in our calendar for free. DEADLINE APRIL 10TH

Email us at: lois@horsetalkmagazine.com www.HorseTalkMagazine.com March/April 2017

H O R S E TA L K M A G A Z I N E

March 2017 All Other Events March 23 – VQHA Spring Breakout/Dave Higgins Memorial Show, VA Horse Center, Lexington, VA www.horsecenter.org, www. myvqha.com March 24 – March 26 – VA Horse Festival, Meadow Event Park, Doswell, VA www. virginiahorsefestival.com March 24-26 - East Rowant Saddle Club Spring Wagon Train, East Rowan Saddle Club, Rockwell, North Carolina, (704) 202-5701, cindy@riversidemillwork.com, www.eastrowansaddleclub.com, March 24-26 – DownUnder Horsemanship Road Clinic, VA Horse Center, Lexington, VA www.horsecenter.org, 888-AUSSIE2 • 888-287-7432 March 25 – VA Horse Council Annual Meeting, VA Horse Festival, Doswell, VA http://www. virginiahorsecouncil.org/ March 26 – Shenandoah Trail Riders and Horseman’s Assoc. Uncle Tom’s Park Waterfall Ride. http://www.strha.net/rides.html March 26 – Mounted Map and Orienteering, VA Horse Center, Lexington, VA www. horsecenter.org March 31-April 2 – No Bull Barrel Racing – Grand Slam #1, VA Horse Center, Lexington, VA www.horsecenter.org, https://www. nobullbarrels.com/lexington-va March 29 – Horses, Beer, Music at Legend Brewing Co, Richmond, VA, fundraiser for Friends of the Richmond Mounted Squad. https://www.facebook.com/ events/1223500077757528/

April 1 - Fox Chase Farm Hunter Show, Middleburg, VA 540-687-5255, www.HunterHorseShows.com, contact@foxchasefarm.com April 1 - East Coast Equestrian April Fools Day Fun Hunter Show, Virginia Beach, VA 757-270-5228, www.echsa.com April 1 - Silver Lining Farm Hunter Horse Show @ Coventry Farm, Ashland, VA 804-3377567, www.silverliningfarmofva.com, ponyman4ever@comcast.net April 2 - Hazelwild Farm Hunter Show, Fredericksburg, VA 540-891-7101, www. hazelwildfarm.com, secretary@hazelwildfarm.com

April 11-15 -Rose Mount Farm April Show HB/P B/H/ M Rated Show, Spotsylvania, VA 540-842-4228, www.rosemountfarm.com ann@rosemountfarm.com April 15 - Four Oaks Farm Hunter Show, Palmyra, VA 434-589-8488 www.fouroaksfarmva.com, four_oaks_farm@yahoo.com April 15- Stone Bridge EQ Center SWVHJA Hunter Show, Natural Bridge, VA 540-2911000, stonebridgeequestriancenter@gmail. com, www.swvhja.org April 15 - Autumn Olive Farm Hunter Show, Goochland, VA 804-457-3707, www.autumnolivefarm.com, autumolivefarm@msn.com

April 6-9 -Maryland National Horse Show H/J/M Rated Show, Upper Marlboro, MD 410-446-1310 www.bfshowmanagement. org

April 15 – Kelly’s Ford Equestrian Center H/E/J/M, Remington, VA 423-3660859, www.kellysfordequestrian.com, bethravinsky@yahoo.com

April 7-9 -NCAHA/ODAHA Combined Regional All Arabian NH Rory Meacham Raleigh, NC 919-906-3510 www.ncaha.com

April 15 - Fox Chase Farm Hunter Show, Middleburg, VA 540-687-5255, www.HunterHorseShows.com, contact@foxchasefarm. com

April 8 - Sandstone Horse & Pony Hunter Show, Millwood, VA 540-837-1261, www. sandstonefarm.com, sandstonefarm@aol. com

April 15 - Coventry Farm Hunter Show, Ashland, VA 804-798-2003, www.coventryfarm.com, coventryfarm@msn.com

April 8 -Sweet Briar College Annual Hunter Show, SWVHJA, Sweet Briar, VA 434-3816116, www.sbc.edu/riding, mwroten@sbc. edu

April 15 - Sugarloaf Mountain Horse Show Series H/E/J/M, Adamstown, MD 301-5140111 www.lochmoyfarm.com, shows@ lochmoyfarm.com

April 8 - Whipporwill Farm Hunter Show, Shackelfords, VA 804-366-8778, www.whipporwillfarm.net, rde2wn@gmail.com

April 16 - Sandstone Jumper Show, Millwood, VA 540-837-1261, www.sandstonefarm. com, sandstonefarm@aol.com

April 8 - Virginia Hunters @ FPP (Rescheduled from 12/17/16) Herndon, VA 703-4379101, www.fryingpanequestrain.org, chris. monson@fairfaxcounty.gov

April 16 - CVSJA @ Deep Run Hunt Club Jumper Show, Manakin-Sabot, VA 804-8833050, www.cvsja.com, cvsja@aol.com April 19-23 -Commonwealth National H/J/M Rated Show, Culpeper, VA 845-246-8833, www.hitsshows.com, kaitlin@hitsshows. com

April 2017 Hunter and Jumper

April 9 - Red Gate Farm Hunter/Jumper Series, Bluemont, VA (New Location) 540-8823530, www.redgatefarmva.com, redgatefarmva@aol.com

April 1 - Topline Horse Center H/E/J/M, Yorktown, VA 757-591-8791 www.toplinehorsecenter.com, jpcva@juno.com

April 9 - Rock Branch Hunter Show, North Garden, VA 434-981-5279 www.northgardenequestriancenter.com

April 21-23 – Interscholastic Equestrian Assoc Hunt Seat National Finals, Va Horse Center, Lexington, VA, http://www.rideiea.org/ national-finals/

April 1-2 – Hollin’s University Annual Spring Hunter Show, Roanoke VA, 540-362-6691, nancyp03@aol.com,

April 9 - EKG Stables at Hill Valley Farm Hunter Show, Spotsylvania, VA 540-582-6272 www. ekgstables.com, eringrampp@aol.com

April 22 - Fox Pointe Farm Hunter Show, Quinton, VA 804-263-5191, www.foxpointefarmva.com, foxpointefarm@yahoo.com

April 1 – Kelly’s Ford Equestrian Center H/E/J/M, Remington, VA 423-3660859, www.kellysfordequestrian.com, bethravinsky@yahoo.com

April 9 - Woodpecker Farm Hunter Show, Woodford, VA 540-623-5581 beth@woodpeckerfarm.com

April 22 - VPBA Hunter Show, Warrenton, VA, 540-972-4342, www.facebook.com/ twahorseshows, g.winslett@earthlink.net

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April 2017 Hunter and Jumper

April 29 - Whitestone Farm Hunter Show, Fredericksburg, VA 540-840-5484 www. whitestonefarmva.com

April 22 - Topline Horse Center H/E/J/M, Yorktown, VA 757-591-8791, www.toplinehorsecenter.com, jpcva@juno.com

April 29 - Locke Meadow Hunter Show, Berryville, VA 540-533-2951, www.lockemeadows.com

April 22 - Stonehouse Stables Hunter Show, Toano, VA 757-566-0666, www.stonehousestables.com, tara@stonehousestables.com

April 29 - Sprouse’s Corner Ranch Hunter Show, Buckingham, VA 434-983-8181 www. sprousescornerranch.com, laruelanes@ yahoo.com

April 22 - Hanover Heritage Hunter Show, Hanover, VA 804-399-4022, www.hanoverheritage.com April 22 - Oakland Heights Hunter Show, Gordonsville, VA 540-525-3059 www. oaklandheightsfarm.com, oaklandheightsfarm_horseshow@yahoo.com April 22 – Creekside Stables Spring Opener, SWVHJA Hunter Show, Port Republic, VA 540-430-5299, www.swvhja.com, maysporthorses@gmail.com April 22 – 23 – Emily Jane Hilscher Memorial Horse Show, Alphin-Stuar Arena, Blacksburg, VA, swvhja.org, 540-231-8750, beblackw@ vt.edu April 23 - Rivanna Run Hunter Show Series, North Garden, VA 434-981-5279 www.rivannarun.com April 23 - Elmington Hunter Show, Berryville, VA 540-955-6219 www.elmington.com, khamlin@elmington.com April 26-30 - Lexington Spring Premiere “AA” HB/P B/H/J/ M Rated Show, Lexington, VA, 540-460-2305 www.horsecenter.org April 29 - Turner Farm Events Hunter Show, Great Falls, VA, 703-675-4125 www.turnerfarmevents.org, kimkaranik@aol.com April 29 - Just Jumpers @ FPP, Herndon, VA 703-437-9101 www.fryingpanequestrain. org, chris.monson@fairfaxcounty.gov April 29 – GHPC/BC horse show, Bridgewater College Riding Center, Weyers Cave, VA 540-421-9385, evansmb@jmu.edu, swvhja. org, April 29 - Hawkesbury Farm @ Pam Herman Farms, Chesapeake, VA 757-620-4917, hawkesburyfarm@aol.com

April 29 - Southern Heritage Farm Hunter Show, Midland, VA 540-270-4615 shfboarding4u@aol.com April 29 - Silver Lining Farm Horse Show @ Deep Run Showgrounds, Manakin-Sabot, VA 804-337-7567 www.silverliningfarmofva.com, ponyman4ever@comcast.net April 30 - Hidden Haven @ The Meadows Event Park Hunter Show, Doswell, VA 804-677-6051 www.hdnhvn.com, hdnhvn@ earthlink.net April 30 - McDonogh Grand Local Hunter Show, Owings Mills, MD 443-544-7120 www.horseshowing.com, mkolbe@ mcdonogh.org April 30 - Virginia Hunters @ FPP, Herndon, VA 703-437-9101 www.fryingpanequestrain. org, chris.monson@fairfaxcounty.gov April 30 – Summerduck Run Farm Hunter Show, Culpeper, VA summerduckrunfarm@gmail.com, https://www. facebook.com/Summerduck-RunFarm-1638643776357048/

April 2017 Dressage, Eventing & CT April 1 – Homestead Farm Dressage Schooling Show, Homestead Farm, Catlett, VA, www. vadanova.org, marriotdq@aol.com April 1 – Fix-A-Test clinic at Cedar Creek Stables, Staunton, VA http://www.vadach. org/Clinics.html April 1 – Dressage Thru the Levels with Tami Batts, VADACC, Glamorgan Manor Dressage, Doswell, VA (804) 922-1016 http://www. vadaf.net/

April 29 - Sandstone Horse & Pony Show Hunter April 1-2 – Virginia Spring Starter Horse Trials, Show, Millwood, VA 540-837-1261, www. Horse Center, Lexington, VA, terryjabrams@ sandstonefarm.com, sandstonefarm@aol.com gmail.com, www.horsecenter.org, March/April 2017

April 1-2 – Morven Park Spring Horse Trials, Leesburg, VA ldoyle@morvenpark.org, 703-777-2414 x6614, www.morvenpark. org April 2 – VADACC symposium with Tami Batts, at Glamorgan Manor Dressage, Doswell, VA (804) 922-1016 http://www. vadaf.net/ April 8-9 - VADA/Nova Spring Dressage Show, Morven Park, Leesburg, VA http:// www.vadanova.org, Vadvirag8@gmail. com April 8 – Roanoke Valley Pony Club Spring Frolic, Green Hill Park Equestrian Center, Salem, VA, http://www.swvada.org/ April 8-9 - Eventing in VA: Penmerryl Open XC Schooling, Horse Trials, and Intercollegiate Team Challenge, Penmerryl Farm, Greenville, VA https://www.eventinginvirginia.com/ April 15 – Surefoot Pads Clinic with Wendy Murdoch, Hillcrest Farm, Spotsylvania, VA http://www.vadaf.net/ April 15 – Sandstone Farm Combined Test (CDCTA) Millwood, VA www.sandstonefarm.com, sandstonefarm@aol.com, 540-837-1261 April 15-16 – Williamston Spring Dressage Show, Williamston, NC, http://www. rosinburg-events.com/

MaY/JUNE CALENDAR ISSUE APRIL 10th deadline for the MAY/JUNE Issue 540-548-4613 or Email Lois@horsetalkmagazine.com or click on the advertising tab at www.HorseTalkMagazine.com for more information!

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H O R S E TA L K M A G A Z I N E

April 2017 Dressage, Eventing & CT

April 2 – Shenandoah Trail Riders and Horseman’s Assoc. Signal Knob Trail Ride. http:// www.strha.net/rides.html

April 16 – Shenandoah Trail Riders and Horseman’s Assoc. Uncle Tom’s Park Ride. http:// www.strha.net/rides.html

April 15 – Deep Run Pony Club Horse Trials, Manakin, VA, www.cvacta.org, http://www. deeprunhorseshow.com/calendar

April 5-6 – 2017 Mid-Atlantic Nutrition Conference, Hunt Valley Wyndam Grand in Hunt Valley, Md https://ansc.umd.edu/extension/ mid-atlantic-nutrition-conference/registration-information

April 21 – Old Dominion Saddlebred Horse Show, VA Horse Center, Lexington, VA 434-386-4350, www.horsecenter.org

April 22 – SWVA Dressage Schooling Show at Flanagan Stables, Christiansburg, VA, http:// www.swvada.org/ April 22 – VADACH Schooling Show, Cedar Creek Stables, Staunton, VA http://www. vadach.org April 22 – Old Dominion Pony Club Dressage Rally, VA Horse Center, Lexington VA, http:// odr.ponyclub.org/index.htm April 23 – Frederick Area Dressage Schooling Show, Blue Horse Farm, Jefferson, MD, vadanova.org, raulinl@yahoo.com April 23 – River Bend Pony Club Combined Test and Derby Show, Frying Pan Park, Herndon, VA, nlcgnozzio@gmail.com, www. riverbend.ponyclub.org April 22 – Eventing in VA: Maury River Hunter Trials, Penmerryl Farm, Greenville, VA https://www.eventinginvirginia.com/ April 29-30 – Prime Time Dressage Show, Raeford, NC, http://www.swvada.org/ April 29-30 – Michael Bragdell Clinic at Elmwood Farm, Orange, VA http://www. vadaf.net/ April 30 – Dressage and Gymnastics Clinic with Gammon Lee at Green Hill Park, Salem, VA, http://www.swvada.org/

April 2017 All Other Events April 1 – Silver Star Farm Pleasure Show, Spotsylvania, VA 540-9720966, https://www.facebook.com/ events/1363177080399843/, http://www. silverstarfarmonline.com/ April 2 - Western Riders Horse Show, Western Riders of Virginia, Glen Allen, Virginia, 540-809-65090, VLL13@aol.com, westernridersofvirginia.com

April 6-9 - VA Trail Riders Spring Trail Ride, Homestead Resort, Hot Springs, VA https://www.facebook.com/ events/277294806016610, https://virginiatrailridersinc.com/ April 7-9 - Burkeville Trail Ride 3637 Cary Shop Rd, Burkeville, Virginia, https://www. facebook.com/burkevilletrailride/ April 7-8 - Great American Ranch & Trail Horse Sale, VA Horse Center, Lexington, VA ga.trailhorse@gmail.com, greatamericantrailhorsesale.com/ April 8 – 3rd Annual Save a Horse, Taste Some Bourbon fundraiser for Roanoke Valley Equine Rescue, http://www.rvhr.com April 8 – Bull Run Hunt Spring Hunter Pace, Locust Hill Preserve, Locust Hill, VA, www. bullrunhuntclub.com April 8, 2017 - Toad Hollow ADT, Toad Hollow Farm, Charlottesville, VA, 4348231975, toadhollow01@aol.com, http://omnibus. americandrivingsociety.org/CompetitorsOmnibusListing.aspx?ID=123, April 9 – Spring Equine Extravaganza, Warren County 4H Club, Warren County Fairgrounds, Front Royal VA, maxsfriday@ gmail.com, (540) 305-7466, https://www. facebook.com/warrencountyequineextravaganza/ April 15 – Annual Richmond Ride, Friends of the Richmond Mounted Squad, https://www.facebook.com/ events/154449261733104/ April 14-16 - Lake Gaston Fire Department Spring Benefit Wine Ride in LaCrosse, VA, Pre-register only - http://www.lgvfdwineride.com/ April 15-16 – SBRAA Lee Jackson Classic & VPHC Colors of spring show, VA Horse Center, Lexington, VA http://www.sbraa.org/ events.html

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April 21-23 - Genito Trail Ride in LaCrosse VA, https://www.facebook.com/ events/1773136819676297, La Crosse, VA 23950, 434-729-9141 or 434-774-1332, nelsonandchyrelbaird@embarqmail.com April 21-23 – Fleetwood Spring Trail Ride, Fleetwood Community Center, Roseland, VA, https://www.facebook.com/ events/366209183743765/ April 21-22 - No Frills 30 and 55-mile endurance rides and 15-mile introductory ride. www.olddominionrides.org, Diane Connolly, DCConnolly24@gmail.com April 22 – Tidewater Equine Club show at Dorey Park, Henrico Co. VA, https://www. facebook.com/groups/632769216854210/ April 22 – River City Horse Show, Chesterfield County Fair Grounds, Chesterfield, VA https://www.facebook.com/ events/1781831242102068/ April 23 – Shenandoah Trail Riders and Horseman’s Assoc. Fadely Farm Ride, Edinburg, VA, http://www.strha.net/rides.html April 23 - Prince William Horse Association, English and Western Show, Four Winds Farm, Nokesville, VA, 703-754-7873, shallont@msn.com, http://www.pwha.net, April 28-29 – Bull Run Hunt Weekend Camping Trail Ride, Locust Hill Preserve, Locust Hill, VA, www.bullrunhuntclub.com April 29-30 – Pleasant Grove Trail Ride, Pleasant Grove Park, Palmyra, Virginia, (434) 987-2233, saddleupnva@gmail.com, http://fluvannacounty.org/services/parksand-recreation/events, April 29 – Benefit Trail Rides of VA Benefit ride for MS at Graves Mountain, benefittrailridesofva.com, mfeaster@shentel.net, 540-325-2196 April 29 – 30- HS Rodeo, Rural Retreat, VA info HS Rodeo Assoc. or Mmcrigger@yahoo.com

March/April 2017

H O R S E TA L K M A G A Z I N E

CLASSIFIED ADS

BEDDING

PINE SAWDUST DELIVERED. Call Chris 540-8546967. Clean Pine Sawdust & Shavings Bulk Delivery Manure Removal available. Call Randy Weese 540-270-8271

BOARDING

Airy Bank Farm, Warrenton, VA - Located just 1/4 mile north of the town line, this 51 acre field boarding facility is both safe & friendly. Trails for hacking, a run in shed, free trailer parking & access to a barn, if necessary. Each horse is checked several times a day. Owner supplied grain and/ or supplements can be fed. Owner lives on premises & is a life long horse owner. $260 per month. Your first month is 1/2 price. Discount for multi-horse owners. Call Leslie at 540-729-8606. BELL MEADOWS - south Stafford County/ Fredericksburg area. Full care boarding facility. 12 x 12 box stalls. Turn out on green pastures. Riding arena. Access to trails. Friendly, family operation. Free trailer parking. $350/ month. 540-371-9922 / 540-287-3476 BERRYVILLE, VA - JBIT RANCH, LLC - Established in 1998, The JBiT Ranch, LLC provides both full care and field board for your horse in a friendly, family environment. We offer access to hundreds of miles of trails on our 128 acres, indoor arenas, round pen, 14 stalls, wash and grooming stalls. Owners on site. Western or Eng. welcome. 15 min. to Winchester, 25 min West of Leesburg. www. jbitranch.com 540-533-2483 info@jbitranch. com BESTCARE HORSECARE - Culpeper, Va. Providing your horse complete, personalized care, boarding, training, and consulting. Lush pastures w/run-in sheds, automatic waterers, 6-stall barn, washstall, tack room, arena, 60’ round pen, trails, and more! $225/ month. Woods Edge Farm, (202) 957-2696, woodsedgefarm@gmail.com. BLUE RIBBON STABLES, Inc. - Stafford, VA. We are in central Stafford, 4 miles east of the Courthouse at 1810 Brooke Rd. 12 X 12 matted stalls with fans & lights, central fly spray system & daily pasture turn out. Each pasture w/ auto waterer & all board fences. Lighted outdoor arena. Full care only at $375/mo includes feed, hay, and trailer parking. 540-720-0162

Breezy Pines Farm - Full or partial care available on a quiet farm on the D.C. side of Warrenton. Daily turnout, 12x12 stalls, 2 feedings per day, top quality hay, pine bedding, riding ring and lots of individual TLC, including holding horse for farrier and vet. No pasture board available. Fee depends on the level of care needed. Serving horse owners for 28 years, references are available. Call Trish at (540) 270-9331 or email: ethier5@comcast.net for more information.

CAPSTONE FARM - Located in Opal (Warrenton). We have an indoor ring, two outdoor rings, a round pen, a wash rack, thirty-six acres, fenced and cross-fenced, an experienced staff and hunter/jumper lessons available. $375.00 per month. Sandi 540-222-3137, SDeisterhoft@netzero.net FAIRFAX - OLIVER STABLES – Mins. from Fairfax County Pkway, Burke Lake, Springfield, Clifton & GMU. Lighted indoor & outdoor arenas, large stalls w/rubber mats, indoor & outdoor wash areas. Daily turnout & rotated on excellent pastures. Hay in front of your horse year round in corrals and pasture areas. Access to many trails. Boarding only- no lesson horses. Bring your own instructor (with insurance) or use one that we currently have on file. Open 7am – 10pm. $490-$515. Full care available. Owner/manager lives on premises and celebrating 44 years of operation. OLIVER STABLES, 10814 Henderson Road, Fairfax Station, VA. Call 703-216-9584, 703-978-4341, or email Oliverstables@verizon.net. Please visit www.oliverstables.com. Fairfax Station - Self Care, 4 paddocks, 2 stalls with mats. H/C wash, tack room with saddle racks and sink. Very nice ring. Hay loft, board fencing. $545/month. Call 571-3299821 HARRISONBURG, VA - Full board $250, near JMU. Training, lessons available. Lots of trails. We attend Hunter & Dressage Shows and Cross Country Events. Call Mary Jean for more details 540-810-4996 Haymarket area - Ridgeview Stables offering quality boarding at a small private stable. Small private farm (4-6 horses on farm) 10 acres. We offer boarding to horse owners that are interested in assisting with barn duties. Boarders will clean stalls twice a week for reduced board. We feed twice daily, grain and hay, with turnout, blanketing and special needs. 12 x12 matted stalls, wash stall, Lighted 100 x150 Blue stone arena, trailer parking, and more. $325 month. Please call Lisa at 571-238-8092. rvstables@verizon.net

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La Bella Luna Stables. LLC - Boarding, outdoor rings. Field care ($300/month): pasture with troughs, round bales, twice daily feeding in barn. Full Care ($425/month): large stalls, twice daily feeding, pastures for mares and geldings, troughs, round bales, blanketing, supplements. Aldie, VA. 703-5771578 or email: ericeesmith@ aol.com. Louisa, VA - Lessons, Boarding and Training - Quality boarding, lessons, training in a friendly and professional atmosphere. LESSONS & TRAINING - Your horse or ours! Discount lesson packages, leases and training packages - buy 10 lessons or training sessions for your horse and get the 11th free! BOARDING - Stalls available for full board $450 per month, Field board also available for $250 a month. Multi-horse DISCOUNTS. Tasha Kessler 540-223-3350, www. artemisequestriancenter.com, artemisequestriancenter@gmail.com MISTY BROOK FARM in King George Co. Full care facility within easy drive to the MD and VA show circuit and to the Commonwealth Hunt. 95 x 300 lighted sand arena, center aisle barn w/ fly system, h/c wash stall, tack room & climate controlled lounge w/observation deck & bathroom. Hilly turn outs. Dressage training and English riding lessons from beginner to advanced by certified instructor. Go to www.mistybrookfarm.com, follow us on Facebook, or call Karla (540) 847-1251. mistybrookfarm@yahoo.com. MOONRAKER - Convenient to Warrenton & Manassas. Large box stalls & field board, wash stall, 24 hr turnout. Indoor arena, jumping ring, full-sized dressage arena, miles of trails, all on 180 acres. Tack lockers, heat/AC lounge, & bathroom. All disciplines welcome. 540-788-4458 e-mail: moonrakerstable@earthlink.net. MORNING GLORY FARM - 75 acre farm, excellent full and field care, outdoor riding ring, round pen, trails, 35 acre turn out, on site farrier available. 15 miles south of Manassas airport. Calverton, VA 540-270-1278, mglory@ erols.com NOKESVILLLE - Always There Horse Care Layup and rehabilitation care by licensed vet tech. Full care board also available. All aspects of horse care including foaling. 24 hours a day. 703-754-7955 cell 703-915-6255 www.alwaystherehorsecare.com

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BOARDING

Nokesville - Stoney Lonesome Farm - Full Care board Space available for mares and geldings. Full board $345. Barn manager/ owner lives at property and has 40+ years of horse experience. Laid back, drama-free environment. Sand ring and grass ring, both with jumps. Open fields and wooded trails for riding. Fans in stalls. Board includes grain (twice daily feeding), hay, blanketing and turnout. 703-298-9567, janro031@hotmail.com RIVER BEND RANCH - Stanley, VA Now offering full-care stall or pasture board! Family owned and operated for almost 40 years, our ranch sits on 300 acres with a half-mile frontage on the Shenandoah River. Boarding package includes access to large indoor and outdoor arenas, wash area, training roundpen, and beautiful trails to ride! Pasture board $225/ mo, stall board $325/mo. 540-652-1836, office@riversbendranch.com, www.riversbendranch.com. RIVER HILL STABLES - Luray, VA. Family owned and operated since 1997. 12 x 12 stalls, indoor and outdoor arena, roundpen and lots of trails. Full care with daily turnouts, tack room & wash bay. All disciplines welcome, lessons available. Bring your horse for weekend trail riding and cottage rental, great rates. 540-843-0401 riverhillstables@embarqmail.com, www.riverhillstables.com Rockin J Ranch - 211 W. in Amissville, close to Culpeper & Warrenton. Large pastures with run-ins, 60’ round pen, standard size ring and lots of trails. Veterinarian lives on premises. Field board $250/month, 4-stall barn avail $400/month 540-937-5764 Sandstone farm, Training and Boarding Facility, located in Eastern Clark Co. Millwood, Va. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge -near the Shenandoah river off Rt 50. 30 minutes from Middleburg and 20 minutes from Winchester. Large board pastures, two lighted all weather riding arenas, miles of cross country riding and trails. Go to Sandstonefarm.com call 540-837-1261 THUNDER RIDGE, INC. - Winchester, VA. 25 acre full care facility w/ 25 years experience including a veterinary assistant background. 12x12 stalls w/fans, lighted paddocks w/ runin sheds & auto. waterers, lighted 170’x70’ sand arena & roundpen, indoor hot/cold wash stall & tack room. English and Western lessons & training (540) 667-2580. clarissa@ thunderridgeinc.com or go to our web site www.thunderridgeinc.com.

EMPLOYMENT

JOB WANTED - I am looking for a job on a farm to take care of horse or as a farm maintenance person. Please call Juan 540905-1078. Marshall, VA

FARRIERS

SKILLED CERTIFIED FARRIER available throughout northern Virginia: cold shoeing, hot shoeing, for all sizes and breeds. prompt, quality care for your horse. Call Budi at (703) 389-0528 or email: tulodo@gmail.com to make an appointment. Also go to www. btsporthorse.com

HAY/FEED/STRAW

Horse Hay For Sale - Orchard grass, Orchard grass mixed. Delivery available. Call Gary Breeden @ (540) 778-1486 HAY FOR SALE - Alfalfa, orchard grass, alfalfa-orchard mix, fescue for sale. Pick up or delivery. Call: 252-241-9729 Sharon@ eastcoastsquare.com

RE-HOMING CATS

Helping Homeless Felines is desperate to find barn homes for a colony of feral cats after the sudden death of their caretaker in a Northern Virginia townhouse community. The colony consists of 4 tabby and 2 black bonded cats. The cats have been spayed/neutered, treated for parasites, and updated on their vaccinations. They will make excellent rodent hunters in barn or warehouse environment. Please contact Patty at Fili2.Fairfax@cox.net

Services

EQUINE DENTIST - Traditional hand floating on non-sedated horses. Certified equine dental technician, 30 plus years of experience, Registered in the state of Virginia. A short video can be viewed of the average routine care for a horse at www.horsedentistvirginia.com or Youtube.com. 540-6753815 kenpankow@gmail.com

TRAILERS FOR SALE

2 horse BP Rice Trailer - tall enough for 16.2 HH horses. Immaculate condition, always kept in a garage. Very light weight, only 2,000 lbs. Front and rear ramps with mats. Please contact Brian at 540-752-1961 or fifthidg@aol.com for more information. $5,000 obo

TRANSPORTATION

Always There Horse Transport - 24 hour emergency and non-emergency transport. Local and long distance hauling. Quality care, reasonable prices. 703/754-7955, 703915-6255 cell. www.alwaystherehorsecare. com

March/April 2017

DON’T MISS OUR

MAY/JUNE CALENDAR ISSUE! This issue will include the entire year calendar from May - December If you are an event organizer, send us your information to be included in this issue for free.

advertise your event in our May/june issue Reach over 52,000 readers who are looking for shows and events to attend in 2017 Horse Talk is the ONLY regional equine magazine that reaches the entire state of Virginia. Now in our 25th year, we can help you promote your events and your business. **** Our Marketing Packages also include Social Media, Email and Banner ads. For more information E-mail us at: lois@horsetalkmagazine.com or click on Advertising on our website at www.HorseTalkMagazine.com or call 540-548-4613

H O R S E TA L K M A G A Z I N E

SERVICE DIRECTORY SERVICES

BOARDING

BREEDING SERVICES

LESSONS/TRAINING

TACK STORES

SERVICES SAWDUST & SHAVINGS SERVING AREA CODES 804, 540, 703, 434 We Have Pine!

CHRIS SMITHDEAL 6005 WOODBERRY FARM RD. ORANGE, VA 22960

540-854-6967

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THERAPY SERVICES

March/April 2017

H O R S E TA L K M A G A Z I N E