Explore Equestrian Paradise:
EN
HY P
ISSUE 11
OP
The FREE digital MAGAZINE from THE horsemen’s yankee pedlar
+
Learn How to Adopt a Wild Mustang
Discover doggie destinatons in NEw england
Mountain Top Inn & Resort
Equine Science ILLUSTRATED: Investigate the Horse’s Eye
INTHISISSUE Issue Number 11 Time sure does fly! I can hardly believe that it has almost been a year since we’ve launched HYP. To celebrate the start of the summer, we’ve included many exciting articles for you in this issue. If you’re in the market for a new horse, why not consider a wild mustang? In Mary Koncel’s article, “Help Preserve American History” on page 6, she explains why so many people are adopting these beautiful and untamed horses. If you’ve always wanted to own a wild mustang, be sure to read this article to find out how you can turn your dreams into reality. No matter where you are in the process of training your horse, there are always times when he may seem unwilling. Dana Hokana's article, "3 Tips for a Truly Willing Horse" will help you overcome any communication barriers that you may encounter while riding. “In order to have that fabulous ride we all want and work toward, our horse has to be willing,” she explains. To learn more on how to make your horse listen to you, turn to page 9. Next up, explore equestrian paradise at Mountain Top Inn & Resort in Chittenden, Vermont. Whether you’re a dressage aficionado or enjoy trail riding in the great outdoors, this resort is set on 350 acres beside a national forest, and offers something for every discipline. Turn to page 14 to plan your next great getaway. We’ve also highlighted a couple other destinations on page 18. The Wildcat Tavern in Jacksonville, N.H., and the Paw House Inn in Vermont are two dog-friendly destinations that offer many far-fetched activities, including doggie day spas and dinner with your four-legged friend. Have a great summer and enjoy the beautiful weather!
Who We Are
The Horsemen’s Yankee Pedlar, published by Morris Communications, has been a trusted voice in the horse industry for nearly 50 years. Located in the Northeast, we cover all aspects of the equine industry, from dressage and hunt seat to reining and barrel racing. If you have any feedback or comments, we would love to hear from you! Email us at web@pedlar.com. Please recycle this magazine—forward it to a friend! Press Share in menu above.
2
Staff Publisher
Susan DiPietro
Editor
elisabeth gilbride
Senior Designer
Nicole Welch
Creative Director
William Greenlaw
Art Director
Angela Antononi
Graphic Design
Wesley Shedd
Sales Manager
Joan McDevitt
Senior Acct. Exec.
Christian P. Leatham
Sales Support
liz mack
iabre r sc b u s o the Pedl n t ditio print e
[ CLIC K
HERE ]
Interested in advertising? Give us a call at 508-987-5886 for our media kit and rates.
HY P Your Horse Resource Sign Up at www.pedlar.com
Mil es of Sce nic Tra ils
C la ss ic M o u n ta in
Lodge
Cross Countr y Course
Gui ded Tra il Rid es
ing Sea son al Ou tdo or Din
Bring Your Horse on Vacation On-site Stabling Available Cross-country Course English &Western Group Rates HORSE TRIALS: JUNE 20TH & JULY 11TH HUNTER PACE/TRAIL RIDE: SEPTEMBER 12TH 195 Mountain Top Rd.
802.483.2311
Chittenden, VT 05737
www.mountaintopinn.com
Ki d’s Su mm er Ca mp
14
Contents 6 Help A Horse More than 40 mustangs are looking for a new home. Find out how you can help. 9 Training Tips Quarter Horse trainer Dana Hokana offers 3 tips to make your horse truly willing . 10 Equine Science Learn about the horse's eye with our interactive diagram.
13
13 Gear You Need In this issue we feature Troxel LLC's new Dakota helmet, Summer Whinnys, and Pessoa’s Gen X saddles. 14 camp getaway Explore equine paradise at the Mountain Top Inn & Resort in Chittenden, Vermont. 16 Foto Fridge You send ‘em, we share ‘em. Here are this month’s photos from our readers. 18 Canine Corner Discover doggie destinations in the Northeast.
trail riding photo: courtesy of mountain top inn & resort; Mustang photo: © istockphoto.com/Cynthia Baldauf
6
5
helpAhorse
Help Preserve American History
N
6
ew Englanders are in love with their wild horses. And, after completing a study on wild horse adoption for a master’s degree from Tufts Veterinary School, I learned that they have good reason. Sturdy, agile, smart, and affable, these horses are excelling in a variety disciplines and activities that include trail and therapeutic riding, jumping, reining, and dressage. Overall, they
wild horses have found homes in New England. The tern “diverse” characterizes both the adopters in my study and the horses they adopted. Not surprisingly, most adopters were girls or women. But their ages ranged from “tweens” to those well into their 60s, and their occupations included a writer, trucker drivers, farriers, and a college professor. In this group of adopters, mares, geldings, and stallions were equally
make great companions. On Friday, June 18, and Saturday, June 19, more New Englanders will have an opportunity to see and adopt wild horses. Steve Meyers, a wild horse specialist with the Bureau of Land Management, or BLM, said that about 40 horses and possibly some burros will be coming to The Cheshire Fairgrounds in Swanzey, N.H. “They’ll be a good mix in terms of sex and age,” he said. In the past 20 years, about 1,300
popular. Although some wanted rarecolored horses, such as roans and pintos, others gladly chose the “plain old bays," one of the most common colors of wild horses. As for age, half of the horses were yearlings or younger when adopted. Defying beliefs that older horses are less desirable, however, many wanted more of them to be available. As one 60-plus-year-old adopter said, “I want to be able to ride my horse before I retire!”
HY P Your Horse Resource Sign Up at www.pedlar.com
by Mary A. Koncel
Why a wild horse? For a number of adopters, it was purely romantic—they wanted to preserve a part of our country’s history. “It may sound hokey, but a mustang is America,” explained Jeff. “I grew up watching westerns and was always intrigued with these horses.” (More than one adopted horse went home renamed Nevada!). For others, practicality was key. Many talked about wild horses’ calm temperament and physical hardiness as being particularly appealing. “I had done a lot of research,” Martha said. “I wanted a horse with high endurance and a low metabolism—a good, quiet trail horse that was an easy keeper.” Finally, after hearing about the plight of wild horses, a few were compelled to adopt because they wanted to save a horse or two. Adopters were unanimous in believing that much thought and preparation were needed before taking home a wild horse. Educate yourself about these horses, they advised potential adopters by talking to other wild horse owners and knowledgeable professionals. It is also important to understand the time and financial commitments necessary to transition these horses into safe, trusting companions. According to Meyers, the horses that will be available in Swanzey, N.H., are coming from the BLM holding facility in Elm Creek, Nev. Some were captured in Nevada and Wyoming. BLM staff will be available to answer questions and help with selecting horses while Kristen King, a New Jersey trainer, will be giving gentling demonstrations. The adoption fees are generally $125 for horses and $75 for burros. No doubt, some past adopters will be in New Hampshire looking for their next wild horse!
+
For more information, visit www.blm.gov
Who Uses EQUILITE Products? ™
�
�
�
Three Time National Show Horse Finals Champion Two Time Reserve National Champion AHA Arabian Horse Association Nationals USDF Silver Bronze Medalist
�
�
�
Olympic Bronze Medalist Dressage 2009 USEF Equestrian of the Year 2009 FEI Rolex World Cup Winner
F
“
or a perfect shine I stimulate my horses coats with SORE NO-MORE® Massage Shampoo. It’s amazing. We also rely on the SORE NO-MORE Liniment and Cooling Clay Poultice to keep our horses legs tight and sound. The SORE NO-MORE Sports Salve is a simple solution for blanket rubs. We love these products.”
“
Shelley Van den Neste
�
�
�
World Champion Open Reining AMHA Oklahoma City, OK Reserve Champion Open Freestyle Reining ClassNational Reining Horse Assoc. Futurity Show, Oklahoma City Owns and operates Ingram Training, one of South Florida’s most respected facilities dedicated to training and developing competitive reining horses and riders for competition
W
e have used SORE NO-MORE® Liniment under our wraps, with terrific results on horses with chronic swelling. The horses legs we have put it on have consistently stayed tighter than ever before.” Steffen Peters
�
�
�
�
S
“
ORE NO-MORE® Liniment is a staple in our medicine cabinet. We’ve used it for several years. I especially like to rub it on sore stifle areas. The Gelotion is also excellent and easier to apply for some uses. We hadn’t used the SORE NO-MORE Cooling Clay Poultice but we took a tub to the NRHA Futurity this year and we’ll continue to use this great product. And last but not least, SORE NO-MORE Shampoo. I know the horses feel great after a bath with this shampoo. We use it at least once a week.” Jon Ingram
“
Two Time Olympic Silver Medalist 2009 USEF Equestrian of the Year Member of Three USET World Equestrian Teams & 47 USET Nation’s Cup Teams Competed in 10 World Cup Finals
W
e have used SORE NO-MORE® Liniment for horses that tend to get sore backs and shoulders. We love it! The SORE NO-MORE Massage Shampoo is also a staple in the barn. It leaves them feeling good and their coats are silky shiny.” Anne Kursinski
These are actual testimonials, not paid endorsements.
1- 800 - 942-5483 Call to find the dealer nearest you.
Member of the Arenus Family of Products ©2010 Novus Nutrition Brands, LLC. All rights reserved. AD #APA04104-2
www.arenus.com
www.SoreNoMore.net
www.equilite.com
Wnin Srides Dvds O :
- T C S - M Y W P H S - S C S - S S
Wnin Traditin..
Trainingtips
by Dana Hokana
When riding, do you ask yourself these questions: • Is he capable of doing his job? • Am I giving a clear message?” • What is he saying back to me?
3 Tips for a Truly Willing Horse
W
illingness is important. In order to have that fabulous ride we all want and work toward, our horse has to be willing. When I train, I want their heart; I want them to want to try, and to want to be part of the team. You can get a lot of rides out of an unwilling horse, but eventually the unwillingness will come out. He will either start cheating you in the show pen or show signs of problems in his movement or attitude. He may act like he hates his job. Training your horse to be obedient is important. It is critical to a broke horse. But when you carry that a step further and spend the time it takes to build willingness, in addition to obedience, you are creating a team that can last for years and you will have a truly fun horse to show.
that’s the first step. They have to say yes to you!
If you feel your horse can do his job, then ask yourself “Is my horse…” • Throwing his head • Jumping up in the air • Kicking at my leg • Biting at the bit or gnashing his teeth • Pulling down or away from pressure • Getting heavy in the face • Turning his head from side to side or jerking his head away from pressure • Wringing his tail • Pushing his hip into my leg • Stomping his feet at the ground
2. Teach Your Horse to Say “YES” Willingly. Let’s say we have our horse moving over. He is stepping over off our leg cue but how is he stepping over? Is he mad and running over off your leg If you answered yes to any of or is he moving over only as much as these questions, follow the you are asking him to? Let’s think and three steps to make your evaluate while we’re riding. Are you in horse obedient. control of his legs? Can you push and get the response you want? Are you driving or riding? I like to think I’m driving, not that my horse is driving me. I pay attenWhen we ride and work on our horses, tion to his body language. we are in a relationship with them. We have many relationships in our lives 3. Teach Your Horse to Say “YES” and our riding relationships with our Willingly with Cadence. Cadence horses is important to us. To have is a rhythmic flow or sequence. I want to that truly great ride we all work and aim feel fluid motion. I want to ask and not toward, we need to be a team with our feel surges and uneven steps. I want horses. We want our horses to want to try 1. Teach Your Horse to Say “YES” to feel my horse step, step, step, in a for us. Developing and improving your to You. It is critical that your horse rhythm and when I take my cue away, relationship with your horse is time well responds and is obedient to you and he stops moving and waits for the spent. Work on this and watch your that you get your desired response, next direction. horse try for you. It’s a great feeling!
Sign Up at www.pedlar.com
HY P Your Horse Resource
9
EquineScience
Illustration by Wingspan Arts International
About the Illustrator Adrienne Neary of Wingspan Arts International has combined the art of Classical Dressage with the art of Reiki during her 25 years of teaching, training, and competing. She uses this experience, along with her knowledge of animal science, to yield highly detailed and informative illustrations of horses and their anatomy for equine enthusiasts. For more information or to view additional work, visit her website at www.wingspanartsintl.com.
10 HY P Your Horse Resource
Sign Up at www.pedlar.com
Illustration: Š 2010. Wingspan Arts International. All rights reserved.
The Equine Eye
www.cropandcarrottack.com Toll Free 877-885-0255
Hours: M-F 10-6 Sat. 9-5, Sun. 12-4
133 West Main Street, Route 9 on the East Brookfield Line, Spencer, MA
GEARYOUNEED Trail Safety in Style
Troxel LLC, leader in ASTM/SEI-certified equestrian helmets, has introduced a new fashionable graphic to the Dakota, the most highly ventilated and durable trail riding helmet available today. The new Traildust graphic updates the helmet with a stylish, vintage design on a sandstone-colored shell. “We are excited to evolve our popular Dakota helmet and offer the best in fashion and function for the western and trail rider,” said Troxel’s Vice President of Marketing, Dustin Touchton. The Dakota, which is designed especially for the needs of trail riders, is equipped with seven mesh-covered vents, a removable/washable headliner, and an extended Soft-Tip visor. It’s available in a number of trail colors, including sandstone, grizzly brown, and black. Visit www.troxelhelmets.com for more information.
Sock it to Me
Summer Whinnys and Whinny Warmers make great stocking stuffers! Whinny Warmers aren’t only cute; these socks provide comfort and warmth for horses relaxing or working in cold temperatures. They can help equines with health issues, physical injury or advanced age, or any athlete who likes to warm up before competition. And when the summer weather finally rolls around, Summer Whinnys socks can eliminate the need for horses to stomp due to irritating flies. Also, sores and infections can heal safely when protected by this clean environment. These inexpensive socks are durable and easier to put on than leg wraps. Learn more at www.whinnywarmers.com or call 850-907-5724.
Saddle Up
Pessoa’s Gen X series of English saddles has been revamped to offer you the best quality at an affordable price. The expanded line of leathers and finishes allows you to buy a Pessoa at only a few hundred dollars more than other brands. Learn more about the Traditional, Natural, Elite, and Prestige models, all of which offer riders of various levels a Horse Life Adventures Horse lovers can design the perfect superior performance saddle. horse by choosing their horse’s breed and Visit www.pessoausa.net color. After creating a riding partner, players for more information.
can ride across the scenic countryside or. compete in cross-country, show jumping, and dressage events.
PUBLISHER: Valcon Games RATED: Everyone
Sign Up at www.pedlar.com
HY P Your Horse Resource
13
greatgetaway
by Ellen Rosenberg
Horseback Riding Adventures at
Mountain Top Inn & Resort Chittenden, Vermont
For a summer vacation or a long autumn weekend, what could be better than a short drive to a nearby ranch or horse-friendly bed and breakfast? Many people think the far West is the only place to find wide-open riding spaces, but you may have to look no farther than your own state.
This “little piece of heaven� located in Chittenden, Vermont, 11 miles from Killington, is a classic fourseason resort set on 350 acres beside a national forest. Originally a barn built in the 1870s, it was refurbished in the 1940s. The lovely fall foliage, midSeptember through October, adds a stunning touch
14 HY P Your Horse Resource
to the riding. There are more than 30 miles of trails, everything from mountain meadows to higher trails, and a longer ride around the lake. Well-behaved pets are welcome! Accommodations vary. There are suites offering views of the lake or of the high meadow, rooms with
Sign Up at www.pedlar.com
a deer/moose or horse the one or two queen-sized be four bedrooms, chalet hom President Eisenhower stay 1955. The dining room offe favorites, such as grilled Ve Tavern has less formal fare equestrian center is open M caters to novice through ex are lessons, guided trails, j cross-country course, basic dressage, and even driving thing from ponies to prelim quiet hunters. Guests are w horses and enjoy the facilit
VT State Nickname:
The Green Mountain State VT State Motto:
Freedom and Unity
VT State Bird: Hermit Thrush VT State Flower:
Red Clover
VT State Tree:
Sugar Maple
VT State Mammal:
Morgan Horse
VT State Gemstone:
Grossular Garnet
“Majestically set on 350 acres with sweeping views of a mountain lake and Green Mountain National Forest, The Mountain Top Inn & Resort offers an endless array of outdoor adventures, ideal for both couples and families....” to school over the cross-country course. There’s also a hunter pace held at the end of September. Additionally, the private beach has swimming, kayaks, canoes, and scenic boat tours. There’s fly fishing, clay bird shooting, hiking and mountain biking, tennis, croquet, and many beautiful golf courses within a short drive. Winter sports include back country snowshoeing, ice skating, skiing, dog sled tours, and a horse-drawn sleigh ride pulled by the Inn’s Clydesdales. Paige Gough and her daughter, Brigitta, visit as often as possible. Paige is proud that Brigitta, who started off as a timid rider, is now able to school over the cross-country course. “I never thought she’d do that,” Paige says.
“Brigitta’s only eleven and very cautious. She wouldn’t even canter. But the staff at the Inn was so nurturing that they built up her confidence. The teaching is solid, and their horses are great. It’s beautiful, a lovely experience. We love it up there.”
photo: courtesy of mountain top inn & resort; video: WestView Digital
eme, lodge rooms with eds, cabins with one or mes, even the suite where yed when he visited in ers gourmet and fresh local ermont quail salad, and the e with pub-style seating. The May through October and xperienced riders. There jumping, an outstanding c reining, barrel racing, g lessons. They have everyminary dressage horses and welcome to bring their own ties. Many people come just
Vermont Fast Facts
15
FotoFRIDGE Send Us your PHOTOS! Do you have photos of your horse, dog or favorite pet for our fridge? *To send images, please follow the instructions below:
sending us your images, you grant us permission to use them in *our Bydigital magazine, website and print edition. Photo submissions will be reviewed—not all photos submitted will be used.
16 HY P Your Horse Resource
Sign Up at www.pedlar.com
Caninecorner
by Elisabeth Prouty-Gilbride
Adopt Me
Discover Doggie Destinations
F
or dog lovers, New England is a perfect place to get away. With trails to run on, and lakes and the ocean to swim in, the Northeast is an ideal getaway for dogs and their families. If you’re contemplating bringing your pooch on your next family vacation, it may be worth doing your homework and checking into a hotel that is both dog and human friendly. Read on to learn about petfriendly inns where dogs and their owners can relax together. One particular popular destination for dog lovers is the White Mountains in New Hampshire. A popular ski destination in the winter, the White Mountains are petfriendly with miles of trails perfect for those who want to bring their dogs on vacation with them. Stew Dunlop, the owner of the Wildcat Tavern in Jackson Village, N.H., located in the heart of the Mt. Washington Valley, came up with an innovative idea to draw more business to his dog-friendly lodge. Dunlop developed “Dinner with your Dog,” a fun event where customers bring their pets to dinner with them every Tuesday night. Pet owners can enjoy their meals in a special dining area (both inside and outside) while their dogs are pampered with a bowl of water, dog
18 HY P Your Horse Resource
treats, and a “doggie bib”—a bandanna tied around their necks. “People really love it,” says Dunlop. “We started this last summer for the first time. On a typical Tuesday night in the summer, we might have eight to twelve people with their dogs out in the garden.” Located in Vermont, the Paw House Inn features many activities where dogs and their owners can enjoy themselves. Mitch and Jen Frankenburg, owners of the Inn, chose Vermont as its home because of their accessibility to canine enthusiasts. “The exact reason why we came here is because there are a lot of places where people can bring their dogs,” says Mitch. From a dog-friendly movie theater to a restaurant called “Far Fetched,” to an on-site dog (and human) spa, the Paw House Inn has gone out of its way to make sure dog owning visitors in Vermont enjoy their stay. No matter where you’re looking to vacation with your dog, the perfect place is within your reach.
+
Visit websites for more info: www.wildcattavern.com www.pawhouseinn.com
Sign Up at www.pedlar.com
Name: Sadie Breed: Pitbull Mix Size: 35 lbs. Hi – my name is Sadie. I am a 35 lb. Pitbull mix available for adoption through Bobbi and the Strays. My friends here found me stranded on the highway. When they brought me to the shelter, they gave me a bath and took me to the vet, where they found out that I would soon be giving birth to a litter of puppies. One week after my rescue, I had a litter of six beautiful puppies, who have all been adopted. Now I hope it will be my turn. I am a very loving dog, and superfriendly. I’m playful, and if you love to get kisses, I will have no problem with giving you many of them. I’m also extremely playful with other dogs. I get so excited when I see another dog coming, that I usually crouch down to get ready to play with them! I also love to go hiking and going for walks. If you’re interested in adopting me, please contact Bobbi and the Strays at adopt@bobbicares.org or call 718-326-6070.
B A R N S
Equine Elegance A&B Barns keeps it smart and simple with an equine elegance. We will not rush your decisions about our design solutions. You will appreciate our knowledge and attention to proper sized stalls, ventilation, and tack and feed areas that have been planned for easy maintanance. Lighting, watering, misting, fly control, and fencing solutions are all balanced in A&B barn plans. Equine elegance is reflected in “Horse at home� through large horsemanship training and boarding operations. Experience, judgement and taste in a Northeast tradition. We work with the most experienced barn contractors throughout the Northeast. We would love to talk to you about your barn, or any shelter project, large or small and we will not pressure you.
THE NEW ENGLAND CLASSIC Stall barns, arenas, garages, storage sheds, cupolas, and dairy barns-all in the A&B tradition.
Our equestrian specialists will work with you from design to completion of your project.
Photography: Jackson Coombs
Call A&B Barns Today : Bob Austin, Charles Noyes III, Jeff Smith 1-800-267-0506 129 Sheep Davis Road, Pembroke, NH
Visit: www.abbarns.com