Equine Journal (April 2014)

Âť Gone Country: A look at Western Dressage

EquineJournal April 2014

Annruasel Ho ow Sh ue Iss

Your All-Breed, All-Discipline Resource

A Leg Up on Saddle Fit

risk factor

side-effects of vaccines

sustainable solutions

Fashion, Footing, Fencing, and More

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Wild Horse and Burro

Darrell Dodds Photo

April 25 - 26, 2014 Springfield, Ohio Champion’s Center 4122 Laybourne Road Friday Preview, 2pm - 7pm Saturday Adoption, 8am - 4pm Adoption by First Come, First Served

2014 Upcoming Adoptions May 17-18 Ewing, IL June 20-21 Lorton, VA July 12-13 Ewing, IL August 16-17 Mequon, WI

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contents April 2014

60 Better

With Age An in-depth look at supplements for older performance horses.

By Natalie DeFee Mendik

features 40 The Greatest Gift Get inspired by horse shows and clubs that give back.

By Nancy Humphrey Case

48 Putting the Pieces Together Solving the puzzle of a properly fitted saddle for the equestrian.

By Jennifer Roberts

68 Stewards of the Earth Green ideas for arenas, fencing, and footing.

By Karen Elizabeth Baril

78 East Meets West A look at the growing sport of western dressage.

Check out our top Open Front Boot picks on page 34.

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Photo: Terry Young Photography

By Jessica McGlothlin

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contents

April 2014

departments

138

14 Editor’s Note 16 On the Road 18 Letters to the Editor 20 In Your Words 25 Points of Interest 30 Now You Know 32 Ten Things 34 Prepurchase Exam 36 Driving Pointers 38 Ask the Vet

lifestyle 83 Travel 88 Equestrian Fashion 90 Equestrian Fitness 92 Collecting Thoughts

the scoop 7 Industry Wide News 9 108 Industry Wide Affiliates 115 Hunter/Jumper 125 Eventing 129 Dressage 138 Driving 143 Western 147 Distance Riding/Trail 149 Morgan 153 Arabian 157 Quarter Horse 161 Baroque 163 Breed Affiliates

129

144

138 Boyd Exell excels at the FEI World Cup Championship. 129 Devon Kane and Destiny continue to win bug at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival. 144 Hollywoodstinseltown tops the 2013 Sire and Dam Program rankings.

page 78

tail end 167 Real Estate 176 Marketplace 179 Stallion Paddocks 180 Directories 187 Classifieds 188 Affiliate Directory 192 Last Laugh 8

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on the cover

Melissa Murphy competing on Emmy Trussell’s Picasso in the 4' Performance Hunters at the Alltech National Horse Show.

Footing provided by GGT Footing.

For more information, read our cover story on German Geo Textile Footing on page 22. Image by Shawn McMillen Photography.

page 48 page 38 page 68

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Incorporating

executive editor/general manager

Elisabeth Prouty-Gilbride operations manager

Kelly Lee Brady

Managing editor

Kelly Ballou

news editor

Social EDITOR

Kathryn Selinga Jennifer Roberts editorial intern

Jane Carlton

art director

Daniel Goodwin graphic designers

Kevan Trombly, Raquel Gardner Sales and marketing strategist

Joan McDevitt, 508-987-5886, ext. 228 senior aDVERTISING/MARKETING CONSULTANT

Karen Desroches, 603-525-3601

ADVERTISING/MARKETING CONSULTANTS

Laurel Foster, 508-987-5886, ext. 222

Director of production

Production Manager

Kristine Miller Cher Wheeler

Equine Journal 83 Leicester Street, North Oxford, MA 01537 phone: 508-987-5886, fax: 508-987-5887 subscription questions: 1-800-414-9101 equinejournal@pcspublink.com www.equinejournal.com A Publication of MCC Magazines, LLC A Division of Morris Communications Company, LLC 735 Broad St., Augusta, GA 30901 President Donna Kessler group publisher Patty Tiberg sales manager Russell Lindsay Director of circulation Scott Ferguson Director of manufacturing Donald Horton GROUP CREATIVE DIRECTOR William Greenlaw Director of Digital Operations Jason Doyle Director of Business Development Alexander Merrill

Morris Communications Company, LLC Chairman & CEO William S. Morris III President Will S. Morris IV

Equine Journal (ISSN # 10675884) is published monthly, with four additional special editions in January, March, July, and October by MCC Magazines, LLC, 735 Broad Street, Augusta, GA 30901. Subscription rate is $19.95 per year. Editorial and Advertising offices are located at 83 Leicester St., No. Oxford, MA 01537. Periodicals Postage Paid at Augusta, GA and additional offices. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Equine Journal, PO Box 433237, Palm Coast, FL 32143-9616. Submission of freelance articles, photographs and artwork are welcome. Please write for editorial guidelines if submitting for the first time and enclose SASE. No faxed materials accepted. Articles that appear in Equine Journal do not necessarily reflect the position or opinion of Equine Journal or MCC Magazines, LLC. Equine Journal does not endorse and is not responsible for the contents of any advertisement in this publication. No material from Equine Journal may be copied, faxed, electronically transmitted or otherwise used without express written permission. Š 2014 by MCC Magazines, LLC. All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A.

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EDITOR’S NOTE HEALTHY HORSES, HAPPY RIDERS

TWO DAY S, O N E LO C AT IO N, A B U N CH O F S AV I N G S .

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Green Living It’s easy in the rush of our day-to-day activities to forget about how much of an impact we have as individuals on the environment—especially so if we are horse owners. Whether you own one or five, your equine lifestyle makes a difference—from water runoff, to electricity use, to the products you use on a daily basis and how you dispose of them.

Since April 22 is Earth Day, we at the Equine Journal decided to dedicate this issue to the topic of eco-friendly horse care, and in the days leading up the Earth Day, we will be giving away a number of environmentally-friendly products for both you and your horse! Be sure to check it out at Facebook.com/EquineJ. This month, in Karen Baril’s article “Stewards of the Earth: Green Ideas for Arenas, Fencing, and Footing,” she discusses how to find and choose ecofriendly building materials for your barn, fencing, and even footing. Brad Kahn of the Forest Stewardship Council explains, “People who devote their lives to horses clearly understand that human actions impact more than just people.

Many of the world’s species rely on forests to live. As long as we take care of the forests we’ll have the wood and the biodiversity.” Find out how you can make a difference on page 68.

In our fashion column, L.A. Pomeroy takes a look at some fashionable, yet eco-conscious attire. From jackets made from recycled soda bottles to shirts made with sustainable bamboo fabric, find out how these companies are taking a different approach to production and giving back to the environment at the same time. See more on page 88.

In keeping with the giving back theme, we also take a look at some shows that are making a huge impact through their dedication to helping others. In “The Greatest Gift” Nancy Humphrey Case highlights how just a few people can take an idea and end up changing someone’s life. For example, the Arabian Horse Club of Connecticut holds an all-breed benefit class that raises between $2,000 to $4,500 each year for charity. “It’s all walk-trot and very laid back. It’s more about coming together to support a cause than about winning ribbons,” says organizer Melissa Wooten. It’s a great example to live by and we hope that this may inspire some of you to give back to the equine community that has done so much for us.

Managing Editor

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Be a Part of the Equine Journal » This month in our “In Your Words” column, we asked how you give back to the equine community. See the answers on page 20. We would love to feature your answer next month.

Visit us on Facebook, or send your answers to editorial@equinejournal.com. » If you have a great photo of your horse you would like to see as our Photo of the Month, email it to Jenn@equinejournal.com. » Do you have a horse health or training question? Send your questions to Jenn@equinejournal.com, and we will have a leading veterinarian or trainer provide the answers you are looking for.

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ON THE ROAD

The Truth About the Equestrian Lifestyle While traveling to Horse World Expo, which took place the last week in February and ended in the beginning of March, I was reminded of my early riding days when I was fortunate enough to be able to compete on the hunter/ jumper circuit. I’ve never traveled too far to attend a horse show (the furthest was probably a few hours away), and I was content with that, because…you had to wake up early enough to attend a competition, and traveling too far away is pretty expensive.

When I talk to people who don’t ride horses, they often think that all equesMe with subscriber Gianna Kubic at the Pennsylvania Horse World Expo. trians have loads of money to spend.

Some non-horse people I’ve chatted with even know that Wellington and Ocala are great destinations to go to compete in the winter. Sure, there are plenty of people that flock to Florida in the winter to attend horse shows, but many of us die-hard equestrians just don’t have the money to attend those events, let alone purchase a plane ticket and ship our horses down there, as well as spend a small fortune on a hotel room.

The other misconception that I’ve learned many “outsiders” have about us is that we all have personal grooms who tack up our horses for us so we can ride, jump off at the end of a lesson, and hand our equines back to them. For most of us, this simply isn’t the case; we enjoy grooming our horses, tacking them up, bathing them before leaving for a horse show, and even mucking out stalls. We know what we signed on for, and we love every minute of it!

It was great being able to meet a number of our readers at Horse World Expo.

Some of you compete, while others enjoy trail riding and just take lessons for fun.

A number of you choose to board your horses, but we also have plenty of readers who keep their equines in their backyards. And while talking to you, I learned that most of you are just like me, and enjoy taking the hands-on approach when it comes to caring for your horses and gearing up for a competition.

A number of magazines have appeared in the past few years that profile the equestrian lifestyle. As I look at some of them, I can’t help but dream about having a fancy barn and traveling to far away places to compete. It’s certainly fun to explore these dreams, but I realize that if I never design the facility I’ve always desired or purchase that warmblood I’ve wanted, I’ll be OK, as long as I have my health and a horse available to ride.

That’s what we’re here for—whether you’re a beginner rider looking to find a support group of equestrians that share your passion for horses, a backyard horse owner looking for answers to your horse health questions, or an advanced rider who wants to explore our pages featuring top level competitions, we do have something for everyone. We’re your all-breed, all-discipline publication that you have come to know and love, serving you from the Northeast and beyond.

Caitlyn Pazdon gets ready to spin the Wheel of Fun after signing up for a subscription at our booth.

Executive Editor

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR [ Featured Letter ]

North Woods Animal Treats for Your Thoughts!

We love hearing from you! Send us your letters to the editor for a chance to win next month’s prize of North Woods Animal Treats. All letters we receive by April 15 will be entered in the drawing. Send your submissions to editorial@ equinejournal.com, or to Equine Journal, Editorial, 83 Leicester Street, N. Oxford, MA 01537.

Congratulations to Corrine Bradbury for winning April’s letter-of-the-month! She will receive some North Woods Animal Treats.

I loved the cover of the February issue! What a beautiful and impressive animal! However…I just cannot imagine trying to keep all of the hair clean and sparkling.

- Corrine Bradbury

I wanted to send you a picture of my Miniature horse “Celeste.”

I adopted her over a year ago from the Animal Rescue League in Dedham, MA. She was one of a herd of 38 surrendered Minis who needed a home. She quickly blossomed from a feral, shaggy girl into a rock star. Attached is a picture I took of her at the “Ride for the Ribbon” in Barre, MA. I love the picture because it recognizes the “Ride for the Ribbon” (a cause very dear to me) and because it shows how far a rescue horse can come in a very short amount of time!

-Katheryn Mercurio Via Email 18

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I love being able to view the issues online!

-Stacy Tobin Fort Lauderdale, FL We would like to see an article on changing disciplines from hunters to eventing from the “horse’s point of view.” What changes in the jumping phase? We don’t mean that it’s no longer judged on the horse’s way of going. We mean how does the horse understand he is now being ridden differently—in three different ways actually. What does the rider need to change about the way she is riding so the horse understands we are doing things differently now?

-Equine Essentials Tack Shop Oxford, MA I’m not a subscriber, but the horse on the cover of the February issue makes me wish I was!

-Cindy Wood Via Facebook I read the article [Working for a Change: A look at the New Ranch Horse Pleasure Classes] and some reader comments on the Ranch Horse Pleasure class. AQHA is still ruining the breed. It continues to limit horses into classifications. The horses in ranch horse must be shown with natural manes, no hoof polish, etc, and must actually move like a horse and not a robot? Wow. That should be allowed and encouraged in every class. And what if I have a horse that could do well in ranch horse pleasure and regular western pleasure? I can only choose one because of “styles” of mane? I thought it was bad enough when “hunters” started showing with their ears below their withers, but I was actually crying when I watched a reining class where the horses had their heads between their knees. I still love the breed but despise the AQHA. -Kimba Justice Sagamore Hills, OH I like to dream while reading through the real estate section!

-Grace Whelan Doran Lakeland, FL

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IN YOUR WORDS

I try to donate to horse rescue groups.

-Lorraine Wasso I volunteer at a horse rescue and foster a horse.

-Cynthia Longo I volunteer at the local therapeutic program, not just helping with the lessons, but also brushing the horses, cleaning stalls, and generally helping around the barn.

-Loretta Childs I actively support a few equine rescues and a therapeutic riding program. Also, both of my current horses are rescues.

-Kimberly Gatto

I work on mistreated, scarred equine hooves, with a smile.

-Luie Booth I have taken in a few horses over the years that have stayed with me. I also network local horses with local people and help to promote our local rescue.

-Michelle Robertson I work with Lonesome Dove Equine Protection.

-Jessica Taylor

For Next Month: 20

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What is on your barn fix-up list?

From Our Staff

I’m affiliated with the Granite State Carriage Association; we host a ride annually in Hancock, NH. I clean up the neighboring trail system and support keeping our trail systems open to equestrians.

- Karen Desroches, Senior Advertising/ Marketing Consultant

Send your answers to Jenn@EquineJournal.com.

Photo: istockphoto.com/sonyae

How do you give back to the equine community?

I volunteer at horse rescues, foster starvation cases then adopt them out, donate toward non-profit organizations, and let “horse crazy” kids groom my horses and educate them about horse behavior and their prey/ predator mentality. I try to set an example for others to see that treating animals with kindness supersedes any profit or award.

-Clair Ballard Coley

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Equine Journal Advertorial

On The Cover

GGT Footing™

GGT Footing sponsors horse shows across the country, with West Palms Event Management holding 13 GGT Footing grand prix during the year.

Shown here is 2013 winner Lane Clark with Cynthia Keating of GGT Footing and Dale Harvey of West Palms Event Management presenting the check.

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Nobody knows the value of the old adage, “no hoof, no horse” better than GGT (German Geo Textile) Footing. Their geo-textile arena footing mix has been scientifically formulated with amendments such as textiles and fibers that bind with sand particles to create a more stable, forgiving riding surface. The result is improved traction, less concussion on the horse’s legs, and a longer, easy-maintenance life for the arena.

The company offers pre-mixed footing recipes specifically prepared for dressage or jumping, or they can work with your local arena builder to deliver the ideal mix for your needs. Cynthia Keating of GGT explains, “It’s almost like a cake recipe. We can provide something ready to go right off the shelf or a custom blend. We can help you with every aspect of your arena, from certified arena builders and GGT distributors who can analyze your existing sand, to consulting about your footing options including the GGT Butterfly Matting system, which has now been installed at The Kentucky Horse Park (KHP).

Equestrian Services International, an authorized GGT Footing installer and distributor was hired by KHP to install the system as well as create the top footing. GGT Footing can ship anywhere in the world.”

Because of its composition, GGT binds with the sand particles to create soft pockets of cushion within the footing. It fluffs back into shape more readily than straight sand or clay footing, so there are no ruts or low spots. The Geotextile material has a high water storage capacity,

Photo: Captured Moments Photography

By Susan Winslow

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Photo: Captured Moments Photography

On The Cover

Equine Journal Advertorial

About Equestrian Services International Equestrian Services International (ESI) was chosen to install the GGT Footing Butterfly Matting System at the Kentucky Horse Park and they are well known for their installations around the world. They are a leading GGT Footing installer and distributor.

ESI is located in Palm City, FL, and is your one-stop shop for all equestrian needs, offering complete arena surfacing from the foundation, drainage, and installation to vertical construction, landscaping, and maintenance!

ESI’s top priority is to provide a professional, full service footing company that customizes each job to meet your needs. They understand the need for a superior product to ensure the safety and performance of your riders and horses, and they aim to deliver. From the consultation, personalized design, construction, and maintenance their expertise and team of professionals will exceed all of your expectations!

For more information, visit equestrianservicesinternational.com.

which minimizes dust. No more dancing around puddles or riding through a haze of airborne sand every summer. GGT can be formulated for any type of arena traffic, maintaining its integrity in even the most active show rings under heavy use.

Rob Murphy has been installing arena footing for over 20 years. He has a deep appreciation for the multiple benefits of GGT footing based on a lifetime in the equine industry. His daughter, Melissa Murphy, runs the family’s hunter/jumper farm, Murphy Manor, in Lexington, KY, not far from the Horse Park. He says, “I’ve installed GGT Footing at many of the top venues. It’s in use at Middleburg and Upperville, VA, and the Kentucky Horse Park in the Grand Prix ring. I’m the Field of Play Coordinator there, with full responsibility for the footing, so it had to be the best and that’s GGT Footing!

The buoyancy of the footing improves a horse’s performance and adds longevity to his career. It is the best.”

GGT also offers an easy-to-use GGT Groomer with a three-point hitch as well as a version that can be pulled with a lawn tractor or ATV. For more information on GGT Footing, visit them at ggt-footing.com.

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[ABOVE] GGT’s new Butterfly Mats™. The red marked areas are the Butterfly, holding the water and sand. Blue marked areas are considered knobs and lug treads; they hold footing and prevent footing movement. The yellow marked areas are the tongue and groove; these interlock the mats, preventing them from drifting.

The green marked areas are drainage holes to keep the footing at the optimal moisture content level. [BELOW] Constant maintenance is vital to keep your arena in perfect shape. Using its experience, GGT™ has developed an outstanding arena groomer that has proven to preserve the footing’s characteristics.

April 2014

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SEARCHING ENDLESSLY ONLINE VS.

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Come to our Horse Owners Workshop and learn about a feeding trial offer.

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Use #HOWanswers to share your questions online.

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POINTS OF INTEREST p. 25 | NOW YOU KNOW p. 30 | 10 THINGS p. 32 PREPURCHASE EXAM p. 34 | QUICK TIPS p. 36 | ASK THE VET p. 38

bits & pieces

April 2014

Photo of the Month

Wendy Moffet with the nineyear-old Quarter Horse gelding, Jackson. Jackson enjoys barrel racing and team penning with his owner Emily Bernard.

photo: JLX Photography

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April 2014

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bits & pieces POINTS OF INTEREST

Spice Rack Cures

[ Book ]

Jump Course Design Manual: How to Plan and Set Practice Courses for Schooling Hunters, Jumpers, and Equitation Riders

by Susan D Tinder, 220 pages, hardcover, Trafalgar

Square Books (HorseAndRiderBooks.com), 2012, $34.95.

(Review by Beth Thomas)

Finally, a book that completely explains with words, lots of photographs, and diagrams the whys and wherefores of setting jumps and courses for all the over fences disciplines. It starts with describing the elements of courses such as construction, Media footing, and how the horse perceives R eview different jumps. It then goes on with details of how to draw the courses, set them, make gymnastic exercises, figure distances, and pretty much everything you need to know to set good courses for schooling or showing.

Curcumin is the active ingredient in the spice, turmeric, which has been used for centuries in Indian cooking, as well as in Ayurvedic medicine. It exhibits anti-oxidant properties (neutralizing damaging free radicals), and has been used to treat a long list of conditions, including diarrhea, respiratory infections, dermatitis, and even cancerous tumors. Most notably, curcumin reduces inflammation and pain.

Curcumin supplementation is a natural approach that can be highly effective and far less costly than chemical options.

- From Dr. Getty Equine Nutrition

Strolling Through the Streets We asked: Should carriages be banned in big cities?

No, but they need more regulations

19%

BOTTOM LINE: What to do and what not to do are also explained as well as why things may be set the way they are. Anyone who rides over fences can benefit from this book and learn a lot from it!

End of an Era

John Nicholson, executive director of the Kentucky Horse Park since June 1, 1997, recently announced his retirement effective April 30. Nicholson is the longestserving executive director of the Kentucky Horse Park in its 35-year history, and has served at its helm during its greatest period of growth—garnering worldwide recognition for the facility.

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No, not at all!

37%

Yes!

44% Want to be included in our polls?

Visit us on Facebook by scanning the QR Code with your smartphone.

| April 2014 3/11/14 1:38:32 PM

bits & pieces POINTS OF INTEREST

Year of the Horse

Lexington’s Wellington Elementary School and the International Museum of the Horse at the Kentucky Horse Park are celebrating the Year of the Horse with a special exhibit, “Shodo: The Art of Japanese Brush Painting,” that features calligraphy created by the school’s grade students.

Each student used black Japanese ink (sumi) and bamboo brushes (fude) to paint the character for the word “horse” (uma) and their names on rice paper. Calligraphy is considered high art in the Far East, and there is a specific stroke order and ink weight for each character.

Within the Chinese lunar calendar, each year is represented by an animal whose characteristics symbolize the mood of the year and those born within it. Those born in 2014—and every 12 years prior, each Year of the Horse—are considered to be adventurous, carefree, and fun with a sense of humor.

The students’ art will be on display at the International Museum of the Horse until April 18. More information is available at imh.org.

More Than a Sweet Treat

While it is common knowledge that horses love carrots, you can now feel good about feeding them. New studies show that carrots may strengthen the immune system and promote the formation of blood cells while improving the condition of the skin and the coat. That is what you can call a sweet deal!

Working Together

Did You Know?

Horses have 16 r, muscles in each ea te ta ro allowing them to 0 18 ly ar their ears ne degrees.

The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. (USPC) have begun to outline plans to strengthen the current Alliance Partnership between the two organizations. Both organizations acknowledge that establishing an educational alliance partnership will ultimately benefit the sport, especially in advancing the growth of youth initiatives and horsemanship.

Representatives from USPC and USEF have met to broaden their understanding of each organization’s capacities and resources, and to identify immediate opportunities for collaborative ventures and future initiatives. Moving forward, a prominent opportunity to work together will occur with the planning of the 2014 Adequan/FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships as well as the Pony Club 2014 Festival, both taking place at the Kentucky Horse Park in mid-July.

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April 2014

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Strong bonds are built with great care ™ .

From the fly-free ride to the soothing liniment bath afterwards, Farnam offers a comprehensive line of products to keep your horse looking and feeling his best — so you can enjoy more of your time together.

farnamhorse.com

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3/11/14 11:46:19 AM

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CONSUMER: Limit one coupon per transaction. Redeemable only on brand and size indicated. Coupon not valid if transferred, reproduced, purchased, sold or bartered. Coupon cannot be combined with any other offers. Consumer pays sales tax. RETAILER: We will reimburse you the face value of this coupon plus 8¢ handling provided you and the consumer have complied with the terms of this offer. Invoices proving purchases of sufficient stock to cover presented coupons must be shown on request. ANY OTHER APPLICATION MAY CONSTITUTE FRAUD. Coupon void where prohibited, taxed or restricted. Consumer must pay any sales tax. Cash value 001¢. Good only in U.S.A. Coupon may not be reproduced or transferred. Offer expires 07/31/14 and must be received by 10/31/14. MAIL TO: Central Garden & Pet, CMS Dept #71859, One Fawcett Drive, Del Rio, TX 78840. ©2014 Farnam Companies, Inc. All trademarks are the property of Farnam Companies, Inc.

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©2014 Farnam Companies, Inc. Farnam, Farnam with design and Strong Bonds are Built with Great Care are trademarks of Farnam Companies, Inc.

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3/11/14 11:46:43 AM 3/7/14 12:42:01 PM

bits & pieces now you know Fun trivia and interesting facts about manure

1,000

Dried horse manure makes an efficient fuel alternative; it has been used for thousands of years for fuel on fires, and compressed bricks of manure have as much fuel efficiency as cured hardwood.

The manure of the 2004 Athens Olympic champion horse Shear L’Eau sold on eBay for an incredible $1,392.

¾

Horse manure is three quarters water by weight.

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6

Horse manure may be worked into a compost pile to provide nitrogen, phosphoric acid, and potash.

According to Allotment Vegetable Growing, horse manure takes around six months to properly compost.

18,000 A full-sized horse creates approximately nine tons (18,000 pounds) of manure each year.

8

Horses produce about eight piles of manure each day.

Photo: (top left) istockphoto.com/Redzaal; (right) Courtesy of UMass; (bottom) Dusty Perin/dustyperin.com

$1,392

| April 2014 3/10/14 2:51:56 PM

STANDING AT STUD IN 2013

GENERICO II

‘09 Purebred Spanish stallion Imported from Spain. Rare double pearl and double cream gene

CASPIAN

‘08 FPS Ster Friesian Stallion 2011 World Champion at IFSHA World Show

FAVORITO KG ‘98 Andalusian Stallion Proven performance record in open competition-dressage and jumping

Hector Rivera, Owner • 708-417-5671

www.riverasandalusian.com

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April 2014

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bits & pieces 10 THINGS 10 fun facts about the Pure Spanish Horse

The Amazing Andalusian

By Jennifer Roberts

1

The Andalusian horse, also known as the Pure Spanish Horse or PRE (Pura Raza Española), descended from the Iberian horses of Spain and Portugal, deriving their name from the Spanish region of Andalusia, their place of origin.

2

One of the oldest breeds of horses, the Andalusian was bred predominantly by Carthusian Monks in the late Middle Ages. Every purebred Andalusian and Lusitano today can trace its lineage directly to the Stud Books of Spain and Portugal.

3

Throughout history, the Andalusian was prized by nobility, and has been known for its prowess as a warhorse. They have been recognized as an individual breed since the 15th century, with its conformation changing very little over the centuries.

5

Exportation of the Andalusian horse from Spain was restricted until 1962. Since then, the breed has spread throughout the world.

6

In the United States, approximately 80 percent of Andalusians are grey. Of the remaining horses, the majority are bay, black, dun, palomino, or chestnut. Other colors, such as buckskin, pearl, and cremello, are rare, but are allowed within the breed.

7

Andalusian horses number less than 30,000 worldwide with only approximately 8,500 of those being in this country, making them one of the most rare horse breeds in the United States.

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The dramatic appearance of the Andalusian horse has made it a popular breed in movies.

They have been cast in films from Gladiator to Interview with a Vampire, and Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life to Braveheart. The horses have also been seen in the The Lord of the Rings film trilogy, King Arthur, and The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

8 9

A statue of a rearing Andalusian stallion, ridden

by Mexican conquistador Don Juan de Oñate, was created as the largest bronze equine in the world in 2006. Measuring 36 feet tall, the statue is in El Paso, TX.

In the early history of the breed, the placement of white markings and whorls were considered to be indicators of character. For instance, two whorls near the root of the tail were considered a sign of courage and good luck.

10

Photo: Paco Rey

4

Legends say that in the 1800s the purity of the Andalusian horse came into question when Napoleon’s army invaded Spain and stole many horses; one herd was hidden and used to renew the breed.

| April 2014 3/10/14 2:50:04 PM

TRIM LINE

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April 2014

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3/11/14 2:36:54 PM

bits & pieces prepurchase exam

Open Front Boots Mondega Leather Open Front Boot

Quality Sedgewick leather and traditional detailing and stitching come together for a gorgeous and sturdy open front boot. Stainless steel roller buckles help to easily secure the leather straps that are attached with elastic panels for a bit of give. The anatomical curve to the straps conformed to the horse’s leg, while the padded panel in the front protected the leg. The tester loved the look and price of these traditional boots. While they were a bit stiff at first, they quickly broke in after a few rides.

Buy THEM: equestrianbrandsinternational.com, $119.99.

EquiFit D-Teq Open Front Boots

It was a chilly day when our tester tried—and loved—the new EquiFit D-Teq open front boots on a fuzzylegged horse. The soft outer shell was flexible yet protective, and the ImpacTeq liners warmed up and molded beautifully to the horse’s legs. Better yet, the liners are removable, making cleaning a breeze. Three thick elastic straps secure to the boots with tab-style closures, though our tester had a bit of trouble getting a good grip on the tabs when wearing thick gloves. The classic styling and sharp lines of these boots definitely qualify as covet-worthy (have we mentioned that they are now completely customizable? Swoon).

Buy THEM: EquiFit.net, $219.95.

Shedrow Open Front Boots

This month, we got a jump on spring training and put open fronts front and center with our testing panel.

Veredus Olympus Open Front

Super lightweight, durable, and easy to clean—our tester found lots of reasons to like the Veredus Nero Olympus boots. A strip running along the back of the boot is made of carbon fiber, which would be great for a horse that tends to overreach. A gel liner made the boots flexible and comfortable for the horse (though our tester would have loved if the liners were removable). Two elastic straps with button closures were easy to put on and take off, and three holes in each tab ensured a closer fit. These boots were tough enough for everyday schooling, yet could easily hold their own in the show ring—the best of both boot worlds.

Buy THEM: EnglishRidingSupply.com, $148.99.

Lightweight and sharp looking, these economical boots offer a high level of protection without breaking the bank. The polyurethane exterior comes in a variety of colors, while the thick neoprene creates a comfortable support for your horse. One very sensitive horse developed small rubs from the top of the boot, so be sure to check the fit. The double elastic bands with Velcro closures are not only easy to apply, but stay put throughout the rigors of your ride. The neoprene does not absorb water, making them ideal for schooling in wet conditions.

Buy THEM: equestrianbrandsinternational.com, $49.99.

Lami-Cell Elite Tendon Boots

The Lami-Cell Tendon Boots are sharp looking, with a tough, but flexible outer shell that protects against strike and knock injuries. They have a cushy, neoprene lining that not only supports but adds extra comfort as well. The boots stay put through rigorous galloping and jumping, ensuring tendon protection. They have double elastic straps with button closures, which are effective, but can be tough to get on and off.

Buy THEM: RGLamiCell. com, $99.99.

This month’s products for review were donated to the Washington State University Equestrian Program.

Our testers: This month, our Prepurchase Exam was conducted by: Kelly Ballou, Managing Editor; Kathryn Selinga, News Editor; Jennifer Roberts, Social Editor; and Jane Carlton, Editorial Intern.

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Do you have a product to suggest?

Contact Jenn@EquineJournal.com with your ideas.

| April 2014 3/11/14 11:07:14 AM

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3/6/14 1:46:19 PM

bits & pieces QUICK TIPS riding tips from top professionals

Driving Pointers With Sue Hrizuk

Q:

When I drive my pair, one of them consistently works harder than the other.

How can I motivate the “lazy” one and get him to pull his weight?

A:

First, of course, you want to rule out any pain issues in your slower horse. Is there a history of lameness or soreness? You may want to speak with your veterinarian and have a thorough exam done. Have your horse’s teeth been done lately? This could easily influence his way of going and desire to work.

Once you rule out any medical issues, take a look at your harness. Is it comfortable? Does it fit correctly? Have a knowledgeable person take a look at the harness while your horses are in draft.

Harnesses can look very different when the horse is not hitched to your vehicle versus when the horse is actively pulling.

Next thing to do is make sure your slower horse is as fit as the other horse.

Drive the slower horse by himself and compare his reactions to your faster horse driven single. If they seem to be equally fit, then you may just need to teach your slower horse to go more forward.

Start by driving the slower horse single. Ask him to trot, and then ask him to trot faster. See if he maintains the faster trot, or if he slows down in a few steps. If he slows down, ask him for the more forward trot again, and try to get him to maintain the forward. Make sure you only ask for the forwardness for a short amount of time at first. If you give him several rests he will be more willing 36

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Sue Hrizuk demonstrates a pair that work well together on a marathon course.

to be forward than if you just keep pushing and pushing. Think of the rest as his reward for trying his best for you.

Eventually you can ask for longer and longer moments of a nice forward trot.

It is better to work in the trot for this than the walk because it is difficult to ask for a lot of forward momentum at the walk without ruining the quality of the gait.

You may also want to look at your harness adjustment. In pair harness, the reins adjust to compensate for differences in horse’s sizes. Where the reins split, there is a buckle that you can adjust to make changes to the length of the reins going to each horse’s bit.

It would be difficult for me to know exactly how to tell you to adjust your reins without seeing your turnout. What I usually do is adjust the reins one way, and if that makes the situation better, leave it like that. If it makes the situation worse, adjust the reins the opposite way.

Not very scientific, I know, but it does seem to work better than trying to figure out the adjustments beforehand.

You may also want to temporarily slow the faster horse just a little to help the slower one get used to his new role.

Then, when they are pulling evenly, you can gradually speed back up.

Sue Hrizuk is a driver and trainer of Barn Star Farm, LLC, in Anderson, SC. Sue has worked with horses and ponies of many breeds and sizes, from 17 hand warmbloods to Shetlands and Miniature horses. She believes that driving training can be beneficial to all horses since it develops a sound mind and a strong push from behind, which benefits all horses and ponies. She has driven single, pairs, and tandem, and is an “L” driven dressage judge and is actively pursuing her “r”. Combined driving is her specialty, but she also enjoys teaching pleasure and recreational driving.

| April 2014 3/10/14 2:43:10 PM

4 1 0 2 do the extreme in 100 Day Wild Horse Training Challenge

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3/11/14 2:37:20 PM 3/11/14 10:17:25 AM

bits & pieces ASK THE VET your horse health questions answered

Common Response or Cause for Concern?

What to Expect After Having Your Horse Vaccinated

By Megan Green, D.V.M., Manager, Large Animal Veterinary Services, Merial

Q:

What should I be aware of after my horse is given a vaccine?

Vaccines are an important part of your horse’s health care, but it’s a good idea to know their side-effects.

A:

Normal Responses

After intramuscular vaccination, it’s fairly common for horses to experience mild, temporary side-effects for a few hours, such as: n Local muscle soreness or swelling n Fatigue n Fever n Loss of appetite n Lack of energy or alertness Even humans experience signs like this following vaccination. These types of clinical signs help demonstrate that an immune response has been stimulated, which is exactly what we want the vaccine to do.

However, if the signs listed above last for more than 24 hours, you should consult your veterinarian as soon as possible to inform him or her of what is going on with the horse. This will allow 38

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your veterinarian to provide you with treatment advice and care instructions.

Causes for Possible Concern Sometimes more serious side-effects, and in some cases, life-threatening events, can occur, including: n Hives n Difficulty breathing n Collapse n Colic n Swelling at the injection site several days post vaccination These more serious side-effects are rare, but do require immediate consultation, and, in some cases, medical intervention.

Working with your veterinarian is the best way to ensure your horse is being evaluated based upon his particular needs. Many veterinarians follow the American Association of Equine Practitioners’ recommended guidelines for core vaccinations. Veterinarians can also be helpful in determining the need for other risk-based vaccinations based on an assessment of your geographic threats and travel plans. They are familiar with the proper handling and administering of vaccines, which is important, because those handled

improperly can actually become ineffective or increase the risk of side-effects.

With many vaccines available online or through farm supply stores, some horse owners are purchasing and administering their own vaccines to try to save money. Because most people are not familiar with vaccine handling protocols, and how to handle adverse reactions should one occur, it’s best to partner with a veterinarian to ensure the horse is receiving the necessary vaccinations and the best overall health care.

health hints Core Vaccines Tetanus, Rabies, Eastern/Western encephalomyelitis, West Nile

Risk-Based Vaccines Influenza, Rhinopneumonitis (EHV), Potomac Horse Fever, Strangles, Rotavirus, Botulism, Anthrax, Equine Viral Arteritis These guidelines are defined by the AAEP. Talk with your veterinarian to see what is recommended for your horses.

Photo: Dustyperin.com

I know you love your horse and understand that vaccinations can help protect it from life-threatening diseases, but vaccines can come with sideeffects due to the immune stimulation they have to create. Most of these effects are mild and transient, but it’s important to be able to distinguish between minor sideeffects and those reactions that warrant a call to your veterinarian.

Keeping current with annual vaccinations as recommended by your veterinarian is the best way to help prevent potentially deadly equine diseases and keep horses healthy.

Equally critical is understanding that vaccines are designed to stimulate an immune response, and since your horse is unique, his specific response may be different from other horses.

| April 2014 3/10/14 2:43:46 PM

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April 2014

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/the/

greatest

gift // Horse Shows and Clubs that Give Back

photos: Guy Noffsinger

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William Shatner, MC at the Hollywood Charity Horse Show, launched the show in 1990 to raise money for therapeutic riding.

[LEFT] Sandra Sais, a student with AHEAD with Horses, performs for the crowd at the Hollywood Charity Horse Show.

By Nancy Humphrey Case//

a photos: Guy Noffsinger

bout 35 years ago, actor William Shatner watched an equine exhibition that stirred his heart. Children so severely handicapped that some of them couldn’t hold their heads up, performed exercises on horseback under the direction of AHEAD with Horses, a therapeutic riding group in Shadow Hills, CA. When the presentation was over, Shatner vowed to help. In 1990, he launched the Hollywood Charity Horse Show to raise money for AHEAD with Horses. Since then the show has grown to celebrity status, drawing world-class reining horses and riders by day and spectator-donors to an auction and music show by night. The cash raised by what is now the “priceline.com Hollywood Charity Horse Show sponsored by Wells Fargo” has supported over 40 area charities. A number of them are equine-related, such as Horses4Heroes, which offers the healing effect of horses to families of servicemen and women, first responders, and other community heroes. Other beneficiaries are community groups that benefit children and youth, such as Summer Night Lights, which provides safe environments throughout the city of Los Angeles during peak times of gang-related violence.

It’s a theme played out in horse shows across the country, albeit often on a much smaller scale and without the celebrity focus. //

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Horse Club / Arabian of Connecticut

The Arabian Horse Club of Connecticut, for example, holds an all breed “benefit class” at its annual allArabian USEF rated show held at Eastern States Exposition in Springfield, MA. Entry fees for this class are donated to a different medical charity each year.

“We’ve had as many as 50 entries, which is big for a show with 200 to 225 horses total,” says organizer Melissa Wooten. “It’s all walk-trot and very laid back. It’s more about coming together to support a cause than about winning ribbons.” The benefit class raises between $2,000 and $4,500 each year.

This year’s charity will be the March of Dimes Connecticut chapter. “The March of Dimes is important to me because my daughter, Sophia, was born prematurely after an eventful pregnancy,” says Wooten. “While she was born healthy, although small, many babies and parents are not as fortunate. Over the past six years our family has worked to // Kristen Hatch won the support the March of Dimes and the 2013 Arabian Horse Club of work they do supporting families, Connecticut Benefit class. research, and education.” //

One of the largest indoor horse shows in the U.S., (think 20,000 spectators), the Pennsylvania National Horse Show in Harrisburg has been partnering with the local Kiwanis Club to raise money for the Harrisburg Kiwanis Youth Foundation since its inception in 1946. “We can’t have them setting jumps anymore, but they help with ticket and merchandise sales,” says Liz Shorb, president of the Pennsylania National Horse Show Foundation (PNHSF).

In 1999, the foundation was formed to support equine programs as well as area youth programs. In total, over $1.5 million has been raised for community groups such as Little League, Big Brother/Sister, and the Harrisburg Youth Symphony, and through the PNHSF, therapeutic riding, equine rescue, and similar programs. A side benefit is the volunteer board’s visits to the organizations it supports. “We come back so refreshed, and it has helped the cohesiveness of the board,” Shorb says. //

Rock / Blowing Charity Horse Show

The Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show, the oldest continuouslyheld horse show in the country, located in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina, has given hundreds of thousands of dollars to charity since the 1920s. One of their grateful recipients is the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, which maintains an extensive system of carriage roads, built at the turn of the century by a well-heeled merchant, open to recreational riders today. The Blowing Rock show also gives to equine welfare organizations as well as to community groups such as fire, rescue, and health care organizations.

Maurice Ewing, a longtime member of the show’s volunteer board, says the foundation is “far better off financially now than ever,” and notes that national competitors come back to Blowing Rock year after year “for the fun of it.” Like early tourists who came to Blowing Rock to escape the heat of the southern summers, Ewing says the horses love to come to the mountains, too. The show is held for three weeks: one week in June for Saddlebreds and two weeks in midsummer for hunter/jumper competitors, which adds up to a big kitty for giving. //

Arabian Horsemen’s / The Distress Fund

The Arabian Horsemen’s Distress Fund (AHDF) provides relief to individuals in the Arabian horse community during times of crisis. Since 2005 the Fund has collected and distributed // The 2013 Pennsylvania National Horse Show hosted “Therapy Riders in the Spotlight.” This unique event featured riders from two local Pennsylvania National Horse Show Foundation recipients: Thorncroft Equestrian Center in Malvern, PA, and Capital Area Therapeutic Riding Association in Grantville, PA.

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Photos: (top) Brooke Foti Photography; (bottom) Courtesy of the Pennsylvania National Horse Show

National / Pennsylvania Horse Show

| April 2014 3/11/14 1:34:11 PM

$2,500 3’ Hunter Derby

The 104th Annual

$3,000 1.10m Jumper Classic

Norfolk Hunt Horse Show Judges:

Jane Dow-Burt, Westbrook CT, Hunters, Equitation & Jumpers (R) Anne Sibson, Franklin MA, Hunters, Equitation & Jumpers (R) Chris Johnson, Kingston MA, Hunters & Equitation (r) John Bahret, Middletown, RI, Announcer & Jumpers (R) Bob Crawford, Ipswich MA, Steward Opportunity Classes Tom Hern, Course Designer Jay Mullen, Show Manager

$1,000 in Trainer Awards

June 2012 May 24xxx & 25, 2014

USEF B Rating Also NEHC, MHC, SEHA Affiliated

The Tradition continues!

For information and prize list please visit www.norfolkhunt.com or contact Catherine Kennedy at 617.817.2702 or email at horseshow@norfolkhunt.com

Norfolk Hunt Steeplechase Course | 240 North St.| Medfield, MA

Register at www.HorseShowing.com

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3/11/14 10:19:47 AM

SARATOGA SPRINGS HORSE SHOW

JUMPERS/HUNTERS/EQUITATION

C OMPETITION

Week 1: April 30 – May 4, 2014 Week 2: May 7–11, 2014 $25,000 Grand Prix Saratoga Cup National Standard $25,000 Grand Prix David B. Wood Cup National Standard • On the Yaddo grounds, adjacent to Oklahoma Track • Stabling at the Historic Saratoga Race Course • USEF AA Rating Jumper Rating 4 Jay Mullen, Manager; Harmony Allers, Secretary; Margaret Lynch, Sponsorship Coordinator— ad-vend-sponsor@saratogaspringshorseshow.com Saratoga Springs Horse Show, P.O. Box 1310, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518) 490-1214, saratogaspringshorseshow@gmail.com

www.saratogaspringshorseshow.com *Formerly St. Clement’s Saratoga Horse Show

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April 2014

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3/12/14 11:54:08 AM

// Tulsa area school children experience the magic of the Arabian horse during an outreach program of the Arabian Horsemen’s Distress Fund, which took place during the 2013 Nationals. The willing participant, HHF Radioactive was named national champion later in the week with his owner Justine Ameye in the Half-Arabian Western Sidesaddle Class. [BELOW] Arabian horse ambassador CP Rock On was featured on CBS Morning News on 6, bringing attention to the breed to benefit the Arabian Horsemen’s Distress Fund.

photos: Courtesy of the Arabian Horsemen’s Distress Fund

almost $1 million in gifts. This year, money was partly raised through three fundraising events at the breed’s U.S. National Championship horse show in Tulsa, OK: the fund’s Gala Evening With An Arabian Horse, designed to showcase the horses to newcomers from the community; the Annual Wine Walk; and The Arabian Western Pleasure Calcutta, where 16 semi-finalists for the Purebred Open Western class were auctioned off prior to the final. Highest bidders won prizes based on how their horse/rider teams placed.

This year the Arabian Horsemen’s Distress Fund reached out to introduce Arabian horses to Tulsa children in foster homes, after school programs, and abused and disabled children. The AHDF partnered with Tulsa’s Junior League volunteers to visit five charities prior to the show to raise awareness about horses in general, and Arabians in particular.

“Everyone has a story about a child who was touched by a horse,” says Mary Trowbridge, board member of the Arabian Horsemen’s Distress Fund. “We’re looking to foster that. This is the first century when most people don’t have first-hand exposure to horses. But the need to interact with them is still in our DNA. These kids are just drawn to the horses.”

Maybe in the end it’s this opportunity for a child to touch a horse and look into his eyes that is the greatest gift of all.

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3/5/14 10:10:33 AM 3/11/14 1:34:50 PM

EASTERN STATES EXPOSITION HORSE SHOW September 18-21

Saddlebreds Hackneys, Morgans Friesians

September 10-14

September 25-28

Hunters/Jumpers Hunt Seat Equitation USHJA Zone 1 Finals

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Putting thePieces Together Solving the Puzzle of a Properly Fitted Saddle for the Equestrian

By Jennifer Roberts photos by ak dragoo photography

F

or many equestrians, finding the elusive “perfect fitting” saddle is little more than a pipedream. After seemingly endless searching to find a saddle that solves the riddle of proper fit for your horse, many people stop there, still left with the dilemma of a less than stellar fit for themselves. We spoke with a few experts in the saddle fit field to aid in cracking the code of finding a saddle that fits not only the horse, but the rider as well.

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The Right Fit It has been repeated time and time again that it is imperative to have a saddle that fits your horse correctly, but often obtaining the ideal fit for the rider is neglected, with many choosing only the correct seat size and going on their way. However, riding in an improperly fitting saddle can have negative effects on your riding, much in the same way that it can negatively affect your horse.

According to Janie Matocha, the saddle fit specialist at Pelham Saddlery in Pelham, NH, “An improperly fitting saddle can cause a number of problems for the rider. The wrong saddle really is like the wrong pair of shoes; the effects range anywhere from slight discomfort to issues that require months of bodywork and/or medical care to correct.”

While there are many facets to properly fitting the saddle to the rider, some of the most important pieces of the puzzle include the size of the seat and the length and position of the of the flap, as well as the shape of the twist.

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April 2014

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Adjust your stirrups to both your flat length and your jumping length to confirm that your knee does not extend past the edge of the flap.

Sizing It Up The measurement of the seat is the most common aspect discussed when talking about saddle size. Many riders gauge the appropriate seat size for themselves using the popular, yet highly unscientific, “hand in front and hand behind” method. The simple action of centering yourself in the saddle and allowing for a hand to fit between your body and the pommel and the cantle help to quickly evaluate a proper fit; however, there is more to it than that.

A proper sized seat keeps you balanced in the saddle, without feeling perched over the front or as if you are swimming in the saddle. This will help you to balance your weight evenly over the horse’s back so you are able to focus on riding instead of fighting with your saddle.

Because the size of the seat is a constant, being measured in inches from the saddle nail on the pommel to the center of the cantle, many riders equate a larger size saddle with the size of their body and may try to ride in a smaller saddle for vanity’s sake. Jay McGarry, a saddle-fitting expert at Trumbull Mountain Tack Shop in Pittsford, VT, explains, “I believe the rider often sizes his or her saddle too small in the seat. Many seem to equate seat size with weight, and although that has some bearing, the thigh length can play a larger role. A rider that is petite but has a very long femur may need a bigger seat or a more forward flap to accommodate the leg. A larger seat size doesn’t mean one is overweight.”

Yet, despite being an exact measurement, the fit varies depending on the cut of the saddle and configuration of the seat, much like a pair of jeans. Debra Young is a sales representative and saddle fitting resource from Weatherbeeta, USA, the distributors for many saddle manufacturers including Bates, Collegiate, and Wintec. According to Young, “Do not just presume because you are riding in a certain seat size that you will take the same size in a different model saddle. Even though hunt seat saddles usually have “flatter” seats than allpurpose and dressage saddles, the seat depths vary between models. The deeper the seat, the less room there is for the rider to sit in and be able to adjust his or her seat position.

Therefore, it’s not uncommon to have to go up a half of a size if you are riding in a deep or medium deep hunt seat saddle.

Alternatively, if you prefer a really flat seat model, you may find you go down a half size.”

Ultimately, the size of the seat will come down to functionality and feel. The purpose of a saddle is safety and comfort for both horse and rider; a properly sized seat will provide a secure foundation, while offering support without restriction both on the flat and over fences. There is a considerable amount of rider preference involved in selecting the correct seat size and shape.

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The Long and Short of It The length and position of the flap is much less subjective and easier to assess. With saddle companies manufacturing a multitude of flap lengths and configurations, it is easy to order the correct flap.

Ideally, when assessing flap length and cut, you should have stirrup leathers and stirrups on the saddle and adjust the stirrups to the length you would use when riding on the flat. The flap should not be longer than a third of the way down your calf.

“When the rider is in the saddle with his or her stirrups set to a comfortable length, the flap should end right around the widest part of his or her calf,” Matocha explains. “It should neither be short enough to catch on the top of a rider’s boot, nor long enough to interfere with the leg aids.”

The forwardness of the flap is a big consideration in close contact saddles; it is important to adjust your stirrups to both your flat length and jumping length to determine a

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» It Takes Two While fitting the saddle to the rider is essential, the way the saddle fits the horse is equally, if not more, important. Janie Matocha says, “As a certified saddle fitter, I also feel I need to point out that riders will often find difficulties in their own saddle fit when the fit isn’t correct for the horse.”

“The most important thing in fitting any saddle is that the saddle fit enhances the horse’s performance and does not inhibit his movement or performance. It is said that the natural gaits shouldn’t change more than 10 percent when saddled,” says Jay McGarry.

“The saddle needs to fit not only the wither, but match the shape of the shoulder, the topline, and the lateral contour of the horse.”

While there are many points to proper saddle fit for the horse, some of the most noticeable and easy to detect factors are: The saddle must sit level.

The angle of the saddle tree should correspond to the shape of the horse’s body.

You must have clearance in the gullet for the spine and withers.

The saddle tree’s points should rest two fingers behind the shoulder blade.

The saddle should not rock when the rider is in the posting trot.

Riding in an improperly fitting saddle can have negative effects on your riding, much in the same way that it can negatively affect your horse.

» Trial and Error Many saddle companies and tack shops offer a trial period for saddle purchases. If you have the chance, take the saddle to the barn and put it through its paces. Do everything that you plan to do in the saddle and make sure that it is the right one for you and your horse.

“The twist, the balance point, and stirrup bar components are not always felt when just sitting in the saddle on a buck,” says Debra Young. “The best way to be confident the saddle fits you and is truly comfortable is to ride in it on your horse. Most retailers have saddle trial policies that allow you to lightly ride the saddle prior to making a final purchase.”

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correct flap position. According to Young, “You should continue to adjust your stirrups and check to make sure your knees are still not going over the front of the flap.”

The length of the stirrup leather, as well as the length of the rider’s femur, will play a huge roll in what is right for them. A rider who competes in hunter on the flat classes may need something that is fairly straight cut, while an event rider might need something very forward to accommodate a shorter cross-country stirrup length. Matocha says, “Ideally, the upper edge of the flap should parallel the top of the rider’s thigh when his or her stirrups are set at the appropriate length. In some cases, the rider’s knee may come to the edge of the flap while seated in the saddle, since the leg will generally drop back in half-seat, but it should never stick out beyond the front of the flap.”

Don’t feel that you need to sacrifice proper fit in order to stay within your budget. McGarry tells us, “The wonderful thing about many English made saddles is that the flap can be ordered to accommodate those that need a more forward flap or a straighter flap, often at no extra charge.”

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Fit varies depending on the cut of the saddle and configuration of the seat and changes between brands and models.

Twisted Logic The size of the twist is definitely one of the more rider-specific finer points. There is no right or wrong twist fit, and it depends on the rider’s preferences. In the quickest of definitions, the twist is essentially the area between the pommel and the center of the seat, made up of two specific parts.

First, it is how broad the saddle is from side to side across that area, and second, it’s how quickly the saddle slopes off beneath the rider’s thigh.

“There’s been a lot of buzz about having a narrow twist in the last few years, but twist is a very personal choice.

Narrow is not better than wide, or vice versa. It’s all about feel,” Matocha explains. “We like to compare a twist that is too narrow to sitting on the roof of a doghouse—very pointy underneath you and not supportive. This can lead to problems like an excessively forward/defensive posture, pinching with the knees, or an arched back. Alternately, if the twist

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is too wide, a rider may feel his or her hips excessively stretched or strained, unable to stay with the horse’s motion, or in a chair-seated position.”

The size of the twist varies from model to model, and the best way to determine the twist that suits you best is to ride in a wide variety of saddles until you find one that feels right.

The Finished Product As you try out saddles for you and your horse, it is important to keep fit and function in mind over aesthetic appeal or brand. Matocha sends this reminder, “Just because it’s a good brand, or an expensive saddle, does not mean it’s right for you or your horse. There is no such thing as one size fits all, and no single brand will fit every horse or every rider.

Try everything you can get your hands on, and find what is truly right for you and your horse.”

There are no hard and fast rules for saddle fitting; more than anything, it depends on proper feel and that both the horse and rider are comfortable. While a properly fitting saddle is important for the rider, the horse is just as important. “The saddle needs to fit both horse and rider, but we need to make sure first, of the fit for the horse,” says McGarry. “The horse, unless very stoic, will under-perform or balk or get nasty with a poor saddle fit, and the rider will have a hard time being harmonious if fighting the saddle.”

While it may seem like additional work and time to find a saddle that fits you well, it is imperative that it is a part of the search. Take the time to fit all of the pieces together in order to solve this puzzle.

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BETTER with AGE An In-Depth Look at Supplements for Older Performance Horses

photos: Dusty Perin/Dustyperin.com

By Natalie DeFee Mendik

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« In older horses the ability to digest fiber decreases, so easily digestible options, such as hay cubes, are a good option to ensure they are getting enough calories and energy.

T

he best thing about having a senior equine athlete: an experienced partner you can count on. The tricky part: keeping your horse comfortable at optimal performance. Older performance horses generally require that little extra TLC, which often includes a good supplement regimen. Let’s have a look at common problems senior athletes face, as well as supplements that can help keep your older horse competition ready.

photos: Dusty Perin/Dustyperin.com

» Digestive System

Before you dive into the supplements container, have a good look at your horse’s diet to ensure you’ve got the basics properly covered to accommodate your senior horse’s unique needs.

Older horses’ digestive systems are often not as efficient as their counterparts in their prime. “Senior horses’ decreased ability to digest, absorb, and metabolize nutrients can lead to weight loss and the

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need for increased amounts of certain nutrients, like protein,” notes SmartPak’s staff veterinarian, Dr. Lydia Gray.

You’ve surely noticed older horses tend to be hard keepers; the extent to which may surprise you. “Since older horses have been shown to have a digestive capacity similar to those with their entire left colon removed, the ability to digest fiber, a major source of calories and energy, is in particular compromised,” April 2014

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explains Gray. “To overcome this challenge, horses can be offered fiber that is easier to digest.” Think complete feeds, beet pulp, chopped hay, hay cubes, hay pellets, or high-quality, soft-stemmed hay. Quality sources of forage form the cornerstone of the diet, while a fortified grain or ration balancer rounds out the horse’s nutritional needs.

For many older horses, special consideration may just boil down to what can be easily consumed with senior dentition. “Senior horses don’t have unique nutritional requirements, as used to be thought, and do not automatically need a diet change,” remarks Dr. Eleanor Kellon, V.M.D., staff veterinary specialist at Uckele Health and Nutrition, Inc. “They may eventually have chewing problems from dental disease or just the age-related change in angle of the chewing surface.

Things like low fiber hay and processed feeds, even soaked, help with any weight loss related to that.”

For athletes experiencing decreased activity, such as FEI dressage horses stepping down to the lower levels or jumpers transitioning to hunters, “consider swapping grain out for a ration balancer or a multi-vitamin,” recommends Gray. “This ensures the older horse is still getting a complete and balanced diet when they need it most, but these critical nutrients are not tied to calories, sugar, and starch that the horse doesn’t need.”

Once you’ve got the dietary foundation covered, Gray recommends considering a supplement including yeast, prebiotics, probiotics, and enzymes, which bolster colon health with beneficial microorganisms, aiding in fiber digestion. Gray goes on to suggest considering a supplement that supports the less-efficient GI tract with amino acids, B-vitamins, and vitamin C. If your challenge is a horse that is losing fat cover as well as muscle with age, Gray’s tip is a supplement that addresses weight gain. Look for “safe” calories from fat, which can either come alone or in conjunction with other ingredients, like amino acids and probiotics.

» Musculoskeletal Systems

Probably the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of senior sport horses is the creaky joints that so often accompany age. “Accumulation of wear and tear to joints over a lifetime of use can lead to increased stiffness and decreased performance,” remarks Gray. “A comprehensive daily oral joint supplement providing glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, MSM, hyaluronic acid, and other ingredients support joints so they can remain active for ‘the long haul.’”

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program for the older performance horse. “Arthritis is a slowly progressive degenerative disease that causes problems for many older horses. Start with the basics of glucosamine, chondroitin, and hyaluronic acid supplementation, adding antioxidants and anti-inflammatory herbs as needed.”

Along with stiff joints, many older horses lose that toned look of their younger peers. A breakdown of muscle mass and laxity of connective tissue, notes Gray, can lead to loss of topline (and bottom line), as well as “sagginess” in the fetlocks. To address these issues, Gray recommends a supplement that contains at least the first limiting, or essential, amino acids: lysine, threonine, and methionine. Even better: a supplement covering all 10 essential amino acids, as these serve as building blocks of the protein needed for healthy muscle.

» Immune System

With age, your horse’s immune system may not always be quite up to snuff, particularly during periods of stress or travel. “A

Photo: Dusty Perin/dustyperin.com

Senior sport horses can see less stiffness and increased performance with a daily joint supplement that consists of glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, MSM, and hyaluronic acid. »

| April 2014 3/11/14 10:59:10 AM

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»

decreased ability to respond to foreign invaders can Seniors: More than Just a Number lead to increased infections and delayed healing,” Horses don’t realize they are closing in on “senior horse” status by explains Gray. “Adding adaptogens to the diet are an receiving an AARP membership card in their mailbox. Rather, signs of excellent way to help an older horse cope with the aging are relative to each horse, resulting from factors such as lifestyle demands facing a fading immune system.” and genetics.

Some horses can go strong well into their 20s, while others Of herbal origin, adaptogens are plants that start slowing down in their mid-teens. help support the body’s systems. According to “The senior horse isn’t defined by a specific age—age is just a number!

Gray, look for supplements containing ingredients like American ginseng, astragalus, rhodiola rosea That is, some horses begin to show signs of age early—like 10 or (golden root) and Siberian ginseng.

12—while others don’t seem to know they’re 15, 16, or approaching 20.

Our mature equine friends may also need Like people, every horse is different,” says Gray. “By closely observing our support against allergic conditions. “Older horses horses, we can step in at the right time to adjust nutrition, preventive sometimes develop new allergies, or worsening care, and management to compensate for systems like digestive, immune, of chronic inflammatory lung conditions,” notes musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and others that aren’t functioning as effiKellon. “Cushing’s disease must always be ciently as they used to or are beginning to decline.” ruled out as contributing to this, but otherwise several supplements can help. Spirulina blocks histamine release and discourages production of antibodies associated with allergy. Antioxidant herbals cardiopulmonary function means decreased capacity for and fruit extracts, as well as careful attention to adequate exercise, notes Gray. “That is, aging compromises the magnesium, copper, zinc, selenium, and vitamin A, help ability to handle the combined demand of exercise and with symptoms.” thermoregulation, in part due to decreased blood volume in older horses.”

While there’s no quick-fix supplement, overall nutrition Cardiopulmonary System can help, with an emphasis on antioxidants. “Oxidative Being a super-athlete gets tougher for anyone as the stress affects everyone—horses and humans alike,” years go by. Along with other challenges, reduced comments Gray. “Let’s make sure our older equestrian athletes have everything they need to fight this ongoing, cumulaYou should plan on keeping your horse in a steady tive cellular damage with ingredients like exercise routine even vitamin E, selenium, alpha lipoic acid, when the weather gets bioflavonoids, grape seed extract, glutacolder. This helps them thione, superoxide dismutase, N-acetyl return to the competition cysteine, quercetin, and resveratrol.” ring ready to go. »

»

If attending recognized competitions is part of your agenda, due diligence is the name of the game when it comes to supplements. While you may think a supplement seems innocent enough to not be considered a forbidden substance, think again.

Supplements, especially herbal ones, can lead to a positive drug test.

You may be surprised to learn that many plant-based herbal remedies are forbidden in United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) competitions. A sampling of no-go plants includes passion flower, hops, lavender, lemon balm, chamomile, laurel, comfrey, skullcap, valerian and more. The bottom line: know exactly what’s in your horse’s supplements, know your association’s rules, and know which ingredients are permissible.

Don’t be fooled by labels; while a manufacturer may tout a supplement as “natural,” it does not necessarily mean that the product is drug-free per USEF guidelines. “I think it’s crucial to make owners and trainers aware that there is no such thing as a supplement ‘approved’ for 64

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photo: Shawn Hamilton/clixphoto.com

» Taking it on the Road

| April 2014 3/11/14 10:59:39 AM

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showing. In fact, run, don’t walk, away from any supplement that claims to be ‘USEF endorsed’ or ‘show legal,’” cautions Gray.

Drugs and medications are covered specifically in their own section of the rulebook, (usef.org/documents/drugsMeds/ruleBook.pdf), in addition to having a dedicated page on the USEF’s website (usef.org/_IFrames/Drugs/ Rules.aspx). There you can also access a helpful pamphlet, “Guidelines for Drugs and Medications,” which clearly explains substance policies. If you are unsure about a product, you can submit a query to the USEF office.

» TLC

Keeping your older horse in tip-top shape goes beyond what’s in the feed tub; a little extra care can go a long way. “Seniors aren’t as capable of regulating their internal temperatures as they used to be, so support their basic need to stay warm during cold months and to dissipate heat during warm months or when heavily exercising,” explains Gray.

On your thermo-control checklist: in cold months maintain appropriate blanketing, shelter, and increased fiber, and in hot months provide shade, water, moving air, and rinsing/ sweat-scraping. In addition, notes Gray, as all systems are beginning to decline, including musculoskeletal and cardiovascular, spend more time warming up and cooling down the older horse.

» All’s Well that Doesn’t…Well, End

Gray also points out that not every change noticed in the senior horse is due to the natural aging process, but may,

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in fact, result from a disease or medical condition. “Seniors especially need regular veterinary care to detect problems like Cushing’s, laminitis, or recurrent airway obstruction (heaves) early while intervention can still make a difference in quality of life and quality of performance, perhaps even extending the competitive years,” remarks Gray. “I know I’ve put a lot of time, money, and effort into training my horse in dressage, driving, and other sports, and I would like to enjoy our time together at least into his 20s.”

When the show season ends, winter looms ahead, and you are looking forward to a little break, keep in mind that your older horse isn’t going to just bounce right back. In fact, you should plan on keeping your horse in a steady exercise routine year-round. While you can skip the intense clinics and competitive events in the off-season, you should still keep your horse going to some degree.

“Especially with the older horse (but true for all ages), letting them completely down once the show season ends may not be the best advice,” explains Gray. “That’s because as you age, it takes longer and longer to regain strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness necessary for performance. In some cases, some individuals never return to their pre-retirement performance levels. It’s better to keep the senior horse in consistent, light work during down time instead of pulling his shoes and turning him out to pasture for several months.”

You know your horse better than anyone—stay vigilant to changes, keeping his needs at the forefront. The pay-off is huge: a happy and healthy equine friend, who is also a competition partner bringing golden-years wisdom to the equation.

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Stewards of the

Earth

Green Ideas for Arenas, Fencing, and Footing

By Karen Elizabeth Baril

photo: Courtesy of Ramm Stalls & Horse Fencing

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| April 2014 3/11/14 1:26:33 PM

h

Horse owners are naturally eco-conscious.

There’s just something about being around horses that connects us to the earth in meaningful ways.

But, we also know that horses and other livestock have taken a bad rap when it comes to the environment. According to the United Nations Food and Culture Organization (FAO), grazing livestock plays a critical role in land degradation, climate change, water, and biodiversity loss. That’s not something horse owners want to even think about, much less make worse through our methods of horse keeping.

photo: Courtesy of Ramm Stalls & Horse Fencing

So, how do we pursue our passion for horses and still remain good stewards of the earth? We can start from the ground up—by choosing eco-friendly building materials for arenas, fencing, and even footings. Through the use of sustainable materials, like wood harvested from responsibly managed forests, we can be sure we’re doing our part.

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“When wood comes from a responsibly managed forest,” says Brad Kahn, communications director for the Forest Stewardship Council, “it’s arguably the most sustainable building material. It’s renewable, nontoxic, biodegradable, and beautiful.

But how the forest is managed determines the environmental benefits.

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) restricts large clear-cuts, protects water quality, and protects the rare old growth forests.”

“People who devote their lives to horses,” says Kahn, “clearly understand that human actions impact more than just people. Many of the world’s species rely on forests to live.

As long as we take care of the forests we’ll have the wood and the biodiversity. FSC makes sure we protect those forests for future generations.”

Let’s take a look at a few ecofriendly choices available to you as you build your farm from the ground up or simply make improvements.

[ABOVE] Because fabric structures utilize natural light, you are reducing your energy consumption and carbon footprint. [BELOW] Using environmentally safe paints and stains minimizes the VOCs that go into the air.

Your arena’s location is one of your most important considerations.

Choose a level area that offers good natural drainage to avoid soil erosion.

If there’s only one level spot on the entire farm to work with and the drainage isn’t up to par, talk to your builder. He or she might suggest installing drainage pipes around the arena’s perimeter to re-direct rain water to a safer area. Every structure (no matter how small) needs gutters and downspouts to divert water away from high traffic areas. Plant native shrubs and other vegetation around the arena’s perimeter to prevent harmful runoff.

» Choices in Materials:

n Fabric covered arenas. Perhaps one of the most innovative products to hit the market in the last decade or so, fabric covered arenas offer an environment that is remarkably like riding outdoors. They utilize the sun’s natural light, so unless you’re riding at night, you probably won’t need to use expensive arena lights. Natural light reduces your energy consumption and your carbon footprint. With a fabric arena there is generally little foundation prep and few to no pest problems. n Pre-engineered steel construction. Unlike wood, steel 70

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doesn’t attract termites or other pests and never needs painting or staining.

And, of course, steel is mold and fire resistant as well. Pre-engineered steel construction offers a lot of flexibility in design and configuration and the convenience of an unobstructed interior. While some traditionalists don’t like the look of steel, you can dress up the exterior with stone, vinyl siding, or board and batten. n Wood construction. Insist on FSC Certified Wood. The Forest Stewardship Council, established in 1993, promotes responsible management of our world’s forests. The FSC certification ensures that the wood you use to build your arena has been harvested from sustainable forests.

Considered the gold standard when it comes to environmental certification, FSC certified lumber might cost you

more, but not always. Shop around carefully and compare prices.

“These days you can buy FSC certified products at the stores where you already shop,” says Kahn.

“Major home improvement stores carry FSC certified lumber as well as small local lumberyards.” n Use environmentally safe paints and stains to minimize the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) you put into the air. VOCs vaporize quickly and continue to release toxins into the air for years after application. They’ve been linked to cancer, respiratory problems, and kidney and liver damage. VOC content is listed on all stain, paint, and solvent labels and product literature. Levels vary from 5-200—choose the lowest VOC for the job and don’t buy more stain or paint than you need.

Photos: Dusty Perin/dustyperin.com

Eco-Friendly Arenas

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The perfect footing will provide the right amount of traction, cushioning, and support for the type of riding you do. Let’s face it, no matter how earth friendly we want to be, we simply can’t sacrifice our horse’s welfare.

Fortunately, we don’t have to. Green footings include recyclable materials, materials that are relatively dust-free (good for the environment and good for your horse’s lungs), and materials that won’t leak toxins into the environment. Of course, whatever footing we choose, it should also be durable.

Here are a few options: n Local sand is still an economical and green choice for many farm owners, costing somewhere around two dollars a foot. Be sure to ask your arena builder for sand with a good particle distribution—C-33 or better, indicating a mix of particle size. These uneven particles will hunker down together and provide better traction than uniformly sized grains. n Wax-coated or polymer coated sand costs about five to seven dollars per square foot. Sand that has been coated with a wax

“People who devote their lives to horses clearly understand that human actions impact more than just people. Many of the world’s species rely on forests to live. As long as we take care of the forests we’ll have the wood and the biodiversity.”

— Brad Kahn

Recycled rubber arena footing helps keep items such as tires out of landfills.

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or polymer coating is naturally low in dust so it requires little to no watering. Keep in mind that in very hot climates, wax-coated sand does not stand up to the heat. n Textile footings like Eurofelt or German Geo-Textile are exciting new kids on the block, although they’ve been popular in Europe for some time. The product is a mix of felt and elastic polyester fibers mixed with sand in different ratios depending on your discipline. They offer little to no dust with all the traction, stability, and bounce we want.

Plus, they’re non-toxic and odor free and hold more moisture, so very little watering is required. n Recycled products. Rubber tires, sneakers, even tennis balls are now recycled into arena footing as well. Made from recycled rubber tires, we like the eco-conscious use of materials that could end up in the landfill. It’s fairly springy and won’t shift underfoot if mixed with sand, but it does have some drawbacks. It tends to retain heat, making it unsuitable for outdoor arenas that are in full sunlight, and long-term exposure to some types of recycled rubber have been linked to cancer. Arenas made of recycled sneakers or tennis balls have no known drawbacks other than occasional shortages of material.

Fencing

No matter what we choose in horse fencing, it must be safe, durable, and low maintenance. Plan your fencing to keep your horses away from fragile water sources. n High Density Polyethylene Plastic is something that might not spring to mind when we think about going green, but this material—provided it is durably made—can be a great alternative to wood.

Debbie Disbrow of Ramm Stalls & Horse Fencing in Ohio offers an eco-conscious product they call Flex Fence®.

“Flex Fence never needs staining or painting. It’s made with color additives that permeate the entire rail,” says Disbrow. “The polymer rails are considered self-healing as well, meaning that if they are punctured, the rail will not continue to crack.

RAMM’s Flex Rail flexes up to six inches on impact, accepting up to 4,000 pounds of break strength per

photo: Dusty Perin/dustyperin.com

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for more listings of events, visit www.equinejournal.com calendar

Check it often for new listings!

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High Density Polyethylene Plastic fencing, such as Ramm’s Flex Fence, doesn’t require painting or staining and is completely recyclable.

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rail. It never requires painting or staining and there is no harvesting of trees as there is in a wood rail fence.

Best of all, it’s completely recyclable.” n Reclaimed wood is a great alternative to the virgin wood you might find in your local lumber store. Reclaimed wood is generally harvested from mature trees, which makes it stronger. On the West Coast, Douglas fir and Redwood are common; in the East, Pine.

Wood is beautiful, of course. Who doesn’t love a three rail fence? But it requires constant maintenance and

is one of the least safe alternatives.

Wood splinters, warps, and swells can sometimes create “breaks in the wall” or cause injury. Eye injuries are common as horses poke their heads through the fence to get at grass on the other side. Consider backing up your wood fencing with electric to keep your horses at a safe distance.

We are all stewards of the land.

It doesn’t have to cost a lot to go green. Whether you’re planning to build or simply investing in new fencing, keep the earth in mind as you make your decisions.

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istorically, horsemen and women have either classified themselves as a western or an English rider. The tack, the mounts, and the mindset vary, and a clear line is drawn dividing the two worlds.

The Western Dressage Association of America (WDAA) is trying to change that.

Conceptualization on the WDAA began in July of 2010, when several prominent trainers, including legend Jack Brainard and trainer Eitan BethHalachmy, gathered to discuss various horses they had trained, techniques that had worked and those that failed, and the general direction of the equine industry.

A formal meeting was then held in Pilot Point, TX, to address these issues. A team of seasoned horsemen and horsewomen united to discuss the possibility

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of bringing dressage to the western riding world.

Inspired by each other and the discussion, the team realized a plan needed to be set in place to help organize, rally, and inspire riders.

“It was quite a meeting,” said Ellen DiBella, one of the founding members and secretary for the WDAA. “It was really a who’s who list of riders and trainers.”

The world of western riding needed information that was clearly available in the dressage realm.

It was agreed that a western dressage community needed to be built to provide this information, and to educate western riders about the benefits of classical dressage training.

The association was founded, chiefly, on the love of the horse. The team knew that many horses lacked a successful career due to errors made in the training process. Classical dressage training provides horses with solid physical and mental training, enabling them to become true working mounts.

By taking away some of the elite feel of dressage, the WDAA opened up the tenets of the practice to the everyday western rider. The association maintains a non-profit status and focuses its efforts on education.

A centralized website helps riders engage, encourage, and learn from each other, and offers a database of affordable trainers and clinicians who practice western dressage.

The WDAA holds an annual national meeting and show, as well as “train the trainers” events, with a tremendous response from the community. The first Judge’s Seminar was held on January 28, 2014 in association with the International CBC in Tulsa, OK. Judges learned what correct maneuvers and gaits look like in the western adaption of dressage.

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Of all things, DiBella notes that the sportsmanship and camaraderie at the clinics and shows is what stands out to her.

“It’s like horse showing was 40 years ago,” she said. With teamwork, a positive attitude, and a refreshing take on a classic discipline, the WDAA is taking the equine world by storm.

s

Principles of Western Dressage Western dressage training has been founded on five principles: straightness, control of the front end, control of the hind end, collection, and canter departures. Functionally, the list is not far from the traditional six building blocks of the German Training Scale.

The German scale focuses on the principles of relaxation, rhythm, contact, impulsion, straightness, and collection.

The sport is scored similarly to traditional dressage, and the rules incorporate elements from both the western and English aspects. While a set of detailed rules is available for download on the WDAA website (westerndressageassociation.org/ western-dressage-rules-tests), a brief Western dressage shows are held around the overview gives all the information country and are ridden in a traditional dresneeded to enjoy western dressage— sage arena. [BELOW] The Western Dressage including detailed gait descriptions, Association of America offers clinics to help movements, goals, and objectives. riders learn the ins and outs of the sport.

The test levels begin with walk/ jog introductory tests, progressing to Basic Level—walk, jog, and lope, and then up through Levels One and Two. Freestyle test guidelines are available for each of the three levels. For those familiar with the levels in traditional dressage, WDAA’s Levels One and Two correspond to the USDF’s First and Second Levels. Tests are ridden in a traditional dressage arena; both sizes of arena can be utilized.

Western dressage classes are popping up across the country, including an annual World Championship show held in Tulsa in 2013. Organizers of schooling shows countrywide are finding ways to incorporate the fledgling sport into their more traditional show weekends.

The very basis of western dressage is that not every horse is going to be a high-performance mount. No matter the scale of training, that filly in the field likely will not turn into a world champion cutting competitor. The horse’s conformacipals of classical dressage for riders,” DiBella stated. “The tion, age, and personality must be taken into account, as WDAA believes these wonderful tools are so important.” must the rider’s desired use and expectations.

Depending on the individual horse and rider, the steps may The true beauty of the discipline, however, lies in just that. be accelerated, but they are never skipped. Each piece of A melding of training methods, western dressage allows training builds upon the one before it, building blocks in the riders to best utilize the horse they are training with, while education of a horse. also encouraging strong, correct riding skills.

At the end of the day, that is what the sport of dressage— Classical dressage training instructs the rider to teach a western or classical—is about, the education of horse and rider. horse in steps, gaining mastery of each step before moving And, as the saying of the WDAA, penned by the renowned onto the next. There are no immediate fixes in dressage.

Larry Mahan, states, “It’s all about the journey.”

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TRAVEL p. 85 | FASHION p. 88 | FITNESS p. 90 | COLLECTING THOUGHTS p. 92

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April 2014

lifestyle

TRAVEL Siwash Lake Ranch is tucked away in the semiremote Cariboo Mountains, a place of serenity, tranquility, and unparalleled natural beauty.

Siwash Lake Ranch An Eco-Friendly Getaway ➜ British Columbia, Canada

BY Susan Winslow Photo Courtesy of Siwash Lake Ranch

What could be better than opening your eyes in a sun-drenched luxury suite to the gentle whisper of the wind through Ponderosa pines, horses calling to each other in the pasture, and the chirping of birds native to the Cariboo Mountain region in British Columbia, Canada? You consider whether to snuggle back under the fluffy down comforter or head to the cozy

dining room for a hearty Canadian breakfast while pondering the biggest decision of the day; whether to head out to the pristine lake for a fly fishing lesson, explore miles of lush fields and forests on a guided trail ride, or hit the spa for a deep muscle massage and day of pampering. Better yet, why not try it all?

Siwash Lake Ranch is the perfect antidote to the hectic lives we all lead.

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Tucked away in the semi-remote Cariboo Mountains, it is a place of serenity, tranquility, and unparalleled natural beauty.

A visit to Siwash Lake Ranch offers the experience of an eco-friendly wilderness adventure with the added benefit of five star amenities, concierge guest services, and a wide variety of outdoor activities for visitors of all ages.

The ranch is family owned and operated by fourth generation Canadian ranchers and is completely solar powered.

They pride themselves on maintaining a minimal environmental footprint.

Horse lovers will find orienteering, April 2014

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equestrian lifestyle TRAVEL

[ABOVE] The lodge at Siwash Lake Ranch features a great room with a river rock fireplace, a library, and a fine dining room where only organic, ranch grown, and locally produced food is prepared. [LEFT] The Vancouver Aquarium offers the chance to get up close and personal with some of the most intriguing ocean species.

Photos: (left) Tourism Vancouver/Coast Mountain Photography; (right) Courtesy of Siwash Lake Ranch

trail rides, safaris, and rodeos on the ranch’s carefully chosen mounts. The Siwash Synergy With Horses program ensures that every guest, whether they’re a greenhorn or advanced rider, will have a safe and rewarding experience at the ranch.

The ranch also offers kayaking, hiking, shooting, archery, wilderness survival, mountain biking, and yoga.

For those seeking rejuvenation and renewal, or a pick-me-up after a long day in the saddle, the luxury spa set in a remote Aspen grove is a tonic for the body and soul. With the Cariboo Suite, Ranch House Suites or elegant canvas cabins to choose from, Siwash Lake Ranch offers a unique combination of country living, sophisticated dining, and pampered luxury.

Head north from the ranch and you’ll come to the Clearwater and Wells Gray Park, the Rockies, and the unique glacial beauty of Banff and Lake Louise. Head South on the historic Gold Rush Trail and you’ll reach Vancouver, a hip, multicultural city on the Burrard Inlet, from the Pacific Ocean. Along the drive, you’ll wind through some of the most verdent backcountry in Western Canada. The area abounds in natural beauty, with lakes, expansive forests, and mountains.

The guest ranch offers chauffeur services to two regional airports for fly-ins on private jets. For more information, visit siwashlakeranch.com.

Chances are, you’ll be so content at the ranch, you won’t ever want to leave, but if you do, check out these places to eat, stay, and visit:

Where to Eat

Where to Stay

Blue Water Cafe and Raw Bar For the freshest seafood in the city, with plenty of seating in the rustic interior or chic sidewalk bistro, the Blue Water Cafe has a menu that will suit everyone. 1095 Hamilton St., Vancouver, BC, 604-688-8078

L’Hermitage Luxurious and romantic, L’Hermitage is an oasis in the middle of the city. With chic furnishings and the ultimate in concierge service, it’s not cheap, but it will be a rewarding experience. 788 Richards Street, Vancouver, BC, 778-327-4100

Salmon n’ Bannock Offering Native American food in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, Salmon n’ Bannock offers wines from the Mk’mip cellars by the glass or bottle, and menu offerings as unique as Cured Arctic Muscox to Indian Candy. Local ingredients, a rich heritage, and warm atmosphere make this a must on the list of dining adventures. 1128 W. Broadway, Vancouver, BC, 604-568-8971

Shangri-La Hotel With a rooftop pool and understated elegance, the Shangri-La is a sophisticated destination with a cool Asian flair. 1128 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC, 604-689-1120

Bishop’s Earning a 2013 Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor, Bishop’s is one of the most popular fine dining destinations in the city. Chef John Bishop is well known in the city as one of the top restauranteurs, with a menu ranging from Dungeness Crab Risotto to Assiette of Pitt Meadows Beef, to dessert selections that will make your mouth water. 2183 W. 4th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, 604-738-2025

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Residence Inn By Marriott With prices in a more affordable range, the Residence Inn by Marriot Downtown offers modern, immaculate accommodations in the heart of the city. 1234 Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC, 866-576-5694

What to Do Whistler Three and a half hours south of Siwash Lake, Whistler Blackcomb is one of the top ski and snowboard destinations in the world. Set on 8,000 acres of jawdropping rugged beauty, the resort offers first class outdoor activities in all seasons.

Whether you snowboard, ski, snowmobile or

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equestrian lifestyle TRAVEL [RIGHT] Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is home to seven suspended footbridges that are 100 feet above the towering evergreens and cedar-scented rainforest. [BELOW] Vancouver’s Seawall offers visitors the chance to relax in the park or explore the bike trails with views of the city’s harbor and skyline.

photos: (top) Tourism Vancouver/Capilano Suspension Bridge Park; (bottom) Tourism Vancouver/Clayton Perry

prefer an old-fashioned sleigh ride, winter is the premier season at Whistler. Summer visitors are treated to incredible hiking, mountain biking, mountaintop dining, glacier skiing and riding, and the thrill of flying along mountaintop ziplines on the Ziptrek. whistlerblackcomb.com The Seawall Relax in the park or explore the bike trails and walking paths along the seawall. With views of Vancouver’s harbour and skyline, it’s a must on the to do list. Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC Sky Train Like something out of a science fiction novel, Sky Train whisks you silently along the Expo, Millennium, or Canada Lines winding through downtown Vancouver and out to regional destinations including the Vancouver International Airport. It’s a great way to get around the city while seeing some of its most inter-

esting sights. 1050 West Pender St., Vancouver, BC, 604-739-4783 Capilano Suspension Bridge Park This park is one of the top attractions in Vancouver, and it’s easy to see why. It offers seven suspended footbridges offering views 100 feet above the towering evergreens and cedar-scented rainforest. The new Cliffwalk follows the rock face along Capilano River with a series of narrow cantilevered bridges, stairs, and platforms. capbridge.com Vancouver Aquarium Billed as a non-profit society dedicated to the conservation of aquatic life, the Vancouver Aquarium offers tours, educational opportunities, and the chance to get up close and personal with some of the most beautiful and intriguing ocean species in America.

845 Avison Way, Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC, 604-659-3400

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equestrian lifestyle fashion

Eco-Friendly Attire

Say No to Toxic Relationships

By L.A. Pomeroy

As this column went to press, New York Fashion Week was still in full swing uptown, downtown, and crosstown in uber hip Brooklyn. Alas, like sidewalk schmutz on the red soles of those LouBoutins, fashion has a dirty side as one of our most contaminating industries, using toxic chemicals to create, dye, and finish the clothes, bags, jewelry, and accessories we love to love. Even less lovable are hormone-disrupting and cancer-causing residual chemicals showing up in our closets and environment.

So kudos to those creating attire meant to be ridden hard and worn well while saying “No, thanks” to toxic relationships.

Lust Have: Le Fash Women’s and Men’s Sport Polo and Show Shirts, ($128 and up) The first-ever crossover clothing for NYC streets and Wellington arenas eschews cotton for sustainable (ie, farming-free) bamboo fabric, which excels at moisture absorption, is hypo-allergenic, and contains kun, a natural antibacterial and (bonus) odor preventive. lefashny.com

Lust Have: EquiRex Ultra-Light Eco-circle Jacket, ($377) EquiRex Eco-circle Sleeveless Vest, ($296) The EquiRex Collection of earth-conscious equestrian sportswear includes an ultra-lightweight jacket and sleeveless vests with fabric made from recycled plastic soda bottles. equirex.com

Must Have: Kerrits Venti

Must Have: TuffRider

Technical Riding Tank, ($44) From the land of Starbucks and Microsoft, Kerrits was ecoconscious from its 1990 start. It joined 1% For the Planet to support the Equestrian Land Conservation Resource and replaced suede with Eco Suede. Figure-flattering Venti shirts make these Kerrits a delectable incentive. kerrits.com

EcoGreen Bamboo Tights, ($39.95) Speaking of sustainable, these low-rise bamboo tights offer a faux-fly front, belt loops, UltraGripp knee patches, and a cozy fit under boots and chaps. jpcequestrian.com Must Have: C4Belts, ($25)

C4 stands for Choose your Color, Choose your Cause and they offer individualized, chemical-free, crueltyfree belts of recyclable plastic in Classic and Skinny styles with buckles in 29 color choices. C4 partners annually with four charities and, with each purchase, customers vote on how a portion of their purchase is given back. Cool, huh?

C4belts.com

Equinista (fashionista + equestrienne) L.A. Pomeroy delivers award-winning coverage of equestrian art, life, and style.

Learn more at lapomeroy.com and share your stylish suggestions by emailing PomeroyLA@aol.com.

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equestrian lifestyle HEALTH & FITNESS

Strength Training

By Bridget Braden

LowerLevel vs.

UpperLevel Riding

The biggest priority for ALL levels of riders is to establish a firm, stable position in the saddle. No muscle works alone in the body, so it is important to learn how they are connected and which ones to focus on.

In the BioRider Fitness program, we emphasize the importance of six specific muscle groups that best support the frame of the rider: Trapezius, Obliques, Medial Deltoid, Latissimus Dorsi, Hip Abductors, and the Soleus.

From here, riders should incorporate functional movement exercises that will strengthen these muscles and therefore, their core.

Since lower-level riders are mostly doing 20-meter circles, long sides, diagonals, half 10-meter volte’s and transitions, functional fitness for this level is making sure that both the shoulders and hips are level and even. Additionally, riders must become aware of how their body weight might be communicating false directions.

By implementing simple strength training into your program, you will not only strengthen muscles for your position, but your body awareness will increase, which is priceless in the sport of horseback riding.

Doing exercises that are “bi-lateral” is a great way to increase functional awareness in the core from side to side. This means performing a regular chest press as opposed to a single arm chest press. The reason behind this is that, in the saddle, the arms work independently, but they need to learn how to operate together. It helps the rider to have the body awareness in terms of balance between the two arms when they function.

Riders should implement this with leg exercises as well.

Upper-level riders are required to do more uni-lateral work within the core. The lateral work complicates the core’s engagement and challenges it. There are always things that you must do to keep the horse in check and the core must stay engaged during this work on a horse.

Do exercises that have you moving across different planes of motion. Show the core how to recruit diagonally across the body. Teach the lower body to engage independently between the right and left leg.

Take for instance a regular squat. This is really good for a lowerlevel rider to know how the hips are stabilizing. The side lunge is great for upper-level riders because each leg is focused on one at a time. Both exercises can be challenged more with the BOSU ball.

Workouts need to complement the weaknesses and strengths that riders have in their core, so try out different exercises and find out which areas need conditioning.

BRIDGET BRADEN is the innovation behind the popular BioRider Fitness program, including a full line of video workouts. She is also a USDF Gold Medalist and the head trainer at BioRider Dressage at Sterling Farms in North San Diego County, CA. 90

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Doing regular squats are really good for lower-level riders so they know how the hips are stabilizing.

“Bi-lateral” exercises help the lower-level rider increase body awareness in terms of balance from side to side.

The BOSU ball helps to increase the difficulty of exercises.

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equestrian lifestyle collecting Thoughts The Trainer Who Influenced Me the Most: That is a really tough question. I have been so blessed to have worked with many of the greats—Jack Brainard, Jane Savoie, and Janet Black, to name a few. The balance between Jane and Janet for me was invaluable. Jack is a great horseman and for the western side has been awesome. And, I can’t forget Ann Kitchel of Huntington Farm for introducing me to my fantastic Hanoverian, Gretel!

Favorite Horse: They say

Rosemary Root On Everything from Western Dressage to Duck Dynasty Age: 65 years young Farm Affiliation: I have owned and operated New Horizons Farm, LLC, in Essex, VT, since 1985.

Background: I have over 50 years of being super blessed to have been able to work with some of the top trainers in their fields. I have experience in western, 4-H, hunters, eventing, dressage (from the early days of New England Dressage Association, with lots of fantastic clinics!), reining (over 10 years with Jack Brainard), natural horsemanship, and western dressage (which a lot of us have done for many years before it became organized as a USEF recognized sport). I have done lots of scribing and was an AQHA Professional Horsewoman in 1996.

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you are lucky to have one great horse in your lifetime; I have had four that have been outstanding. My current love is my 22-year-old foundation bred AQHA stallion, The Contortionist. I have owned him since he was three. It made me proud when Jack Brainard said he was the best bred, best broke stallion he knew!

Lucky Charm: Interestingly enough, I don’t have one! If I had to name something, I would say it is the ability to see beauty in nature around me and the horses.

Worst Fall: I have been fortunate that I haven’t taken many falls. There was one time a young horse got distracted by a discourteous rider taking off into a canter when I was mounting. He dropped me so hard in the dirt I thought I broke my hip.

Lucky for me, it was just a nasty bruise that kept me off horses for a few weeks.

Guilty Pleasure: Bits and spurs...I can’t resist checking out tack stores and used places for something I might not have, as some are quite unique. I’m a collector, not a user of most!

When I’m Not Riding I Like To: Catch up on my reading, like Dressage Today, Equine Journal, and NRHA Reiner. Occasionally I’ll get to a movie (still haven’t seen the last Twilight one) and I try to catch my favorite TV shows like Duck Dynasty, plus lots of good shows on RFDTV.

Best Piece of Riding Advice: Stay safe, listen to your horse, and find a knowledgeable trainer to work with, even if it isn’t often. Find time to audit and ride in some clinics. Most of all, smile and remember this is supposed to be fun.

Why I Ride: Honestly, it is in my soul, just a passion. Especially when you have experienced some of those moments where you think something and it just flows like the best dance partner you can imagine. They are such noble creatures. They warm my heart and make me smile.

If I Knew Then What I Know Now: I’d be a millionaire! I actually wouldn’t change much, all of my past has made me who I am, and I am happy with that.

Favorite Quote or Phrase: There are a lot that make me chuckle and many that make me think deep, but the one I have posted in a small corner of the barn bulletin board is from Tony Robbins: “CNAI” Constant And Never-Ending Improvement.

The Last Book I Read Was: Jane Savoie’s latest Dressage 101, and I am anxiously awaiting Jack Brainard’s newest book.

If My Horse Were a Person He Would: Be my best friend. He has the greatest sense of humor and is wise, respectful, and brings great joy to my life.

Why Western Dressage?

I have always had a great passion for classical dressage. It is such a great way to communicate and train horses, so when I got back into Quarter Horses and western I just took it with me. It is a great combination. Being involved with the Western Dressage Association of America as it is evolving is a fantastic experience. It seems a natural progression for me with my strong background in classical as well as western. It is combining the best of both worlds and is giving a lot of riders and horses a place to go with their training, improving horsemanship and horses.

I love to learn, and I love to teach and train; this has opened a whole new venue of both.

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INDUSTRY WIDE AFFILIATES p. 107 | HUNTER/JUMPER p. 115 | EVENTING p. 125 | DRESSAGE p. 129 DRIVING p. 138 | WESTERN p. 143 | DISTANCE RIDING/TRAIL p. 147 | MORGAN p. 149 | ARABIAN p. 153 QUARTER HORSE p. 157 | BAROQUE p. 161 | BREED AFFILIATES p. 163

news & te affilia s update

the scoop The ASPC announced their High Point Youths of the Year in February.

Beverly Gifford Vars presents Wendy Brayman with the Gifford & Vars High Point Equitation Trainer Award.

Year-End Award Winners Recognized At Rhode Island Horseman’s Assoc. Banquet

Youth of the Year Winners Announced By the American Shetland Pony Club

photos: (top left) Casey McBride; (bottom) Ben Radvanyi

The American Shetland Pony Club, Inc. (ASPC) would like to congratulate their 2013 Youth of the Year winners.

In the Miniature High Point Youth of the Year category, recipients are as follows: Kimberly Cotter; Heaven Leigh Davidson; Claire Neinast; Sarah Shough; Mackenzie Schulte; Sunny Balshaw; Shannon Kehoe;

Zoe Rogers; Allison Step; and Donna Basic. The Shetland High Point Youth of the Year award winners are: Kimberly Cotter; Heaven Leigh Davidson; Tara Tice; Julie Zander; Courtney Comfert; Diamond LeBlanc; Marie Bierman; Morgan Greenhalgh; Blake Thomas; and Peyton Sturtz.

Annual Rankings The North American Riders Group (NARG) released their hotly anticipated annual rankings in February, and Canada’s The Royal Horse Show received the honor of being named the top indoor event of the 2013 season. Ranked fourth overall, The Royal received a total score of 90%. Categories evaluated include footing, stabling, cours« The Royal was named the top es, ceremony, the quality of all aspects of production, and indoor event of 2013. prize money/cost of showing. Well done!

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The Rhode Island Horseman’s Association Banquet of Champions was held on January 18 at the Quidnessett Country Club in North Kingstown, RI. In addition to handing out awards to their year-end winners, a raffle/silent auction, and dinner and dancing, the club also held their Annual Open Meeting prior to the banquet.

Hunter Ridge riders were big winners that night, taking home 11 division championships and seven challenge trophies, including the Gifford & Vars High Point Equitation Trainer Award, won by Wendy Brayman. All in all, every barn was well represented and everyone cheered for each other, making for a friendly, fun night! For a full list of the winners, visit rihorseman.com.

April 2014

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the scoop

Hunter, Jumper, and Dressage Riders Show Off Reining Skills At Fourth Annual Equestrian Aid Foundation Who Reins Supreme?

The equestrian community and South Florida locals came together on Friday, January 31, 2014 for the fourth annual Equestrian Aid Foundation (EAF) Who Reins Supreme?, supported

by MeadowView Farm. The Old West themed event was centered around a reining competition between hunter, jumper, and dressage riders. Other highlights of the evening included a cocktail hour, delicious dinner, awards ceremony, and live and silent auctions, all to raise money for equestrians and equine-related professionals suffering from injury and chronic illness.

World-class riders Susie Dutta, Nick Dello Joio, Louise Serio, and Nicole Shahinian Simpson showed off their newfound reining skills as they took to the ring for the main event of the evening, a uniquely formatted reining competition. Accomplished reiner and 98

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trainer, Mark Rafacz, and one of the all-time leaders in the sport of reining, Tim McQuay, captained each team and joined their fellow riders in the competition. After fierce competition, Nick Dello Joio, Nicole Shahinian Simpson, and Tim McQuay were the winning team.

The 2014 EAF Luminary Award was presented to three Equestrian Aid Foundation founders, past presidents Robert Dover and Mason Phelps Jr., and the current president, R. Scot Evans.

“We founded this organization in 1996 to financially support those battling HIV/ AIDS. As the EAF matured and grew stronger, we evolved into an organization providing financial help to those in the equestrian community suffering from any life-threatening illness or injury,” said Dover. “I am honored to have been a part of this organization for so long and humbled by this award.”

“I am so grateful to be honored with these two outstanding gentlemen who have done so much for the equestrian world,” added Phelps. “It is immensely rewarding to see a community where members support each other, and together our efforts have truly made a difference.”

Guests donned their best western wear for the event, which kicked off with a cocktail hour featuring mixed drinks from Tito’s Homemade Vodka. A delicious dinner was provided by Aaron’s Catering for guests to enjoy while bidding on packages, such as a week’s stay at a Tuscan villa and a cooking lesson with Top Chef Masters winner and world-renowned chef, Marcus Samuelsson. The top item was an ultimate New York experience, donated by the Goutal family, which went for $5,200 and included dinner for four at Le Colonial and Saturday Night Live tickets.

“Outsiders often view the world of equestrian sports as a life of privilege.

That is not always the case, however, and many people in our midst are in need of assistance,” said Evans. “Who Reins Supreme? provides an opportunity for the community to come together for an enjoyable evening while also raising money for a worthy cause.”

For more information, visit equestrianaidfoundation.org.

Photos: Jack Mancini

[LEFT] Show jumper Nick Dello Joio of the winning Who Reins Supreme? team. [RIGHT] Mason Phelps Jr., Robert Dover, and R. Scot Evans with their Luminary Awards.

| April 2014 3/11/14 10:51:09 AM

Photos: Jack Mancini

the scoop

New England Horsemen’s Council Celebrates Champions at Year-End Awards Banquet Article and Photos by Melody Taylor-Scott/ www.EvergreenWebAndMediaServices.com

The New England Horsemen’s Council (NEHC) 2013 year-end awards banquet, held January 25, 2014 at the Best Western Hotel in Marlboro, MA, honored the NEHC 2013 high score champions.

Seating over 230 exhibitors, trainers, and family members, the NEHC banquet created a great atmosphere to celebrate the 2013 show champions who attended the evening dinner and awards presentation.

[LEFT] The Short Stirrup Equitation winners. [RIGHT] Amateur Adult Over-46 Champion, Laura Kadane.

This historic organization began in 1945 to help Hunter/Performance Hunter and organize and track points for shows and by Bill Ritchie, was given to Sensational NEHC Amateur Adult Over-46 with her Impulse, owned by Emily Wise. Kiley reinvigorate the horse show industry wonderful horse, Upper Ten. Prime retired the Call My Bluff High after the end of World War II. Beginning A raffle organized by the Western Point Hunter Trophy with The Graduate. with only 22 affiliated shows, the NEHC Medal Committee and held as a fundThe champion and reserve of both the has grown to over 300 shows and is one raiser during the award presentations of the largest horsemen’s councils in the English and Western Pleasure divisions was drawn by ticket number, giving area, culminating in the Medal Finals for also received a very useful gift of a gas winners a great group of prizes and gift card for $500 and $250, respectively, three disciplines and the always wellbaskets to choose from. Decked out in along with their award. attended awards banquet. high fashion, the “Young Entry” added Olana Laffey, representing the New Hosted this year by the Vermont glitter and glamour as they posed for England Equitation Championships Horse Association and their committee their award pictures and twirled about Hunt Seat Medal who also doubles as members Anne Brown, Shelly Edson, the dance floor. the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association and Mindy Hinsdale, the NEHC gave After the presentations, the music Representative, presented Zone 1 awards. out over 100 beautiful awards to the began to play, ties and high heels came Laura Kadane finished up a great USHJA Zone 1 champions, as the off, and the dancing commenced. For a year having won the 2013 NEHC Older NEHC brought together exhibitors and complete list of all the year-end awards, Adult Medal and taking the year-end horsemen from across New England visit the NEHC website, NEHC.info. championship in the Regular Working for a wonderful evening of friendship, dining, and dancing to live music.

A new division offered in 2012, the Hunter Seat Pleasure Equitation Championship, has become very well accepted. This year’s champion, Danielle Cammarano, and reserve champion, Kelsey Tremblay, are a one-two repeat of last year! The new Callaway’s Merriweather Saddle Seat Pleasure Equitation Trophy, donated by Roger Flood, was awarded to Miranda Demers. The Manhattan “Mac” Maggiore Memorial Adult Hunter 18-35 Trophy, donated by the Woodridge Farm Family, went to Jackson’s owner, Alexandra Cotreau, and the Luv Express High Point Quarter Horse Trophy, donated

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the scoop

Year-End Champions Recognized At New York State Saddle Horse Association Annual Awards Banquet

By Kimberly Zelvian

The New York State Saddle Horse Association (NYSSHA) Annual Awards Banquet was held on January 25, 2014, at the Saratoga Holiday Inn in Saratoga Springs, NY. The Classic Country Horse Association hosted “An Evening of Champions.” Linda Voehringer did a superb job both organizing and announcing the event. Also included was a Chinese auction, with some great items donated by various clubs and members, and a 50/50 raffle.

It certainly proved to be an evening of many champions, with over 200 NYSSHA exhibitors and guests attending this year’s ceremonies, which started off with a cocktail hour followed by dinner and award presentations.

Tri-colored ribbons and awards in

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numerous categories in both equitation and performance divisions, as well as gymkhana and trail riding/driving, were presented to the high point winners.

Many exhibitors took home awards in several categories.

This year, in addition to the year-end awards, NYSSHA offered several special awards. Exhibitors voted for their favorite horse show, gymkhana, and fellow horse people. The Eastern District Plantation Walking Horse Club was voted the Best Horse Show of the Year. The Best Gymkhana of the Year winner was Montgomery County Equine Club. Horse Show Person of the Year was Christina Conlon, and Kevin Stengle was voted Best Gymkhana Person of the Year.

It is also time to welcome in the new 2014 NYSSHA Officers, and take the time to thank those outgoing officers who are stepping down after dedicating years of service to the association.

President Floyd Bryant and vice president Bruce Emanuel are stepping down, but will surely continue to be an active part of the association. The new 2014 officers are: Sandi Emanuel, president; Jennifer Peek, vice president; Jason Goldberg, secretary; Deb Yacobucci, treasurer; and Kimberly Zelvian, corresponding secretary.

The New York State Saddle Horse Association has determined tentative show dates for the 2014 season as well.

Upcoming events include: The Eastern New York Plantation Walking Horse Club Open Horse Show in Cobleskill, NY, on May 31; the Yo Sco Haro Riding Club Open Horse Show in Cobleskill, NY, on June 7-8; the Montgomery County Equine Club Gymkhana in Fonda, NY, on June 14; and the Montgomery County Equine Club Open Horse Show in Fonda, NY, on June 14-15. For the full event schedule and more information, visit nyssha.org.

| April 2014 3/11/14 10:51:53 AM

the scoop

United States para-equestrian dressage athletes, trainers, coaches, and support staff at the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation dinner.

[BELOW] USEF High Performance Director of Para-Equestrian and Vaulting, Laureen Johnson, with para-equestrian Mary Jordan.

U.S. Para-Dressage Athletes Make Big Impression At USET Foundation “Soirée du Cheval” Gala Article and Photos by Lindsay Y McCall

For one exciting evening their boots were left in the closet and their heels and ties appeared. On January 24, 2014, the United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation launched their $35 Million Campaign to Achieve Competitive Excellence at the “Soirée du Cheval” Gala. The event was held at The Pavilion at the International Polo Club Palm Beach and was a benefit for the United States equestrian teams headed to the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France.

Para-dressage riders from across the country including riders from northern California, Maine, and Texas flew to Wellington, FL, in support of the U.S. Para-Dressage Team, U.S. Show Jumping Team, Eventing Team, U.S. Dressage Team, U.S. Reining Team, Driving Team, U.S. Endurance Team, and the U.S. Vaulting Team. After a wonderful keynote speech from USET Foundation President Tucker S. Johnson, a live auction commenced, where over $700,000 was raised for the U.S. teams.

The event concluded with attendees

hopping on the dance floor to celebrate the evening.

Para-Equestrian Dressage Technical Advisor/Chef d’Equipe Kai Handt was also in attendance at the event supporting the para-dressage riders and each of the United States equestrian teams. After the gala, Handt had his first athlete meeting for the top-ranked para-dressage riders, their families, and support staff. He stressed how the future of the U.S. Equestrian Federation (USEF) U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage Team is growing with young and emerging new talent. Excitement is building, as the first of two U.S. final 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games qualifier competitions took place in March.

Several new horse-rider combinations have been debuted, making the final team selection suspenseful.

Laureen Johnson, USEF High Performance Director of Para-Equestrian and Vaulting, commented, “I was delighted to see so many para-equestrian dressage athletes, coaches, and enthusiasts attend the USET Foundation’s

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“Soirée du Cheval” World Equestrian Games benefit in Wellington. It was a most memorable evening for all.”

She continued, “Kai Handt, the new Para-Equestrian Dressage Technical Advisor/Chef d’Equipe, kicked off the next morning with a very successful breakfast forum for the top ranked para-equestrian athletes and coaches to discuss the team approach and strategize for 2014. The feedback received was amazing and all athletes appeared to share Kai’s enthusiasm and grasped the team concept whole-heartedly. We are looking forward to working with Kai and a successful 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games experience.”

For more on the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation, visit uset.org. For information about the USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage discipline, contact Laureen Johnson at 908-326-1155, or via email at lkjohnson@usef.org.

April 2014

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the scoop

Pas-de-Deux Champions Make History

[ABOVE] Lukas Wacha and Jasmin Lindner made history as the first Pas-de-Deux World Champions.

[BELOW] Anna Cavallaro defended her women’s individual title. »

At FEI World Cup Vaulting Final

By Daniel Kaiser

EQUINEJOURNAL CODE

one of our best-ever freestyles,” said the 18-year-old student Lindner, who trains with Wacha seven times a week before big competitions. Wacha’s personal highlight was the audience, which started to clap during the crescendo of the choreography. “We were confused for a second, and waited for a reaction from Bram, but he was calm and we decided to end our freestyle clapping too,” he said.

The German duo Pia Engelberty and Torben Jacobs, bronze medalists at last year’s FEI European Vaulting Championships, finished second with 8.353 points on Danny Boy, lunged by Alexandra Knauf. “They’ve improved a lot since the European Championships, and their fluid performance and focus this winter has set them in good stead for the World Equestrian Games in Normandy, where they’ll be strong challengers to Lukas and Jasmin,” said German Chef D’equipe Ulla Ramge.

Stefanie Millinger and Evelyn Freund from Austria completed the top three with a score of 7.837 on Robin, lunged

by Nina Rossin. The American pair, sisters Kimberly and Cassidy Palmer of California, finished in fourth place.

Their overall score of 7.606 was less than three-tenths of a point behind the third place combination.

In women’s individual competition, Cavallaro yet again convinced the judges

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of her star quality with Harley, lunged by her coach Nelson Vidoni, retaining the title with 8.522 points. In the men’s individual, Andreani defended his title in front of his home crowd. Performing for the first time in competition on the 10-year-old gelding Quiece d’Aunis, and lunged for the first time by his coach Marina Dupon Joosten, Andreani scored a remarkable 8.826 points.

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Whether its newsworthy or just plain funny, you’ll see it first at the Equine Journal Facebook page!

Photos: Daniel Kaiser/FEI

While Anna Cavallaro of Italy and world champion Nicolas Andreani of France defended their FEI World Cup Vaulting individual titles in Bordeaux, France, on February 7-8 with stirring performances, double World and European Pas-de-Deux Champions, Jasmin Lindner and Lukas Wacha of Austria, made history by winning the first Pas-de-Deux Final in this exciting series.

A total of 18 vaulters from eight nations traveled to the famous Jumping International of Bordeaux to perform their freestyle choreographies. Austria’s pas-de-deux superstars Lindner and Wacha, favorites after winning the 2012 FEI World Vaulting Championship in Le Mans, France, and storming to victory at the FEI European Vaulting Championships 2013 in Ebreichsdorf, Austria, faced their hardest test yet in Bordeaux—their experienced 17-year-old gelding Elliot was having a well-deserved winter break. So the pair took up the offer from Dutch team coach Maurits de Vries to use KCM Vaultinghorses Bram, and the match was a great success.

Performing to “Heart’s a Mess” by Gotye with lunger Klaus Haidacher, they received the maximum 10 points from German judge Jochen Schilffarth in the first round, leading to a stunning final score of 8.783 points and huge applause.

“We enjoyed it so much, and it was

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[ equine journal affiliate ]

Maine Horse Assoc.

Anticipates Downeast Horse Congress Horse Show Submitted by Sylvia Corbett

The planning has begun. The 35th Downeast Horse Congress horse show is well on its way to an outstanding 2014.

The show will be held on June 13 through the 15, 2014—Father’s Day weekend.

The Skowhegan State Fairgrounds in Skowhegan, ME, will again be the venue.

The judge is Chris Cassenti of Rowley, MA. She is highly rated and very knowledgeable in both western and English. The show committee is planning a competition for everyone with classes of all types of styles, breeds, and riders.

This year the show will present a full American Saddlebred division, including three- and five-gaited horses, park and pleasure, and driving classes. This show is affiliated with the Maine Horse Association (MHA) as a class AA show and the New England Horsemen’s Council and several individual breed associations.

It is double pointed with the MHA. The Downeast Horse Congress will welcome competitors and owners with

a Friday barbecue party. On Saturday morning there will be a Father’s Day Pancake Breakfast presented by Mike Kobibarcsic and his crew of ladies. Saturday evening will bring another party presented

by John and Holly Tumiel, combined with a retirement party. The Denim Ridge gang will be presenting their fabulous brownie Sundaes during the show.

The other divisions of the show are: Quarter Horses, Arabians, Appaloosas, Morgans, Friesians, Ponies, Standardbreds, Equitation, Lesson Riders, Roadsters, Hunter Pleasure, and assorted open pleasure divisions.

Margo Gerrish has agreed to take on the sponsorships for the classes and sessions of the show. These sponsorships help make our shows a great success.

The show committee is planning enjoyable events for all riders, owners, spectators, and of course, our children. If you like to eat, you will be very happy. If you like socializing, there will be plenty

of it for you. If you like beauty, there is nothing more beautiful than a horse and rider in tune with each other. Come one and all whether you ride or just like to watch. You won’t be disappointed.

In other association news, the Denim Ridge gang had a great time at their Christmas Party. The kids were presented with some great “presents.” They held the party on Saturday, December 21. The children had some great surprises in store for them. The stalls were decorated and wrapped like presents to welcome friends and guests. The children did not realize they were all getting new horses. Tatum Milley and Lily Ouellette received a twoyear-old Miniature Horse, Clear Brooks My Two Cents, and immediately fell in love. Courtney Grant was elated to find out that she is the proud new owner of the Saddlebred mare, Jean Pool. Emma and Sophie Ouellette found out that they, too, will be receiving a new Saddlebred named Alivia, who had not yet arrived from Oregon. However, they did get to see pictures and video of Alivia. They continued the morning with the horses bobbing for apples, gifts, food, and festivities. The girls of Denim Ridge are eager to show off their new “presents” in the show rings of 2014.

We are all eager to see them too.

[ equine journal affiliate ]

Southern New England Horsemen’s Association Announces 2014 Show Schedule Submitted by Cynthia Anne Bowen

The Southern New England Horsemen’s Association (SNEHA) is ready to go for our 2014 show season. All of our shows will be held at Falls Creek Farm in Oneco, CT. We are hoping to have special fun events the Saturday evening before the shows. Here are our show dates and judges: May 4 – Karol Bennett; May 11 – Jamie Cinq-Mars; June 29 – Jeremy Mimitz; July 27 - Kelli Wainscott; August 24 – Sandra Johnson; September 7 – Sarah Trembly; and September 21 will be the Colchester Lions Club show with Melissa Proulx judging. This is our affiliate show, which will be held at the Hebron Fair Grounds in Hebron, CT. There are several changes in year-end award qualifications for this year. There

are no meeting requirements, and if you participate in three shows you will be qualified for year-end awards. We will still have membership meetings on the last Tuesday of each month just before our board meetings so members can address any problems that may have come up or have any questions answered. The only exception is the August meeting that will be held on the 19. Membership meetings are held at Fields Memorial School in Bozrah, CT. Here are our divisions for the 2014 show season: Leadline, Pre-Junior, Open Adult Walk-Trot, Green Horse, Miniature, Open Western, Open Junior, Adult Western, Saddle Seat, Hunt Seat, Beginner Walk-Trot, Walk-Trot Junior Open, and Adult English.

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Our in-hand classes are Model Horse, Miniature Halter In-Hand, Registered Color Halter, Registered Quarter Horse Halter, Adult Open Fitting & Showing, Junior Open Fitting & Showing, and Miniature Hunter In-Hand.

We have additional single classes. They are the Midge O’Neill Perpetual Junior English Equitation Classic, SNEHA Open Pleasure, SNEHA Open Walk-Trot Pleasure–open to walk-trot riders only, and the SNEHA Team Classic Pleasure– which can be two adult riders, two junior riders, or one adult and one junior rider.

This year the classes for English riders will be in the morning, and western exhibitors will show in the afternoon.

A note for walk-trot riders: We have a new rule this year that prohibits cantering anywhere on the showgrounds. This means not in the practice ring, stable area, or anywhere else.

Please keep saving the Nutrena tags for the club, they are a great source of revenue for us. For more information on our show divisions and individual classes, visit us on the web at snehassociation.com. We look forward to seeing you at our first show.

April 2014

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Myopia Hunt Club

Preparing for Annual Spring Hunter Pace Submitted by David J. Rousseau

It has been a long winter here in the Myopia Hunt territory and we are looking for signs of spring. Longer, warmer days herald the start of the spring season for the Myopia Hunt. Following an amazing and exciting season of foxhunting last year, we are all chomping at the bit to get to it again. The Myopia Spring Hunt Dinner will once again be held at the Myopia Hunt Club in South Hamilton, MA, on April 12. There will be a Downton Abbey theme this year, and it is sure to lift your spirits from the doldrums of winter. Come join us for the fun and socializing, while channeling your inner Dowager Countess or Lord Grantham.

Mounted fun finally starts April 16 with hound exercises. It is the time for slow work with horses and hounds, and a way to reintroduce horse and rider to the hunt field. It is an excellent time for the introduction of green horses and aspiring new foxhunters to the sport. Let us know if you would like someone to help you in that transition as it can be challenging, and we want everyone to have a good, safe time.

April 26 will commence spring

roading. The pace picks up, horses and hounds work on increasing fitness, and we move out into some of our hunt fixtures. Join us and get to know the lay of the land. For spring roading, we wear “rat catcher” attire or a tweed jacket with a tie or colored stock.

The New England Hound Show will be hosted by Wentworth Hunt in Lee, NH, on May 4. Hounds from hunt clubs all over New England compete for trophies and recognition from their peers. The Myopia hounds had an excellent show in 2013, including being awarded Best Pack. Hound Chanter was awarded New England Champion and Best Crossbred Single. Will the Myopia Hounds defend their titles this year?

Mounted fun continues and escalates on May 18 with the Myopia Hunt Spring Hunter Pace. This is a great event for everyone with a horse. If you have not done a hunter pace before, do yourself a favor and join us. Regardless of the level you want to compete in, you are guaranteed a good time. The divisions are Non-Jumping, Junior Non-Jumping,

Jumping 20”, and Jumping 3’. While some people go it alone, most of us ride in groups. A well-marked course is laid out in advance, through the wooded trails and open fields of our beautiful hunt country in and around Hamilton. To predetermine the ideal hunt “pace,” a rider sets out before the competition begins, along the chosen course. Depending on weather, temperature, and footing, this rider “sets the pace.” It remains a mystery what this ideal pace is until the scoring is done. The idea is to choose the correct pace as if you were foxhunting through that territory, walking, trotting, cantering, or galloping where appropriate. There are stone walls, coops, and other fences that you would perhaps encounter in the hunt field. Your team rides together, and the deviation from the time places you in your division. It is always a great time.

There are awards for those who come closest to the pre-set pace in each division, and an award for the overall fastest time, for the speed demons and eventer types who want to “kick on!” If you prefer to volunteer, there is always room for you. You won’t want to miss this event, so mark your calendar now.

Visit us for more details on correct hunt attire, the hunt schedule, and everything happening at Myopia Hunt at myopiahunt.org, and follow us on Facebook!

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Wentworth Hunt Club

Sue Levy, MFH, riding Obie in the 2012 Wentworth Dressage Show. »

Gears Up for Spring Season Submitted by Marilyn Mariano

Spring is in the air (or we hope it will be soon)! Wentworth Hunt is looking forward to some fun and interesting spring activities: n New England Hunts Hound Show: Wentworth Hunt is hosting the 2014 New England Hunts Hound Show. It will be on Sunday, May 4, at Echo Ridge Farm in Lee, NH. All of the hunts in New England are invited to bring their hounds for a day of judging and competition. It is a great way to see the hounds up-close and for the hunts to show off their packs.

Plans are in the works for a tailgate lunch. It all makes for a fun day.

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n Schooling Dressage Show: Soon after the hound show is Wentworth’s Schooling Dressage Show, which is a great opportunity to jump-start your show season! The 2014 show will be held at the UNH Equine Center in Durham, NH, on Sunday, May 18. It is a great opportunity to get out in a low-key show environment to show off all that dressage we worked on all winter! Whether you are a beginner, new to dressage, have a young horse just starting out, or are a seasoned

campaigner warming up for the 2014 show season, this schooling show offers a friendly atmosphere for all to enjoy.

Food will be available on the grounds.

Levels offered are Intro through Second, with riders test of choice through FEI. Ribbons will be offered for first through

continued on page 109

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Tri-State Horsemen’s Assoc.

Announces Changes for 2014 Shows Submitted by Beth Stone

2014 will be a big year at TriState Horsemen’s Association (TSHA). We will be offering more of what you’ve been wishing for! Once again listening to member input, the open shows and dressage shows will include some major changes. But, whether it’s trail riding, dressage or horse showing you desire, TSHA has something big planned for every rider.

The big announcement from the open show committee is the addition of new divisions including Miniature Horse and Silver Stirrups, an over 55 walk-trot division. We also will have an Open Versatility Classic and a Walk-Trot Versatility Classic on Friday afternoon of the shows, and will be showing in both rings on Friday. The grounds at Falls Creek Farm in Oneco, CT, will open for horses and campers on Thursday. Join us for a potluck at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday evening of the shows.

Classes will begin at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, and will be followed by jumpers on Friday evening featuring a $200 MegaJackpot class. Gymkhana will be Saturday evening and will also include a $100 Jackpot class. The committee has been collecting ideas and listening to suggestions put forth by exhibitors and many more changes have been made to make the Tri-State Horsemen’s Association

horse shows better than ever! The class list, which will be full of updated information and descriptions of all classes, will be arriving in member mailboxes soon!

As an exhibitor, it is your responsibility to read and understand all of the rules of the classes you enter, as well as the general horse show and farm rules. When the class list arrives, take a little time to look it over, and please remember to patronize our sponsors.

The big dressage show news is that we have done away with the qualifying hour.

Each horse and rider team will have to be nominated to qualify for year-end awards. Watch your program for details.

Once again western dressage exhibitors will ride on Saturday afternoon and traditional dressage riders and two-phase riders will compete on Sunday. Stalls and camping (with or without hook-ups) at the Woodstock Fair Horseshow Grounds in Woodstock, CT, will be available. The class list for this series is almost ready to hit the mailboxes, so be sure to watch for yours! The dressage show committee will still be looking for volunteers to help the shows run smoothly. If you would like to help and earn TSHA Bucks, please email the committee at dressage@ tristatehorsemens.com or stop at the

Wentworth Hunt Club

continued from page 108 sixth places, with exciting high point awards for each division. For the prize list, entry form, and more information, go to wentworthhunt.org or contact show manager Sarah Isherwood at 603-489-8037 or daatje2001@gmail.com. n Hunter Pace Series: We have an exciting hunter pace series scheduled for 2014. A hunter pace is a fun event where teams of two or three ride through a marked course through one of our beautiful hunting territories.

There is an “optimal time” to finish the course, and those that finish closest to that time are rewarded with ribbons.

End-of-series awards are given to those who gain points at multiple paces in a particular division. There are usually three divisions: Field, where you move

Riders enjoy the 2013 Hunter Pace at Milton Mills.

along at the pace of a hunt and can jump if you want (typically 3’0” max); Hilltop, which moves at the speed of our Hilltop field (mostly walk and trot,

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Pleasure Trail Ride Dates April 27 – LeGrand Reynolds Horseman Area – Escoheog, RI May 17 – Pachaug State Forest – Voluntown, CT August 8 – Pachaug State Forest – Voluntown, CT September 14 – Bluff Point – Groton, CT Open Show Dates June 6-8 July 11-13 August 15-17

Dressage Dates May 24-25 June 28-29 August 2-3

show window at the competition.

The pleasure trail ride committee is ready to move forward with our fun, no hassle rides with great food for all. All pleasure trail rides are free for members.

Non-members pay only $5. All are asked to bring your favorite dish to share.

TSHA provides drinks and hot dogs and hamburgers or other great food for all.

Don’t forget, you can come horseless and enjoy the great food and fellowship.

Remember, the website is your best source for up-to-the-minute TSHA news and more information about upcoming TSHA events, scholarships, and our exciting Nutrena feed tag contest, as well as membership applications. Visit the TSHA website, tristatehorsemen.com, often to stay abreast of TSHA’s wide variety of activities.

Members, if you are not receiving the TSHA e-newsletter, send your email address to publicity@tristatehorsemen.com.

some canter) but you can jump the jumps you feel comfortable jumping; and Noncompetitive, which is not timed. Lunch, awards, and camaraderie are provided following the pace. Ann Pembroke is the chairperson of the 2014 pace events. Come on out and try it—it is a low-key and friendly environment—all are welcome! We can help you put together a team if you wish.

The dates of the 2014 paces are: Saturday, May 17 at Branch Hill Farm in Milton Mills, NH; Saturday, August 16 at Fine Nest Farm in Raymond, NH; Sunday, October 12 at Branch Hill Farm in Milton Mills, NH. Spring Cubbing: Spring cubbing will be starting soon. It is very dependent on the weather, conditions of footing, and willing landowners.

Visit our website, wentworthhunt.org, for more information on any of these activities.

April 2014

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Norfolk Hunt Club Spring Arrives (Finally!)

Submitted by D.A. Hayden, Photos by Kathie Davenport

Extensive planning over the long winter months is delivering a full spring calendar for the Norfolk Hunt Club. Norfolk Masters of Foxhounds Owen Hughes, MFH, Ruth Lawler, MFH, and Tom Lewis, MFH were joined by a phalanx of Norfolk members to plan an exciting spring season for members, competitors, spectators, and the community at-large.

Spring Clean-Up Day Norfolk member Lisa Lewis will once again chair Norfolk’s popular Spring Clean-Up Day on Saturday, April 5, with a rain date of Sunday, April 13. The day will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the Norfolk Hunt Kennels and concludes with a picnic lunch in the stable courtyard at 1:00 p.m. The Clean-Up Day will focus on clearing fields and trails of brush, downed trees, branches, and effects of the long, snowy winter. Members and non-members are welcome to participate; the day provides a great way to meet people interested in preserving open space and is a lot of fun! Eligible students will receive letters to document their volunteerism. Please wear protective clothing and bring work gloves, loppers, rakes, etc. For further information, please contact Lisa Lewis at mysticpinesfarm@comcast.net.

Spring Foxhunting Season Riders are encouraged to file their taxes early so they have plenty of time to join Norfolk on the first foxhunt of the spring season on Tuesday, April 15. Thanks to the generosity of many landowners, Norfolk will hunt beautiful country in Dover, Medfield, Sherborn, Millis, Walpole, and South Dartmouth, MA, on Tuesdays and Saturdays from April 15 to May 18. Hound schoolings will take place on Thursdays. The May 18 fixture is designated a Junior Hunt, focusing on young riders. For information on Norfolk’s spring schedule, view the spring fixture card at norfolkhunt.com.

Grounds for Celebration This Memorial Day weekend, launch your holiday with rum, rumba, and roulette!

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Celebration co-chairs Sarah Monaco and Ros Smythe, accompanied by their committee members Donna Guadagno, Nancy Harrod, D.A. Hayden, Lisa Lewis, Amey Moot, Diana McNamara, and Charlotte Saul, are excited about the plans for the Club’s largest fund[ABOVE] Norfolk Hunt president Dana Pope loved riding in his raiser and biennial first derby cross. [BELOW] Mounted park police greet attendees at Grounds for Celebration. party. All proceeds from Grounds for Celebration are designated for the preservation and protection of open space.

The “Havana Nights” themed event, held under a tent at the Norfolk Hunt Steeplechase Course, in Medfield, MA, on May 22, promises to be a terrific party. A gala evening, this year Grounds for Celebration will information and to purchase tickets, feature signature visit norfolkhunt.com. cocktails from Bully Boy Distillers, a casino, hand-rolled cigars, dinner, and dancing to the acclaimed sounds of 104th Norfolk Hunt Horse Show Ten Tumbao (tentumbao.com). Late in Entering it’s 104th year, the popular the evening a D.J. will provide classic Norfolk Hunt Horse Show, co-chaired by sounds from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s.

Norfolk members Catherine Kennedy, Norfolk’s land preservation Lisa Lewis, and Cindy Cleaves, will take partners—12 local conservation place at the Norfolk Hunt Steeplechase organizations—will be featured in a Course in Medfield, MA, on Saturday, May special display, designed to educate 24 and Sunday, May 25. Rain or shine, the guests about efforts to preserve and show is a perennial favorite with local protect land. A special raffle for a trainers and equestrians and offers great Robert Douglas Hunter oil painting classes for adults, children, amateurs, and will complete the evening. The 26” x professionals. The show is a long-trea20” still life, titled “Arrangement with sured Memorial Day weekend tradition.

Brass Ewer,” is valued at $10,500.

Last year, the Norfolk Hunt Horse Show Tickets for Grounds for Celebration received the prestigious U.S. Equestrian are $125 per person. Raffle tickets are Federation “Heritage Competition” designa$100 each or three for $250 and only tion, which is an honor bestowed on only 300 raffle tickets will be sold. For more continued on page 111

| April 2014 3/12/14 12:08:06 PM

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Norfolk Hunt Club

continued from page 110 17 shows in the United States. As well, the show has won awards for being the most popular in the region. The two-day event offers a variety of classes for every rider— from opportunity leadline and short stirrup classes to Massachusetts Horsemen’s Council Medal and South East Hunter Association Medal classes—as well as the 1.0m Mor Linn Farm Jumper Classic with $1,500 in prize money, the $2,500 Hunter Derby, the $3,000 1.10m Jumper Classic, and $1,000 in trainer awards. Gorgeous silver trophies are also awarded for the June Lombard Memorial Championship Trophy for Children’s Hunter Pony, the Carolyn Tsimortos Memorial Championship Trophy for the Baby Green Hunter division, and the Rebecca W. L’Heureux Memorial Trophy for the Hunter Derby. Non-cash prizes at the Norfolk Hunt Horse Show include beautiful custom coolers and a variety of tack from sponsors SmartPak and Dover Saddlery. As always, each and every one of the show’s youngest competitors will be rewarded with “goodie bags” for their participation in the leadline and walk-trot classes.

Food is available on the grounds

Norfolk members Amey Moot, Lisa Lewis, Sarah Monaco and Tom Lewis, MFH watch a class at the Norfolk Hunt Horse Show. »

throughout the day and vendors will be selling products to competitors and spectators. To advertise in the Norfolk Hunt Horse Show program or to become a sponsor, please contact Lisa Lewis at mysticpinesfarm@ comcast.net.

Derby Cross Excites Back by popular demand, the fourth annual Norfolk Hunt Derby Cross will take place at the Norfolk Hunt Steeplechase Course on Monday, May 26.

Norfolk member Erica Foley chairs the fun event, which gets bigger each year.

The derby cross will feature the thrill, bravery, and endurance of cross-country riding combined with the skill of speed and accuracy of show jumping.

U.S. Eventing Association Technical Delegate Jim Gornall, of Ledgefield Farm in Uxbridge, MA, will return

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again this year to design the derby cross course, which has thrilled and delighted riders of all levels for the past three years. The beautiful course will run on natural terrain, and will include some of the existing crosscountry-type obstacles found on the steeplechase course, combined with new jumps constructed by Norfolk member Patrick Keane and show jumps provided by Jim. For more information, contact Erica Foley at 508-380-5181 or ehnf@msn. com. Entry forms are available at norfolkhunt.com.

April 2014

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[LEFT] Liam Palacios in the pack class at the Bryn Mawr Hound Show. [RIGHT] Rachel Mydosh and Dani Harris at Opening Day.

New York/Upper CT Region of Pony Clubs Meets Foxhunting Head On

Submitted by Barbara Kil; photos by claudia Romeo

The United States Pony Club (USPC) was founded in 1954. It was modeled after the British Pony Club, founded in 1930. The original pony club founders were avid foxhunters.

They recognized the need to provide good instruction to young riders, so children were invited to join the local hunt clubs. Through this relationship, an affiliation of local hunt clubs and the USPC grew. Today many clubs still enjoy that relationship.

The USPC Foxhunting Committee recently unveiled another program to support foxhunting in the U.S. The new Certificate and Pin Program recognizes pony clubbers who complete both a mounted and unmounted program. This idea was jointly created by the Masters of Fox Hounds Association of America (MFHA) and the USPC. In addition to the Certificate Program, the Pony Club National Office supports the sport of foxhunting in many other ways. According to the USPC website, “The MFHA Fairly Hunted Award is presented to any young person who hunts five times and is so acknowledged by a Master. Participants under 18 are presented a pin, certificate, and a oneyear subscription to Covertside, the magazine of mounted foxhunting.

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[ABOVE] Liam Palacios. [LEFT] Old Chatham Pony Clubbers at the OCH Puppy Show.

Foxhunting Challenge Award is designed to encourage pony club members who do not regularly hunt to try the sport.

It also rewards members who hunt on a regular basis to act as mentors to younger pony clubbers. Awards, in total up to $10,000, go to six pony clubs that regularly take the greatest percentage (based on total number of members) of active pony club members hunting.

Foxhunting international exchanges are a wonderful opportunity for pony clubbers to meet other young people from across the globe that share their passion for horses and riding, and an amazing chance to hunt in some truly spectacular countrysides. The last exchange was in February 2013 in England.

The Joys of Foxhunting Writing Contest was established from a memorial fund for Hildegard Neil Ritchie. The objective is to encourage writing and

imagination. The entries from D and C level pony clubbers can be short stories, poems, songs, or essays. You need not ever have hunted! The first prize is $200 to be used on anything related to Foxhunting or pony club.�

In the New York/Upper Connecticut (NYUC) Region, Old Chatham Pony Club is affiliated with the Old Chatham Hunt, Millbrook Pony Club hunts with the Millbrook Hunt, and Running Fox Pony Club often joins the Rombout Hunt Club.

If you would like more information about Foxhunting or a pony club in your area, contact: Old Chatham Pony Club District Commissioner (DC) Linda Romeo at lromeo1955@gmail.com; Millbrook Pony Club DC Michael Chamberlin at Mchamberlin@emta.org; Running Fox Pony Club DC Alicia Noonan at anoonan3217@ optonline.net; or visit the Pony Club National Office website at ponyclub.org.

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Send your news for future columns to elisabeth.gilbride@equinejournal.com.

By elisabeth prouty-gilbride

Hunter/Jumper news By kim ablon whitney

[LEFT] Vail Cort riding Winston alongside Brooke Markowitz on Will. [RIGHT] Lake Erie College’s championship team celebrates their victory following the University of Findlay show.

Photos: (top left) Courtesy of Moss Show Stables; (top right) courtesy of IHSA; (bottom) Courtesy of Judson College

New Addition Moss Show Stables, led in part

by Tricia Moss, would like to welcome Brooke Markowitz, the newest addition to their training staff. Both customers and horses are excited to have her helping them get ready for the 2014 show season.

Qualified Mount Holyoke College’s equestrian team had a number of riders qualify at the Zone 1, Region 3 competition, hosted by UMass Amherst, including: Felecia Harrsch qualifying in Open Flat and Fences, Nell Maynard in Open Flat, and Suyin Taunton in Walk-Trot-Canter, as this issue goes to press. The team also rode to a close second place at the show, where the University of Massachusetts won on their home turf.

Lake Erie’s Finest Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) media intern, Taylor Graham, reports that Lake Erie College claimed the championship title at the University

of Findlay-hosted hunt seat competition, held Saturday, February 8 and Sunday, February 9. Team members who took top honors throughout the weekend included Chelsie Stair and Haley Everhart in Open and Intermediate Fences, respectively. Chelsie was named High Point Rider on Saturday, and Tatiana Eagles earned High Point Rider on Sunday.

Jumpstart

Match Made in Heaven

Condolences

The College Try And in more IHSA news, the Judson College hunt seat equestrian team made the trek from their hometown of Marion, AL, in February to Woodstock, GA, to compete in the first two shows of the 2014 season, held February 8 and 9, and hosted

by Georgia Tech and Kennesaw

and first place in Novice Equitation, McQuaig earning first in Walk-Trot-Canter, and Olivia Breimhorst of Warrior, GA, earning second place in the division, qualifying her for regional competition. Kayla Syck of Deatsville, GA, earned reserve in Walk-Trot-Canter, and Palmer placed sixth in Beginner WalkTrot-Canter.

Andrea Oxier sends her congratulations to the Spadafore family of Sterling, MA, on their lease of Merlin. Special thanks to Frank Bassett for creating this match.

Congrats to Klee Hellerman, who recently purchased her first horse, a seven-year-old imported Westphalian mare, named Cosima L. Be sure to watch out for the duo on the jumper circuit this upcoming season!

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State University. On February 8, Katie Gehr of Waukesha, WI, placed fifth in Novice Over Fences, while Katie McQuaig of Cumming, GA, placed sixth in Walk-Trot-Canter, following third place recipient Sheila Palmer of Hoover, AL. Katelyn Vahoozer of Waco, TX, placed fifth in Novice.

The following day, the Judson students continued to impress, with Gehr earning reserve in Novice Over Fences

Judson College teammates Katie Gehr and Katie McQuaig.

Martin “Sonny” W. Yade, 82, a longtime resident of West Swanzey, NH, died on January 23, 2014 at Cheshire DartmouthHitchcock Medical Center in Keene, NH. He passed peacefully after a period of declining health.

Prior to moving to New Hampshire he had worked for Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, NY, and Bennett College Stables

continued on page 116 April 2014

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$50,000 Strongid C 2X Grand Prix

Wraps Up with David Beisel and Ammeretto Taking Top Honors $50,000 Strongid C 2X Grand Prix Champions David Beisel and Ammeretto. »

schooling sessions, and a gallop on the track at HITS Ocala, Ammeretto was back on his game.

The jump-off offered seven obstacles, including a left roll-back to fence eight, then a 10ab double and a new fence at 15—the Strongid C 2X vertical—which was the last fence on the course and produced the most faults.

Beisel and Ammeretto were the last of 16 to jump off, and followed a very fast time of 32.95 seconds set by front runner Michael Hughes of Allendale, NJ, aboard Christina Fried’s MacArthur.

Beisel and Ammeretto dug in for an amazing nail-biting jump-off performance, tackling the course in a time of 31.4 seconds and brought the crowd to their feet. With many placings so far this season, it was this duo’s first grand prix win. Hughes ended in second.

Helen Goddard of Lincroft, NJ, the rider and trainer of Noire, was the first to

« Shannon Norris riding Michelle Elise’s Royal Prestige in the recent Aaron Vale clinic.

Hunter/Jumper News

continued from page 115 in Milford, CT, where he cared for show horses, traveled to hunter and jumper shows throughout the country, and foxhunted with the Millbrook Hunt Club.

Martin’s free time revolved around his wife and horses.

They purchased, trained, and showed hunters and jumpers all over New England. He loved to trail ride and compete in pleasure and judged trail rides in New Hampshire and Vermont.

Also a fan of Thoroughbred racing, the family vacationed in Saratoga, NY, enjoying the Thoroughbred racetrack, sales, and polo matches over the past 116 equine

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return in the jump-off, answering the call with the Great American Time to Beat in a time of 37.81 seconds, which was eventually good for a sixth place ribbon.

Next to jump was Bryn Sadler of Sante Fe, NM, on the strapping Bon Giorno for owners Showcase 81 LLC and trainer Wendy Haig Sadler with a clear round in 36.75 seconds for fourth. Third place went to Tracy Fenney of Flower Mound, TX, who already has four grand prix wins this circuit. She piloted the lovely chestnut MTM Timon for MTM Farm to a time of 34.35 seconds. Taking fifth place was Envy, a 10-year-old Hanoverian gelding, ridden and trained by Sulu RoseReed of Mechanicsville, VA, for co-owner Lisa Striplin with no faults and a time of 37.22 seconds.

Sonny was the co-founder of the New Hampshire Hunter Jumper Association.

Wedding Bells…

40 years. Martin was a member of New Hampshire Horse and Trail, New England Horsemen’s Council, and the American Horse Show Association (now known as U.S. Equestrian Federation).

Michelle Elise started 2014 off in a big way by retiring her former Low Hunter Champion Thoroughbred, Justin Cayse, and then adopting another young Thoroughbred named Royal Prestige, whom Michelle is making her prospective jumper. Royal Prestige recently completed

a clinic for green horses with Aaron Vale, and Michelle reports that his first foray in public went quite well. And, as this issue goes to press, Michelle is tying the knot with Joel Shock in a Marie Antoinette themed wedding, and they will be heading off to Tahiti to enjoy their honeymoon and some surfing fun.

…And New Beginnings In other big news, Kristen Newton Chance has made many big changes in her life—by marrying farrier Greg Chance, relocating to Rehoboth, MA, after spending 20 years in business in Connecticut, and starting her new show stable, NewChance, alongside her new husband.

Photos: (top) esi photography; (bottom) Courtesy of Michelle Elise

Nothing could dampen the spirits of David Beisel on Sunday, February 23. The rider from Goshen, OH, jumped nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood stallion Ammeretto for owners Equine Holdings, LLC to a win in the $50,000 Strongid C 2X Grand Prix, presented by Zoetis, at HITS Ocala.

“Ammeretto is very aware of the spectators—he loves people,” said Beisel of the stallion he has been partnered with for the last six years. “When people move in the stands, he watches them like he didn’t want them to go and I have to get his attention back on the business of jumping.”

The first-round course had a time allowed of 80 seconds and was designed

by Jack Robson of Coronado, CA. It was straightforward until the last line, which included a short six strides to a verticaloxer-oxer triple combination and a tall vertical at 13 ended many competitors’ hopes to make it to the jump-off.

“This horse is all heart and motor—he attacks a fence. I was afraid after he jumped in the prix on Thursday. He was getting a little burned-out, and I was thinking of giving him some time off.”

Beisel admits that after some help from fellow trainer Richard Rinehart, a few

| April 2014 3/11/14 10:46:08 AM

2014 GRAZING FIELDS HORSE SHOWS Join us this season for a great showing experience GFF Horse Shows Featuring Marshall & Sterling Jumper Classics Pony Jumpers Sunday, April 27 Sunday, May 4

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May 29 June 26

GFF Medal Days

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Sunday, July 20

August 14

Saturday, July 26

August 28

Cranberry Circuit/South Coast Schooling Show Dates to be announced soon High Point Year End Awards in all divisions Head of the Bay Classic I

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Tuesday, July 22-Friday, July 25

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Tiffany Foster and Victor Top Off a Fantastic Week with $84,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic Victory Canada’s Tiffany Foster and Victor have been on quite a roll during this year’s FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) and secured another win on Sunday, February 8 in the $84,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic to conclude week five.

The pair beat out world number one, Scott Brash, aboard his mount Hello Annie for the win.

Great Britain’s Robert Ellis set the tracks in the International Arena at PBIEC for week five competition and

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challenged the horses and riders right to the end with his course for Sunday’s 1.50m. The class saw 91 entries in total with only 10 clear rounds to advance to the jump-off. Twelve others cleared the course but finished with a single time fault to keep them out of the second round with a tight time allowed. The short course only saw three clear rounds.

Scott Brash and Hello Annie, owned

by Lord and Lady Harris and Lord and Lady Kirkham, were first to go in the jump-off and set the pace in 46.75 seconds to eventually finish second.

Markus Beerbaum and Copernicus

Stables LLC’s Don VHP Z were also clear and finished in a slower time of 52.37 seconds to place third.

Second to last, Foster and Victor stopped the clock in 44.25 seconds to earn their victory.

Foster and Victor, a 12-year-old KPWN gelding (Elmshorn x Grandeur) owned by Artisan Farms LLC and Torrey Pines, kicked off their FTI WEF circuit with a win in Section B of the $34,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup during week three, sharing top honors in the split class with Todd Minikus and Quality Girl. The pair then earned another big prize on Thursday, February 6, with a shared victory with Ben Maher and Urico in the $125,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 5. Both classes were held in a “California Split” due to the large number of entries, with two sets of placings distributed, so Foster and Victor technically had the second fastest time in each class to top both B Sections. This time, they did not have to share their victory.

“He was awesome,” Foster stated after the class. “It feels really good (to win). I am so happy with my horses. All of them jumped unbelievably this week and Victor won both classes, so you can’t really ask for better than that.”

In addition to her wins for the week, Foster was acknowledged on Saturday night as the Leading Lady Grand Prix Rider for week five. The award is sponsored by Martha Jolicoeur of Illustrated Properties in memory of Dale Lawler.

Foster was happy to get the special award and thanked her owners, Andy and Carlene Ziegler of Artisan Farms, as well as her groom, Caroline Holmberg, for their help and support.

“I was so happy,” Foster stated. “I have never gotten that award. Last year I didn’t go clear any time, except for Nations Cup, so it was absolutely great to get special recognition for that. It is a great idea and it is always fun. A lot of the European shows do that and it is always an honor, so it is really cool to have the recognition here as well.”

Photo: Jilluann Valliere

« $84,000 Suncast 1.50m Champions Tiffany Foster and Victor.

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Top Another British Showdown in $370,000 FEI World Cup Grand Prix CSI-W 5* Scott Brash and Ben Maher proved once again why they are the number one and two ranked riders in the world on Saturday, February 8, as the British superstars battled it out for the top prize in the $370,000 FEI World Cup Grand Prix CSI-W 5*, presented by Rolex, at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF). Competing in front of a large, enthusiastic crowd at the Palm Beach Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL, the FEI World Cup Qualifier saw an exciting victory for Maher and Cella, with Brash and Ursula XII finishing second, and up-and-coming U.S. star Lucy Davis guiding Barron to the third place prize.

Great Britain’s Robert Ellis set a difficult track for the nighttime class, with 45 competitors and seven clear rounds to advance to the jump-off.

Tiffany Foster and Artisan Farm’s Verdi III were the first pair to qualify for the jump-off, and cleared the short course in 38.61 seconds to earn the sixth place prize. McLain Ward and Sagamore Farms’ Rothchild had an unfortunate stop on course for four faults in the jump-off in 47.36 seconds to place seventh.

Audrey Coulter and Copernicus Stables’ Acorte were next to jump-off, and cleared the course in 37.52 seconds for a fifth place finish. Brash took the lead next in 35.70 seconds aboard Lord and Lady Harris and Lord and Lady Kirkham’s Ursula XII, but eventually settled for second place.

Davis and Old Oak Farm’s Barron placed third with a time of 35.98 seconds. Charlie Jayne and Chill R Z jumped into fourth in 37.04 seconds.

Last to go in the jump-off, Maher and Jane Clark’s Cella cleared the course in an $370,000 FEI World Cup Grand Prix CSI-W 5* Champions Ben Maher and Cella. »

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electrifying 35.30 seconds to secure the victory. The crowd exploded as the pair took a huge leap to the final Rolex oxer and raced through the finish line. They had done it again.

Maher has had an incredible FTI WEF circuit with wins aboard several of his talented horses. He and Brash had their first duel of the season in week three’s $125,000 Fidelity Investments Grand Prix CSI 3*, where the results were the same—Maher and Cella first, Brash and Ursula XII second. As the results prove, Maher and Cella, a 12-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare by Cento x Chin Chin, have become quite the dream team.

“It’s been an incredible start to the year so far,” Maher acknowledged after the win. “Cella had quite a long rest after the European Championships last year and she came back to do a couple of shows towards the end of last year, and actually

Photo: Jilluann Valliere

Ben Maher and Cella

has not jumped so much. She seems to love WEF here. She loves the ring, and she feels fresh and on form. She is just an incredible horse to ride.”

For the winner’s share, Maher earned an impressive $122,000 for the night’s victory. He gave it everything in the jump-off, and the effort certainly paid off. Maher was so focused, he admitted that he was not even sure where he made up the fractions of time.

Brash also gave it his best shot with Ursula XII, a 13-year-old Scottish Sport Horse mare by Ahorn x Papageno, and was happy with his finish.

California’s 21-year-old Davis finished third with Barron, a 10-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding by For Pleasure x Nabab de Reve. Davis, who trains with Germany’s Meredith-Michaels Beerbaum and Markus Beerbaum, earned the biggest victory of her young career this past September when she won the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix in Lausanne with Barron.

The young rider continued to make her mark on the world of show jumping at WEF with a close finish behind two of the world’s best.

| April 2014 3/11/14 10:47:30 AM

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hunter/jumper

$100,000 WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular Features Victoria Colvin in One-Two Finish

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[ABOVE] The $100,000 WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular Champions Victoria Colvin and Ovation. [BELOW] Kelley Farmer and Certainty came in third. »

While many successful riders her age are all too eager to leave the hunter divisions behind for the thrills of the jumper ring, Colvin still campaigns multiple hunter mounts.

Colvin said that with horses like Dr. Parker’s, she’s in no rush to transition out of the hunter divisions. “I do really like the jumpers and the jumpers are really fun, but I have so many nice hunters, and these classes I love, so I think that I will continue to do these classes,” she expressed.

Colvin’s piece of the $100,000 prize will be donated to Danny & Ron’s Rescue, a cause that is near and dear to Dr. Parker’s philanthropic heart. With the prize money doubled this year for the Hunter Spectacular, Parker was especially thrilled to be able to share the wealth, especially after having doubts whether Colvin could pick up a third victory.

“I was really excited to win the Hunter Spectacular for the [third] time because first of all, I told my team members, I don’t believe lightning strikes [three] times in the same spot, so I was wrong. I was thrilled to be wrong!” Dr. Parker smiled. “It’s important to find a good cause to get behind and bring it forward, like Danny and Ron have been brought forward. I was

really thrilled for that.”

Like Colvin, Farmer also had her pick of a barn packed with talent. She ultimately chose one of her greener mounts; Certainty hasn’t even turned six yet.

Farmer had no doubts he would rise to the occasion that evening.

Hunter/Jumper contact listings Back Bay Farm (tsl), 50 Candlewood Rd., Ipswich, MA 01938, 978-356-0730, backbayfarm. com, see us on Facebook Crossen Arabians and Warmbloods (bs), 1209 South St., Coventry, CT 06238, 860-742-6486, crossenarabians.com

NewChance Farm, 18 Mason St., Rehoboth, MA, Kristen Newton Chance, 860-918-0269 Beacon Woods Stables (tsl), Mick & Laurie Paternoster, Owners,Kris Bramley, Trainer, 99 Beacon Woods Lane, South Glastonbury, CT 06073, 860-430-2606 barn; 860-601-0670 cell, beaconwoodsstables@ yahoo.com, beaconwoodsstables.com

b=breeding, t=training, s=sales, l=lessons

Call 800-742-9171 if you would like to be featured in our Hunter/Jumper Contact Listings

Photos: Sportfot

World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) competition peaked on Saturday evening, February 15, under the lights of the International Arena at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival. The country’s top professional, amateur, and junior hunter riders went head-to-head to earn top call in the $100,000 WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular.

Sixteen-year-old Victoria Colvin topped the class for the third year in a row with champion mount Ovation, who she rode to the 2013 title as well. Ovation, a 14-year-old warmblood gelding owned

by Dr. Betsee Parker, won the class with a score of 89.66 with Colvin in the irons.

Not only did Colvin clinch her third title in the Hunter Spectacular, she took the top two spots. She rode Way Cool (the 2012 WCHR Hunter Spectacular winner), a 12-year-old Hanoverian gelding also owned by Dr. Parker, to second place with a score of 89.16.

Kelley Farmer and Certainty, owned

by Glefke Kensel LLC, were next best, taking third place with an 87.50. Peter Pletcher and Empire, owned by David Gochman, rounded out the top four after also finishing with an 87.50.

Colvin had the disadvantage of going first out of the 29 entries for the class and did her best to lay down a round with a score that would hold up. She was happy with an 89, but she admitted she never thought it would stick. “I thought the first [round], [the judges] wouldn’t give too high of a score. I thought 89 is a good score, but it’s also very beatable,” she acknowledged.

Colvin returned mid-way through the order with her second mount Way Cool, the gelding she rode to victory in the 2012 Hunter Spectacular that can have a penchant for untimely misbehavior. She was unsure how either mount would act under the lights of the International Arena, but went into the ring determined to best her score with Ovation.

She explained, “They’re both a bit spooky, but they’re old souls in a way.

The night, the people, it’s just a big class for both of those horses to do.”

| April 2014 3/11/14 10:47:52 AM

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| April 2014 3/11/14 10:40:57 AM

Send your news for future columns to kathryn.selinga@equinejournal.com.

By kathryn selinga

Eventing news Jumping Right In

Course Brook Farm’s (CBF) Casy Calver sent in some photos of their beautiful, snow-covered facility in mid-February, as they dreamt of warm weather and grass-filled pastures. CBF is looking forward to their first combined test, set for this month!

Fabulous Finish Stony Brook Farm’s coming five-year-old mare, SBF Eowyn (affectionately known as Wynnie), won her first event at the February 2014 Full Gallop Horse Trials, being ridden by Boyd Martin. She finished on her dressage score of 25.8, jumping double clear in stadium and cross-country.

Wynnie is by Riverman out of Jer’s Princess.

and humor. Meredith has also recently taken over the position as Area I Championships Coordinator, graciously taking over for Hilary Deangelis who is taking the reins as Area I Chairman.

The U.S. Equestrian Federation’s (USEF) International Discipline Council has approved the recommendation of Silvio Mazzoni as the Eventing Show Jumping Coach for the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team. Mazzoni is working to evaluate and improve the show jumping skills of traininglisted riders and the U.S. Eventing Team. Following the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, Mazzoni, USEF Eventing Team Coach David O’Connor, and the eventing committees will evaluate the progress to ensure it is in line with the goals of the program.

Mazzoni of Reddick, FL, has great depth of knowledge in both eventing and show jumping, having participated in both disciplines as a competitor and trainer.

Originally from Argentina, he was a member of the Argentinian Eventing Team at the 1998 FEI World Equestrian Games in Rome, Italy.

Farewell

The Valinor Farm crew took nine horses south for the winter season to Aiken, and they chronicled their adventures through their blog, valinorfarm.blogspot.com.

We were sad to hear that Karen O’Connor’s longtime partner, Biko, passed away on January 29 at the age of 30. Biko holds the number six spot on the USEA Top Ten All American High Point Horses of the Century, won the Horse of the Century Award from the USEA in 1999, and was inducted into the USEA Hall of Fame in 2006.

Honoring Meredith

Springing Forward

Coming Soon

U.S. Eventing Association (USEA) Area I congratulates Meredith Tiedemann on winning the 2013 Chairman’s Award. She was instrumental in creating The Salisbury Trust Sportsmanship Award to honor the horse and rider pair who exhibits the spirit of eventing through perseverance, integrity, horsemanship, sportsmanship,

Snow may have been covering the ground in Virginia in February, but that didn’t stop brand new cross-country fences from arriving at GC Equestrian at Penmerryl Farm. New, colorful jumps were just the start, as Penmerryl is revamping their whole cross-country field, including a new water complex.

The Mount Holyoke College Equestrian Center in South Hadley, MA, is gearing up for a Bernie Traurig jumping clinic on April 26-27. Traurig is uniquely known for his accomplishments in show jumping, eventing, and dressage, having won over 60 Grand Prix in show jumping, competing in Advanced Level

Southern State of Mind

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eventing at the Olympic Trials in Tokyo, and winning several dressage Grand Prix tests. He also won both the Medal and Maclay equitation finals and was inducted into the Show Hunter Hall of Fame in 2009.

The weekend clinic will host four groups of riders over heights of 2’ to 3’6”—plus, a special dressage section, and a Saturday evening dinner gala with lecture and video presentation by Traurig. For more information, go to mhcriding. com or contact Joy Collins at jcollins@mtholyoke.edu.

Bringing Back Fresno Three cheers for Fresno County Horse Park (FCHP) International Horse Trials organizer, John Marshall! He has made vast improvements to the park for his first international event, held in mid-February. Marshall hired Jay Hambly as the new course designer, Bert Wood and crew to build the cross-country course and maintain the footing, and Gray Area Events to manage the event. He also launched a fundraising campaign to help fund all the improvements to the courses, arenas, stabling, footing, and more.

The event’s awards ceremony took place for the CIC divisions at the competitors’ party under a beautiful tent at FCHP, with many happy faces receiving their ribbons and prizes. A silent auction was open throughout the event, concluding on Saturday, February 15. Many trainers and horse show venues donated lessons, coaching, and entries to raise funds. The second part of the ongoing fundraising campaign is a cross-country jump sponsorship, where folks can sponsor a jump for as little as $100 for Intro to $1,000 for two-star. The silent auction raised $3,500, and as of press time, the cross-country jump sponsorship has raised $4,000. Fundraising will continue until the $25,000 goal is met.

April 2014

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eventing

E25 Training Sessions in Ocala

Ariel Grald and LBF O’Leagh’s Image took part in the E25 East Coast Sessions.

Deemed a Success

Horses and riders from the Eventing 25 (E25) List gathered in Ocala, FL, at Jaqueline Mars’ beautiful Meredyth South Farm January 20-24 to take part in the High Performance training sessions under coach David O’Connor’s watchful eye.

Much like the January 14-17 E25 sessions that took place in California, the four-day clinic included mounted lessons as well as lectures taught on the ground, which focused on veterinary care, nutrition, shoeing, and general horsemanship.

In the saddle, O’Connor spent two days coaching the riders on the flat, one day of gymnastic and grid work, and the final day was spent in the cross-country field. The exercises in the field started out very simply with a bank complex exercise. Then, the riders hopped through the bank bounce complex to a corner, adding to the technicality of the exercise. Each progression built the confidence and refined the accuracy of the horses and riders.

The horses varied in experience, as did the riders. Some of the riders had completed the E25 sessions last year, and others were new to the experience.

Both the greener horses and the threestar horses, as well as all of the riders, finished the week more confident and tuned-up for the season.

“As a first-timer in the Eventing 25 Program, this week has been an eyeopening experience for me,” said Ariel Grald, who rode Carol Rittenhouser’s

Irish mare, LBF O’Leagh’s Image. “I’m fortunate to train with international event riders at home, but to be immersed in an intense and focused program, with many talented peers, has certainly brought my riding to another level.

David is a wonderful coach and expects utmost concentration and rider awareness.

The lectures taught a comprehensive approach to managing our upper-level horses.

I’m so grateful to have participated in this program and thank David, Joanie, and Ms. Mars for the use of her fantastic facility. It was a great kickoff to the 2014 season!”

Joining Vermont native, Grald, at the East Coast training session included: Nora Battig of Granite Bay, CA, and her own Steppin’ Out; Alexandra Blyskal-Sacksen of Landenberg, PA, and her own Sparrow’s Nio; Zach Brandt of Thousand Oaks, CA, and his own Cavallino Cocktail; Jenny Caras of Marietta, GA, and her own Fernhill Fortitude or Fernhill Stowaway; Danielle Dichting of Roswell, GA,

and her own The Graduate; Sarah Dunkerton of Soso, MS, and her own and Richard Dunkerton’s Matapeake; Katherine Groesbeck of Temecula, CA, and her own Oz the Tin Man; Emily Renfroe of Magnolia Springs, AL, and her own Walk the Line; Caitlin Silliman of Chestertown, MD, and her own Catch A Star; Lizzie Snow of Milwaukie, OR, and Diane Snow’s Ringfort Tinkaturk; and Julie Wolfert of Bucyrus, KS, and her own Buenos Aires.

- Courtesy of USEA

Eventing contact listings

b=breeding, t=training, s=sales, l=lessons

Call 800-742-9171 if you would like to be featured in our Eventing Contact Listings

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Photo: Kathryn Selinga

Stoneleigh-Burnham School (tl), 574 Bernardston Road, Greenfield, MA 01301, 413-774-2711, fax 413-772-2602, sbschool.org.

| April 2014 3/11/14 10:41:40 AM

eventing

USEA Creates Equine Research Initiative And Urges Other Disciplines to Follow Suit

The USEA has developed a partnership with Morris Animal Foundation to help distribute and monitor these funds. Morris has decades of experience in reviewing grant applications from universities and research institutions and has a team of veterinarians who spend thousands of volunteer hours assessing which studies are most likely to impact horse welfare.

A committee from the USEA comprised of riders and veterinarians will determine which studies the USEA dollars will target. Morris will also monitor the studies that the USEA chooses to fund and will report regularly on how the money is being used.

Finally, the USEA has issued a challenge to the other United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) disciplines to make this program the first step in an ongoing, global effort to raise

Photo: Kathryn Selinga

During the United States Eventing Association (USEA) Annual Meeting and Convention, USEA Board of Governors member Katherine Cooper announced a bold new program to support the health care of equine athletes. The eventing community has recognized that there is a significant lack of funding for equine medical research and has taken a major step forward to change this dynamic.

Since January, the USEA has been making a $1 per starter assessment; those dollars go to fund equine medical research that benefits sport horses.

As a community, this will amount to approximately $40,000 per year in research dollars for the horses.

This money will be able to support projects like the ongoing USEA Cardiopulmonary Research Study as well as new relevant studies.

funds for equine medical research. The next phase is for other disciplines and breeds to create similar programs for their sports.

“Like most other people, I assumed that there was tons of funding for medical research for horses. When I learned that horses receive just a fraction of the dollars that go to dogs and cats, I knew we had to do something to help our equine partners,” said Cooper.

“Creating the USEA fund was just the first step. Now we need to encourage and help other disciplines and breeds to build similar programs. We did a lot of research to figure out the best structure and partnership for our sport, and we would love to share all that we learned with others so that they can find a way to create a program that will work for their own group. Even though we might pursue different sports, we know we all have in common our love for our horses. This is an important way that we can work together to help improve welfare and healthcare across all breeds and disciplines.”

For more information, contact Katherine Cooper at 603-674-4885 or kcooper@beniahlanefarm.com.

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| April 2014 3/12/14 2:42:31 PM

Send your news for future columns to jenn@equinejournal.com.

By jennifer roberts

Dressage news German National Federation, which is equivalent to the USEF. He is actively involved in the education of judges and instructors both in Germany and across the world. He has written and co-authored several books, videos, and articles, and conducts workshops, forums, and symposiums for judges, trainers, and riders throughout the international dressage and eventing communities.

Well Done

Diane Creech and Diana C showed their hard work at home is paying off as they put in another standout performance. The pair earned a score of 72.838% to take first place in Fourth Level Test 2 at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival 4 National Show, in Wellington, FL.

Impressive

Photo: (top) SusanJStickle.com; (bottom) Mary Adelaide Photography

The 4 13 Ranch would like to congratulate Emily and Salem on their Oklahoma Dressage Society Year-End Reserve Championship! They finished the year as the Intro Level Junior Reserve Champion with a median score of 67.812%. Salem (Mateo x Blondstar) is a 2009 Azteca gelding bred by The 4 13 Ranch. Emily started riding Salem in June of 2013 and has built an amazing bond with him.

website CindiRoseWylie.com for details. Christoph Hess is an FEI “I” judge in both dressage and eventing, and is currently the Head of Instruction and Head of the Personal Members Department at the DOKR, or

Hess Back in New England Cindi Rose Wylie is hosting a clinic with Christoph Hess on April 28-29, 2014, at her Rosebrook Farm in Georgetown, MA. Check the

New Ride Sal, a 15-year-old Lusitano stallion, has been Silvia Rizzo’s new partner in Grand Prix competi-

Joining the Team Everyone at Hilltop Farm is excited to share the news that Quinnten Alston has joined their team as the new stallion handler and breed show handler.

Quinnten joins them after five wonderful years with Rolling Stone Farm. While working for Mo and Jim Swanson, he handled their homebred mare Rheporter (Royal PrinceWeltmeyer) to the Grand Championship of Dressage at Devon and earned the coveted Best Handler Award at the same show in 2011. Quinnten has presented a number of stallions and mares at their licensings and breed shows throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, and the influence of his mentor, Bob Orton, is clearly evident in his quiet, confident presentations.

Sold!

KD Trakehners of Watertown, WI, sends their congratulations to Barbara and Gary Dylak on their purchase of Constellation KD.

Learn From Fromming The Equestrian Center at Pineland Farms in New Gloucester, ME, is pleased to welcome retired FEI 4* Judge Angelika Fromming on May 24-25, 2014. This two-day forum will include training sessions as well as a lecture series including the following topics: Dressage - A Riding History; The Training Scale: Worldwide Guidelines for Riders, Trainers, & Judges; Special Exercises Out of the Advanced Levels; and Comparing & Scoring Movements Throughout the Levels.

continued on page 130

Silvia Rizzo and Sal. »

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In the final 2013 standings, the USEF ranked Iron Spring Farm as the number one breeder for dressage.

Both warmbloods and Friesians bred by the farm accrued points by successfully competing in dressage breeding competitions. Point earners included Floraya ISF, by Florianus II, who was Reserve Grand Champion, Champion Young Horse, and Champion Filly at Dressage at Devon; and Jupiter ISF, by Maeije 440 Sport, who was Reserve Champion Colt/Gelding at the same show.

tion at Wellington’s top shows this season. Sal is an Alter Real bred and revised Pure Sangue Lusitano (PSL) (Mississippe x Maia X Agareno II).

April 2014

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dressage

Dressage News

continued from page 129 Fromming is an exceptional horsewoman in her own right.

She is a retired international 4* judge and has ridden with some of Germany’s best trainers (including Paul Riemann, Heinrich Boldt, Udo Nesch, Willi Schultheis, and Ottokar Pohlmann).

Pay it Forward

True Destiny Diamante Farm’s Devon Kane and Destiny, the 16.2-hand dark bay Danish Warmblood, notched another win during week three of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival, at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, with a 67.843% finish in the FEI Grand Prix Special 2014.

The win—and score— continue to cement Kane’s observation that her self-trained Danish-bred (by Diamond Hit, out of a Rubenstein mare) gelding has never yet delivered a performance earning below 65% from judges. Their career began together when Destiny was a green five-year-old and today, 130 equine

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[ABOVE] Jessica Spracklin was awarded a grant to attend Lendon Gray’s 2014 Winter Intensive Training Program.

[LEFT] Ashley Holzer and Kelby Barranco. [BELOW] Allyn Maix (left) and Kevin Kohmann present Natalie Pai with the Choice of Champions Performance Award. [BELOW LEFT] Devon Kane and Destiny.

the 27-year-old Kane and her 11-year-old mount are standing foursquare on the threshold of Grand Prix greatness.

Supported The Dressage Foundation’s Renee Isler Dressage Support Fund has recently awarded a grant to young rider Jessica Spracklin and grants to professional instructors, Kathy Knappitsch and Patricia Deasy, to support their dressage education.

Spracklin of Hamilton, OH, was awarded $800 to attend Lendon Gray’s 2014 Winter Intensive Training Program. This threemonth program takes place in Wellington, FL, and creates wellrounded elite equestrian athletes.

Knappitsch of Fairview, TX, received a $300 Renee Isler Fund grant to

attend the Succeed/ USDF FEI-Level Trainers’ Conference in Loxahatchee, FL. Deasy of Alachua, FL, was awarded $300 and also attended the Succeed/USDF FEI-Level Trainers’ Conference.

Hart of the Matter Rebecca Hart, two-time Paralympic athlete, has a new horse, thanks to a group of people who believe in her.

Hart’s new horse, Romani, an 11-year-old Danish Warmblood mare, was purchased with the help of Margaret Duprey and Cherry Knoll Farm, Hart’s family, William and Sandy Kimmel, and Sycamore Station Equine Division.

Hart hails from Unionville, PA, and trains with Missy and Jessica Ransehousen. In 2012, she won the USEF ParaEquestrian Dressage National Championship title aboard Lord Ludger. Her former mount,

owned by the Ransehousens, was retired to a life of eating grass, hacking, and light riding at the age of 21 after the 2012 London Paralympic Games.

Pai on Top Less than 60 days training together didn’t stop Natalie Pai and Way Not from debuting with a score of more than 66% and pinning in the top 10 in the FEI Junior Team 2009 Test during week five of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival CDI 4*/3* National series in Wellington, FL. “He’s really trusting and always good,” said a modest Pai. The 14-year-old chestnut Hanoverian, a son of Weltmeyer, was imported from Germany seven years ago and is owned by Marcella Speranza. Their official final score, 66.757%, put them sixth overall in Junior Team, and they delivered a consistent 66.579% the next day in the FEI Junior Individual Test.

continued on page 132

Photos: (clockwise from top left) courtesy of JRPR; Courtesy of the Dressage Foundation; courtesy of JRPR; courtesy of SusanJStickle.com

Custom Saddlery’s Most Valuable Rider Award is designed to recognize exceptional performances by exceptional riders, and during the Adequan Global Dressage Festival 3 CDI-W and National Show, the Most Valuable Rider (MVR), Ashley Holzer, went above and beyond, both in the arena and out. Her ride on Countess was exemplary, but when presented with her MVR ribbon and saddle pad she decided to instead pay it forward to para-dressage rider and avid volunteer, Kelby Barranco.

The Canadian Olympian and World Cup veteran presented Barranco with the saddle pad and signed ribbon in recognition of his community spirit and love of the sport. “Kelby is one of the greatest and most valuable members of our sport,” said Holzer. “I wanted to recognize him for all of the hard work he puts into his riding and into volunteering, and he deserves the award more than anyone.”

| April 2014 3/11/14 1:22:25 PM

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Hailed as a Success by Riders and Coaches The first U.S. Equestrian Federation (USEF)/U.S. Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation Dressage Pipeline Clinic wrapped up January 29 following two successful days of lessons with USEF dressage coaches and informative educational sessions. Thirteen of the United States’ most promising up-and-coming combinations took part in the inaugural clinic, which was held at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival Show Grounds in Wellington, FL, and generously hosted and funded by a gift from USET Foundation Trustee Betsy Juliano and Havensafe Farm.

“Our first annual USEF/USET Dressage Pipeline Clinic was a huge success. The riders were extremely positive and fabulous to work with,” said USEF Chef d’Equipe/Technical

Dressage News

continued from page 130 Two of a Kind Back in 2010 at the World Equestrian Games in Lexington, KY, Greg Nielsen and Kat Wojtylak, two individuals involved in the horse industry, met through mutual friends.

Fast forward almost three years later, and these two lovebirds announced their engagement at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. back in September. Greg works for Classic Equine Equipment and Kat works for BioStar US in addition to being a food columnist for Sidelines Magazine. They celebrated their nuptials in a small ceremony this past December and look forward to visiting all their friends in New England to celebrate this summer.

Coming Soon On April 26, 2014, the Dressage Trainer’s Network will present former Olympian Lendon Gray, “Behind the Rider: How to 132 equine

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Advisor Robert Dover. “It could not have been done without the help, support, knowledge, and passion of our USOC (U.S. Olympic Committee) and USEF staff and supporters including Betsy Juliano and the whole Global Dressage Festival team. I am positive that our shared commitment can and will bring the United States not only back to the podiums, but to that highest one where gold resides.”

Dover was joined by fellow USEF dressage coaches Debbie McDonald, USEF Developing Coach; Scott Hassler, USEF Young Horse Coach; and Jeremy Steinberg, USEF Youth Coach, to provide insight over the two-day clinic.

Coaches worked in pairs with riders from their respective programs demonstrating the harmony and cohesive

nature of the entire U.S. program.

The scope of the USEF/USET Foundation Dressage Pipeline Clinic stretched beyond the arena with sessions that encompassed all aspects of the sport. Each day began with strength and conditioning sessions with USOC Strength and Conditioning Coach, Brandon Siakel, while Lindsay Thornton, USOC Sports Psychologist, gave a presentation to riders on day one and met privately with each rider on day two. The first day of the clinic came to a conclusion with a dinner that included a panel discussion with Betsy Juliano, Beth Meyer, and Jennifer Wood, who reviewed sponsor, owner, and media relations, respectively.

“It was a great opportunity for all the athletes to experience training with our USEF coaches as well as with experienced professional Olympic fitness and sports psychology trainers,” said Kim Herslow, who rode Kiroli Enterprises, LLC’s Rosmarin in the clinic. “We all gained knowledge and tools to greatly assist as us we head into upcoming shows.”

A second USEF/USET Foundation Dressage Pipeline Clinic will be held in the fall of 2014 on the West Coast.

Succeed on a Small Budget” and Dr. Mark Rielly from South Shore Equine Clinic presenting “Update on Lyme Disease – Prevalence, Diagnosis, and Treatment.”

This will take place from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Harvard, MA, at Center On The Common (Old Harvard Public Library). For registration and information contact Lisa Terrell at lisaterrell@charter.net or 978-838-9408.

Higher Aspirations The Dressage Foundation is pleased to announce that two Carol Lavell Advanced Dressage Prizes, in the amount of $25,000 each, have been awarded to U.S. High Performance riders. Brian Hafner and Kathleen Raine were selected because they display the characteristics and qualities of being talented, committed, qualified riders whose plans are to reach and excel at the elite, international standards of High Performance Dressage. Both plan to use the prize to train with Johann Hinnemann in Germany.

[ABOVE] Greg Nielsen and Kat Wojtylak. [RIGHT] Kathleen Raine and Breanna.

Dressage contact listings Crossen Arabians and Warmbloods (bs), 1209 South St., Coventry, CT 06238, 860-742-6486, crossenarabians.com French Light Dressage (tsl), Dave Donnelly, 236A Waters Rd., East Greenbush, NY, 12061, 949-697-6797, fullpass1@hotmail.com, Frenchlightdressage.com b=breeding, t=training, s=sales, l=lessons

Call 800-742-9171 if you would like to be featured in our Dressage Contact Listings

photos: (left) Courtesy of Kat Wojtylak; (right) Sheryl Ross Photography

First USEF/USET Foundation Dressage Pipeline Clinic

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Peters and Hassler

Headline Again at the Succeed/USDF FEI-Level Trainers’ Conference Olympian Steffen Peters and U.S. Equestrian Federation (USEF) National Young Dressage Horse Coach Scott Hassler returned to headline the 2014 Succeed/U.S. Dressage Federation (USDF) FEI-Level Trainers’ Conference. The event was held January 20-21, 2014 at Mary Anne McPhail’s High Meadow Farm in Loxahatchee, FL. During the 2014 conference, Peters and Hassler focused on the critical stages of development and training.

Peters was again very hands-on with the FEI-level horses, spending time in the saddle while identifying where riders “get in trouble,” and showcasing his techniques as he worked through real life issues related to the discipline’s Pyramid of Training.

Peters and Hassler also engaged attendees in peer-to-peer discussion as they evaluated each situation.

“We’ve participated for as long as I

[ABOVE] USDF Executive Director Stephen Hienzsch with Beth Haist of The Horse of Course at the 2014 Succeed/USDF FEI-Level Trainers’ Conference. [LEFT] Mette Larsen and Deklan during the 2014 Succeed/USDF Trainers’ Conference.

can remember,” said Beth Haist, CEO of The Horse of Course, Inc., which again sponsored clothing and welcome bags for participants and clinicians at the conference.

“Mary Anne is always such a gracious host, and the USDF, which presents the

event each year for FEI trainers, does such a great job giving people who are otherwise unable to be in Florida seeing all the top riding and experiencing all our top riders a forum where they can come and learn,” Haist said. “The conference really offers everyone a step up in his or her training.”

Flatlanders Dressage and Combined Training Association Profiles Junior Rider Lauren Dougal Submitted by Anessia Dougal

The Flatlanders Club is lucky to have junior members learning and riding with the adults. This article is about Lauren Dougal, who competed in the Flatlanders fun shows.

Lauren joined the club when she was eight years old. She rode her pony, Brandy, for a while, but Brandy became lame, so she started riding Flip, a Quarter Horse.

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Stein from Akron, OH. When Brandy is sound, Lauren likes to jump over low fences and takes short trail rides. They also have done some dressage tests in the fun shows.

Last year, she rode Flip in Introductory Level. At camp, they rode for Jane Kelly for two days, and later competed in the show judged by Jane. Lauren and Flip became a good team, doing very well at the trot and the canter.

At this time, Lauren is 10 years old and Flip is 20 years old. They will be competing in Training Level in 2014. She will continue to take lessons from her grandmother, mother, and her trainer, Kristin. She would like to go to camp again and maybe show in a recognized USDF show. They will be practicing at the 2014 fun shows to be better prepared for a more formal show.

Looking into the future, Lauren is thinking of what she can do with the soon to be yearling, BATT YR PEEPERS or “Doty.”

Hopefully, Doty will be her next dressage horse. Plus, Doty might also be able to do low hunter work. The filly has the desire to jump over cavalettis and poles, and she has a beautiful rolling hunter canter.

Lauren is looking forward to a really fun year with the other junior riders in the club. She enjoys the meetings and other activities that help expand her knowledge and riding skills.

Photos: (left) courtesy of Mette Larsen; (right) courtesy of JRPR

[ equine journal affiliate ]

| April 2014 3/11/14 1:23:15 PM

dressage

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Baroque Equestrian Games Institute Anticipates Upcoming Events for 2014 Submitted by Tina Cristiani Veder

The Baroque Equestrian Games Institute (BEGI) has hit the ground running and 2014 promises to be even more exciting with more shows, clinics, and educational opportunities. We’re also scheduling specific workshops and seminars for judges, trainers, and instructors who want to become more involved.

We are proud to say that through BEGI, the interest in classical horses and horsemanship is definitely blossoming. More and more people are

2014 Events We are excited to list our 2014 coming attractions and hope you can join us at any of these events: April 18, 19, 20—BEGI Judges, Trainers & Instructors Intensive Workshop, Peninsula Farm, Ocala, FL. Contact: Tina at BEGI, 352-502-5422 or info@baroquegames.com.

May 2, 3, 4—Classical Horsemanship Clinic & Seminar, Penmerryl Farm, Greenville, VA. Contact: Lani Debaets at 434-696-2433 or piaffe101@gmail.com.

June—BEGI Perfect a Pattern Clinic, Location & Dates TBA. July 12—BEGI Northeast Regional Show, Three County Fairgrounds, experiencing the benefits that this type of training, riding, and showing bring them, no matter what their discipline. They are learning how the historic classical type breeds can provide this harmony with ease, and

Northampton, MA. Contact: Patricia Norcia at 860-391-2767 or pnorcia@mac.com.

August 29, 30, 31—BEGI National Championship Show, 2014 Grand Gala, Classical Stallion Showcase, Lectures & Demonstrations, Virginia Horse Center, Lexington, VA. Contact: Karen Jenkins at 352-402-0066 or KarenjMCA@aol.com.

August 30—Drawing for Raffle Colt, Quasar, MC, Pure Spanish Andalusian donated by MC Andalusians, known as “The Nursery of Champions.�

Oct 9, 10, 11, 12—Classical Riding Retreat, Penmerryl Farm, Greenville, VA. Contact: Lani Debaets at 434-696-2433 or piaffe101@gmail.com. how the BEGI progressive system of training and showing can help horses who are not as classical in conformation and movement to improve their balance, flexibility, responsiveness, and relaxation.

Tr a i n i n g , B o a r d i n g , I n s t r u c t i o n , S a l e s , C l i n i c s

Cindi Rose Wylie USDF Certified Instructor USEF ‘r’ Judge USDF Gold Medalist

From Green to Grand Prix let me help you achieve your riding goals.

Photos: (left) courtesy of Mette Larsen; (right) courtesy of JRPR

(978) 590-8722

crosewylie@verizon.net Christoph Hess Clinic

April 28 – 29 #WFKVQTU Discount to NEDA members %KPFK4QUG9[NKG EQO %JTKUVQRJA*GUU JVON Cindi Rose Wylie at Rosebrook Farm CindiRoseWylie.com )GQTIGVQYP /# Ŗ OKPWVGU PQTVJ QH $QUVQP Ŗ ,WUV QHH

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April 2014

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CT Dressage & Combined Training Association Celebrates its Award Winners Article and Photos Submitted by Elizabeth McCosh-Lilie

Members and friends of the Connecticut Dressage & Combined Training Association (CDCTA) gathered at the First and Last Tavern in Middletown, CT, to honor the leading trainer and riders for 2013. The awards commenced with Cailey Fay, a junior rider, presenting the Trainer’s Award to Ann Bowie. This award is given to the trainer who has the most students participating in CDCTA events. It was a pleasure to hear Kyle recount the support and training Ann Bowie has given to her.

This was the second year that the Ernie Award was given. This award is in honor of a horse that CDCTA had the privilege of leasing to riders who were in need of a capable horse to train on. Ernie is a very special horse both in personality and performance. He helped riders attain their goals in both dressage and eventing, carrying one rider to Preliminary Level in eventing. This year’s Ernie Award went to Suzane Weed on Princess Luna with a score of 80.0%.

This annual event honors the members of the CDCTA who attained the highest scores in CDCTA shows and other competitions. To receive a year-end award, at least one of the rider’s scores must be from a CDCTA show, and the rest of the scores can be from a CDCTA show or others. The awards are given in both dressage and combined test. In 2013 there were a large number of junior riders (JR), as well as adult amateur (AA) riders.

In the category of dressage schooling shows, the following awards were given: the Intro Level Dressage Champion was Matthew Hogan on Nautilus; reserve champion was Karen Norton on Mystique; third went to Trish Panico on Hampton; 136 equine

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fourth place was awarded to Kim Mayo on Jasmine; and fifth place went to Lauren Sharp on Dun It On The QTE. Junior Champion was Amy Macha on Shareholder Dues; reserve honors went to Hailey Braiden on Glenco Pixel; and Heather Mann on Willam and Megan Stanyard on Candy Kisses were the recipients of third and fourth places, respectively.

At Training Level, the Pro Championship went to Jennifer Ault on Led Zepplin LBA, while the AA Championship went to Jane Wasyl on Bay Breeze; AA reserve honors went to Vickie Markowski on Bask’s Spitire, followed by Marla Perlstein on Double Take, Emily Wilson on Rio Grande, Kathleen Lamotte on Evil Budda, and Matthew Hogan on Nautilus Too earning AA third through sixth places, respectively. In the junior rider category, Kylie Schmidt and MNP Take Two took top honors, followed Amy Macha and Shareholder Dues.

At First Level, the AA Champion was Linda Roache on Paradox Pippin, and in reserve was Beth Jennings on Dakairi.

Vicki Markowski on Bask’s Spitfire; Elizabeth Lowden on Ryfeside Verdi; and Emily Wilson on Rio Grande followed respectively. The JR First Level Champion was Stephanie Porras on Ryfeside Verdi.

At Second Level, the AA champion was Melissa Tindell on Patryce. Brooke Nelson was the Third Level AA Champion on Leander, and the Fourth Level AA Champion was Maryann Gile on Phoenix.

In schooling combined tests, the WalkTrot Junior Rider Champion was Heather Mann on William, with Emma Forster on Patriot following in reserve. In the Adult Amateur Elementary division, the cham-

[LEFT] The CDCTA adult amateur award winners. [RIGHT] The CDCTA junior award winners.

pion was Laura Benzinger on KR Coconut followed by reserve rider Trish Panico on Hampton. Dennis Dwyer on Clove and Debby Goodrich on Little Lady Sunshine received third and fourth place awards, respectively. The Junior Rider Elementary division saw Cailey Fay earn the co-championship with The Pocket Pony alongside Nina Matt and Sam I Am. The Adult Amateur Training Level Champion for combined tests was Kim Tester on Corona, followed by Joanne Murphy on Tucker. The Adult Amateur Beginner Novice champion was Karen Norton on Lexxus, followed by Susanne Weed on Princess Luna in reserve. Tracey Woods received third place honors on Dynamic Lisa. Emily Ballard was the Junior Rider Champion on Silver Tassie.

In schooling horse trials, the Adult Amateur Elementary champion was Dennis Dwyer on Clove, followed by Debby Goodrich in reserve with Little Lady Sunshine, and Tracey Woods in third place on Dynamic Lisa.

In the recognized dressage shows, the First Level Pro Champion was Elizabeth Caron with Emerson; the Adult Amateur First Level Champion was Linda Roache on Paradox Pippin, with Karen Norton and Red Barron following in reserve. At Second Level, the Adult Amateur Champion was Melissa Tindell on Patryce. The Third Level Adult Amateur Champion was Tara Manion on Dimension. And, at Fourth Level, the Adult Amateur Champion was Cynthia ClarkePaolillo on Magnum.

Our award winners in the recognized horse trials division are as follows: The Training Level Adult Amateur Champion was Joanne Murphy on Wildwood Skier.

In Beginner Novice, the Adult Amateur Champion was Karen Norton on Lexxus, followed by reserve champion Kimberly Dicostanzo with Resilient. At Novice Level, the Adult Amateur Champion was Kim Tester on Corona.

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April 2014

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Send your news for future columns to kathryn.selinga@equinejournal.com.

By kathryn selinga

Driving news

Jeanine Eaton sent in this photo of her horse, hitched to a sleigh and adorned in New England Bell Company bells. “They make a lovely sound!” she tells us.

The More, the Merrier The American Driving Society (ADS) recently announced plans for a new head-to-head driven North American Championship, in addition to the popular Calculated Intermediate Championship offered since 2009.

The North American Preliminary and the North American Intermediate championships will be driven championships, each taking place over a single competition weekend. The original championship will be renamed The North American Calculated Intermediate Championship and remains open to all ADS Intermediate Level drivers.

Think Spring!

“Carriage Driving Month” is just around the corner in May, and many at The Carriage Barn are reflecting on just who could sit in a carriage. Their answer?

Everyone! Their oldest first-time Boyd Exell won his fifth FEI World Cup Championship in February. »

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students are in their 80s, while their youngest children are four and five years old.

During the winter months, carriage drivers turned to sleighing, but The Carriage Barn is looking forward to using their antique and modern carriages, including both two-wheeled carts and four-wheeled carriages this spring. Plus, in conjunction with the city of Amesbury, MA, several antique carriages will be part of Amesbury’s June antique car show. We can’t wait!

Kudos to My Lady’s Manor Driving Club (MLMDC), which again hosted the ADS/Carriage Association of America (CAA)/MLMDC booth at the Maryland Horse Expo in Timonium, MD, on January 17-19, 2014. Three days of steady traffic kept the volunteers busy talking about driving and helping the interested get started, as the club provided resources on trainers, instructors, harness and carriage makers, Mid-Atlantic clubs, books, and videos, punctuated by lots of free advice. Volunteers included: Dana Bright, Chris Dehne, Martha Duchnowski, Don and Sue Fair, Mid-Atlantic ADS representative Heidi Ferguson and her husband Steve, Kinko Hackney, Yvette Harris, Ina Harrison, Paige Horine, Lenore Huffman, Susan Kary, Pam Kister, Ann Leese, Leslie Mallon, Steve Powell, Margie Richmond, Ann Sanders, and Kelli Summerhill.

Pole Position Boyd Exell claimed the FEI World Cup Driving Championship for the fifth time in his career, in a thrilling finale held in the sold-out Expo center in Bordeaux, France on February

8-9. It was not an easy victory for the Australian, who won the neck-to-neck race only 0.69 seconds ahead of rookie Daniel Schneiders of Germany. Title defender Koos de Ronde of the Netherlands finished third.

Winner, Winner!

Gail Aumiller and her Sjaantje Sport keep adding to their list of accolades. Gail traveled to the Friesian Horse Association of North America (FHANA) Annual General Meeting in Seattle, WA, February 7-8 to accept awards as the International Friesian Show Horse Association (IFSHA) Carriage Driving Horse of the Year (HOTY), and the IFSHA-ADS HOTY for both Friesian Open Pleasure Driving Singles and the Friesian Open Combined Driving Event Single Hitch categories. Gail was also named the 2013 FHANA Performance Driver for the third consecutive year, a title that she didn’t think would be hers due to missing the first three months of the show season recovering from rotator cuff surgery. “Such things are possible when you have a really good horse and fabulous trainer,” she said. Well done!

Update The organizers of the Lorenzo Driving competition are considering adding a Local Recreational Pleasure Drive to the Sunday lineup of classes.

This class would be open to those that wish to go on their pleasure drive course without competing in the Pleasure Drive-Pace class. It would follow the ADS rules for recreational drives. The Lorenzo Driving Competition website will be posting the prize list this month at Lorenzodriving.com! The ADS-sanctioned event will be held on the weekend of July 19-20, 2014 at the Lorenzo State Historic Site in Cazenovia, NY.

Photo: (bottom) Rinaldo de Craen/FEI

The Heart of a Volunteer

| April 2014 3/10/14 10:07:22 AM

Photo: (bottom) Rinaldo de Craen/FEI

driving

Mountain View Training Center First Annual Sleigh Rally & Parade of Sleighs South Hadley, MA; February 16, 2014

On the

Scene

photos by Jamie Cinq-Mars/Mystical Photography

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New England Region/ Carriage Assoc. of America Members Enjoy Annual Learning Weekend Submitted by Kris Retter

The New England Region chapter of the Carriage Association of America (NER/CAA) enjoyed its annual learning weekend, held January 31 to February 2, 2014. On Friday, the group traveled by bus to Bromont, Canada, and was privileged to tour the 210-piece carriage and sleigh collection of Paul Bienvenu. So many vehicles in this collection were specific to Quebec and unusual for their beauty and importance to the area.

Bienvenu’s friendly and engaging manner not only enhanced learning, but made people want to hear all he had to share about every piece. Unfortunately, time (and tolerance to cold temperatures) allowed us to see only two-thirds of what was there.

Directly afterward, Pauline Quinlan, mayor of Bromont, honored the group with Port wine, chocolate, and a beautiful video

showcasing the virtues of her small city.

The Bromont cultural center, a repurposed church, provided just the right ambience for rest, relaxation, and reflection after viewing the Bienvenu collection and for enjoying the mayor’s hospitality. The generosity and warmth extended to our group by Bienvenu and Mayor Quinlan and her staff was remarkable and truly appreciated by everyone.

While most of the group took advantage of the opportunity to view the collection in Canada, a few visited the Morgan Horse Museum and University of Vermont Morgan Horse Farm in Middlebury, VT. A different small group visited these sites on Sunday afternoon.

Saturday morning began with a presentation by Mickey Bowen, who is an accomplished four-in-hand driver, an R

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judge, and one of the founding members of the American Driving Society (ADS). She emphasized the importance of driver position when on the box seat, then encouraged members to try their hand at rein handling via a rein board, which was later donated to the silent auction held that evening. This hands-on demonstration wetted the appetite for at least one member to think about turning his pair into a four!

Some say that a harness made by Hunt’s Harness of Mayville, WI, is the most beautiful harness made in America. NER/CAA was fortunate to have Greg Hunt, owner of Hunt’s Harness, on hand throughout the weekend to share his views, participate in discussion, and answer questions.

Julie Edwards, curator of collections from Shelburne Farms and Museum, gave the group an overview of Shelburne Farm history. Shelburne Farms was originally intended to showcase the wealth of William Seward Webb, a doctor, and his wife, Lila Vanderbilt Webb, granddaughter of family patriarch “Commodore” Cornelius Vanderbilt. Currently, however, Shelburne Farms is a leader in the movement for sustainability education and actually earns most of its own operating expenses.

continued on page 140 April 2014

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Colonial Carriage and Driving Society Celebrates 25th Anniversary at Year-End Banquet In the middle of yet another snowstorm, members of the Colonial Carriage and Driving Society gathered at the Lenox Club to celebrate the club’s 25th anniversary in style on Saturday, January 25. Sixty-three brave members and guests navigated treacherous roads for the dinner and festivities, with only three couples unable to make it through the storm. A short business meeting with elections followed dinner.

The 2014 board of officers includes: president, Harvey Waller; vice president, Kay Konove; secretary, Sue Brennan; and treasurer, Ann Willey. The directors continuing their terms are Peter Bravmann, Kelly Casella, and Ron Konove. Many thanks go out to Chris Viola for her five years as treasurer.

Maureen Gamelli, who stepped down as co-president in order to concentrate on the Lenox Tub Parade, received the 2013 Greenfield Memorial Award for Outstanding Service. Cindy Tirrell and Tim Gable were honored as New

New England Region Carriage continued from page 139

After a morning of informative lectures in the very comfortable meeting room at our hotel, the group bus-toured the grounds of Shelburne Farms. Three barns remain standing on the property and we were able to enter two of them. The scope and grandeur of these “barns” is like nothing we would see built today and actually eclipses the grandeur of the main house, unlike in Newport, RI, where the mansions are far more stately than the stables. Later, a guided tour of The Brick House, led by NER/CAA member Karen Webb, provided insights into the collections of Electra Webb, one of the first to recognize the importance of American folk art and an inspiration to Henry Francis DuPont, whose own collections became the Wintertur Museum, located in Delaware, and the most important collection of Americana in America. This portion 140 equine

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[ABOVE] Stanley DeRuggiero, sculptor of alabaster “Spirit Horse.” [BELOW] Maureen Gamelli accepts her award for outstanding service to the club from Dr. Jim Leahey and Harvey Waller. »

Members of the Year.

Thank you to everyone who donated items to the auctions and to the bidders who contributed to the fundraising. It would be fair to say that the highlight of the live auction was the competitive bidding for the stunning alabaster horse sculpture, carved and donated by our very own resident ringmaster, Stanley DeRuggerio. A special shout out to Rikke Borge who kept the crowd entertained as live auctioneer.

Up next: the annual Colonial Carriage & Driving Society Spring Seminar is Saturday, April 12 at Orleton Farm in Stockbridge, MA. The theme is “Getting Psyched for Carriage Driving.” Our featured speaker is Kip Rosenthal, an equestrian sports psychologist. The head trainer at Benchmark Farm in Bedford, NY, and a professional trainer and coach for 29 years, Rosenthal will address such topics as decreasing stress, using the power of posi-

tive thinking, visualization, remembering courses, and the psychology of walking a cones course. Most of all, Rosenthal will help drivers of all disciplines deal with nerves and anxiety to make it all fun. See the complete schedule and registration form on our website, ColonialCarriage.org.

New members are always welcome. If you would like to meet our crew and see what we are all about, please feel free to join us for our barbecue meeting on May 14! Be sure to find us on Facebook or visit our website for current information.

of the afternoon concluded with a discussion with current president of Shelburne Farms and descendent of William Seward Webb, Alec Webb, about current efforts to provide leadership and education in agricultural sustainability.

Saturday’s activities ended with a delicious dinner and a presentation, “Carriages to Cars,” by Tricia Haertlein. This was an excellent overview of the sometimes jagged line of progress and would be very appropriate for school students, 4-H clubs and any other group interested in learning how the transition from carriage to car was made.

Sunday morning began with a tour of a small portion of the Shelburne Museum collection, 15 carriages and sleighs, narrated by Ken Wheeling. He emphasized that balance, symmetry, and proportion comprise a beautiful carriage and helped the group develop a more educated “eye” when viewing horse-drawn vehicles.

Wheeling’s presentations are always fun as well as informative and not to be missed

whenever or wherever he is presenting.

Afterward, Nancy Ravenel, another Shelburne Museum curator, presented “Approaches to Conservation of HorseDrawn Vehicles.” Her slides were excellent and she was a rich source of knowledge for those interested in conserving their vehicles.

This was a power-packed weekend.

Carol and Rolf van Schaik deserve many thanks for developing yet another strong program for our benefit. It is no easy task to find speakers and venues appealing to a variety of people, yet they always manage to succeed. Excellent organization kept things moving. The NER/CAA is fortunate that Carol and Rolf are willing to invest their energy and enthusiasm so that others can have fun and learn.

The NER/CAA welcomes anyone interested in horse-drawn vehicles and topics related to carriage driving. Carol and Rolf also welcome any ideas in terms of topics, speakers or venues. They can be reached at 802-226-7364.

Photos: Diane Bozyczko

Submitted by Laurie Danaher

| April 2014 3/10/14 10:08:15 AM

Photos: Diane Bozyczko

driving

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[LEFT] Dick Lahey’s quiz bowl with conference participants. [ABOVE] John Greenall.

[BELOW] Susan Koso.

Saratoga Driving Assoc.

Spring Mid-Winter Driving Conference Celebrates 10th Anniversary Submitted by Carol Frank, Photos by Dan Radulescu

Many think of spring as birds returning, branch in beak, starting a fine nest—but we know it is when finally the ice releases all it has frozen and shedded hair starts to fill our nostrils.

Mud emerges everywhere and snorting beasts become really, totally disgusting.

We look back to the cold, frozen, pristine world that kept us inside and relatively clean. Knowing that we have this bond to nature that is constantly knocking us around, we seek to find the positive in these changing conditions. That is what gave birth to our Get Ready for Spring Mid-Winter Conference, which celebrated its 10th anniversary on February 15.

After two major snowstorms that week, and suddenly finding out that the Verdoy Fire House was not available, we convened at the Boght Community Fire House in Latham, NY. Notifying everyone was difficult, but we got a hold of everyone except poor Anne Sanderson, who never found us. The new facility was fabulous and cozy thanks to the kindness of the Boght volunteers and Joe Conroy from Verdoy, who made sure that we were set.

Steve Naile, DVM, was unable to speak due to a family emergency, but Jen MacDonald, DVM, spoke on chiropractic care for the driving horse. Most of us were unacquainted with the topic, and while Dr. MacDonald from the Equestrian Center at Oakencroft is avail-

able locally, out of town guests can find these services at home. Chiropractic care for horses is becoming mainstream and learning about the treatment with diagrams and videos helps with deciding when to call the vet.

John Greenall is always a lively speaker that charms the crowd. He started with building his relationship with his horse and suggested walking 100 miles with your horse before you pick up the trot. Moving on to a question and answer session, “Tommy Turnout” gave lots of advice about driving, showing, and encouraging people to challenge themselves and their horses.

Jeff Morse did a fabulous half-hour of practical nuts and bolts, grease and shims, and how to get rid of all the noise that these carts and carriages produce. At the end of the day, this was the lecture that sent people wanting to get the vehicle out and start greasing, diagnosing, stuffing, and eliminating the damn noise. People walked away saying, “I can do that!”

After, Joyce Crawford’s delicious chicken and biscuits were brought out as Holly Pulsifer and special guest Susan Koso talked about rules.

Combined driving rules are different than pleasure driving and extremely confusing. Rules keep changing and keeping up with them is not easy. If it is true that the devil is in the details—it is certainly true when it comes to rules.

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Holly had a cool graphic of the horse and carriage going around the cones course, but it still is a tough topic and anyone partaking in both competitions needs to do some studying.

We ate all day with Eileen Van Oort running the kitchen and Joan Handy kindly assisting once again. Our annual raffle generated great interest with the Saratoga Horseworks cooler going to Cindy Fletcher. We were delighted to see Cindy again after her terrible accident last summer.

The weather threatened ominously to the east with the Massachusetts governor saying to stay off the roads—so many out of towners hit the road, leaving us with a committed core group to take on Dick Lahey’s horse quiz bowl. Dick has taken his quiz bowl to different venues and it is a hoot. We plan to invite him back next year.

Our conference is the high point of the winter for us. We come together for inspiration and to share our experiences. With lots of break time, hot food, and old friends, it is a lovely gathering meant to inspire and build our driving community. This year we discounted the price for members of any driving club and got many new participants.

We meet at shows, so why not have a relaxed time together to learn about the sport with your friends and family and see other people with similar interests?

Plan to join us next year on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2015.

April 2014

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Western Reserve Carriage Association Prepares For CAA Proficiency Weekend Submitted by Mary Thomas

The annual organizational meeting, held January 20 at Fieldstone Therapeutic Riding Center in Chagrin Falls, OH, was highlighted by Kirsten Brunner, Canadian Welsh pony breeder, trainer, and driving coach. Brunner has represented Canada at world driving championships and has won many combined driving and pleasure driving awards.

Brunner addressed the problem of what should be done to be ready for a driving competition—weeks before as well as days before. What should be packed, how to prepare the equine, how to practice, and more was discussed. Members had the opportunity to submit questions, which Brunner answered both in her presentation and afterwards, giving even more tips for safe, successful outcomes.

During the meeting, president Henry Rish The Faraway Horses—The Life Story That Inspired Buck, thanked departing The Faraway Horses—The Life Award Story That Inspired Buck, board members Winner of This Year’s Audience at Sundance Bev Patrick and Winner of This Year’s Audience Award at Sundance Peach Schilmiller As a horse trainer, Buck Brannaman’s for their service skills are legendary—so much so that As a horseThat trainer,Inspired Buck Brannaman’s The Faraway Horses—The LifeThe Story Buck, Horse Whisperer, both the novel and ideas. He then skills are legendary—so so that Robert Redford’s film,much is based Winner of This Year’s Audienceand Award at Sundance introduced new The Horse Whisperer, both the novel largely on him. and Robert Redford’s film, is based board members largely him.

Now hison life has been portrayed in As a horse trainer, Buck Brannaman’s Wendy Pengal Buck, a moving documentary skills are legendary—so muchthat so that and Mary Thomas Now hisAudience life has been portrayed in won The Award at the 2011 The Horse Whisperer, both the novel and returning Sundance Film Festival.

Globe Pequot Buck, a moving documentary that and Robert Redford’s film, is based Press proud to reprint Brannaman’s won isThe Audience Award at the 2011 largely on him. board members moving autobiograph, The Globe Faraway Sundance Film Festival.

Pequot Cathy Franks, Horses, in which he shares his life Now life hasto been portrayed in Presshis is proud reprint Brannaman’s Stacey Giere, struggles, his methods for training, Buck, a moving documentary that moving autobiograph, The Faraway and aThe prescription for livingatahis won Award the life 2011 Cathy Rhoades, Horses, inAudience which he shares harmonious existence—whether Sundance Festival. Globe Pequot struggles,Film his methods for training, and Ann Petersen, it involves horses or not.

Press proud to reprint Brannaman’s and aisprescription for living a treasurer. Dave moving autobiograph, The Faraway harmonious existence—whether Horses, in which he shares his life Antes will continue it involves horses or not. struggles, his methods for training, Also by the author: as membership and a prescription for living a Believe: A Horseman’s Journey secretary while harmonious existence—whether Also by the author: it involves horses or not.

Kim Stegh takes on Believe: A Horseman’s Journey duties as librarian.

Lyonspress.com The Lyons Press Lyons Press is an imprint of Deb Svoboda stays Available wherever Also by the author: Globe Pequot Press on as adminisbooks are sold.

Believe: A Horseman’s Journey Lyonspress.com The Lyons Press trative advisor, Lyons Press is an imprint of Available wherever webmaster, and Globe Pequot Press books are sold.

Lyonspress.com The Lyons Press insurance liaison.

Lyons Press is an imprint of Available wherever Changes for 2014 Globe Pequot Press books are sold. were announced.

The membership

Final preparations are underway for Western Reserve Carriage Association’s (WRCA) Carriage Association of America (CAA) Proficiency Weekend, set for April 5-7 at Maple Crest Farm in Brecksville, OH. The 15 time slots filled rapidly, creating a waiting list. Candidates will be evaluated

by Jerry Trapani of East Ipswich, NY, for Level 1 or Level 2 skills. The Proficiency Program was developed by the Carriage Association as an educational opportunity for preparing safe drivers and knowledgeable equine caretakers. Pins and certificates are presented to those successfully completing each level.

Winter might have been boring for some carriage drivers, but WRCA members were kept busy with a series of activities.

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booklet will have a service directory for members to advertise services they can provide. Members who renewed by the February meeting will receive a WRCA sticker and 2013 drive/event sponsors will get their 2014 membership free as a thank you. An online directory with pictures of the members and equines is in the developmental stage.

An “inside” picnic competition, organized

by Meredith Giere, opened the February 10 meeting held at Fieldstone Therapeutic Riding Center. Members brought their company best picnic table set-ups. Each member could vote for one two-person picnic and one four-person table. After all the china, floral arrangements, silverware, and crystal were scrutinized, Roger and Sue Murray along with Cathy Rhodes et. al. emerged as winners.

Susan Strawser of the Fry Insurance Agency spoke about the WRCA club insurance coverage, pointing out when individual members would be protected and when not. She also presented examples of when homeowner’s insurance provided liability coverage for equine incidents and when farm insurance was needed.

Roger Murray introduced the Sporting Day of Traditional Driving—what is involved and its purpose. He sent members to five areas to glean more information. Area one was “Ask the Judge” with Roger Murray. At area two, Meredith Giere explained how to prepare yourself, your equine, your harness, and vehicle. Cathy Franks at area three discussed the required cones course and the simple tests that would be encountered on the park drive. Driving historic Zoar, complete with map, was area four with Mary Thomas, and Deb Svoboda’s area gave members a chance to sign up as a volunteer or sponsor for the event, coming up May 12 at historic Zoar Village, near Dover, OH. A “Goodwill” fashion show, emphasizing how a great outfit doesn’t have to cost much, concluded the meeting.

Congratulations are in order for Rich Koncler and Tina Perko. Their oak farm sleigh was voted “Best Sleigh” at the Maumee Bay Sleigh Festival on January 25-27. Their sleighing turnout was also a winner, and Al and Angie Hohenbrink picked up awards for their sleighing items.

Carol Milhoun is busy organizing the American Driving Society booth for the Ohio Equine Affaire, to be held April 11-14 in Columbus, OH. Booth volunteers will work a five-hour shift and receive a day’s free admission to the event.

| April 2014 3/10/14 10:08:58 AM

Send your news for future columns to jenn@equinejournal.com.

By jennifer roberts

Western news of this up-and-coming discipline.

It is going to be very good for the horses to benefit from the use of dressage in their training.”

New and Improved

[LEFT] Liz Haverty’s strength and humor will be missed by many in the reining community.

[RIGHT] QL Straight Smokin Annie has been bred to Lil More Conclusive for a 2015 foal.

Join the Team University of South Carolina head equestrian coach Boo Major has announced the signing of Shelby Friday of Dublin, OH, to a National Letter of Intent to join the Gamecocks for the 2014-2015 season. Friday will ride with the Gamecocks’ western team and will compete in horsemanship.

Horse Association, American Paint Horse Association, and the Appaloosa Horse Club.

Sold!

Congratulations to Thomas and Nancy Drougas of Haverhill, MA, who recently purchased the gorgeous American Paint Horse, Skipper Licker Doc.

Photos: (left) Courtesy of NRHA; (right) Greenbanks Paint Horses

Kudos

Down Under

Lalobarun Ranch of Newbury, MA, has been selected to receive a Horse Farm of Distinction Award by the Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation for the past two years. Well done!

Lalobarun Ranch of Newbury, MA, would like to announce that their American Paint Horse Association (APHA) stallion, Lil More Conclusive, has made history in Australia as the first U.S. stallion to ship to their country and settle a mare on the first try using artificial insemination! The lucky mare, QL Straight Smokin Annie, belongs to Jenny Newton of Greenbanks Paint Horses located in Bessiebelle, Victoria, Australia.

Passing On Elizabeth Zaner Haverty, 62, of Krum, TX, passed away on January 26, 2014. She and her husband of 37 years, Clint Haverty, owned and operated Haverty Ranch in Krum for 34 years, where they raised many world champions in various breeds and National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Champions. She was a member of the NRHA, American Quarter

Condolences We were upset to receive word of the passing of a long-time NRHA member, Mickey Deaton of Middletown, OH. He was

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active in the NRHA for decades and was a familiar face to those reining in the Ohio River Valley.

He will be missed.

Adding Affiliates The Western Dressage Association of America (WDAA) is proud to recognize the addition of its newest state affiliate, the Western Dressage Association of Michigan. The Michigan Affiliate organizers are an excited and dedicated group eager to share the discipline in their state. Preparation has already begun for educational clinics, and with all the enthusiasm already demonstrated, Michigan promises to be a hub of western dressage happenings.

Gone Country Deborah Moynihan, RN, BSN, recently returned from the inaugural Western Dressage Judges’ Seminar in Tulsa, OK. She tells us, “Western dressage has been recognized by the USEF (U.S. Equestrian Federation) so they are beginning to train judges. I am very excited to be on the forefront

The Fort Worth Convention and Visitors Bureau recently announced plans to construct a new multi-purpose pavilion at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, TX, home of the The American Junior Paint Horse Association (AjPHA) and APHA World Championship shows. Construction on the $4.7 million project started in March, and officials estimate the 2014 APHA World Championship Show, scheduled for November 5-15, might be the first event to use the new exercise arena.

Located on the north side of the Richardson-Bass Building, the 145' x 300' pavilion will feature a 125' x 250' covered arena with covered access to the Richardson-Bass Building and the John Justin Arena. Though it will often be used as exercise or competition space, the pavilion can also be used for additional stallion needs, covered parking, outdoor exhibitions, and more.

Signing On Working in partnership with the National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA), the National High School Rodeo Association (NHSRA) has approved the addition of reined cow horse as an optional event. Reined cow horse will begin to phase in at NHSRA-sanctioned events this fall, joining the existing lineup of bareback riding, bull riding, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, team roping, and cutting for boys; and breakaway roping, barrel racing, pole bending, goat tying, cutting, team roping, and the queen contest for girls.

continued on page 144

April 2014

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western « Hollywoodstinseltown was the big money winner for the 2013 NRHA Sire & Dam Program.

Western News

continued from page 143 Money, Money, Money The NRHA Sire & Dam Program continued to put money in sire owners’ pockets by paying Sire awards totaling over $34,900 in addition to awarding NRHA Lawson trophies to the winning sires in three divisions at the 2013 NRHA Futurity. In the Level 4 Open division, $13,117.95 was awarded to Hollywoodstinseltown, owned by David Silva Sr., for Tinseltown Fly Guy. Tied for second, $6,558.97 went to Gunner, owned by McQuay Stables, for both Dont Miss My Guns and Double Loaded; $6,558.97 went to Walla Walla Whiz, owned by Arcese Quarter Horses, for Walla Whiz Affair and Arc Walla Dun Did It. In the Level 3 Open division, the NRHA Sire & Dam Trophy went to Magnum Chic Dream, owned by Viola Scott, for Made

Viva Las Vegas

By Magnum placing third.

In the Level 4 Non Pro division, there was a tie with $3,498.12 going to Gunner, owned by McQuay Stables, for Dunit The Gunner Way, and $3,498.12 going to Very Smart Remedy, owned by Anne Reynolds, for Magicality. $1,749.06 was awarded to Big Chex To Cash, owned by Silver Spurs Equine, for Big Creme Chic.

Wedded Bliss Allison Elizabeth Kelleher, 30, became the bride of Ryan Matthew Sullivan, 28, in a January 19, 2014, ceremony at St. Mary’s Church in Westfield, MA. A reception followed at The Riverview in Simsbury, CT. The bride is the daughter of Regina and Timothy Kelleher of Westfield, MA. The groom is the son of Elizabeth and Robert Sullivan of Southwick, MA.

After a unanimous vote by the Las Vegas Events (LVE) Board of Trustees and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Board of Directors, both organizations jointly announced that they have reached an agreement to keep the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in Las Vegas through 2024.

The new agreement will begin following the 2014 Wrangler NFR. Per the agreement, LVE will guarantee $16.5 million annually in purse and sponsorship for the Wrangler NFR. From 2015 to 2019, the contestant purse will be $10 million, while stock contractors will receive $3 million annually. The contestants will be guaranteed $10,000 each year, which will not be offset by contestant winnings.

From 2020-24, there will be costof-living increases to each purse and guarantee.

Arianne Hagwood

Awarded Mustang Magic Championship The annual Mustang Heritage Foundation invitational trainers challenge, Mustang Magic, came to a conclusion at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, Saturday, January 25 in Fort Worth, TX. Arianne Hagwood of Torrington, WY, and the six-year-old mustang mare, Amy, were named champions of the Freestyle Finals and were awarded $3,500.

Nineteen trainers from California, Florida, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Arkansas, Colorado, and other states traveled to Texas with mustangs they had gentled and trained since September of 2013 to compete for their share of $10,000. The mares, age five to seven, represented herd management areas from Oregon, California, Nevada, and Wyoming.

“Mustang Magic is one of our most exciting events of the year. All of the competing trainers have placed well in previous Extreme Mustang Makeover events and they know how to prepare a mustang for competition and adop144 equine

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tion,” said Kali Sublett, executive director of the Mustang Heritage Foundation.

Preliminary competition began on Arianne Hagwood and Amy were named champions of the Thursday with trainers Freestyle Finals. competing in classes it by nine points and gave the judges a including mustang maneuvers, handling chance to see what she could do.” and conditioning, an obstacle course, and J-Dub Weisiger, a native of Fort compulsory maneuvers. The top trainers Worth, TX, received reserve champion then moved on to the Freestyle Finals, honors riding Fifty Shades of Hay, a dun which gave them an opportunity to show mare gathered from Divide Basin, WY. their mustangs’ skills while using choreoWeisiger was also voted fan favorite by graphed props and music. the attending crowd and awarded a Gist Hagwood, who came to the finals with a strong compulsory score, showed belt buckle for his freestyle based on the song, “What Does the Fox Say?” her mare’s talents in reining and cow The competing mustangs were availwork. “Amy is a sweetheart,” she said. “I able for public adoption immediately am fortunate to have gotten her for this following the freestyle finals. All 19 competition. She tried hard during the mustangs were placed into new homes prelims and held everything together for an average adoption price of $1,600. during our Freestyle Finals perforFor complete event and adoption results, mance. I was especially proud of her visit extrememustangmakeover.com. run in the compulsory class. She won

Photos: (top) Waltenberry; (Bottom) Larry Williams

By Kyla Hogan

| April 2014 3/10/14 10:04:59 AM

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3/6/14 2:38:39 PM

Trail/Distance Riding news [ equine journal affiliate ]

Ohio Arabian & All-Breed Trail Society Banquet a Smash Hit

Article and Photos by Mickie Newnam

For those of you who MISSED the banquet this year, you missed a good time. It was lots of fun, as usual.

Carolyn Sullivan did a great job with the catering again. This is the last year she plans on doing it, though, so if anyone would care to take over, I’m sure she’d be glad to show you the ropes. You don’t need to be a board member to do it; anyone who wants to take on the task is welcome. Just let one of your board members know and we can help you get started.

Also as usual, Becky was a lot of fun to watch as “Vanna,” handing out awards, and Bill Cameron’s booming voice worked great for the auction results. For anyone who hasn’t made it to the banquet yet, please think of attending in the future. Even if you aren’t getting an award, you’ll enjoy it. I have a few photos, though I think I’m going to have to start bringing a

[ABOVE] Amy Yatsko with Horse of the Year trophies. [LEFT] Shannon and Morgan Loomis.

different camera. The one I’ve used the last couple of years seems to blur things a bit, but I did manage to get a few.

Don’t forget that I’m always glad to get news or photos from anyone else to include.

[ equine journal affiliate ]

Vermont Equine Riding and Driving Association Holds January Thaw Ride and Drive Despite Bitter Cold Submitted by Anne Tracy

On the morning of January 25, all those who had signed up for the January Thaw Ride & Drive gathered at the Kedron Valley Stables to blow on the thermometer, willing it to rise above the magic 10-degree go/no-go number in the promised “window” in the Arctic Vortex weather pattern so

that they could set out on the annual Vermont Equine Riding and Driving Association (VERDA) trek. The wind blew, snow fell intermittently, and the roads were a bit slippery, but by 9:30 a.m., the temperature had risen slightly over 10 degrees and

continued on page 148

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One of the topics of conversation at the meetings in February was how to help encourage participation in our competitive rides, and encourage people to manage new rides. Ohio Arabian & All-Breed Trail Society (OAATS) is very willing to help anyone who is considering this task.

We can offer advice, we keep a slate of ribbons on hand so you can use those and only pay for what you use, and we have discussed doing the same with completion awards, and we are very willing to help in any other way we can. Mollie plans to put an article up on the website with a timeline of when things need to be done. We have several nice parks that are great for rides—Oak Openings and Paint Creek to name two—and would love to see more rides come along. If you think you might be interested, contact one of the board members and we’ll gladly help you get started.

We will again have a booth at Equine Affaire, and would love help. Feel free to contact me if you’re interested, or even just stop by to say hi.

There is no other news, since as I write this we’re still praying for Alaska to take their weather back, but I hope to see you on the trail later in the year.

April 2014

| equineJournal.com 147 3/11/14 10:06:39 AM

trail/distance riding

Vermont Equine Riding and Driving continued from page 147

the two drivers and six riders of the 25-Mile trotted up Morgan Hill on the first mile, followed by the two drivers and 10 riders of the 15-Mile. They met at Greenalls for chili, and then the 25-milers headed for Sheddsville via Cowshed, while the 15-milers circled back to South Woodstock and the Kedron Valley Stables.

“It wasn’t bad,” said Jenny Kimberly, manager, co-trail marker, and reserve champion of the 15-Mile. Robin Groves, grand champion of the 25-Mile Drive said, “The wind on the open stretches, Silver Hill, was a little stiff, but most of the route was in the woods and was quite bearable.

The horses slipped a little on the packed roads…but everyone got back safely.”

Robin and Wilson Groves, the two drivers in the 25-Mile led all the way; they saw no one except at the chili stop midway. Robin and UVM Worthy, both veterans of past January Thaws, were grand champions with Wilson and Lady Santana (“Marty”) as reserve champions.

Worthy, a 23-year-old Morgan gelding, has one more 25-Mile to go to reach a Driving 2,000 Miles. Robin, a Thaw fixture, has

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chalked up more driving miles than anyone. Driving is the Groves’ daily work in all weathers and the Green Mountain Horse Association (GMHA) trail system is their home territory. Both drivers and driven know the routes by heart.

The grand champions of the 25-Mile Ride are from Maine and are not regular Thaw entries. Char Jewell rode My Last Nickel, a 13-year-old Anglo-Arabian gelding who started out as an event horse before switching to competitive trail.

“Very pretty,” remarked Jerry Kimberly and “…prettier than a tough competitive trail horse has any right to be!” said Robin Groves jokingly.

Reserve was Jeff Gardner from Rhode Island on his daughter’s Canadian mare, Nostra, who looks more like one’s image of a tough competitive trail horse. Jeff called ahead to make sure the Thaw was on and was told he could do the 15-Mile if he didn’t feel up to the 25-Mile. Jeff, a 100-Miler, said firmly that he wasn’t driving all the way up from Rhode Island to do anything less than the 25.

Mindy Vienneau, on her grey Arabian mare, Movette, was placed next, followed

by New Hampshire riders Courtney and Connie Walker, daughter and mother, on

Courtney’s Piccabo Street (back after a motherhood time off) and her dad, Connie’s Anglo-Arabian stallion, Otis.

Junior, Sidney Meeker, rode Connie’s Anglo-Arabian mare, Hermione.

There were two drivers in the 15-Mile, both rookies: Janet Oliver from New Hampshire on Devon, a big black Friesian owned by Gale Hepfinger and Norma Cates from Springfield, VT, driving Morgan, Battersea Toulouse.

The grand champion of the 15-Mile Ride was Wendy Bejarano on her Ziggy, with reserve going to Jenny Kimberly on her rookie Morgan gelding, Independent Beau. Ruth Ferland on Mecca, her granddaughter, Olivia Turney on Beacon, and Abby Bennett on Jake, all rode Bejarano horses. Tracy Turner placed first, after champion and grand champion, on her Fjord, Folgard, and second was Melinda Zimmer-Franken from Maine on her Thoroughbred, Tiffany.

Only one 15-Mile entry did not finish, pulling up because of lameness. “A happy, cheery group,” said Robin Groves of the competitors. “Everyone moved right along, bundled up and were practically unrecognizable on hairy horses.” The judges were vet Susan Johnson and Linda Glock.

| April 2014 3/11/14 10:06:57 AM

Send your news for future columns to suzyl3006@aol.com.

By suzy lucine

Morgan news

Photo: (left) Suzy Lucine; (right) Tami Johnson

Time to Learn

Walk-Trot Update

Back by popular demand will be the Indoor Equine Clinic and Lunch, sponsored by the Morgan Horse Heritage Foundation. It will be held on April 5 at the Sharon Elementary School in Sharon, VT. The clinicians include: Richard Boule, manager/trainer at Taylor River Farm, who will discuss bitting and mouthing essentials for driving and riding; Steve Davis, director/trainer at UVM Morgan Horse Farm, who will discuss breeding, foaling, and training; farrier Rick Howe, who will discuss hoof care and shoeing; and veterinarian Dr. Jen Vevilaqua, who specializes in acupuncture and chiropractic care, will discuss these two alternative therapies for horses.

For more information, contact Marilyn Childs at 802-685-4853.

The 2014 Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show will require walk-trot riders to qualify for the event by showing in any walk-trot class.

This will qualify the rider for both pleasure and equitation. Contact Georgie Green at wndplace@aol. com with any questions.

Seduced Congratulations to Jessie Smeed on her purchase of Sarde’s Seduction (KDS Star Wars x Treble’s Tainted Love). Anne Benson was the agent for Roxanne Sardelli Greenway of Sarde Morgans in Clayville, RI, and is the trainer of this five-year-old mare.

Sold!

Chris Cassenti of Chrislar Farm in Rowley, MA, had sales activity

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Futurity French Command’s service was purchased by Terry King, who also had the high bid on Latours Fabuloso and Springmill Superstition.

The event raised $41,990. Offspring of the stallions whose service was sold during this auction [LEFT] Futurity French Command topped will be eligible to the New York State Morgan Stallion compete in various Service Auction. [RIGHT] Sarde’s Seduction sweepstakes classes was purchased by Jess Smeed. held at the New York Morgan Horse Show.

The day-long event started with this past winter. MEM Virtual a presentation from Mark James Insanity, who was owned by of the New York Farm Bureau. The Lauren Booth of Manchester, Farm Bureau presentation was NH, was sold to Olivia Bingham followed by a presentation and of Topsfield, MA, and will stay in reading from the book, America’s training at Chrislar.

Own, a collection of 50 stories (one The Cassentis sold Oakrun for every state) about a Morgan New York Dark Nite to the horse who was important to the Campbell family of Mendon, history of the state.

MA. The four-year-old black Then there was an expert gelding will be their son’s panel discussion with Terri junior exhibitor mount. His Travers of Horse Show Wire, training and showing will Dwayne Knowles of Broadmoor, continue under the direction and Lynn Peeples of Waterford of Jane Belleville of Whispering Farm, answering questions Belles Farm, also in Mendon. about “Marketing Your Morgan.”

CBMF Solo Act was purchased Outgoing auction chair, Diane

by Katelyn Jenkins of Rockport, MA. The seven-year-old daughter Garrow, thanked committee members, Carol Stone, Annette of GLB Bell Pepper will continue Bakic, Marion Gaigal, Bob Westrick, training at Chrislar.

Lynn Peeples, and Pam Turner for Cedar Creek Dubonnet was helping to make it all possible. purchased by Melanie Bennett Next year, Danielle Neidlinger of of Stoneham, MA. The sevenyear-old gelding will also remain Lingering Hills Stable will bring great enthusiasm and new ideas in training with Chrislar. to the New York Morgan Stallion Service Auction.

Going Once, Going Twice “I feel privileged to have had The 26th Annual New York the opportunity to get to know State Stallion Service Auction so many great stallion owners (NYSSA) was held on January and agents during my time with 25 at the Turning Stone Resort the NYSSA,” said Garrow. in Verona, NY. The stallions whose services received the top five bids were Futurity French Top Bid Command, Latours Fabuloso, The Circle J Futurity Stallion Astronomicallee, Man In Motion, Service Auction was held and Issues N Answers. continued on page 150 April 2014

| equineJournal.com 149 3/11/14 4:24:25 PM

morgan

Traditional Morgan Horse Included in the ALBC Priority List The Cornerstone Morgan Horse Club is pleased to announce that it has formed a working partnership with the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy (ALBC), and that the ALBC has made the decision to include the Traditional Morgan horse in its Conservation Priority List.

The designation of “Morgan Traditional” is the same as the definition of Foundation breeding utilized by the Cornerstone Club—no outcrosses after 1930. It includes many of the Morgan “families” that individual breeders and organizations have worked to preserve, such as Lippitt, Western Working, Brunk, Lambert, and Old Government bloodlines. It represents a subset of the larger Morgan registry, and focuses on “old-fashioned” Morgan bloodlines.

The Cornerstone Morgan Horse Club, a National Service Organization,

Morgan News

continued from page 149 February 1 in Parker, CO. The auction followed the annual meeting of the members of the Circle J Morgan Horse Association and a dinner. Bill Carrington was the auctioneer and Julie Ouska and Marilyn Estebe were auction co-chairs.

Mizrahi topped the auction with a bid of $4,000, and an embryo from RWF On Display sold for $6,000. All in all, the auction brought in just under $40,000.

A New Home

World Cup News The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) announced that Nancy Becker and Gary 150 equine

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Garone have been named coaches of the 2014 U.S. Saddle Seat World Cup Team. They will coach the team before and during the 2014 Saddle Seat World Cup, which will be held July 22-26 at the Blue Ridge Classic Horse Show in the Western North Carolina Agricultural Center.

Among the Morgan riders on the World team are Aleia Brown of Dayton, OH; Quinn Mercier of Auburn, NH; Nadine Von Zomeran of Leighton, IA; and Eleanor Rainbolt-Forbes of Oklahoma City, OK. The 2014 U.S. World Cup Team efforts are supported by USA Equestrian Trust, UPHA, and 6D Ranch. To learn more about contributing to and supporting the 2014 team efforts, go to usasaddleseatworldcup.org, or contact Lori Nelson, USEF Assistant Executive Director, National Affiliates, at lnelson@usef.org.

Nava were honored for their contributions to the Morgan breed. The event took place January 11 in Lexington, KY. James’ name was added to Honor Roll of Distinguished Officials for his service to equestrian competition.

Fred was honored with the McDevitt Award of Merit, which is awarded posthumously to people who have passed away during the preceding competition year. Bill Whitley accepted the award on behalf of the family.

Also honored that evening was Rick Gervasio, who was awarded the Barbara Worth Oakford Trophy, which is presented to an equestrian showing in a nonreining western discipline. A world champion western trainer, Rick’s versatility extends beyond the western pleasure division, as he continually earns top honors in trail and western dressage as well.

Honored

Fabulous 50

During the USEF Annual Pegasus Awards Banquet, several Morgan enthusiasts were honored.

James Brown and the late Fred

The American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA) is pleased to announce it recently enrolled its 50th participant in the Ranch

Horse Network. The program, which is in its inaugural year, is designed to recognize farms of any size using Morgan horses for ranching activities and to create a promotional venue.

Participating farms will be listed on AMHA’s website, morganhorse.com, and may use the program’s logo on their respective website. Participating farms also will be eligible for the Ranch Horse Network Award, where nomination and selection will be made by fellow program participants with the recipient to be featured in The Morgan Horse magazine.

To date, the present enrollees represent 853 Morgan horses used on farm and ranch work across 22 states. One enrollee said, “I just want to commend you for starting this program! Out here in the west, Morgans have been used by a lot of the old Californio/ Vaquero Ranchers, especially in my area. It is fantastic to see this program, which can help promote the Morgan working ranch horse.”

For more information, visit morganhorse.com.

| April 2014 3/11/14 4:24:47 PM

photos: (left) bob kline; (right) susan colleton

Jaisen and Meghan von Ballmoos of Fairview Stable in Manchester Depot, VT, are looking forward to the year ahead with the horses recently purchased by Lang Hill Farm of Hebron, NY. They bought Springmill Splishplash, Springmill Satisfaction, and Indian Creek Cipriani.

is accredited by the American Morgan Horse Association. Its members are Morgan horse breeders and enthusiasts, committed to promoting and supporting Foundation and high-percentage Foundation Morgan horses in all venues, whether in competition or pleasure.

ALBC is dedicated to the preservation of heritage livestock breeds. It chooses breeds of animals that are in danger of being lost or diluted in modern breeding trends or disappearing altogether, and promotes awareness and appreciation of these traditional animals. Its stated mission is “Ensuring the future of agriculture through genetic conservation and the promotion of endangered breeds of livestock and poultry.” This mission dovetails nicely with the mission of the Cornerstone Morgan Horse Club.

Inclusion on the Conservation Priority

List means the ALBC, in conjunction with Cornerstone Morgan Horse Club, will track the numbers of Traditional Morgans registered each year, educate people about traditional livestock breeds and their roles in sustainable agriculture, and work with breeders, farmers, and breed associations to promote the Morgan as a heritage horse breed. Traditional Morgans will be featured on the ALBC website and in their educational and promotional literature.

Working with ALBC can help breeders of Foundation and high-percentage Foundation Morgans expand their exposure and their markets, as many people entering agriculture in the age of niche markets and small farmsteads are interested in heritage livestock breeds. The Morgan horse has been the backbone of the small farmstead for over 200 years; he is deeply intertwined in the history of our nation, and it is good to include him with the other sturdy, hardy breeds of livestock that helped build American agriculture.

For more information, contact the Cornerstone Morgan Horse Club at cornerstonemorganclub.com and the American Livestock Breed Conservancy at albc-usa.org.

morgan

New England Morgan Honors Special Members At Annual Banquet

By Suzy Lucine

photos: (left) bob kline; (right) susan colleton

The New England Morgan Horse Association (NEMHA) held its annual awards banquet on February 8 in Nashua, NH. In the afternoon, the group toured the Anheuser Bush Clydesdale Farm in Merrimack. The annual meeting was held before cocktails and dinner.

Numerous circuit champions were honored during the awards presentation. Also, Rick Lane of Cabot Morgans was inducted into the NEMHA Hall of Fame, and Carolyn Sebring was recognized as the NEMHA Person of the Year.

Rick’s sister, Debbie Lane, gave the induction speech, with a brief history of how Rick got involved with the breed, and how the late Martha Morse, original owner of Cabot Morgans, dreamed of owning and breeding Morgans.

Marti and Rick started this dream in 1991 with the purchase of the four-year-old stud, Futurity French Command and Cedar Creek Harlequin.

Then they put together Marti’s collection of “designer” Morgans with the purchase of JW Charity, Forty Carats, Bery Banke La De Da, LCS Pepperpot, Ava, and Liberation Starbrite.

When Marti passed away, Rick inherited her 16 horses. He also inherited the vision that fueled Marti’s lifelong quest of breeding Morgans that would sport her family name. It is a tribute to Rick—

Marti’s trainer, business partner, and friend, that her dream has flourished and that through the ensuing years, champion Morgan horses sporting her Cabot prefix have claimed multiple world championships in a variety of divisions.

In 2012, the American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA) presented their prestigious Breeder’s Hall of Fame to Rick for Cabot’s significant role in the advancement of the Morgan breed.

Now, NEMHA is happy to celebrate the dedication and devotion that Martha Morse and Rick Lane have brought to the Morgan breed, as well as Cabot’s continuous support of the NEMHA club and horse show, by inducting Cabot

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[LEFT] Carolyn Sebring (pictured here with her husband, Harry) was recognized as the NEMHA Person of the Year. [ABOVE] Cabot Morgans was inducted into the NEMHA Hall of Fame. Trainer Rick Lane accepted the award along with his sister, Debbie.

Morgans into NEMHA’s Hall of Fame.

Carolyn Sebring of Sebring Stables in Richmond, MA, started riding when she was in second grade. She started riding lessons in 1964 at a barn down the street, Bridle Vale Farm, owned by John and Anita Hoitsma in Franklin Lakes, NJ. Barbara Irvine was the trainer/riding instructor.

From the very beginning, Carolyn was an enchanted leader with charisma.

The First Lady of AMHA and Sebring Stables (her husband Harry is president of AMHA), and mother of three, all of whom have been involved with Morgan activities and showing Morgans, Carolyn has touched the lives of so many, both within the family’s Morgan training business, and throughout the entire Morgan community.

Her contributions to the New England Morgan Horse Association and show are abundant in ways too long to list.

Terri Travers gave the speech congratulating Carolyn Sebring as the 2013 NEMHA Person of the Year.

April 2014

| equineJournal.com 151 3/11/14 4:25:16 PM

Send your news for future columns to jenn@equinejournal.com.

By jennifer roberts

Arabian news Cedar Ridge Cuties

Promises (pending). By Take’ N Chances and bred by Vickie White of Bonner Springs, KS, the 2013 Half-Arabian buckskin filly will be making her debut this summer with Lora on the line.

Cheers to Leah Beth Boyd and John Golladay, the head trainers at Cedar Ridge Arabians, who were married on February 17, 2014!

She Said Yes! Simply Irresistible Mark Thomason sends his congratulations to Shannon Bradshaw Jett on new ownership of the Sport Horse National Top Ten HalfArabian mare, Irresistible Magic AD.

Exmoor Prince

Quinault Bey (Quick Silver Bey ++++// x First Lady) was named the 2013 American Warmblood Society Inspection Horse of the Year for 2013! His score of 80.3% earned him “Supreme” status and was the highest score in the nation.

Drive to Win

Photos: (top) Missy McGan; (bottom) Lisa Wojan, DVM

The Combined Driving Test in Branson, FL, included three Arabian-bred entries amongst the field. Nancy Ziegler competed her 22-year-old Arabian gelding CHA Rudyvalentine (Chez x AHC Aba Shazie) in a huge Preliminary Single Horse division. They finished fourth overall, right behind World Driving Champion Suzy Stafford.

Bonnie Luft and full siblings, Pinto Arabian/Saddlebred mares, BJS Devious Chance and BJS Darryons Chance (Devious PD x BJ’s Fancy Chance), won the Training Level Horse Pairs division.

Fiona Lindsay Delfino competed Kami Lindy’s Welsh/ Arabian pony Calythio in the Training Single Pony division, where they finished in fourth place. This division had a

four-way tie for first place after the marathon phase!

Making Promises Congratulations to Susan ForgueCollman and Lora Collman on their recent purchase of Keep-N-

Baby Makes Three Best wishes to Nick and Alysha Smith, who recently welcomed their adorable daughter, Copen Lane.

New and Improved John White Stables is proud to announce the opening of their new state-of-the-art equestrian center. The fully heated complex consists of 22 stalls, an indoor with solar gables, and a round pen work area. The new facility is located in Woodstock, IL.

Babies on Board Kaiti Hall and Jacob Jenkins of Holmes Beach, FL, recently announced that they are expecting not one, but two, bundles of joy this summer!

Money, Money Congratulations to Cassandra Roberts who won a $500 scholarship from the Arabian Horse Youth Association at the 2013 Distance National Championship Ride.

Arabs Show Off The Performance Horse Registry conducts their Silver Stirrup Awards for horses entered in their registry. Several Arabianbred horses were honored for their accomplishments in 2013 in the Dressage Sport Horse Breeding (DSHB) category.

The Champion in Zone 3 and third place nationally DSHB

Prince of AramoorTM had a fabulous first show season. »

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Prince of AramoorTM, a Half-Arabian two-year-old colt, recently won Connecticut Horse Show Association Half Arabian Halter and New England Horsemen’s Council Half Arabian Halter 2013 championships in his first season showing. He also won the Connecticut Horse Show Association Triple Crown Pony In Hand Award, beating out all breeds, genders, and ages. Prince is by Braeford of Nonesuch, the leading Exmoor performance pony in North America and one of the leading performance Exmoor pony stallions in the world.

Congratulations to Kristen Yager of Woodstock, CT, who was recently engaged to Ben Williamson!

April 2014

| equineJournal.com 153 3/11/14 10:37:16 AM

arabian

Arabian News

won the Open Intermediate, leading after dressage with a 24.4, was double clear in stadium and added just two time faults on cross-country to hold onto their lead.

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Sold!

Congratulations to Louise Kistner who recently purchased OKW Atomic! Louise tells us, “We are so grateful to his breeder, Mary Jo Wertheimer, his fantastic trainer, Patience Prine-Carr, our wonderful trainer, Megan O’Brien, and advisors Carol Robertson and Susan O’Brien for making this possible!”

New Partnership Lindsay Rinehart of Trotwood Farm is excited to announce that Allen Zeller recently purchased Sunfish LR (Thunder Stuck LR x Lela Rose). This is Thunder Struck LR’s first Half-Arabian foal; we can’t wait to see this new duo hit the show ring!

Sold to Sevana AKS Farms sends their congratulations to Sevana Skinner and her family on their recent purchase of Aries MA! We look forward to seeing this pair in the show ring this season.

Save the Date!

[ABOVE] OKW Atomic and Patience Prine-Carr. [RIGHT] Katy Groesbeck and OZ The Tin Man.

Wedding Bells Colin Halloran of Morgantown, VA, recently asked for his long-time girlfriend’s hand in marriage… and she said yes!

Congratulations to Carrie Meredith and Colin!

Florida’s Rocking Horse Winter Horse Trials I had some fabulous Arabian-bred horses competing.

Gaby Stephens and her Half-Arabian, Glenlords Mystique, finished in second place in the Training Level Rider division,

Quarry Hill Farm (tbs), 345 Sharon Road, Lakeville, CT 06039, 860-435-2571, quarryhillfarm.com.

b=breeding, t=training, s=sales, l=lessons Call 800-742-9171 if you would like to be featured in our Arabian Contact Listings

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Well Bred Congratulations to Tony Shooshani of Cavallino Arabians on the purchase of Hermez E (Enzo x Natalia K), the sire of Halan E, a 2013 Scottsdale Unanimous Champion.

Arabs Rock Rocking Horse

Arabian contact listings Baldwin Stables (tsl), 108 Cedar Lake Road, Deep River, CT, 860-526-5989, kbwins@comcast.net.

Quarry Hill’s annual clinic weekend is just around the corner, on April 12-13, 2014. They will be welcoming Tim Shea to the Lakeview, CT, facility.

Tim is a multi-national championship trainer and breeder and has a wealth of knowledge to share. All breeds and rider levels are welcome. For more information, email info@ quarryhillfarm.com.

Joining Forces

having earned a 32.4 in dressage and two double clears in stadium and cross-country to finish on that score.

Katy Groesbeck and her AngloArabian OZ The Tin Man (Sidi of Magic x Regalbatim) made their Florida debut in Open Intermediate. They scored a 31.1 in dressage for sixth place, added four points with a rail in stadium jumping, and added time faults in cross-country to place seventh overall.

The Anglo-Arabian sired Halimey Go (29.91% Arabian), ridden by Michael Pollard, who

Cortese Arabians is extremely proud and excited to announce that Julie Daniel of Daniel Training Center will join the Cortese team this spring.

Located in Middleville, MI, Cortese is a premier breeding and training facility.

New Beginnings Congratulations to Abby Wieby and the Wieby family on their purchase of ERA Horatio!

Welcome to the World Christine Lawson and Plateau Arabians are pleased and proud to announce the birth of their newest filly by Skyhawwke and out of SMF Cameo Magic.

Photos: (top) Osteen/Schatzberg; (bottom) Hannah Bennett/ USEA

Mature Horse, against all mature horses of all sexes and breeds was the three-quarter Arabian, DA Just Push Play (Triften x DA Addiction), owned and shown by Jackie Stott. Reserve Champion Zone 3 and 10th nationally for DHSB Mature Horse was the Arabian, DA Dakota Dream (Rohara Shahquille x Legacy Of War), owned by Mariah Odeh.

Fourth in Zone 3 and 13th nationally was the Half-Arabian, MC Endless Echo (MC Zoulou x Ech), owned by Sherri Booye.

The Half-Arabian gelding, Tulach ARD (Tristtan x Accolades), was champion in Zone 3 and 11th nationally for DSHB Young Horse.

MS Spanish Legacy (Saphiro x Legacy of Ariston), owned

by Laura Killian was Reserve Champion Mature Horse in Zone 2 and eighth nationally.

| April 2014 3/11/14 10:37:38 AM

Photos: (top) Osteen/Schatzberg; (bottom) Hannah Bennett/ USEA

arabian

[ equine journal affiliate ]

Arabian Horse Association of New England Year-End Awards Banquet and Annual Meeting

1

Sturbridge, MA; February 9, 2014

On the

Photos by Susan Crossen

Scene

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4

5

6

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[1] The Purebred Sport Horse In Hand winners, left to right: Thomas Bonenfant, Lisa Bibbiani (for Taylor Bibbiani), Neil Kelley, Jennifer Roberts, and Christine Silva. [2] The Purebred Dressage First Level award winners, left to right: Sarah Newton, Rhonda Messier, Lisa Bibbiani (for Taylor Bibbiani), and Thomas Crossen Jr. [3] The Ventura family enjoyed themselves at the banquet.

[4] The departing officers and board members from the 2013 board, left to right: Natalee Roberts, Susan Crossen, Thomas Crossen Jr., and Mary Kay Newton. [5] The Half-Arabian Dressage First Level award winners, left to right: Cheryl Lane-Caron, Anna Kjems, and Thomas Crossen Jr. [6] Thomas and Fran Bonenfant, owners of Purebred Halter Division Champion, SI Price Ali Shiraz. [7] The HalfArabian Sport Horse Under Saddle winners, left to right: Caroline Ventura, Anna Kjems, Cheryl Lane-Caron, and Thomas Crossen Jr.

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April 2014

| equineJournal.com 155 3/11/14 10:38:08 AM

arabian

[ equine journal affiliate ]

Rhode Island Arabian Horse Association Announces Year-End Award Winners Submitted by Laurie Murray

The Rhode Island Arabian Horse Association held their Annual Awards Banquet on Sunday, March 9, 2014 at the Village Haven Restaurant in Forestdale, RI. The year-end awards were presented award winners ARABIAN/HALF-ARABIAN DIVISION Halter: 1) Savoy Shaman V, Anne Cardoza; 2) JF Rhodana’s Pharo, Maggie Walsh.

Hunter Hack: 1) Savoy Shaman V, Anne Cardoza; 2) JF Rhodana’s Pharo, Maggie Walsh.

Country Pleasure English: 1) Spidermann, Sandra Wedge.

Sport Horse In Hand: 1) JF Rhodana’s Pharo, Maggie Walsh.

Sport Horse Under Saddle: 1) Kal Arabia Sunspark, Alani Iannoli; 2) Kharasell+/, Drue McNeil; 3) JF Rhodana’s Pharo, Maggie Walsh; 4) Savoy Shaman V, Anne Cardoza.

Over Fences: 1) Irish Creme N Baileys, Sabrina Charron; 2) Savoy Shaman V,

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to our very talented horse-and-rider teams. We would like to congratulate everyone who participated in the program and we hope to see you enter the 2014 program.

Anne Cardoza.

Hunter Pleasure: 1) A-O Storm Chaser, Anna Perry; 2) JF Rhodana’s Pharo, Maggie Walsh; 3) Kal Arabia Sunspark, Alani Iannoli; 4) J-J Miss Liberty, Olivia Perry; 5) Savoy Shaman V, Anne Cardoza; 6) Kharasell+/, Drue McNeil.

Western Pleasure: 1) J-J Miss Liberty, Olivia Perry; 2) Kal Arabia Sunspark, Lin Murphy; 3) Aljooverthemoon, Olivia Perry.

Dressage Intro: 1) AA Diamond Statement, Sabrina Charron; 2) CLF Believe in Magic, Pamela Santerre; 3) Heartbreaquer, Andrea Fiore; 4) Kal Arabia Sunspark, Alani Iannoli; 5) Ttafaafs Jalaj, Andrea Fiore.

Trail: 1) Kal Arabia Sunspark, Lin Murphy; 2) Kal Arabia Sunspark, Alani Iannoli; 3) JF Rhodana’s Pharo, Maggie Walsh.

Save the Date!

RIAHA will host a Spring Thaw Schooling Show on Sunday, April 13, 2014 at Dwyer Equine at Red Rock Farm in Foster, RI. This event will be open to members and nonmembers, all breeds, and disciplines. It is a great opportunity to get out there and practice in a stress free environment while receiving valuable feedback from the judge.

Show clothes are optional but helmets are required for all riders under 19 and heeled boots are mandatory for all. Watch for details on our Facebook page and website!

Hunter Pace/CTR: 1) Samuell, Sandra Wedge.

Walk-Trot 12 and Under: 1) WFT Spectulation, Ava Lemire.

Versatility Challenge: 1) DW Goodie, Natalie Sharpe; 2) JF Rhodana’s Pharo, Maggie Walsh; 3) JF Rodana’s Pharo, Natalie Sharpe.

Two-Phase/Three-Phase Pre-Elementary: 1) AA Diamond Statement, Sabrina Charron.

Two-Phase/Three-Phase Beginner Novice: 1) Rephinement, Rebecca GT. Three-Phase Elementary: 1) Irish Creme N Bailys, Ashley Pearson.

EQUITATION DIVISION Walk-Trot Junior: 1) WFT Speculation, Ava Lemire.

Walk-Trot-Canter Junior: 1) A-O

Storm Chaser, Anna Perry; 2) J-J Miss Liberty, Olivia Perry.

Walk-Trot-Canter Senior: 1) JF Rhodana’s Pharo, Maggie Walsh; 2) Kal Arabia Sunspark, Alani Iannoli.

OPEN BREED DIVISION Leadline: 1) Chocolate, rider Zoe Lemire.

Walk-Trot Junior: 1) Chocolate, Ava Lemire; 2) Leo’s Windy Gem, Sabrina Randall.

Open Green Horse: 1) All Zip and Go, Misty Baker.

Walk-Trot-Canter Junior: 1) All Zip And Go, Misty Baker; 2) Leo’s Windy Gem, Sabrina Randall.

Walk-Trot-Canter Senior: 1) DW Goodie, Natalie Sharpe.

Open Breed Over Fences: 1) All Zip and Go, Misty Baker.

| April 2014 3/11/14 10:38:43 AM

Send your news for future columns to jenn@equinejournal.com.

By jennifer roberts

Quarter Horse news alone do it twice, both at the Congress and World Show.”

Winner, Winner Congratulations to the recipients of the 2014 MassQHA scholarship.

This year’s recipients are: Emily Messing, Brianna Blomgren, Amy Putney, and Alyssa Freitas. The association is thrilled to be able to support these talented young women in their academic endeavors!

Sold!

The Dixie National Quarter Horse Show, held February 12-18, 2014, in Jackson, MS, was very well attended and a great success.

Home Sweet Home Photo: (top) Courtesy of the American Quarter Horse Journal; (bottom) KC Montgomery

Congratulations to Allie Castriotta and her fiancé Tom Keough on purchasing their first home in Milford, MA. We hope they have many happy memories there!

Jason Wanderer of Los Angeles, CA, has purchased the 2013 American Quarter Horse Youth Association (AQHYA) World Champion Zippos Petite Prince.

Last year, the 2000 sorrel gelding by Petite Lord was the AQHYA World Champion in Western Riding with an impressive score of 236. “Winston” has amassed nearly 1,200 points in seven different events including his specialties—trail and western riding.

Welcome to the World

Greener Pastures

We would like to congratulate Josh and Kaleena Weakly on the birth of their son, Jax Greyson Weakly, on January 24, 2014.

He came in at a healthy nine pounds, 15 ounces and 20 inches. The new mother and son are doing great.

Western Gunslinger, a two-time AQHA Halter World Champion and World Champion Sire, passed away on February 6, 2014, announced owners Donnie and Lisa King of Kings Quarter Horses in Crescent City, FL. A 2007 sorrel son of Golden Gunslinger and out of Western N Coolest by Coolest, Western Gunslinger was bred

by Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Rolling of Luverne, AL. Among his many accolades, Western Gunslinger was the Yearling and Two-Year-Old Stallions World Champion in the Open division at the 2008 and 2009 AQHA World Championship shows, and also earned the Amateur Yearling Stallions Reserve World title with Lisa at the shank.

Of his 103 registered foals, Western Gunslinger’s offspring have earned three world championships, three reserve world championships, 1,628.5 points and 32 halter Registers of Merit.

Well Done Congratulations to Marley Viera and Pinely Impulsed on being named the 2013 High Point Novice Youth at the Northern Ohio Quarter Horse Association banquet. At the Ohio Quarter Horse Association, they were Reserve All Around as well as champions in Western Pleasure and Equitation and reserve champion in Performance Halter Mares.

Elected The Maine Quarter Horse Association sends their congratulations to their 2014 officers. President: Jared Johns; vice president: Mikaela Goodwin; secretary: Maryah Cugno; treasurer: Karlena Jean Sandborn; and reporter: Shaynah Seames.

Condolences We are sad to report the passing of 2013 Senior Trail American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) World Champion, MWS Sevens Are Hot (Hot N Blazing x MWS Zipped In Chock), due to complications associated with colic. The 2003 grey mare was humanely euthanized on January 21, 2014.

“She was the type of horse that caught people’s attention,” says owner Sarah Maggert of Paris, IL. “Gilda was a beautiful mover that could go in the class first and clinch the win. Not many people can say that, let

Rourke and Kelsey Day of Sparta, NJ, welcomed a new bundle of joy into their family on February 14, 2014. Jackson Rourke made his appearance at 3:53 p.m. measuring 21 inches and weighing in at eight pounds, one ounce.

Congratulations on a Valentine’s Day you will never forget!

So Good!

Gotta Good Habit (Strawfly Special x First Femme) achieved the rarest recognition possible through the AQHA, when the 2001 brown stallion became the 50th horse in AQHA’s 74-year history to earn an AQHA Open Supreme Champion title. Gotta Good Habit was bred by Vessels MWS Sevens Are Hot recently passed away.

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Stork Alert

continued on page 158 April 2014

| equineJournal.com 157 3/10/14 9:56:23 AM

quarter horse

New Hampshire Quarter Horse Association Celebrates Annual Banquet

By Jacki St. Cyr

Quarter Horse News

continued from page 157 Stallion Farm LLC of Bonsall, CA, and is owned by Patricia Thompson of Springfield, LA. The Open Supreme Champion title encompasses the versatility and athleticism of the American Quarter Horse. The title requires a horse to have raced and achieved a speed index of at least 90 twice.

The horse must also earn at least 40 points in halter and performance classes at five or more AQHA shows, including two grand championships.

Passing On AQHA Honorary Vice President W.E. “Bill” Chaney, 89, of San Angelo, TX, passed away January 30, 2014. He was president of the West Texas Quarter Horse Association in 1985, became an AQHA director in 1980, and was named an AQHA Honorary Vice President in 1989.

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and Kathryn Sterritt; Adult went to PQH Flights Showtime and Lynn Silva; and Walk-Trot went to Icy Rapper and Cody Tibbetts. NHQHA also congratulates Beverly Perriccio as their 2013 “Member of the Year.”

The club would also like to recognize their recreational riders, with a total of over 2,400 hours logged in 2013. NHQHA’s trail challenges and trail workshops this year were a huge success and they are planning some great new adventures for the coming season. Visit their Facebook page for photos and stories about the trail challenge obstacles.

Looking forward to this season, the association has some great new ideas.

Exhibitor suggestions were heard and they are making sure their clinics and events are what the people want.

Everyone was thankful for the new location at Deerfield Fairgrounds in

Wedding Bells Congratulations to Dee Main and Carly Allison McCullar who were recently married at the Flying G Ranch in Waxahachie, TX. Dee and Carly were engaged to be married at 12:00 a.m. on New Year’s Day January 1, 2014, and Carly took her first-ever horseback ride on January 4, 2014!

Praise for Prairie The Prairie Classic Quarter Horse Show was recently held February 12-16, 2014, with good-sized classes at the Oklahoma City Fairgrounds.

The judges for the show were Murray Griggs, Robin Griggs, Gretchen Mathes, Brent Tincher, Terri Beck, Jennifer Thompson, Beckey Schooler, and Brad Kearns. “The show seemed to run very smoothly with very minimal conflicts,” amateur Whitney Walquist Vicars said. “The show staff was very pleasant to work with and

the classes were completed by a decent time each evening. It seemed to me that a good time was had by all!”

Growing Generations Congratulations to Nancy Sue Ryan on becoming a grandmother!

Her daughter, Courtney Suzanne Brockmueller gave birth to a healthy baby boy, Brim Allen, on February 12, 2014. He was seven pounds, three ounces and measured 20.2 inches long. Mother and baby are doing fine and we wish the family the best of luck with the new addition.

Remembering Doug Doug Robert Stetter of Zanesville, OH, lost his valiant

Melissa Burnell and Invy My Moves are preparing for a great 2014 show season.

battle against cancer on February 12, 2014, surrounding by his friends and family. He was a loving father and friend that touched the hearts of everyone who knew him. He will be missed.

Photos: (bottom) Amanda Burnell

The season of 2013 has come and gone, but the memories have yet to fade. New Hampshire Quarter Horse Association (NHQHA) recently held their annual awards banquet at the Red Blazer restaurant in Concord, NH. It was a great night with food, a fabulous silent auction, and great friends.

The Horse of the Year awards go to a horse-and-rider team that is from New Hampshire, and has earned the highest number of points (minimum of five) within one of the association’s eight categories. Open Quarter Horse of the Year went to Whatasharpdressedman and Hannah Gove-Lewis; Amateur went to Found The Invitation and Maria Carrier; Youth went to RF Dalucks Unlimited and Mikayla Minor; and Grand Champion Horse Of the Year went to RF Dalucks Unlimited and Mikayla Minor. In the All Breed events, Youth went to PQH Flights Showtime

Deerfield, NH, last year and the venue hasn’t changed for this year.

However, the club does have another exciting announcement. They will be hosting a two-day show in July with four judges per day. This means less time off from work, less cost, and the possibility of more points. Things are falling into place nicely for clinics during the show, not to mention fun games, great prizes, and some surprises that will be revealed later.

Reminder, it’s not just Quarter Horses that can receive points and awards at these shows, there is also an All Breed division for horses of all shapes, sizes, colors, and breeds.

Already this year, the club held their first clinic—a dressage clinic taught by Lyn Fonzo, a U.S. Dressage Federation Bronze Medalist, in late March. There will be more clinics to come as well.

It takes dedication to know that while friends are having cookouts, swimming, and hiking, riders head to horse shows to bake in the hot sun with show jackets, pants, chaps, and cowboy hats on; but horses and horse friends make it all worthwhile. Visit nhqha.com for more information on their novice shows, regular shows, clinics, and trail events as well as sponsorship options for this year.

| April 2014 3/12/14 2:30:04 PM

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quarter horse

Massachusetts Quarter Horse Association 2014 Year-End Award Banquet January 25, 2014 Westminster, MA

Photos by Joan McDevitt

For complete results, visit MassQHA.com.

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On the

Scene

| April 2014 3/10/14 9:57:13 AM

Baroque news [ equine journal affiliate ]

Foundation for the Pure Spanish Horse Announces 2013 Norte Lovera and Fuego de Cárdenas Cup Winners Submitted by Barbara Clark

The Norte Lovera and Fuego de Cárdenas Cup annual awards are given by the Foundation for the Pure Spanish Horse to P.R.E.s competing in U.S. dressage competitions, who obtain the highest median scores at Training through Fourth levels (Norte Lovera Cup) and FEI levels (Fuego de Cárdenas Cup).

The Foundation puts the preservation, protection, and promotion of the P.R.E. as its primary consideration so the winning P.R.E. horses may be registered with any recognized P.R.E. registry (P.R.E. Mundial, Cría Caballar, ACPRE, LG ANCCE, etc.) and participate in any U.S. Dressage Federation (USDF) All Breeds Program.

The owner must be a member of the Foundation when the prize is awarded.

The 2013 Fuego de Cárdenas Cup winner is the P.R.E., Marques, with a Marques, winner of the Fuego Cup, with Sabine Schut-Kery. median score of 74.079%.

He is owned by Rhea Scott The 2013 winner of the Norte Lovera and bred by Francisco Santiago Ruiz.

Sabine Schut-Kery of Thousand Oaks, CA, Cup is the P.R.E., Limador, with a median score of 69.334%. He was bred in Spain is the talented trainer and rider of this

by Mª Del Carmen Palacios Cañamares exceptional horse. and ridden by Rebecca Raede. Limador The reserve award for the Fuego de is owned by Avi Cohen of Agoura, CA. Càrdenas Cup is the P.R.E., Tomillo VII, The reserve for the Norte Lovera Cup with a median score of 65.319%. He was is the P.R.E., Atlantico XLV, with a median bred in Spain by Los Alburejos S. A. score of 69.300%. Atlantico is ridden by and owned by Dori Derr of Half Moon Sabine Schut-Kery and owned by Phil Stables LLC in South Carolina. His rider Joffee of Sympathy Farms in Rancho Santa is Francisco Garcia, who is a graduate Fe, CA. He was bred by Oylmpic rider and of the prestigious Royal Andalusian trainer, Muan Matute Azpitarte.

School of Equestrian arts in Spain.

[ equine journal affiliate ]

Eastern Region Andalusian Horse Club To Host Annual Clinics with Isabelle von Neumann-Cosel Submitted by Diane Kozwich, PhD

Photo: (top) Courtesy of Sabine Schut-Kery

Cedar Rowe hosts a three-day clinic with Isabelle von Neumann-Cosel each spring and fall. Participants have the option of riding and/or longe lessons on their own horse or one of Cedar Rowe’s school horses. Most participants feel they achieve the most benefit from longe lessons, where they begin to understand and feel their body’s harmonious movement and interaction with the horse’s body and movement in a controlled riding environment. We need to remember that the rider is the load in

the harmonious riding equation.

Last season, Isabelle gave each rider exercises to help them feel the relationship of their own body biomechanics with that of the horse and an awareness of their body’s particular movements and seat with that of the horse’s back and movements. They learned how a wobbly upper body and clamping legs restrict the movement of their seat. The riders became aware of the importance of a leg aid with the calf and not the heel. Some of the “light bulb” moments

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experienced by the riders were: Feeling the balance and execution of an upward and downward transition, being able to ride the sitting trot, and the feeling of a better contact in their hands. All were able to accomplish the exercises and experience a new flow of the horse’s movement through their bodies.

Cedar Rowe offers well-schooled and experienced longe horses. The riders on these horses bring individual balance and tension issues, which these horses are able to identify, since it will restrict their forward movement. Rusty, a 22-year-old Thoroughbred, will only do four circles on the longe at the trot if the rider is wobbly or tight. Lotto, an Appendix Quarter Horse (who just passed away recently at 29), would turn his head toward the rider’s leg and try to bite it for putting their heel into his side.

Zigaia, a Lusitano mare, will speed up if the rider is tense.

continued on page 162 April 2014

| equineJournal.com 161 3/11/14 10:11:53 AM

Eastern Region Andalusian continued from page 161

is a highly respected clinician and dressage judge in Germany, and is a contributor in writing the rules for the “FN� Organization.

Isabelle rides, trains, and gives lessons daily in her home city of Manheim, Germany. She is the author or coauthor of numerous books, the most recent of which is Rider & Horse Back to Back.

One-day riders worked on observed issues and practiced exercises that allowed an awareness of how to overcome their problems. The two-day riders continued to work through issues on the second day and got more in-depth learning exercises. On the third day, the three-day riders worked warm-up exercises on the longe and then got off the longe to practice these exercises on their own.

Isabelle has been doing Rider Awareness Clinics for five years at Cedar Isabelle von Neumann-Cosel works one-on-one Rowe. She with a rider during the clinic.

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| April 2014 3/11/14 10:12:17 AM

affiliates

[ haflinger affiliate ]

[LEFT] Josefine Parada with Micaela, and [ABOVE] Josefine riding Adara.

Ohio Haflinger Assoc.

Wraps Up Successful Annual Meeting Submitted by Katina Wilson; photos by keri parada

Despite treacherous roads and snowy weather, Ohio Halflinger Association (OHA) members gathered on the last Saturday in January to participate in the annual meeting, lunch, and fun auction. Once the annual meeting was over, members enjoyed a wonderful lunch and then everyone enjoyed bidding on items that ranged from homemade bread to puzzles. Many auction items were donated to benefit the OHA Youth Incentive Program. Jacque Woodward, who volunteered her time, gave a presen-

tation to the members describing the tremendous growth the Youth Program has enjoyed since its inception only three years ago. A program that began with seven youth has now blossomed to nearly 20 children participating! The board welcomed Barb King into the Ohio Haflinger Hall of Fame for her tireless efforts to promote the Haflinger horse for many years. Thank you, Barb, for all your dedication throughout the years! The board also decided to hold a puzzle fundraiser. Puzzles sold will feature Haflingers,

[ curly affiliate ]

American Bashkir Curly Registry

Members Enjoy Winter, Look Forward to Spring Season Submitted by Lyndsey Dubbelde

I always say the best things about winter are all the curls on my Curly horses! Do you need a new way to beat those winter blues? For those of you who are experiencing the cold and snow that go along with it, there is a way to brighten up your day. For those of you who do not have winter, I should

just come and stay there!

We at Heartland Country Curlies have been taking full advantage of all the snow the Midwest has been getting this year. The picture on the next page is of my husband driving our Curly team. On the left, is our smooth coated American Bashkir Curly Registry (ABCR) mare

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and will be available at Equine Affaire or from any board member.

Recently I received an email from Keri Parada telling me about her daughter, Josefine. Josefine has been taking riding lessons from T&M Stables and has also been showing two of the owners’ Haflingers for the past two years.

Josefine shows in English pleasure, equitation, showmanship, and trail classes.

She has recently started with ground poles and progressed up to cross-rails, and has now started dressage. A special thank you goes out to Keri for sending me the email and pictures! I know we all love to showcase our beautiful horses, so please do not hesitate to send me an email at rknewilson@roadrunner.com to brag about the many activities you are doing with your Haflingers.

Token, and on the right is our extreme ABCR stallion Stag Creek Mikade, pulling our bobsled. We love to utilize the bobsled as it pulls very smoothly in the fields. Our bobsled is a narrow track, which really cuts through the snow nicely, making it ride smoothly in all areas, even in the tilled fields. We just love our Curly team! It is great to have examples of both a smooth coated and extreme coated Curly horse to allow people to physically see the difference between the different types of coats, and both are hypoallergenic.

This year in South Dakota we have had more powdery, light snow than freezing rain, which makes it excellent for sledding. We drive both single and in a team.

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affiliates

American Bashkir Curly Registry continued from page 163

Mikade is also pictured pulling our sleigh, which is a cozy ride for just two! Well, not really two, as our two beagles also have to go anywhere the sleds or wagons do! Our horses are used to all kinds of dogs—as most of you know, beagles can be rather loud and howl whenever they see, well… anything! Our dogs have really desensitized our horses, which is nice. We also put bells on them to enjoy the spirit of Christmas, which is also a great desensitizing tool. We have spent numerous hours desensitizing our horses to make them as spook free as possible. Our neighbors nearby even hook up their team to their bobsled and pull their grandkids behind the bobsled on sleds—what fun!

I know a lot of horse people have concerns with trailering and/or letting the horses back out to pasture when they have worked up a sweat. We still enjoy the “Curly winter sports” and do not worry about our Curlies working up a little sweat as we utilize a fleece blanket called the Roustabout Cooler.

The cooler is a great asset in the wintertime as in a matter of minutes it absorbs

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[ABOVE] Heartland’s Curly Team, Mikade and Token. [RIGHT] Heartland’s ABCR Driving stallion Mikade.

the sweat and leaves the curlies nice and dry! It is so important to keep everyone healthy through the winter months.

Along with keeping our horses healthy, we also want to stay warm and still enjoy the outdoors. Technology has definitely helped us horse people out with ways to stay warm. Some helpful tips to keep yourself warm for those long sleigh rides is battery operated socks, toe and hand warmers, and do not forget a nice blanket just for those sleigh rides!

In the wintertime we are not able to utilize our wagons or buggies as the roads get snow/ice covered and can be dangerous.

As we go into spring, we have high hopes

that we will be able to enjoy those summer days again soon along with our buggies and wagons. Pictured driving single pulling our black buggy is our stallion Mikade. People are astonished by his change from winter curls to his summer coat.

Wishing everyone a safe year with a lot of new Curly horse memories!

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affiliates

[ gaited horse affiliate ]

Yankee Walkers: Gaited Horses of New England Announces Calendar of Events Yankee Walkers: Gaited Horses OF New England announces their 2014 calendar of events as follows: April 26 will be the first of the American Competitive Trail Horse Association (ACTHA) summer trail ride series at Glencroft Farm in South Hampton, MA. Join trail riding enthusiasts and Yankee Walker members on rides throughout New England and feel great about your philanthropic giving to a worthy cause. Over 20% of every member’s riding proceeds will go to help horse rescues and charities. For more information, visit actha.us.

April 27 will be the American Saddlebred Association of Maine (ASAM) Long Horn Fun Festival Pleasure Horse Show at the Hollis Equestrian Park in Hollis Center, ME. Traditionally, this show offers a variety of Tennessee Walking Horse classes. Show personnel are currently looking for gaited enthusiasts interested in sponsoring pleasure show classes. For specific classes, times, and to register, contact show manager Ricky Drew at 207-272-0082 or asamnews@yahoo.com.

May 3 will see the second ride of the American Competitive Trail Horse Association (ACTHA) summer trail ride series, this time at Strongwater Farm Therapeutic Equestrian Farm in Tewksbury, MA. On May 18 there will be a gaited dressage show at Oak Rise Farm in Goffstown, NH. All gaited horses are welcome to show their talents at all levels of gaited dressage.

Oak Rise Farm offers tests in Leadline A, B, and C; Intro Level A, B, and C; Training Level 1, 2, or 3; First Level 1, 2, or 3; and Second Level by request. For more information and an entry form, visit oakrisefarm.com.

Participants must attend four of the Oak Rise Farm gaited dressage shows to be eligible for year-end awards.

There will be another gaited dressage show, this time at Derby Talk Farm, Atkinson, NH, on May 24. All gaited horses are welcome to show their talents at all levels of gaited dressage. For more information, visit derbytalkfarm.com or contact Ron LeBlanc at rwleblanc@ comcast.net or 603-362-4234.

June 7-9 will be a clinic with Jenny Jackson! Whether you are a trail, pleasure,

or dressage rider looking to improve your daily rides and communication with your horse, Jenny will custom-fit her clinics to the individual horse and rider teams. Jenny is offering her clinic with the three-day session rate of $350, two-day rate of $300, and one-day rate of $175. Stabling is an additional fee and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The clinic location is Tower Hill Farm in Mendon, MA. Reserve your ride space today by calling Helen at 207-985-6068 or emailing settiingsunstable@yahoo.com.

The third American Competitive Trail Horse Association (ACTHA) summer trail ride series will be June 14 at the Field of Dream on Curls Riding Center in Springfield, VT. June 15 will see a gaited dressage show at Oak Rise Farm in Goffstown, NH. The ASAM Hollis Equestrian Park Benefit Pleasure Horse Show will be June 22 at Hollis Equestrian Park in Hollis Center, ME. Traditionally, this show series offers a variety of Tennessee Walking Horse classes. Show personnel are currently looking for gaited enthusiast interested in sponsoring pleasure show classes. For specific classes, times, and to register, please contact show manager Ricky Drew at 207-272-0082 or asamnews@yahoo.com.

On June 27-30, there will be a Gary Lane Clinic in Goffstown, NH. Back by popular demand, Gary Lane will instruct two separate two-day sessions: Level I and Level II clinics for our flat shod gaited breeds. Gary is simply amazing at helping horse and rider teams develop proper flat and running walk gaits, as well as increasing their knowledge of gaiting and bitting. For more information, contact Julie Dillon at horsefeathersnh@comcast.net.

Derby Talk Farm will once again host a gaited dressage show, on July 20, in Atkinson, NH. And on August 17, there will be a gaited dressage show at Oak Rise Farm in Goffstown, NH. Also on August 17 is the Pine Tree Sizzler Pleasure Horse Show at the Hollis Equestrian Park in Hollis Center, ME. Traditionally this show series offers a variety of Tennessee Walking Horse classes. Show personnel are currently looking for gaited enthusiasts interested

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Sandralyn Molinari and her Tennessee Walking Horse, Smoke, had an amazing 2013, earning multiple championships.

in sponsoring pleasure show classes. For specific classes, times, and to register, please contact show manager Jo Hight at 207-799-8296 or ontherail6@gmail.com.

September 6 -7 will be the final American Competitive Trail Horse Association (ACTHA) summer trail ride series, held at the Cracker Box Palace CTC, in Alton, NY. The Friesian Events Association Fall Finale Pleasure Horse Show will be on September 13 at the Hollis Equestrian Park in Hollis Center, ME. Traditionally, this show series offers a variety of Tennessee Walking Horse classes. Show personnel are currently looking for gaited enthusiasts interested in sponsoring pleasure show classes. For specific classes, times, and to register, please contact show manager Ricky Drew at 207-272-0082 or asamnews@yahoo.com.

September 14 will see gaited dressage shows at Oak Rise Farm in Goffstown, NH, as well as at Derby Talk Farm in Atkinson, NH. And, November 13-16 is Equine Affaire at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, MA. Join the Yankee Walkers team as we prepare our presentation for this year.

We are proud to announce that this year’s gaited clinician is Gary Lane. We will again present a gaited horses booth with information about various breeds and associations and a breed demonstration of the versatility of the Tennessee Walking Horse. We are considering also offering a spotlight demonstration showing the variety of American gaited breeds, including Missouri Fox Trotters, Kentucky Mountain Horses, Rocky Mountain Horses, Spotted Saddle Horses, and Paso Finos. If you are interested in showing at Equine Affaire or helping with the booth, please contact Julie Dillon at horsefeathersnh@comcast.net.

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real estate guidelines for the equestrian

Small Homes Make a Comeback

By Karen Elizabeth Baril

Photo: istockphoto.com/rafal_olechowski

About 30 years ago, the median size of the average new house was a mere 1,600 square feet.

These were small ranches, split levels, cape cods, and bungalows—nothing in comparison to what came later—the McMansions of the 21st century. These were houses that averaged 2,800 square feet. Bigger was better it seemed, but many homeowners paid dearly for their McMansions both in terms of finances and time spent maintaining them. Let’s look at why smaller homes are making a comeback.

While it’s nice to have a lot of room—the bigger the house, the bigger the commitment.

Consider that in a large home you’ll have: n More rooms to furnish n Higher taxes n Higher utility bills n Higher maintenance costs n More space to keep clean Still, most of us don’t Smaller homes have the bonus of lower utility bills, taxes, and less to clean. like the thought of giving up space for entertaining. reason to get rid of a little junk. Consider ceilings everywhere else. It really is And it’s nice to have those two and a possible to have elegance and luxury in a increasing storage options with laundry half baths we’ve grown so accustomed and basement shelving, closet organizers, house that is affordable. to. But, today’s smaller house designs Decorating the interior was easy and platform storage beds. If you’re offer all of this and then some. New because it was small—less of a financial building new, consider kitchen cabinets designs offer buyers open floor plans burden and not a lifelong project. We’ve that meet the ceiling and walk-in closets. with few to no hallways. Hallways eat We even had our builder construct a cold already had a lot of positive feedback on up living space and offer nothing in the design of our home. That translates storage area for vegetables underneath return. Soaring ceilings in great rooms to a decent re-sale value. our porch. It’s a great place to store root and combined living/dining rooms make We found that our house took up less vegetables over the winter. small spaces feel large. space on our small six acres. The footThe design we chose to build is small But, the key to being happy in a print of the house is not much bigger by today’s standards—just a little over smaller house is to use the space wisely. than the footprint of our barn. That offers 1,500 square feet—with the option of There’s no glory in cramming your stuff more room for paddocks, landscaping, finishing a bonus room over the garage into a small bungalow, even if doing so and trails. We certainly don’t consider to add another 300 square feet. The will save you money. New home designs ourselves minimalists, but we love the house is quaint with a cottage-style feel, use space efficiently. but the interior feels large, with a soaring fact that having a smaller house frees us Of course, storage can be a problem up to do more with our horses. ceiling in the great room and nine-foot in a smaller home, but that’s a good

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Nancy Kingston Realty Associated with Keller Williams Coastal Realty

Gorgeous property with 22 acres! Set in a quiet location, this property offers more than you think.

The 3 bedroom post-and-beam home has 2 bathrooms, vaulted great room with a brick hearth and wood burning fireplace, beautiful wood floors throughout, loft area on the second floor, and a master bedroom that overlooks the backyard. The 3-stall horse barn was recently remodeled and opens to a newly built paddock. The property also offers an access road to the sandy-footed 60-foot round pen (with drainage) and a 100x200 graded field that is ready for horse turnout or riding. MLS# 4334890

108 Willowbrook Avenue Stratham, NH

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$499,900

20 Water Street, Exeter, NH 03833 ~ 603-778-8990 750 Lafayette Road, Suite 201, Portsmouth, NH 03801 ~ 603-610-8500

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Visit raveis.com & type in MLS# for multiple photos/detailed descriptions on these homes

Easton, CT $3,595,000 MLS#99053598, Jeanette Dryburgh, 203.246.1168 Tucker’s Ridge Farm-16+ prime acres. 17 paddocks. 2 barns.

Avon, CT $2,995,000 MLS#G666766, Lisa Sweeney, 860.558.7606 20 lush acres w/trails on Farmington River. 9 stalls, Exquisite home.

Easton, CT $1,900,000 MLS#99052588, Al Filippone Associates, 203.913.9454 Scenic 10+ acre estate. 4 paddocks. Pond. 8 stall Barn. Lit arena.

Blooming Grove, NY $1,590,000 MLS#520419, Sanford Glazman, 201.394.0169 34+ acre horse farm. 18 stall barn. 10 paddocks. Indoor arena.

Portland, CT $1,235,000 Killingworth, CT $1,550,000 MLS#G674227, Margaret Wilcox, 860.916.3517 MLS#M9144110, Judy Dannemann, 203.675.8944 24+ acre horse property. 4 barns/24 stalls. Indoor/Outdoor arenas. 25+ acre estate, 14”Loddon system” horse stalls, vet clinic/surgical suite.

Marlborough, CT $521,000 Somers, CT $1,200,000 MLS#G670590, Lori Vogel, 860.614.0666 MLS#G651947, Lori Vogel, 860.614.0666 Private equine home. Barn w/22 total stalls. 10+ acres completely flat. Operational equestrian facility. 39 stalls. indoor/outdoor arenas. 9+ acres.

Let our family show your family the way home

raveis.com

“The Best Website in Real Estate”

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LAST LAUGH

Clothes Horse Although it’s been years, I remember raising a teenage daughter.

The eye rolls. The general refusal to be cooperative with reasonable requests.

The short attention span.

Riding a mare can be very, very similar.

Just like a teenage girl, my mare is extremely communicative non-verbally.

But many times, I wish I knew what she was really thinking.

Enter the animal communicator. Oh, yes, I’ve done that. And for those of you shaking your head at my foibles, I put engaging an animal communicator in the same category as going to Vegas—it might or might not turn out to be profitable, but at least you had some fun for your money. Which is also kinda like this whole riding business, come to think of it.

Gorgeous and I had been off the breed show circuit for a while, doing some re-tooling at open shows. We were just about to go back to a Class A show, and I wanted to make sure we had some things clear.

So I had an agenda when I called on my favorite animal communicator, or AC. I asked my AC to let Gorgeous know that we were going to a bigger show.

A show at which, in fact, in the past Gorgeous had spent some significant time not doing what a western pleasure horse should do.

So I felt the need to lay down some ground rules for this show.

I ran down my list. I know the environment’s very stimulating, but she needs to put her attention on me. (Am I supposed to be able to keep her attentive and relaxed with my own superior riding skills? So they tell me. Can I always? Not yet!)

She needs to work harder at holding her frame, even though I’m not as skilled at helping her do that as her favorite trainer. (Oh, yes, she has a favorite trainer; she’s made that clear.)

And she needs to stop hanging on the bit.

She doesn’t care if she hangs on the bit, responded the AC. She doesn’t see that as a problem.

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confronted with the need to justify to my horse why hanging on the bit was not acceptable. What?!

It’s not that it really seemed odd to me that I was verbally negotiating bitcarriage with my horse, via another human who was telling me my mare wasn’t buying it. I know she wasn’t buying it—we’d been arguing about it in the schooling arena for weeks.

In my best mom mode, my retort was she needs to stop it because I said so.

And because when she hangs on the bit, I get in trouble for it.

And then the really weird thing happened.

“She wants you to get a new show outfit,” said the AC out of nowhere.

Umm…excuse me?

“Do you wear something dark?”

As a matter of fact I do.

“She thinks it’s too dark. She doesn’t think it looks good on her. She’s thinking you need something lighter, blue, cream, and tan she says.”

Well. How do you like that? My show horse is telling an animal psychic that I have bad taste in clothes.

This is the ultimate in cheekiness.

And yet the hypnotic power of my horse, coupled with an excuse to shop for something new, leads me to say…

OK. OK, I’ll look for something in blue (one of my favorite colors, to tell the truth.) But Gorgeous isn’t done with the whole issue.

“Light blue, she says. Not navy, nothing dark. More like robin’s egg or baby blue.”

Really. My horse thinks I need specific instructions, since apparently I can’t put together a decent show outfit without her input.

I’ve played this game before—with a teenager, in fact. Never give an inch without getting something in return.

“OK,” I say, “tell her if she’ll do everything we just talked about, I’ll look for a light blue/cream/tan show outfit.”

And guess what? She did. We had the best show ever. We had fun. We did well. We won two classes.

But wait—it gets weirder. I told my daughter the whole crazy story, and showed her my show pictures in my black and copper outfit. She agreed with the mare. I’m going shopping.

Ange Dickson Finn is an award-winning freelance writer, western pleasure competitor, and retired horse show mom who loves her clothes horse even though she’s a bit pushy.

Visit her at ridewithoutfear.com, or email her at ange@ridewithoutfear.com.

illustration: william greenlaw

By Ange Dickson Finn

| April 2014 3/11/14 2:39:23 PM

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