Equine Journal (November 2014)

» MACH SPEED: ARE EVENTERS GOING TOO FAST?

EquineJournal November 2014

Your All-Breed, All-Discipline Resource

On Course

HE ALIN G WI TH HORSES PAGE 68

HOW TO SAVE SPACE IN A SMALL ARENA

HEALTHY START

BEATING THE FRESHMAN 15

FLYING CHANGES WITH

SHARON MCCUSKER

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November 2014

contents 54 On the Fast Track Are upper-level eventers being asked to go too fast?

BY CHRISTINA KEIM

features 40 A Tight Spot Space-saving configurations for the hunter/jumper rider.

BY PAMELA MANSFIELD

60 Fighting the Freshman 15 Two fitness experts and an equestrian drill team coach discuss collegiate fitness and nutrition.

BY KANDACE YORK

68 The Right Stuff What it takes to be a fabulous therapy horse.

BY NATALIE DEFEE MENDIK

PHOTO: ADAM FANTHORPE/ FEI

Cheeck out ourr top hun nt bridle pick cks on pagge 30.

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Equine Journal Online » EQUINEJOURNAL.COM

contents

November 2014

departments

106

14 Editor’s Note 16 On the Road 18 Letters to the Editor 20 In Your Words 23 Points of Interest 26 Now You Know 28 Ten Things 30 Prepurchase Exam 32 Dressage Pointers 34 Driving Pointers 37 Ask the Vet

lifestyle Easy Does It Our News Editor, Jane Carlton tries to stay zen in the show ring.

Learn more at equinejournal.com

77 Travel 81 Fashion 82 Fitness 83 Collecting Thoughts

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the scoop Multimedia Watch videos, search back issues, and find associations.

Calendar Find a comprehensive list of equine events.

EJ TV Watch our educational and entertaining videos.

Travel Find destinations fit for the equestrian.

New Products Be the first to know what is new on the market.

Facebook & Twitter Be the first to get up-to-theminute updates, news, alerts, tips and training techniques, bonus photos, subscription offers and giveaways. Start following us today to find out what you’ve been missing.

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85 Industry Wide News 89 Industry Wide Affiliates 95 Hunter/Jumper 101 Eventing 105 Dressage 109 Driving 113 Western 117 Distance Riding/Trail 119 Morgan 123 Arabian 128 Quarter Horse 130 Baroque 132 Breed Affiliates

tail end 140 Real Estate 146 Marketplace 147 Stallion Paddocks 147 Directories 155 Classifieds 156 Affiliate Directory 160 Last Laugh

106 Jennifer Anttonen won the Adult Amateur Training Level Championship aboard Falbo at the USDF Region 8 Championships.

110 The Hermitage Classic drew nearly 50 competitors from across the United States.

page 54

page 68 page 40

page 60 page 32

on the cover Jessica Springsteen and Vindicat W took top honors in the $200,000 American Gold Cup CSI4*-W. COVER PHOTO BY TONY DECOSTA

PHOTOS: (TOP LEFT) JAMIE MCCABE; (TOP RIGHT) STUDIO EQUUS/AMY E. RILEY; (BOTTOM) PICS OF YOU/JOHN ROBINSON

plus:

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I

i

EXECUTIVE EDITOR/GENERAL MANAGER

Elisabeth Prouty-Gilbride OPERATIONS MANAGER

Kelly Lee Brady MANAGING EDITOR

Kelly Ballou NEWS EDITOR

Jane Carlton

SOCIAL EDITOR

Jennifer Roberts

ART DIRECTOR

Daniel Goodwin GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Candice Madrid, 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

Kristine Miller

PRODUCTION MANAGERS

Cher Wheeler, Sherry R. Brown

Equine Journal 83 Leicester Street, North Oxford, MA 01537 phone: 508-987-5886, fax: 508-987-5887 subscription questions: 1-800-414-9101 affiliate subscription questions: 1-800-742-9171 international callers: 1-386-246-0102 equinejournal@emailcustomerservice.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 DIRECTOR OF CIRCULATION Scott Ferguson DIRECTOR OF MANUFACTURING Donald Horton GROUP CREATIVE DIRECTOR William Greenlaw DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL OPERATIONS Jason Doyle SENIOR DIGITAL STRATEGIST Cory Wiese

Morris Communications Company, LLC CHAIRMAN & CEO William S. Morris III PRESIDENT Will S. Morris IV

Equine Journall (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 Journall do not necessarily reflect the position or opinion of Equine Journall or MCC Magazines, LLC. Equine Journall does not endorse and is not responsible for the contents of any advertisement in this publication. No material from Equine Journall 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. | VOLUME 27, NO. 6

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EDITOR’S NOTE

A Better Way THE COLLEGE YEARS ARE A tricky time. You move away from home and navigate the waters of making your own decisions.

There is no one to nag you about studying, going to bed at a reasonable hour, or eating your vegetables. So of course you do none of these and pay the consequences. As an equestrian, it’s usually easy to get exercise, whether it is through riding or barn chores, but it is much harder at college as new priorities take over your time. This is one of the reasons the “Freshman 15” is so common for first year students.

To help, Kandace York gathers advice to make it easier to stay fit while at college. It’s more than worrying about your weight, it’s about being healthy. Find some great tips on page 60.

Also this month, Christina Keim delves into the heated question in the eventing world—are upper-level eventers being asked to go too fast? As courses become more technically advanced, some experts are wondering if the required speeds are still appropriate. Find out why this is such a heated issue and what top trainers and riders have to say on page 54.

We also have a handy feature on course design for the small arena this month with Susan D. Tinder, author of Jump Course Design Manual. She provides some great ideas for making the most out of your small space in our article, “A Tight Spot” on page 40.

We hope that you will enjoy this month’s issue and learn something that will make your horse life better!

Managing Editor

Be a Part of the Equine Journal » This month in our “In Your Words” column, we asked about who inspires you. 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 Ones to Watch AS EQUINE JOURNAL’S S EXECUTIVE Editor, and a self proclaimed horse show fanatic (nowadays more as a spectator than a competitor), I’ve been watching top riders on the “A” rated competition scene for quite some time now. As a young rider, I would watch the equestrian greats before me and hope to be in their shoes some day.

Margie Goldstein and McLain Ward were to me what Bruce Springsteen is to many music fanatics. The irony of this statement came to fruition for me while attending the American Gold Cup on September 14, when Jessica Springsteen claimed victory in the $200,000 American Gold Cup CSI4* in North Salem, NY. Although her father literally is a rock star, Me with i h Jessica i Springsteen i this young lady is one to watch on the equestrian at the American Gold Cup. scene. In fact, after being involved in the equine media for close to 10 years now, I have watched Jessica grow up before my eyes. The first time I took notice of her was when she won the ASPCA Maclay Final in 2008 during the National Horse Show at the Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament.

At merely 16 years old, she impressed everyone in attendance at the Maclay Final with her talent when she was called back to the final round of competition and cleared the first obstacle in her wake before landing on the counter-canter, and holding the lead instead of performing a simple change. This was a fierce move made by Springsteen, which ultimately led to her victory, making her a household name among many within the show circuit overnight.

In the same weekend that Springsteen, now 22, took top honors in the American Gold Cup, another rider who has increasingly been making headlines over the past two years triumphed at Old Salem Farm. Eighteen-year-old rider Michael Hughes was named the winner of the Region 2 ASPCA/NHSAA Maclay Regional Championships. Even more phenomenal, this is the young rider’s second consecutive year to do so. He didn’t make the top ten at the Maclay Finals last year, but there’s a good chance that the talented equestrian will get there this year…and possibly even capture the victory.

It’s clear that things tend to come full circle for a number of equestrians at the American Gold Cup. And if you haven’t been lucky enough to see it happen, be sure to take note of these two riders as “Ones to Watch” for years to come.

What’s Going On…This Month » Who will be the victor at this year’s ASPCA Maclay Finals? Find out on November 4, when the National Horse Show returns to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY.

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PHOTO: TONY DECOSTA

Executive Editor

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR [ FEATURED LET TER ] I would love to see your events calendar back in the magazine. There seems to be nowhere to find upcoming equine events anywhere anymore.

-Carien Schippers, Walton, NY

I love your magazine and normally read it cover to cover.

However, I thought your article on teaching your Gypsy horse manners was particularly inspiring. I will be using many of the exercises with my Quarter Horse this fall.

- Chelsea Neal, Hartford, CT North Woods Animal Treats for Your Thoughts!

We love hearing from you! Send us your letter to the editor for a chance to win next month’s prize of a pack of North Woods Animal Treats. All letters we receive by November 15 will be entered in the drawing.

Send your submissions to editorial@equinejournal.com, or to Equine Journal,l Editorial, 83 Leicester Street, N. Oxford, MA 01537.

Congratulations to Chelsea Neal for winning November’s letter-of-the-month! She will receive some North Woods Animal Treats.

You did an article in the Septmber issue of the Equine Journal on the Colombian Trote y Galope horses. I am one of the Colombian Trote y Galope owners and thought you may like to see one of the babies produced here in the United States this year. She is five months old in this photo and I named her “Presencia,” which means Presence in English. As you can see, she has lots of that!

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I enjoy your magazine, and read with interest your article on retiring horses and the letters that were sent in. I am a little surprised you only included happy, best case scenario situations and letters.

Unfortunately, not all of us are that lucky to be able to have such options.

My situation is that I acquired two horses in my early 20s, that despite many hardships in my life, I made sacrifices so that I was able to keep them, love them, and give the best care I could. They are now in their 20s and I only am able to afford to keep them because a friend “leases” them and uses them for lessons and trail rides, etc. They are both starting to have some age-related issues come up and I know when they are no longer useful for riding, I will not be able to afford to keep them without being able to lease them out. I will not be able to afford board at a retirement barn. I do not have my own place to give them what they need. Though my friend has helped me be able to keep them all these years, it is not her responsibility to retire them without being able to have income from them.

This is my sad situation and I am sure I am not the only one in this position.

What options are out there for me and my horses? I have not been able to find what they will need at a price I can afford. It is very scary.

-Kimberly Justice, Via Email I recently was made aware that Suzanne Leblanc’s horse “Lucky,” and her trainer, Jane, were featured in your magazine from their win at Devon last year.

Suzanne’s previous show horse, Aly Cat, has been retired with us here at our farm for almost three years now. I also noticed you had an article about retirement options in that issue as well and found it interesting to read other’s perspectives on our industry. My husband and I have a retirement farm in Kentucky and we have quite a few retirees from the Northeast at our farm.

The reason for my email is just to share an interesting story about one of our retirees in particular. His name is Harley Tang. He has been with us over

two years and he came to us from Hong Kong. His owner, and a friend of hers, shipped two horses 8,000 miles just to retire here. The story is very inspiring, the love Harley’s owner has for him and the sacrifice and commitment she has made to retire him here in the U.S. is more than admirable. She did fly over and visit the farm before sending him here to see if we would be a good fit for her special retiree. I believe she told us the U.S. was the fourth or fifth country she had visited trying to find just the right place to retire Harley. There are so many amazing facts about this story, including one she told us during her visit. Even if she chose our farm to send her horse to, the Hong Kong Jockey Club could deny her the option as they control all the imports and exports out of the country. However, she still spent significant time and resources to visit here anyway, even if it was only a chance he could retire here. She told us that there had not been a horse sent to the U.S. from Hong Kong for retirement purposes in 50 years! It was a long shot for him to come here, but she was willing to make the investment and do the research to find “just the right place” for Harley. Another heart-warming fact is that these two women did not even own these two horses. They were able to take over ownership from the Hong Kong Jockey Club to save these two horses from being euthanized. There is such a very limited space for horses in Hong Kong that if one equine becomes unserviceable, it must leave the country or be put down.

Everyone who ever hears the story of how these two horses came to retire here is always fascinated by it and have their hearts warmed by the unselfish commitment and remarkable devotion by Harley’s owner and her friend. They are both true horse lovers! Harley’s owner comes for a week every year to visit him and she will be visiting soon. We are so looking forward to seeing her. We have developed a great relationship via digital media over the past couple of years!

Thanks to “Whatsapp” we can take a video of Harley and send it to Hong Kong and she can see what her horse was doing just five minutes prior! Technology sure makes it easy for us to bring the horses to the owners. We even FaceTime with an owner and a horse here in the states.

-Kim Weber, Weber’s Retired Horses, LLC, Via Email

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IN YOUR WORDS

My trainer, Kimberly Cartier Dome. She is one of the strongest women I know.

-Sarah Schmidt-Micola

Co our urtn tney tn ey K Kin ing in g-Dye g-Dy

My daughter, who puts her horses, pupils, and boarders first each day.

-HL O’Brien

Beezie Madden.

-Caitlin Johnson Amos the Wonder Horse.

-Shelly Mizrahi My trainer...Coby Nester!

-Katie Hayward My coaches, Andrea Bresee and Stephanie Goldfinch.

-Anne-Marie Gagnon My children.

-Danny Lausberg My 12-year-old daughter, Rhiannon Cain, who tries harder than most adults to be the best horseman she can be!

-Danielle Cain George Morris and Denny Emerson.

-Bonnie Ann Buck Brannaman!

My horse, Tiny, and my instructor, Holly Whitney.

-Joelle M. Conover My amazing mom and her amazing horses.

-Rhiannon Cain My trainer! One in a million, Jackie Milka.

-Gretchen Zwicker My Arabian, Maraba EL Reymar.

-Lexie Alden- Linebaugh Lyn Cashman and her beautiful Berry Impressive Quarter Horses.

-Lisa Lynn All the horses I have ridden over the last number of years.

-Skip Bruber My trainers, Ruth Harper and Lynette Weldon.

-Hannah Hagen

-Joe Agee

The late Lacey May Jamieson, may she rest in peace.

-Olivia Kaplan

Tommie Turvey. His equine antics make me smile!

-Amy Smith I find tons of inspiration when I read the Equine Journal. Thanks!

-Ute Shepherd

From Our Staff Courtney King-Dye. From her amazing talent to her continued dedication and advocacy for helmets after her accident, she continues to be my inspiration on a daily basis.

-Jennifer Roberts, Social Editor

For Next Month: 20

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What is on your horse’s holiday wish list?

Send your answers to Jenn@EquineJournal.com.

PHOTO: AK DRAGOO PHOTOGRAPHY

Who inspires you?

Mary Walker and her horse, Latte.

-Susan Brittain Thomas

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POINTS OF INTEREST p. 23 | NOW YOU KNOW p. 26 | 10 THINGS p. 28 | PREPURCHASE EXAM p. 30 QUICK TIPS p. 32 & 34 | ASK THE VET p. 37

bits & pieces

November 2014

Photo of the Month Jack Ja ackk takkin ng hi hiss mo mom, m, L ur La u a Pr P attt, ffor or a leeis isur u el ur e y fa fall ll dri ll r vee thro th r ug ro u hN No orw rwel e l,, M el MA. A A.

PHOTO: KATELIN JENKINS

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bits & pieces POINTS OF INTEREST

MEDIA REVIEW

TOXIC TREAT

[ BO BOOK B OK ]

Secretariat Reborn

BY SUSAN KLAUS, 280

pages, hardcover, Oceanview Publishing (OceanViewPub.com), 2013, $26.95.

A tale of intrigue, romance, and high-stakes Thoroughbred racing, this thriller takes you on a wild ride behind the scenes of life at the track.

From the beginning, you will be sucked in as Christian Roberts says goodbye to his dying father and is thrown into the world of racing.

Suspenseful story lines keep you galloping through the pages, as you learn that Christian’s father was involved in illegal dealings.

It is apparent in reading the book that Klaus has been immersed in the world of horses, writing clearly and fluidly as only a true horsewoman could.

Horses can safely eat many fruits and vegetables, but in the case of some innocent-seeming produce, the ingestion of even a few pieces can cause a serious toxic reaction. One such fruit is the avocado.

Persin, a substance derived from fatty acids contained in avocados, is believed to be the toxin responsible for health problems in horses and other animals that eat the fruit. In horses that ingest avocados, the toxin can cause colic, irregular heartbeat, respiratory distress, neurologic dysfunction, edema, and other signs of illness.

-Kentucky Equine Research

Headed On Vacation

POLL

We asked: Do you y give g your y horse time off in the winter?

No

50% Yes, Over a Month

34%

Yes, But Just a Week or Two

16%

BOTTOM LINE: If you’re

a racing fan or simply like a great read, this book is the odds on favorite.

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Want to be included in our polls? Visit us on Facebook by scanning the QR Code with your smartphone.

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bits & pieces POINTS OF INTEREST

SUPPORTING VETERANS

Diamond Ann niversary

PATH International has a long tradition of offering the best in equineassisted activities and therapies to military personnel and veterans.

For those interested in a gratifying career with daily opportunities to change lives as a therapeutic riding instructor, PATH International introduces the PATH International Equine Services for Heroes Therapeutic Riding Instructor Certification Scholarship for Veterans.

This scholarship will reimburse up to $800 for the cost of pursuing PATH International Therapeutic Riding Instructor Certification and will be awarded to veterans with an honorable discharge from U.S. military service. The deadline for the application is December 31, 2014; the scholarship will be reimbursed to the individual who successfully completes a registered instructor onsite workshop and certification between January 1 and December 31, 2015.

The world’s larges e t cont n in i uing g edu ucation onal al eventt dediicated to equine q veterinary practice will celebrate its diamond anniversary when the American Association of Equine Practitioners’ 60th Annual Convention and Trade Show convenes at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, UT, on December 6-10, 2014.

The five-day event will offer incomparable opportunities for equine veterinarians to grow their knowledge within a variety of learning formats, including “in-depth” and “how-to” sessions. The educational program will impart the latest thinking in key areas of medicine such as lameness, colic, reproduction, immunology and parasitology, dentistry, imaging, and regenerative medicine.

For more information, visit aaep.org.

PHOTO: (LEFT) COURTESY OF SHEYNA JEWELRY; (RIGHT) AMERICAN FLAG SUPPLY

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bits & pieces NOW YOU KNOW Fun trivia and interesting fa facts about the Equine Respiratory System

40

According to Jon Cheetham, VetMB, PhD, Dipl.

ACVS, “A horse’s maximal oxygen uptake at maximal exertion is approximately 40 times greater than their oxygen uptake at rest, far higher than an elite human athlete’s maximal oxygen uptake, which is only about six to eight times higher at exercising compared to resting values.”

th 16

Fully expanded lungs reach the horse’s 16th vertebrae.

500

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Th average The g respiration i ti rate of the resting horse is 10-24 breaths per minute.

Horses have a unique part of the respiratory system known as the guttural pouch, believed to equalize air pressure on the tympanic membrane.

It fills with air when the horse swallows or exhales, with a capacity of 300 to 500 milliliters.

PHOTO: (TOP LEFT) ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/GALDZER;(TOP RIGHT) ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/SAPOCKA; (BOTTOM) ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/JOTTKAH

The trachea measures about 75 to 80 centimeters in an adult horse, carrying air from the oral cavity and into the lungs.

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bits & pieces 10 THINGS 10 fun facts about the Thoroughbred

Thankful for Thoroughbreds

BY KATHRYN SELINGA

1 2

The Thoroughbred’s ancestry traces back more than 300 years to three foundation stallions—the Darley Arabian, the Godolphin Arabian, and the Byerley Turk.

Although there are records of horse racing on Long Island as far back as 1665, the introduction of organized Thoroughbred racing to North America is traditionally credited to Governor Samuel Ogle of Maryland, who first staged a Thoroughbred race “in the English style” at Annapolis in 1745.

While all modern Thoroughbreds trace their lineage to at least one of the foundation stallions, it is the Darley Arabian’s great-great grandson, Eclipse, from which 80% of modern Thoroughbreds descend.

3

Before a Thoroughbred can race, it must have a registered name. Owners submit their name choices to The Jockey Club, which checks each name for phonetic similarity against more than 430,000 names already in active use and for compliance with the rules that establish the types of names not allowed. Among other things, names cannot exceed 18 characters, have commercial significance, or be suggestive or vulgar.

4 5 6

All Thoroughbreds in the Northern Hemisphere celebrate their birthday on January 1.

7

The average height of a Thoroughbred is 16.1 hands, while the average weight is 1,000 pounds.

Thoroughbreds compete at the highest levels of international competition in eventing, show jumping, and dressage and also make outstanding hunters, steeplechasers, barrel racers, and polo mounts. They are also used by mounted police patrols and recreational riders who appreciate their intelligence and versatility.

In order to race, a Thoroughbred must have a lip tattoo, a unique combination of a letter and numbers, which is used as a practical method of horse identification.

8

There are nearly 1.3 million Thoroughbreds in the United States.

9 10

The first registered white Thoroughbred was White Beauty, a filly foaled in 1963 in Kentucky.

Reference: Information and photo courtesy of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association 28

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bits & pieces PREPURCHASE EXAM

Hunter Bridles Bobby’s Tack Heavy Duty Flat Hunt Bridle

Stubben 2007 Snaffle Bridle

The cutback padded monocrownpiece makes this bridle extra special and very comfortable for your horse’s ears. The padded and raised cavesson and crown are accented with contrasting fancy stitching that set off our tester’s horse’s head beautifully without overpowering it. The completely padded cavesson had the wonderful feature of being padded under the buckle, but it took a bit of work to buckle it the first few times.

The rounded anthracite buckles gave the bridle some added flair. Available in three colors, you’ll be able to find the perfect one for you and your horse.

BUY IT: stubbennorthamerica.com, $295.

This thick, flat bridle gave our tesster’s horse a vintage look as theyy headed into the ring to start theiir course. Paired with a flat standing martingale, the traditional look was one of years gone by. High quality leather and buckles gave it an updated appearance while holding true to tradition. The thick cavesson was difficult to tighten originally, but after a few w oilings it was easy to manipulate.

Surprisingly, the bridle looked good on a variety of horses, from m a heavy warmblood head to a highly refined Arabian cross.

BUY IT: BobbysTack.com, $188.95 5.

This month, we sent our testers on a hunt for the facts on hunter bridles.

Perri’s Professional Fancy Stitched Padded Hunter Bridle

This gorgeous bridle offered high end looks at an economical price point. With raised stitched reins and a padded, stitched browband and cavesson, it offers that flattering, traditional look. The tooling on the crownpiece added a delicate flair that our tester loved. The reins are a bit shorter than some of the other bridles that we tested, so if you ride with a long rein you may wish to purchase the longer size. Easy to adjust, the roller buckles helped to get that ideal fit.

The bridle looked wonderful on horses with delicate features as well as horses that are not as refined.

BUY IT: PerrisLeather.com, $159.95.

KL Italia Middleburg Hunter Bridle

PJ Collection Hunter Show Bridle with Reins

This bridle looks sharp in the ring, but has the horse’s utmost comfort in mind, featuring a padded crownpiece and handmade Italian leather. It also has the rider’s ease in mind, with a mono-crown and roller buckles on the noseband (which our tester found great for her horse, who doesn’t like to keep his head still). As if it were needed, the fancy stitching on the brow and noseband, as well as the reins, add an extra touch of class. The one downside our tester found was that her normal Full size was quite large for her Thoroughbred, and there wasn’t sufficient room to add holes.

BUY IT: KLSelect.com, $318.

Simply stunning, the exquisite detailing and amazing leather had our tester excited as soon as she laid eyes on it. The cutback monocrown styling has the added benefit of three different nosebands that can be easily switched out for convenience and more time in the saddle. Our tester had the pleasure of trying the cavesson with the fancy stitched detachable drop; perfect for making a statement in the warm-up and then removing before your round. The wide noseband accented the warmblood head perfectly, but it was a bit overpowering on the more refined horses’ heads. A silver signature PJ tag finished out the look with a classic style.

BUY IT: pj-saddles.com, $300.

This month’s products for review will be donated to the Medina Creative Therapy Ranch.

Our testers:: This month, our Prepurchase Exam was conducted by: Kelly Ballou, Managing Editor; and d Jennifer Roberts, Social Editor.

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Do you have a product to suggest?

Contact Jenn@EquineJournal.com with your ideas.

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bits & pieces QUICK TIPS tips from top professionals

Dressagee Pointers

Q:

When should I begin schooling flying changes with my horse?

A:

Flying changes are a key part of a horse’s education. Riders may run into trouble when teaching flying changes to their mounts because their horse’s canter work is not sufficiently prepared for the introduction of the flying change. Let’s look at some key points to consider when introducing flying changes.

I like to think of a flying change as a transition in motion. I think it helps a rider if they really understand and train good quality transitions and keep this in mind when introducing changes.

When you train day to day, your focus should be on the quality of all your transitions—walk/trot/walk, trot/canter/trot, canter/walk/canter as well as transitions within the trot and canter. If you are focused on keeping your horse through, round, soft, active, straight, and up in the back in all these transitions, then the preparation for the changes should be straightforward. If, however, your horse comes off the aids, against the hand, or isn’t quick to the leg in these transitions, then it’s likely this will carry over into the changes. So, number one, work those basic transitions!

When riding changes there are a number of things to keep in mind. First a horse needs to have a good quality canter that is balanced, uphill, straight, and quick to the leg. I like to have good canter/walk/canter and counter canter in the horses before I start introducing the changes. I also like to have my horses familiar with shoulder fore and haunches in in the canter. These are all good for strengthening but are also good for making the canter adjustable, which is a big key to making a good change. If a rider focuses on these things in everyday schooling, there’s a good chance the flying changes won’t be an issue.

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If you feel like these transitions and exercises are all solid, then you should be prepared to start the changes. If your horse changes in front and not behind, think about what he feels like in the change. Is he straight? Is he pushing against your leg before or during the flying change? Is he late to your leg or anticipating and pushing through your hand onto the forehand and changing in front then catching up behind a stride later? Is it always the same change that’s late behind?

Often a horse has one lead that’s stronger than Th hin i k of you ourr the other one, and one flyi yin ng ccha ng hange hang hind leg that’s quicker. as a ttra rans nsiiThey also tend to have tion ti o in mo oone side they will stiffen ttiion n. If I you ourr hors ho rsse is i goo ood d against and one side that in his ttra rra an nssi-tends to be hollower tion ti o s an on nd att than the other. Stop and t e ca th c nter ntter, err, think about what you are th hen en you ur fl flyy-y in ng ch chan ange an ges ge es feeling before and during w ll wi l com ome e the change and use the th hro roug ugh. ug h.. h exercises above to help strength and prepare the canter. If your horse has a slow or weaker hind leg, try to SHARON MCCUSKER is a USEF long-listed school some haunches in and shoulder FEI Grand Prix rider and trainer with 30 years fore canter exercises that will help of experience training and competing, and strengthen that hind leg and make it 20 years riding at the FEI level. Sharon has more accessible to you in the canter. trained many top FEI competition horses and Also take the time to get the counter takes special pride in developing and training canter really strong and balanced, her own FEI horses. Sharon also has had years where you can ride forward and back of experience carefully selecting top quality in it and ride through turns without the dressage horses in Europe for the U.S. market, horse stiffening against the hand or leg. as well as taking in quality horses for training To recap, think of your flying change and resale for private owners. She enjoys as a transition in motion. Work to get you coaching, having trained and developed and your horse’s basic transitions really four top FEI Young Riders and one Brentina top notch, the canter really tuned up and Cup Reserve Champion. She has also helped quick to the leg, and watch your flying numerous adult amateurs garner bronze, silver, and gold USDF medals. changes come through. Good luck!

PHOTO: AK DRAGOO PHOTOGRAPHY

With Sharon McCusker

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bits & pieces QUICK TIPS tips from top professionals

Driving g Pointers With Harry Sebring The purpose of the overcheck is to hold ah ha arn rnes esss ho hors rse’ es hea he ad d hig gh an and in the pro pr rop ope err p pos ositio os itio it on n..

The purpose of the overcheck is to hold a harness horse’s head high and in the proper position when he’s driving.

When I start my horses in an overcheck for the first time, I use a broken snaffle for a check bit. This bit is the same kind of bit that is used as a bridoon in a full bridle. I find that it folds well along the roof of the mouth.

Before I put the bits into the horse’s mouth, I tie them together using two short pieces of shoe string. This allows the action of the check bit to be directly connected to the driving or steering bit.

A:

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An alternative to using a check bit is to use a piece of string or rope. This rope is tied to the checkrein, and when it is in the horse’s mouth, it folds neatly along the roof of the horse’s mouth.

When I use this technique, I don’t tie the driving bit to the overcheck rope.

I always long line my horses in an overcheck bridle a number of times before I attempt to drive them in it. The first few times I may not even connect the check rein to the back pad so the horse can get used to the idea of having two bits in his mouth. Gradually, I will attach the check rein to the back pad and begin to shorten the check rein until the horse can feel the pressure of the overcheck bit.

After the horse gets used to the idea of having two bits in his mouth and having the regimentation of having to keep his head up, I will untie the check bit from the driving bit. At this point the check bit will be doing the action it was intended to do. That is to hold the horse’s head in the proper place.

As the horse becomes more comfortable with his new bitting arrangement, I may introduce a straight overcheck bit. This is the ultimate overcheck bit. It will hold the horse’s head in the proper place without exception.

If at any point the horse objects to the overcheck bit, or his stage of training, I will back up a little and go back to where he was comfortable.

Remember, training is educated trial and error and there are no absolutes when dealing with horses.

HARRY SEBRING, owner and trainer of Sebring Stables in Richmond, MA, has been a professional horse trainer for more than 25 years and a licensed American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA) judge for 20 years.

He is also the current president of AMHA. Harry’s professional recognitions include being named the 2008 UPHA Chapter 14 Man of the Year, winning the 2008 USEF William Robinson Pegasus Award, and being chosen the 2008 AMHA Man of the Year.

PHOTO: SHAWN HAMILTON/CLIXPHOTO.COM

Q:

My horse has never worn an overcheck before, how can I introduce it to him in a non-threatening manner? What does an overcheck do?

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bits & pieces ASK THE VET your horse health questions answered

Divide and Conquer The Advantages of Stem Cells

BY DR. ERICA SECOR AND DR. A. RACHEL ROEMER OF NEW ENGLAND EQUINE MEDICAL & SURGICAL CENTER

What is stem cell therapy?

How is it useful in aiding the healing of tendon injuries?

Q: A:

PHOTO: DUSTY PERIN/DUSTYPERIN.COM

The world of biologics and regenerative therapy has been rapidly expanding, particularly in equine veterinary medicine. Stem cell therapy was one of the first biologic therapeutics that became commonly used in veterinary medicine, and initially its clinical use far surpassed the research on the topic. The research is finally beginning to catch up, and new papers are continuously being published to further characterize all the effects that stem cells have on healing tissue.

A stem cell is just a cell that has the ability to mature into more than one type of cell. However, this does not mean that all stem cells are created equal. Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are the cells that make up an embryo and have the ability to mature into any tissue type (termed pluripotent).

However, this requires the acquisition of equine embryos and they are not used clinically at this point due to ethical and practical concerns. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are found in certain tissues of the adult horse. Most often we obtain these cells from adipose (fat) or bone marrow, but they are also found in umbilical cord blood and peripheral blood. These stem cells have the ability to transform into a variety of tissue types, but it’s a more limited range of tissue types (termed multipotent). MSCs are the main type of stem cell that are used clinically, and there are a variety of processing and culturing methods to isolate and expand these cells. Since MSCs are the type of stem cell that are available for clinical use, the remainder of this discussion will focus on them.

Clinicians tend to have their personal favorite when treating a horse with stem cell therapy, but a variety of processing

methods are available. Bone marrow can be taken from a horse’s sternum (breastbone) or ileum (part of their pelvis). Stem cells can then be isolated for injection or the stem cells can be cultured and propagated to expand their numbers.

Adipose (fat) tissue is generally taken from the hindquarters either surgically or using a method similar to liposuction. At this point, stem cell therapy is most commonly used in tendon injuries, but may also be used with ligament injury, osteoarthritis, or as a regional limb perfusion.

Stem cell therapy assists in tendon injury healing by a variety of methods.

One of the most well defined activities of stem cells is regulation of the local immune response.

Stem cells exhibit antiinflammatory properties in the local area of injection Once stem cells are harvested, they can be isolated for inin addition to providing jection for the treatment of tendon and ligament injuries and osteoarthritis. necessary substances for tendon healing. Research comparing tendon injuries treated with been fully characterized in equine tendons. traditional therapies alone (stall rest and However, research has shown that the anti-inflammatory medications) to those injected stem cells stay in the area for at treated with MSC injection have shown least a few months after injection. It is likely significantly improved results when that many of the stem cells are converted MSCs are incorporated into a treatment into tendon cells that help to fill the injured plan. Typically the injuries treated with area, in addition to recruiting additional MSCs show better tendon architecture healing cells to the area. The overall result is a tendon that heals more quickly and and fiber alignment at a given healing produces more normal tissue than one point compared to those with traditional treatment. The healed tendons have been treated by traditional methods alone. shown to be much stronger and more Not all tendon injuries lend themselves resistant to re-injury as well. to stem cell therapy, so its use should be The logical goal of using stem cells for discussed with your veterinarian on a caseinjuries is that the cells will mature into by-case basis. In addition, it is likely that the cell type of the injured structure (so clinicians will begin using MSC therapy in in this case, tendon cells) and will help fill a wider range of injuries and conditions, and heal the injured area. While this has particularly as research and understanding been proven in some tissue types, it has not of stem cells expands.

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//A A TIGHT T SPOT T SPACE-SAVING CONFIGURATIONS FOR THE HUNTER/ JUMPER RIDER

BY PAMELA MANSFIELD

PH PH PHO HO OTO: OT O: IS STO STOC TO TOC O KPHO KP OTO.C TO.C . OM OM/ HIG OM/ IG GH HTOWE TOW OWE O OW W WE ER_N R_NR R_NR NRW NR

Setting a jump course in a small arena can feel like arranging a lot of furniture in a small room. It’s not ideal and can even be unsafe. But just like interior designs that make the most of a small space without clutter, arranging an optimum jump practice course requires arranging the furniture, or jumps, in a perfect-fit configuration. / November 2014

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There are ways to set up jumps for a series of different approaches and to make standards and poles do double duty. An added bonus is, with an efficient design, there is less lugging around of heavy pieces, and you can save a lot of time that is better put to use actually riding.

Like most things worth doing, it’s all in the preparation, and depending on how you set a track and utilize the jumps, a very useful practice can be had even in a smaller space and with just a few jump elements.

“Decide what you want to practice that day. You don’t need a lot of jumps,” advises hunter/jumper rider Susan Tinder of Tolland Falls Equestrian Center in Colorado. After years of lessons and competing, she has amassed a library of practice course designs for optimizing time and space and getting the most out of her lessons. She decided to put all of her tried and true designs together in a book, Jump Course Design Manual, which was published by Trafalgar Square Books in 2012. She dedicates an entire chapter on space-saving configurations.

Susan illustrates how hunter, jumper, and equitation exercises can be constructed to focus on one or two goals in a small space, but also in such a way as to create interest for the horse. So much thought goes into riding over different types of jumps, but it’s actually riding on the flat, the part between the fences, where most of the time and effort is spent.

“Maintaining the pace is very important in creating a balanced canter.

You need to be able to steer, create impulsion, and lengthen and shorten strides before you try to ride an entire course. Then you put it all together, kind of like a dancer who practices all the various steps at the balance barre to get all the individual steps down before putting the whole recital number together,” says Susan.

Optimize space and inventory by using multi-directional standards with round holes all the way around them. This allows you to use one schooling standard in the center and actually create three jumps around it. That’s just four standards to make three jumps in a pinwheel configuration.

1/ Space-Saving Jump Inventory

Whether you already own or have access to jumps, consider some options to get the most out of the inventory. Or consider purchasing new or building your own with materials from the hardware store.

■ Use shorter poles - go to 8' instead of 10' or 12'. “My trainer only uses 8’ in her arena. You’re going to pick up 2' to 4' of space and have a lot more room to move around,” Susan explains, adding that the shorter width will require better steering, a good exercise in itself. She advises painting the centerline on the pole to better aim for the center. Having schooled over narrower jumps makes it much easier when you’re jumping standard widths at a show.

■ Use schooling standards instead of wing standards. They save precious space since they are 12" wide versus 3' wide, and are easier to move because they are not nearly as heavy.

■ Optimize space and inventory by using multi-directional standards with round holes all the way around them.

This allows you to use one schooling standard in the center and actually create three jumps around it. That’s just four standards to make three jumps in a pinwheel configuration.

the 2/ Increase Jumping Effort

■ Focus on just two or three skills in a session. Keep repetition to a minimum with a course design that incorporates bending lines, straight lines, and varying stride length.

■ Use verticals instead of crossrails and set up jumps that will allow you to ride to the fence in both directions. This saves inventory and setup time as well as space.

■ Use ground poles to add depth perception to help the horse see heights and distances.

■ Clever short course designs can allow you to practice different efforts while jumping over the same fence from either direction, giving you several different fences when you’ve only set up two or three.

■ “Make sure there is a safe approach to each fence and a safe landing, as well as enough space for

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PHOTO: SUSAN TINDER

Space with 3/ Maximize Proven Configurations

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turns between obstacles and the fence line or wall,” Susan says. She suggests a series of space-saving configurations including one that allows you to incorporate the centerline with an approach from the short end of the small arena. With a wider arena, the approach could be from the long side. When the ring is too narrow to accommodate a centerline jump, there are many options to create an interesting pattern.

■ U, V, W, Y-shaped, dog leg, and pinwheel configurations can allow flexibility and maximize the space.

Three or four obstacles can be set up in a U configuration and allow for as When the ring is too narrow to accommany as eight jumping modate a centerline jump, there are approaches. A V-shaped many options for creating an interesting configuration gives options pattern. for changing the diagonal.

You can build a line off of some of the elements in a W-shaped configuration that is set horizontally across the arena. A Y shape “gives you two single fences, one off either lead so you can practice changing to/from both directions.” And of course the dog leg takes advantage of a jump space by setting two jumps next to one another at angles to minimize “dead space.”

■ The pinwheel is by far the most clever and simple configuration that maximizes one central jump area, setting the jumps in an X configuration. Some of the turns are reverse or rollbacks for more advanced horses and riders. The closer they are set together, the tighter the turns.

1

4

7

3

6

and Walk 4/ Set the Course

PHOTO: SUSAN TINDER

■ After you determine the track or tracks that will allow you to practice the skills you want to work on, set the outside lines first on the perimeter of the arena so that you can easily move them inward, if necessary.

■ Put the poles in place, bringing out only those you intend to use. Set up standards then place the top pole in place at the height you are planning.

■ A smaller arena can naturally cause a horse to shorten their stride

2

5

The pinwheel is by far the most clever and simple configuration that maximizes one central jump area, setting the jumps in an X configuration. Some of the turns are reverse or rollbacks for more advanced horses and riders. The closer they are set together, the tighter the turns.

as jumps and walls come up pretty fast in a confining space. Make sure you have the optimum count for strides between fences. Distances are very important in a small space and “you have less time on the long sides or diagonal to get your horse straight to the jumps. Fences and lines set on the diagonal will most likely have

sharper angles to them,” says Susan.

Courses placed in a small space often need to be set on a 10' to 11' average stride length rather than the standard 12' foot stride to ride comfortably.

■ Mini courses for small arenas are more like gymnastic exercises than anything else. But you can also add fill to jumps to make them seem more

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like those you will see at a show. Keep in mind that 8' wide jumps may be easy to construct with just poles, but any fill such as gates, flower boxes, or hurdles you purchase will generally be 10' to 12' and will not fit under 8' poles. If you plan to add filler to your 8' wide jumps, you will probably have to build them to size yourself.

the Course 5/ Break into Segments

When you have a full course you want to practice, and don’t have the space, you can still set up segments for working on specific skills. “When you go out to school on the flat or over jumps you ought to have a plan.

So let’s say you lose impulsion in the warm-up and you want to work on that. I would do a lot of circle work and make sure you’re on the outside rein and have impulsion from the back. Set up maybe three jumps and work on coming out of a corner,“ Susan suggests. Or you may want to construct a jump course that will allow you to practice a bending line.

“Say the course diagram has eight jumps on it but you’ve only got room

“SAY THE COURSE DIAGRAM HAS EIGHT JUMPS ON IT BUT YOU’VE ONLY GOT ROOM FOR THREE OR FOUR. SET UP AN EXERCISE WITH THE EQUIPMENT YOU HAVE (AND SPACE YOU HAVE) AND PRACTICE THE BENDING LINE WITH TWO JUMPS OFFSET. MOVE ON THE NEXT DAY TO THE NEXT PART OF THE COURSE.” SUSAN TINDER/

/

for three or four. Set up an exercise with the equipment you have (and space you have) and practice the bending line with two jumps offset.

Move on the next day to the next part of the course.

Utilize the poles more. “You don’t need to just jump around a course.

You can pretty much practice every skill you need with poles on the ground. The majority of people are probably not going to jump over 3’ and the skills that are more important are the ones between jumps—managing the pace, being able to steer, picking a focal point to ride to—you don’t have to have jumps for that. If you have eight short poles you can lay them down in the arena, and if you can canter a course of poles, you’ll be surprised at how much easier it is when you’re actually jumping!”

Take Care of 6/ Inventory and Footing

With a shorter course design in a small space, you’ll be riding over the same ground multiple times.

“It doesn’t take very long before there are ruts in the footing or it gets packed down in front of the jumps,” Susan says, so plan to move the jumps around after a couple of rides. Also, do not leave poles on the ground; bank them against the walls of the indoor arena or anywhere they can be off the ground when not in use, and out of the way.

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EL ARE UPPER-LGEVASKED IN EVENTERS BEO T? TO GO TO FAS

BY C HRI STI N A KEIM

PHO PH OT TO OS S BY AK K DR RA AGO GOO P PH H HOT OTOG OT TOG OG RA RAPH PHY

he required speeds on cross-country for the preliminary, intermediate and advanced levels have remained unchanged for nearly 50 years—520 meters per minute at preliminary, 550 at intermediate, and 570 at advanced. In order to come over the finish line without incu urring tim me faults, horse and rider have to average these speeds around the entire course. Riders routinely slow down for sections where fences require a collected gait, such as banks or water, and maintain a gallop over single fences seet at wider distan nces. 

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But some eventing experts are questioning whether the required speeds are still appropriate given the increasingly technical demands of modern courses.

U.S. Eventing Association (USEA) Hall of Fame inductee Denny Emerson, who began his eventing career in 1961, is amongst the most outspoken on this subject. “Courses back then were nothing like they are now,” says Emerson. “The courses were straightforward, and horses could read the questions being asked from a long way away. These speeds were designed for courses where horses got into a gallop mode and stayed there.”

In spite of the fact that many changes to the cross-country phase have already been implemented with the intention of increasing horse and rider safety, accidents involving serious injury and death still occur at the upper levels with all too common frequency. Emerson feels that one change that has been overlooked is the option to reduce required speeds on cross-country by 20 meters per minute at each level—reducing them to 500 meters per minute at preliminary, 530 at intermediate, and 550 for advanced.

“It seems logical that slowing down would decrease rotational falls,” says Emerson. “Courses are not the same, so why should the speeds be?”

NOW AND THEN: A MODERN PERSPECTIVE A decade ago, the sport of eventing changed radically when the long format event became obsolete. The removal of roads and tracks and steeplechase from the endurance day meant that course designers were tasked with creating tracks that could still challenge competitors but did not require the land space necessary for long format. As a result, “course design became more tricky,” says Emerson. “They added more narrows, combinations, and extremely angled fences. Courses became harder to make time on. Riders theoretically could go slow, but you couldn’t go slow and win.”

Emerson contends that the culture of the sport of eventing was completely changed with the shift from long format to short format to the point that they require completely different sets of skills. “In long format, 56

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there was nearly one hour and 20 minutes of riding [on endurance day],” says Emerson. “Now, it is 13 minutes of activity. Eventing is no longer an endurance sport, it is a technical sport. Some say that the sport has evolved, but I would say that they have changed one sport for another. It is the same as the difference between a marathon and a five-mile run.”

Doug Payne is a current FEI eventing competitor who also holds USEF “r” eventing and technical delegate licenses. Payne feels that current required speeds are much quicker than the original founders intended and cause riders to take excessive risks. “These speeds were established in a time where the jumping efforts were generally more spread out with far less technical combinations,” says Payne. “These combinations force riders to slow down for significant lengths of time, creating a need to jump the ‘let up’ fences at a faster speed than would have been required in the past.”

Emerson says that when riders must go too fast at fences to make up for lost time, a certain percentage are going to miss, hit the fence, and rotate. “People are going to risk going fast in order to win,” says Emerson.

Not everyone feels that current speeds are unreasonable, given proper experience. FEI eventer and current USEA Top Five Leaderboard rider Michael Pollard feels that the required speeds are appropriate, but that riders must use discretion in how they ride their courses. “I will go as fast as I can go and still be safe; that may change given the horse,” says Pollard. “[Going fast] is

NEED FOR INCREASED EQUINE HEALTH RESEARCH PROMPTS USEA TO HELP FUNDRAISE

AT THE 2013 U.S. EVENTING ASSOCIATION (USEA) Annual Meeting, it was announced that the starter fee would increase by $1 per entry in 2014, with the funds collected being allocated for equine health research. According to a December 2013 USEA press release, “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.”

The USEA has partnered with the Morris Animal Foundation (MAF), which is one of the largest organizations responsible for funding companion animal and equine health research initiatives in the United States, to administer this program.

Katherine Cooper, an eventer, USEF technical delegate, and USEA Board of Governors member, became involved with the partnership early in the process, and in fact, was one of a group of donors who helped provide just over $11,000 in seed money for the initiative.

In addition, over $10,000 was donated from the Amy Tryon Memorial Fund, in recognition of the Olympian’s dedication to the health and well-being of her animals.

Cooper reports that the program has been well received.

These funds will be available to support projects like the ongoing USEA Cardiopulmonary Research Study.

Former USEA President Kevin Baumgardner was also instrumental in bringing the initial funding proposal to the leadership of the USEA. In an article published in the Horse Journal, Baumgardner says, “There is a shocking gap in basic equine medical research, and this would not only be a great way to help close it, but it would also be a way to further inoculate our sport against attack from well-meaning but uninformed people and organizations who do not understand our deep concern for our horses’ welfare, particularly at times when accidents happen and we get bad press.”

In addition, the USEA has challenged other equestrian organizations to follow suit. If the major discipline organizations under the USEF all made a similar motion, nearly $800,000 additional research dollars could be raised annually for equine health related studies.

It is estimated that in 2014, more than $40,000 will be raised by the USEA for equine medical research as a result of this initiative.

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« With the addition of more difficult fences, such as this narrow with no groundline, courses have become more technically advanced while still forcing the riders to maintain a high-speed gallop.

These are the people who understand the nuances involved at this level.”

Pollard says that even a coach-to-coach conversation could be helpful. “This is a tight community,” says Pollard. “If someone saw one of my riders riding inappropriately, I would want to know about it. Honestly, we just don’t do that sort of thing enough.” a matter of judgment and the skill of the horse and rider in question.

Higher-level horses should be able to adjust. Riders must balance their ability to go fast with being able to see a distance and balance their horse appropriately.”

In fact, Pollard feels that lowering the required speeds on cross-country may just make the problem worse.

“I think sometimes people go fast because they are scared,” says Pollard.

“Lowering the speeds is not going to reduce their fear.”

UNSAFE AT ANY SPEED? One of the complexities involved in competing at the upper levels of eventing is that going fast is part of the equation, and so riders must learn how to safely and appropriately handle their horses while traveling quickly and negotiating obstacles. As this is a learned skill, there clearly will be times when novice riders make mistakes.

“Everyone has been marginally qualified at some point in their life,” says Payne. “It’s a fact. Experienced as well as inexperienced riders alike are tempted to take chances to make up for lost time, leading to accidents.”

Pollard also points out that some fences are designed to be jumped from a faster speed, and coming to them too slowly actually poses an increased risk. “The worst falls I have seen have been rotational falls at a slow speed, because the rider does not get thrown clear,” says Pollard.

“I believe that it is the quality of the

riding that is at issue, not the speed.”

Riders who are deemed to be riding dangerously or in a reckless manner may be reprimanded by the ground jury and even be issued “yellow cards,” which serve as warnings. However, riders who are riding dangerously due to lack of experience or preparation might be better served with an educational intervention.

“I don’t think the yellow card/ Dangerous Riding system is effective,” says Payne. “I think both are seen as punitive measures exacted by officials in the ivory tower. People want to win, and in order to do so you have to take chances, especially with the current conditions.”

“There is lots of scary riding,” says Pollard. “This is not a new problem.

Officials have enough to do with inspecting courses and ensuring safety in that regard, so I am not sure they are the right personnel to set riders down. It can be hard as a competitor, because you cannot always watch other riders. But more must be done—if we see people riding outside of their comfort zone, we need to help.”

Pollard feels that it is primarily the role of riders’ coaches to educate their riders, but it is also a responsibility of those who are leaders in the sport. “We have lots of institutional knowledge,” says Pollard. “For example, the Young Rider coach in each area is a good resource. We also have a Developing Rider coach, David [O’Connor, U.S. Eventing Team Coach], and others who are involved with High Performance.

CHANGE: OR ELSE? Much has been said on the topic of increasing the safety of horses and riders competing in the sport of eventing, particularly at the upper levels. But in spite of many changes, falls incurring serious injury or death to horse and rider still occur. And with every fall being highly publicized via the Internet, concern regarding the longevity of the sport of eventing continues to rise.

“Upper-level eventing has become one of the most dangerous sports in the world,” says Emerson. “If you had as many deaths in football or baseball per capita, they would shut them down until the leadership had figured out a way to stop it. No one comes home from a dressage show and says, ‘it was a good day, no one died.’ Yet when you go into the starting gate at these big events, there is a realistic chance of death. We need to keep trying to figure out solutions.”

“Every six to eight years it seems like there is a bout of bad luck where we see more horses and riders hurt,” says Pollard. “It is bad for the sport.

I really don’t want to see the sport change; I like it how it is. But if we don’t come up with a solution where we can see more safe trips, we will see more dramatic change.”

Pollard predicts that eventing will turn toward an increasing use of frangible/deformable technology in the construction of cross-country fences.

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riding against the clock would encourage increased speed, but if riders were heavily penalized for knock downs, the faults could add up rather quickly,” says Pollard.

As a community, eventers have faced a great deal of change in their sport in the past 10 years and many are resistant to further modifications. However, when it comes to slowing speeds, Payne feels that a trial period would be worth considering, even if it affects how much weight is assigned to the cross-country phase. “[With slower speeds], the crosscountry phase would have a lesser influence over the final placings, especially in ideal weather and footing conditions,” says Payne. “While few like change, I don’t think it’s such a bad thing if it has the potential to reduce the temptation for riders to take on undue risk.”

Emerson admits that he

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With every fall being highly publicized via the Internet, concern regarding the longevity of the sport of eventing continues to rise. »

doesn’t know if lowering speeds will help to reduce horse and rider falls.

However, he points out that eventing leaders have tried a lot of other solutions that don’t seem to be working.

“We have already made the substantial change to eventing [by changing to short format], and now what we are doing is tinkering with the new sport to figure out how we can make it safer,” says Emerson. “Eventing now requires a different kind of horse and a different kind of mental and physical preparation. We can’t not change the sport and expect for things to change in terms of safety. We need to keep trying to figure out solutions.”

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BY KANDACE YORK

PHOTOS: ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/ PAMELAJANE; (FACING PAGE) AK DRAGOO PHOTOGRAPHY

HEADING OFF TO COLLEGE? You’vve probably alreadyy heard d about the notorious “freshman 15,”” referring to the number of pounds that some students gain during their first year on campus. This month, two fitn ness experts and an equestrian drill teaam coach discuss proper fitnesss and nutrition that will help prevent you from packing on the pounds.

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Your Yo urr fitne n ss s lev e el hass a dire di r ct eff re ffectt on ny you ourr ho hors rse’ e’ss p rforma pe manc nce, e, B Bri ridg dget et Brad aden en,, of B Bio ioRi Ride derr Fi Fitn tness, says sa ys.. “W “Whe hen n a ri r de der is fit and an d ba bala lanc nced e , communiccation ti on with the horse beco come mess a liittle bit easie er, ra and nd tthe he horse can do o iits ts w wor ork k we well l .””

»

There’s some controversy about the concept of the freshman 15—some experts say it’s only a few pounds, others say it may be 20 pounds or more—but one thing is clear. College is a time of big changes, and you’re going to be in charge of things that you may have never thought about before.

Your fitness is one of them.

» WHY IT MATTERS

Higher academic standards, heavier assignment loads, and shorter timeframes than high school are just the start of changes you’ll notice in college.

There’s also the pressure of settling into your dorm or apartment, getting along with your roommates, budgeting your living expenses, and getting to class on time—without mom there giving you a dire minute-by-minute countdown.

“College is a really big transition,” Lindsay Wetzel Polin says. “Students are balancing both academic and social activities in their daily lives.”

Wetzel Polin is the physical activity and nutrition health educator at the University of California (UC), Davis, campus, where she works at the university’s Student Health and Counseling Services.

Taking care of yourself has immediate advantages, she says. “By staying healthy, you’ll have more energy. You’ll be in a better mood and you’ll sleep better, too, so you’ll be able to cope more easily with the stress of academics.”

Decades of research back up her comments. Study after study has indicated that the human brain works better and faster, with lower levels of stress, when it’s in a fit body.

Scientists think this is because the same “pipelines” that feed your body also feed your mind, and exercise triggers your brain’s release of neurotransmitters that regulate a slew of functions. These affect everything from your mood and energy levels to how rationally you solve problems (think college-level algebra).

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TIPS FROM THE PROS

YOU LIKE

Going to college doesn’t need to mean leaving your horse behind. Dr. Betsy Greene, of the University of Vermont, has dual experience as a former collegiate rider—“about a hundred years ago,” she laughs—and as the university’s current equestrian drill team coach.

“As a college student, I never looked at it as trying to fit something ‘extra’ into my life,” she says. “I would say I was running to the barn, both for the mental stress release and the physical activity, even when arena schedules meant that riding lessons were at 6:00 a.m.”

Today, she sees college students enjoying the same benefits of contact with horses, and the University of Vermont offers some interesting opportunities. “In addition to our dressage team, our equestrian team and our drill team, we have the Horse Barn Co-op, where students bring their horses to school with them and earn college credit for professionally managing a horse barn.”

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In other words, you’re likely to have an easier time with your studies, and feel like you have more time—and more fun—when you stay fit and healthy.

» FIND SOMETHING

COLLEGIATE EQUESTRIAN ACTIVITIES

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Exercise is just one half of being fit and healthy, nutrition is the other half, and it’s an area where college students can often stumble.

As a horseperson, you may not have thought much about fitness because it just “happened” with those long hours of stall-cleaning, trail riding, or competing in the show ring.

In college, though, these activities might be farther away, and even if you are an equine major, you may have dramatically less time than in the past. Wetzel Polin has a simple solution: find something else you like that bridges that gap.

“It doesn’t have to mean an hour in the gym,” she says. “Go on a walk, or walk or bike to class instead of driving. If you do drive to class, park farther away from the building.” It’s the same principle you use when cross-training your horse, only now you’re doing it for yourself.

Both the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the American Heart Association (AHA) recommend that adults—that’s you now—participate in 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity at least five days per week.

Good non-equine choices include brisk walking, water aerobics, and bicycling (slower than 10 miles per

hour). Mix in some more vigorous activities a couple times a week, like swimming laps, hiking uphill, or jumping rope, and you’ll have a good fitness regimen.

Wetzel Polin has high praise for UC Davis when it comes to student fitness. “The culture here is that many students ride bikes. We have recreation centers and pools for the students. We have physical activity maps that direct students to local parks and trails. We try to make it easy for them.”

» WORK IT IN,

WORK IT OUT

UC Davis takes a 10-10-10 approach to fitness, Wetzel Polin says: three, 10-minute sessions of exercise every day. “There’s some really good research behind these 10-minute chunks of exercise, three times a day.

We call it ‘work it in, work it out.’”

When one session focuses on strength, one on aerobics and one on flexibility, your day will include the three components of basic fitness.

Even if you’re not able to include all three types of exercise, though, something is better than nothing. Simple choices, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator or using class breaks for walks instead of Snapchatting your friends the whole time, will help you stay alert and focused.

About 500 miles south of UC Davis, Bridget Braden suggests a similar

PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/ SAM74100

“Seek out the health and fitness resources at your school,” Lindsay Wetzel Polin of UC Davis suggests.

You might be surprised by the resources your school offers; UC Davis, for example, offers an on-campus farmer’s market and an on-staff dietitian who offers cooking classes, online recipes, and grocery-shopping tips.

“And remember, everything in moderation. We try not to lecture students about what not to do, but instead we help them make healthier choices.”

Don’t stress about being away from your horse for a semester or worry about whether you’ll be able to “catch up” on all your missed riding time; it will be OK. Bridget Braden says that adult riders often have an easier time returning to riding after an absence than young riders would. “Younger kids don’t have mature muscles, so they don’t have the same muscle memory as someone who’s been riding for a long time.”

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“

It doesn’t have to mean an hour in the gym. Go on a walk, or walk or bike to class instead of driving.

If you do drive to class, park farther away from the building.”

LINDSAY WETZEL POLIN

approach: 20 minutes of exercise in the morning and another 20 minutes at night. She owns BioRider Fitness in Escondido, CA, offering fitness programs customized for riders. “You love to ride,” she says, “and you’ll stay fit to do something you love.”

Most colleges have student recreation centers at little or no extra cost, and she recommends that you use them. Forty-five minutes in a pool once a week will do wonders, Braden says, especially if you have joint issues. Mix in an occasional 15 minutes on a bike, elliptical or rowing machine; or even jump rope or do some jumping jacks (remember those?).

» NUTRITION

MATTERS, TOO

PHOTO: COURTESY OF BIORIDER FITNESS

Both Braden and Wetzel Polin emphasize that exercise is just one half of fitness; nutrition is the other half, and it’s an area where college life often stumbles.

Pizza. Beer. Vending machines.

Macaroni and cheese. Ramen noodles. These may be staple items in a college student’s cupboard, but they’ll kill your energy and focus.

Braden adds that it isn’t just what you eat that makes a difference, but also how much and how often. “I see a lot of riders not eating enough or not eating often enough, and then your body starts storing all that as fat.” This slows your metabolism and makes it even harder for you to burn calories.

“There are so many opportunities for those who seek them out,” Dr. Betsy Greene says of the health/fitness and equestrian resources available to college students. “If you take the initiative, there are lots of opportunities there. I would encourage students, especially freshmen, to look for them.”

Avoid this with several small, healthy meals throughout the day—enough to keep you from getting ravenous.

She also suggests keeping healthy food and snacks in your room and your backpack so you’re less tempted to binge on the bad stuff. One quick fix? “Get a Magic Bullet,” she says, referring to small, single-serving blenders. “You can make healthy smoothies in just a couple minutes and take them with you.”

Another easy way to save time, money, and calories: drink water instead of sugary carbonated drinks (or worse, energy drinks). Keep a reusable water bottle nearby and fill it throughout the day, for free, at your

school’s drinking fountains.

And don’t underestimate the value of sleep. Those all-night cramming sessions before tests have been soundly proven as ineffective anyhow, so you’re better off studying in short, frequent sessions and making sure you get enough sleep at night so you wake up refreshed.

» THE FABLE VS. FITNESS

Although you may hear a lot about the fabled “freshman 15,” Braden says weight is really just one element of overall wellness. “I stress to my students that they shouldn’t worry so much just about weight—because it really is about fitness.”

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FABULOUS THERAPEUTIC HORSES

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ANIMALS HAVE AN UNCANNY ABILITY TO DEEPLY TOUCH THE PEOPLE AROUND THEM, perhaps none more than those engaged in therapy. Topping the list of favorites for the job are horses, which serve in a variety of therapeutic settings.

Equine-assisted therapy and activities benefit children and adults with special needs, whatever they may be. From physical and mental impediments to emotional and sensory issues, horses and humans come together to overcome obstacles. Not just any horse is up for the task; it takes a special equine to safely and patiently perform this important work.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF PATH INTERNATIONAL

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“

For me, this is the center of where my heart is with the horses. There is something truly beautiful and amazing about the connection between horses and humans. A horse will lend a part of itself to you to lift you up.”

-SAMANTHA VANSICKLE

THE RIGHT “MAN” FOR THE JOB

PHOTO: COURTESY OF STARFIRE GYPSY

What began as therapeutic horseback riding has over the years expanded into realms that include interactive vaulting, hippotherapy, equine-facilitated psychotherapy, equine-facilitated learning, and therapeutic carriage driving. Many facilities also offer support for diverse populations such as combat veterans and disadvantaged youth.

Think cognitive development, improved motor skills, emotional support, new levels of strength and balance, communication with people and animals, the joy of belonging, and a sense of responsibility. So what attributes does a horse need to foster all of this?

Probably the most critical piece of the puzzle is attitude. An equineassisted activities and therapy (EAAT) horse must be, without a doubt, patient, even-tempered, and unflappable. While many horses tend toward the flighty side, an EAAT horse must be a solid citizen in all situations.

“We look for horses that are kind, easy-going, and bombproof,” says PATH International (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International) Communications Coordinator, Cher Smith. Such a pleasant demeanor is often intrinsic to the individual horse.

While training techniques such as desensitization help create a steady equine partner, the horse also needs a

Horses have the ability to deeply touch those they come in contact with and make a difference in their day-to-day life.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

FOR AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT THE INS AND OUTS OF CHOOSING A HORSE FOR therapeutic settings, check out Lisa Wysocky’s new release, Therapy Horse Selection. A PATH International Certified Instructor, popular author and clinician, and one of American Riding Instructor’s Association “Top 50 Riding Instructors,” Wysocky considers every angle, from suitability for specific activities to all the basics, including temperament, conformation, age, size, and health. Also covered are details on prepurchase exams, donations, and leases.

Choosing the right horse for a program is crucial. “The horse is an equal partner in the therapeutic session,” explains Wysocky. “The horse has to like being a therapy horse, just as some people are accountants and other people are basketball players. If it’s a great fit for the horse, he’s going to give back a lot to the participant.”

quiet and kind personality to succeed in therapeutic work. “The highest quality we seek is gentleness,” explains Smith. “The people the horses work with have a lot of issues, needs, and demands, so the horses need to be gentle and mild-mannered.

No horse is ever 100% bombproof, but they do need to be desensitized fairly well.”

“One of the things we look for is a horse that has a low flightresponse—so a horse that is naturally not spooky and inquisitive when presented with a new situation,” says Samantha VanSickle, a Gypsy horse trainer who holds an Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy and Learning certification with Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association, Inc. (EAGALA).

“The reaction when presented with something new should be to stop and investigate, versus to run away.”

For some fields, such as interactive vaulting and therapeutic riding, a

sturdy horse is often best. “It doesn’t have to be a super-athlete, but up for slow, steady work at a slow, steady pace,” notes Smith. “Strong horses are needed for larger clients.”

Other interventions performed with unmounted participants that emphasize groundwork and bonding, however, function with horses of any size, such as therapeutic horsemanship and equine-assisted therapy. In fact, some therapies work best with smaller equines, such as partnering with a Miniature Horse for a reading session. “We like horses with a curiosity about humans, so they interact with participants and create a bond,” says Smith.

Other basic criteria necessary for EAAT horses are pretty obvious; most programs are unable to accommodate stallions, very young horses, horses with behavioral issues, and unsound horses.

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careers in their work with specialneeds individuals. For example, while an older horse may not be up for a career in high-intensity performance sports, therapy work may fit the bill.

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED While horses are creatures of habit, EAAT horses must be willing to go with the flow, unreactive to sudden changes in their environment. Pete Senn, Chair of the American Vaulting Association’s Adaptive Vaulting Committee, notes interactive vaulting horses must be even steadier than your average vaulting horse, which is already essentially bombproof. These horses must be exceptionally tolerant.

Inadvertent sounds and movements are part of the normal routine. “The horses need to be able to adapt to different weight, balance, moving, shifting, unexpected sounds, and sudden movements,” notes Smith.

Therapy programs cater to many clients and enlist the aid of many volunteers. “The horses must be able to adjust to different riders and handlers,” explains Smith.

Surrounding the horse at any time could be the client, a person leading the horse, the instructor, and a sidewalker on either side of the horse.

In addition, horses must tolerate gear around them, such as mounting ramps and lifts, wheelchairs, and braces, in addition to items used in play, such as balls, bean bags, and obstacles.

MATCHING HORSES WITH JOBS Programs often need new equine recruits, and you may have a horse perfectly suited for this line of work, whether you are interested in having your horse provide “community service hours” with a nearby group or you are considering donating your horse to a therapeutic program.

For many, donating a horse can be a win-win situation: a center gains a valuable equine-partner, an owner finds the perfect situation for their horse, and the horse finds a wonderful home with meaningful work. Do your homework to decide if therapy is a suitable career for your horse, and look around at centers to find the right fit.

Handing your horse over can be daunting. “For those donating to a PATH International center, they can 70

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PATH International Equine of the Year, Valentino, during his early desensitization training.

A TWO-WAY STREET

SOMETIMES INTERVENTION BENEFITS THE HORSE AS MUCH—OR MAYBE EVEN more—than the riders. Such was the case for Valentino, a Tennessee Walking Horse cross whose life trajectory went from complete abandonment to 2011 PATH International Equine of the Year.

Valentino began his therapeutic career when an equine rescue group stepped in after he had been left neglected and alone in a pasture for over a year. He was eventually adopted by Therapeutic Animal Partners in Spring Hill, TN, where he’s now a master at therapeutic riding, interactive vaulting, and equineassisted therapies.

“Horses usually come to therapeutic riding after they’ve had another career.

We found that Valentino not only didn’t know how to relate to people, he didn’t know how to relate to other horses,” tells Lisa Wysocky, who donated Valentino to the center. He began by spending time in a paddock with an older gelding, where he could see human-human interaction and human-horse interaction. “He turned into a very thoughtful horse. He’s very intelligent. Valentino does it all and is always so spot-on.”

A barn favorite of both clients and staff alike, Valentino is a rock of the center’s program. “Valentino had special needs, and when the center adopted him, he was able to help special needs kids,” comments Smith. “We have amazing stories every year of horses that partner with us and turn people’s lives around.”

feel very confident that their horse is going to be well-cared for and in a very safe environment,” remarks Smith. “PATH International has standards for our industry—for not only participants, centers, and instructors, but also for equines.”

If you’re interested in offering your horse for occasional therapy duties while you maintain ownership, opportunities exist to work with an existing group. VanSickle partners with Easter Seals, whose clients visit Starfire Gypsy’s training facility twice a month, giving participants the opportunity to watch demonstrations and interact with VanSickle’s horses.

VanSickle notes that individuals

interested in donating time with their horses are generally best matched with an unmounted program that emphasizes interaction between humans and horses. “Every program is different,” she says. “Meet with some groups—find out what they offer and what their needs are. Watch a session and meet the clients.”

WHERE THE HEART IS “For me, this is the center of where my heart is with the horses,” comments VanSickle. “There is something truly beautiful and amazing about the connection between horses and humans. A horse will lend a part of itself to you to lift you up.”

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Equine Journal Advertorial

HOLIDAY WISH LIST

OUR HOLIDAY WISH LIST Whether looking for a holiday gift for horse, rider, or trainer, here are a few items that everyone on your shopping list are guaranteed to enjoy.

EquiFit BellyBand Professional’s Choice Quilted Dressage Pads Go for a glamorous look with one of these three tastefully embellished dressage pads by Professional’s Choice. Choose from a crystal, patent leather, or glitter trim to find a style that speaks to you. These pads feature a striking quilted exterior, and a soft, bushed cotton underside that’s comfortable against your horse’s skin and quickly wicks away sweat.

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The EquiFit BellyBand helps protect and guard against spur rubs and sores around your horse’s girth and sides. This invaluable necessity is made with breathable, non-neoprene elastic that offers full-coverage protection. Adjustable Velcro® girth loops are easy to put on and take off, and a reinforced safety closure ensures a secure fit. Also great for lesson horses or ones that get dull to the leg.

Available in black. Sizes: cob, horse, oversize.

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HOLIDAY WISH LIST

Equine Journal Advertorial

AND NOW, OUR GIFT TO YOU‌ Find the rocking horse (pictured above), which is hidden within one of the advertisements in the pages of our Gift Guide, and enter to win an Equine Journal Prize Pack.

Griffinbrook’s Equine-Inspired Leather Bracelets Beautiful, colorful leather bracelets for Christmas! Padded or not, all come with a brass plate engraved to your liking, and all are under $20! This is a great gift idea for kids and adults alike.

Available in many different color combinations, these engraved bracelets make a lasting memory that truly personalize any holiday gift. Get them at griffinbrook.com.

Please send a letter or email with your name, address, and phone number and specify which ad you spotted the rocking horse in. Winners will be drawn December 29 and be notified shortly after.

All entries must be received by December 29.

EMAIL ENTRIES TO: editorial@equinejournal.com MAIL ENTRIES TO: Equine Journal Contest, 83 Leicester Street, North Oxford, MA 01537

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Gift Guide

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Gift Guide

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TRAVEL p. 77 | FASHION p. 81 | FITNESS p. 82 | COLLECTING THOUGHTS p. 83

equestrian

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lifestyle TRAVEL The Th e Je Jers rsey y Frre esh h Intter erna rna nati t on ti nall Thre Th Thre reee Da Day Ev Day Eve Even en nt is one ne o off th the e Horse Ho rsse Pa Park rk of Ne rk New w Je J rssey e ’ss bigg bi gges gg est ev es ev ven ents en tss of th he ye y ar. arr.

PHOTO: SHANNON BRINKMAN

Horse Park of New Jersey Galloping Through the Garden State

BY JANE CARLTON

THE SOPRANOS, THE SHORE, AND The Boss himself—New Jersey is home to top pop-cultural phenomena. But the Garden State’s lesser-known attractions can be just as iconic, like the Horse Park of New Jersey, located just an hour outside of Philadelphia, PA. The park boasts six rings, a cross-country course, and permanent stabling, and holds many events throughout the year, from the prestigious Jersey Fresh Horse Trials to local schooling shows.

Notable towns such as Trenton, Princeton, and Lambertville flank the charming Allentown. With just a

short drive, endless restaurants, activities, shops, and attractions await. If you prefer to stay closer to the Horse Park, wind your way down country roads and take in the beautiful fall colors before winter sets in. Around town, there are quaint diners and shops to fill an afternoon, as well as local museums and wineries to entertain.

While people may well have heard of Allentown, PA, (Billy Joel included), Allentown, NJ, is worth getting to know, too. The area is so inviting, you may want to plan a visit, whether you’re traveling with an equine or going solo.

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equestrian lifestyle TRAVEL

WHERE TO STAY

HAMPTON INN & SUITES ROBBINSVILLE Less than 15 minutes away from the Horse Park, this hotel chain offers affordable prices, comfortable rooms, and ease of mind.

What more could you ask for? hamptoninn. hilton.com CHIMNEY HILL ESTATE INN What do you get when you combine the love of farm animals with a lush bed and breakfast?

Perfection. This estate has a beautiful hotel and a working alpaca farm, so it’s the perfect place for a horse-lover. chimneyhillinn.com [ABOVE] Noah Brody, Claire Karpen, and Andy Grotelueschen in Into the Woods and [TOP] Sigourney Weaver and David Hyde Pierce in Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike at the McCarter Theatre Center. [RIGHT] Enjoy a comfortable stay at Peacefields Inn Bed and Breakfast.

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WHERE TO EAT

GENNARO’S PIZZERIA Offering a traditional Italian menu, this

PHOTOS: (LEFT, TOP AND BOTTOM) T. CHARLES ERICKSON

PEACEFIELDS INN BED AND BREAKFAST This picturesque inn has everything perfect for a fall getaway: a beautiful country setting, luxurious amenities, and fireplaces to cozy up to. There’s even a room named November, so it’s certainly the place to be. peacefieldsinn.com

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equestrian lifestyle TRAVEL

authentic restaurant specializes in mouthwatering pizzas. There are seemingly endless options, so be sure to arrive with an open mind—and stomach. gennarospizzeria.com

WHAT TO DO

WOODY’S TOWNE CAFÉ Enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner from this oldfashioned spot in town.

Customers love the delicious menu and walletfriendly prices.

609-259-5722

OLD BARRACKS MUSEUM As the last remaining British military barracks in North America, this museum in the state’s capital is highly educational—and fun—for children and adults alike. barracks.org

AMERICANA DINER This diner is anything but!

Only 20 minutes away from the Horse Park, this restaurant is known for an upscale-yet-simple menu that will satisfy every palate. americanadiner.com

WORKING DOG WINERY For the adults, a trip to this small, delicious winery is a perfect way to enjoy the flavors of fall. workingdogwinerynj.com

MCCARTER THEATRE CENTER Enjoy an array of mesmerizing performances at this renowned cultural center.

Be sure to check out the calendar for November, as there are many opportunities to see top-notch work. mccarter.org

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equestrian lifestyle FASHION

Baby, It’s Cold Outside e

Fashion Turns Up the Heat

BY JENNIFER ROBERTS

WINTER WEATHER SHOULDN’T MAKE YOU WANT TO HIBERNATE. This month we take a look at some hot winter fashions that will warm your heart as you step out into the sub-zero climate.

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[1] Belvedere Jacket ($285.00) A dash of faux fur elevates this jacket to full on fun. MountainHorseUSA.com [2] Kerrits Button Knit Hat ($22.95) Put a lid on it with this great brimmed beanie. Kerrits.com [3] Herringbone Wool Scarf by Faribault Mill ($60.00) This subtle knit uses simplicity to give a standard look to a noteworthy outfit. faribaultmill.com [4] Solstice Waterproof Leather Boots ($199.95) These incredibly versatile boots are just as perfect for barn chores as they are for around town as fashionable, functional footwear.

SmartPakEquine.com [5] Darn Tough Hiking Boot Sock Full Cushion ($22.00) You have 10 toes…let’s keep it that way with these cozy socks. DarnTough.com [6] Heritage Extreme Winter Gloves ($39.95) Waterproof and touchscreen compatible, these are a whole new class of gloves. HeritageGloves.com [7] Gersemi Freja Knee Patch Ladies Winter Breeches ($298.00) Regulating temperature technology keeps you warm…but sweat free. Gersemi.se November 2014

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equestrian lifestyle HEALTH & FITNESS

Hip Hop p

BY BRIDGET BRADEN

» are supposed to be even from left to right; this stabilizes them, and also levels the pelvis. » Muscles surrounding the joints activate to produce reliable stability for the hips. » Kicking has the ability to open the joint naturally by activating the muscles around the hip. But instead of coming toward the core, the leg is extending away.

Warm Up the Hips Practicing these different kicks will increase the range of motion of your hips. If you’ve never done this before, start slow. We are training to protect them.

» Do a set of three different kicks before you ride. Do 10 kicks to each direction in a rhythm.

[1] Side kick k (Like a kickboxing kick)

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[2] Front kick k (Like you’re busting through a door) [3] Back kick k (straight back with heel)

Why Kicking?

Kicking is recommended above all because of the movement away from the body and the required balance on the opposing leg.

Most of the time, if not all the time, one side of the rider has an easier time kicking than the other. Right away, that says we have uneven hip stability.

As you kick, the opposite hip must find alignment and stabilize through the duration of the kicks.

Usually the weaker hip cannot hold the balance and the opposite hip has a harder time moving away from the core or kicking. This says that the rider is holding her stability in that tighter hip in the saddle.

The pelvis will follow and become uneven on the horse and this usually is described by riders as having a good side versus a bad side. The first step for that rider to change this imbalance is to do warm-up exercises before getting into the saddle. Trigger the stability on the ground (evenly on both sides) before asking the hips to work on a horse. Use kicking as one of the exercises for the warm-up and make sure that you are doing the same number of repetitions on each side.

Training Trick: Test your stability in the hip by pausing before you kick out!

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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, California.

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PHOTO: (TOP) ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/TAYLORHUTCHENS; (BOTTOM) COURTESY OF BIORIDER FITNESS

THE HIPS ARE ALWAYS WORKING IN THE SADDLE. They are put under a lot of stress, which is why we should focus on them in our fitness.

The hip joint is protected by four ligaments that can be stretched to improve mobility, and strengthened to become more stable. They can also easily become very short and tight, which is why it is important to warm up the hips before getting in the saddle. If they are tight, it can cause leg, back, core, or even neck pain.

Kick Start Those Hips!

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equestrian lifestyle COLLECTING THOUGHTS Background: I am the director of the

Lorna Young On Living in the Moment

Southern Vermont Therapeutic Riding Center in Newfane, VT, and grew up on a large horse farm in New Hampshire. I was a member of 4-H and pony club. I showed, taught, and evented through my teen years.

After high school I went to the Pacific Horse Center in California and then Cheff Center in Michigan to train to become a therapeutic riding instructor way back in 1977.

I’ve started three programs over the years in New Hampshire, North Carolina, and Vermont, all the while continuing to teach.

The Person Who Influenced Me the Most: My mother, Liz Young. She ran the farm, took care of her family, taught lessons, rode, and took us all to shows while my father worked around the country for his job. She taught me my basic horse knowledge, how to be an effective instructor, and how to have a great work ethic.

Favorite Horse: That’s a hard one...they all are, as they’ve taught me different things. Maybe Virginia Dare, a buckskin mare.

Lucky Charm: I don’t have one that I know of.

Most Memorable Moments: Having my children.

Guilty Pleasure: Reading in bed with nothing to do.

When I’m Not Teaching, I Like to: Spend time with my children, grandchildren, boyfriend, and parents, and to exercise and hike.

Best Piece of Teaching Advice: Keep learning and be open to new ideas.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF SOUTHERN VERMONT THERAPEUTIC RIDING CENTER

Why I Teach Therapeutic Riding: I teach therapeutic riding as it fulfills me. When I’m stressed, it relaxes me as I’m so focused on the rider, the horse, and what is happening at that moment I forget everything else. Even after more than 30 years of teaching, I love to see the relationship between horse and human and how the movement of the horse brings such joy to so many people.

If I Knew Then What I Know Now: I’d take things slower, think things through, and be more observant of my surroundings.

Last book I Read: Zen Mind, Zen Horse by Allan Hamilton.

Favorite Saying: If a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn.

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INDUSTRY WIDE AFFILIATES p. 89 | HUNTER/JUMPER p. 95 | EVENTING p. 101 | DRESSAGE p. 105 DRIVING p. 109 | WESTERN p. 113 | DISTANCE RIDING/TRAIL p. 117 | MORGAN p. 119 | ARABIAN p. 123 QUARTER HORSE p. 128 | BAROQUE p. 130 | BREED AFFILIATES p. 132

news & te affilia s e t a d p u

the scoop Young Equestrian Receives Prestigious Award

FOURTEENyear-old Melissa Baumann was selected as one of five riders to receive The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.) Young Rider of the Year Award.

The award recognizes a rider Melissa M li Baumann received B i da 18 years of age T.I.P Young Rider of the Year or under who owns or Award on Dalahast. leases a Thoroughbred for use in 4-H, Pony Club, or other activities. Baumann is a working student at Fox Penny Farm in Windsor, VT, and leases the Thoroughbred, Dalahast, from her trainer Kelly Foster.

Baumann will use her T.I.P. award funds to maintain her lease on Dalahast.

New Inductees

PHOTO: (BOTTOM RIGHT) COURTESY OF STONELEIGH-BURNHAM SCHOOL

Glory Road is now enjoying a life serving veterans with Healing America’s Heroes.

Veteran Horses Give Back to the Community TWO VETERAN HORSES FROM WILLIAM WOODS UNIVERSITY (WWU) in Fulton, MO, Glory Road and Rampart, are in exciting new careers with the therapeutic program, Healing America’s Heroes (HAH). The nonprofit organization provides healing opportunities to veterans and their families and helps them enrich and create a meaningful quality of life.

“This is a win-win situation for our wonderful veteran equines, and for the soldiers who participate in the HAH program,” said WWU instructor Susie Ouderkirk.

Stoneleigh-Burnham School inducted four alumnae into the Equestrian Wall of Fame on Saturday, September 27. The Wall of Fame was created in 2010 to honor equestriennes who have made outstanding contributions to riding during their time at Stoneleigh-Burnham or in life thereafter.

The 2014 inductees are Margaret “Gigi” Altmiller McIntosh ’72, Alexandra Linscheid O’Toole ’03, Caroline Roffman ’06, and Alexandra Warriner ’90.

Gigi Altmiller McIntosh is one of the four inductees into the Stoneleigh-Burnham School’s 2014 Equestrian Wall of Fame.

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the scoop

Inaugural g Central Park Horse Show

Georgina Bloomberg rode Juvina to the win in the $210,000 Central Park Grand Prix. »

Shows off Great Talent in the Big Apple Juvina returned for round two carrying four faults. When Bloomberg jumped the second round course clear in 38.28 seconds, the pressure was on Jayne to stay on zero as the last entry to go, but an unlucky rail at the final fence tied up the faults. Jayne’s time of 38.81 seconds left him in second place as the victory landed in the hands of Georgina Bloomberg.

“She is absolutely the most talented horse I have ever sat on,” the rider said of her mount. “She is a dream come true, and I was so lucky to find her. I like her style. I like a horse with a little bit of a fight, and I like that she knows she is good and makes you work for it.”

September 20 featured an evening of beautiful dressage competition from some of the world’s best horses and riders.

Five-time Olympic Gold Medalist Isabell

Werth of Germany won the inaugural $40,000 Central Park Dressage Challenge, presented by The Axel Johnson Group, riding El Santo NRW. Also, The United States’ Steffen Peters brought his superstar mount Ravel out of retirement for one special freestyle, and Jan Ebeling retired his famous mare Rafalca after the duo had their final performance together.

It was an incredible night celebrating the beauty, grace, and power of dressage.

PHOTOS: (LEFT) DAVID HANDSCHUH; (RIGHT) KIT HOUGHTON

THE FIRST ANNUAL CENTRAL PARK Horse Show (CPHS), presented by Rolex, hosted its opening night in New York City’s Trump Rink on September 18. Twenty-three of the world’s best horses and riders jumped in the inaugural $210,000 Central Park Grand Prix CSI 3* with an exciting victory for New York’s own Georgina Bloomberg riding Juvina. The grand prix was televised live on NBC Sports Network as the first live primetime broadcast of equestrian sport on a major sports network.

The evening’s grand prix was held in a format where the top six entries returned for a jump-off. The winner was then determined by combined faults from both rounds with ties broken by the second round time.

Charlie Jayne, of Elgin, IL, was the only rider to clear the first round course without fault aboard Pony Lane Farm’s Valeska, while Bloomberg and Gotham Enterprizes’

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the scoop

World Equestrian q Games Highlight Athletes from Around the Globe THE 2014 WORLD EQUESTRIAN Games (WEG), held August 23 through September 7 in Normandy, France, showcased the best talent the world has to offer. Equestrians came from 76 nations to vie for eight Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) championships.

Some highlights include:

Jumping Dutchman Jeroen Dubbeldam earned the world champion title in stunning style by banking four clear rounds on four different horses. “It’s a dream,” said Dubbeldam.

“I’ve had a fantastic week here.”

Patrice Delaveau of France settled for a silver medal.

Beezie Madden of the United States had a fence down in each subsequent round and left with the bronze medal.

The Netherlands won Team Gold, and while the team finished ahead of the on-form French, the winners’ victory margin was a mere 1.25 penalties.

The United States clinched the bronze medal, finishing on 16.72 penalties.

Dressage

PHOTOS: FEI/ARND BRONKHORST/POOL PIC LIVEPIC

British dressage wonders Valegro and Charlotte Dujardin added the second world championship title to their collection. The pair won the Freestyle on a score of 92.161.

German Helen Langehanenberg and Damon Hill secured silver on 88.286 over Adelinde Cornelissen and Jerich Parzival of the Netherlands, who took bronze with an 85.714.

Germany earned the team world championship title on 241.7 points, leaving silver for Great Britain with a 231.343 point score and bronze for the Netherlands with 227.4 points.

Eventing Germany’s Sandra Auffarth was crowned Eventing World Champion, with her big chestnut Opgun Louvo leaving every show jump intact.

“I never dreamed that we could be double World Champions,” said Auffarth

[ABOVE] Jeroen Dubbeldam (center) celebrates individual gold in the Jumping final with Patrice Delaveau in silver and Beezie Madden in bronze.

[RIGHT] Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro on their way to winning gold in the Dressage Freestyle.

in reference to the fact that her performance also helped Germany to win team gold. “This is amazing and unbelievable.”

Reigning World Champion Michael Jung of Germany had to relinquish his crown to his teammate but he didn’t go home empty handed, instead adding individual silver to his team.

William Fox-Pitt collected team silver on Chili Morning for Great Britain, along with individual bronze.

The Netherlands took home bronze in the team competition.

Driving Australian Boyd Exell won the four-inhand driving world championship. He scored 125.83 to become world champion for the third time in a row. American Chester Weber earned the silver medal, and the Dutch loaded their carriages with gold, driving away from the WEG with their fourth team victory and bronze individual for Theo Timmerman. Twenty points in total behind, Germany earned Team Silver, and Hungary won bronze, their first WEG team medal ever.

Reining The United States conquered their fourth consecutive WEG Team Gold Medal. The

team, comprised of Mandy McCutcheon, Andrea Fappani, Jordan Larson, and Shawn Flarida, secured the spot with a final score of 677.5.

Belgium took home the silver medal, while Austria earned bronze.

United States riders also dominated the individual standings. Shawn Flarida, aboard Michelle Kimball’s Spooks Gotta Whiz, posted the highest score of the Individual Reining Final—a 229.5—to receive the gold medal. Andrea Fappani slid Custom Cash Advance to a silver medal with a score of 229. And Mandy McCutcheon wrote a chapter of the FEI Reining history book as being the first female individual medalist, earning bronze on Yellow Jersey with a 227.

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the scoop

Hoofbeats 4H Club

Members of the Hoofbeats 4H Club at a recent show.

Wraps up a Successful Year SUBMITTED BY PRISCILLA MCGILVRAY; PHOTO BY RUZZANO PHOTOGRAPHY

THE HOOFBEATS 4H CLUB OF Plymouth County, MA, has had a great, busy year. At the first meeting last year, the members voted to strive for the C.O.R.E. Award, a measure of balance in the Plymouth County 4H clubs. The award is given at four levels; a certificate for achieving under 100 points, then bronze, silver, and gold for each subsequent hundred points. Our club achieved gold status on our first year trying, so this year we hope to maintain that level, and are just about there!

During the later fall and winter months, we practiced at each meeting and participated in various contests at the county level. Horse judging, horse bowl, hippology, and visual presentations were well attended by our club.

The entire judging team for States was

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made up of our club. Plymouth County was well represented at both the Junior and Senior level in all subjects. Cara McGilvray is on her second year of a state team headed to the 4H National Horse Roundup in Lexington, KY, November 7-9.

September found us tracing our steps as we wrote down everything we did this year

and packed it into our 4H records. This really teaches us how the projects we have impact our lives, by measuring our time committed to the project, our community service activities, and the financial costs associated with our projects.

For information about the club, contact 781-293-3541 or Mvollmer@ umext.umass.edu.

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Norfolk Hunt Club Hits Trifecta With Fall Events SUBMITTED BY D.A. HAYDEN; PHOTOS BY KATHIE DAVENPORT

THREE TIMES THREE EQUALS success for the Norfolk Hunt Club.

Three events—the Norfolk Hunt Field Hunter Show on September 7, Polo In The Country on September 14, and the Westport Hunter Pace on September 21, launched the fall season for Norfolk. And three key constituencies—riders, spectators and volunteers—combined with fabulous weather, made all three events tremendously successful. Fall foxhunting began on September 6, so the month of September was brimming with activity.

Norfolk Field Hunter Show Following a successful opening hunt at Adams Farm on September 6, the sun shone brightly and light breezes greeted competitors at the Norfolk Field Hunter Show. The course, designed by Norfolk member Patrick Keane and Norfolk member and event chair Carol Mayo, was beautiful and challenging.

The variety of jumping questions—all of which would be found in the hunt field— were presented in the lower field of the Norfolk Hunt Steeplechase Course in Medfield, MA. Weeks of work went into the Field Hunter Show, including everything from designing and printing marketing materials, to building and decorating the course, staffing the registration tent, managing parking, keeping rings moving, starting riders on course, judging, polishing trophies, and much more.

A great group of volunteers—Norfolk members and non-members—helped to make the day run beautifully. Volunteers included: Carol Mayo, Patrick Keane, Gail Andersen, Sarah Morton, Cami Jamerson, Christie Booth, Diane Whitney, Diana McNamara, Kathie Davenport, Gil Rodgers, D.A. Hayden, Laurie Fairhurst, Dan Moon, Katrina Sorrentino, Gwen Ortmeyer, George Mumford, Bob Shuman, and Michael Taylor, among others.

Division winners included: Mini Field Hunter: Tom Lewis; Novice Field Hunter (The Dry Vermouth Memorial Trophy): Carrie Griffen; Open Field Hunter (The William H. Begg Memorial Trophy): Briton Sanders; and Hunt Club Members (The Norfolk Hunt Club Masters Perpetual

Championship Trophy, The Piedmont Richmond Trophy, The Milton J. Zabarsky Memorial Trophy): Erica Foley.

Polo In The Country The largest crowd ever watched Norfolk Polo [ABOVE] Norfolk member Briton Sanders, shown holding the William H. Begg Memorial Trophy, won the Open Field trounce Dedham Polo Hunter division at the Norfolk Hunt Field Hunter Show. with a score of 12 to 6 at [BELOW] Norfolk member Carolyn Regan and her horse Oreo the 12th Annual Polo In had a great time at the Westport Hunter Pace.

The Country, the Norfolk Hunt Club’s largest community outreach event. Funds raised go to preserving and protecting local open and recreational space. Once again, the weather gods smiled upon Norfolk, with sunny skies, temperatures in the high 60s, and light breezes.

The halftime show was highlighted by a parade of Norfolk Hounds, led

by Norfolk Huntsman Heather Player, who was ably assisted by Whippers-In Soo Billings Mercurio, Mia Foley, Erica Foley, Lisa and David Rousseau. David Thind, a Lemons, D.A. Hayden, Mike Taylor, Lee McCloskey, Valerie Auster, Heather dressage professional who competes at the international level, regaled the crowd Player, David Rousseau, Soo Billings, with a wonderful freestyle exhibition Cynthia Cash, Dominic Cammarata, to the soundtrack from James Bond Kevin McGrath, Lisa Lewis, Erin Fitzgerald, Selina and Brian Murphy, movies. Norfolk members Gil Rodgers and Ted Eayrs provided expert commenand Ruth Lawler, with others particitary throughout the game. The tailgates pating as well. were elaborate and creative; Full Circle Stable won the Best Tailgate contest Westport Hunter Pace with their Margaritaville theme. An oldOver 200 horses participated in the Sixth fashioned candy toss following the game Annual Westport Hunter Pace on yet another gorgeous September afternoon. drew hundreds of children out onto the It seemed that all roads led to Westport, field prior to the trophy presentation.

Norfolk member Tee Chambers with trailers coming from as far away as chaired the polo event, with New York, Connecticut, New Hampshire and Cape Cod. Known as the most beauco-chairs and Norfolk members Greg Sandomirsky and Katrina Sorrentino tiful hunter pace in New England, the by his side. A large group of volunteers 11-mile course was spectacular, weaving worked to ensure a successful day through gorgeous private farms, open including: Gil Rodgers, Ted Eayrs, Mark fields, woodland trails, and lovely paths Howe, Dana Pope, John Decembrele, along the Westport River. Breathtaking Diana McNamara, Bob Shuman, Kathie views were guaranteed for all riders.

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Wentworth Hunt Club Holds Conservation Hunter Pace SUBMITTED BY ERIN COSGROVE; PHOTOS BY SARAH ISHERWOOD

WENTWORTH HUNT HELD THE opening meet of cubbing season on August 16 at Chuck Cox’s Tuckaway Farm in Lee, NH. Tuckaway Farm is also home to the Wentworth Hunt kennels.

Cubbing season is designed to get younger hounds used to hunting, and is a great opportunity for hunt horses (and riders) to get back into hunting shape. It’s less formal, and most riders will wear either a white polo, or a tweed jacket and colored stock tie, depending on the temperature.

Chuck Cox joined the hunt in a unique fashion, driving his Haflinger with the hilltop field. Riders, staff, and hounds were all happy to be back hunting!

Norfolk Hunt Club continued from page 89 It takes the better part of a year to plan the Westport Hunter Pace, as so many members of this Massachusetts Right to Farm community are involved in opening their land, moving cattle, mowing paths, and creating routes around crops yet to be harvested.

Coordinating and planning an 11-mile course is no easy trick and marking the route takes many hours. Westport Hunter Pace chairs and Norfolk members Gaelen Canning, Tom Lewis, MFH, and Lisa Lewis worked tirelessly to provide a wonderful day for riders and their friends.

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Wentworth Hunt’s conservation hunter pace, held August 17, raised money for New Hampshire land conservation. In a hunter pace, teams of riders try to match the ideal pace, which is kept a secret until the end. The pace was hosted

by Wentworth Hunt’s president, Dana Zulanger, and her husband, Cody Cramer, at their Fine Nest Farm in Raymond, NH. More than 50 riders participated in three divisions: field division teams go at a fast pace, similar to first field in a hunt; hilltop division teams go at a slower pace to match the hilltop field, which typically walks and trots during hunts; and there is also a non-competitive trail riding divi-

A brigade of volunteers helped coordinate the Westport Hunter Pace, including: Irene Todesca, George Mumford, Laurian Pope, Allison Thurston, Eleanor Bright, Fanny Lee, Diana McNamara, Liz Hunter, Ruth Baltopoulos, Lee McCloskey, Lisa Schmid Alvord, Joel Alvord, James Phyfe, Gaelen Adam and family, Carol Hill, Carol Coutinho, Ruth Lawler, Geoffrey Garth, Cally Garth, Camilla Murray, Julia Bewster, Sally Godfrey, Kathie Davenport, Susan Borges, Christine Conway, D.A. Hayden, Tori Stewart, Cami Jamerson, Terry and Poo White, Dickon Armstrong, Carrie Griffen, Martha Sears, and Carlos Botelho.

[ABOVE] Ellen Madigan and Jethro provide an example of a well-mannered hunt horse.

[LEFT] Zachary Wolk (fourth from left) gets ready to head out with his hunter pace team of l-r: Liz Esmiol, Kami Wolk, MFH, Shayna Routhier, and Christine Pefine.

sion, for riders who want to just enjoy the trails and scenery.

Thanks to the many riders who participated this year, Wentworth was able to donate over $800 to Bear Paw Regional Greenways, Southeast Land Trust of NH, and Moose Mountain Regional Greenways.

Hunter pace winners include: field: Marti Laramee, Laurie Fitch, Sarah Isherwood, and Marilyn Mariano in a time of 1:26:53; and hilltop: Denise Bernard and Kaitlin Watson in a time of 1:49:55.

For more information on hunting dates and times, visit wentworthhunt.org.

Volunteer Thank You The success of Norfolk’s events is dependent on the generosity of volunteers. Norfolk member and volunteer coordinator Cami Jamerson welcomes inquiries from members and nonmembers alike regarding volunteer opportunities. To contact Cami, email jamersonfamily@yahoo.com or call 508-314-4745.

As Norfolk’s Master Tom Lewis, MFH and President, Dana Pope, say, it definitely takes a village. We put on so many great events and we are so grateful to our wonderful volunteers.

We cannot thank them often enough.

Norfolk’s village of volunteers is getting bigger all the time.

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[ABOVE] The Myopia hounds have been trained to follow a certain scent. [LEFT] The Annual Thanksgiving Day Hunt is a great holiday tradition.

Myopia Hunt Club Excited for Annual Thanksgiving Day Hunt SUBMITTED BY LISA WOHLLEIB

PHOTOS: (LEFT) MATTHEW MUISE ; (RIGHT) DANIELLE BENHAM

MYOPIA HUNT CLUB’S FORMAL season concludes on November 27 with the traditional Thanksgiving Day Hunt departing at 9:30 a.m. from Appleton Farm in Ipswich, MA. Thanksgiving Day is the most widely attended of all our hunts and is an annual pre-Thanksgiving feast tradition for many families.

Appleton Farm, with its enormous open fields, provides a great viewing opportunity for riders, horses, and hounds.

If you are able to make your way to us on Thanksgiving, what should you expect? The answer includes: spectators, horses, hounds, and a lot of excitement.

Myopia is a drag hunt, and as such, does not pursue live foxes. A drag hunt is a humane alternative to a traditional fox hunt and emphasizes the thrill of riding through open land, which sometimes only the hunt is allowed to cross. Long before anyone arrives, a member of the Myopia staff will have already been out, dragging a scented cloth behind an ATV—this is called laying the line.

The Myopia hounds have been trained to follow the scent. The scent itself is a recipe of glycerin and other secret ingredients that the huntsman, Brian Kiely, has developed and refined. The line does not start simply at the beginning of the hunt; rather, the hounds must find the scent. Brian manages the hounds with help from his whippers-in. Whippers-in assist with keeping the pack together and rounding up stray hounds. When the pack needs to be stopped or called off, the whipper-in help to stop the hounds.

Behind Brian will follow two or three

fields (groups) of riders, each led by an experienced field master. The Jumping Field Master leads those who wish to jump. Jumping is over obstacles that would normally appear in the countryside, such as stone walls and the like. A drag hunt seeks to replicate the experience of chasing a live fox, and as such, will cross all sorts of terrain and obstacles.

There is always a Hilltopping Field with its own Master who leads the

members who prefer a slower pace and not to jump. Quite frequently there is a third field between the jumping field and the hilltoppers, where a slightly faster pace is maintained and jumping is optional. In this field, you will often see families riding together and groups of juniors. The fields allow for riders of different riding capabilities to have an equally enjoyable hunt. There are no winners or losers in the hunt, just a love of horses, hounds, and the outdoors.

Myopia has so many opportunities to participate, watch, and volunteer. We invite you to join us in our mission to preserve the future through the traditions of the past! For more information on the Myopia Hunt, please visit myopiahunt.org.

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Southern New England g Horsemen’s Association Looks Ahead to 2015 Show Season SUBMITTED BY CYNTHIA ANNE BOWEN

THE SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND Horsemen’s Association has concluded another successful season. Our July show, judged by Kelli Wainscott, had 94 exhibitors. In August, we again had 94 exhibitors, judged by Sandra Johnson.

September’s show had Sarah Trembley as judge and featured 87 exhibitors.

Our 2015 show season is already set. All of our shows will again be held at Falls Creek Farm in Oneco, CT. The show dates are: May 31; June 14; June 28; July 26; August 9; and August 30. As we have

for the past few years, the schedule will reverse—the classes that ran in the morning this year will be in the afternoon, and the afternoon classes will be in the morning.

Next on our agenda is the election of officers and board members for 2015 as well as any rule changes.

We are now looking forward to our annual Year-End Awards Banquet to be held on November 22 at the Norwich Inn in Norwich, CT. For complete information on the club, visit snehassociation.com.

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New York Upper CT Region g of the United States Pony Clubs, Inc. Attends the International Tetrathlon Exchange SUBMITTED BY DALE DENNING; PHOTO BY RON RUST

THE 2014 INTERNATIONAL Tetrathlon Exchange, held July 17-20 in Australia, had 29 girls and 18 boys competing from five countries.

Teams consisted of four competitors 16-20 years old and one competitor 21-24 years old. Our 16-20 girls were: Emily Rust, Lexi Denning (NY/UC), Samantha Denning (NY/UC), and Samantha Firby. Emily Andrews was our older girl competitor.

Our Coach was 2012 Olympic Pentathlete Suzanne Stettinius, and our chaperone was Eileen Kirby.

All the phases in the exchange except running were a little different than what we are used to in the United States. In the U.S., all four phases have a maximum of 1,100 points. In the exchange, running is capped at 1,100 points, riding has a possible 1,400 points, and shooting has a maximum of 1,000 points.

Swimming is simply four points for every meter swam in four minutes time. Therefore, there

continued on page 93 « Chaperone Eileen Kirby, Mackenize Morris, Emily Rust, Sam Denning, Emily Andrews, Sammie Firby, Lexi Denning, Mack Stehlin, and Coach Suzanne Stettinius at the 2014 International Tetrathlon Exchange.

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West Greenwich Horseman’s Association Welcomes Fall with a Summer Wrap Up SUBMITTED BY TAMMY LAMPHERE

SHOW RESULTS August 24 Hunter Pace HUNTER DIVISION 1. Loni Decelles 2. Heidi Smith/ Marie LaPointe 3. Mariola Podora 4. Ron Walker 5. Debra Northup/ Karen Unsworth 6. Michael Germane/Mary Turco HILLTOPPER 1. Michelle Moynihan

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Sheri Bankert 2. Carol Beekman/ Cindy Kolesinskes 3. Loree Osowski 4. Melinda Witham/ Robert Baxter/ Sheila Ryan 5. Lory Walsh/ Tammy Lamphere 6. Phyllis Alexander/ Denise Dembinski TRAILBLAZER 1. Rob Sawyer 2.. Denise Anthony/ Marcia Stewart

3. Melissa Winsor 4. Amanda Bogue/ Suzanne Robinson 5. Peter Kurowski 6. Lisa Gibbs JUNIOR 1. Alex Sawyer 2. Riane Anderson/ Madelyn O’Hearn 3. Caroline Marchaud 4. Mackenzie Coffey/ Alexandra Coffey 5. Sarah McAllister 6. Olivia Gibbs

FALL IS HERE AND WHAT INCREDible riding weather we are having!

We hope you all get in some ride time before the time change. West Greenwich Horseman’s Association (WGHA) still has plenty going on.

Check out orgsites.com/ri/wgha for details.

On Sunday September 14, Denise Anthony hosted her 3rd annual RISPCA Breakfast Ride, held at Goddard Park in East Greenwich, RI. They had 43 riders and brought in $1,310 for animals waiting to be adopted at the RISPCA. Also, everyone at WGHA would like to send our heartfelt condolences to Becky Hamilton. On September 14, Becky said goodbye to her faithful ride partner, Cody. Cody and Becky shared 20 great years together and we will all miss him.

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Maine Horse Association Wraps Up the 2014 Pine Tree Sizzler SUBMITTED BY SYLVIA CORBETT

THE PINE TREE SIZZLER OF 2014 is now history. What a day! It was beautiful in Hollis, ME, that day—sunny, breezy, warm, and wonderful! Natalie McGowen was a great judge and the show was very well run by manager Jo Hight. The announcer, Ricky Drew had a nice surprise for everyone at noon time; he was challenged to the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge and collected a large sum of donations for the ALS Foundation. The collections and donations were well worth the freezing bucket of water. It was great to see Madeline McLucas back on the show grounds passing out ribbons. Pat LeClerc was busy in the office.

The Pine Tree Sizzler Challenge Trophy for the Pine Tree Sizzler Pleasure Horse Challenge was won by John Tumiel’s beautiful Fresian mare, Isabella Rhiannon ridden by Holly Tumiel. The Natalie Libby Challenge

New York Upper CT continued from page 92 is no cap to the number of points possible in swimming.

The first phase was shooting. Competitors only shot two oval targets instead of the usual four round ones.

Sam D. scored 860 points (The top score for the U.S. Girls team). Lexi scored 780 points.

The next event was swimming. Lexi swam 271 meters earning 1,084 points. Sam D. swam 257 meters earning 1,028 points.

For the riding phase, each team was assigned five horses. The owners of the horses rode a similar course so competitors and coaches could watch. The coach then assigned the horses to the competitors.

The riders had 15-20 minutes of warm-up and could jump a maximum of five fences. Lexi had a perfect round over the stadium jumping course with no jumping or time faults for a

Trophy for the ASB 3-gaited pleasure championship was won by Carley Lettre and SoHo Nice. Maine Horse Association point secretary and treasurer Dollie Hutchins ran off with the Gerrish’s Hackney Pony and made a great showing in the single hackney pony class. The littlest horse in the show, Drummey’s mini mare and grandchildren, Lilly Ouelette and Tatum Millie won the English horse in-hand, halter horse, junior handler, and reserve championship in Halter Grand Championship class. The leadline and walk trot classes were full. These youngsters are really doing a great job and there has been so much improvement from the first show of the season.

The pleasure driving class had almost died out and this year it has picked up with several entries. The New England Horsemen’s Council Hunter Pleasure Equitation Medal

class had three entries and was the only medal class to show.

Bright sun and a light breeze was on the day of the SPHO-ME Endless Summer show. There were lots of entries in the in-hand and model classes. Many of the saddle classes were full as well. Judge Paulajean O’Neill did a great job and was very willing to talk to entries at the end of the day. The SPHO-ME had some nice T-shirts on sale featuring the Standardbred horse in phases of harness and saddle. They also had a nice book titled Green Rider, Thinking Horse - My Journey with a Standardbred by Karen Douglass and a coloring book for the youngsters.

This was a well run show by manager Ricky Drew and secretary Mary Field.

This is only the second show put on by the SPHO-ME and they are learning fast. The young lady that picked up the job of ringperson in the afternoon did a wonderful job on the radio and with the ribbons. The championship ribbons were unique and quite beautiful. We hope they are encouraged to continue these shows for the 2015 season.

score of 1,400 points. Emily A. and Lexi were two of only 11 perfect rounds. Sam D. pulled one rail and scored 1,370.

The final phase was running a 3000m course.

Both Lexi and Sam D. shaved nearly two minutes off their times. Lexi scored 983 points with a time of 12:39 (The top score for any U.S. competitor). Sam D. scored 878 points with a time of 13:14.

Individually Lexi placed 14th with 4,247 points and Sam D. was 16th with 4,136. They were the second and third highest scores for the U.S. girls. Our best finish was Emily A. in 11th place with 4,349 points.

Sam D. and Lexi from Winsted, CT, had the time of their lives, having never been out of the country or even on a plane before this exchange. They did a very nice job representing the United States and are thrilled to now have friends all over the world.

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Send your news for future columns to jane.carlton@equinejournal.com.

BY JANE CARLTON

Hunter/Jumper news

[LEFT] Dorothy Douglas had a very successful summer. [RIGHT] CHJA Modified Adult Medal Champion Elizabeth Chenelle (center) with second place finisher Elizabeth Benfield (right) and third place finisher Christie Kinsella (left).

BRINGING HOME THE BLUES Back Bay Farm had a great showing at the 2014 USHJA Zone 1 Finals. Ali Cotreau was reserve champion in the Adult Equitation USHJA Zone 1 HOTY Finals 18-35; Emma Crate was champion of the Children’s Equitation Challenge— Horses; Ellie Crate was third in the Children’s Equitation Challenge—Ponies; Grace Perryman and Foxcroft Veronsky were the Children’s

Large Pony Hunter USHJA Zone 1 HOTY Champions; and Judy Cabot and Clintino had great ribbons in the Adult Equitation and Adult Hunters over 35, winning one of their hunter rounds.

Back Bay Farm would also like to congratulate Ali Cotreau on her purchase of Kingston.

Thanks to Michael Kirby and Kristin Chance for all their help in finding this great horse! Look

for them in the Amateur Adult Hunters next season.

TO THE TOP Congratulations to Dorothy Douglas (Dorrie) on competing in The American Gold Cup in Old Salem, NY, on September 14, 2014. She finished 27th with nine faults out of 34.

Dorrie started doing grand prix

on the nine-year-old gelding, S & L Elite, last spring. This pair has done well at this level from Pin Oaks, TX, all the way up to Saugerties, NY. She has also done well in the hunter derbies this season, ending the summer with an 11th place finish in the $500,000 Diamond Mills Hunter Prix on MTM Retro.

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PHOTOS: (TOP RIGHT) REFLECTIONS PHOTOGRAPHY; (BOTTOM RIGHT) JANE CARLTON

[ABOVE] Anna Gavel and Morgan were Children’s Hunter 15-17 Champions at Zone 1 Finals. [LEFT] Alexa Bayko and Blue Shamrock were seventh in the $250,000 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix.

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Hunter/Jumper News continued from page 95 Dorrie works for MTM Farm in Flower Mound, TX. Mike McCormick and Tracy Fenney have been great mentors for her and are working to finetune her riding skills.

Her riding started locally, with a pony named Oreo Cookie at Stonecroft Farm in West Bridgewater, MA, and her first show experience was at a South Shore Horsemen’s Association show at Rozena’s Field in Raynham, MA.

EVER AWESOME Evermoor had a wonderful year at Zone 1 Finals with their students doing very well.

Caleigh Patterson was reserve champion in the Large Pony Hunters with Feature Presentation, qualifying them for 2015 Pony Finals; Sara Vozeolas and Caupolican were

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reserve champions of the 3'6" Junior Hunters; and Hope Rousseau piloted her mare Fortuna II to champion in the 3'3" Junior Hunter division as well as Junior Hunter of the Year Reserve Champion.

The team is very excited for Sara, who will be attending the Maclay National Championships on November 2.

In barn news, congratulations to Crystal Dumas on her lease of Lassiez-Faire. Also, welcome back to Anna Pavlov and her two horses. The team looks forward to watching her and Adelante in the derby ring next year, as well as seeing her young horse Willingly move up to the Pre-Green division. In addition, everyone is happy to be settled in at the barn’s new location in Newbury, MA, at Black Horse Farm.

WINNER’S CIRCLE Congratulations to the winners at the 2014 Connecticut

Hunter Jumper Association (CHJA) Medal Finals: Leah Taylor, Brenda Tananbaum, Elizabeth Chenelle, McKayla Langmeier, Clara Bechtold, Sarah Pavlich, and Julia Blaney.

Great job!

IN THE ZONE Cornerstone Farm in Haverhill, MA, also had a very successful UHSJA Zone 1 Finals. Riding Writtle, Maryellen Sardella was Older Adult Amateur Hunter Champion, the Older Adult Amateur Hunter Challenge winner, Older Adult Equitation Challenge Champion, and high point hunter adult rider; Jane Curtin was reserve champion in the Older Adult Equitation Challenge; Blue Shamrock, owned by Monica Hunt and ridden by Tricia O’Connor, was the Pre-Green Hunter Champion, Pre-Green Hunter Challenge winner,

reserve champion in the 3'3" Performance Hunters, and won the Pre-Green Hunter Challenge; Morgan, owned by Michael Kirby and ridden by Anna Gavel, was the Children’s Hunter 15-17 Champion; Anucci, ridden by Jess Lusty, was reserve champion in the Children’s Equitation Challenge; Ashley Morin, was the Children’s Hunter 15-17 Challenge winner on Lindegardens Lorenzo; Sydney Berube rode Manhattan to the championship in both the Large Children’s Pony division and the Large Children’s Pony Equitation Challenge; and Monica Hunt was once again the high point trainer.

In other news, congratulations to Alexa Bayko and Blue Shamrock, who were seventh in the $250,000 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix this past September. Fantastic job, everyone!

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Downeast Medal Finals Cater to Top Competitors SUBMITTED BY MARGO WALDEN; PHOTOS BY JESS WINDHURST

WHAT COMES TO MIND WHEN YOU think of Maine? It’s most likely beautiful mountains, an amazing coastline, hiking in the fall, moose, snow, and cold. I can guarantee that championship equitation final is not the first item on your list.

From September 11-14, 2014, Skowhegan, ME, was the site of the 6th Annual Downeast Medal Finals that were, yet again, an overwhelming success. Before you ask “where is Skowhegan, and it is too far?,” check it out! Most of us are pleasantly surprised to find that it takes just as long to go to HITS, Saratoga, or many other places we have on our show list.

“In keeping with the mission of the

show, we have tried to keep it as an obtainable finals for riders who otherwise can’t get to other medal final competitions, as well as a stepping stone for those who are trying to move upward,” said trainer and board member Kate McDaniel.

As usual, the Saturday Team Challenge was an over-the-top hit.

Kitty-kats, fairies, monsters, and other costumed teams took to the ring all competing with no adult supervision, proving they really have learned what their trainers and parents have been teaching them over the years.

Judge and course designer Ken Whelihan from Otis, MA, set courses that were

[ABOVE] Leadline Champion went to LuLu Carney at the Downeast Medal Finals.

[LEFT] Marina Godin won the Junior Medal Final.

very specific to the up-and-coming rider.

“Bringing some technical questions to the Downeast Finals courses by design pushed some of the riders [out of their] comfort zone,” Whelihan commented. “Everyone was welcoming and enthusiastic about these challenges. The riders were well up to the questions asked. I feel the exhibitors were presented with a well-run finals that showed them what they are capable of.”

Next year, management plans to add additional open classes in an effort to allow trainers to bring more horses and riders.

All in all the show was a huge success. Check out downeastmedalfinals.com for full results and pictures of the week.

Jessica Springsteen and Vindicat W Victorious in $200,000 American Gold Cup

PHOTO: (BOTTOM) THE BOOK LLC

THE SOLD-OUT CROWD OF NEARLY 6,000 fans cheered following the conclusion of the $200,000 American Gold Cup CSI4*-W held at Old Salem Farm in North Salem, NY, on September 14.

Jessica Springsteen and Vindicat W bested a field of 32 other qualified international entries to add their names to the list of accomplished riders and horses who have won the $200,000 American Gold Cup before them.

Jessica Springsteen and Vindicat W sped for the win at the American Gold Cup. »

This year, as Springsteen stood atop the podium, her trainer, Olympian Laura Kraut, stood to her left and fellow young rider, Katie Dinan, joined her to her right.

“It’s absolutely incredible,” Springsteen said. “To win such a presti-

gious class is really amazing. My horse jumped super, so I’m so thrilled.”

Springsteen was fourth to jump

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THEY’VE BEEN SECOND AND THIRD in the money before, but Todd Minikus of Loxahatchee, FL, and Quality Girl galloped triumphantly to a Zoetis $1 Million Grand Prix win on September 7 in Saugerties, NY. With the weather on the side of spectator and exhibitor— clear, breezy, and comfortable—Minikus was both ecstatic and thankful.

“As athletes we appreciate the opportunity and support from sponsors like Zoetis and management like HITS,” he said. “As a kid I only dreamt I would be jumping for $1 million dollars, but I get to do it three times a year thanks to Tom Struzzieri [HITS President and CEO].”

A childhood dream turned reality,

Minikus was the second-to-last trip as million-dollar glory goaded 33 contenders.

The first clear came early with Quentin Judge of Wellington, FL, and HH Donnatella jumping for Double H Farm.

“This is the biggest track I have ever jumped and my first time doing one of the HITS’ million-dollar classes,” said Judge. “Of course the goal is to win, but I am so happy with second—today was the experience of a lifetime.”

Judge and his 11-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare proved Danny Foster’s track could be mastered. Yet, the 27 who followed turned in faults, making a jump off nearly unreachable. Then Minikus and Quality Girl entered the ring. The

11-year-old Oldenburg mare, with her characteristic head toss and spooky side-step, was ready for a two-woman duel and guaranteed a jump-off with a poised and focused Minikus in the tack.

“In anybody’s book, those jumps were big, but there shouldn’t be that many clear for $1 million. I think we gave the crowd what they wanted,” said Minikus, who had the opportunity to watch Judge return first in the jump-off.

A light rub at the b-element of the short course’s double combination landed Judge with four faults and left the door open for Minikus. Never one to back down from a speed duel, Minikus hoped it would have come to that. “It would have been easier if he had gone clear—we could have battled it out on the clock,” he said.

Minikus returned and had every spectator gasping with each stride.

He crossed the timers in 46.98 seconds—two seconds slower than Judge, but clear and $350,000 richer.

“They say if you get a good mare that fights hard for you, they are difficult to beat, and both Quentin and I proved it true,” he said.

While second-place paid Judge $200,000, progress seemed more important for the young rider. “We got this mare a year and half ago and I had a really hard time with her for about the first year and three months,” he said with a laugh. “But we started hitting our stride over the last few weeks. She’s a great horse and has proved what she’s capable of.”

Jessica Springsteen and Vindicat W

Stars and Stripes of Middleburg, VA. Kraut left out a risky stride into the double combination and sailed over the course with room to spare, but she elected to add a stride to the final fence, which would just narrowly cost her the class as she finished in a time of 36.660 seconds.

“I knew when I cleared the second to last fence and I turned him, I had a choice to just go really flat out down to it, but he’s still a young horse,” Kraut said. “I thought rather than taking the chance of crashing or doing something that would scare him, I’d just sort of stay conservative.”

Kraut continued, “I’m so thrilled for [Jessica]! She’s been so close so many times. She really did everything just

right. I didn’t even think I could get that close to her, so I’m pleased that I was as close as I was.”

Springsteen has been riding and training with Kraut for over three years and was thrilled to have the opportunity to stand atop the podium with her today.

“She’s just taught me so much at this level, like how to be competitive in big classes like this,” Springsteen said. “She taught me how to really fight for it and fight for the win.”

Kraut added, “She’s such an incredible rider, and she has such a great feeling. She and Vindicat W know each other inside and out right now. They’ve been on such a good roll this whole summer and winter. I just leave it to her.”

[LEFT] Todd Minikus and Quality Girl jumped for the win in the Zoetis $1 Million Grand Prix.

[RIGHT] Quentin Judge rode HH Donnatella to second place.

Todd Minikus and Quality Girl Take it to the Top in Zoetis $1 Million Grand Prix

continued from page 97 over the first round of the Alan Wadedesigned course, and she set the pace for how her day would go, turning in a clear round that would lead the class from beginning to end.

As the first to go clear in the first round, Springsteen was also the first to return to the jump-off, and she and Vindicat W laid down a speedy time to beat in 35.360 seconds.

With rails and slower times from other jump-off contenders, it was left to a race between trainer and student, as Kraut entered the ring to try to best Springsteen’s time on Andretti S, a nineyear-old Dutch Warmblood owned by 98

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PHOTOS: ESI PHOTOGRAPHY

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[LEFT] Adult Medal Champion Julie Letourneau. [RIGHT] Mini Medal Champion Emily Chae.

Rhode Island Equitation q Championships Reward Top Riders SUBMITTED BY MARY BETH HENDRICK; PHOTOS BY BRYAN NIGRO SHOW PHOTOGRAPHY

THIS YEAR MARKED THE 34TH year for the Rhode Island Equitation Championships (RIEC) horse show and the second year that the Rhode Island Horseman’s Association (RIHA) Medal Finals were held at Heritage Equestrian Center in East Greenwich, RI. The weather was forecast to be hot and humid, but with a light breeze and occasional clouds, it ended up being perfect riding weather. Judges Kip Rosenthal and Todd Karn were ready for a day of tough, but fun, competition.

In the Adult Medal Final, Julie Letourneau set the bar high early on in the class with a score of 92 that was not only the highest of the class, but also the highest of the day, earning her the High Point Rider tack trunk as well as the Adult Medal Championship. Julie is trained by Bob Graham and was aboard Melissa Lavoie’s bay gelding, Werbeau. The reserve championship went to Lauren Alofsin, trained by Shachine Belle, and the bronze medal went to Jennifer Wall, trained by Courtney DiLalla.

In the Junior Medal Final, the top four riders were brought back to test after a very competitive first round. But it was Hannah Janson’s brilliant test showing a beautiful inside turn and a

bold hand gallop over the last jump of the test that moved her up from third to the championship spot. Hannah trains with David Oliynyk and Paul Valliere, her mother Kim Janson, and on this day, big brother Michael Janson, who won the RIEC Junior Medal Championship in 2012. Reserve champion was Hadley Ruhling trained by Devon Bessette, and the bronze medal went to Thea Chafee, trained by Shachine Belle.

The David Charette Memorial Sportsmanship Award was presented to horse show dad, amateur photographer, and all-around cheerleader, Michael Lombardi. The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to two winners this year—Jay Sargent and Amy Eidson, who not only were on the founding committee for the RIHA Medal Finals, but between

the two of them have trained more than 29 champions, 16 reserve champions, countless ribbon winners and thousands of qualifiers. Jay Sargent’s beloved horse, Mr. Carlos, was also the recipient of this year’s Peter Kagan award.

In the RIHA Mini Medal Championship, Emily Chae just edged out Miles Holman for the win. Emily is trained by Katie Schaaf and Miles rides with Bob Graham. The bronze medal was won by Melissa Schaefer, who is trained by Wendy Brayman. In the Adult Mini Medal Championship, Amanda Marcaccio, trained by Dina Patnaud, rode Delovely to the win in her very first appearance at this show. The reserve championship went to Rachel Harris Pelisson, who is trained by her sister Nora Harris, and the bronze medal was awarded to Jessica Hallam, who rides with Annie Dotoli.

At the end of the day, Bob Graham was presented with the High Point Trainer award for the second year in a row, bringing a great day of fun and competition to a close.

For complete results and more information, visit RIFinals.com or find us on Facebook.

Hunter/Jumper contact listings Crossen Arabians and Warmbloods (bs), 1209 South St., Coventry, CT 06238, 860-742-6486, crossenarabians.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

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Massachusetts Horsemen’s Council Honors Days of Champions Medal Finals Winners SUBMITTED BY MELODY TAYLOR-SCOTT; PHOTOS BY EVERGREEN WEB AND MEDIA SERVICES

THE HIGHLY RESPECTED Massachusetts Horsemen’s Council (MHC) Days of Champions (DOC) Medal Finals presented a wonderful weekend of medal championships held at the Three County Fairgrounds in Northampton, MA, from September 26-28. Show Chairman Felicia Knowles and Manager Debbi Tate produced another year of top equitation competition. The weather was perfect and the convenient new covered warm-up ring next to the arena was a great addition to the show facility.

The courses, designed by Mike Nielson of Diamond Bar, CA, were challenging and made good use of the arena. This year’s judges, Meg Schulman, Carol Coleman, Street Moore, and Chris Wynne, were kept busy sorting out 300 riders over the course of the weekend.

The annual Pony of the Year tribute to Check Your Pockets read like a who’s who of area trainers and brought many to tears. The DOC also names a Person of the Year, and this year Jennifer Eaton was recognized for her many contributions to the industry.

In the Younger Adult Medal, Alexandra Cotreau and Jesse Fortier swapped places after the second round with Julie Letourneau and Julie Clancy moving up from sixth and seventh, respectively, in the first round to make the final four.

Alexandra Cotreau held onto the lead to win by a commanding 10 points over reserve champion Julie Clancy.

Next to go were the older adults.

Rosalie Giordano moved up from third in the callback to take the lead in the second

round and win the Adult Over 31 Medal with Melissa B. Welch taking reserve.

Saturday brought the tightly contested Junior Medal, won by Hannah Patten, who took the lead in the first round and never looked back. Less than a point separated Olivia Van Der Meer and the reserve champion, Devon MacLeod, who moved up from eighth in the first round.

The terrific weather held on Sunday for the Mini Medal, which presented a great group of strong riders. Lily Toensing went third in the first round, took the lead, and held on to it until the second round. When the callback order came, young Miles Holman, the son of well-known veterinarian Dr. Mark Holman, was on top with Lily sitting second.

The judges tested the top five asking for two trot fences, a halt, and canter line. As the results were announced in reverse order, the top two waited to see who would win the day.

In a very close ride-off, Miles, who also won his Open Equitation Under 11 class earlier, was named the 2014 Days of Champions Mini Medal winner and Lilly Toensing was reserve.

For full results, visit MaHorseCouncil. com or check out MHC on Facebook.

[ABOVE] Alexandra Coutreau won the Younger Adult Medal with a whopping 10-point lead. [TOP] Check Your Pockets was honored as the MHC Pony of the Year.

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Send your news for future columns to ejeventingnews@gmail.com.

BY KATHRYN SELINGA

Eventing news Y

[LEFT] Rebecca Buehler took the top prize in the Adequan USEA Gold Cup/PRO Tour Series Advanced division at Aspen Farms.

[RIGHT] Jordan Linstedt and Revitavet Capato on the cross-country course.

BIG ADVANCES

PHOTOS: CAROLINE CULBERTSON/USEA

Caroline Culbertson of the U.S. Eventing Association (USEA) reports that Rebecca Buehler had one goal the weekend of September 5-7: to complete her second attempt at Advanced Level with her own Brighton. Needless to say, she surpassed that goal when the pair show jumped a double clear round to win the $4,000 Tin Men Supply Advanced at Aspen Farms in Yelm, WA. Caroline also noted that watching Jordan Linstedt and Revitavet Capato float around the Tin Men Supply Advanced cross-country course, you would never know that the gelding has been notoriously difficult and spooky for most of his life.

Linstedt and Capato had only time penalties on cross-country and took the lead into show jumping, but gut-wrenchingly pulled a rail on the final oxer on course to drop to second place.

WAY TO GO! Triple Combination Farm in Ferrisburgh, VT, had great efforts across the board at Green Mountain Horse

Association! Mary Golek and Fezzik completed their first Novice in style, and Sarah Begley and Diego proved they were equal to the challenge of their first Training. Colleen Hoard and Kiersten Vroman had lovely rides as well. Jen Crook’s new off-the-track Thoroughbred, Brodie, put in a lovely, obedient dressage test.

HOWLING AT THE MOON Coyote Spring Farm of Lee, NH, said goodbye to summer and welcomed fall with Coyotefest 2014. They celebrated friends, family, farms, and great neighbors with fabulous live music, delicious food, games, and good times—they even had camping!

We hear the weather was perfect and it was an absolute blast.

LEARN FROM THE PROS The Professional Riders Organization (PRO) recently launched PRO TV, in conjunction with its partners, EquiVentures LLC and What’s Up Media Group, Inc. The inaugural online broadcast featured the Plantation Field International

CIC3* in Kennett Square, PA, on September 20-21, and next up will be the Galway Downs International CCI3*, set for November 1-2, in Temecula, CA. Leading the commentary team is international event rider and BBC commentator, Spencer Sturmey, from Idebury, United Kingdom. Sturmey is joined by PRO co-founder, Samantha Clark, host of the Eventing Radio Show and former NPR news anchor.

THE BRAIN GAME Apple Knoll Farm in Millis, MA, will be hosting Daniel Stewart for a sports psychology and training clinic on November 15-16, and participants will get the chance to sit down and have dinner with Daniel on Saturday night.

YOUNG AND TALENTED The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and USEA recently announced the nine athletes that have been accepted into the 2015 Eventing 18 Program. They are: Woods Baughman of Lexington, KY; Nicole Doolittle of Reddick, FL; Mia Farley of San Clemente, CA;

Elena Hengel of Wayzata, MN; Adrian Jones of Shamong, NJ; Reagan LaFleur of Lafayette, LA; Patience O’Neal of Deer Park, WA; Chase Shipka of Marshall, VA; and Madison Temkin of Sonoma, CA. Training session dates and locations will be announced at a later date.

FROM SADDLE TO CITY Multi-Olympian Karen O’Connor attended Jump for Hope, a fundraising event for the Equestrian Aid Foundation (EAF), on September 19 at the HAUS nightclub in New York City, NY. Karen represented the sport of eventing, joining other leading equestrians to raise money for horsemen and equine-related professionals suffering from illness or catastrophic injuries.

The evening was hosted by HAUS’ Margaret Horowitz and Kevin Crawford, and attended by riders from other disciplines including Nic Roldan, Nick Dello Joio, Jamie Krauss Hess, Jenny Oz LeRoy, Stacey Werner, Susan Cowie, Kate Conover, Joni Maloney, Erin Stewart, and Michelle Grayson.

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Buck Davidson and Petite Flower Clinch Adequan USEA Gold Cup Final BUCK DAVIDSON WAS THRILLED with Caroline Martin’s Petite Flower and proud to win the $40,000 2014 Adequan USEA Gold Cup Final at the Texas Rose Horse Park in Tyler, TX, on September 27. They jumped doubleclear over Richard Jeffery’s challenging course, edging out overnight leaders and defending Gold Cup Champions Laine Ashker and Anthony Patch.

Even though he won his inaugural trip

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to Texas for the Nutrena USEA American Eventing Championships, and a hefty $20,000 prize check, Davidson was quick to deflect praise about his performance.

He chalked much of his result up to luck.

“That’s why we play the game, right?” said Davidson of Ocala, FL, who ended his weekend on a score of 39.6. “That’s what happened to Laine. You win some, you lose some, but I think everyone rode really well. Sometimes you’re lucky and

sometimes you’re not.”

In typical fashion for Davidson, he also credited his horse Petite Flower (Amber’s Lust x Tears of a Loss) for the end result.

“Flower did what she always does and gave me her 110 percent in the show jumping, and I just tried to stay out of her way,” he said.

2013 Adequan USEA Gold Cup Champion Laine Ashker may have been one unlucky rail from defending her title, but admitted, “If I had to be second to anyone, I’d want it to be my coach [Buck Davidson]!”

“I’m ecstatic—[my horse] gave me three great phases,” said Ashker of Richmond, VA, who plans to aim Anthony Patch for the Rolex Kentucky CCI4* in April of next year. “I guess today was a little unlucky, and my inexperience showed. Like coach said, you win some, you lose some.”

Matthew Brown maintained his position near the top of the leaderboard on Super Socks BCF, going from second to third place with one dropped rail.

“I think the lesson I took away from today is I need to trust him,” said Brown of Petaluma, CA. “He was jumping great and I just picked too much to one fence.

I knew I was going to have it down. I’m getting there with him and I’m starting to trust him a lot more on cross-country and I just need to carry that over into show jumping.”

PHOTO: USEA/LESLIE THRELKELD

Bu B uck Dav a id idso son so n se secu cure cu red re d th the e Ad Adeq equa eq ua an U EA US A Gol o d Cu Cup p Fi Fina n l wi na win n on o P Pet etit et ite it e Fllow ower err.

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Send your news for future columns to jane.carlton@equinejournal.com.

BY JANE CARLTON

Dressage news drressage4kids.org or co ontact Susan Sieber at sssieber@interstatelumber. co om or 203-223-4261.

AROUND THE WORLD A

CONGRATULATIONS TO DANIELLE THERRIAULT on her purchase of Brave Heart, a four-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding. Fennel might only have five months of training under his belt, but the pair will be hard to beat!

UPCOMING The Equestrian Center at Pineland Farms in New Gloucester, ME, will be holding a symposium December 9-10 with FEI 5* Judges Stephen Clarke and Gary Rockwell. This is going to be a wonderful event that will leave you full of knowledge. Be sure to register in advance, as space is limited!

HIGHLY EDUCATED

PHOTO: (BOTTOM) CLIXPHOTO.COM

Dressage4Kids, Inc. is pleased to announce its 13th Annual Weekend Educational Program.

The event will take place on January 31 and February 1, 2015, at Nonnewaug High School in Woodbury, CT. Horse-related seminars will be offered on many topics including, but not limited to: riding skills and theory, horse management, horse health, stable management, marketing your business, fitness, drawing, and photography. Riders of all ages and

levels, parents, and trainers are welcome to attend.

This year Dressage4Kids welcomes international dressage competitor Laura Graves, who recently finished fifth in the Grand Prix Freestyle at the 2014 World Equestrian Games, as a keynote speaker.

For more information, visit

E Eighteen-year-old Annie Peavy, the U.S. individual P reepresentative in the Grade III Para-Equestrian G eevent at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games W in n Normandy, France, rrode in her international debut on her own eightd yyear-old Trakehner gelding Ozzy Cooper. g Peavy, who trains out of Cutler Farm o iin Medfield, MA, with Heather Blitz, finished 10th 10 h on a score of 65.421% in the team event and 17th on 63.561% in the individual competition.

“I’m very proud of Ozzy and excited for our future together, as we are both young and now have international experiences under our belts,” Peavy said.

Blitz noted that, “Annie has brought her young horse along steadily and consistently very well, but has only known him since January [of] this year. For such a new combination, they did a super job at their first international championship and I’m very proud of them.”

More recently, Peavy became the Region 8 FEI Junior Reserve Champion at the New England Dressage Association (NEDA) Fall Festival in Saugerties, NY on September 19, 2014, when she tied « Laura Graves will be the keynote speaker at the Dressage4Kids 13th Annual Weekend Educational Program.

with her 12-year-old Hanoverian gelding Lancelot Warrior on a score of 66.35%.

“I was very proud of my boys,” said Peavy. “They have come so far in such a short time period. Both rides felt really easy and steady.”

NEW FUND The Dressage Foundation is pleased to announce the Karen Skvarla Fund. Grants will be given to young dressage professionals who are in the beginning stages of their career, to obtain continuing education or training. These will be available for individuals across the country and the first grant will be made in spring of 2015. For more information, check out dressagefoundation.org.

RIP-ROARING SUCCESS Pan American gold medalist Heather Blitz won the FEI Six Year Old Finals at the Markel/ USEF Young Horse Dressage National Championships riding Oak Hill Ranch’s approved Danish Warmblood stallion, Ripline (Hotline x Riviera Cavan), with a score of 88.2% at Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, IL, on August 24, 2014. Ripline was also awarded the Top U.S. Bred Horse title.

Blitz has trained Ripline through his young career, and the partnership has proved consistent throughout the levels.

Congratulations!

CHECK IT OUT Save the date for the 2014 Adequan/United States Dressage Federation (USDF) Annual Convention, to be held December 3-6 in Cambridge, MA. The event will feature education sessions, award ceremonies, and general federation business. For more information, visit usdf.org/education/convention.

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New England Dressage Assoc. Fall Festival Rewards Top Riders in the Region SUBMITTED BY LYNNDEE KEMMET; PHOTOS BY STUDIO EQUUS/AMY E. RILEY

THE 2014 NEW ENGLAND DRESSAGE Association (NEDA) Fall Festival of Dressage, held September 18-21 in Saugerties, NY, was truly an international event. The annual show, which includes a breed competition, the U.S. Dressage Federation’s (USDF) Region 8 Championships, para-dressage competition, and a CDI, attracted competitors from across North America and even Europe.

Nearly 700 competitors attended what has become one of the largest dressage shows in North America. NEDA reported that a total of 1,731 rides were scheduled, up 133 from the year before, and this required 10 show rings and an army of 140 volunteers.

In USDF Region 8 competition, Tom Noone, of New York, earned this year’s Region 8 Open Grand Prix Championship riding Weis Guy, who is owned by Darrin Lawrence of Hampton Falls, NH. “The two weeks before the show he started to go really, really well,” Noone said. “During the championship ride he was really with me. I knew it would be a good score.”

Among the amateur competitors, the winner of the Region 8 Adult Amateur Grand Prix Championship was Alice Tarjan riding her own Oldenburg mare Elfenfeuer. Tarjan, of Frenchtown, NJ, was thrilled with her win. “I am really excited that we won, especially since we are both new at this level,” she said.

Dressage contact listings Crossen Arabians and Warmbloods (bs), 1209 South St., Coventry, CT 06238, 860742-6486, crossenarabians.com The Equestrian Center at Pineland Farms, Improving Performance Through Knowledge, 1545 Intervale Rd, New Gloucester, ME 04260, 207-657-6419, equestrian@pinelandfarms.org, pinelandfarms.org/equestrian-center b=breeding, t=training, s=sales, l=lessons

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

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They might be new to Grand Prix, but Tarjan and “Fury” are experienced competitors having competed in the Young Horse classes when the horse was a five- and six-year-old.

Jessica Iorio of Foxboro, MA, also went home with a championship title—two, in fact. With her own Roulette, a 10-year-old Hanoverian mare, she won both the First and Second Level Adult Amateur Championships.

Her First Level win was with a score of 72.016 and her Second Level win was with a score of 72.679. “She had a great year at First Level. We were high point adult amateur at several shows,” Iorio said. The pair moved up to Second Level this year and their success came through at the Fall Festival.

Jennifer Anttonen, of Boston, MA, saw both the highs and lows of competition at this year’s Fall Festival. Anttonen and her six-year-old Hanoverian gelding Falbo won the Adult Amateur Training Level Championship with a score of 71.200. But earlier in that same day, Anttonen got what she said is her lowest show score ever—a 45.403. Anttonen said that Falbo is the first young horse she’s owned and said it’s been a learning experience.

“We basically trotted all the canter work in the test,” Anttonen said of her first ride. “My goal was simply to get him in the ring and get him relaxed. It seems to have worked because by the end of the test he was relaxing and swinging over his back.” It definitely did work because when the pair entered that same ring later in the day, Falbo and Anttonen both showed the confidence that earned them the championship.

“I think we gave each other confidence,” Anttonen said.

[TOP] Tom Noone won the Region 8 Open Grand Prix Championship aboard Weis Guy. [ABOVE] Jennifer Anttonen and Falbo worked out some kinks to earn the Adult Amateur Training Level Championship.

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[LEFT] Jessica Fay won at Third and Fourth Level with Veraki. [RIGHT] Tom Noone rode Fanfare to the win at Second Level.

Beland Stables Puts on Fall Dressage Show SUBMITTED BY PJ ARCHAMBAULT; PHOTOS BY CINDY ARENDT

ON AUGUST 31, 2014, BELAND Stables held their annual Fall Dressage Competition in Lakeville, MA. The predicted stormy weather (typical of New England) never materialized and participants and volunteers alike were gifted with a lovely, if overcast, day.

The show offered classes from Training Level to FEI and the judges consisted of Lois Yukins, Kathleen Connelly, Beth Beukema, and Dorothy Demis. The technical delegate was Debra Reinhardt.

High scores of the day went to the following riders: Training Level: Patricia Montana and her Welsh Cob, North Star Timothy with a 75.625%; First Level: Natalie Bennett on the Friesian

Hank P, owned by Laurie Motte, with a 75.690%; Second Level: Tom Noone and his Oldenburg, Fanfare, with a 77.857%; Third Level: Jessica Fay on the Oldenburg Veraki with a score of 68.205%; Fourth Level: Jessica Fay again on Veraki with a score of 66.857%; and FEI: Shauna Finneran on her KWPN gelding Vito with a score of 68.289%.

The high score JR/YR of the day went to Samantha Radesky on the Hanoverian mare EM Winnie Winzig, owned by Rachel Ehrlich, with a score of 71.452% at First Level. Samantha was the lucky winner of a beautiful bridle donated by SmartPak. Owned and managed by Dave Beland

and Donna Winters, Beland Stables hosts six schooling shows a year and two recognized competitions. The picturesque fields offer plenty of room for schooling and cool downs, while the four different outdoor arenas allow for numerous classes to run simultaneously. Lastly, there is an indoor available if the New England weather does rear its ugly head or if you just need a quieter space with your horse to warm up and connect.

The shows at Beland Stables could not happen without the amazing group of volunteers that make up a large percentage of the show staff. The volunteers truly show up for a love of the sport and give each and every show not only their precious time, but also a sense of family and community. This combination of good weather, great riders, talented horses, and equine enthusiasts made for another wonderful show day at Beland.

[ EQUINE JOURNAL AFFILIATE ]

Connecticut Dressage g and Combined Training Association Holds Last Clinic of the Season SUBMITTED BY CALLY HENCEY

THE CONNECTICUT DRESSAGE AND Combined Training Association (CDCTA) is at it again. Our clinic with dressage judge, Deb Moynihan, has given many of our lucky riders and auditors an introduction to an incredible style of riding.

Deb was gracious enough to invite both equines and equestrians to learn the advantages of centered riding at her home turf in Bolton, CT. This one-day clinic was packed with information, history, and concepts in which riders

could practice and learn while both mounted and on the ground.

Deb took us inside for our first portion of the clinic, beginning with an informative session on Sally Swift, who introduced the main principles of centered riding more than 30 years ago. After learning the basics, we were then lucky enough to put them to the test by riding all three gaits in a saddle, but not so much on a horse—we used an exercise ball!

This unbelievably genius idea is how our group learned to understand the changes that centered riding is capable of making. By bouncing in a saddle on the ball, you can easily create the same motions with your body that you would

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Connecticut Dressage continued from page 107

all we had learned to the test.

In two jumping sessions, we watched the riders complete gymnastics in which they focused on holding their core to the fences and finding the ultimate balance with their teammates. In the two flat groups, we learned how grounding yourself can create an easier balance throughout gaits and that with using your core, it becomes easier to reinforce aids without restricting the horses’ natural motion.

Deb Moynihan and the CDCTA did a fantastic job putting together this centered riding clinic. I can only hope that we have this clinic again so more equestrians can participate in this great opportunity. Thank you to everyone who made this day possible and I hope that our riders took as much home from the day as I did.

PHOTO: DONNA LEGERE

in the dressage arena.

Our first task was to learn to use our core, the part of your torso in between your belly button and lower back. Finding our two seat bones on the airfilled horses was an entertaining challenge as we all wiggled our way into the correct riding position. Deb and a few of her fellow centered riding instructors aided us in finding our core and understanding how to ground ourselves to our mounts.

During our ball rides, we also practiced the other main components of centered riding, such as correct forms of breathing and using soft eyes. It was exciting to watch the drastic changes in body positions when the riders went from staring hard at something to softening their looks.

Those who had the opportunity to bring their horses with them then got a chance to put

CDCTA members with centered riding instructor Deb Moynihan. Âť

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Send your news for future columns to lcenis@comcast.net.

BY LISA CENIS

Driving news

[ABOVE] Mary Stokes Waller at the 23rd Annual Lenox Tub Parade.

[LEFT] Marguerite “Muggy” Tomany.

IN MEMORIUM

PHOTOS: LISA CENIS; (TOP RIGHT) MITCH GREENWALD

Marguerite “Muggy” (Libera) Tomany, 61, of North Grosvenordale, CT, passed away unexpectedly on September 6, 2014. She was the beloved and much adored wife of Michael Tomany for 41 years. Muggy was born and raised in Glastonbury, CT, the loving daughter of Yvette (Cote) Libera of Sangerville, ME, and the late Henry Libera.

Mrs. Tomany enriched the lives of many children as a kindergarten teacher at Mary R. Fisher Elementary School. She happily retired at age 58 to spend more time with her family and many friends who shared her love of skiing, hiking, and horses. Muggy lived her life to the fullest. Mike and Muggy loved traveling throughout the United States and Ireland. She was a member of the Appalachian Mountain Club and the president of the Southern New England Carriage Driving Association. Most of all, she enjoyed and loved her family. She was the proud, loving mother of Aaron and his wife, Carrie, of Fremont, NH, and James and his wife, Chaula, of North Grovesnordale. Muggy adored and found great joy in being the best grammie to Joshua, Ben, Hanna, and Sophia.

She was the much-loved sister to John Libera, Albert Libera, and Linda Libera Anderson, as well as a loving aunt and sister in law.

TOUCHSTONE FARM FALL FESTIVAL OF DRIVING On Sunday September 14, the horse driving trial portion of the Touchstone Farm Fall Festival was held on a perfect fall day.

The sun shone and a breeze kept all the equines cool and comfortable. Dressage started at 9:30 a.m., followed by cones.

Tom McIntire designed a fun but challenging cones course.

After the lunch break, the marathon portion of the day started. Drivers were treated to

beautiful views and some new obstacles to navigate around.

Gale Hepfinger came in first in the Preliminary Horse division driving Devon; Kaylee Angstadt, driving Kerandi Orbit, won the Intermediate Single Pony division; Bob Koopman on his first outing with a new horse, Magestic, took home the blue in the Training Single Horse division; Tracey Turner won the Training Single Pony division driving her Fjord, Solgard; Deigo Rubio won the Single Junior Driver division driving Champagne Wishes; and Georgia Barry was first in the Training Very Small Equine (VSE) division driving her VSE Lollipop.

LENOX TUB PARADE The Colonial Carriage and Driving Society hosted the 23rd Annual Lenox Tub Parade on September 13, 2014. Grand Marshal this year was Dr. James Leahy, DVM. Dr. Leahy lead the parade off with Mrs. Mary Stokes Waller driving her Welsh pony brothers Morton’s Elliot and Morton’s In Play. This year 12 entries braved the weather and drove between the raindrops.

A small but appreciative crowd watched from the sidewalks.

40 FOR 40 In celebration of its 40th anniversary, the American Driving

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[LEFT] Bob Koopman. [RIGHT] Diego Rubio and Champagne Wishes.

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[LEFT] Drivers and horses came from all across the United States to compete in the Hermitage Classic. [RIGHT] Barry Hunter’s marathon course challenged drivers of different skill levels.

Hermitage Classic Draws Record Numbers SUBMITTED BY ASHLEIGH STEPHAN; PHOTOS BY PICS OF YOU/JOHN ROBINSON

THE FIFTH ANNUAL HERMITAGE Classic, held September 12-14, was a spectacular weekend of first-class equestrian competition and exciting social events on the grounds of historic Hermitage Farm in Goshen, KY. Benefiting Oldham Ahead and the Kentucky School of Art at Spalding University, the Hermitage Classic saw excellent weather, great footing, and a record number of entries from across the United States, making the competition more exciting than ever.

Hundreds of spectators came out to watch nearly 50 competitors take on the three-day competition. The weekend kicked off with the dressage competition on Friday, with many competitors commenting on how

Driving News continued from page 109 Society, Inc. (ADS) is honoring individuals who have made a difference for the Society, and who have also worked diligently with related associations, breeds, disciplines, education, and outreach.

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smooth and well-kept the dressage arena was. Saturday was the marathon competition, where competitors navigated seven obstacles with agility as spectators looked on from the brand new observation deck that offered unparalleled views of the competition and course designed by Barry Hunter.

Sunday’s cones competition proved challenging and exciting for competitors at all levels. With this year being the first that the Hermitage Classic was an FEI event, a variety of classes were offered to accommodate advanced competitors: there was a USEF Advanced class, an FEI Advanced class three star, and an FEI one star, making it possible for several new advanced competitors to begin qualifying for

nominations were received.

The 40 individuals represent the past, present, and future of the ADS and have contributed in significant ways to the sport of carriage driving both competitively and for pleasure.

The following individuals were honored on September 27 as part of the ADS Annual Members Meeting and 40th Anniversary Celebration, held September 25-28 at Acadia National Park in Maine.

Congratulations to: Mike Arnold, Debbie Banfield,

FEI-level competitions.

There were plenty of social events for the spectators, as well. During Saturday’s marathon competition, guests took in the action in the Kentucky School of Art VIP Lounge beside the exciting water hazard with lunch and bar provided by Wiltshire Pantry; Oldham Ahead had a tailgate and windmill hazard tent as well.

Throughout the grounds, guests enjoyed a live band and lounge as well as a linear sculpture garden with art provided by the students of the Kentucky School of Art. On Sunday, guests enjoyed a Proof on Main Brunch presented by Chef Levon Wallace during the cones competition and awards ceremonies. Overall winners at the 2014 Hermitage Classic received decanters and special Hermitage Farm bottles of Woodford Reserve.

Hermitage Farm gratefully acknowledges the generous support of its sponsors, volunteers, and hosts Steve Wilson and Laura Lee Brown.

Audrey Bostwick, Micki Bowen, Dana Bright, Veronica and Ted Campbell, Barbara Chapman, Anne Councill, Martha Duchnowski, Judy Gregg, Natasha Grigg, Robert Heath, Barbara and Trish Hartlein, Philip B. Hofmann, Marc Johnson, Charles Kellogg, W. Craig Kellogg, Elaine Kendig, Jean and Frank Kinsella, Susan Koso, Bill Lawson, Bill and Linda Long, Mary O’Rourke, Deirdre Pirie, Louisa N. Plummer, Larry Poulin, Ann Pringle, Holly Pulsifer, Claire

Reid, William Remley, Mike Rider, Thomas Ryder, Muffy Seaton, Victor and Evelyn Shone, Lisa Singer, Allison Stroud, Kelly Valdes, John J. P. (Jack) Weir, Judson and Frances Wright, and Hardy Zantke.

WINNER WINNER Sarah Bates from Honeoye Falls, NY, won the North American Preliminary Pony Pairs division with her Welsh ponies Fferm Gwennfrwd Onyx Star and F.G. Duramax.

Congratulations!

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[ EQUINE JOURNAL AFFILIATE ]

Saratoga Driving Assoc.

Members Attend the Dutchess County Fair SUBMITTED BY CAROL FRANK; PHOTOS BY DAN RADULESCU

ANOTHER DRIVING SEASON IS drawing to a close, but it has been full of wonderful moments. One of my favorites is the Dutchess County Fair in Rhinebeck, NY. The light horse driving show was held on Saturday, August 24 and a draft horse show was on Sunday, August 25.

The fair is a lively spectator sport with jumping dogs, racing pigs, and all manner of New Yorkers that have never seen a horse or pony. It is lively, and this year there were 15 turnouts including a mini donkey, a three-yearold Friesian, and a number of people that had never been in a show ring. The Saratoga Driving Association was out in force and made it a fun and competitive event. Barb Akers showed Colton; Sue Mallery was there with Val, the Haflinger; Keath and Dawn Fortier were gorgeous; and Glenn Van Oort was the wonderful

grandfather with St. Gertrude being driven by Sarah. It is always a pleasure to see the next generation coming along.

Ron Konove did a great job driving his pair of Norwegian Fjords with Bill Broe as groom.

The assortment of horses was amazing. All the photos will be posted on the website. Check them out at saratogadriving.com.

This is a great show to watch or participate in. Ken Wheeling was a wonderful judge with as many as 15 entries in one class. He was challenged by the different levels of knowledge and sophistication, but was kind and thorough to all. It was great fun, and the food at the fair is awesome. Make sure to put this show on your list for next year!

[ABOVE] Sarah and her grandfather, Glenn Van Oort, driving the 23-year-old Morgan, St. Gertrude. [BELOW] Keath and Dawn Fortier winning the Currier & Ives Class.

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

BY JENNIFER ROBERTS

Western news SHOOT OFF Road to the Horse is proud to announce a partnership with Mounted Shooters of America (MSA). MSA will compile their first ever All-Star Team to perform during Road to the Horse 2015 based on their highest qualifying riders from the MSA 2014 World Championship. Fans will be able to watch top competitors go head to head in multiple rounds, in the ultimate shootout.

Cody Lamont riding Zack And Blue was the Open Champion at this year’s Western Nationals.

BABY MAKES THREE

PHOTO: (TOP LEFT) JOHN BRASSEUAX; (BOTTOM LEFT) CENTENARY COLLEGE; (RIGHT) TED PETIT

Jacs Electric Spark.

We are excited for Chris and Allison Rich, who recently announced that they are Bolton Center as a large animal expecting a child in February 2015! ophthalmologist.

Dr. Nunnery will lead the experts in New Bolton Center’s WEDDING BELLS ophthalmology service in Huge congratulations go out to providing complete ocular Amy Sullivan and Brian Frechette examinations, diagnostics, and of Brattleboro, VT, who were treatment, and performing married on September 20, 2014. surgeries for lid lacerations, deep Amy can often be seen in the corneal ulcers or perforations, saddle, on the trails, or competing periocular tumors, and cataracts. on the gymkhana circuit.

SIGNING ON

WHO’S YOUR DADDY?

Centenary College’s 1996 alumna Catherine Nunnery, DVM, will join Penn Vet’s New

The late stallion, Jacs Electric Spark, became the National Reining Horse Association’s (NRHA) newest stallion to hit the two million dollar mark. This makes him the 13th stallion to achieve this great title.

By NRHA Four Million Dollar Sire and Hall of Fame Inductee Shining Spark and out of Miss Hello Hollywood, the 1998 stallion was owned

by Troy Heikes and bred

by Sally Brown. With an NRHA lifetime earning of over $85,900, Jacs Electric Catherine Nunnery, DVM, will join Spark had a successful Penn Vet’s New Bolton Center as a large animal ophthalmologist.

National Cuttingg Horse Association Eastern and Western Nationals Set for 2015 THE NATIONAL CUTTING HORSE ASSOCIATION’S (NCHA) Eastern and Western National Championships, presented by Four Sixes Ranch, have been scheduled for 2015, and with a “Ride to the Herd” format for qualifying, the door is wide open for competitors who still wish to compete at these events. To qualify, a contestant only needs to ride to the herd at any NCHA-approved weekend show during the 2014-point year to qualify for an entry in that class at both of the national championship shows. The point year wraps up for weekend cutters on November 16.

Also referred to as the Area Work-Offs, the NCHA Eastern and Western Nationals, with $150,000 in added money at each event, cater to the weekend cutters who show throughout the year in the respective areas. The Eastern Nationals will take place March 9-21, 2015 in Jackson, MS. The Western Nationals will kick off April 25 in Reno, NV, and run through May 5. Each event boasts a full schedule of youth events and parties as well as substantial added money and prizes galore for winners and finalists.

For the 2015 shows, NCHA reduced the entry fees to $500 to encourage more weekend cutters to enjoy the unique experience. In addition, in horse classes, competitors can ride three horses and in rider classes, competitors can ride two horses each, if those horses qualified at an NCHA-approved weekend show during the 2014-point year.

Visit nchacutting.com for updated information and the tentative schedules.

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western

[LEFT] Carrie Austin riding Sail on Sailor. [RIGHT] Dale Sargent riding Master Wippersnapper.

Northeast Reiningg Horse Association 2014 Super Slide-In a Success SUBMITTED BY SHELI SENECAL; PHOTOS BY KAREN HANNON

THE NORTHEAST REINING HORSE Association (NERHA) Super Slide-In ran from August 20-24 at the Big E Fairgrounds in West Springfield, MA, and we had record numbers. We had reiners, vendors, sponsors, family, and friends that came from North Carolina to Canada. The weather was excellent and spirits were high as we started our first class on Thursday. Our judges were Alain Allard and Kara Gray Fry with Heather Powell as our bit judge. Friday night held the Matt Sanborn Open and Non Pro Derbies. Jeremy Gates and Who Whiz Mcmurty won the L4 and L2 Open with a score of 145.00; Tabitha Gordon and All Biz Whiz won the L1

Western News continued from page 113 show career as well. Some of his career highlights include: 2001 NRHA Futurity Open finalist, 2002 National Reining Breeders Classic (NRBC) Open finalist and NRHA Derby Open finalist, 2003 NRBC Open finalist and NRHA Derby finalist, and 2004 NRBC Open 114 EQUINE

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Open with a score of 143.00; Shawn Reynolds and This Ones A Chic won the L4 Non Pro with a score of 139.50; and Lauren Sanborn and Bingos Malibu Gal won the L2 and L1 with a score 140.50.

Coming off an exciting night of Derby runs, Saturday moved right along into the afternoon when we held the annual NERHyA Chuck-A-Duck. This year’s winner was Annemarie Berube of Long Island, NY. Following the Chuck-ADuck was the raffle drawing for the Continental Saddle, won by Lori Pierce.

After our fundraisers and raffle drawing was the Northeast Sale Horse presentation. This program is in its second year and growing. Owners that have horses

finalist and NRHA Derby Open finalist. He also earned his NRHA Million Dollar Sire status in 2012.

WELCOME NOLAN! Congratulations to Laura and Doug Palmer, who welcomed their first son Nolan James to the world on September 16, 2014, at 8:10 p.m. He weighed in at a healthy 9 lbs, 7oz.

for sale may purchase a special color number that their horse rides under during the show. Sale horse papers are displayed in the show office along with a short biography of the horse. Prior to the start to the Futurity, sale horses were showcased and ridden while the biography was read.

With bellies full of delicious barbecue, we settled in to watch the Northeast Futurity. Jeremy Gates and Peptos Son Of A Gun won the L4 and L2 Open with a score of 145.50, Mark Dickman and Shootin Reys won the L1 Open with a score of 138.50, and Neil McCoy and The Code Breaker won the L4 and L2 Non Pro with a score of 137.00.

It was a pretty quiet morning on Sunday until Casey Hicks came into the ring.

Casey had tied for first on Saturday in the Youth 14-18 class. This would be Casey’s last year showing in the Youth division and he did not disappoint the crowd. Casey rode Smoken Magnum to a 70.5 to win the class and the Al Dube High Point Memorial Trophy! Overall, it was an excellent show.

For all the results, visit nerha.com.

NOW CERTIFIED Hats off to Meghan Hart of Burlington, VT, who is officially licensed as a Certified Public Accountant!

CONDOLENCES We have just received news that past president of the NRHA, Tom Sumpter of Morriston, FL, passed away. We are told that he was surrounded by his loved

ones in his final hours.

We are deeply saddened by the loss and send our condolences to his family and friends in reining.

Among his many contributions to the sport, he showed Red Ant Rey to the 1994 NRHA Non-Pro World Championship, in addition to numerous top ten finishes in world championship standings.

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Maine Barrel Racing Rules At the Skowhegan State Fair SUBMITTED BY JAMIE LEEMAN

THE MAINE BARREL RACING Association Show, held on August 16 at the Skowhegan State Fair in Skowhegan, ME, started at 9:00 a.m. with the National Anthem playing while the 2013 Barrel Champion Sharon Higgins carried the American Flag.

There were over 70 horse and rider combinations at the show on the beautiful sunny day, with riders of all ages and levels of experience competing with both seasoned and green horses. With the divisional classes offered, horse and rider pairs did not have to be the fastest to take

Brianna Perry won the 1D Barrels 18 & Under on Shy. »

home the money.

We had a great working crew to help make our show run smoothly and professionally, while having fun along the way. It’s not rare to see two and three family generations participating in the show, along with friends and family cheering from the grandstands.

Some highlights from the show are: 1D Single Pole: Barb Powers riding

Northeast Six Shooters Awards State Champions SUBMITTED BY DINA BARATTA; PHOTOS BY JEANNE LEWIS IMAGES

THE NORTHEAST SIX SHOOTERS hosted the Massachusetts State Championship on August 24, 2014 at Run and Gun Ranch in Norfolk, MA. It was an awesome day at a great venue.

Shad Smith won High Overall on Annie and was named the

Massachusetts State Cowboy.

Ali Forsyth won Reserve Champion on KC and was named the Massachusetts State Overall Cowgirl.

Mark Rizzo was Reserve Cowboy and Paige Whitt was Reserve Cowgirl.

Full class winners were: Kelli

Redneck Woman; 1D Barrels 18 & Under: Brianna Perry riding Shy; 1D Barrels 19 & Up: Kellie Kilton riding Jet; 1D Poles 18 & Under: MaKayla Leeman riding Dulce; 1D Poles 19 & Up: Joanna Reid riding Yankee; and 1D Quadrangle: Jamie Leeman riding AF Cruzen Sonofolena.

A great day was had by all!

Sinclaire and Woody winning Ladies 1, Jared Penley and Laddy winning Men’s 1, Cara Peters and Ace winning Ladies Level 2, and Paige Whitt winning Ladies Level 3. All full class winners were awarded a customized Montana Silversmith Buckle. The overall winners were awarded customized buckles as well.

We are holding an introductory cowboy mounted shooting clinic November 1 in Fremont, NH. For forms and more information, check out masixshooters.com.

PHOTO: (TOP) JOHN MERCHANT

[LEFT] Allison Forsyth was named the Massachusetts State Cowgirl on KC. [RIGHT] Massachusetts State Cowboy Shad Smith on Annie.

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Trail/Distance Riding news [ EQUINE JOURNAL AFFILIATE ]

Ohio Arabian and All-Breed Trail Society Holds Another Great Abi-Khan+ Challenge SUBMITTED BY MICKIE NEWNAM

IF YOU HAD TOLD ME THE DAY before the Abi-Khan+ Challenge that we were going to have such gorgeous weather, I would have never believed you. After torrential rains the Thursday morning before and Friday morning of, we ended up having a great weekend. It was hot, of course, but then again, it was August. We did make a couple emergency trail changes to keep everyone safe. (We decided that sending someone sliding off of the goat hill or having him or her swept downstream due to flash flooding would be a bad thing). It worked, as everyone came back muddy but in the same number of pieces as they started, and even in the same order—always our first goal! Even Shannon and Morgan Loomis made it through intact; they had their doubts since their mounts were two newbie horses just off the home farm in May. Luckily, Christopher was along on QED Ash-Lee,

The Loomis clan had a great time at the Abi-Khan+ Challenge. »

to supervise. Next year is the 25th anniversary so we’re going to plan one heck of a party—hopefully we’ll see a lot of you there. The sun wasn’t out enough to get many photos on Saturday, but I did get a few on Sunday.

For anyone who hasn’t been to this ride, as well as being the Abi-Khan+ Challenge, it’s also the Flamingo Fling.

As usual, Maureen and Mollie had lots of fun picking out flamingo prizes, and we had another great game of Flamingo Bingo. It’s quite a cutthroat game and is a total blast. In addition, Candy Carlson won a prize for her effort in setting up the Flamingo Palace (it’s worth the trip to the camp all by itself), Tess Searcy won an award for Best Use of Flamingos on trail (she’s always quite decked out), and Monica Gaynor won an honorable mention for managing to keep the rubber

flamingo upright in Lucky’s forelock for at least a good part of the ride (and he’s 17 hands so on an overgrown trail, that’s not easy). Candy Carlson suggested as she left that we start a rotating trophy for Best Flamingo Campsite, winner to be selected by the winner of the previous year. Since she won this year, she will be next year’s judge, and has offered to find and donate a suitable trophy. So you have a year to find your best flamingo stuff!

Don’t forget to email or call with your recreational hours before December 5, so I can get them processed for this year’s mailing. And if you’ve been lax in getting your mileage in to Maureen, please remember to do that also. We can’t count you if we don’t have the information. Happy trails!

[ EQUINE JOURNAL AFFILIATE ]

Bay State Trail Riders Association Successfully Hold Benefit Ride SUBMITTED BY LISA GRIGAITIS

ON SEPTEMBER 14, BREEZY HILL Therapeutic Riding Center in Holliston, MA, held a Benefit Ride and affiliated with the Bay State Trail Riders Association (BSTRA). Breezy Hill offers licensed therapeutic riding instructors as well as licensed therapists in hippotherapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy.

The morning really had a nip of fall in the air, which turned into the most

perfect day to enjoy any outside activity.

BSTRA member Pat Gipps and all of her volunteers did a wonderful job in marking the beautiful trails in Holliston and Milford and kept us very safe with our very brief road crossing. Thank you to J.F. Cove Insurance Agency in Uxbridge, MA, for sponsoring this ride.

[TOP] A group of riders at Breezy Hill Therapeutic Riding Center.

[BOTTOM] Kathy Wicks. » November 2014

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Send your news for future columns to suzyl3006@aol.com.

BY SUZY LUCINE

Morgan news Y

[LEFT] Brenda Varney and her new show horse, Dragonsmeade Bravura, are off to a successful start. [RIGHT] Kay Thompson was honored at the Granite State Morgan Horse Show.

A PERFECT PAIR

PHOTOS: (TOP LEFT) TERRY YOUNG; (TOP RIGHT) CHRIS CASSENTI; (BOTTOM) SUZY LUCINE

Brenda Varney of Bangor, ME, recently purchased Dragonsmeade Bravura. The bay gelding was previously owned by Dale and Jeanne Fuelling, and trained by Nancy Flowers Stables. The reigning Reserve World Classic Pleasure Saddle Champion’s show career will continue under the direction of Richard Boule and Sarah Gove of Taylor River Farm in Hampton Falls, NH.

everyone was seated and the lights were dimmed.

Rebecca and her staff presented 17 of Ledyard’s Morgans, from weanlings to broodmares. This show had riding, driving, and young horses presented in-hand, all paired with dramatic lighting and set to music. Rebecca and her new

husband, Scott Rodlin of Paragon Jousting, also put on a fiery demonstration of flame jousting.

Then dinner was served, and all had an enjoyable time, before many loaded on the bus to head back to the NY State Fairgrounds for the New York Morgan Regional Championship Horse Show.

HONORED The 2014 Granite State Morgan Horse Show was dedicated to Katharine Thompson of Highover Morgans in Eliot, ME. Throughout her lifetime dedication to the Morgan, Kay has displayed each and every quality that defines the breed she so passionately supports. It is her animation and attitude coupled with her stamina, vigor, type and conformation, which support her alertness and tractability.

WELCOME!

SAVE THE DATE

Bill Haines, owner of Ledyard Farms, and Rebecca Rodlin, equine manager, opened their barn doors on September 9 to welcome almost 300 friends and guests to The Celebration of the Morgan. This was the farm’s third annual event, held in King Ferry, NY. When visitors arrived at the farm, they were encouraged to tour the farm and see Morgan horses, Scottish Highland cattle, Jacob sheep, and exotic fowl. After cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the indoor arena,

Mark February 27-28, 2015 on your calendar so you can take part in the American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA) Awards Gala and Convention at the Hyatt Regency in Minneapolis, MN. Friday will be a day at the farm for clinics and demonstrations, followed by the Annual Meeting of AMHA Members and a Welcome Celebration Party. Saturday will have informative seminars as well as the annual Awards Luncheon, Awards Gala, and the

[LEFT] Ledyard Farm owner Bill Haines spoke to friends and guests during his open barn. [RIGHT] Ledyard Oberon (Man in Black x Graywood’s Epona) peaks through the opening in the arena door during Ledyard Farm’s open house to see what is going on inside.

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Mass Morgan Horse Show

[ABOVE] John Bennet driving his team at the Mass Morgan Horse Show. [LEFT] A lineup of horses in the coliseum at The Big E.

Showcases the State’s Best in Breed PHOTOS AND ARTICLE BY CHRIS DELUDE

PEOPLE CAME FROM NEAR AND far, all to participate in the Mass Morgan Horse Show (MMHS) held on August 13-16, 2014 at The Big E in West Springfield, MA. The MMHS is recognized as a competitive and fun show by both trainers and competitors, and this year was no exception!

Judges Sally Lindabury and Greg Ferguson were busy judging in the coliseum with large and very competitive classes. The classic pleasure saddle and

driving classes as well as the western, pleasure, and park classes had good numbers and quality horses.

Many participants came to show their carriage and dressage horses, including western dressage, during this show. The weather was beautiful, with the exception of one very rainy afternoon, and carriage judge Melissa Boyd was kept busy judging the numerous classes.

Dressage judge Judy Dannemann had a nice group of horses to judge as well.

The annual Youth Contest had good participation. There was much camaraderie between contestants and the barns they represented. A large group of riders also participated in the Academy classes that were held on Saturday afternoon. On Saturday night, the 2014 Mass Morgan Scholarship was awarded to a very excited and grateful Kayla Candage.

The Best in Show ribbon was awarded to Millennium Force, owned by Roxanne Sardelli Greenway and trained

by Anne Benson Stables. What a way to end a truly incredible horse show with such a bold and energetic force!

Morgan News

Stolen Moment), also finished in the top ten.

continued from page 119

BIGGER AND BETTER

AMHA/World Morgan Futurity Stallion Service Auction.

There will be something for everybody in Minneapolis!

For more information on this annual event, go to morganhorse.com/media.

WINNER, WINNER Ledyard Oakley (Man In Motion x Wild Imaginings) won the NYSMHS SSA Weanling Sweepstakes at the New York Morgan Regional Championship Morgan Horse Show this past September. The bay filly is owned

by William Haines of Ledyard Farms LLC of King Ferry, NY, and was presented by Lynn Peeples of 120 EQUINE

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Ledyard Oakley won the NYSMHS SSA Weanling Sweepstakes.

She was presented by Lynn Peeples for owner William Haines.

COMING SOON

Waterford Farm in Oxford, NJ. Prize money in this year’s weanling sweepstakes was $3,998 to the winner, with more than $7,000 awarded overall.

The 2015 UPHA National Convention will be held January 15-17at the Savannah Marriott Riverfront in Savannah, GA. Watch for more convention details at uphaonline.com.

The sweepstakes was judged

by Larry Bolen, Fay Lowry, and John McDonald.

Oakley’s stablemate, Ledyard Octavia (Astronomicallee x FRF

PHOTOS: (BOTTOM) TERRY YOUNG

The 2015 Connecticut Morgan Horse Show will be expanding to include Saddlebreds, Hackneys, Friesians, and Sport Horses. The show is scheduled for June 3-6, 2015 in West Springfield, MA. Further updates on officials and a new class schedule can be found at ctmorgans.org in the coming months.

| November 2014

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[LEFT] The NEMHS Kids Club after their stick horse class. [RIGHT] Hollybrook Boy Toy and Karen Bobbi.

New England Morgan Horse Show Celebrates 75th Anniversary SUBMITTED BY SUSAN COLLETON

THE NEW ENGLAND MORGAN Regional Horse Show’s (NEMHS) diamond anniversary celebration glittered for six sensational days in Northampton, MA. From July 21-26, the Tri-County Fairgrounds sparkled with world-caliber Morgan horse competition.

From opening the show Monday evening

with in-hand presentations, competition sizzled throughout the week in center ring, the carriage course, the dressage arena, and the jumping venue. The judges’ panel included Peggy Alderman, Terry Jones-Brennan, Phil Fountain, and Gerry Rushton for center ring classes, while Muffy Seaton tied the carriage

classes, Sara Schmitt scored the dressage rides, and Anne Sibson marked the cards for the hunters and jumpers.

Show manager Mark Caisse and co-chairs Debbie Lane and Christine Nava, supported by their dynamic show committee, ensured that the week was not only the epitome of superb competition, but also a great time for socializing, in the inimitable NEMHS style. The welcome party kicked off a great week of fun under the tent as well as honored the Youth Contest winners (Katie Howe and Nicole Bobbi were the senior

continued on page 122

PHOTOS: (TOP LEFT) SUSAN COLLETON; (TOP RIGHT) SHANE SHIFLET; (BOTTOM) HOWARD SCHATZBERG

Morgan Weanling Gala Won by Stunning Black Filly

BY SUZY LUCINE

INTENSE, A FIVE-MONTH-OLD BLACK filly by Spiceolife Present Tense and out of S&R’s Mephisto’s Waltz, owned by Rob and Roxanne Sardelli Greenway of Sarde Morgans in Clayville, RI, won the Morgan Weanling Gala held during the Jubilee Morgan Horse Show on August 24, in Springfield, IL. In addition to the coveted title, she won the lion’s share of more than $33,000 in prize money. Intense was handled by her breeders, John and Belle Hufferd of Triumph in Roanoke, IN. To top it off, Intense was also honored with the Best Performance of the Show award.

“As soon as John led ‘Tess’ into the ring, she looked at the crowd and everyone started cheering,” Roxanne said. “Watching Tess put on a show, each time John and Belle presented her

Intense wowed the crowd at the Morgan Weanling Gala. »

to the judges, was thrilling. The whole evening was like a dream.”

Roxanne plans to leave Tess at Triumph, where she will grow up under the direction of the Hufferds.

And she’s hoping her dreams for this filly will continue to come true.

Second place was awarded to a filly from the opposite coast, SLB Gordon Girl (SLB Da Vinci x Kim’s Bellegante), owned by Sheryl Bartolucci of Penn Valley, CA. She was handled by Mark Bodnar of Merriehill Farm in Marengo, IL. In addition to the winning filly, Spiceolife Present Tense sired two other weanlings in the Top Ten. Hollybrook Stage Rage sired three in the Top Ten. John Hufferd was very busy during the Gala. Not only did he present

the winner, he presented three other weanlings in the Top Ten. His brother, Kurt Hufferd of Indian Creek Farm in Columbia City, IN, presented two in the Top Ten, as did Mark Bodnar.

For further information on this weanling gala, visit morganweanlinggala.com.

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N.E. Morgan Horse Show continued from page 121 champion and reserve) and New England Morgan Horse Association Scholarship winner, Alexandra Galletta.

Thursday evening’s new Progressive Box Seat Party was definitely one of the social highlights of the week.

Posters of champions of yester-year decorated the box seats, providing a nostalgic look back at some of the horses and people who have defined NEMHS over its glorious 75 year history.

In celebrating over seven decades of Morgan horse show excitement, grand old champions graced the Northampton ring once again, reminding fans that great show horses never lose their love for entertaining fans!

One of these horses, Born To Boogie, brought down the house when former trainers Lynn and Kathy Peeples led

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the people’s favorite into the ring the gelding used to dominate. Owner Bryna Watson was thrilled to see her boy back in the limelight and a few tears of joy were shed that night as Boogie stood up and cocked his gorgeous head in the iconic pose that defined his presence during the years he ruled the show ring.

Casey McDonald Douglas was the lucky winner of the NEMHS customized golf cart and she and Avery are sure to be the sportiest girls in town!

The silent auction and live auctions are always successful fundraisers for the show, and this year was no exception.

It was certainly a wonderful week for Morgan horses and their people—great weather, great camaraderie, and great competition. NEMHS 2014 had it all and the show’s diamond anniversary will shine in memories long after the last horse left the fairgrounds.

| November 2014

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

BY JENNIFER ROBERTS

Arabian news eig ghth in Yearling Fillies and sixth in Amateur Haandler. She also competed in the Sallie B. Wheeler U.S. National Hu unter Breeding Ch hampionship, placing 10th in Yearling Fillies and sixth in Am mateur Handler.

CUE THE BELLS W hear that Hannah We Saartori and Blake Messerli were M reecently engaged.

Congratulations!

C

GO ARABIANS G

THIRTY YEAR OLD ARABIAN GELDING THIRTY-YEAR-OLD Shadowrun and his owner Emily Gilles competed at the California Dressage Society Jr/YR Championships, earning a 71 in Dressage Seat Equitation, and a 60% and 58.214% in Training Level!

HORSE OF A LIFETIME

PHOTO: (TOP) TAMARA TORTI; (BOTTOM) PICS OF YOU

Congratulations to Kristal Tremblay and Lands End Farm in Chester, NH. Their mare Bring Me to Life+/ has earned her Legion of Supreme Honor.

Teia has earned points in Sport Horse Mares In-Hand, Sport Horse Show Hack, and Dressage (Training through Fourth Level). She has won regional and national titles in these divisions.

Not too shabby for a starving horse that Kristal rescued!

Congratulations and best wishes as you continue your wonderful adventure.

CONDOLENCES *Jullyen El Jamaal (Ali Jamaal x Jullye El Ludjin), born August 10, 1996, passed away on

A Waredaca Horse At TTrials in Laytonsville, MD, Corinne Frankel M aand her Half-Arabian Excalibur earned a E fourth place overall in Preliminary P li i Training Level.

Playland Farm’s PL Irish Queenie, with Maya Kuntze, earned a seventh place finish in Beginner Novice Rider and PL Irish Pearl, with Glenda Player, finished ninth in Open Novice.

WHAT AN HONOR After a highly successful Canadian Nationals (two unanimous championships!), Hillary Hoffman’s Khraave+/ has earned his Legion of Supreme Honor.

IN THE CLEAR Welsh/Connemara/Arabian Quicky De Barbereau and Leslie Law competed at the Full Gallop August Horse Trials in Training and finished in second place with double clears in stadium and cross-country. Nice job!

SOLD! Best wishes to Phyllis Ullman of Rancho Santa Fe, CA, on her purchase of the TW Bengali Bey filly, MA Benishah! We look forward to this pretty girl enjoying lots of love at her new forever home.

SILVER STARS Congratulations to Katie Lang and Half-Arabian FA Patriot (Flurry Of Ca-Lyn x La Sada Mega) on earning their USDF Silver Medal! They placed first

continued on page 124

September 2, 2014.

This was a very sad goodbye to another legend of the Arabian breed. Jullyen El Jamaal was the leading son of Ali Jamaal in number of National winning get, with a stunning total of 50 U.S. and Canadian National prizewinners. He was proudly bred by Lenita Perroy of Brazil and was owned by Sheila Varian of Arroyo Grande, CA.

HEIR TO THE THRONE Shayna Dolinger and her HalfArabian filly Heiress Of Piaff (Piaff x *Virag {Hungarian WB}) had a great showing in hunter breeding at the Warrenton Horse Show. Heiress was Katie Lang and HalfArabian FA Patriot. » November 2014

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continued from page 123 and second in their first ever Prix St. Georges tests at the Virginia Dressage Association Fredericksburg Show.

PONY POWER Two Arabians competed at the National Dressage Pony Cup held at the Kentucky Horse Park. Tserafina (OKW Entrigue x Tsabrena) bred, owned, and trained by Rebecca Jaronski, placed third overall in First Level and earned the High Score Arabian Award.

Al-Marah Power Parade (AM Double Dream x AMLightening Raid) and Caroline Galecki were overall Training Level Adult Amateur Reserve Champions with a high of 67.80%. Congratulations!

SINGLED OUT Arabian mare In Single (Wiking x Justonetime) was just approved by the American Trakehner

Association for inclusion in their Preliminary Stud Book. Her Anglo Arabian colt, Siennas Midnight Star received high marks on his foal evaluation. Hats off to owner Mike Morris!

Fadls Phoenix (Fadl Attrak-Shun x LLA Latisha) were JR/YR champions in Intermediate-1 with a 64.7% and Intermediate-B with a 59.2% at the USDF Region 4 Championships. Great job!

BRONZE BEAUTIES

FOR THE WIN

Congrats to Julie Hart and her Half Arabian Romanov (Riverma x Wuarantee) who have earned Julie’s USDF Bronze Medal together! They scored 63.684% and 63.658% in Third-1 and Third-2 at an open USDF show.

Mike Troxler, Equine Manager for the William George Agency for Children’s Services (WGA), took a group of horses and students to compete at the AHA Region 16 Championship show in Syracuse, NY. Four horses were taken to

ALADA RIBBONS Alada High Socks (Alada Padron x FA High Seradro), owned by Elizabeth Crowley, was ridden

by Stephanie Nardi to Junior Fourth Level Champion with a 66.9% and Junior Prix St. Georges Reserve Champion at the USDF Region 4 Championships held September 4-7 in Mason City, IA.

WAY TO GO Melissa Lund and her Arabian KS

Captainn Jack and Royal Jester.

Arabian contact listings Quarry Hill Farm (bts), 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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compete in two days of sport horse in-hand, showing to two different judges. In addition, one student, Kate, competed in showmanship in-hand, earning a top five award with Royal Jester PAF. The sport horse in-hand classes brought in additional awards. Troxler exhibited each horse first in the open division with the students doing the honors in the amateur to handle. WGA brought home four champions, three reserve champions, and numerous top five awards.

The Arabian Horsemen’s Distress Fund Sends Courage to Assist Alexa Nichols ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, ONE OF REGION 9’S BRIGHTEST young Arabian enthusiasts, 21-year-old Alexa Nichols, was critically injured in a head-on collision when an oncoming driver veered into her lane. Alexa suffered a tragic spinal cord injury and is presently paralyzed from the neck down. While the prognosis for recovery of the use of her arms and legs is not bright, Alexa and her family are hopeful, positive, and committed to this new fight, and are facing the challenge with their signature can-do attitude and resilience.

While the Nichols’ insurance is covering the bills for Alexa’s emergent medical care, there are already many additional costs mounting for the family, including but not limited to a specialty van and many home modifications that are going to be necessary before Alexa can return home.

At the time of the accident, Alexa was taking 18 credits at the University of Texas San Antonio, double majoring in English and Voice, and continuing her amazing Opera performances in the school’s Lyric Theater program. Her post-college aspirations included joining the Air Force as an Intelligence or Public Affairs Officer, and her Arabians were and always will be part of her life. While Alexa’s plans for the future have been significantly re-routed, her amazing will and love for life will keep her light shining bright and ensure success in whatever new endeavor she embarks upon.

Alexa herself is an accomplished rider and has collected multiple top tens in disciplines ranging from western pleasure, hunter pleasure, country pleasure, and western showmanship, culminating her youth riding career with two Canadian National Championships in Half-Arabian Western Pleasure.

Tenacious and talented, Alexa often trained her own horses, and is also known for sharing the gift of her voice through stirring renditions of the National Anthem at various events.

For more information, visit horsemensdistressfund.com.

PHOTO: MIKE TROXLER

Arabian News

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[ EQUINE JOURNAL AFFILIATE ]

Autumnfest Horse Show Hosted by the Arabian Horse Association of Maine On the Skowhegan, ME | September 6-7, 2014 PHOTOS BY LAURIE EMERY

Scene

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The American Cup Championship p p Arabian Horse Show Set to Shine in Scottsdale, Arizona THE 2014 AMERICAN CUP Championship Arabian Horse Show will be held November 7-9 in Scottsdale, AZ. The show is open to Arabians and Half-Arabian/ Anglo-Arabian horses, and will

highlight top Arabian talent. While the competition is sure to please, there will also be many different vendor booths to explore.

Visit scottsdaleshow.com for more information.

« The American Cup Championship Arabian Horse Show offers classes for Arabians and HalfArabians/AngloArabian horses.

PHOTOS: (LEFT) OSTEEN-SCHATZBERG PHOTOGRAPHY; (RIGHT) WENDY PETERSON

Exhibitors and spectators alike love the American Cup Championship Arabian Horse Show. »

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

BY JENNIFER ROBERTS

Quarter Horse news NEW OWNERSHIP King’s Quarter Horses of Crescent City, FL, would like to congratulate RJN Farms of Galva, KS, on the purchase of Congress and AQHA World Champion, Secret Gunfighter. RJN Farms is owned by Russell and Jerrid Nightingale, who also stand World Champion halter stallion, A Zhivago, and sorrel overo stallion, WKN Chicas Icon.

[ABOVE] Dont Skip Ms Hotrod has been laid to rest. [LEFT] Kendra Owens Riley is moving to South Carolina.

ON THE MOVE Congratulations to Kendra Owens Riley of Tophsam, ME, who recently announced that she and her family will be relocating to Conway, SC. She will now be training out of Linda Seeger’s Meadow Chase Farm, which is located right outside of Myrtle Beach.

WELL WISHES Lisa Rader of White Birch Farm in East Hampton, CT, sustained numerous injuries after being assaulted at her facility on September 17. Following the

assault, she was in the intensive care unit at the hospital. A Go Fund Me account has been set up for her to assist with the incredible amount of medical bills incurred from her injuries. Lisa has been very active in the New England equine industry for years, and all donations, both large and small, are welcome. To donate money for the cause, please visit gofundme. com/lisaradersmedicalbills.

CONDOLENCES We are sad to report the passing of well-known halter breeder Jerry Vawter of Valley View, TX. Vawter had bred Quarter Horses

History in the Making The Race for All-Time Leading Sire Is On THE AMERICAN QUARTER HORSE Association is excited to share a pivotal moment in American Quarter Horse history. All signs point to a change in leaders sometime this fall for the title of Number One All-Time Leading Sire of AQHA points earned by offspring.

The Number One spot is currently held by American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame stallion Zippo Pine Bar. As Number Two sire Invitation Only’s get continue to show through the fall, the margin between Invitation Only and Zippo Pine Bar is decreasing at a rapid rate. Based on the performance of his foals, Invitation Only will soon pass Zippo 128 EQUINE

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SAVING SUNNI At the 2014 Merial AQHA Region 2 Regional Championship, nearly $1,800 was raised from a silent auction and cash donations for longtime AQHA Region 2 exhibitor Sunni Hecht. According to posts on a CaringBridge page set up for Sunni, Sunni sustained a serious brain injury

in an ATV accident in May. Sunni is currently at Craig Hospital, a rehabilitation facility in Englewood, CO, according to the CaringBridge page.

LOSING A LEGEND One of the all-time great mares, Dont Skip Ms Hotrod (Don’t Skip Charlie x Hotroddin In Black) was euthanized on September 23 due to complications associated with old age. The gorgeous black mare was 19. “Oprah” was bred by John and Sharon Scott of Syracuse, IN. Her striking looks, movement, and consistency in the show pen earned her a well-deserved spot in the National Snaffle Bit Futurity Hall of Fame in 2006.

YOUTH LEADERSHIP AQHYA members elected new officers and directors at the 2014 Bank of America Youth Excellence Seminar.

The 2014-15 officer team will be: President: Kalee McCann, MI; Vice President: Mary Claire Cornett, MI; Secretary: Ashley Anderson, NE; Treasurer: Ann Elizabeth Tebow, OK; and Sentinel: Paige Wacker, MN.

Invitation Only may soon hold the title of Number One All-Time Leading Sire. »

Pine Bar and become Number One. At press time, Zippo Pine Bar’s offspring have earned 77,056 points while Invitation Only’s offspring have earned 76,570.

Zippo Pine Bar was inducted into the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame in 2000. The 1969 stallion amassed many accolades during his show career. However, as a sire he has left an indelible mark on the AQHA show industry, with 1,651 highly successful registered offspring. Zippo Pine Bar died in 1998.

At 24 years old, Invitation Only (Barpassers Image x Bears Raisin Kane) continues to produce outstanding offspring with, as of

press time, 1,250 foals registered in 21 crops.

Invitation Only was bred by Gene and Frieda Maxwell of Waterford, CA. His current owners, Ohio Pineview Farms of North Lawrence, OH, purchased him in 2005.

PHOTO: (TOP RIGHT) JMC REINING; (BOTTOM) COURTESY OF PINEVIEW FARMS

for over 50 years including some of the greats in the halter industry such as: Kid Clu, Excelebration, Log Cabin Quest, Sir Quincy Dan, Zip to Impress, Quincy Feature, and Conclusive Lace.

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quarter horse

2014 Built Ford Tough g AQHYA World Championship Show Features Top Youth Riders COURTESY OF THE AMERICAN QUARTER HORSE JOURNAL

EXHIBITORS AT THE 2014 BUILT Ford Tough AQHYA World Championship Show shined their boots and dusted off their hats for a great week of competition. The show ran from August 1-9 at State Fair Park in Oklahoma City, OK. Throughout the show, youth from around the world competed for 35 world championships.

American Quarter Horse exhibitors ages 18 and under competed all year to qualify for this event by earning a predetermined number of points to show in each of the classes representing halter, English, and western disciplines. More than 2,500 entries from the United States, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Israel, Luxembourg, New Zealand, and Venezuela vied for their chance to earn a coveted gold trophy.

“AQHYA members worked hard perfecting their skills for the Ford Youth World,” said AQHA President Johnny Trotter. “We want to congratulate all AQHYA members for their dedication and determination!”

Not only did youth compete in the arena, but also in various contests throughout the show. They competed for world champion honors in the judging, speech, and demonstration contests, in addition to being named the team spirit award winner.

The Ford Youth World had a variety

of events and activities for competitors, friends, family, and spectators to take part in throughout the show. Fun events included a pet adoption drive, college fair, and fashion and variety shows.

The Justin Boots Freestyle Exhibition showcased the Hillary Roberts and Whatscookngoodlookin strutted their way to back-to-back western pleasure world versatility of the American championships.

Quarter Horse and the creativity of the exhibitors.

The show brought together 815 exhibi- hope for success at next year’s Ford Youth World. tors and 1,178 horses in Oklahoma City, and it proved to yet again be one for the For class and contest results, along books. As the 35 world championship with interviews of this year’s newly titles were awarded, dreams came true crowned world champions, visit aqha. for some, and goals were ignited for the com/youthworld.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE AMERICAN QUARTER HORSE JOURNAL

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Baroque news [ EQUINE JOURNAL AFFILIATE ] « Kimba MT

Foundation for the Pure Spanish Horse Offers Up Filly in Raffle SUBMITTED BY BARBARA CLARK

IF YOU HAVE EVER DREAMED OF feeling like royalty for a low price, now is your chance to fulfill your dreams!

The exquisite P.R.E. filly Kimba MT is our 2014 raffle horse. For the cost of only $10 a ticket you can support the Foundation for The Pure Spanish Horse’s many programs including a breed rescue, the world’s only P.R.E. museum and library, educational seminars, and the youth, just to name a few. This is our major fundraiser of the year and we need your participation to make it a success.

If you have always wanted a P.R.E., or know a friend who deserves to own one of these amazing horses, you can purchase a ticket for yourself (or for your friend, as a gift) and help rescue horses.

Kimba MT is royalty herself. She was hand-selected from the extensive

breeding herd of Pure Spanish Horse equines maintained by Medieval Times in Texas. This herd of horses is one of the largest and most important in the United States. It provides the exceptional horses that thrill patrons daily at

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[ EQUINE JOURNAL AFFILIATE ]

International Friesian Show Horse Association Holds Region 2 Baroque Horse Championships THIS WAS THE THIRD YEAR FOR OUR very successful Friesian and Andalusian Show, held August 15-17, 2014 at the Erie County Fair in Hamburg, NY. The show was approved by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), the International Friesian Show Horse Association (IFSHA), and the International Andalusian and Lusitano Horse Association.

All the classes took part in the large outdoor arena with Nancy Harvey of Los Angeles, CA, as judge. Roger Kabic was our USEF Steward and Lindsey Hager did a fine job as our new show secretary.

Geofrey Ryder stepped up and did a great first time of announcing and kept the 130 EQUINE

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show moving along well. Tyler Schutte from Wisconsin was our ring master with Mathew Robins in charge of awards, and Lindsey Hager’s mother, Ruth, controlled the gates with precision. We had entries from Wisconsin, Illinois, Ohio, Maine, New York, Virginia, and Massachusetts.

The High Point IFSHA Purebred Friesian was Hielke D, owned by Dale and Becky Pitcock, and High Point Partbred Friesian went to their other entry, EF Angelique.

Show planning for next year is underway with an extended class list for Friesians and Baroque horses, and English, western, and driving classes on Thursday and Friday for all breeds.

Region 2 Champion Friesian stallion, Wilrik LSI.

Sunday will be a Carriage Driving at the Fair day with a full class list of carriage pleasure driving and specialty classes.

See you all next year!

PHOTO: (TOP) MEDIEVAL TIMES

SUBMITTED BY GARETH SELWOOD; PHOTO BY CHERI PRILL

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Pure Spanish Horse continued from page 130 Medieval Times’ nine castles in North America. Kimba’s relatives amaze audiences with their beauty and athleticism by doing airs above the ground and demonstrations of dressage. We would like to thank Medieval Times for their continued support of The Foundation and the donation of Kimba MT as the 2014 raffle horse.

The filly is grey, will be three years old next spring, and has great conformation with lots of movement. She is a daughter of the amazingly athletic and beautiful imported stallion Gallardo 11 and the imported mare Centella B. Gallardo 11 is a full brother to Bruja MT who was Absolute Champion of Movement at National Celebration 2010. Gallardo 11’s parents, Tormento III and Gallarda X, were both grand-

children of Lebrijano III, who was known for producing Olympic quality movement.

To purchase tickets to win Kimba MT, please call 505-294-0800 or visit prehorse.org/Events/raffle. lasso. You can also send checks to The Foundation for the Pure Spanish Horse, 115 Elm St. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102. Tickets are $10 for one, $100 for 11, and $1,000 for 111. The raffle will be held on Thanksgiving Day. This is a wonderful opportunity to have a spectacular filly in your barn. If your barn is full already, please purchase a ticket for a friend or relative who would love to own a magnificent, talented Pure Spanish Horse to brighten their lives. You will be helping to promote the P.R.E. breed and deserving horses in need. Whoever wins Kimba MT will most certainly feel like royalty just being in her presence.

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affiliates

[ QUARTER PONY AFFILIATE ]

Quarter Pony Assoc.

Remembers Kathryn Kowalczyk SUBMITTED BY CAROLE EATON

I HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF MEETING a Quarter Pony owner who was amazing.

Her name was Kathryn and her Quarter Pony’s name was Opie.

Kathryn was always smiling and showing off awesome Opie. If she said sit, Opie would sit. If she said lie down, Opie would lie down and play dead. It seemed like Opie would spread wings and fly if Kathryn asked him to.

The pair came a long way over the last couple of years and really made their mark in the show ring. They won so many blue ribbons we all lost count of them.

Kathryn and Opie performed in the Quarter Pony Demo at the Midwest Horse Fair in Madison, WI. That pony went around the ring carrying the American flag like a pro! During the presentation, Opie carried Kathryn over the jumps like he had wings.

Kathryn and her Quarter Pony, Opie. »

Kathryn was a big fan of Facebook. Every day there would be new pictures of her horses. She would talk about them and how she enjoyed seeing them in pasture. New show outfits and lots of blue and red ribbons would appear almost every weekend.

We had talked about this article and Kathryn was so excited to tell her story. Sadly, Opie will not be seeing his best friend. Kathryn died in an auto accident the day after we talked. We all were deeply touched by the sudden loss of our beloved member.

Kathryn would be so happy to have

people see what a wonderful life she had with her Quarter Pony. We hope this story of a young girl with a love for her horse will touch your hearts.

[ CURLY HORSE AFFILIATE ]

American Bashkir Curly Registry SUBMITTED BY CAROL WEBSTER BALDWIN

IT WAS A WARM AND MUGGY Sunday afternoon in late June of 2014.

My husband Tom, my friend Marion, and I had just finished a horsemanship clinic with Brent Graef. After untacking our horses, all of us were visiting, talking about the clinic and things we had learned. My mobile phone rang so I walked away from the group to answer the call. “This is the Deputy. We need horses at the mobile command center…”

After listening to pertinent details, I hung up, alerted Tom and Marion and began calling all of the Mounted Search and Rescue team. By the time I was done calling, the horses were loaded in the trailers and the three of us were headed to the mobile command center to meet up with the other seven members of the Mounted Search and Rescue Division of 132 EQUINE

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Mounted Search and Rescue team members at the 2014 Fourth of July parade. »

the County Sheriff Department in Cheboygan, MI. Being a member of the Mounted Search and Rescue Division of the County Sheriff Department has been a most rewarding experience. The Sheriff in our county organized the search and rescue team in the fall of 2012. Made up of nine volunteers, our team has participated in several trainings, two rescues, and the 2013 and 2014 annual Fourth of July county parade.

The trainings for the human volunteers have focused on the Search and Rescue team protocol, CPR training, first aid training, GPS training, tracking techniques, and radio protocol, to name a few things. Our horses have undergone a number of workshops to expose them to various scenarios. We got them used to: fire trucks, sirens, trailers with flapping

tarps and awnings, ATV’s, motorcycles, canine units, flares, flags, radios blaring, numerous unfamiliar people moving about quickly, gunfire, and spot lights. We also taught them to carry heavy packs behind the saddle, stand while the rider tends to a situation either on his/her back or on the ground, work in harmony with all horses in the group, yield quickly and efficiently to the rider’s aids, and perform drill team maneuvers. Trainings are ongoing and include not only review but exposure to new items as well.

Our team first participated in the Cheboygan, MI, Fourth of July parade in 2013. We rode behind the fire trucks, marine rescue boat, and the Sheriff’s motorcycle divisions. It was such a proud moment for

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PHOTO: (BOTTOM) SUSAN CONBOY

Honors Valuable Mounted Search and Rescue Members

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affiliates

[ FJORD HORSE AFFILIATE ]

Northeast Fjord j Horse Association Gets Ready for Equine Affaire Demonstration SUBMITTED BY JOANNA CADORETTE

THE NORTHEAST FJORD HORSE Association has been busy getting ready for the fast approaching Equine Affaire in Springfield, MA. Blue Heron Farm will be bringing their Fjords to the breed pavilion to showcase the fabulous Fjord breed. The Colis will even have some Fjords for sale this year, so this is a great chance to come, meet the breed, and talk to Bill and Norma Coli about their horses and find the one that is the perfect fit for you!

We are also thrilled to announce that club member, Wendy Luscombe will be bringing her two Fjords to present the crowds with a versatile Fjord demonstration on Saturday, November 15 at 1:15 p.m. in the Mallory Complex.

Club members Stephanie Kleinbauer and Eleni Econopouly will be riding Wendy’s horses, BDF Quest and Koriakin of Narnia, better known as Kori.

Although Wendy originally had dressage goals for Quest, she soon discovered that the gelding actually thrived on jumping, and with Stephanie’s help, he began a new career as an eventer and jumper. Quest has

won many horse trials and jumping competitions and was even a grand champion hunter.

[LEFT] Stephanie Kleinbauer jumping BDF Quest.

[RIGHT] Wendy Luscombe on Koriakin of Narnia.

Quest has not entirely quit dressage, and continues to compete and score well. will remove their jackets, raise their stirKori has also won many dressage rups and the jumping will commence. championships and has earned the The team has also planned around the Register of Excellence Award of the two-jump restriction with some creative Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry. Aside arrangements in order to accommodate Quest and Kori’s different jumping styles. from dressage work, Kori loves jumping and has jumped a complete row of caval- These two Fjords are both very athletic and yet have their own unique talents; etti, managing a total distance of 20 feet!

This demonstration at the Equine Kori loves the wide spreads, while Quest Affaire will combine dressage and jumps for the heights. It should be a lot of jumping into one demonstration with fun to see this demonstration in action! both horses presenting both disciplines.

This will be the first time that Wendy Many people have no idea how versatile and her crew have demonstrated at and how athletic Fjords can be, and this the Equine Affaire and we can’t wait to cheer them on. demo has been designed to show off their multiple skills and talents.

Remember, it is never too late to pitch Stephanie and Eleni will enter the ring in and volunteer. If you can come and help to show off your favorite breed, in full dressage attire and present both horses working in dressage; meanwhile please contact Bill Coli at info@bluherthe jumps will be set up around them onfarm.com. For more information, visit and when the time is right, the riders northeastfjord.com.

[ HAFLINGER AFFILIATE ]

Ohio Haflinger Assoc.

American Bashkir Curly

Prepares for Winter

our horses and all of the riders. People lined the streets of the town and applauded as all of the members of the Search and Rescue Divisions passed by. To know that your team was so appreciated was quite overwhelming.

The search on that muggy June afternoon was a success. The young child was found approximately nine hours after he was reported missing.

He was hungry, thirsty, and covered with mosquito bites, but alive. The reunion with his parents was joyful and tearful—the parents thanked all of us over and over again. As our horses waited quietly to be untacked and returned to the trailers, words were lost as we all embraced. It was a very touching moment.

SUBMITTED BY KATINA WILSON

SEPTEMBER WILL HAVE COME AND gone by the time everyone receives their November issue of the Equine Journal, and with it, Nationals will long be complete as well. It seems as though summer never really got started, because our weather in Ohio was far from the normal heat and humidity that is expected each year. Hopefully, those that competed at the National Haflinger show have their trailers unpacked, with ribbons and trophies put away.

While the coming months of fall will bring a welcome respite from the mosquitoes and flies, I do not look forward to the cold weather. Maybe

Mother Nature will be sympathetic and give us summer weather during the winter? It is certainly nice to have a horse event to look forward to at the end of January. Please do not forget to visit ohiohaflinger.com to stay updated on the exact date and time of the Winter Banquet.

As always, please submit any interesting stories about you and your Haflinger to rknewilson@roadrunner. com. If you do not have Internet access, you can always send me stories and/or pictures through the United States Postal Service at: 42516 Township Road 1192, Warsaw, OH 43844.

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affiliates

[ GAITED HORSE AFFILIATE ] « Tennessee Walking Horse enthusiast, Steve Luoni, rides his accomplished gelding, D.J., while ponying Pavo at Equine Affaire.

Yankee Walker,, Gaited Horses of New England Excited for Equine Affaire SUBMITTED BY LOREN STEVENS

COME JOIN YANKEE WALKERS, Gaited Horses of New England and celebrate the 50th Equine Affaire on November 13-16, 2014, at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, MA. Yankee Walkers will again present a variety of educational, entertaining, and community building events and activities for an enjoyable long weekend for all horse enthusiasts. Invite your friends and family and join in on the fun.

Yankee Walkers is especially excited to host renowned gaited clinician, Gary Lane, one of our nation’s leading gaited horse experts. Gary is the author of the book Training the Gaited Horse and of three DVDs; Training the Gaited Horse, Understanding the Gaited Trail Horse, 134 EQUINE

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and Introduction to Gaited Dressage, all awesome resources for the gaited rider.

Gary will present three informational and educational clinics with Yankee Walker club members participating as demonstration riders as part of Equine Affaire’s “Ride with the Best” program. All clinics will be held in the Young Arena: ■ Thursday, November 13 at 6:00 p.m.: Developing an Easy Gait: Positioning the Horse’s Head and Back Correctly to Help Solve Gaiting Problems ■ Friday, November 14 at 1:00 p.m.: Developing Safety on the Trail for the Easy Gaited Horse ■ Friday, November 14 at 3:00 p.m.: Developing and Maintaining a Smooth Ride in the Easy Gaited Horse

Gary Lane and his wonderful wife, Ruth, will also be our guests and keynote speakers at the annual Yankee Walker Club Dinner on Friday, November 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the Storrowton Tavern on the Eastern States Exposition grounds. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Julie Dillon at horsefeathersnh@comcast.net.

As always, Yankee Walker members will present in a breed demonstration, highlighting a variety of gaited breeds represented in our club. Steve Luoni of New Jersey and Rob Morin of Maine, representing our most southern and northern States in Yankee Walkers, have led the charge to organize the riding teams and create a wonderful presentation of the talents, history, and versatility of our great American breeds.

A seasoned veteran of Equine Affaire, Steve and his Tennessee Walkers D.J. and Pavo have been competing in New York Horse Council Cowboy Challenge events. Quite often, D.J. will place first in the division and Pavo second. Rob Morin, also a veteran of Equine Affaire and a trainer and instructor, serves as the acting chair for the Maine Horse Council. Rob is instrumental in championing and showcasing our gaited breeds with his two Tennessee Walking Horses, Sonny and Budd. Come cheer on our hard-working Yankee team and enjoy the splendid presentation of the gaited horses of the Americas.

After equine shopping and clinichopping, come rest your tired feet and saturated minds at our Yankee Walkers Breed Booths 2212 and 2213 in the Breed Pavilion located in the Stroh Building. We always have extra chairs for friends to rest, relax, and socialize with other club members. Our booth is stocked with information about our wonderful smooth gaited breeds and our club activities. You can also meet the horses and owners at Walking Horse Row in C-Barn for casual conversations and a behind-the-scenes look at exhibiting at Equine Affaire.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION | Barn & Arena

Barns IT’S A PLACE WHERE FRIENDS COME TOGETHER, lifelong bonds form, and memories are made: the barn.

While most importantly a house for your horse, there are many aspects to think about in barn building and renovation. What kinds of materials should you use? Will you implement fixed or drop-down stall fronts? What kind of accessory buildings should you have? Luckily, there are countless companies there to answer all of the heavy questions, and to make the process an easy one. From small, personal barns to full commercial stables, there are options for every style, need, and budget. Dedicated teams work individually with clients to make sure everything is perfect, down to the last detail. If you’re in the market for a new facility, or want to remodel what you already have, check out these top-notch companies.

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Whether you’re looking for a traditional barn or want a space for work or play, our quality pre-engineered kits are sure to exceed your expectations. We take great pride in the quality of our structures, using only the best, most carefully sourced materials and products. Each kit we deliver has been expertly engineered resulting in less wasted material, meaning your building will have a big presence with a small environmental footprint.

A new building on your property should mean far more than four walls and a roof. Each time you walk through its doors to saddle your horse, open your business for the day, or welcome visiting guests to the space they’ll call home, we believe it should be an experience you love. It’s why every one of our barn-inspired, post-frame manufactured buildings is designed to return so much on your investment—made of impeccably sourced materials, infused with all the craft and detail of a custom build, delivered with extraordinary efficiency, and engineered to be as easy to construct as it is beautiful. That’s why the nameplate on those doors says Barn Pros.

Find your dream barn!

The Carriage Shed 800-441-6057

THE CARRIAGE SHED IS A SMALL, FAMILY RUN BUSINESS consisting of Robert, the owner, his two daughters, Jenny and Amy, and Greyson as their four-year-old play structure inspector. Their whole philosophy is to give their customers the best possible product at the best price.

The business continues to grow mainly from their satisfied customers. All of their barns, garages, homes, sheds, gazebos, to anything you can imagine is all engineered and built to code.

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The Carriage Shed is able to give their customers exactly what they need; from any style, shape, size, and options desired. They have teamed up with a fantastic group of Amish manufactures, who build and set up the structure of your dreams. Their workmanship, attention to detail, and work ethic is astonishing. This is what keeps customers coming back and spreading their name throughout the United States.

This is an amazing business to be in. Not only are their customers satisfied with their buildings, but they are able to get them built for a fair price, with no corners cut. Contact The Carriage Shed today to begin designing and quoting your dream structures.

Classic Equine Equipment CLASSIC-EQUINE.COM 800-444-7430

GOOD TRACTION IS VITAL FOR THE SAFETY OF YOUR horse. Smooth concrete floors can quickly become slick

| November 2014

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION | Barn & Arena

PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/ YODAPHOTO

and dangerous to both humans and animals, particularly when wet. Classic’s full line of long lasting Tru-Step® rubber-based flooring options offers an extra layer of protection for you, your horse, and your stable. For aisle flooring they offer Tru-Step rubber aisleway mats, which fit together exactly and lie square and true. They will not curl, separate, or lose their shape. Your horse’s stall isn’t complete without Classic’s Tru-Step stall matting. This product provides comfortable bedding that will encourage your horse to lay down to get the deep sleep that promotes good health. Make sure you keep your wash bay safe with Tru-Step button mats for wash bays and trailers. They give solid, cushioned traction even when wet and soapy, keeping horses—and humans—safe from harm or injury. For the best equine flooring, make sure you choose Classic.

Classic Equine Equipment is located among the rolling hills and horse farms of Southern Missouri, and was founded in 1991 on a love for horses and a commitment to ensure ultimate care and safety. Though a lot has

changed since then, the company’s mission remains the same: To provide quality stall systems, barn components, exercisers, and accessories to meet the needs of discriminating horse owners.

Eberly Barns EBERLYBARNS.NET 866-391-7808

EBERLY BARNS IS ONE OF LANCASTER, PENNSYLVANIA’S leading providers of pre-built, shed-row horse barns, run-in sheds, storage sheds, and modular/monitor barns, specializing in creating that one of a kind barn of your dreams.

With builders in three locations in Pennsylvania, one in Virginia, and one in South Carolina, Eberly Barns can provide their buildings competitively throughout the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, and New England areas. But this does not limit them for making a special delivery to anywhere in the continental U.S. November 2014

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION | Barn & Arena

Eberly offers a wide range of barn styles for any equestrian/farm owner, but it doesn’t stop there; chicken coops, dog kennels, and even economical storage sheds are a big part of what they can do for anyone. Recently, Eberly launched a new online store that includes saddle cabinets, feed bins, cupolas, weather vanes, hardware for your barns, and so much more.

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Explain what you want and let them surprise you with how affordable it can be. Dreams can come true with a Horizon Structures horse barn. They’ll help get your barn out of the clouds and onto your farm.

Innovative Equine Systems EQUINESYSTEMS.COM

WHEN BUILDING OR REMODELING A BARN, THERE are countless aspects to think about, from layout to stalls to flooring. Innovative Equine Systems is there to make that process go as smoothly as possible. Based in Minden, NV, the company strives to provide only the best products to turn your barn into a beautiful, highly functional space.

The artisan craftsmanship of Innovative Equine Systems’ products is evident through the beauty, simplicity, and practicality of their work. With many different options, there are opportunities for just about anyone to have a barn custom-made to their liking. The stall styles are incredibly customizable, from high-cut doors to low, European models.

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IT’S ALL ABOUT THE FOOTING FOR IGK EQUESTRIAN, LLC. Twenty-five years after its parent company, North Brook Farms Inc., started making cow mattresses, IGK is going strong with the dust-free footing lines of TruStride, LiteStride, SoftShoe, and 5K Ranch, and the stall system line of SuperStall.

IGK Equestrian specializes in using high-tech, ecofriendly materials such as recycled rubber shoe soles and recycled fiber. TruStride is a proprietary mix of recycled rubber and fibers, silica sand, and a special wax that results in a dust-free footing. TruStride provides phenomenal traction, support, and stability for many different riding conditions.

LiteStride features everything that TruStride offers, minus the recycled rubber for a more economical option. The footing is still dust-free, and still offers exceptional support for horse and rider. SoftShoe offers a custom blend of recycled rubber and fibers for a uniquely cushioned riding surface that can be added to existing footing. The 5K Ranch footing is another dust-free footing, superior for horse sports that desire a looser pack, such as reining, western pleasure, and roping.

“The footing is beneficial to horses, trainers, and riders,” co-owner Carolyn Kyle says. “With over 350 arenas and training tracks in North America, we must be doing something right!”

IGK Equestrian also produces recycled memory foam stall systems that assure a comfortable, hygienic space for your animal. The SuperStall is a foam mattress system, including a wall to wall waterproof topcover, and is fully customizable. The system is easy on the pocket, easy to maintain, and comes with a five-year warranty.

King Construction Company KINGBARNS.COM 717-354-4740

KING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY HAS BEEN THE recognized leader in innovation and creative design of equine facilities for nearly four decades—“setting the stan-

| November 2014

10/11/14 4:24:55 PM

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION | Barn & Arena

Sofscape Equine Rubber Pavers

dard” for others in the industry. A family-owned business started by the three King brothers in 1978, today the King organization has grown to include more than 100 people.

Over the years, they’ve grown a team of highly-experienced and well-trained crews, all recruited from the Amish/ Mennonite communities surrounding their office and shop facilities in New Holland, PA. King has earned a reputation for buildings with fine detail and superior craftsmanship; a primary reason being the continuity and longevity of service within their entire organization. ln addition to their construction teams, King has an in-house staff to manage engineering, drafting, project scheduling, materials purchasing, and all of the administrative functions that go along with a complex and active business. They are well-prepared to manage multiple projects of any size.

To maintain their all-important quality control, they provide all the framing and finish materials for each of their projects rather than sourcing materials locally. They also build all of their components: stalls, grilles, aisle doors, Dutch doors, cupolas, and an assortment of fittings for the barn interiors. ln addition to carpentry, they have masons to complete the stone and stucco work that is often an integral part of their designs.

Over the past 35 years, King has completed nearly 2,000 projects throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. They now build in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia.

SOFSCAPE EQUINE RUBBER PAVERS ARE THE IDEAL slip resistant rubber surface that provides unparalleled footing support and cushion in equine applications.

The pavers’ exclusive drainage channels are ideal for installation over concrete and asphalt that require water and other fluids to easily flow to the proper drainage of the facility. Beside the cushion properties and comfort of the pavers, other benefits such as: insulation from wet and cold floors, dust reduction, sound absorption, and proper A.D.A. access are extra advantages of the product.

The rubber pavers are manufactured in Sofscape patented molding system that guarantee that each paver will have the most accurate dimensions and product density. In addition, the company only uses crumb rubber from certified suppliers and the highest quality polymer binders. This is very critical since many copycat products from Asia use low cost binders that after one year of installation start to break apart.

The company offers three standard colors and the option of custom color using TVP virgin rubber granulates on the rubber pavers’ surface with over 24 color options and unlimited color mixtures to match the barn colors.

Ideal areas for the rubber pavers are: barn walkways, paddocks, wash stalls, breeding stalls, and saddling areas.

For the past 10 years, Sofscape has been successfully used in the United States, Colombia, and in the United Arab Emirates.

For more information, visit sofscapecaribe.com or email your inquiries or requirements to info@sofscapecaribe.com.

Old Town Barns

We Cover Structures

OLDTOWNBARNS.COM 845-855-1450

WECOVER.NET

THROUGHOUT THE NORTHEAST EQUESTRIAN community, Old Town Barns has developed an excellent reputation with every stable, accessory building, and riding arena that they have built. Located in Pawling, NY, the twogeneration company’s commitment to the customer goes beyond just building structures—they believe in creating and fostering long-term relationships. The employees have a high level of pride in both the work they do and the satisfaction that they bring to every client.

Specializing in building custom horse barns, indoor arenas, full-scale equestrian facilities, and living quarters, Old Town Barns makes sure that every facility is designed to meet the needs of the clients and their horses.

Thirty years after David Zublin started using his background in architecture to build a “better barn,” his son Dylan has taken the reins. Dylan has upheld his father’s reputation for excellent work ethic, dependability, and most of all, quality.

“We tell potential clients to have a look at one of our buildings from 30 years ago to confirm the craftsmanship we provide in the equine tradition,” Dylan says. “Our expertise and experience building horse barns throughout the Northeast has garnered us the recognition and exceptional reputation we have today. Our status in the industry precedes us—we truly are one of the best at what we do.”

For more information, as well as to view the beautiful work this company has done, visit OldTownBarns.com, or call the customer service team at 845-855-1450.

NOTHING COMPARES TO THE PERFECT RIDING environment. We Cover custom free-span arenas are designed to fit your estate’s architectural elegance outside while the engineered fabric-roof construction offers bright, wide open space inside. We Cover creates tailor-made riding facilities as large as you dream, with up to 200-foot wide free-spans, unlimited length, and straight sidewall designs.

Run, jump, or play in the perfect conditions all yearround. The translucent roof spreads soft light evenly into every corner of your building, eliminating dark shadows and harsh lighting. You also conserve electricity without the need for daytime lights.

The vented sidewalls and roof keep your arena cool and free of moisture. The tight roof panel design and traditional sidewalls eliminate flapping and wind noise which cause horses to become easily distracted.

Choosing to build is a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. A We Cover representative will take you through the building process one step at a time, ensuring each detail is covered and completed. From dreaming about your facility to drawing up blueprints to pouring the foundation, all the way to the final piece of trim, We Cover makes it simple for you. We are also happy to partner with your preferred local contractor to build a custom facility that fits perfectly with your existing estate.

Trust the integrity of We Cover and enjoy the premier custom riding arena experience by talking to a representative about your dream building. We Cover will take care of the rest.

November 2014

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REAL ESTATE TIP real estate guidelines for the equestrian

Heat Up Your Value 5-Steps to Increase Farm’s Worth for Winter

BY KAREN ELIZABETH BARIL

tricity needed, so there is no chance of shock. These represent somewhat of an investment, but reviews are excellent. They work on the same principle as your frost-free barn hydrant.

■ Replace worn or shifting stall mats with wall-to-wall mattresses.

Be sure your horse’s joints stay healthy and that he gets his fair share of recumbent sleep every night by getting rid of those shifty stall mats. Wall to wall stall mats are an investment, but they last for years and years with virtually no maintenance at all. Those who use them say they use less bedding.

Frozen water is one of the greatest winter chal■ Fix your lighting problem. lenges. Adding frost-free hydrants and autoConsider full spectrum barn lights matic waterers can add value to your property. specifically designed to withstand the rigors of the barn. Lighting must be where horses tend to have their noses. approved for outdoor environments and A combination of intake/outtake fans safely contained in cages to avoid injury. and circular fans will clean your barn’s ■ Improve barn ventilation. air and increase resale value.

■ Replace worn roof shingles One of the best things you can do to improve ventilation is to simply and clean gutters and downspouts. leave those windows and doors open, Your barn, hay storage shed, and run-in sheds represent your most expensive but adding circular fans to your barn can dramatically improve air quality. investments. Protect structures from The average barn’s configuration-—a water damage by fixing your roof rectangle or square with stall partibefore the snow flies.

Capital improvements that make tions—makes for a real challenge when it comes to airflow. Circular fans winter a little less dreadful—and move air throughout the interior space, maybe even enjoyable—will certainly including in those dark stall corners add value to the winter farm.

PHOTO: SHAWN HAMILTON/CLIXPHOTO.COM

UNLESS YOU’RE ONE OF THE fortunate few who pack up and move to Florida for the winter, chances are you’ve made your peace with the chilly season. We start thinking about it in early September when the nights turn cool and a few maple leaves turn gold.

But, even though our cold-weather endurance is practically legendary here in the Northeast, many of us dream of adding amenities to the farm to make winter a little less, well…foreboding.

Capital improvements that make winter horse-keeping easier have another benefit—they add value to your farm. Let’s take a look at farm improvements that give you the most bang for your buck: ■ Eliminate your frozen water problem. Ask 10 farm owners what their greatest winter challenge is and I bet they all respond the same—“frozen water buckets!”

The good news is you can solve your frozen water problem for good, providing fresh, clean water no matter what the mercury reads with a system called the Drinking Post Waterer.

These non-electric frost-free automatic waterers work even if you lose power in a storm and can be installed anywhere you have a pressurized water line. The post waterers work automatically when your horse presses his nose to the paddle. There are no buckets to fill, ice to crack, or elec-

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MARKETPLACE

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EquineJournal nal October 2014

Your All-Breed, All-Discipline Resource

PERFECTyour PARTNERSHIP

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BUILD BUILDING LDING A F FOUNDATION OUNDA N TIO ION WITH YOUR GYPSY HORSE

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STALLION PADDOCKS

DIRECTORIES ANIMAL RESCUE

APPRAISALS

ARABIANS

BARNS/ARENA CONSTRUCTION & CONTRACTORS

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ADVERTISE WITH US TODAY Call for details to reserve your space

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DIRECTORIES BARNS/ARENA CONSTRUCTION & CONTRACTORS

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ADVERTISE WITH US TODAY Call for details to reserve your space

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DIRECTORIES BAROQUE CLASSICAL RIDING

BLANKET/TACK SERVICES

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CARRIAGE/HARNESSES

SHARE YOUR BUSINESS WITH THOUSANDS OF READERS!

CALL TODAY! 508-987-5886

CURLY HORSES

BEDDING, FEEDING & SUPPLIES

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DISTANCE RIDING

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DIRECTORIES DRESSAGE

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LOANS

NATURAL TRIMMING

PHOTOGRAPHY

DIRECTORY ADS WORLD GET RESULTS TODAY! For information and details to reserve your space, call

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DIRECTORIES PHOTOGRAPHY

SADDLE FITTING

SPORTS PSYCHOLOGY

TACK/APPAREL/GIFTS

TACK/APPAREL/GIFTS

QUARTER PONY

SHARE YOUR BUSINESS WITH THOUSANDS OF READERS!

CALL TODAY! 508-987-5886 SALES & LEASING

SADDLE FITTING

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DIRECTORIES TRAILERS & SERVICES

TRAILERS & SERVICES

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» BEYOND THE RING: CROSS-T

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EquineJournal Resource Your All-Breed, All-Discipline

October 2014

LUXE CANINE COUTURE

PERFECTyour P HI PARTNERS ION TION ATIO NDA N FOUND DING A FOU LDING BUIL SE WITH YOUR GYPSY HOR

TAKE IT OFF! THE WORLD OF RIDING BITLESS

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Equine Journal Visit equinejournal.com today to find: • More Dirrectory Listtings • Claassifieds • Sch hools • Reaal Estate • Diggital Maggazines • New ws • Callendar

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| November 2014

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CLASSIFIEDS REAL ESTATE WELL CARED FOR 2016 SQ 3/2.5 HOUSE with 4 stall barn/4 car garage on 3+ acres.

Grass paddock, lighted riding ring, and lots of great living space indoors and out.

Centrally located in Southern NH between I-93, I-95, I-495 and Route 101. Priced to sell at $399,900. Contact Charlotte McCaul at Coldwell Banker, 603-434-1000. MLS# 4349919 Online photo: FastAd: #886503 PRINCETON, MA. HARMONY ACRES, a magnificent 23-acre estate & turnkey horse property with 4-stall barn, stonewalled pastures, room for an indoor arena, heated in-ground pool & elegant remodeled residence. Offered by Maureen Harmonay, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.

978-502-5800. $990,000. Box around ad; Online photo: FastAd: #888691 BEAUTIFUL 4BR, 3BA, 3,000SF Contemporary. Picturesque setting w/ 15 acres & 800’ water frontage on Anderson Pond. Pretty views, very private. Open interior, vaulted ceilings, 3 levels, wood beams, master suite w/deck, screened porch. Small barn/stalls. MLS #1130302 $439,000Contact Bill Sprague, Sprague and Curtis RE, 75 Western Ave, Augusta ME 04330 207-623-1123 Online photo: FastAd: #889135

REAL ESTATE COUNTRY LIVING AT ITS FINEST

Scituate Retreat! Exceptionally beautiful 12 room, 6 bedroom, 1760 Antique Colonial that combines the convenience of “new” in a classic expansive antique. Gated access, hardwood floors & much historical detail.

Spectacular open views perched atop 20 acres. PERFECT horse set-up w/ a 4200+ Sqft home. Enjoy 5 fireplaces on those chilly nights.

EQUESTRIAN ESTATE FOR SALE in Pawling, NY. 5,000 square foot house, 2 barns, and Lawton Adams training ring on 12+ acres. Contact Georjean: 845-855-9186.

See online: FastAd: #887693

HORSES FOR SALE HORSES FOR SALE FROM A FAMILY FARM. Good home a must. Good prospects for any discipline. Gelding age 5 and gelding age 7. Experienced rider needed.

Call Mike @ 978-337-8314

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION (required by Act of August 12, 1970: Section 3685, Title 39, United States Code). 1. Equine Journal 2.

(ISSN: 1067-5884) 3. Filing date: 10/1/14. 4. Issue frequency: Monthly. 5. Number of issues published annually: 12. 6. The annual subscription price is $19.95. 7.

Complete mailing address of known office of publication: MCC Magazines, LLC, PO BOX 936, Augusta, GA 30903-0936. Contact person: Kolin Rankin. Telephone: 305441-7155 ext. 225 8. Complete mailing address of headquarters or general business office of publisher: MCC Magazines, LLC, PO BOX 936, Augusta, GA 30903-0936.

9. Full names and complete mailing addresses of publisher, editor, and managing editor. Publisher, Scott Ziegler, PO BOX 936, Augusta, GA 30903-0936, Editor, Elizabeth Prouty-Gilbride, PO BOX 936, Augusta, GA 30903-0936 , Managing Editor, Kelly Ballou, PO BOX 936, Augusta, GA 30903-0936. 10. Owner: MCC Magazines, LLC, PO BOX 936, Augusta, GA 30903-0936, Wholly-owned subsidiary of Questo, Inc., PO BOX 936, August, GA 30903-0936, W.S. Morris III, Mary E. Morris, W.S. Morris IV, J Tyler Morris, Susie Morris Baker, THE MORRIS FAMILY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP. 11. Known bondholders, mortgages, and other security holders owning or holding 1 percent of more of total amount of bonds, mortgages or other securities: None. 12. Tax status: Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months. 13. Publisher title: Equine Journal. 14. Issue date for circulation data below: September 2014. 15. The extent and nature of circulation: A. Total number of copies printed (Net press run). Average number of copies each issue during preceding 12 months: 14,791. Actual number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: 14,024. B. Paid circulation.

1. Mailed outside-county paid subscriptions. Average number of copies each issue during the preceding 12 months: 6,597. Actual number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: 6,343. 2. Mailed in-county paid subscriptions. Average number of copies each issue during the preceding 12 months: 0. Actual number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: 0. 3. Sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors and counter sales. Average number of copies each issue during the preceding 12 months: 246. Actual number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: 94. 4. Paid distribution through other classes mailed through the USPS. Average number of copies each issue during the preceding 12

BOARDING WINTERIZE YOUR HORSE in Middleborough, Massachusetts. Indoor arena, round pen. Trainers welcome! We take care of your equine wishes. 617-697-8325 STALLS FOR RENT - 10-43 stalls available, rent by the stall (10 minimum) $130 per stall, Indoor Arena, Outdoor Ring, Paddocks, Pastures, Hay/Grain Storage, Tack Rooms, Washstalls 508.944.3718 Online photo: FastAd: #889092

HELP WANTED Position available immediately in South Texas for an experienced horse person who can Fit Thoroughbred Colts for Sale, Ride Cow Horses and be able to manage small barn and ranch. Bilingual is a plus, Salary negotiable with experience. Please forward resume or job qualifications to losvientosdropbox@yahoo.com Let your experience pay you back! Are you a dedicated horseman with sales experience? Would you like to make a living in an industry that you love? County Saddlery is looking for entrepreneurial candidates who are looking for career opportunity of a lifetime. Join the County Team today! Go to www.saddles.com, fill out the application in the “Employment” section! Alternatively, you can send your resume to: natasha. ruzynski@countysaddlery.com.

months: 0. Actual number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: 0. C. Total paid distribution. Average number of copies each issue during preceding 12 months: 6,843. Actual number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: 6,437. D. Free or nominal rate distribution (by mail and outside mail). 1.

Free or nominal Outside-County. Average number of copies each issue during the preceding 12 months: 3,336. Number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: 3,976. 2. Free or nominal rate in-county copies. Average number of copies each issue during the preceding 12 months: 0. Number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: 0. 3. Free or nominal rate copies mailed at other Classes through the USPS. Average number of copies each issue during preceding 12 months 0. Number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: 0. 4.

Free or nominal rate distribution outside the mail. Average number of copies each issue during preceding 12 months: 984. Number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: 1,135. E. Total free or nominal rate distribution. Average number of copies each issue during preceding 12 months: 4,320. Actual number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: 5,111. F. Total distribution (sum of 15c and 15e). Average number of copies each issue during preceding 12 months: 11,163. Actual number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: 11,548. G. Copies not Distributed. Average number of copies each issue during preceding 12 months: 3,628. Actual number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: 2,476. H. Total (sum of 15f and 15g). Average number of copies each issue during preceding 12 months: 14,791. Actual number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing: 14,024. I. Percent paid. Average percent of copies paid for the preceding 12 months: 61.3%. Actual percent of copies paid for the preceding 12 months: 55.7%. 17. Publication of statement of ownership will be printed in the November 2014 issue of the publication. 18. Signature and title of editor, publisher, business manager, or owner: Scott Ferguson, Director of Circulation. I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanction and civil actions.

November 2014

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AFFILIATES

Equine Journal Affiliates â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Join One Today!

Equine associations and organizations are the backbone of the horse community. These clubs are great advocates for their breed or discipline and their members. These groups put on great events, safeguard tradition and promote the joy of horsemanship and horse ownership.

Joining any one of these fine organizations will serve you and the equine community well.

American Bashkir Curly Registry

Connecticut Morgan Horse Association

Hypo-Allergenic & Versatile

Promoting the Morgan breed.

BREED

BREED

Learn more at www.equinejournal.com under EJ Plus.

American Saddlebred Association of Maine, Inc.

Eastern Region Andalusian Horse Club

Understanding, appreciating, breeding & using the American Saddlebred.

Promoting harmony and good will among the community of Iberian horses.

Arabian Horse Association, Inc. of Maine

Empire State Quarter Horse Association

Dedicated to the promotion, use & ownership of Arabian and Half-Arabian horses.

Promoting interest in Quarter Horse ownership, activities, rights and welfare.

Arabian Horse Association A of Massachusetts

The Foundation for the Pure Spanish Horse

Promoting the Arabian breed of horses.

Horse registration provided through our P.R.E. Mundial Registry Service.

INFO PREHORSE ORG s WWW PREHORSE ORG

The New England Miniature Horse Society

Encourage breeding, exhibiting, and promoting the Arabian horse.

Promoting, Protecting and Perpetuating the Miniature Horse.

JKSTINE YAHOO COM s WWW AHANE ORG

r XXX OFNIT PSH

BREED

Offering affordable, fun, competitive horse shows strictly for color breed horses.

CTCOLORBREED YAHOO YAHOO COM s WWW CONNECTICUTCOLORBREED COM JOURNAL

Maine Morgan Horse Club, Inc. Encourage, educate, and promote the breeding and use of registered Morgans.

SMSC AOL COM s WWW MEMORGAN COM

BREED

Connecticut Color Breed Association

BREED

Arabian Horse Association of New England

PHOTO: ELLEN LEFFINGWELL/PHOTOGRAPHY TO REMEMBER

NICKERSONB COMCAST NET s WWW MASSARABIANHORSE ORG

BREED

ESQHAWEB ESQHA ORG s WWW ESQHA ORG

BREED

BREED

LOANOAKARABIANS YAHOO COM s WWW MAINEARABIAN ORG

156 EQUINE

ERAHC MEMBERSHIP HOTMAIL COM s WWW ERAHC ORG

BREED

BREED

ASAMNEWS YAHOO COM s WWW MAINESADDLEBREDHORSE COM

BREED

BREED

SECRETARY ABCREGISTRY ORG s WWW ABCREGISTRY ORG

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International Friesian Show Horse Association Dedicated to the promoting, showing, and exhibition of the Friesian horse and its derivatives.

Rhode Island Arabian Horse Association

Dedicated to promoting the Paint Horse breed by offering horse shows and other equine activities.

Advancing and promoting the Arabian and Half-Arabian horse.

Promoting and Enjoying the Norwegian Fjord Horse.

Established to simplify registration for Miniature Horse owners and breeders while maintaining accurate pedigree information.

TIGGGER IMPULZ NET s WWW NORTHEASTFJORD COM TIGG

WCMHR AOL COM s WWW WCMHR COM

BREED

WORLD CLASS MINIATURE HORSE REGISTRY, INC.

BREED

Northeast Friesian Horse Club

Yankee Walkers, Gaited Horses of New England

F Formed because of our mutual admiration of the Friesian Horse. We are an official chapter of The Friesian Horse H Association of North America (FHANA).

Dedicated to the promotion of the wonderful and versatile gaited American breeds.

HORSEFEATHERSNH COMCAST NET s WWW YANKEEWALKERS COM

The Baroque Equestrian T Games & Institute

Dedicated to the enjoyment, appreciation, and humane treatment of all Miniature horses.

A competition rewarding the elegance and grace of classical horsemanship.

Inform and educate the general public about the history and use of the draft horse. a

Carriage driving enthusiasts. *-INGES HOTMAIL COM s WWW BLACKSWAMPDRIVINGCLUB COM

Ohio Haflinger Association

Charles River Dressage Association

A promotional organization for the Haflinger horse.

Providing affordable quality dressage events.

JWINK YAHOO COM s WWW OHIOHAmINGER COM

LMCJIXA GMAIL COM s WWW CRDRESSAGE ORG

Purebred Morab Horse Registry

Colonial Carriage and Driving Society

Dedicated to breeding, buying and selling Morab horses.

Developing and furthering the art of driving for pleasure.

PMHA PUREMORAB COM s WWW PUREMORAB COM

KKFJORDS GMAIL COM s WWW COLONIALCARRIAGE ORG November 2014

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DISCIPLINE

BREED

Black Swamp Driving Club

DISCIPLINE

BREED

INFO NORTHWESTCTDRAFTHORSE COM s WWW NORTHWESTCTDRAFTHORSE COM

s WWW BAROQUEGAMES COM

DISCIPLINE

Northwest Connecticut Draft Horse Association D

TM

DISCIPLINE

Northeast Miniature Horse Club MOCHAMINIS COMCAST NET s WWW NORTHEASTMINIS ORG

BREED

BREED

RIAHA VERIZON NET s WWW RIARABIANHORSEASSOCIATION COM

Northeast Fjord Horse Association

MSJAKE AOL COM s WWW NEFHC COM

BREED

information@quarterponyassociation.com www.quarterponyassociation.com

New England Paint Horse Club INFO NEPHC COM s WWW NEPHC COM

BREED

Working to promote your ponies.

BREED

BREED

THEPARK HWY NET s WWW FRIESIANSHOWHORSE ORG

Quarter Pony Association Q BREED

BREED

AFFILIATES

| EQUINE JOURNAL 157

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ti Connecticut Dressage & Combined Training Association, Inc.

New Hampshire Hunter Jumper Association

We are a USDF Group Member Organization and a USEA affiliate.

Dedicated to providing its membership with quality horse shows, a broad learning experience, and a strong foundation for riders who wish to compete at higher levels.

Connecticut Horse Shows Association, Inc.

Ohio Arabian & All Breed Trail Society

Since 1928 - â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Oldest State

Endurance riding, competitive trail riding and pleasure riding.

Organization of its kind in the Country.â&#x20AC;?

MKRUMLAW WEBCINCY COM s WWW OAATS ORG

Connecticut Trail Rides Association, Inc.

Saratoga Driving Association

Encouraging and promoting the sport of trail riding.

Enjoying all aspects of driving horses.

PRESIDENT CT TRAILRIDES ORG s WWW CT TRAILRIDES ORG

CAROL FRANK SARATOGADRIVING COM s WWW SARATOGADRIVING COM

Southern New England Carriage Driving Association

Serving Northwest Ohioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s riders since 1980.

Promote, encourage and stimulate popular interest in driving and driving horses of any breed.

DISCIPLINE

MTOMANY SBCGLOBAL NET s WWW RIDRIVINGCLUB ORG

Vermont Equine Riding & Driving Association Offering competitive trail rides and drives, endurance rides,

Established 1882

WWW MYOPIAHUNT ORG

and clinics to better the performance and health of the trail horse and its rider.

DISCIPLINE

Myopia Hunt Club

DISCIPLINE

Flatlanders Dressage & Combined Training Assocation, Inc.

s WWW mATLANDERSDRESSAGE COM

DISCIPLINE

DISCIPLINE

CHSA CHSAONLINE COM s WWW CHSAONLINE COM

DISCIPLINE

INFO NHHJA COM s WWW NHHJA COM

DISCIPLINE

DISCIPLINE

CDCTA D T CDCTAONLINE COM s WWW CDCTAONLINE COM

DISCIPLINE

DISCIPLINE

AFFILIATES

National Barrel Horse Association

West Greenwich Horsemanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Association

#1 in Barrel Racing Where Beginners Can Be Winners.

Sharing a love and interest of horses.

The New England Region/ Carriage Association of America

Western Reserve Carriage Association

Our interests range from restoration and conservation of carriages and sleighs to pleasure driving in modern-made vehicles, to combined driving.

Sharing a love of driving equine powered vehicles.

603 465 2720 603-465-2720 ALRETTER DSADETECTION COM s WWW NEWENGLANDREGIONCAA ORG

DISCIPLINE

Improve the understanding of dressage and combined training theories and skills.

JOURNAL

DRALES IX NETCOM COM s WWW WRCARRIAGE COM

Bay State Trail Riders Association, Inc. Protecting the future of trail riding.

BSTRA CHARTER NET s WWW BSTRA ORG

INDUSTRY WIDE

New Hampshire Dressage and Eventing Association

www.nhdea.org

158 EQUINE

RIDER COX NET s WWW ORGSITES COM RI WGHA

DISCIPLINE

DISCIPLINE

s WWW NBHA COM

DISCIPLINE

DISCIPLINE

DBWB MYFAIRPOINT NET s WWW VERDA ORG D

| November 2014

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ADVERTISERS INDEX AFFILIATES

INDUSTRY WIDE

INDUSTRY WIDE

3D Belt Company................................... y 75

Maine Horse Association, Inc. Encourage horseback riding in the state of Maine.

MAINEHORSEASSOCCONTACT YAHOO COM s WWW MAINEHORSEASSOC COM

New York Upper Connecticut Region

US Pony Club Supporting individual Pony Clubs in this region

CBSCBSBLJM!TCDHMPCBM OFU r XXX OZVD QPOZDMVC PSH

Mh Eby Trailers.......................................12

A&B Insurance.........................................84

Millcreek Manufacturing..................... g 58

A1 Infrared Technologies...................22

Mor Linn Farms.......................................48

Andis Company ....................................... 2

Morrisville State College.....................66

Arabian Horse Association ................35

Morton Building g .....................................36

Aubuchon Hardware............................29

Mott & Chace Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Int............ .

142

Back Bay Farm ........................................93

MSPCA at Nevins.................................126

Back On Track.......................................... k 29

North Woods Animal ...........................53

Barn Pros Inc............................................33

NRHA A ........................................................ 118

Barn Store Of New England .............79

Old Town Barns ........................................ 7

Blue Ridge Trailers ................................22

On The Road ...............................126, 135

Blue Seal Dealers ........................... 38, 39

Orchard Trailers......Inside Back Cover

INDUSTRY WIDE

Bridgewater College.............................64

Norfolk Hunt Club N

Bridgewater Supply........................... y 102

One of the oldest registered Fox Hunts in the United States.

Cedar Brook Farm..................................50

www.norfolkhunt.com

Cheshire Horse........................................53

Buddy Inc................................................... .

74 Chatham Hall...........................................64

INDUSTRY WIDE

Choice Realty .......................................145

Silver Heels Riding Club

Classic Equine ........................................25

Promote and support an interest in horses, horsemanship and sportsmanship.

DJ Reveal....................................................66

C ADAMS SILVERHEELSONLINE COM s WWW SILVERHEELSONLINE COM

Crossen Arabian ..................................108 Dana Hall School....................................65 Dover Saddlery......................................... y 4 Eartec.......................................................111

INDUSTRY WIDE

Eberly Barns..........................................122

Southern New England Horsemenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Association Offering English, western, saddle seat and Miniature classes. Youth & adult exhibitors. 7 shows per year/year-end awards through 6th place.

SAPIA?PAUL?KAREN SBCGLOBAL NET s WWW SNEHASSOCIATION COM

ClearSpan ..................................................11 English Riding Supplyy .................... 5, 17 Equestrian Outfitters...........................86 Equine Comfort ..................................116 Equine Homes Real Estate.............143

INDUSTRY WIDE

INDUSTRY WIDE

Equine Innovation.................................75

Tri-State Horsemenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Association Promoting equestrian competitions and shows.

Equine Properties...............................142 Farm Creditt............................................ 144 Farms And Barns.................................141 HITS..............................................................47 Horizon Structure ..................................52

PRESIDENT TRISTATEHORSEMEN COM s WWW TRISTATEHORSEMEN COM

Wentworth Hunt Club W One of ten recognized hunts in New England, starting in 1976 WENTWORTHHUNT COMCAST NET s WWW WENTWORTHHUNT ORG

Get more details about each affiliate at www.equinejournal.com/ejplus/affiliates.

Scan the QR Code with your Smartphone QR Reader app.

MDC Corporation ..................................51

A & B Lumberr ............................................ 9

IGK Equestrian........................................21

Paul Congelosi Trailers ........................15 PDZ Company LLC.................................

C 45 Performance Edge .............................100 Photoart By Jill ........................................44 Polysols/Winsor Farm Sales..............27 Ponylocks Inc ...........................................75 Post University........................................ y 67 Professionals Choice ............................59 Purina Animal Nutrition ....................19 Ranckâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S Quality Fencing.................. g 131 Rhinebeck Equine..................................36 Ryegate Farm .......................................104 Shuck Fence..........................................135 Smart Pak Equine...................13, 14, 16 Smith Worthington...............................96 Sofscape Caribe ......................................73 Solution Raider....................................... r 45 Springfield Fence................................131 St Andrews Presbyterian....................64 Strain Family Horse Farm...............122 SUNY Cobleskill ......................................66 Sweet Peet Of New Yorkk.....................88 T J Holmes..............................................129 The Carriage Shed .................................71 The Rectory School...............................67

Innovative Equine .................................53

Tom Balding Bit & Spurs....................88

Intrepid Internatinal.............................76

Triple Crown Feed Inside Front Cover

Jaret & Cohn Re ...................................145

Uckele Health..........................................10

JM Saddler................................................. r 74

University Of New Hampshire.........65

Just Horses ............................................112

Vars, Elizabeth......................................145

Kent Nutrition ......................Back Cover

Vermont Technical College ...............63

Kerrits Equestrian...............................127

Volo Farm ..................................................49

King Construction.................................... 3

Warren-Mcmullin................................104

Kingston Trailers.................................135

We Coverr....................................................31

Lubrisyn ....................................................... 1

Wetherbee Farm ................................140

Lucerne Farms.........................................74

William Raveis International .........144

Madison Show Stables ........................48

William Woods Universityy .................94

Mass Horsemens Council...................46

Winsor Farm Sales.................................94

November 2014

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LAST LAUGH

The Mysteries Of Dress-Ahj Revealed PICTURE, IF YOU WILL, A GROUP OF horses gathered in a paddock. Some are middle-aged, some young; they seem curious and alert. A wise old mare faces the group. Let’s listen in…

“Heads up! Heads up!”

The Wise Old Mare stamps her forefoot.

“Thanks to all of you for attending this emergency meeting of the Barn B Tenants’ Association. It’s come to my attention this week that the two-leggeds we call Trainers have been discussing some changes here at Happy Horse Farms and it involves us.

“Since I know everything about everything, I need to give you some basic information on what you’re getting into.”

The older horses roll their eyes, but not where Wise Old Mare can see them.

“You’re all going to start learning something called Dress-Ahj.” The young’uns ply her with questions.

“Is it hard? Do we jump? Is it fast? Do we do it in groups? Oooo oooo oooo, I wanna be in Blackie’s group!”

“Hush, children. I’ll explain everything.

No jumping, it’s not all that fast, and you do it all by yourself, you and your twolegged.”

“Well, what are we doing? Did it come from fox-hunting? Cattle-herding? Pulling carts?” asks Blackie.

“It’s a very ancient art with completely mysterious origins,” intones the Wise Old Mare. “It’s like a mystical, ritualistic ceremony of some sort. We horses think that perhaps two-leggeds may have used it to appease the gods in ancient times. We have no idea why they keep doing it, but perhaps it’s an old superstition.”

The chestnut gelding asks, “Why do you say it’s so mysterious?”

“Well, first of all, there are the altars.”

“The altars?”

“Yes. And then, there are the High Priests with the magic numbers who sit and watch you.”

“Watch us do what?”

“Perform the ancient rituals at the altars.

Then they write numbers. We suspect it might be some sort of numerology used for predicting the future. Then the twoleggeds are either happy or distraught, depending on what numerology reading they receive. Some of them are given honors while others are sent out to keep 160 EQUINE

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practicing their rituals so they can appease the High Priests.”

“Weird.” The chestnut shakes his head disdainfully.

“Yes,” says the Wise Old Mare, “it is, but you’re all scheduled to learn it so you might as well pay attention.”

“First, let’s talk about the sacred arenas.

There are big ones and small ones.

These sacred arenas have altars around the edge. The small arena has eight altars.

The big one has 12. Clearly the number of altars has mystical significance.”

“How do we know where the altars are?” asks the little mare who always wants to get things right.

“Oh, they’re well marked by a white thing with black marks on it at each one.

The two-leggeds call the marks letters.”

“And what do we do at them?”

“Each altar marks a place where you are to perform a specific rite.”

“So we just have to memorize what to do at each one?”

“Ah. If only it were that easy. No, the two-leggeds are given something called tests. Each test gives you a different magical rite to perform at each altar. For instance, sometimes you’ll do a large circle at one altar; but other times you may start at that same altar, go partway into the center, and then for no reason come back to the outside at another altar, maybe doing fancy steps along the way.

Sometimes you’ll cut all the way across the sacred arena from one altar to another,

and other times you’ll halt right next to an altar and stand very still.”

“This stuff sounds crazy!” whinnies Blackie.

The Wise Old Mare smiles wisely. “You haven’t even heard the crazy part yet. Here it is: in the most mysterious, mystical part of this whole ritual, there are invisible altars with invisiblee letters! And you have to perform certain things there, too! And if you don’t get everything right, including at the invisible letters, your two-legged will get all tense, the High Priests will scribble some sort of curse in hieroglyphics, and everyone will have a very bad day.”

The horses shake their heads, bewildered.

“This is insane!” nickers the little mare.

“We live in a modern age. Why in the world would our two-leggeds want to do something so superstitious?”

“Because,” says the Wise Old Mare, “if they practice very hard, and we do the rituals just right, and everyone sees they are very serious about it…” She pauses dramatically.

“Yes? Yes??”

“They become royalty.”

“What?! How do you know this?”

“Because they are called Queens.”

ANGE DICKSON FINN is an award-winning freelance writer, western dressage rider, and retired horse show mom who is working very hard on her mystical dressage rituals. Visit her at ridewithoutfear. com, or email her at ange@ridewithoutfear.com.

ILLUSTRATION: WILLIAM GREENLAW

BY ANGE DICKSON FINN

| November 2014

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