Equine Journal (September 2014)

» LOVE WHAT YOU DO: TURN YOUR PASSION INTO A CAREER

EquineJournal September 2014

Your All-Breed, All-Discipline Resource

NEW BEGINNINGS RETIREMENT OPTIONS FOR YOUR HORSE

FAL COLOLR TR E REPONRDT

READY TO REMODEL? WHEN TO UPGRADE YOUR FARM

A CONVERSATION WITH

ANDRE DIGNELLI EQJMG_140900_163.indd 163

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September 2014

contents 50 Keep those golden years golden.

B Y NAT BY N ALI NA A E DEFE DE EFE FE E E M END ND N D IK

features When it’s time to upgrade or expand, find out if your old structure is a candidate for a remodel or if starting new is a better choice.

BY PAMELA MANSFIELD

54 Follow Your Dreams Insiders share advice on how to turn your horse passion into a career.

BY KAREN BARIL

66 6 Secrets of the Winners Circle One on One with Andre Dignelli.

BY JENNIFER ROBERTS

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Check out our coat conditioner picks on page 32.

PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/ADAMISOVITSCH

40 Farm Facelift

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contents

September 2014

departments

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14 Editor’s Note 16 On the Road 18 Letters to the Editor 20 In Your Words 23 Points of Interest 29 Now You Know 31 Ten Things 32 Prepurchase Exam 35 Dressage Pointers 36 Reining Pointers 39 Ask the Vet

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lifestyle 75 Travel 78 Fashion 80 Fitness 82 Collecting Thoughts

the scoop 95 Kristen Bumpus and Delorean claimed

victory for owner Catherine Mooney in the $5,000 NEHJA Hunter Derby at the Vermont Summer Festival. 106 Ashley Vorrias was the Open High Point Rider at the CRDA Schooling Show.

page 54

page 78 page 50 page 40

tail end 139 Real Estate 145 Marketplace 146 Stallion Paddocks 146 Directories 154 Classifieds 156 Affiliate Directory 160 Last Laugh 8

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page 66

on the cover A horse enjoys a fall gallop in his pasture.

COVER PHOTO BY SHAWN HAMILTON/CLIX PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTOS: (TOP) DAVID MULLINIX PHOTOGRAPHY; (BOTTOM) AMANDA SYLVIA PHOTOGRAPHY

85 Industry Wide News 89 Industry Wide Affiliates 93 Hunter/Jumper 99 Eventing 103 Dressage 109 Driving 115 Western 119 Distance Riding/Trail 121 Morgan 123 Arabian 129 Quarter Horse 133 Baroque 135 Breed Affiliates

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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

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.

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EDITOR’S NOTE

The Golden Years IT’S INEVITABLE—THAT TIME when your trusted partner can no longer carry you into the show ring or tackle a trail ride.

They worked hard and are ready for a change of pace, but not everyone has the option of turning them loose in the back pasture on their property to live out the rest of their golden years. So, what are you to do? This month, Natalie DeFee Mendik discusses other options for retirees. It’s not easy to face the fact that you will never ride your horse again, but there are ways to make it easier on both of you. Turn to page 50 to learn more.

Also this month, we get insider advice on how to make your dream of working with horses a reality. Six professionals, from saddle fitters to equine artists, discuss what it takes to snag the job you’ve always wanted. If you’re just starting out, or are ready for a change, turn to page 54 to see how to make it happen.

If it’s your barn that needs a change, you won’t want to miss Pamela Mansfield’s article, “Farm Facelift” on page 40. In it, she discusses the options of upgrading your existing barn or building new and talks to those that have gone through the process as well as barn builders to get their advice.

As always, we love to hear from you—whether it is seeing your photos, hearing your news, or getting article ideas, we look forward to getting your emails. Send your thoughts to editorial@equinejournal.com.

Managing Editor

Be a Part of the Equine Journal » This month in our “In Your Words” column, we asked how your horse would spend his retirement. 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

Great Moments AS EQUINE ENTHUSIASTS, we’ve all been fortunate to experience at least one incredibly memorable moment that we treasure forever. You know what I’m talking about—something that goes down in our own personal record book as being one of the best days in our lives. It could be the first time your horse landed a perfect line of tempi changes or as simple as the first time you placed Me with Sampson at a Highview Riding Club show in Acton, ME. after leveling up in competition. No matter what discipline you ride—barrel racing, dressage, show jumping, or reining—these great moments are inevitable, and they usually come from hard work.

In this month’s issue, our Social Editor, Jennifer Roberts caught up with top trainer, Andre Dignelli, who shared words of wisdom for riders that could be implemented in any discipline. Dignelli mentions that one of the major keys to his riders’ success is hard work and discipline, stating, “One of the biggest faults [for competitors] is that people try to learn at the horse shows, and while you can learn some skills there, you can’t skip the steps of doing your homework at home.”

These words resonated with me for days while reviewing our September issue.

Although I’ve taken a sabbatical from competition, in looking back and reflecting on the many horse shows I’ve attended, I can only recall two extraordinary moments that I’ve personally experienced.

The first one occurred at a summer show with an off-the-track-Thoroughbred.

He was making his debut onto the horse show scene, and hours of riding (on my part) and months of training (on the trainer’s part) had led up to this particular day. We decided to enter him in two flat classes. Needless to say, it was a nervewracking experience. I had done the work at home, but the day of the show, I choked. Sampson could sense my nervousness, and fed off of it. We didn’t even place in our first class, and I came out of the ring close to tears.

But the next class was one of those magical moments that we all end up experiencing at one point in our lives. I gave myself an internal pep talk, which consisted of saying, Pull yourself together, you’ve done the work, now go show everyone what you’ve got, and went back into the ring and completely turned both myself and the horse around. We didn’t win first place, but that didn’t matter to me. Ironically, neither of my two “great moments” in competition have involved a blue ribbon.

These experiences are what make our efforts worth the while. Sometimes they happen during a competition, and sometimes they don’t, but they drive us to work harder.

Just as we work hard with our horses, our staff members here at the Equine Journal continually strive to take our passion and put it on the page to share with you, our readers. As much as we enjoy experiencing our own great moments, we take great pride in being able to share them with our readers, as well. If you’re at a horse show and find yourself in the midst of one of those unforgettable occasions, please be sure to send a note to editorial@equinejournal.com, so we can help you treasure it for years to come.

Executive Editor

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR [ FEATURED LET TER ]

I really enjoyed the travel column on visiting Normandy in the August issue. I can only dream about attending WEG this year, but it is so exciting just to think about!

North Woods Animal Treats for Your Thoughts!

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

Congratulations to Sheryl Neal for winning September’s letter-ofthe-month! She will receive some North Woods Animal Treats.

- Sheryl Neal, Conway, NH

The “Are You Protected?” article really struck a chord with me. I would like to think that I am prepared for whatever happens in my life, but the article brought up so many situations that I had not thought of. Thank you!

-Nikki Robinson, Royalston, MA I couldn’t believe the roweled spurs in the opening photograph of the “Baby Steps” article. Those look painful! I can’t believe the poor horse is behaving!

-Ross Mitrano, Grafton, MA

Equine E i Journal J ld does not condone d riding idi without ih a helmet. h l

This is Dichoso Uno, our 14-year-old Pure Spanish Andalusian Stallion!

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I’ve noticed that you do not have very much, if any, coverage of natural horsemanship events in Equine Journal.

Natural horsemanship goes across disciplines. It is actually a foundation for horse and rider that allows them to go on and do whatever they want, from dressage to eventing to western pleasure to trail riding.

If you have any doubts about the appeal of natural horsemanship, just look at the current lineup for Equine Affaire. They lead off with “General Clinicians” that include Chris Cox, Pat Parelli, Dan James, and Mark Rashid.

And then they list disciplines!

Best regards, -Jamie Greenebaum, Via Email

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IN YOUR WORDS They retire and spend the rest of their lives living a carefree life.

-Dave Toher Keep him and let him be loved.

-Jackie Allen

I just fully retired one of mine. Pulled his shoes and let him get fuzzy for the first time in over 10 years. He is living the good life. I rent my barn and keep him there with other horses.

-Michelle Francis Mine just get a new job… we breed a few horses each year so the old guys become babysitters for the weanlings and yearlings.

-Jennifer Breslin My old man passed away a couple years ago. He wasn’t up to anything hard, but still loved a trail ride or a jaunt around the pasture bareback and bitless.

-Cheryl Rings

What are your plans for your horse once he retires?

For Next Month: EQUINE JOURNAL

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She stays right with me at my home until she dies.

-Angela Kazanovica When he decides he doesn’t want to show and be in heavy work, he will teach kids walktrot lessons, and when he’s ready to fully retire, he will be my snuggle bug.

-Olivia Kaplan My Frank is fairly retired now; he has old racing injuries that have really been taking a toll on him. I ride him on vacation, hand walk him through the park, and just enjoy what he is able to do. He will be my partner until the end.

-Celeste Behsmann

From Our Staff I am lucky enough to have the space to keep my horses on my property, and they will live out their retirement as pasture decorations that I can enjoy from my kitchen window.

-Kelly Ballou, Managing Editor

What do you always bring with you on a

trail ride?

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The 27-year-old Paint gelding is the barn mascot and the tester of treats.

-Brande Wood

My 30-year-old is enjoying retirement at my farm in Florida.

-Tina Karlen

Send your answers to Jenn@EquineJournal.com.

PHOTO: DUSTY PERIN/DUSTYPERIN.COM

She’ll stay right where she is and get pampered for the rest of her life.

-Lexcey Felt

I use my retired horse as a model for teaching horse management for the Pony Club kids. He stands so well and is great to teach bandaging, grooming, conformation, and anything else we can think of. I think he likes all the attention. The rest of the time he is turned out with two older mares and they are a happy retired group.

-Myke Ramsey

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POINTS OF INTEREST p. 23 | NOW YOU KNOW p. 29 | PREPURCHASE EXAM p. 32 ASK THE VET p. 39 | QUICK TIPS p. 35 & 36

bits & pieces

September 2014

Photo of the Month Suza Su zann nnee Le Lebl blan anc’ c’ss La Larg rgo o dii M d Mol ollto, to o, rriidd den en by tr trai aine aine n r J ne H Ja Han an nni n gan, gan, ga n, won the he Fo our urth th LLev th evel ell Tes estt Th Thre reee re clas cl a s aatt D as Dre reess s ag ge at at Devon Devo n un nde der Ax der A ell S Ste tein te in iner ner at h hiss las astt sh show ow jud udgi g ng gi g.

PHOTO: TERRI MILLER

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bits & pieces POINTS OF INTEREST

SMARTER SUPPLEMENTS

MEDIA REVIEW

SmartPak is excited to announce the addition of two new products, SmartMetabo-Lean and SmartPituitary Senior, to its line of SmartSupplements. SmartMetabo-Lean provides comprehensive support for horses with Equine Metabolic Syndrome, while SmartPituitary Senior supports horses with endocrine challenges.

[ DVD ]

Equibarre Fitness DVD WITH ANGELEA KELLY WALKUP, HorseGirlTV®,

(EquiBarre.com), 2012, $19.95.

This ballet barre workout for equestrians is geared toward riders of every discipline and fitness level. The easy-to-understand workout combines the core strength, flexibility, and grace of ballet with the core muscles needed to ride a horse.

BOTTOM LINE: These

exercises will make you limber for your ride, but finding a DVD player next to a jump might be a difficult task.

A Legend Gone GOLIATH, THE 2005 GUINNESS BOOK OF WORLD RECORD HOLDER FOR TALLEST LIVING HORSE, passed away peacefully July 3, 2014 on the Priefert Ranch in Mt. Pleasant, TX. Goliath was an awe striking black Percheron gelding who stood 19.1 hands high and weighed over 2,500 pounds. He was a superstar and legend in his own right.

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Straight From the Horse’s Mouth We asked: What bit do you y ride yyour horse in?

POLL Snaffle 66% Bitless 10% Curb 9% Combination Bit 5% Hackamore 5% Double Bridle 5%

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

THE SCOOP ON POOP

Galloping Off The Pages Breyer joins Sasha Silver and her horse as they begin their adventures on the campus of the elite riding school, Canterwood Crest! Breyer Animal Creations announced that it is partnering with author Jessica Burkhart to release two book and model horse sets of the popular middle grade series, Canterwood Crest.

Canterwood Crest follows the story of Sasha Silver, who is determined to prove she belongs at the elite boarding school in the first book of the series, Take the Reins. The set includes the paperback novel and a model of Charm, Sasha’s horse. The next book in the series, Chasing Blue, continues the story, and is accompanied by the model of Aristocrat, the horse of Sasha’s riding partner, Heather, the school’s haughty “it girl.”

PHOTO: (LEFT) REEVES INTERNATIONAL; (RIGHT) CHRISTOPHER HATCH

FRUIT TREES REQUIRE SPECIAL FERTILIZER TO ENSURE HEALTHY GROWTH— a slow release, low nitrogen blend that also contains roughly equal portions of potash and potassium. While you can purchase fruit tree fertilizer, consider using a more natural approach by using horse manure instead.

Horse manure is an excellent source of slow release nitrogen. You may find stables willing to give manure away for free, although you must prepare it correctly for use on fruit trees or you risk damaging them. Plant nurseries often sell it ready-to-use.

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bits & pieces NOW YOU KNOW Fun trivia and interesting facts about equine careers

$162,113 According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the average educational debt of a 2013 veterinary school graduate was $162,113.

267

A November 2010 survey done by the American Farriers Journal reported that the average American farrier will handle 267 different horses seven times a year.

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PHOT PHOT HOTO: O:: (CLOC O CLO LOC CKWISE KWISE FROM KW KWIS FRO OM M TOP LEFT) PIE ERCE FARRIER R SUP S UP U PPLY, P Y WIK W WIKIMED MEDIA MED AC COMMO OMMONS, OM OMMO NS ENIV NS, E EA PH HOTOGRAPHY Y

The minimum standard in order to be able to sit for the National Animal Acupressure and Massage Examination is an accumulated course of study totaling at least 200 hours.

$13.90

The national average salary for a veterinary technician is $28,920 , annually y or $13.90 an hour.

1762

Equine dentistry was practiced as long ago as 600 BCE in China, with the first veterinary dental school being founded in Lyon, France, in 1762.

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bits & pieces 10 THINGS 10 fun facts about the Colombian Trote y Galope Horse

Hot To Trot

BY JENNIFER ROBERTS

1 2

The Colombian Trote y Galope horse is considered a rare new breed, originating in the early 1900s in Colombia.

In the United States, the American Trote and Trocha Association (ATTA) and the International Paso Horse Federation (IPHF) are the main registries. The Paso Fino Horse Association (PFHA) also allows owners to purchase a certificate to show horses at their events.

A descendant of the Lusitano and the Paso Fino, the Colombian Trote y Galope horse performs the unique “trote” and “galope” gaits.

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These gaits developed on the irregular terrain of Colombia, with the horse always leaving at least one hoof on the ground in order to maintain his footing. This means that the horse has virtually no suspension.

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The Spanish word “Trote” translates to trot, but the Trote gait is not the trot most horses perform. While the trot and the trote are both diagonal gaits, the trote lacks a moment of suspension, making a comfortable gait that is easy to sit.

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Alonso Betancur competing with National Champion Trote y Galope mare, Diva, at the 2014 PFHA Cala Classic.

The “Galope” gait is a three beat canter of lope that is performed with a degree of natural collection. The result is a rocking horse-like feeling, while the horse carries his head nearly vertical on an elegantly arched neck.

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These unique gaits can be ridden extended or collected, making the Colombian Trote y Galope horse a versatile equine athlete. The collected gaits are sought after in the show rings while the extended versions are valued for ranch work and trail riding.

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PHOTO: STUNNING STEEDS

Traditionally, the breed’s mane is roached. This prevents tangles and is practical for ranch work, while in the show ring it accentuates the muscular, arched neck.

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The Trote y Galope horse can be found in every color except pinto patterns.

9 10

These horses are said to have a large amount of energy and “brio” that work together.

Energy is the power of the horse and brio is the spirit. Despite this showiness, the horse is a naturally quiet horse.

Scan this with your smart phone to see how the Colombian Trote y Galope horses move.

Reference: Rebecca Vail Anderson September 2014

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bits & pieces PREPURCHASE EXAM

Coat Polish Shapley’s Hi Gloss Finishing Spray

EQyss Avocado Mist

This coat conditioner was everything our tester needed before a horse show—a body shine and detangler all in one. Our tester sprayed her horse when he was wet, and was greeted with a weightless, greaseless shine the next day—her horse’s tail wasn’t sticky, and his coat was dust free.

The amazing (as in, want-to-use-iton-yourself amazing) smell alone could sell this spray, but the fact that it’s environmentally friendly and silicon free makes it a perfect choice for show day prep or everyday maintenance.

BUY IT: EQyss.com

GLOSSY Gloss Enhancing Coat Tonic

Our tester can’t get enough of the “green” products out there— more specifically, the ones that work—and this Gloss Enhancing Coat Tonic certainly fits the bill. It’s a multi-use spray that successfully both nourishes the coat and gives it a nice, shimmery sheen…and it didn’t make her saddle pad slip! With the sweet smell of citrus, instead of chemicals, this spray brought a smile to our tester’s face (without bringing the bugs).

BUY IT: EcoliciousEquestrian.com

This aerosol finishing spray is perfect for last minute touch-ups next to the show ring. The oil-based spray quickly adds dramatic highlights to your horse’s coat with a light and quiet spray that even the most skittish of equines was able to handle. Be sure to run a quick towel over your horse after applying it, as the oil can attract dust.

With a delicate berry fragrance, it was pleasing without being overpowering. It is powerful enough for an instant shine, yet was also great for daily conditioning of the coat. You can also apply it to your horse’s hooves in place of hoof oil in a pinch.

BUY IT: Shapleys.com

Vetrolin Shine

The familiar minty fresh smell of Vetrolin was the first thing that our tester noticed about this coat polish and conditioner that has the added benefit of not attracting those awful flies. It adds a lovely shine to the horse’s coat, while the vitamin rich conditioners helped the condition of the coat, mane, and tail. Sunscreens offered protection from the sun for complete coverage and helped to avoid bleaching. If you’re going to be riding your horse, avoid the saddle area with this spray as it can make the hair a bit slick.

BUY IT: FarnamHorse.com

If you are looking for a little extra sparkle when you hit the show ring, you have come to the right place. This month our testers help you get your shine on.

Best Shot Ultra Vitalizing Mist Coat Finisher and Detangler

Our tester tried the Best Shot Ultra Vitalizing Mist Coat Finisher and Detangler on a pony straight out of the field that looked less than lustrous. A few spritzes in the tangled mess of mane and tail made brushing out simple and knot-free. The fresh peppermint scent was invigorating for both horse and human, and our tester liked that the spray is water-based and pH balanced, so every drop is sure to be beneficial. Even after being ridden, our test pony still had a silky tail and a shiny hiney!

BUY IT: BestShotPet.com

Mane ‘n Tail Shine-On

This spray-on formula gave the tester’s horse an instant shine that lasted longer than other brands she had tried.

She also loved that dust and most stains brushed out easier, and her horse was more than happy to oblige in a good dust bath to try it out. Shine-On is a gentle, pH balanced spray that left the hair smooth without being sticky, and also kept manes and tails tangle free without an overpowering fragrance. Although it can be applied to dry hair, the tester found it absorbed better and spread more evenly when applied to wet hair.

BUY IT: ManeNTail.com

This month’s products for review will be donated to the EquiCenter Therapeutic Riding Program.

Our testers:: This month, our Prepurchase Exam was conducted by: Kelly Ballou, Managing Editor; Jane Carlton, News Editor; and 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 With Clare Long Once your mare is carrying herself straight, then you can increase the difficulty of the exercise by positioning her shoulders even more to the inside, into a shoulder-in.

Q:

My mare has a tendency to swing her haunches in when we canter. How can I straighten her body? Are there any exercises that I can do to help her?

A:

mare to be even stronger, more balanced, and more able to load her inside hock.

Lengthening the stride in the shoulderfore will also be very beneficial for strengthening your mare, enabling her to carry more weight, and to have more strength and balance for the rest of her gymnastic work.

Schooling the shoulder-fore first on the long sides, which is the easiest place, will help you and your mare to understand the technique and achieve the feel you need.

When you have accomplished this on the long side, you can graduate to shoulder-fore in the corners and on circles.

The best way to see the angle or straightness with your mare’s canter is with a coach, instructor, trainer, or knowledgeable friend’s eyes on the ground.

When this goal is successfully met, then you and your “dance partner” will be ready to graduate to the schooling/ strengthening exercises of shoulder-in in the canter, on straight lines and bending lines, corners and circles.

Note: It is important that you position your mare’s shoulders in, not her haunches out.

In other words, the haunches need to stay on the track, or on the line that you are riding, and the shoulders must come in to the inside of the track or line.

It is also important that you don’t get too much angle or too much straightness in your horse’s body.

This will turn into a leg yield along the wall, which is a straight horse exercise, not a lateral, bending horse exercise.

CLARE LONG is a born horse lover and is motivated by the simple, true, and honest love of them.

She is dedicated to improving the lives of horses worldwide—one horse handler at a time. She brings to the table 38 years of equine experience, specializing in Friesians, adult amateurs, dressage (competition, instruction, and training through Grand Prix), reining, and basic training. She has been awarded her USDF Bronze and Silver Medals; and has competed successfully through Prix St. Georges.

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PHOTO: AKDRAGOO PHOTOGRAPHY Y

The most effective, straightforward, and simplest exercise for correcting the tendency for your mare to swing her haunches in, in the canter, is shoulder-fore, evolving to shoulder-in.

First, let’s talk about why your mare wants to get crooked in the canter, so it’s easier for you to understand the fix.

A horse naturally wants to canter with his haunches in. It is much easier for him, as his shoulders are wider than his haunches, and cantering with them falling in takes less strength, coordination, and balance.

These are the things that a straight canter can build and solidify. A correct canter must be straight.

To achieve this, the horse’s shoulders always must be what we call “fore,” or simply, traveling in line with, or to the inside of the haunches. This is true for every single stride of the canter work, be it on a straight line, (such as long sides of arenas, diagonal lines, or short sides between the two corners), or a bending line (corners, circles, etc.).

Riding the canter with your mare’s shoulder’s fore is difficult for her for multiple reasons. First and foremost, when your mare is cantering correctly, she has to articulate and carry much more weight with her inside hock. Her inside hock must bend, support, and carry. This is difficult, and must be achieved gradually over time, as not to injure her, or cause her soreness or discomfort.

Once your mare is carrying herself straight, i.e, shoulder-fore, then you can increase the difficulty of the exercise by positioning her shoulders even more to the inside, into a shoulder-in. This added angle to the shoulder-fore will help your

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bits & pieces QUICK TIPS tips from top professionals

Reining g Pointers With Steve Kutie

A:

The only way to be successful in the horse world today is to have complete control over your horse’s face and body. The reining arena has gotten so much more competitive over the last few years that any inability to completely control your horse’s every movement will cost you in your quest for a win. For that to be accomplished, I focus a lot on lateral flexion.

Right Easy, Wrong Hard The simple concept of training your horse will always be to make the right things easy and the wrong things hard.

This is easily said and done if you always remember that the release of pressure is really what is teaching your horse to become light and responsive, not the pull. When teaching your horse to soften and relax in the poll and mouth, you need to remember to never, never, never yank or jerk the slack out of the reins. Always make light contact with the horse’s mouth first, and then pull with the amount of pressure needed to get the desired response.

Lateral flexion (side to side) is taught by picking up one rein and pulling it back and up toward your hip. Hold pressure on the rein until your horse bends his neck around to your leg. Release the rein pressure completely as soon as your horse tries to laterally flex his neck. Don’t be concerned if at first your horse tries to resist by tossing his head, walk around in circles, or pull you out of the saddle; this is how he figures out what you are asking him to do.

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wrong at this point, so continue to hold the rein until your horse stops all of the wrong behavior, stands still, and flexes his neck around to your leg. The instant that he stops and flexes his head and neck around, immediately drop the rein and reward him by patting him on the neck. Repeat the same process to the opposite side, rewarding him as soon as he stands still and flexes his neck.

This process may take some time at first, but once your horse figures out the process, the result will be immediate.

Use this lateral flexion exercise as part of your daily training and warm-up routine every time you ride. Ideally you want your horse to flex his head and neck laterally as soon as he feels bit pressure on the side of his mouth.

In order er tto o ke keep e your horse light and ha happ py in his work rk,, it it’s ’s iimp mpor orta tant nt to remember to ne neve verr ya ank on the rein re inss and d to off ffer er a release as a reward.

Practice and Patience Practice, practice, and more practice will make you and your horse more proficient at the basic concepts of face and body control. Always take as much time as you need to get your horse to understand the concepts outlined in this article. Rushing or shortcutting these steps in the beginning will only hurt you later down the road. Starting out slow and making sure that both you and your horse are comfortable and relaxed with all areas will make teaching your horse to spin and stop seem like a piece of cake. Once you get comfortable with the maneuvers along the fence, move out into the middle of the arena so you can’t use the fence as a crutch. Working

away from the rail in your everyday training will allow you to become a better rider and gain total control of your horse’s position.

STEVE KUTIE focuses on reiners and cowhorses, but never leaves his classical dressage foundation and principles behind. To this day, all of his horses are started with the principles and theories of dressage. Steve believes in building a solid foundation and work ethic, which allows a horse to perform to the best of his ability at the higher levels. For more information, visit stevekutie.com.

PHOTOS: SHAWN HAMILTON/CLIXPHOTO.COM N/CLIXPHOTO.COM

Q:

I have heard a lot about bending my reiner and how it will help my runs, but how can I begin to introduce this topic to my horse?

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bits & pieces ASK THE VET your horse health questions answered

The Golden Years Caring for an Aging Equine

One of the most reported challenges of senior horse care ca re is ke k eping him at a healthy weight, but with prop pr oper er den nta al ca care and nd the right type of feed, this prob pr oble lem m ca can n be ssol olve v d.

BY CASEY L. PACHECO, DVM AND GRANT D. MYHRE, DVM

My horse is getting older and I want to make sure that I am caring for him in the best way possible. What are some things I should be aware of when caring for the senior horse?

Q: A:

Caring for a geriatric horse can be a little more challenging than caring for a younger one. Geriatric horses are more prone to weight loss, dental abnormalities, and parasitism. They are also more apt to develop endocrine, liver, kidney, and musculoskeletal diseases.

Having a good working relationship with your veterinarian can significantly help you provide better care.

Dental Care One of the challenges reported by many owners is difficulty in keeping their senior horse at a healthy weight. Poor dentition is one of the leading causes of weight loss in older equines. Significant tooth loss, waves, hooks, ramps, fractures, and ulcerations can affect their ability to eat properly and without pain.

Senior horses with these types of dental abnormalities will often ball up their hay or drop their grain. This behavior is commonly called “quidding,” which can result in problems with the digestion of food. To minimize the risk of weight loss in your geriatric horses, you should schedule a full oral examination and teeth floating at least every six months by your veterinarian.

Proper Diet Another leading cause of weight loss in geriatric horses is poor diet.

Older horses are not able to digest a regular diet of hay and grain as effectively as younger horses. Fortunately, feed companies have made significant strides in formulating “complete” feeds to enhance digestion and other dietary needs. Complete feeds are produced to be easily digestible and balanced with essential vitamins and minerals to ensure a healthier diet for the older horse.

Forage extenders such as hay cubes and chopped hay are great ways to allow for extra forage to be added to their diet.

Another helpful hint is to add one or two cups of vegetable, soy, or coconut oil to grain to increase their daily caloric intake and provide a laxative effect.

Parasite Watch Parasitism is yet another condition that can cause weight loss. As horses age, their ability to fight off parasites on their own decreases dramatically, and damage caused by parasites within the intestine interferes with the natural absorption of nutrients. A preventative measure to help combat parasitism is to be sure to conduct fecal egg counts throughout the year. This should especially be done if your horse is showing signs of weight loss. If your horse has a low number of egg counts, you may need to deworm only two times a year, but if the egg

PHOTO: DUSTY PERIN/DUSTYPERIN.COM

health hints › CUSHING’S DISEASE A dysfunction of the pituitary gland, Cushing’s Disease is most commonly seen in older horses. Signs of Cushing’s Disease include: ■ Weight loss and muscle wasting ■ Fat deposits, especially along the crest of the neck and the tail head

■ Hirsutism (long hair that resists shedding) ■ Lethargy and poor performance ■ Increased infections with delayed

wound healing ■ Becoming overly docile ■ Increased drinking and urination

counts are high, several de-wormings are indicated. In the event your horse is diagnosed with intestinal parasites, your veterinarian will advise you on which dewormer is the most appropriate to use.

Other Problems Diseases such as musculoskeletal, endocrine, and liver or kidney dysfunction are also common in geriatric horses.

Osteoarthritis can cause chronic pain and make it difficult for older horses to be comfortably ambulatory. Antiinflammatory drugs can aid in easing the discomfort of your aging horse; however, they should only be given when advised by your veterinarian. Other diseases like Cushing’s or hypothyroidism can easily be diagnosed with blood work and treated with the proper medications and diet.

Preventative Measures To ensure your aging horse is getting the best possible care, it is helpful to have a good working relationship with your veterinarian. A complete physical examination, regular dental care, proper medications, and routine blood work and other screenings can be vital in protecting your horse from the more common conditions associated with aging. Taking these preventative measures and regularly consulting with your veterinarian will enhance your chances of keeping your aging horse in good health for a prolonged, enjoyable life.

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FARM

FACELIFT WHEN IT’S TIME TO UPGRADE OR R EXPAND, FIND OUT IF YOUR OLD STRUCTURE IS A CANDIDATE FOR A REMODEL OR IF STARTING NEW IS THE BETTER CHOICE. »

BY PAMELA MANSFIELD

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BEFORE

« Justin Harries worked with Barn Pros to add 12' to the length of his barn and an 8' shed roof with turnouts. He stripped the metal siding, added tongue and groove cedar walls, and used stall systems and Dutch doors (next page).

AFTER

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reaming of bigger and better accommodations for your horses? If you’re tight for space or ready to expand a business, take a good look to determine if an existing structure can be enlarged or upgraded. The possibilities are endless; it’s just a question of how to make it work.

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF BARN PROS

If it makes more sense to start from the ground up, a new structure can be situated to optimize both space and dollars.

One way to save is if the new barn occupies part of an existing foundation site, when an old barn is not worth saving. On the other hand, the addition of a whole new asset, attractively designed and well built, can enhance the property, and can even match the home or other buildings. It depends on the space, layout of the buildings on the property, and the permits required to complete the job.

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AFTER BEFORE

“In most cases, it’s a better deal to add on to an existing structure,” says John Rose of Precise Buildings, LLC in Pennsylvania. His company has helped owners in the mid-Atlantic and Northeast to rework buildings of all shapes and sizes, from classic bank barns to small pony barns, turning them into more suitable housing for a well-designed horse property. He explains that, in addition to lower costs, it’s far easier to obtain the permits needed to expand a building than it is to start new. A single aisle barn can be upgraded to add more stalls, either as shed row stalls or interior stalls with an additional aisle for better access.

Older buildings on the property may be candidates for conversion to a small barn or storage buildings for hay and shavings. A garage, a small horse barn, or a shed that was originally intended for other farm animals can be transformed into an attractive, more functional space that might be just the right size and layout.

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made do for many years and are ready to take their operation to the next level,” he says.

NEW LIFE FOR AN OLD BARN When professional dressage instructor Anita Imms acquired a 200-year-old bank barn adjacent to her Pennsylvania farm, the structure allowed her to construct six new stalls for her boarders. It required complete renovation because the original cow barn had suffered from 40 years of neglect. Anita says this historic barn had all the right dimensions for its transformation, and “it knew what it wanted to be.” The work began with removing the 60 milking stanchions and makeshift horse stalls, gutting the interior, and then jack hammering through three feet of old flooring. “Precise Buildings came and put in a knee wall around the foundation so it wouldn’t implode upon itself,” she says. After they poured the floor, they put in new beams, joints, and posts, and a beautiful stall system made from yellow pine. The antique barn is a beautiful addition to her property, and will serve generations to come.

SAFE HOUSING A foremost consideration in repurposing or expanding any existing building is the safety of the animals that will live there, advises Justin Harries of Barn Pros in Washington.

Designing for appropriate ventilation, safe wiring, and prevention of any structural protrusions that can impede the horses’ ability to traverse the aisleway or move about the stall must be a priority when converting or increasing the space. Harries’ personal experience in expanding a horse operation has been lifelong, beginning with his family’s Quarter Horse farm, and now his current facility where his wife is a hunter/jumper trainer. Before joining Barn Pros, he worked with the company to add 12' to the length of his own barn (now 36' x 60'), an 8' shed roof with turnouts “for horses who like to step outside and loiter under the extended roof.” He stripped the unsightly metal siding from the pole barn, added tongue and groove

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF BARN PROS

REPURPOSE EXISTING FACILITIES

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CEILING HEIGHT FOR HORSES

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF ANITA IMMS

For upgrading a building and adding on, the head height and roofline of an existing building can be a limiting factor if it’s not high enough for horses, Rose cautions. Old dairy barns and bank barns that were built into the side of an earthen bank were designed for better access to the second floor hayloft, but in some cases when the floor needed to be repaired, “Dairy farmers would pour a new slab right over top of the old, which reduced the head height. It doesn’t work if you have a 17-hand horse,” says Rose.

Excavation would be required to lower the floor of the barn, and the foundation would have to be bolstered in order to give the extra height needed.

Another way to increase head height is to relocate a loft, which might be above the designated stall area, and instead build a center loft, suggests

EASY STALL SYSTEMS Portable stall systems are an easy addition to any barn, suggests Harries. These stall systems “can be installed and removed quickly and effortlessly in case the space needs to be used for something else. Free standing, collapsible stalls are extremely adaptable, surprisingly beautiful, and very safe for horses.” These stall units are often comprised of a single piece frame filled with boards, typically tongue and groove, leaving the top half for a metal bar structure. “These systems also don’t rely on permanent posts. They can be bolted to existing exterior walls or be left as a free-standing unit, meaning you have more flexibility with the layout of your barn.

PERMITTING FOR OLD VS. NEW There are some improvements that can be made without permits, but when you expand the footprint there are other considerations such as proximity to wetlands, the slope of the land, and building codes. These vary among states and even towns. Permitting is typically easier for adding on because “the percent of impact overall on the farm is less,” says Rose.

When building a new structure, “There are more factors to take into account, including erosion and sedimentation planning, and full building permits,” says Rose.

If building new is the answer, research the building codes and permits early in the process to determine if you have the space to allow for all natural setbacks required on the site.

BEFORE

»

If the existing barn is an older one, the integrity of the roof over the lifetime of it plays a large part in the structural soundness and the ability to add on to it. “If there is any wood rot it’s typically because the roof went bad,” says Harries.

Then there is the challenge of matching up roofing styles between the existing building and any additions. Putting the pieces of the puzzle together can be the biggest hurdle, but just about anything can be done if the building is sound, our barn building experts assure us.

When enlarging a barn, the initial design and the load-bearing members are taken into consideration, and with professional assessment, the property owner can determine how the structure can be altered. New posts and beams may be needed to allow larger areas to be opened up for stalls or aisles.

A good general contractor or builder should be able to determine the structural soundness of the building. It is always best to consult with an engineer; they will let you know if the structure is up to current building codes.

The 200-year-old bank barn owned by Anita Imms required a complete renovation, which included removing the old milking stanchions and three feet of flooring, adding a knee wall around the foundation, pouring a new floor, adding new beams and posts, and also stall systems.

AFTER

»

TOP DOWN ASSESSMENT

Harries. “It increases ventilation and height without altering a lot of the structure itself. When you start removing floors you can change the structural integrity of the building. You have to see which way main floor joists are running and consult with the builder.”

Whatever structural changes are made, “You want to be sure that when you have snow load or wind the building is not going to come down.”

»

cedar walls, and used Barn Pros’ stall systems and Dutch doors to create a whole new look.

Whenever work is done at an equine facility, it’s important to have someone knowledgeable about horses overseeing or doing the work to prevent hazardous construction and wiring.

WHAT’S NEW IN NEW CONSTRUCTION When Thoroughbred racehorse trainer Joel H. Marr decided to bring his horses home from the track, he researched an entirely new type of structure that went up quickly and would house 45 stalls.

Legacy Building Solutions of Minnesota erected a fabric structure just 20 feet September 2014

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from an old, smaller barn on his New Mexico property.

The barn fits in nicely with a typical roofline and all the appearance of a new structure, however it’s wrapped in fabric, not wood or steel. “It’s a custom fabric building system that provides a cooler environment in the summer and is warmer in the winter.

It allows for good airflow and natural daylight,” says Paul Smith of Legacy.

Those were the features that Marr was attracted to, and he says the building

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is quiet, something the horses like. In addition to the 79' x 180' barn, Marr had Legacy erect a 124' x 300' riding arena.

Each building was completed in just two weeks. It was essential that the two buildings and his existing barn be in proximity to centralize the feed location, hay, pastures, personnel, and horses for a more efficient operation and to save time.

There are several other options for building new, ranging from pole barns, which are easy and less expensive to build, to a new post and beam construc-

tion with a full foundation.

Modular solar energy systems are becoming more popular for new construction. They can be attractively mounted to the roofing to bring power to the barn and save energy costs. Today’s technology is getting better than ever, weighs less, and comes with a 30-year warranty.

New construction materials are helping to conserve energy, prevent fire hazards, and save labor and building costs.

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GREENER PASTURES

KEEP THOSE GOLDEN YEARS GOLDEN BY Y NATALIE DEFEE MENDIK

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PHOTO: BIANCA MCCARTY

EQUINE Q RETIREMENT OPTIONS

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has given you his all, and now it’s time to wind down. Whether soundness and health issues, the cumulative effects of advanced age, not being up for the job anymore, or just being ready for a well-earned break, there comes a time for retirement. Of course you want the best for your horse—just as he deserves.

Best case scenario: you have your own property where your horse can happily live out his senior years. Sure, it may mean a little extra work, but seeing your old guy grazing from your kitchen window is priceless. But what about horse owners who don’t have their own barn? What retirement options are out there?

YOUR HORSE

STICKING WITH THE STATUS QUO If you already board, you may consider keeping your horse at his current facility, especially if you have other equines boarded there as well. After searching for a retirement stable for her 30-year-old Arabian, Ingrid McNamara of Pittsburgh, PA, decided to do just that. With another horse in regular work and retirement options hundreds of miles away, she realized it was best to keep Strique, her partner for over two decades, where she could see him every day. With the facility’s owner being willing to work with his needs, including special feeds and appropriate turn-out accommodations, it was a win-win situation.

However, if a large part of your board bill supports amenities you will no longer use, such as an indoor arena with state-ofthe-art footing, it may be a better choice financially to choose a simpler barn, where a comfortable stall and great turnout comprise all the bells and whistles your horse needs.

DOWNSIZING, HORSE-STYLE Once their kids have flown the coop, many older adults decide less is more and purchase a smaller, low-maintenance house.

The corresponding horse version of this would be to move to a low-key barn, away from the training and show hustle. Board at these stables tends to be less costly, without the upkeep costs of a facility designed for competition horses; often farms geared toward recreational trail riders offer an ideal setting for retired horses. Many horse owners have friends or acquaintances with barns that fit the bill.

When Shannon Kozakiewicz of Greensburg, PA, retired her first horse, she kept him at his same boarding barn. Later ending up with a second retiree in addition to a new show horse, she faced the time to make a decision about equine living arrangements. “The two retirees were not rideable— that’s when I started looking at my options,” says Kozakiewicz.

She was fortunate to have a friend with just the type of stable she needed: one without the extra frills, but with outstanding care, including high-quality hay and grain, regular grooming, and attention.

» QUESTIONS TO ASK

When looking for the right place, some questions to keep in mind include: ■ Are special feeding arrangements available, such as soaked feed and soft hay for seniors with poor dentition? Is there an option such as a ration balancer for seniors on a diet without concentrates?

■ What type of turnout is there? Grass? Suitable herd arrangements?

■ Are horses separated at feeding?

■ Is care hands-on? Are the horses handled daily?

■ How are the winters in the area?

How about summers?

■ Are supplement and medication administration available?

■ Is blanketing an option?

■ Will there be a regular, knowledgeable staff that really gets to know the horse and checks him over daily?

■ Does the farm work together with the veterinarian and farrier to maintain appropriate care?

Will the staff seek medical help when necessary, while keeping the owner in the loop and addressing follow-up care?

■ Is the facility able to offer different options in an event that the horse’s condition changes, such as moving from a pasture to a stall with a run if necessary?

■ While not easy, have a conversation with the barn’s owner about how end-of-life issues will be handled when they arise.

■ Finally, look at the same things you would when choosing any barn: fencing, cleanliness, bedding, feed, hay, feeding arrangements, the condition of horses on the property, the condition of the buildings and the pastures, and so on.

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RETIREMENT FARM?

Paradigm Farm’s Melissa Webb shares her top reasons why owners may want to consider a true retirement farm for their horses no longer in work: ■ “Turnout is a large component of why a retirement facility is a good option for horse owners,” says Webb. “Many of our clients have been focused on riding, training, and competing with their horses, and as such, they have boarded their horses with good riding facilities. Most of us need the barn to be at least somewhat proximate to where we live and work; often this means that the turnout is not as ideal as it could be. The horses are turned out—although in some cases they are not, but often the paddocks are small, the grazing is limited, or they only go out for a few hours per day. This often works well when a horse is in work in addition to turnout time; however, this less-than-ideal turnout often does not work as well when the horse in no longer being ridden. Most of our residents live outside 24/7; even stall boarders go out in large, well-maintained pastures for a minimum of 12 hours per day, if not more.

■ “Many barns that have training programs also board retirees. However, these horses are not the focal point of the operation. Many of our clients send their horses to us to retire because they know we only care for retirees, and therefore they get all of our time and attention. We are not also maintaining arenas, training, teaching, and traveling to shows.

■ “In addition, a retirement facility can be costeffective for the owner. Our board rate covers items not typically covered at a traditional boarding facility: annual vaccinations, routine hoof trimming, de-worming, blanket cleaning, and an annual float.

This makes it easy for our clients to budget and plan for their horse’s care as the expense is the same every month. For many owners, cost is a big concern when they are faced with retiring a horse. Ideally, many horse owners would like to be able to afford another horse to ride at the same time they are supporting their retiree. However, I would caution horse owners about placing their horse at facilities that are priced too low.”

■ “Since we are focused on retirees, we have developed retirement-specific expertise. For example, most of our residents had limited or no turnout prior to retirement and had not been turned out with other horses; we have years of experience in successfully transitioning show horses that are used to having a job and a certain type of lifestyle to not having a job and having a very different lifestyle. We have learned how to manage a variety of soundness challenges to keep our residents healthy and happy. In fact, not all of our retirees are elderly: we have several retirees that arrived at our farm for retirement before they had even turned 10. We are also very in tune with additional needs of aging horses. For example, we have eight residents with Cushing’s—our vet jokes that our farm could be used for field trials for ways to treat and manage Cushing’s.

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Retirement facilities can offer your horse the chance to spend his golden years enjoying the luxury of grass turnout.

“The barn owner treats them like her own horses,” remarks Kozakiewicz. “If you’re going to be moving your horse to a retirement facility or to some place where you won’t be seeing your horses as much as you currently do, the biggest things is to be sure they are getting attention.”

Mariel Milito of Centennial, CO, chose a similar arrangement for horse, Sergeant, who was no longer serviceably sound. When the family relocated from a home in the Rockies to Denver, Milito decided to leave her horse with a trusted, longtime friend whose farm caters to unsound and geriatric horses, in addition to trail riders seeking access to the mountains. Although in a rough climate, Milito rests easy knowing her horse’s every need is met. In fact, her trust in her horse’s caretaker is so great, she knows all is well despite the fact she hasn’t been able to see him in nearly a year.

SENIOR LIVING For many, a dedicated retirement facility is the perfect way to give their horses happy, safe, and comfortable senior years. A good retirement stable offers appropriate shelter, from run-in sheds to inviting stalls, turnout options like paddocks and pasture with compatible herd mates, and care tailored for the individual horse. The icing on the cake: regular updates from the facility’s owner or manager. With today’s technology, a snapshot texted from a smartphone is a breeze.

“There are a lot of different options out there,” notes Will Kubitschek of Seven Springs Farm, a retirement facility in Mansfield, MO. While the majority of horses who come to Seven Springs have spent their lives at high-end show barns, the Kubitschecks seek to provide an environment in which they can now enjoy just being horses. Think maximum pasture time in a safe, herd environment. As the majority of the horses at Seven Springs had never been on pasture in their prior show careers, this lifestyle change is a real treat. That said, they still

PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/FOTORVR

» WHY CHOOSE A

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enjoy many of the perks of their previous lives, including regular grooming, baths, blankets, and fly masks.

Seven Springs prides itself on premium pastures with a variety of established grasses and legumes. In addition, this farm produces its own hay, eliminating fluctuations in hay type and quality, which can lead to digestive disturbances. “Growing our own hay helps maintain consistency,” explains Kubitscheck. “With the same pasture as hay, there are never new types coming in.”

ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL Keep your eyes open when selecting the right place. If you are not able to be a regular visitor, Milito stresses the need for a total trust in the farm’s owner. She cautions blindly writing a monthly check and believing your horse is in good hands; in fact, Milito advises making the occasional surprise visit to be certain the care is all that it’s billed to be.

Kubitscheck notes that making retirement decisions may not be easy. “We often correspond with owners for a couple of months while they decide.” Kozakiewicz echoes this sentiment. “It’s a hard decision when you are used to seeing your horse every day, but seeing the good shape they’re in, the care they’re getting, that they are turned out on grass every day—I know they are living as they should.”

Everyone agrees: the decision is not an easy one. “It is a very emotional decision when someone is faced with retiring their horse. With a young horse, it can feel like you are facing broken dreams, and with a horse that has been your partner for a long time, it can feel like the end of an era and losing your security blanket,” remarks Melissa

Webb of Paradigm Farms, a retirement farm in Lynnville, TN. Take your time, making sure you find the right place for both you and your horse. “Our clients have all put a lot of thought and effort into researching the right retirement home for their horse. Anytime you are trusting someone to care for a living being, it’s a big decision and worthy of a lot of research.”

You may be surprised to learn retirement can be some of the best years for your horse. “Know that your horse can love being retired. A lot of our owners worried about retiring their horses because the horses loved to work, loved having a job, and were very attached to their owners.

However, once these same horses became accustomed to a different lifestyle, their owners have been amazed at how much their horse loves being a horse. The horse that used to know the sound of their car pulling up to the barn is now calling to his friends in the field instead of being excited to see you,” explains Webb. “Although this is hard for some people to experience at first, it also makes them happy to see their horse so happy in a situation they thought would never work out. It takes the right facilities and people with knowledge transitioning these horses to a new life; however, when these things are in place, retirement can be a very fun time for your horse.”

Wherever you choose to keep your equine, remember that you are part of the equation, too. Be sure to visit often, be proactive about care, stay involved, and keep an open line of communication. “After all the years of service to us, they should get the care they need and deserve,” says McNamara.

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FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS 54

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Insiders share advice on how to turn your horse passion into a career

BY KAREN ELIZABETH BARIL

| September 2014 8/11/14 4:19:01 PM

I

F YOU LOVE HORSES, YOU’VE PROBABLY DREAMED OF BUILDING A CAREER AROUND THEM. M Maybe May aybe aybe be yo you yyou’re ou’r u’re u’re re a hig hi h high ig gh h ssch sc school ch cho hoo ool ol student sst stud stu tud ude den d en eent ntt jju just u ust usstt be b beginning egin eg ginn gin nn nning nin n ing ng to to ex exp eexplore xplo xpl plo lor orree car ore care ca ccareer are reer eeeer er po possib poss possibilities oss ssibil sibi bilitie ilit litie ties eess or or yo you yyou’re ou ou’ u’re ’re ree aan n adult adu ad dul du ult ltt in n th the the thi th tthick hick hic ick ckk of of a m mi mid mid-life id idd-lif d-l -lif life fe cr fe cris ccrisis. risis ris ssis is. s. The s.

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RIDING INSTRUCTOR, TRAINER, OR CLINICIAN

Heidi Potter, Centered Riding Instructor/Clinician; Guilford, VT

PHOTOS: PH HO OT TO OS: S: (FA ((FACING FAC CIN NG G PA P PAGE) AG GE) E) IST IISTOCKPHOTO.COM/BRETTDESPAIN; STOCK OCKPH PHO HOT OTO O.C CO OM/BR M/BRETTD ETT TDE ESPAI SPA AIN N; (RIGHT) (R RIG GH HT T) AK K DRA D DRAGOO RAG GO OO O PH PHO PHOTOGRAPHY OTOGR TOG GRA APHY PHY

WHAT EDUCATION IS REQUIRED? “Psychology courses can offer great insights in how to understand and work successfully with others,” says Potter. “Business, accounting, and marketing courses are beneficial to anyone hoping to establish their own equine business. Equine studies, including animal behavior, will lead to a better understanding of the equine as a whole. To educate yourself as a rider and an instructor there are organizations such as Centered Riding that offer a very progressive learning program that applies to all disciplines and all breeds of horses.”

Riding instructors need to have good people skills as well as an understanding of animal behavior.

WHAT INTERNSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE? “If you don’t have horses yourself, it’s important to apprentice at an equine facility that promotes your interest.

Interning with a respected instructor, trainer, or clinician who supports your ideals will provide you with invaluable hands-on experiences. I also recommend becoming certified by an organization such as the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA). They offer extensive certification programs that promote safety and education. The five-day CHA Standard Instructor course evaluates and critiques instructors’ knowledge in safety, horsemanship, teaching techniques, and group control and professionalism.” Visit CHA at cha-ahse.org.

WHAT PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS ARE NECESSARY? “A passion and empathy for the horse should be your driving force,” says Potter. “This line of work requires one to be, professional, organized, empathetic, grounded and without ego. You should be able to assess your student’s skills and teach in a way that supports their learning style. You should be a good listener to both humans and horses. The success of a teacher or trainer is measured by the attitude and condition of the horse and/or rider once the session is over. The student should feel like they’ve had fun, learned something, and can’t wait to see what’s coming next. The horse should be sound, calm, and content.” » September 2014

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THERAPEUTIC RIDING INSTRUCTOR: OCCUPATIONAL, PHYSICAL, SPEECH

Donna Latella, Occupational Therapist and Instructor and Kitty Stalsburg, Executive Director of High Hopes Therapeutic Riding Center; Old Lyme, CT AT THE HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL, WHAT CLASSES SHOULD A STUDENT FOCUS ON? “Sciences such as biology, anatomy, physiology, physics, chemistry, math, and statistics are all helpful,” advises Latella. “Students must also be good writers and seek out positive role models with good ethics and professionalism.”

ARE THERE INTERNSHIPS AVAILABLE? “There are internships at the end of the university experience, but some programs do require shadowing even for admission.” Prospective students should consider volunteering with a PATH International certified therapeutic riding center.

WHAT PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS ARE HELPFUL TO BECOME A THERAPEUTIC INSTRUCTOR? Compassion and good problem solving skills are helpful in this career. Strong interpersonal skills, a deep commitment to the individuals you’re working with, and a positive outlook are critical.

“You should be someone who sees the possibilities, not the limitations,” says Stalsburg. »

EQUINE ARTIST

Sarah Lynn Richards, an award-winning painter, currently works out of her home studio on the coast of Maine.

AT THE HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL, WHAT CLASSES SHOULD A STUDENT FOCUS ON? “I never studied art formally,” says Richards. “My mom, Lyn Snow, was a successful self-taught artist herself and she mentored me. My art is more of a natural expression of my love for horses, color, and balance.

My art seemed to ‘come out’ whether I wanted it to or not, often intruding on more concrete activities! I think if you love something and pursue it, you’ll find gratification.”

CAN YOU OFFER TIPS ON DEVELOPING A PORTFOLIO AND WHERE TO PRESENT IT? “I’ve done shows here in the U.S., in England, Bahrain, and Germany,” says Richards. “I’ve exhibited at art galleries, self-published, and published with others. I’ve found the ‘shot-gun’ approach works to a certain extent. Just try everything and when doors open go through them! Not everything will succeed, but success sometimes comes when you least expect it. Try not to worry about what other people think.

Follow your own ideas and passions and people will feel that come through your work.”

IS THERE A MOMENT IN YOUR CAREER THAT STANDS OUT FOR YOU? “I was lucky enough to paint a piece that was used for the Kentucky Derby Festival Poster. I went down to watch the Kentucky Derby and that was the most stunning event! My mom and sister and niece were right on the rail as the horses came by—literally my heart was doing back-flips watching those horses. All those people cheering and the horses flying by with their silks and jockeys. Wow!” »

SADDLE FITTER

Annette Gavin, Qualified Saddle Fitter and owner of Hastilow Competition Saddles, USA AT THE HIGH SCHOOL OR UNIVERSITY LEVEL WHAT CLASSES SHOULD A STUDENT FOCUS ON? “Anatomy, physiology, sports mechanics, physics, and any classes that promote people skills,” advises Gavin.

ARE APPRENTICESHIPS AVAILABLE? “The Society of Master Saddlers has a track that starts with a course open to anyone interested— that includes veterinarians, farriers, physiotherapists, teachers, and trainers. After you’ve taken that class you can register as a trainee and are appointed a mentor while doing the course work to become a qualified fitter. You need to work either in a fitting company or with a mentor for three years and practice the fitting process. The final is the City and Guilds exam, followed by an intensive five-day course to complete your training. Afterward, you’ll still want to take continuing education classes and refresher courses.”

HOW DO I FIND A SCHOOL? “The North American Saddlery School and the Society of Master Saddlers offer a non-brand specific system. You are trained on all saddle types,” says Gavin. “Training is on tree manufacturers, design, panels, flock, rider and horse anatomy, the fitting process, practical application, record keeping, legal aspects, and insurance. Many courses taught by a brand name focus only on the particular brand they sell. All our courses give you an EU academic qualification and are taught by Master Saddlers and experience registered qualified saddle fitters and veterinarians.” » 56

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EQUINE GROOM

Liv Guide, former groom for Guenter Seidel and founder of the website community, proequinegrooms.com WHAT EDUCATION DO I NEED TO BECOME A GROOM? “Grooming is a tough job, and can be hard on your body and your bank account. Get a formal education to prepare you for a non-grooming job if you decide your body and/or your bank account have had enough. You may also decide that working with horses, while amazing, is not your dream career after all. Or, you may find that grooming can take you other places, such as farrier work, training, or veterinary school. In any case, a formal education can help you successfully launch a career or business of your own.”

ARE APPRENTICESHIPS AVAILABLE? “So much of grooming is learned on the job. Having your own horse and being in charge of his care is a good start. Learn as much as you can from your own horse’s team. There are schools that offer equine classes, take some if you can! Be a sponge. You may also find yourself presented with an opportunity to become an intern, an apprentice, or a working student. Know the employment laws for your state and do the research to be sure the employer offering these opportunities is following proper procedures for hiring this specialized type of employee.”

WHAT PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES ARE HELPFUL? “To become a sought after groom, you need to have a few things going for you. Safety comes first—and this means knowing how to keep your hot and fresh international horses safe, and everyone else around you safe, too! Horses at the top levels are highly athletic and typically very hot. You also need to manage time well and be a self-starter. Standing around waiting for instructions isn’t going to work. You also need to be able to memorize every horse in your care. Every lump, every bump, every

Having your own horse, helping out friends, or getting an apprenticeship are all ways to learn more about grooming as a career.

sound their guts make, every sound their hooves make on the pavement. How they chew, how they sleep, how they pass manure, how they urinate, how they drink. Knowing what’s normal alerts you to the first signs of danger. You must also be a people person as you will be interacting with veterinarians, trainers, clients, and farriers, just to name a few.”

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE PERKS OF THE JOB? “Riding lessons, housing, travel, elbow rubbing, and working with top notch horses are all amazing perks. So are baseball caps, logo jackets, front row seats to the best warm-up arenas, international shows, parties with Olympians, you name it! You just need to squeeze it all into one day!

Perks vary from job to job, but one of the best is the early morning nicker. If you are lucky enough to be a groom, the biggest perk of all is the knowledge that you can obtain.

You just have to go and get it!” »

EQUINE PODIATRIST

Dr. Vernon Dryden DVM, CJF with Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital; Lexington, KY

PHOTOS: (OPPOSITE PAGE) SHAWN HAMILTON/CLIXPHOTO.COM; (TOP RIGHT) AK DRAGOO PHOTOGRAPHY

AT THE HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL, WHAT CLASSES SHOULD A STUDENT FOCUS ON TO PURSUE A CAREER IN EQUINE PODIATRY? “Biology, math, physics, and horsemanship. I recommend shadowing a veterinarian on farm work.”

ARE INTERNSHIPS AVAILABLE, AND IF SO, DO THEY OFFER AN EDGE TO THE COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENT OR THE STUDENT ALREADY ENROLLED IN A UNIVERSITY? “Externships are available. Students should shadow both a veterinarian and a farrier. The more experience the student receives, the better.”

ANY ADVICE FOR SUCCESS IN THIS FIELD? “Expect to work hard,” says Dryden.

“An understanding of normal anatomy and physiology is very beneficial.”

WHAT PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES ARE BENEFICIAL FOR THIS CAREER? “A strong work ethic, physical fitness, and good communication skills.”

WHAT REINFORCES YOUR CAREER CHOICE FOR YOU? “Watching a horse and owner enjoying life together after going through a severe bout of laminitis and knowing you helped them through it.” »

“As a final note,” says Heidi Potter, Centered Riding Instructor and Trainer, “never stop learning from others who support your values. Be flexible and open-minded, always keeping the horse’s best interest at heart!”

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SECRETS FROM THE

WINNER’S

CIRCLE ONE ON ONE WITH ANDRE DIGNELLI

BY JENNIFER ROBERTS PHOTOS BY MICHAEL DIGNELLI

W

hile attending the Bratislava Nations Cup in Slovakia this past August, Andre Dignelli took time away from his busy schedule to sit down and share his winning ways.

“It’s not blue ribbons or tricolors, not trophies or even prize money. It’s magic. You often have these great ideas, and you implement the plans, but they don’t always come true,” said Dignelli, who has certainly seen his fair share of the winner’s circle with his talented riders at Heritage Farm in Katonah, NY, which he co-owns with his brother Michael Dignelli.

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Due to his talent as a trainer, Andre (far right) has appeared in countless award presentation photos, including th his i o one ne of Allie Toffolon winning the Sam Ede elm lman man E Equ quit itation Championship.

Sep S Se eptem ep tte em e mber ber be er 2014 20 2 014 14

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Andre Dignelli on the course walk at the Hampton Classic with Allie Toffolon, Jacob Pope, and Victoria Press.

His riders are consistently seen at the top of the equitation, hunter, and jumper rankings, a testament to his well-rounded approach and dedication as a trainer and coach. Lillian Keenan, Jacob Pope, and Samantha Schaefer are just a handful of the A-list riders that he has developed.

He was gracious enough to share his secrets of success with us, although it’s not really a secret at all. Instead, it is a time-tested formula and progression of skills that have led him and his students to victory.

EQUINE JOURNAL: WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE FOR THE ASPIRING EQUITATION RIDER? ANDRE DIGNELLI: My advice begins by understanding that the division is important. I think this is where the kids really get their basics: to learn how to ride a hunter or a jumper, learn how to execute a bending line, to learn how to ride short turns and different types of jumps and equipment.

My advice would be that whether this is your end goal or not, this division is a stepping-stone to good riding and so many things. Take from it what you can, but know that it is the basis for really learning how to ride the courses properly.

EJ: WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE BIGGEST RIDING FAULTS IN THE EQUITATION RINGS? AD: I think that one of the biggest faults is that people try to learn at 68

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the horse shows, and while you can learn some skills there, you can’t skip the steps of doing your homework at home. I think that is one of my biggest gripes.

You need to put in the hours, you need to ride enough that you look secure on a horse, and that your position is tight. If you are going to go and compete, you need to put in the time at home. To be good at anything you need to put in your 10,000 hours; a lot of people look to skip that step.

The kids that are really excelling are always on a horse, riding for hours and hours and hours. It’s very hard to compete with a rider that spends the better part of a day on a horse if you are not one of them.

One of my pet peeves is poor turnout. You don’t need to have the most expensive clothing, but it needs to fit well and be professional; I notice turnout right away.

Another one would be a very stiff,

militant, artificial looking rider; I don’t think this position is what the division is about. Too many times you see riders focusing on jamming their heels down and cranking their shoulders back without thinking about riding their horse properly.

EJ: YOUR RIDERS DO WELL IN THE HUNTER, JUMPER, AND EQUITATION RINGS; WHAT DO YOU ATTRIBUTE THIS TO? AD: We teach classic riding; I don’t think that the divisions are that different. I think that once a rider learns their foundation in the equitation, they are well suited to walk over to the hunter ring or walk over to the jumper ring. I think that this division is the foundation to blossom in the other divisions.

I also attribute their success to the fact that my farm is located just one hour north of New York City. We understand the importance of training and practicing at home…and then going to the shows to compete. We don’t try to learn new skills at the show. Much of our success comes from constantly upping the ante at home so that we are not over faced at horse shows.

EJ: WHAT DO YOU THINK DIFFERENTIATES YOUR RIDERS AND MAKES THEM STAND OUT IN THE SHOW RING? AD: I think that my program has spoken for itself for so, so long. We

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are in a location where people want to come train.

There are no shortcuts; you need the best horse that you can afford, with the best instruction at the right facility for you. We have people available seven days a week so our students can constantly train and improve.

There isn’t one magic sentence that sums it up, but I think that it is my ability to find the right horse for the rider and to train that horse and rider. I think that these are the right ingredients. And that really stands with us, from a kid on a small pony to those riders that I have competing in the grand prix.

It is the formula that has worked for us.

EJ: YOUR JUNIOR RIDERS COMPETE SUCCESSFULLY AGAINST PROFESSIONALS ON A REGULAR BASIS; HOW DO YOU HELP THEM CONFIDENTLY ENTER THE RING? AD: I think that is about preparation.

I think that they believe in me as their trainer, knowing that I have their best interest in mind. If I lead them to believe that this is the next step, or this is their next division, they know that I am putting them in the right class. But it really comes down to entering the ring feeling prepared, knowing that they have learned the skills at home.

And An drre d diissccussse es th he co ou urrse se witth Liill llie e Ke ee ena nan an a nd JJa nd aco cob ob P Po ope pe, wh w hiille Pa Patr tric icia a Grriifffi G fin n llo ook ook oks ks on. on o n. [[B BE EL LOW OW] Th The go g org geo eous us fa accil ilit ity att He a errit itag age F Fa arm rm has ha as he he elp lpe lp ed d to deve de evelo velo ve lop m ma a any ny ny cch h ham amp am piion onss..

GET PERSONAL! EJ: WHAT WOULD PEOPLE BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? AD: There’s so much people don’t about me! I think that I am a lot easier to get along with and a lot more fun than my horse show persona would lead on.

I live in New York City and Westchester County, and I have a very full life away from work—I like to work out, shop, go to the theatre, travel. We take trips and get away, no shows on a holiday.

I like to refresh and go back to work. It keeps me inspired and I still love my job.

But…I think they would be most surprised to know that I am a very, very, very picky eater!

EJ: HOW HAS YOUR EXPERIENCE OF RIDING AND TRAINING HELPED YOU TO BECOME A GREAT INSTRUCTOR AND COACH? AD: It would have been very difficult for me to do what I do if I was not an active participant showing. My teaching has been totally enhanced by my professional background as a rider and the experiences I have gone through.

My success stems from the fact that I know what it’s like to compete; I know what it is like to be taught.

I believe that I teach in the manner that I liked to be taught. I’m incredibly calm, pretty good in a crisis, I have a very even temperament, which September 2014

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has served me well with my teaching.

My ability to ride, and ride at a high level, has served me very well.

Because I competed I have shared those experiences…I know what it’s like to walk in the ring and do really well; I also know how it feels when things go very poorly.

I teach from experience. I think it would be very difficult to teach at a level that I had never rode. Many do, but that’s not my journey.

EJ: HOW DO YOU MANAGE SUCH A LARGE NUMBER OF HORSES IN YOUR SHOW STRING? DO YOU HAVE ANY SECRETS? AD: Organizational skills are something that I was born with; that’s something that comes easily to me.

Through a very large, very amazing team, we all kind of share that quality. My staff is an extension of who I am and who I believe in.

For us to do what we do, we need to be very disciplined and hardworking and very organized.

If it ever got so big that I felt we could no longer produce the quality,

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Lillie Keenan on Clearway and Jacob Pope on Uno walking together at the Maclay Finals.

or that the quality was lacking, I would have to really take a step back.

The numbers don’t mean anything unless the quality is there.

I never turn anyone away for the most part, because I like to give everyone an opportunity. Over the years, the ones that seek us out are

the ones that are very dedicated and driven, with a real goal in mind. These are the customers that excite me.

I’ve allowed it to get so large because my great team has helped me to handle the volume. This high volume has helped me and so many other people to accomplish our dreams.

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equestrian

September 2014

lifestyle TRAVEL

Land of the Free, Home of the Horses ➜ Washington D.C. and the

Capital Challenge Horse Show

BY JANE CARLTON

PHOTOS: (TOP) SHAWN MCMILLEN PHOTOGRAPHY; (BOTTOM) JENNIFER WOOD MEDIA, INC.

HOME TO THE WORLD CHAMPION Hunter Rider (WCHR) Finals, the Ariat Adult Medal Finals (this year celebrating their 20th anniversary), and the Taylor Harris Insurance Services (THIS) Children’s Medal Finals, the Capital Challenge Horse Show, September 27 to October 5, is sure to entertain. The show calls Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD, home. It’s only 30 minutes away from Washington, D.C. As the kickoff to the indoor show season, the top-class competition will impress everyone, from the consummate horseman to those just starting out.

When not taking in the sights at the show grounds, there are 75 museums—yes, we counted—in D.C. to explore, from national libraries to art galleries. While the city is certainly hustle-and-bustle, there are multiple serene gardens to visit if you’re looking for something calmer. There

[ABOVE] John French and Small Affair at the 2013 Capital Challenge Horse Show. [RIGHT] The Show Place Arena is one of three large riding areas at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center.

are also countless awardwinning restaurants scattered throughout the city, all representing different types of cuisine (in true patriotic spirit). If you’ve never traveled to the capital before, a visit to the White House or the Washington Monument is a must-do.

There’s never a better—or more fun—time for a history lesson than when smack dab in the middle of the Nation’s capital. Add horses to the mix, and it’s a recipe for a perfect mini-vacation.

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[ABOVE] Explore your inner James Bond at the International Spy Museum. [LEFT] GCDC has redefined the classic grilled cheese sandwich.

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PHOTOS: (TOP) COURTESY OF THE INTERNATIONAL SPY MUSEUM; (BOTTOM) SHAUNA ALEXANDER

equestrian lifestyle TRAVEL

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equestrian lifestyle TRAVEL WHERE TO STAY

away from the White House, this farmhouse-inspired eatery has simple, yet delicious meals.

Enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, or drinks in the middle of the nation’s capital. wearefoundingfarmers.org

ALOFT T Just 20 minutes from the show grounds, this modern hotel mixes fun with function. It’s situated in National Harbor, a wildly interactive waterfront pier, so there’s always something to do. aloftnationalharbor.com

AMSTERDAM FALAFEL SHOP Savor the traditional chickpea treat (and more!) at this well-received Middle Eastern eatery. falafelshop.com

SLEEP INN: UPPER MARLBORO Affordable, easy, and only nine miles from Prince George’s Equestrian Center. Could you ask for anything more? uppermarlborohotel.com

CAPITOL HILL HOTEL With modern, updated rooms and a prime location (as in, wave hello to the Supreme Court as you look out your window), this luxe hotel is a traveler’s dream—without the terrifying price tag. capitolhillhotel-dc.com THE NORMANDY HOTEL This old-school, cool hotel is smack dab in the middle of D.C., making it perfect for walking around the city.

The rooms are updated and cozy, but still have a chic and charming vibe. thenormandydc.com

WHERE TO EAT

CASHION’S EAT PLACE With traditional, delicious, and simple-yet-fancy food sourced from local farmers, this restaurant will be a big hit even with the pickiest of eaters. cashionseatplace.com

PHOTO: THE NORMANDY HOTEL

GCDC GRILLED CHEESE BAR Relive your favorite childhood meal with this homestyle restaurant. The ooey, gooey menu has something for every appetite. grilledcheesedc.com FOUNDING FARMERS Only three blocks

THINGS TO DO

INTERNATIONAL SPY MUSEUM Sleuth your way to one of the most visited museums in D.C. to learn about all things espionage (theme song not required). spymuseum.org UNITED STATES BOTANIC GARDEN Located right next to the U.S. Capitol Building, the United States Botanic Garden has opportunities to see—and smell—many beautiful plants and flowers. usbg.gov THEODORE ROOSEVELT ISLAND This homage to the 26th President of the United States offers two miles of trails along the Potomac River.

You can enjoy a morning stroll before heading over to the show grounds. nps.gov/this FREDERICK WINE TRAIL For the adults, this trail of wineries is sure to satisfy.

Take in the sights of the Catoctin Mountains while indulging in a glass (or two) of delicious, local wine. frederickwinetrail.com

The Normandy Hotel offers classically chic rooms in the heart of Washington, D.C.

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equestrian lifestyle FASHION

Fall Color Trend Report Go Wild, Go Radiant

BY L.A. POMEROY

FOLIAGE ISN’T THE ONLY PLACE TO FIND POPS OF COLOR THIS season. From bold shawls in the Pantone color of the year, Radiant Orchid, to earthy eye shadows in Palomino and Mustang, the Year of the Horse “paints” fall fashion in colors for every equinista.

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[1] The Wild Horses Palette ($83) Chantecaille’s creamy Palomino and chestnut Mustang eye shades, black Stallion liner, and Freedom blush does more than compliment fall trends; $3 from each Wild Horses sale goes to The Humane Society of the United States to keep herds free. chantecaille.com [2] Romfh Competitor Show Shirts ($69.99) Dahlia, Poppy, Iris, and Sky, oh my! Bouquets of color accent sophisticated, feminine shirts offering the best of two worlds: closed as a classic ratcatcher or open for a polo look. A Bonus? Microfiber with Chill-factor promises protection from solar rays. romfh.com [3] Animo Shorts ($229) Basic black is a go-to that can work with color accents or flatter an overall silhouette.

One haute-to-trot trend are equestrian-cut shorts, like Animo’s Italian-made Nguilia, with a studded, five-pocket configuration in a light and breathable fabric. usanimo.com [4, 5, 6] LILO Estella Shawls ($150), Inglesa Belts ($70) and Scarf Clips ($80) Snuggle up with Peruvian alpaca fina shawls in seasonal red, brown, steel blue, or orchid.

The Spanish leather Inglesa 1.5" belt with a silver-tone spur buckle was already an accessory in black or antique brown, but color them new in red, orange, pink, and blue.

Transform a vibrant scarf into jewelry or a practical belt with a gold scarf clip reminiscent of traditional driving rigging. lilocollections.com

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Equinista (fashionista + equestrienne) L.A. Pomeroy delivers award-winning coverage of equestrian art, life, and style. Learn more at lapomeroy.com and share your stylish suggestions by emailing PomeroyLA@aol.com.

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equestrian lifestyle HEALTH & FITNESS

Twist and Shout

BY BRIDGET BRADEN

WHEN IT COMES TO CORE EXERCISES FOR A RIDER, IT doesn’t get much better than the “Russian twist.” This position is perfect for developing the core for riding horses because you’re engaging core stability using the ball, and you’re adding weight, which requires the hips and shoulders to stay “square,” meaning even and level, not dropping.

After doing a full set of Russian twists (12-15 reps to each side) the core will be engaged.

Adding the “pull over” exercise keeps the core engaged longer.

Strengthen Your Core with the Russian Twist

The Pull Over Keep the Hips Up! Focusing on making sure the hips don’t drop in this exercise is crucial. While you are twisting, make sure you keep the hips steady in one place. Your feet should be directly below your knees, and your core, hamstrings, and gluts should be assisting the hips in staying level with your core.

You can assume that if your hips are prone to moving in this exercise, they are probably doing the same thing in the saddle.

Correct Position Teach the core to rotate through the stomach as you twist to the side.

To twist correctly, roll to your shoulder and pause to evaluate the core. If the hips are turned to the same side as you rolled, there is too much twisting in the hips and not enough in the core. We want to target the obliques, which are the abdominal muscles on the sides of your core. In order to do this, you need to keep the hips facing up and to twist from the core as much as possible.

Train the Russian twist on the stability ball for four to six weeks to increase the control of your core rotation.

The “pull over” is a terrific exercise for developing strength in the upper abs.

From the same starting position as the Russian twist (with the dumbbell), slowly drop your arms back, behind your head and then back to the starting position above the chest.

There should be no bending of the elbows while lifting the weight back over your head, they should stay in the same position from start to finish, only moving up and down. You can have a slight bend in the elbow because you never want to lock out a joint.

The pull over requires the same position on the stability ball as the Russian twists. Engage and train stamina in the core by combining these exercises every week.

Try a set of each exercise before you get in the saddle!

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

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The starting position of the Russian twist.

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Position two of the Russian twist. [MIDDLE BELOW] Focusing on making sure the hips don’t drop in the Russian twist is crucial.

Position three of the Russian twist.

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equestrian lifestyle COLLECTING THOUGHTS The Equestrian Who Influenced Me the Most: I had several great people that influenced me—beginning with Mason Phelps. Growing up in Rhode Island there were two things in my world: horses and boats. I was lucky because Mason was the man who made sure I understood that ponies were hard work and someday if you work hard you can be one of those people.

The American Jumping Derby was in my backyard; Rodney Jenkins was literally cantering by me on Idle Dice and it changed my life. I knew I wanted to be them and I was only 10. Let’s just say I never looked back.

In college, I was lucky again to have Mary Drueding and Kathy DeSantis as my new mentors. Riding for Colby Sawyer was an awesome adventure. I got to travel with and ride against Peter Wylde and Beezie Madden, which further committed me to the world of horses.

Favorite Horse: My all-time favorite horse was my old jumper, Rambo. Every trainer I know has a horse who always pulled them forward out of the muck, and Rambo (Charles Street) was that guy…until the day he died. I still think of him and all the fun adventures we had on the road.

Stephanie p Andreottola dreottola dreottola Brightman On P O Pain, i T Teaching, hi and dH Her G Guilty il P Pleasure Age: 49 and proud of it.

Lucky Charm: My diamond necklace.

I never take it off.

Guilty Pleasure: Häagen-Dazs Chocolate Chocolate Chip.

Why I Teach: I truly enjoy each individual student and horse. To me, fancy show horses and special school horses are what this is all about. My true love is matching the horse to the rider, no matter how long it takes to help make the match.

If I Knew Then What I Know Now: I can honestly say I wouldn’t change a thing.

Farm/ School Affiliation: Spring Tide Farm and Endicott College Best Piece of Riding Advice: “I Background: In 1982, I began my intercollegiate career competing for the Colby-Sawyer College equestrian team, being named regional high point champion and a two-time national competitor in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA).

I continued my career as a professional after graduating, teaching and training numerous junior and adult riders and horses. I have also been a contributing board member to the North Shore Horsemen’s Association since 2003, as well as the head coach at Endicott since 1996 when it started with just four members. Today the team is 20-plus strong and competes against some of the highest ranked schools in the country.

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am not happy unless you’re crying or bleeding.” I think I stole that from the Marines’ no pain, no gain saying.

It makes me laugh every time I hear it or say it. I especially like to see the parent’s faces.

The Last Book I Read Was: Books—are you kidding?! Books on tape driving, maybe. I enjoy anything

by David Baldacci.

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INDUSTRY WIDE AFFILIATES p. 89 | HUNTER/JUMPER p. 93 | EVENTING p. 99 | DRESSAGE p. 103 DRIVING p. 109 | WESTERN p. 115 | DISTANCE RIDING/TRAIL p. 119 | MORGAN p. 121 | ARABIAN p. 123 QUARTER HORSE p. 129 | BAROQUE p. 133 | BREED AFFILIATES p. 135

news & te affilia s e t a d p u

the scoop

Kristin Warrington won the USPC Foxhunting Writing Contest.

United States Pony Club Announces Foxhunting Writing Winners Gruffy was recognized as the Horse Power Horse of the Year.

Touchstone Farm Announces Horse Power Horse of the Year PHOTO: (BOTTOM) COURTESY OF THE BUFFALO THERAPEUTIC RIDING CENTER

TOUCHSTONE FARM IN TEMPLE, NH, announced that Gruffy, the farm’s 12-year-old Clydesdale, is the 2014 Horse Power Horse of the Year.

Horse Power is the farm’s therapeutic riding and carriage driving program for children and adults coping

with physical, emotional, cognitive, or behavioral challenges. Every year at the annual volunteer appreciation dinner, the Horse Power volunteers cast votes for the horse they think has gone above and beyond for Horse Power clients.

THE UNITED STATES PONY CLUBS, INC. announced the winners of the Hildegard Neill Ritchie Foxhunting Writing Contest.

The contest was open to all D and C Pony Club members in good standing, whether they have hunted or not. The entry could be a short story, poem, song or essay on any aspect of foxhunting.

1st Place: Kristin Warrington, C-1 from St. Augustine Pony Club, Delmarva Region with “A Hunting Trio.”

2nd Place: Eliot Chi, D-3 from Cedar Ridge Pony Club, Great Lakes Region with “The Hunt.”

3rd Place: Casey Madden, D-1 from Cranberry Country Pony Club, Southeastern New England Region with “Wizard’s Way.”

Celebrating Survivors On a five-acre farm in Buffalo, NY, horses with sweet dispositions allowed children to forget about cancer for a day. Stephen’s Fun Day was presented by the Stephen A. Comunale Jr. Family Cancer Foundation in partnership with Carly’s Club and the Women and Children’s Hospital. The event was held at the historic Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center (BTRC) on June 22, 2014. « Child cancer survivors had a day of horse-filled fun at the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center.

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the scoop

[LEFT] The Junior Jumping Zone 1 and 9 Team celebrates their victory. [RIGHT] Jumping Junior Individual medalists (l-r): Lucy Deslauriers, Lucas Porter, and Sophie Simpson.

Highlight the Continent’s Best Young Talent THE 2014 ADEQUAN/FEI NORTH American Junior & Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC), held July 15-20, played host to 216 young athletes from Canada, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Mexico, and the United States. The juniors and young riders, ages 14-21, converged upon the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, to vie for team and individual FEI medals in jumping, dressage, eventing, and endurance. Unfortunately, due to insufficient entries, the reining championship was cancelled, but is anticipated to return in 2015.

Dressage The first day of competition kicked off with dressage riders taking to the Rolex Stadium. Region 7 and Region 1 proved unbeatable in the USDF/Platinum Performance North American Junior and Young Riders Dressage Championship, as they clinched Young Rider and Junior Team Gold, respectively.

With a score of 71.789%, Catherine Chamberlain, 19, of Murrieta, CA, and Verdicci took the gold medal in the Young Rider Individual competition.

In the Junior division, 14-year-old Camille Carier Bergeron of Mascouche, Quebec, and Lowelas won the gold medal with a 70.342%.

In the Freestyle Championship, Catherine Chamberlain and Verdicci won their second Individual Gold medal of the week in the Young Rider division. Camille Bergeron and Lowelas also won another gold medal in the Junior division.

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Jumping In the show jumping championship, brothers Wilton and Lucas Porter made history at the NAJYRC’s 40th anniversary by being the first brothers to win Young Rider and Junior Individual Gold, respectively.

16-year-old Lucas Porter of Bartonville, TX, clinched the Junior Individual Gold medal on the strength of two immaculate rounds with Sleepy P Ranch LLC’s Phineas.

Wilton Porter, 20, of Bartonville, TX, was the second Porter brother of the day to earn Individual Gold. This is Porter’s second time at the NAJYRC and he was able to utilize experience gained from 2013 to earn a top spot on the podium with Sleepy P Ranch LLC’s Diamonte Darco. “It’s unbelievable for one us to win a gold medal, and for us both to win is amazing and a credit to our parents and supporters,” Porter shared.

In the USHJA North American Junior and Young Riders’ Show Jumping Championship, Zone 3 won the gold medal in the Young Rider division, while a combined team of Zones 1 and 9 claimed the Junior Team Gold medal.

Eventing On the final day of competition, Area III won Team Gold while David Ziegler took top Individual honors in the CCI2* portion of the USEA North American Junior and Young Riders Eventing Championship. In the CCI1*, Area II and their own Alexis Nelson claimed Team and Individual Gold medals.

Area III claimed the Team Gold medal with their final score of 238.9. Though

the team didn’t have the best dressage scores, they persevered on cross-country day and held onto their lead through the show jumping phase containing a field of 13 horse-and-rider combinations.

“My favorite part about this sport is that you can start at the bottom and move to the top,” said Calvin Ramsay, the team’s top finisher.

Ziegler, 21, of Beiseker, Alberta, made history at the 2014 NAJYRC by being the first competitor to earn medals in two different disciplines. On Friday he won silver in the dressage Young Rider Individual Test and then added eventing Young Rider Individual Gold on Sunday.

Area II held onto their lead from the day before to claim top honors in the CCI1*. An overall team score of 165.9 was more than good enough for the Team Gold medal.

Alexis Nelson of Area II won a second gold medal for her individual efforts.

She and Total Eclipse, a reject from an Appaloosa breeding farm that she bought for $800 and broke herself with the help of trainers, won top honors with a score of 49.4. The pair added nothing to their dressage score to rise to the top.

Endurance The unseasonably cool temperature on race day made the 120km race a bit easier for the horses and riders, but, nonetheless, it was still quite a task. The Southeast team finished with the best cumulative time of 19:16:37.

Morgan Watson, 21, of Clinton, TN, and My Lords Elisha crossed the finish line first in a time of 6:14:23 to win gold, with Cassandra Roberts, 17, of Bronson, FL, and Golden Lightning finishing in silver medal position with a time of 6:14:24. Roberts displayed her horsemanship by letting her teammate win the Individual Gold medal since it was Watson’s last year to be eligible to compete at the NAJYRC. “It’s her last year. I won the gold last year so I gave it to her this year,” Roberts stated.

PHOTOS: SPORTFOT

North American Junior and Young Rider Championships

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affiliates

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[LEFT] Norfolk members Bob Shuman and Tee Chambers enjoyed the 2013 Westport Hunter Pace. [RIGHT] Norfolk member Katrina Sorrentino was the first on course at the 2013 Westport Hunter Pace. [BELOW] Walter Eayrs (in green), son of Norfolk member Ted Eayrs, played for the Norfolk Polo team in 2013.

Norfolk Hunt Club Celebrates Hunt Season SUBMITTED BY D.A. HAYDEN; PHOTOS BY KATHIE DAVENPORT

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, IS A BIG day for the members of the Norfolk Hunt Club—at Adams Farm in Walpole, MA, at 8:00 a.m. sharp, the fall foxhunting season begins! When the September fixture card was posted on norfolkhunt.com at the end of July, it served as a not-so-subtle reminder to ratchet up preparations for the upcoming hunt season. As a result, August was a month filled with prehunting activity. Trailers were cleaned and checked over carefully to ensure everything—electrical, brakes, tires, hay nets, clips, etc.—were in working order.

Hunt clothing was carefully inspected to determine what clothing was in great shape, what would be sent to the dry cleaner, and what items needed to go on a shopping list (much more fun than backto-school shopping). Tack was cleaned and polished, tall boots were shined.

And oh yes, the fitness and conditioning schedules for rider and horse were definitely accelerated!

The Norfolk Hunt Club is known for its good, safe sport, beautiful hunt country, the camaraderie of members and a welcoming environment for new riders in the hunt field. Newcomers should be prepared to ride fast and in the company of other horses and hounds. Newcomers should contact Ruth Lawler, MFH before coming out to ride with Norfolk for the first time. Ruth shares information about the hunt and connects newcomers with other members of the field, to help ensure

a positive first experience.

At the start of the season, newcomers and all members of the hunt field are strongly encouraged to read (or re-read) the hunting section of the Norfolk Hunt Club website— norfolkhunt.com—and carefully review the information regarding safety, etiquette, clothing, turnout for horse and rider in the hunt field, and hunting terminology.

All riders should arrive at the meet 30 minutes before the start and immediately register with the field secretary. Riders must give their cap fees to the field secretary prior to the start of the hunt and a signed liability release must be on file for every rider.

The cap fee and subscription information, as well as the liability form, may be found on norfolkhunt.com.

The Hierarchy of the Field Norfolk offers riders four fields on Saturdays and three on Tuesdays. Within each field is a hierarchy observed by all participants. If it is the first time the horse or rider has drag foxhunted, it is always recommended the horse and rider start out in a field that is less challenging, so they have the option to move up, rather than unexpectedly having to move back. Following is some basic information about each field, so newcomers can plan accordingly; the information may also be found on

norfolkhunt.com.

1) First Field: Jumpers. The first field of riders jumps all fences.

2) Second Field: Pick and Choose.

The second field of riders jumps most fences, based on their comfort level. They are encouraged to jump.

Non-jumpers may not ride in the pick and choose field. Communication is key in this field to avoid accidents. If you choose not to jump a fence, be sure to let the rider behind you know. If you are jumping a fence, be sure the rider in front of you is far enough away from the other side of the fence, so that you do not crowd or crash into the horse in front of you.

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Myopia Hunt Club The Most Wonderful Time of the Year IT IS HARD TO BELIEVE THAT summer has flown past, and formal foxhunting season is upon us. We can say goodbye to the hot, hazy, humid days of August, and welcome the insect relief and cooler temperatures that herald the coming of autumn. Already, our final day of hound exercises was Wednesday August 27, and the 114th Myopia Horse Show is Labor Day Weekend!

Cubbing begins the following week on Thursday, September 4 and continues on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays through September 18. In England, this old tradition, also referred to as Cub Hunting or Autumn Hunting, consisted of culling young fox populations early in the season. Young hounds learned to chase the quarry and the quarry learned to evade the hounds. Hunts were short and attire was informal.

As a drag hunt where no live quarry is pursued, a nod is given to the traditional language of cubbing but clearly the meaning is changed. During cubbing season at Myopia, young hound entry work with more experienced hounds, and informal or ratcatcher attire is worn.

The pace is slower, but progresses as

everyone prepares for formal season.

It is a fun time to get into the hunt field and work your horse with the hounds if you have taken the summer off, or if you are new to the hunt field.

On Friday, September 19, the junior subscribers usher in the Formal Season with their opening meet, followed Saturday, September 20, by the official Opening Meet of the Myopia Hunt Club.

Horses are braided and the attire is formal. The feeling is always electric as fall begins our favorite time of year.

Traditionally held at Waldingfield, a timeless and beautiful North Shore estate, this meet is for subscribers only to be on horseback in the field, but for all hunt enthusiasts to enjoy. The afternoon is a step back in time with beautifully landscaped and preserved grounds serving as backdrop for the pageantry of horses and hounds, heralding the formal hunt season. Viewing is perfect to see the field move off, and after a brief canter through the woods, come back into sight and take a few fences before heading out for an exciting afternoon of foxhunting in the North Shore countryside. If you join us as a mounted subscriber or as a

Norfolk Hunt Club continued from page 89

Field Hunter Show, Polo In the Country, Westport Hunter Pace

3.) Third Field: Flats. The third field of riders does not jump any fences and may not school over fences when hunting.

The third field must keep up with the first two fields, through a combination of trotting, cantering, and galloping.

4.) Fourth Field: Hilltoppers.

Norfolk’s hilltopper field walks and trots only. This field is a great place for green riders and horses, horses on the mend from an injury, etc. It is expected that hilltoppers will eventually move up to the flat field after a period of time in which the rider/horse becomes comfortable.

Within each field, riders must allow the Field Master to go first, followed by members who have been awarded their “colors,” then members, and then guests. The most inexperienced/green riders and horses must be at the back of their respective field. Guests should ride at the end of the field, unless they have been invited to ride up front.

The Norfolk Hunt Field Hunter Show, on Sunday, September 7, at the Norfolk Hunt Steeplechase Course in Medfield, MA, is open to foxhunters and nonfoxhunters alike. The course is beautiful and includes a variety of obstacles typically found in Norfolk’s hunt country.

To compete or volunteer, please contact show chair and Norfolk member Carol Mayo at jpcamayo@ comcast.net or 508-654-6161.

A few reserved fieldside table seats are still available for Polo In the Country on Sunday, September 14, at the Norfolk Hunt Steeplechase Course in Medfield, MA. The event is a festive fall afternoon for family and friends and includes a match between Norfolk Polo and Dedham Polo, a parade of Norfolk hounds, and much more. General Admission tickets can be purchased at the gate on the day of the event. Norfolk member and Polo chair Tee Chambers encourages everyone

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hunt enthusiast, you are sure to have a wonderful and memorable afternoon.

The formal season continues with meets on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays through Thanksgiving. Locations vary and are listed on our website. We look forward to welcoming new subscribers to ride with us this fall. It promises to be a fun and exciting season with the Myopia Hunt Club. Come out and join us.

October is Right Around the Corner We wait all year for the foxhunting season to arrive. Weekends are a valuable commodity and there is much happening in October to plan for, so you won’t want to miss any of it. In addition to our full fixture card, here is a list of October happenings: October 5th Myopia Hunter Trials, Ipswich, MA October 13th Landowners Picnic and Blessing of the Hounds, a beautiful and fun Myopia Hunt tradition October 26th New England Hunter Trials, hosted by Norfolk Hunt Club at Norfolk Race Course October 31st Jr. Halloween Hunt For information on the Myopia Hunt, hunt field protocol and attire, fixtures and events, and all things foxhunting, visit myopiahunt.org.

to arrive when the gates open at 11:00 a.m., to ensure great seating and plenty of time to set up for the Best Tailgate Contest. For information and to purchase tickets, please email norfolkpolo@gmail. com or call 508-250-9952.

Be sure to register early for the Sunday, September 21, Westport Hunter Pace, the most beautiful hunter pace in New England! The Westport Hunter Pace is a once-a-year opportunity to ride through Norfolk’s spectacular hunt country in Westport, MA. Teams of two or three riders can guide their horses over jumps or ride on the flat. No matter the choice, competitors will enjoy gorgeous water views, open fields, and access to beautiful private farms and conservation land. A portion of the proceeds from the pace will be donated to the Westport Land Conservation Trust. To volunteer or ride in the pace, email huntpace@norfolkhunt.com or call Norfolk member and Westport Hunter Pace co-chair Lisa Lewis at 508-740-9270.

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Wentworth Hunt Club Gearing up for Formal Hunting Season ARTICLE AND PHOTO SUBMITTED BY MARILYN MARIANO

SEPTEMBER MEANS DIFFERENT things to people, depending on who you ask. To children, it’s the end of those lazy, hazy days of summer and their freedom as school begins. To parents, it is time to get back to a fall routine. And to Wentworth Hunt members, it is time to set aside any thought of free Wednesdays or Saturdays, and get out hunting!

The cubbing season began on Wednesday, August 13, and has been progressing with hunts on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Cubbing is a less formal season, where attire is a bit more relaxed (white polos or ratcatcher attire permitted), and the hunts are a little slower, covering less distance as our horses, hounds, and humans get more fit for the season. We still have our hunt “Teas” following the ride, with members bringing potluck food and libations, and

Mother and daughter, Susan Hanna and Serena Limberg, warming up for a cubbing season hunt. »

we enjoy the camaraderie of good friends. Cubbing continues through the month of September.

Our first day of Formal Season will be on Saturday, October 4. It is a great day that begins with a traditional Blessing of the Hounds, and bagpipe music. It will take place at the beautiful Yorkfield Farm in Kensington, NH. Formal season continues on Wednesdays and Saturdays, through Thanksgiving and beyond, as weather permits.

We also enjoyed hosting the Conservation Hunter Pace at Fine Nest Farm in Raymond, NH, on Sunday, August 17. We always enjoy making new

friends and introducing them to our beautiful territories in a relaxed manner at the hunter paces. See our website for results; they were unavailable at the writing of this article. The next Hunter Pace is the Fall Foliage pace on Sunday, October 12, at Branch Hill Farm in Milton Mills, NH. We welcome guests to any of our hunts or activities. Visit wentworthhunt. org for more details and our full fixture card of activities.

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Maine Horse Assoc.

Downeast Congress Horse Show a Success SUBMITTED BY SYLVIA A CORBETT

THIS YEAR’S DOWNEAST HORSE Congress offered great classes, parties, and fun. The show grounds opened Friday and attendees were met with a delightful barbecue held in the Swine barn due to the rain. A little rain didn’t discourage seasoned horse show exhibitors, though.

The competition itself began at 6 :00 p.m. Friday evening. The show included classes for American Saddlebreds, Miniature horses, Standardbreds, Arabianss, Morgans, Quarter Horses, ponies, and color breeds. There were classes for pleasure horses, trail horses, driving horses, and roadsters (saddle and driving), as well as pattern classes and equitation classes for both English and western riders.

Saturday morning, the exhibitors and owners were treated to a Father’s Day pancake breakfast—thanks to Mike and Judy Kobilarcsic for their help. On hand to help out were Mary Fields cooking, Jo Hight serving, and Joanne Clough who

made three dozen wonderful muffins, lots of bacon, and brought watermelon, orange juice, and coffee.

During Saturday afternoon, the Drummeys spent hours serving ice cream on delicious brownies. Peggy makes the best brownies ever! In the evening after classes was the Madd Hatter party with lots of fun and food. Sylvia won the party again with a huge flowery hat, but she better watch out—those youngsters are catching up fast. The hit of the party was John Tumiel with his giant sunglasses and miniature cowboy hat. During all three days, the children hunted for hidden lobsters to win prizes, and they found almost every lobster.

Many, many thanks go to Margo Gerrish who got all 132 of the classes sponsored and some even double sponsored. These sponsors can make or break a show, so great job Margo! Some of the important members of the crew are the secretaries.

Regan Grant and assistant Pat Leclerc did a fantastic job handling the entries, drops,

and adds. Manager Paulajean O’Neill and steward Judy Kobilarcsic led the show crew and kept everyone happy. One thing that makes this event such a success is the fact that the entire Maine Horse Association (MHA) Board of Directors takes part in assisting the manager, doing physical work such as setting up trail obstacles, and helping wherever they are needed.

Our new announcer, Caleb Nobel, kept the classes ready and in order. Our judge, Chris Cassenti, was well versed in all types and phases of horsemanship and breeds and related to the exhibitors well. Her friendly and outgoing personality encouraged the less confident riders to continue.

Saturday evening ceremonies began with the Star Spangled Banner and the showing of the colors by Emily Hawkins and Taproot Molly Stark. This was followed by the retirement ceremony of 25-year-old Molly Stark. There was a beautiful display of pictures and videos of Molly and Emily and a fantastic retirement cake for Molly at the Madd Hatter party. All of us that attend the shows either as exhibitors or workers will miss Molly at future events and wish her a very happy retirement.

We hope to see you next year at the Downeast Congress Horse Show.

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[LEFT] Erica Doyle, Cat Reuss, Lizzie Chamberlain, Sadie Pettyjohn, and Gabby Montanino display the Beginner Novice Overall trophy.

[RIGHT] Lizzie Chamberlain and Katie and Jess Quimby qualified for Nationals in eventing, while Sadie Pettyjohn and Gabby Montanino will be attending Quiz Champs.

New York Upper CT Region g of the United States Pony Clubs, Inc. Holds Qualifying Rally SUBMITTED BY BARBARA KIL; PHOTOS BY MICHAEL CHAMBERLAIN

THE NEW YORK UPPER CONNECTICUT Region of the United States Pony Clubs, Inc. held its Annual Eventing Qualifying Rally at Kent School on June 29, followed by our three-day Upper Level Camp also held at Kent School.

In addition to the regular eventing levels, the Region invited younger members to experience the Pony Club Rally and compete at the Elementary

and Grasshopper Levels. With the Championship Rally and Festival at the Horse Park in Lexington, KY, fast approaching, many pony clubbers were anticipating a spot on one of the teams.

Congratulations to all—it was another spectacular weekend at Kent School. To find more information about the USPC, please visit our website ponyclub.org, or find us on Facebook.

SHOW RESULTS Best Dressage Ride: Kiera Roddy on Oliver (Granby), 26.25. Kristin Kudelka Award for Best Overall Individual score: Emma Forster on Patriot (Granby), 36.375. Conditioning Awards: Novice: Suzanne Dunn on Ruston; Beg. Novice: Isabel Battista on Maui Waui; Elem.: Lael Cashen on Keeko.

First Place to Horsemaster from Granby: Michelle Martin.

First Place Overall & HM to Novice Team: Glastonbury/RidgeRiders/Oakendale Scramble.

First Place Overall & HM to Elementary Team: Glastonbury/Old Chatham/Millbrook/ Oakendale Scramble.

Grasshopper: HM: 1: Brumbies/Shetucket Valley/RunningFox; 2: Granby; 3: RidgeRiders. Overall: 1: Granby; 2: Brumbies/Shetucket Valley/RunningFox; 3: RidgeRiders.

Beginner Novice: HM: 1: Millbrook; 2: Oakendale; 3: Brumbies/ Old Chatham/Granby; 4: SVPC/CVPC/Mystic; 5: Granby/Metro. Overall: 1: Millbrook; 2: Oakendale; 3: SVPC/CVPC/Mystic; 4: Brumbies/Old Chatham/Granby; 5: Granby/Metro.

(Paula Raye & Barbara Meyer trophies)

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Southern New England g Horsemen’s Association Redneck Olympics a Success SUBMITTED BY CYNTHIA ANNE BOWEN

THE SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND Horsemen’s Association (SNEHA) continues to have a wonderful show season. At our show on June 29, we had 94 entries judged by Jeremy Mimitz. All divisions were well represented. Our in-hand classes continue to gain in popularity and number of entries.

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We are also offering fun events the Saturday night before the shows. June’s event was the Redneck Olympics with five divisions, separated by age.

Placings were first through sixth, and overall winners of the first three places were awarded gold, silver, and bronze sashes.

There were five activities to compete in: a milking contest consisting of fake udders made from rubber gloves filled with water; steer roping with a false steer’s head on a bale of hay; hay bale jumping; the crap race, a timed event with pitchforks of manure; and hub cap hurling. Everyone had fun, and it was an added bonus that no horse was required to participate.

The Saturday night event for July was the SNEHA Youth Team’s fun show.

Watch for a report on this event in next month’s column.

We are already making plans for this year’s Year End Awards Banquet. There will be more details next month.

To learn more, visit us on our website at snehassociation.com.

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

BY JANE CARLTON

Hunter/Jumper news teaching others. An accomplished horsewoman with a gentle touch, Mrs. V was a mentor to many young riders and instructors, including her children and grandchildren.

Anyone who had the honor of being taught by her will always remember her gentle smile, soft-spoken words, and neverending encouragement.

Frankie will be deeply missed by her entire family. Predeceased by her husband, Hal A. Vita, Sr., she is survived by her three sons, Joseph Merle Vita and wife, Laura, of South Carolina, Francis Salvador Vita of Somers, CT, and Hal Angelo Vita Jr. of Ellington, CT; her two daughters, Angela Pink LeRoyer and husband, William, of Edgartown, MA, and Sally Anne Allison and husband, Geoffrey, of Somers, CT; her fourteen grandchildren; her seven great-grandchildren; and her beloved dog, Georgie Girl.

[ABOVE] Lauren Basteri and Souvenir make quite the show team. [TOP RIGHT] Alissa Kinsey and Grisset held a strong lead to win the $2,500 Marshall & Sterling Adult Jumper Classic at the Vermont Summer Festival. [BOTTOM RIGHT] Frank Cunningham will be greatly missed in both the New England and Florida horse communities.

WALK OF FAME PHOTO: (LEFT) JANE CARLTON; (TOP RIGHT) DAVID MULLINIX PHOTOGRAPHY; (BOTTOM RIGHT) CHERYL PHILOPENA

Hollywood Equine’s Heather Hollay-Farr was chosen as the Chef d’Equipe for the Zone 1 Pony Jumper team that went to Kentucky in August for the USEF Pony Jumper Championships.

Two of the team’s riders, Madelyn Kruger and Taylor Althaus, hail from Hollywood Equine and are joined by Emma Schnebel and Hannah Robbins from New Hampshire.

In other Hollywood news, Haley Cassidy’s new Irish import, Oak Park Clover, is heating things up in the jumper ring with top ribbons at Shallowbrook Charity and Fieldstone Show Park in the 1.15m, 1.20m, and 1.25m classes.

Also, Jillian Berger is jumping to great heights on her new mount, My Luxury. The pair was fourth in the $1,000 Child/Adult Jumper Classic at Northeast Benefit. Jillian also reached new milestones with her other horse, Bram S Despereaux, with

GIRL ON FIRE

clear rounds at 1.10, a first for the eight-year-old gelding that Jillian bought as a very green four-year-old from Holland.

SUPERSTAR STATUS Lauren Basteri rode Souvenir to a fantastic debut in the 2' and 2'3" hunter divisions at the Horse Power Show Series horse show, picking up great ribbons for her first time out of the Short Stirrup division. Lauren rides with Kelly Quill at Liberty Hill in Lancaster, MA, and was the youngest rider in all of her classes. Way to go!

REST PEACEFULLY Frances Elizabeth Vita (Roupe), 87, of Somers, CT, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 11,

2014, at her home.

It was when Frances became part of the USO that she met her husband and soul mate of 63 years, Hal A. Vita, Sr. Hal and Frankie, as he affectionately called her, were married in December 1947. After discharge from the U.S. Army in 1948, they moved to Connecticut to begin their family. In 1962, the Vita family opened the doors of the Shallowbrook Equestrian Center. A woman of amazing spirit and stamina, Frankie spent her life loving and caring for her family and helping to grow the family business. She and her late husband spent a lifetime sharing their passion for horses, whether it was fox hunting, playing polo, or

Alissa Kinsey of Danville, NH, and her 17-year-old Hanoverian mare Grisset won the $2,500 Marshall & Sterling Adult Jumper Classic on July 13 at the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT. Kinsey laid down one of seven clear rounds over the course and was one of six to go double clear in the jump-off. She and Grisset set a blistering pace of 29.16 seconds that held up for the win by nearly four seconds. Great job!

THE END OF AN ERA In his country home surrounded by his loving wife, children, and dear friends, Frank Cunningham, a delegate since the 1950s to the New England Horsemen’s Council (NEHC) from the Connecticut Horse Show Association passed away July 12, 2014.

Frank, a farrier by trade, served as a NEHC judge specializing in

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hunter/jumper

[LEFT] Todd Minikus and Babalou 41 reigned supreme in the $75,000 I Love New York Grand Prix. [RIGHT] Aboard Quointreau Un Prince, Laura Chapot claimed the inaugural Adirondack Grand Prix title.

Todd Minikus and Laura Chapot Victorious At I Love New York Horse Show and Adirondack Horse Show

Hunter/Jumper News continued from page 93 hunters and jumpers. He was a respected, well-known, and experienced trainer, rider, and competitor in the jumping arena. With his unique sense of humor and story telling ability, Frank will be missed in the New England states and Florida. He was especially welcomed at the Deerfield Fair Horse Show and was a regular at HITS in Ocala, FL. Of all the horses through

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in the cups while she approached fence eight and that her horse did not knock it down. Given that ruling, a jump-off was held and after Minikus scored four faults and Solem followed with a clean ride, she was the presumed winner.

However, Minikus questioned the ruling and requested another review of the video. This review by the jury, in slow motion, showed that Solem’s horse had indeed hit the rail and had to be held responsible for it coming down, even if it was several seconds later. Hence, VDL Wizard was given four faults and Minikus and Babalou 41 were declared the winners. Solem and VDL Wizard finished third with Michael Hughes and MacArthur placing second as the fastest four-faulter.

A protest of the ruling is pending.

At the inaugural Adirondack Horse

the years, none brought Frank as much joy as Thin Ice, a slender dappled grey, light footed, happy jumper that loved to show. It was very fitting to see Evelyn Cunningham seated next to John Allegra along with his sweet puppy dog Pete, driving two beautiful grey horses that pulled the hearse carrying Frank to his final resting place on July 18 in Salem, CT. He was met by a rider-less horse and given full military honors.

Hunter/Jumper contact listings Beacon Woods Stables (tsl), Mick & Laurie Paternoster, Owners,Kris Bramley, Trainer, 99 Beacon Woods Lane, South Glastonbury, CT 06073, 860-430-2606 barn; 860-601-0670 cell, beaconwoodsstables@yahoo. com, beaconwoodsstables.com Crossen Arabians and Warmbloods (bs), 1209 South St., Coventry, CT 06238, 860-742-6486, crossenarabians.com New Chance Farm, 18 Mason St., Rehoboth, MA, Kristen Newton Chance, 860-918-0269

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

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

PHOTOS: THE BOOK LLC

TODD MINIKUS OF WELLINGTON, FL, rode Babalou 41 to victory in the $75,000 I Love New York Grand Prix to culminate the 2014 I Love New York Horse Show, presented by Sea Shore Stables. Minikus earned the win as the only one from the starting field of 24 to successfully complete the first-round course designed by Show Jumping Hall of Famer Steve Stephens. He became the first rider since Charlie Jacobs in 2009 to win the I Love New York Grand Prix without a jump-off.

The win was not without controversy as Callan Solem and VDL Wizard, originally ruled to have scored four faults for a rail down at fence 4B, the second half of an oxer combination, were given a clean round after a review of her ride by officials showed that the rail was still

Show, presented by Sea Shore Stables, LLC, Laura Chapot of Neshanic Station, NJ, claimed victory in the $100,000 Woodlea Farms Adirondack Grand Prix aboard Quointreau Un Prince. Of the starting field of 19, four entries qualified for the jump-off by jumping without fault over the 16-jump, first-round course designed by Pierre Jolicoeur. Julie Welles kicked off the jump-off by riding a clean round in 39.723 seconds aboard Ramses Du Lavillon, owned by Missy Clark. As the jump-off continued, Chapot pushed Welles to second place when she rode her 10-year-old Selle Francais gelding, which she owns with McLain Ward, to a clean ride in a blistering 36.986 seconds.

The grand prix win, Chapot’s third in Lake Placid following wins on Aiko in 1996 and Little Big Man in 2004, topped off an impressive three weeks at the Lake Placid Horse Shows where she won featured classes every day. “I really don’t think I’ll ever have another series like I did this year,” she said. “It just doesn’t happen. It was just an amazing three weeks in Lake Placid and I am so thankful for how well it worked out.”

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hunter/jumper

[LEFT] Kirsten Bumpus and Delorean claimed victory for owner Catherine Mooney in the $5,000 NEHJA Hunter Derby on July 3 at the Vermont Summer Festival. [RIGHT] Amanda Flint lit up the jumper ring, winning the $30,000 Vermont Summer Special Grand Prix on Superbad (pictured) and the $10,000 Open Welcome on Newlight VDL. [BELOW] Hannah Lavin piloted Checkadino to second place in the NEHJA Hunter Derby.

New England Riders Rise to the Top At the Vermont Summer Festival

PHOTOS: DAVID MULLINIX PHOTOGRAPHY

KRISTEN BUMPUS OF CONCORD, MA, claimed the first $5,000 3'3" NEHJA Hunter Derby of the six-week Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT. Riding Delorean, Bumpus was awarded the top score of 82 points from judges Bill Ellis and Brian Lenehan following the opening classic round. With a brave and forward performance in the handy round, Bumpus was again awarded the top score, this time an 83, for a two-round total of 165 points for the win, edging out Hannah Lavin who posted scores of 80 and 82 riding Volo Farm, Inc.’s Checkadino.

“She’s really brave and soft and light,” said Bumpus of the grey mare owned by her student, Catherine Mooney of Wellesley Hills, MA. “She’s got a big stride, so I actually did one less stride down the first line than I had planned on doing, because I found a forward distance to the second jump. I was hoping that it wouldn’t make the whole thing too fast, but it worked out.”

For the first $5,000 3'3" NEHJA Hunter Derby, two of the Vermont Summer Festival’s hunter rings were opened up to form one large competition arena, featuring both classic hunter jumps as well as derby obstacles such as wood piles, tires, and a single log set

in the far corner that caused its fair share of problems.

“She got a little confused going back and forth from ring to ring, but I thought she handled it well,” said Bumpus, noting that last year, Delorean placed second in week two’s Hunter Derby with her former owner, Wendy Collins. “She’s just really sweet, and the girl that we bought her from last fall had done her in the Maclay/Medal and Junior Hunter divisions, so she is pretty handy. She is probably one of the sweetest horses that we have. She’s great. We love her.”

Over in the jumper ring, Superbad failed to live up to his name, carrying Amanda Flint to victory in the $30,000 Vermont Summer Special Grand Prix, presented by Johnson Horse Transportation, on July 5.

Flint, of Long Meadow, NJ, was riding a winning streak into Saturday’s main event, having placed first and second in Thursday’s $10,000 Open Welcome, presented by Manchester Designer Outlets, with Newlight VDL and Chester VDL respectively. However, it was yet

another mount, Superbad, that stole the spotlight to win the first grand prix event of the 2014 Vermont Summer Festival.

“I just let him go!” said Flint of her key to victory with the 10-year-old German Sport Horse. “We’ve knocked on the doors a few times, been second and third a couple of times, but he’s never actually pulled through to win anything.

This is the only class he did this week, so maybe he’s just fresh. He’s got a huge stride, and it was easy for him.”

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

BY KATHRYN SELINGA

Eventing news Y

[LEFT] Indra Rapinchuk-Souccar and Abby drop into the head of the lake at the 2014 NAJYRCs. [RIGHT] Laurel Salladay and Miami at the NHDEA Schooling Dressage Show.

UP-AND-COMING Three cheers for Indra Rapinchuk-Souccar! The Worthington, MA, native made the Area I Young Rider Eventing Team and traveled to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington with her horse, Dream Girl, a.k.a. “Abby,” to compete in the North American Junior/ Young Rider Championships (NAJYRCs), held July 15-20.

“Young Riders 2014 will be a memory for me that will forever shine bright. I am so thrilled with Abby and how much our hard work payed off. As an unknown rider that is inexperienced at this level, competing at such a high profile event with an unknown, small, barefoot horse with limited experience at this level as well, proved to be an incredible experience,” Indra wrote in the Area I Young Rider blog. “My girl is the best teammate and best friend I could have dreamed of. She is honest, loving, and compassionate. She put everything she had into the competition this weekend, and we are both making names for ourselves in this small world.”

Find Indra’s complete entry, as well as blogs from her teammates,

Caroline Day and Paige Crotty, at najyrcwithicp.tumblr.com.

FLYING HIGH Laurel Salladay of Hampstead, NH, and Last Flight Out have been representing for trainer Kaitlin Watson of KJW Equestrian at schooling dressage shows recently. Laurel is currently rehabing an injury to Miami, an 18-year-old Thoroughbred/Paint mare that Kaitlin trained since she was a baby, but hopes to be back to jumping and eventing soon.

The pair did a great job at both the New Hampshire Dressage and Eventing Association (NHDEA) Schooling Dressage Show in June as well as one at Hilltop Equestrian Center in Somersworth, NH, in July.

BIG WINNERS The Bucks County Horse Park (BCHP) in Revere, PA, would like to congratulate Pam Wiedemann, Katie Cantine, Jennie Brannigan, Mary Bancroft, Alexa Gartenberg, Molly Kinnamon, Kim Coleman, Lauren Chumley, and Alexis DiPasqua on their wins at the BCHP June Horse Trials. The organizers

thank all of the volunteers and competitors for helping to make the show run so well, and look forward to their September 7 Horse Trials.

EXPECTING Congratulations to Kristen Bond and her husband, Andrew Csik, who are expecting their first child this December!

TRIPLE THREAT Wild Aire Farm recently added a cross-country course to their facilities, and hosted their first horse trials, adding on to their Horse Power Two-Phase Series, on August 17. We hear it went great!

SHORE THING The Horse Park of New Jersey (HPNJ) gives a big shout out to all competitors, volunteers, and spectators who made the HPNJ Horse Trials I a huge success! There were a record number of competitors, with over 350 horses starting throughout the last weekend of June. Organizers and officials were also very pleased to be hosting an unofficial outing for the 2014 World Equestrian Games team. We hear Morgan

Rowsell’s thoughtfully designed Advanced, Preliminary, Training, Novice, and Beginner Novice courses were an absolute pleasure to watch on the gorgeous weekend.

SO FRESH And, speaking of New Jersey events, The Jersey Fresh (JF) International Three-Day Event Organizing Committee would like to congratulate Buck Davidson, Emily Beshear, Doug Payne, and Lauren Kieffer on their wins at Jersey Fresh International 2014! They would also like to thank all of their sponsors, volunteers, and spectators for helping JF 2014 to be the best yet.

CONDOLENCES We were sad to hear that Judy Thayer passed away on Friday, July 11. Judy served as treasurer and horse trials chairman for Fair Hill International, and also coached a number of students and Pony Clubbers near her home in Kirkwood, PA. She is survived by her husband of 32 years, Edward Thayer, father Robert Erickson, brother Robert, and sister Joanne.

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eventing

[LEFT] Matthew Brown won the CIC3* on Super Socks BCF. [RIGHT] The top three finishers: James Alliston, Matthew Brown, and Jordan Lindstedt.

Brown and Super p Socks BCF Jump Clear Win the CIC 3* At the 13th Annual Event at Rebecca Farm AFTER THREE DAYS OF TENSE competition, Matthew Brown and Blossom Creek Foundation’s chestnut Irish Sport Horse, Super Socks BCF, completed a perfect round of show

jumping and earned a final score of 54.5 at The Event at Rebecca Farm in Kalispell, MT. Great Britain’s James Alliston remained in second place with his Thoroughbred, Mojo, after being docked

12 jump penalties for a score of 69.4.

Jordan Linstedt rode her Hanoverian, Revitavet Capato, to a final score of 70.5, earning third place overall. She received eight jump penalties and no time penalties, and shared in $30,000 worth of cash prizes with the top six riders. “After you’ve had two really good days,” said Brown, “and having finished second in dressage and then first in cross-country, you almost wish the weekend could be over and you didn’t have this last day to contend with. But,

continued on page 101

Cosequin q Stuart Horse Trials WITH NEARLY PERFECT WEATHER, a great showing of competitors, and a large, helpful group of volunteers, the 2014 Cosequin Stuart Horse Trials, held July 11-13 in Victor, NY, were a wild success. Nearly 200 horse and rider pairs trekked to New York for the event, and they were greeted with meticulously detailed surroundings—horse trials organizer Heidi Vahue noted that they started growing flowers in May to prepare for July’s competition.

Classes were offered from Beginner Novice to the CIC** level, drawing riders from many different backgrounds. The competitors included Olympic greats Will Coleman and Phillip Dutton, but riders with less experience 100 EQUINE

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[CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT] Dick Bayly on Cool Jack; Mara DePuy and Coolcorron Kinsale; Holly Payne and Santino; Carrie Mulks on High Octane.

also had opportunities to shine.

The new three-day format proved to be popular, with dressage on Friday, crosscountry and CIC 1*/2* show jumping on Saturday, and Beginner Novice through

Intermediate show jumping on Sunday.

The event went off without a hitch (barring a rainy Sunday), helped greatly by the 300 volunteers who gave their time over the weekend.

PHOTOS: (BOTTOM) MICHELLE’S EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY; (TOP) BRIAN SCHOTT

Celebrate 25th Anniversary With Successful Event

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Brown and Super Socks continued from page 100 I felt like Super Socks tried his heart out. I’ve been riding him a little over a year now, and when we began I had a hard time with control.

But now, I think I’m finally getting out of his way and letting him jump as cleanly as he can. I felt like he was really jumping his heart out and did the best he could.”

Alliston, who was less enthusiastic about Sunday’s show jumping performance, said, “I don’t think Mojo jumped particularly well, honestly. And it wasn’t a good round. But, I’m really delighted to hold onto second place. When I left the ring, I thought I would be farther down. I was happy to see Matt jumped clear.”

“It was such a wonderful competition,” said organizer Sarah Broussard. “The Event just keeps getting better and

better because of the efforts of so many people. This year we really want to pay special thanks to the community of volunteers. With their help, we have been able to maximize our capacity with record numbers of competitors and make schedule adjustments so that anyone who wants to compete at Rebecca Farm can have that chance—all the riders from novice to professional who make this event so special.”

Eventing contact listings Stoneleigh-Burnham School (tl), 574 Bernardston Road, Greenfield, MA 01301, 413774-2711, fax 413-772-2602, sbschool.org. b=breeding, t=training, s=sales, l=lessons

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

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

BY JANE CARLTON

Dressage news FRESH FACES

[LEFT] Devon Kane and Destiny. [CENTER] Juliane Dykiel picked up her first bronze medal qualifying score on Tica. [RIGHT] Michael Poulin.

INVITATIONS ONLY

PHOTOS: (LEFT) COURTESY OF DEVON KANE; (MIDDLE) AINSLIE BRENNAN

Devon Kane and her 11-year-old Danish gelding Destiny were invited to compete at the prestigious International Dressage and Jumping Festival Verden, held August 6-10, in Verden, Germany.

The pair competed in their debut show performance on European soil in the Large Tour at the CDI3*.

Although this was their first CDI outside of the United States, Kane and Destiny have a long history of success in international competition. The pair had multiple top placings during the 2014 Adequan Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, FL, and Kane spent the summer working with Olympian Hubertus Schmidt, riding his horses as well as her own, to hone her skills in the arena.

HOORAY FOR FAY Laura Fay earned her USDF Bronze Medal after receiving her scores for First and Third Level during a Centerline recognized dressage show at the HITS facility in Saugerties, NY, in May. Fay is the trainer and owner of Aering Green Equestrian Center in Schodack, NY. At the Centerline show, she rode Mystery K, owned

by Cece Bette, at First Level

and Obligato, Fay’s warmblood gelding, at Third Level to scores that secured her bronze medal.

Fay earned her scores at Second Level a few years ago. Also, in May, Fay rode Melissa McGrath’s gelding UVM Fame to the High Point Morgan Championship and her student, Cece Bette, aboard Mystery K, won the Junior Training Level Championship at Dressage at Saratoga.

DREAMING OF BRONZE At the Mount Holyoke College Dressage show on July 19-20, Juliane Dykiel rode Tica in Dykiel’s first time showing at First Level, and the pair received a score of 64.8% in First Level Test 1. This is the first score that counts toward Dykiel’s bronze medal, which has been a goal of hers to earn ever since she set her sights on dressage. Dykiel is supported by her trainers, Rachel Markels Weber and Kathy Connelly, and Ainslie Brennan, who not only let her ride the Andalusian mare, Tica, but also has been Dykiel’s biggest fan since day one.

HANOVERIAN NEWS During the summer and fall of 2014, the American

Hanoverian Society will once again conduct a nationwide inspection tour. In 2014, the Society is scheduled to visit 22 farms and ranches throughout North America, including California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Maryland, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, and the Canadian province of Ontario. Visit hanoverian.org/tour-dates for more information.

CLEAN SWEEP Pan American team gold medalist Heather Blitz won all five classes she entered at the King Oak Dressage Show in Northampton, MA, on July 5-6, 2014. Oak Hill Ranch’s sixyear-old Danish Warmblood stallion Ripline (Hotline x Riviera - Cavan) won the Young Horse Test of Choice with 81.4% on Saturday, and the Young Horse Six Year Old Markel Qualifier with 81.6% on Sunday, as well as the USEF Third Level, Test 3, with a score of 70.385%. Riding Donna Cameron’s 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare Verida (Rousseau x Zida - Onyz) from Cutler Farm Dressage, Blitz also won the Prix St. Georges with 67.566% on Saturday, followed by the Intermediare I scoring 70.329% on Sunday.

The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is pleased to announce and congratulate its new USDF Certified Instructors. The exam was held June 6-8 at Pacific Equestrian Center in Wilton, CA, with examiners Sarah Geikie and Maryal Barnett.

Lisa Pembleton of Agoura Hills, CA, is the newest USDF Certified Instructor/Trainer at Training through First Level. New USDF Certified Instructors/Trainers at Second Level include: Kalli Bowles of Sacramento, CA, and Alejandro Salazar of Placerville, CA. The new USDF Certified Instructors/Trainers at Third through Fourth Level include: Gina Duran of Livermore, CA; Ana Gilmour of Granite Bay, CA; Jaki Hardy of Santa Rosa, CA; Susann Regalmuto of Sunland, CA; and Jennette Scanlon of Auburn, CA.

PUMPED FOR POULIN Olympian Michael Poulin, vice chairman of The Dressage Foundation’s Board of Directors, has generously donated a two-day clinic to the state that raises the most new donations for The Dressage Foundation (TDF) by the end of 2014.

“I have been involved with The Dressage Foundation for many years,” said Michael Poulin, “and I wanted to support and encourage all the donors who have made our work possible. I hope that many people are inspired to give, and I look forward to working with the riders from the winning state!”

Poulin is currently training out of Pineland Farms in New Gloucester, ME.

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King Oak Dressage Days

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July 5-6 | Southampton, MA

On the

Scene

PHOTOS BY CINDY ARENDT 1

2

4

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[1] Faye Dunn. [2] Heather Blitz. [3] Michael Poulin. [4] Zoe Bandola. [5] Jessica Iorio. [6] Jane Hannigan.

Central Vermont Dressage Association Hosts George Williams Clinic

BY JOY CONGDON

KATHI BRUCE AND THE CENTRAL Vermont Dressage Association (CVDA) organized a very successful clinic with George Williams at Bruce’s lovely Kaleidoscope Farm in Springfield, VT, on May 17-18. Riders and auditors alike benefited from two days that were packed with creative exercises and clear insights. All of the nine horse and rider pairs showed great progress throughout their sessions and enjoyed George’s systematic approach that was delivered with kindness and a 104 EQUINE

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good sense of humor.

I found the main theme of the clinic to be the importance of suppleness and thoroughness in all transitions. George emphasized that all the work we do is basically transition work, whether it’s a simple change, a transition from one direction to the other, or a flying change. During all these transitions, the rider needs to have complete control of the horse’s neck, both laterally (correct bend left and right) and longitudinally (putting the neck up

or down) and the ability to keep the horse’s back soft. He taught that this was the only way to get a productive connection to the horse’s hind legs.

George started almost every lesson with some basic walk-trot-walk, trot-canter-trot, or walk-canter-walk transitions, and transitions within the gait in the canter and trot until these transitions were reliably thorough, “with the whole body yielding,” on a 20-meter circle. Then he went on to some really fun and creative exercises that fine-tuned the connection for each horse, from First Level to Prix St. Georges.

Kathi Bruce summed it up well when she said, “George can explain what to do and tell you what he wants you to do as a rider. He does it quietly and patiently with suppling exercises to get the horse to carry themselves better in a relaxed manner.”

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The Dressage g Foundation Awards Three Grants For U.S. Breeder Excellence THE DRESSAGE FOUNDATION IS pleased to announce three grant recipients of its Elysium Farm Fund for U.S. Breeder Excellence; Gigha Steinman of River Oaks Farm (FL), Barbara Cadwell (FL), and Jessica Stallings and Jennifer DesRoche of Signature Sport Horses (NC).

The Elysium Farm Fund for U.S. Breeder Excellence, established at The Dressage Foundation in 2011 by Abbey Henderson, owner of Elysium Farm in Massachusetts, provides financial assistance to breeders to pursue educational opportunities related to breeding that will advance their careers, promote sound breeding practices, and further enhance the quality of U.S.-bred dressage horses.

Gigha Steinman of River Oaks Farm and breeding director and registrar of the Friesian Sporthorse Association was awarded $500 to attend the USDF Sport Horse Seminar hosted by Iron

Spring Farm. Gigha said, “I’m excited at the opportunity not only to increase my own knowledge, but also to share what I learn through my role as the Friesian Sporthorse Association’s Breeding Director, as well as applying what I learn to my own breeding program.”

Gigha intends to contribute to the growth and development of the Friesian Sporthorse and produce quality, talented FEI dressage prospects.

Barbara Cadwell was awarded $1,000 to attend the USEF “Verden Experience” at the FEI World Breeding Championships for Dressage Young Horses in Germany. She is one of six U.S. breeders that were selected to attend this program, led by Scott Hassler and Janet Foy. “It is especially gratifying to be an Adult Amateur and be selected for this program,” said Barbara. “Thank you to The Dressage

Foundation for its assistance in making this possible.” Barbara and her mother, Anne Barlow Ramsay, have operated a breeding farm in Wisconsin for the past 25 years.

Jessica Stallings and Jennifer DesRoche of Signature Sporthorses received $1,000 to attend the 2014 Oldenburg Winter Meeting in Vechta, Germany. This program offers visits to various breeding farms, along with lectures geared toward training the young horse. “Better developed young stock would provide buyers in this country with comparable animals to which they would find overseas, which will strengthen U.S. based buying,” Jessica stated. Signature Sporthorses has been breeding since 2001 with over 40 foals to date. “We hope to bring back the knowledge we gain for other breeders in the U.S. to support the mission of the fund.”

Applications will again be received in 2015, with a due date of May 1. Further information about the Elysium Farm Fund for U.S. Breeder Excellence is available at The Dressage Foundation website, dressagefoundation.org, or by calling 402-434-8585.

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Charles River Dressage Association Holds Successful Schooling Show SUBMITTED BY MELISSA CRONIN

PHOTO: AMANDA SYLVIA PHOTOGRAPHY

ON JUNE 22, THE CHARLES RIVER Dressage Association (CRDA) welcomed 102 competitors to Apple Knoll Farm in Millis, MA, for their second dressage schooling show this season. One hundred and fifty one rides were completed in classes ranging from Leadline to Third Level and additional specialty class were offered for riders with disabilities, as well as eventing and musical freestyle classes. The mission of the CRDA is to provide affordable quality dressage schooling shows, clinics, educational lectures, and sponsorships to its members and local community. In addition, CRDA strives to offer a friendly casual forum in which riders can compete and gain knowledge about the art and sport of dressage.

The June show marked the first

Junior High Point Rider Elizabeth Gill on Hakuna Matata. »

event to be overseen by CRDA’s new show coordinator, Linda Smith. Linda has taken over the position for Terry Brennan, who assumed the role of president as of 2014. “I am thrilled to be able to spend time this year organizing the schooling shows,” said Linda.

“Connecting with old friends and making some new ones is a great side effect of becoming more deeply involved with the organization. I look forward to the challenges of keeping our growing show series running smoothly and I welcome suggestions.”

In addition to the efforts of the show secretary and show coordinator, schooling shows are run completely by volunteers. Volunteer coordinator Ellen

Straus organizes a veritable army of volunteers to assist with the running of the show from scribes to scorekeepers.

“We could in no way run our shows without the great groups of volunteers

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Connecticut Dressage g and Combined Training Association Cross-Country Clinic and Ride-Critique-Ride Offer Educational Experience for Multi-Disciplines SUBMITTED BY MELISSA TINDALL

BETWEEN SCHOOLING SHOWS, Connecticut Dressage and Combined Training Association, Inc. (CDCTA) has been offering several great clinics. These events bring considerable training to those who participate, volunteer, and audit.

Ride-Critique-Ride with Claudia Tarlov On May 31, the CDCTA held a fantastic ride-critique-ride clinic with Claudia Tarlov, USDF Silver Medalist

and L-Graduate with Distinction, at Grandview Stables in Columbia, CT. The windy but beautiful day didn’t discourage the participants from seeking advice and help on their test of choice. Many horse and rider pairs ranging from Training through Third Level came out to start the show season on an educational note. Some riders chose to ride and then re-ride the test after a few pointers. Others opted to ride the test and then get some quick schooling on their weaker areas. It was a great chance to either perfect a test at your current level, or to try out a harder one with on-the-spot advice.

A special thanks to clinician Claudia Tarlov who was a great help to everyone. She offered her test riding

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Charles River Dressage Assoc. continued from page 105

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[LEFT] Open High Point Rider Ashley Vorrias with Ariana. [RIGHT] Adult Amateur High Point Rider Wyn Maling aboard Stellar’s Run. [BELOW] CRDA volunteers help keep the show running smoothly.

PHOTOS: (TOP) AMANDA SYLVIA PHOTOGRAPHY; (BOTTOM) STEPHEN CRONIN

who give us their time, skill, energy, sweat, and good cheer!” Ellen boasted.

The CRDA volunteer team is made up of both members and non-members. What they have in common is a passion for the sport of dressage and a desire to be active in the community.

Among the fun and festivities was a table run by the one and only “Ice Cream Lady” (also known as Suzanne Walker) who donated her time and delicious chocolate sauce. Competitors, volunteers, and spectators alike got to enjoy a complimentary ice cream sundae to help them stay cool during the event.

High point awards were given to the highest scoring riders in each of three divisions. Recipients for the June show were: in the Open/Professional division, Ashley Vorrias aboard Ariana at Training Level Test 2 with a 74.286%; in the Adult Amateur division, Wyn Maling on Stellar’s Run at Eventing Test Preliminary A with a 73.182%; and in the Junior/Young Rider division and highest score of the day, Elizabeth Gill riding Hakuna Matata in Training Level Test 2 with a 76.786%.

The CRDA Schooling Show Series will culminate on October 5 at Apple Knoll Farm. For more information on events, to join our mailing list, learn how to become a member, or to lend a hand to this growing and enthusiastic community, please visit CRDA at crdressage.org.

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THE JOURNEY FOR MY BRONZE medal started in the summer of 2011 at a dressage camp I was attending run by the Flatlanders. The instructor asked us what our goals were and how we were going to achieve them. I decided I would like to try and work on my Bronze dressage medal.

I would need two scores over 60% at First, Second, and Third levels from different judges at recognized dressage shows. I had competed at a few schooling shows and fun shows, but nothing serious since I was a teenager.

Ferdi, my partner, is not a typical dressage horse; he is a Hanoverian/Appaloosa cross. He is a rich bay with no white and is often mistaken for a Quarter Horse. While a nice mover, he is built downhill—but

he and I have a special partnership and I knew he would give his best.

As soon as camp was over, I started planning the first steps—I needed to join the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and the United States Dressage Federation (USDF) to register Ferdi. There was a recognized show in just over a month, so I sent in my entries and was on my way.

To say I was nervous was an understatement. Ferdi was a star, though, and we easily got our First Level scores over the weekend—I was thrilled.

Over the winter I stated regular lessons every two weeks when the weather and numbers permitted. I worked hard on the Second Level movements and, in 2012, off I went again to show. Ferdi put his best hoof forward and we got our Second Level scores.

I began practicing the Third Level tests at fun shows run by the Flatlanders. The flying changes were proving to be challenging—Ferdi did them well at home, but once in the ring he often popped in some airs above the ground.

In 2013 we entered our Third Level tests and at the first show, I was queen of the 59%. We received a 59.0, 59.3 and 59.7. The changes were a problem— “exuberant” was one of the nicer comments. We were so close, but more work was needed away from home, so we began a campaign to do our changes at every opportunity. At another weekend show, Ferdi settled down and we received several scores above 60%.

The USDF awards banquet was held in Kentucky and as it was close, my husband and I decided to attend. Tickets were purchased and we set off for Lexington.

The room was beautifully decorated and we were at a table with other horse lovers from Texas and Ohio. As we were sitting, Ferdi and I appeared on the Jumbotron.

I received my medal from George Williams and felt so pleased to have achieved my goal with the help of my partner Ferdi.

Connecticut Dressage

answer is different, so the lesson extends that much further.

As the clinic continued, Heidi kept us all on our toes (but don’t worry, we still managed to keep our heels down!) with a series of challenging stadium rides.

She did a wonderful job of critiquing each individual ride, tossing us useful information that would improve each and every fence we took.

At this point in our ride, I had a whole lot of lightbulbs turning on in my head.

Needless to say, I was headed to the field with a happy horse and a big smile, as were the other riders. My favorite part of the clinic was seeing stadium

jumps in our field. The logic behind this was genius—getting the rider to think quieter and focus in, which is sometimes hard when the wind is whizzing through your pony’s ears out there (we all know that feeling). So, off we went: up and down banks, over ditches, ramps, benches, and a few little stadium fences in between. Heidi’s insight was extremely helpful in every way, making our last hurrah, the water complex, all the more fun.

My gratitude is given to both CDCTA and Heidi White for giving us a memorable and exciting warm day at Town Hill Farm. I look forward to next time!

Flatlander Dressage g and Combined Training Assoc.

One Member’s Journey for the Bronze SUBMITTED BY ALISON SCHMIDBAUER

continued from page 106 tips and advice on how to get the most out of your test. Also a word of thanks to Grandview Stables and all the volunteers that make it possible for the CDCTA to offer wonderful clinics like this one.

Cross-Country Clinic with Heidi White SUBMITTED BY CALLY HENCEY

We couldn’t have picked a more gorgeous day for doing what we love the most! Along with a few others, I got the opportunity to pack up the ponies and go for a ride to Town Hill Farm in Lakeville, CT, for a fantastic cross-country clinic with Heidi White. Being an Elementary student preparing to make my shift into Beginner Novice, my session with two other very talented riders was a great way to gain some experience for my upcoming year. Heidi was inviting and easy to get acquainted with as she started our ride asking us, “What is the most important thing that you, as a rider, would like to work on today?” The great thing about clinics is that everyone’s

Dressage contact listings Crossen Arabians and Warmbloods (bs), 1209 South St., Coventry, CT 06238, 860-742-6486, 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, www.pinelandfarms.orgequestrian-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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Send your news for future columns to lcenis@comcast.net.

BY LISA CENIS

Driving news

[LEFT TOP] Francis Baker is now a member of the World Coaching Club. [LEFT BOTTOM] Sascha Rockefeller is also a new member of the World Coaching Club. [RIGHT] MHDA member Jill Novak with her mare Rose. [BELOW] Hilary DeAngelis won the Training Single Pony division at Waldingfield.

PARA-EQUESTRIAN DRIVING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

PHOTOS: (LEFT TOP AND BOTTOM AND RIGHT BELOW) LISA CENIS

The Para-Equestrian Driving World Championships were held in June in Sandringham, England. The team successfully negotiated the English Channel traveling via ferry from their training camp in Holland to England, with Koos de Ronde’s fantastic packing and transport assistance. Team USA won a bronze medal in the FEI World Championship for Drivers with Disabilities. The team was comprised of Virginia (Boo) Fitch, Bob Giles, and Diane Kastama. Individual Silver went to Bob Giles.

WELCOME TO THE CLUB The World Coaching Club is pleased to announce three

new members: Francis Baker (USA), Sascha Rockefeller (USA), and Barbara Stockton (UK).

Congratulations!

MID-HUDSON DRIVING ASSOCIATION On Sunday, June 22, 2014, members of the Mid-Hudson Driving Association turned out to promote the sport of carriage driving, much to the delight of spectators at the Smith Clove Museum Village in Monroe, NY. From a harnessing demonstration to ground driving to cones, members spent the day educating the public.

Museum Village is a unique and inviting open-air historical museum that offers visitors the opportunity to explore vignettes of 19th century

American life. It served as the perfect backdrop for the horses and carriages to spend a day educating spectators about the sport of driving.

WALDINGFIELD A SUCCESS Waldingfield HDT, held over the July 13 weekend in Ipswich, MA, has come and gone. Cone course genius Marc Johnson set a twisty, challenging course for drivers to maneuver. The marathon was spread across the Waldingfield

Estate and Appleton farm across the street. Five obstacles provided the drivers with an abundance of routes to take.

Some drove slow and smooth, while others chose to speed through at a canter, providing spectators with some excitement.

Hilary DeAngelis had a special day at Waldingfield—she was driving her mother’s pony in the Training Single Pony division and came home with the blue. A good time was certainly had by all.

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[LEFT] Linda and Eric Wilking enjoy driving their pair. [RIGHT] Laurie Goodwin and Nick relax at the campground at Myles Standish State Park. [BELOW] There are miles and miles of trails, like this one enjoyed by Cresca Albright and other GSCA members, at Myles Standish State Park.

Granite State Carriage Assoc.

Members Have Fun at New Events SUBMITTED BY LISA CENIS

GRANITE STATE CARRIAGE Association (GSCA) members had plenty of fun this summer with a new multi-day event at Miles Standish State Park and Ginger Laplante’s annual Mystery Drive and Ride in Canterbury, NH, on July 13.

There was a good turnout for the first annual Myles Standish State Park drive/ ride, hosted by John Heuther in Carver, MA, over the weekend of June 20. We had fantastic weather, too. The area that is set aside for equestrians only is great—there are 32 campsites and all of them have a picnic table, a fire pit, and plenty of room to keep a couple of horses.

Members had the pleasure to meet Pat Desrosiers who, together with husband Bob, has been working on this area for the State of Massachusetts for 14 years. They work on behalf of equestrians in the park on a strictly volunteer basis and we all applaud their efforts.

The park far exceeded our expectations. There were 35 miles of horse riding trails and many miles of fire roads for the carriage drivers. The footing was sandy, and in places got a little soft, but we did not run into anything that was not doable.

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will be even better, I am sure.

Host Ginger Laplante’s Mystery Drive and Ride took a new route this year.

Drivers and riders enjoyed 12 miles of scenic back roads in Canterbury. We were fortunate that the predicted thunderstorms did not materialize, and are grateful that Ginger planned a route that avoided any hint of traffic from NASCAR fans heading to or from the big race in Loudon, NH. After the drive/ride, members enjoyed their picnic lunches and lively banter amid the shady trees of Canterbook Farm’s pine grove. Heartfelt thanks to Ginger and John for hosting this alwaysenjoyable event.

There have been some recent changes in directors and officers of GSCA. Acting GSCA President Connie Moses has resigned her position as of June 22, appointing Cresca Albright to complete the remainder of the 2014 term. At the annual meeting in 2015, nominations will be open to fill the position for the remainder of the president’s two-year term, which ends in 2016. In addition,

Laurie Goodwin has offered to step in for Joyce Egge, who resigns as director effective October 1. Our thanks go to Connie and Joyce for their dedication and support, and to both Cresca and Laurie for their willingness to continue their valued service to GSCA. Our next adventure is a gathering in Greenfield, NH, over Labor Day weekend, at the Kokal Farm for a camp-out and the much-anticipated annual barbecue. Join us for a day or the whole weekend. Connie Moses reports good news—the Shelburne Farms drive event has been confirmed for late September/early October (exact dates to be confirmed). Details for these and other events can be found on the GSCA website, granitestatecarriage.org, or find us on Facebook.

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Colonial Carriage g and Driving Society To Celebrate 24th Annual Lenox Tub Parade SUBMITTED BY LAURIE DANAHER

ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2014 at 1:30 p.m., the Colonial Carriage and Driving Society, in association with the Town of Lenox, MA, will present the 24th Annual Lenox Tub Parade.

Historically, the Tub Parade was held from the early 1880s until 1910: the “Gilded Age” of the Towns of Lenox and Stockbridge. The fine homes of the area at that time were referred to simply as “summer cottages.” The ladies of those cottages decided to organize a parade, to be held in September, as a grand way to close out the summer season. In keeping with the times, the pace was a sedate one. Ladies were to drive, but a mounted gentleman led them on the route. It was a festive affair, with vehicles and horses of all types loaded with flowers from the ladies’ gardens. Some of the notable participants included ladies from the Stokes, Whitney, and Vanderbilt families.

Twenty-five years ago, Tjasa Sprague and the late Marcia Brown were instrumental in revitalizing the parade.

They brought their idea to the Town

Sue Treat in the foreground with Cathy Livingstone in the background. »

Selectman of Lenox in hopes of offering a taste of the past to the contemporary populace. Successful in this endeavor, the Tub Parade is now a State Designated Historical Event.

Today, the niece of Olivia Stokes, CCDS’ very own Mary Stokes Waller, delivers the Grand Marshall of the parade to the grandstand with her lovely pair. Not limited to the ladies, the present-day event is open to the participation of every member of the Colonial Carriage and Driving Society. Members come from as far away as Southern Connecticut, New York, and the Boston area. They drive Minis, pairs, drafts, and single horses and ponies.

The day concludes with a traditional day of driving on the grounds of

Shakespeare & Company on Kemble Street in Lenox.

Please come to see the parade, join us for refreshments, meet and greet with the drivers, and don’t forget to stroll through the village of Lenox for wonderful shopping and dining.

For more information, contact Maureen Gamelli (CCDS past co-president and event coordinator extraordinaire) at 413-822-1028 or maureengamelli2@gmail.com.

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Saratoga Driving Assoc.

To Host Horse Driving Trial ARTICLE SUBMITTED BY CAROL FRANK

PHOTO: KEVIN SPRAGUE

DON’T MISS THE SARATOGA DRIVING Association (SDA) Driving Trial, to be held October 4-5 at Akers Acres, in Valtie, NY! After a beautiful summer, we hope for a knockout fall with the brilliant blazing colors of the foliage.

There is no better place to be on the first weekend of October than at Akers Acres, where the colors are in full force.

Our annual Horse Driving Trial (HDT) is in the prettiest place at the best time of the year. Maybe you’ll need a jacket, or possibly rubber shoes, but it is the place to be and this year we have a treat.

After the wonderful success we have

with this show each year, we decided to push out the walls a little and step things up. We aren’t necessarily looking for more competitors, we just want to spice things up and offer some new things, or the same, but in new ways.

We are sliding from a one-day format to a day and a half. We are bringing in temporary stalls so we can accommodate out of town guests, and are holding a clinic on Monday. Most exciting are the officials with top level talent that we are bringing in.

We love the judges and technical delegates that we have in the Northeast.

They are all wonderful teachers, kind in their judgments of us, and a pleasure when we show in front of them. This year we thought we would splurge and try something different—we went out of our area to fly in a judge and technical delegate. We want to stir things up a bit for our competitors.

Shelly Temple of Windsor, SC, will be judging and Erika Matulich of Florida will be returning as technical delegate.

Last year, our scheduled technical delegate got injured and Jeff Morse, the organizer of the Horse Driving Trial, scoured the entire East Coast and got us Erika.

It was in the last moment, she was a little shy, blown away by fall foliage and the rain, and not sure if we really wanted to hear what she thought. But she was fabulous. She saw things a little

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WESTERN RESERVE CARRIAGE Association (WRCA) members flocked to Byers Woods, near Ashland, OH, for a picnic drive on June 15. Thanks to hosts Nancy and Gene Rebman, this popular drive returned after an absence of a couple years. Seven turnouts enjoyed a relaxing afternoon driving through open meadows, down wooded stretches, and around several ponds.

A few sprinkles greeted WRCA members as they arrived for a drive at Howe Meadow, part of the Cuyahoga National Park in Peninsula, OH. Once a few announcements had been made by hosts Kay and Henry Rish, the sun peeked through. After the potluck lunch, seven turnouts set off on a marked trail that led to a cones course designed by Kim Stegh to test driving accuracy. The route continued along the tracks for the Cuyahoga Valley Railway, through grassy meadowland,

and up around Indigo Lake.

The All Breed Carriage Driving Show, a project of the Ohio Welsh Pony Association, was held June 21-22 at the Portage County Fairgrounds in Randolph, OH. Despite heavy rain, show managers Paul Hurd and Jeff Grossenbacher and their committee readied the grounds and the show went on without a hitch. The focus of the event is on fun and encouraging new drivers to try the various pleasure show driving classes. WRCA members Cathy Rhoades, Cathy Franks, Deb ShekaWilson, Karen Thewlis, and Eileen Hurd all earned top placings.

The 30th anniversary of the Metamora CDE drew several members to Windrush Farm in Metamora, MI, on June 13–15. In the Preliminary Single Pony division, Pam Hess, DVM, garnered third place and Carol Milhoan finished in sixth place. Bev

Patrick’s Preliminary Horse Pair, Rock and Roll, earned first with their fine performance.

A large contingent of WRCA members journeyed to the Kentucky Horse Park, June 27-29, to enjoy the Carriage Association of America (CAA) Festival (WRCA is an affiliate). The CAA event featured a pleasure driving show, a presentation drive through the park and surrounding private land, barn parties, and educational activities. There were plenty of activities to keep spectators, drivers, and competitors busy. Mary Thomas’ Dartmoor earned Reserve Champion Small Pony honors as Jon and Nancy Roemer, Ann and Polly Petersen, Dr. Susan Orosz, and Wanda Backsheider did well in their events.

The large, competitive Carriage Dog class was won by Winnie the Pooch, driven by Dr. Orosz, with Sara A. Dog, piloted by Mary Thomas, finishing in a close second. Wanda Backscheider chauffeured Happy to sixth place. Al and Angie Hohenbrink, Cathy Rhoades, Bobbe Povolny, and Ellen and Dennis Tom were spotted driving on the trails.

September 8 has been chosen for the Brecksville Reservation Drive, organized by Meredith and Stacey Giere.

More information can be found at wrcarriage.com.

Saratoga Driving Assoc.

Medal winning team at the 2007 World Pony Driving Championship in Denmark and the 2011 World Pony Driving Championship in Lipica, Slovenia, winning a dressage medal in each competition. She is a licensed judge of Combined Driving and Driven Dressage in the United States at the top national level.

We are delighted to bring these two officials to the HDT and to offer them to you all as a special treat.

Additionally, we will have Shelly stay and give us a clinic on Monday. Space is limited at the clinic so people interested will need to let Jeff Morse know they wish to attend. Lessons will be individual with one hour for $75, and first priority given to HDT competitors.

We are delighted that Marc Johnson will return as our course designer. Marc continually varies the course, providing interesting options, and reworking routes so that many challenges emerge for all levels of driver. We eagerly welcome Training and Preliminary, Very Small Equines (VSE) and a Hybrid I/P (Intermediate Dressage & Cones and

Preliminary Marathon).

Our show is meant to challenge the experienced driver and also be a good chance for the green horse or green driver to try the world of combined driving. We are a local show, but we pride ourselves on offering a first class venue. We will begin with VSE Dressage on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. All other phases of the competition will be on Sunday.

Portable stabling will be on the grounds for $100, which should make it easier for those traveling a distance and wishing to stay for the clinic on Monday. Our ever-popular potluck dinner follows course walk/dressage on Saturday, October 4, and food is available Sunday on the grounds.

Details can be found by looking through the Omnibus or contacting Jeff Morse at 413-698-3804. Entries are open until September 26, so don’t delay.

We have worked to offer an exciting event and to keep the costs down, plan to attend as a competitor, navigator, helper, or volunteer.

Western Reserve Carriage Association Members Enjoy a Variety of Summer Driving Events

BY MARY THOMAS

continued from page 111 differently; she expressed herself in new ways and told stories like what to do when you stumble into a full size alligator in the aisle of your barn. Honestly, not something we have a lot of in New York. That apparently is a reason people carry guns. Who knew? So although she was here before, it doesn’t count because most of her input was after the event. This year we know she is a star and we are eager to bring her up.

We decided having new blood was exciting so we worked the budget to get airfare for the judge. Many of you may have seen Shelly Temple compete. She was USEF National Champion in the Single Pony division for 2006, 2010, and 2011. She spoke at the Driving Forum several years ago and made a wonderful impression, so we invited her as judge and clinician.

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driving

[ EQUINE JOURNAL AFFILIATE ]

Southern New England g Carriage g Driving g Association Focuses on Bombproofing Your Horse in Linda Stebbins Clinic ARTICLE SUBMITTED BY MUG TOMANY; PHOTO SUBMITTED BY CAT LUCE

ON JUNE 29, MEMBERS OF THE Southern New England Carriage Driving Association (SNECDA) met at Celtic Cross Farm, in Dudley MA, to work on bombproofing their horses. Linda Stebbins from Southern New Hampshire came to share her vast knowledge on the subject. Pat and Bill Musser, along with Linda, built many different obstacles that the horses were encouraged to interact with, building confidence and trust.

The day was divided into eight half– hour sessions where Linda started out with getting to know each participant and horse by having them lead their equine partner. She was able to tell the level of trust by how the horse respected the space around their owner.

If she felt the need, she taught the person how to lead the horse so that it demonstrated the level of trust needed to be successful in the rest of the tasks.

The horses and their human partners were then encouraged to go around the different obstacles before going over, through, or onto the obstacles.

There was a wooden disk that they were asked to step on, a teeter totter, a tarp, a big ball, multiple empty milk jugs to walk through, whirligigs, a “car wash” which was made up of tubing and fringe hanging down, a fence with tubes that the horse was encouraged to walk through, a large piece of plywood, as well as a set of cones to walk a serpentine through.

Each horse’s limits were respected so as not to overwhelm the animals.

Some of them succeeded in all the tasks, where others were happy to get their horse to interact with one or two and maybe confidently walk around the others. The participants all came away

Olivia Godfrey with her OTTB, Lulu.

with a sense of accomplishment and new insights into their horse’s abilities, and gained a new level of trust between themselves and their horses.

Spectators discovered a new awareness of what they need to work on with their own horses. Building trust and respect with our equines can sometimes become lost in the shuffle as we concentrate on improving our driving or riding.

We always seem to be getting ready for a show or drive, and forget to slow down and spend time on the groundwork that leads to greater trust and a deeper bond with our animals.

Some other events to look forward to are The Great American Scurry happening on September 28 at the Dickson Rings, in Weston, MA, and The Southern New

England Carriage Days Pleasure Show, on October 12 at Celtic Cross Farm, in Dudley, MA. Visit snecda.org for more information.

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

BY JENNIFER ROBERTS

Western news

JOELLE CONOVER AND TRIBUTE TO SECURITY of Foster, RI, were named the World Champions in Amateur Western Dressage Level 1 at the Pinto World Championships in Tulsa, OK. Way to go!

BABY ON BOARD Congratulations to Caitlyn and Geoffrey Buswell of Marblehead, MA, who recently announced they are expecting their first child in January of 2015.

ON THE SILVER SCREEN

PHOTO: (TOP LEFT) COURTESY OF JOELLE CONOVER; (BOTTOM) JOHN O’HARA

RIDE TV has joined the Mustang Heritage Foundation to further its wild horse adoption efforts by reaching new audiences as the Foundation’s official television partner. The network will feature the nonprofit organization’s mustang adoption and training programs, such as the Extreme Mustang Makeover, to raise awareness about the over 40,000 Bureau of Land Management horses that are currently awaiting adoption.

GREENER PASTURES Our condolences to Schmersal Reining Horses on the loss of their horse Side Smoke (Docs Sidewinder x Miss Gun Smoke 1). The 1989 gelding was the

earner of over $59,000 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) lifetime earnings.

Ridden by both Craig and Ginger Schmersal and several others in his NRHA career, the amazing horse will be dearly missed.

“Side Smoke was loved by many. He will be always be remembered as one of the great ones,” Ginger said.

DERBY SUCCESS The 2014 NRHA Derby concluded with the $428,000-added open finals at the Oklahoma State Fair Park in Oklahoma City, OK. The Derby Show is NRHA’s premier event for the world’s best 4-, 5- and 6-year-old reining Craig Schmersal and Mr Dual Rey. »

ho orses. This year’s Derby finals weere the richest ever, paying ou ut approximately $961,000 to o owners and nominators of op pen and non pro finalists.

During the open go-round, 57 71 entries competed for a sp pot in the finals with 75 of th he top-scoring horse and rider teams invited back to o Saturday night’s event.

Until the very end of the U fiinals, thousands of reining ffans, watching in-person aand online, were treated tto exciting leader board cchanges. Many fans were aanxious to see if one of the ttwo past NRHA Futurity Champions (Not Ruf At All C and dA Americasnextgunmodel) would follow-up with another major NRHA event championship.

In the end, 2013 NRHA Futurity Champions Not Ruf At All (A Sparkling Vintage x All Ruffed Up) and NRHA Professional Jason Vanlandingham (Whitesboro, TX) bested the field by three points for the win with a score of 229.

WEDDING BELLS Huge congratulations are in order for Alli Castriotta and

Thomas Keough who were recently married at the Roger Williams Park Botanical Center in Providence, RI.

SIMPLY MAGIC Congratulations to barrel racer Caitlyn Woods on winning the 2014 Cheri Cervi West Coast Youth Championship. Caitlyn’s horse Spooke Deville was also named the “Horse with the Most Heart.”

A 14-year-old high school freshman and California native, Caitlyn and her 14.3-hand horse, Caddy, have been burning up the barrel racing world since teaming up in a pairing that has been described as instant magic.

WINNER, WINNER The NRHA Collegiate Reining Championship consisted of 12 riders: four from the National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA), four from the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) and four selected by the NRHA. One entry rose above the rest to earn the championship title. Mckenzie Lantz and Non Stop Nimble, donated to the competition by owner Pamela Gordnier, marked a 145.5 for the win. Lantz is a senior majoring in sports management at the University of Georgia.

A native of Fremont, MI, Lantz represented NRHA in the championship. She also won last year’s championship for the University of Georgia.

MILLION DOLLAR MAN The NRHA sends congratulations to its newest NRHA Three Million Dollar Rider Craig Schmersal.

Schmersal qualified two horses for the NRHA Derby Open Finals, King Of The Coast and What A Wave, to reach the next level in his career.

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CT Renegades Cowboy Mounted Shooting Club Battle at the Airfield SUBMITTED BY ALLISON FORSYTH; PHOTOS BY JEANNE LEWIS IMAGES

Western News continued from page 115 On King Of The Coast, owned by Hickory Creek Ranch, Schmersal placed fourth in the Level Four Open division, and riding Karl and Terri Roberts’s What A Wave, he tied for fifth. In all, he won nearly $40,000 to join the short list of riders who have earned in excess of three million dollars in official NRHA earnings, Shawn Flarida, Andrea Fappani, and Tim McQuay.

GONE TOO SOON Condolences to the Player family on the unexpected passing of Captain Jeff Player. Player was a 16-time Palomino Horse Breeders Association (PHBA) World Champion and beloved friend. He was well known at the palomino horse shows and ran Diamond P Horses with his wife, Kathi, located in Naples, FL. 116 EQUINE

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of West Granby, CT. The six-stage main match was followed by a shotgun class.

Bill Riel and Blue also took the win in this class, closely followed by Roger Dinsmore from Granby, CT, on Boggy Boy in second and Bruce Tolhurst of Marlboro, CT, on Miss Kitty in third.

A few short weeks later, on July 19, the CT Renegades put on a fourstage match and awarded over $250 in jackpot payouts. The “Summer Sizzler” event welcomed 26 riders from New Hampshire to Long Island, NY. Fast was the word of the day, as several riders were pushing hard to gain the top spot.

Less than seven seconds separated the top five riders: the overall winner was Bill Riel and Blue of New York with a time of 86.443. Reserve Cowboy was Joe Lauzon and Micha from East Bridgewater, MA, with a total time of 87.318. Third and Overall Cowgirl, was Ali Forsyth on KC from Connecticut with a time of 88.560. Fourth was Rob Baratta on Tango from Londonderry,

[ABOVE] Stephen Armato and Cougar.

[BELOW] Allison Forsyth and Callum KC Dark Smoke.

continued on page 117 7

Summer Sizzler Hosted by The Northeast Six Shooters

BY DINA BARATTA

THE NORTHEAST SIX SHOOTERS HOSTED their “Summer Sizzler” match on June 22 at The Run and Gun Ranch in Norfolk, MA. They were honored to be the first horse event Run and Gun Ranch has hosted since its construction. Congratulations to Rob Baratta and Tango for winning the Overall title for the day, and to Kelly Sommers and Chyna for winning the Overall Cowgirl title.

Kelli Sinclaire won the Ladies 1 division on Woody and, thanks to a sponsor of Paige Whitt, Kelli was able to walk away with a custom made holster by John Kaye of Texas. In fact, many of the competitors walked away with prizes sponsored by Gilmores Feed and Seed of Walpole, MA.

Kelly Somers on Chyna.

PHOTO: (BOTTOM) JEANNE LEWIS IMAGES

THE CONNECTICUT (CT) RENEGADES Cowboy Mounted Shooting club recently held two great Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association (CMSA) matches at the Old Bethany Airport in Bethany, CT. On Saturday, June 28, the CT State Championship welcomed 29 riders from New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.

For the second year in a row, the Overall Cowboy was Bill Riel and his mount Whispering Blue of Mechanicville, NY. The Overall Cowgirl and L3 class winner was Ali Forsyth and Callum KC Dark Smoke of West Granby, CT. Reserve Cowboy was Stephen Armato of Stoneham, MA, on Cougar, and the Reserve Cowgirl was Paige Whitt of Norfolk, MA, on Flash. The overall winners earned buckles along with the winners of all full classes. Other buckle earners were: Kowboy Ken Forcier and Red (M2) of Oxford, CT; Pat Aresco and Peptos Playgun Olena (L2) of Litchfield, CT; and Paige Forsyth and Missouri (L1)

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[LEFT] Middle School Champion: Autumn Rose Equestrian Team from Plain City, OH. [RIGHT] Upper School Champion: KM Equestrian Team of Findlay, OH.

Student Equestrians Ride To IEA National Championships 166 OF THE NATION’S LEADING middle school and high school equestrians competed at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City, OK, June 26-28, 2014. The Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) student-riders competed in the western discipline during the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Derby. The NRHA and the National Reining Horse Youth Association (NRHyA) are alliance partners of the IEA and sponsored the event. The finalists represented 40 teams from seven zones throughout the United States. Individuals and teams participated in multiple competitions during the 2013-2014 regular season

shows and zone finals to qualify for the IEA National Finals competition.

Riders competed in reining and horsemanship. The IEA format requires that riders compete in unfamiliar tack on unfamiliar mounts; therefore, each rider drew a horse the day of competition and entered the show arena with no opportunity to familiarize themselves with their mount.

In the individual competition, Shelby Derr, 18, who rides for the Hancock Horseman team of Findlay, OH, was named the IEA Champion Western Rider by accumulating the highest number of points in the Varsity Open division.

In the fourth annual High School Reining Championship among the top four youth riders of the IEA and the top four NRHyA riders, the winner was Paisley Roberts of Plain City, OH, riding for the NRHyA. Roberts is also a current IEA member. Alex Johnston (IEA) of Brentwood, TN, who rides for the Natchez Bend team, took second place.

In the IEA upper school team competition, KM Equestrian of Findlay, OH, earned the championship title. Autumn Rose Equestrian Team of Plain City, OH, was the reserve champion team. In the middle school competition, Autumn Rose Equestrian Team received the championship title. Central Carolina Equestrian Team from Pinnacle, NC, finished as the reserve champion.

The IEA holds the trait of good sports-

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CT Renegades Cowboy Mounted continued from page 116

PHOTO: (TOP) COURTESY OF JENNIFER EATON

NH, with a time of 89.319. Fifth and Reserve Cowgirl was Amy Lunt on Three Bears with a total time of 92.720.

Congratulations to all the full class winners earning themselves a move up win: L1–Paige Forsyth and Missouri, moving her to an L2; L2–Pat Aresco and Boon; L3–Ali Forsyth and KC, moving her to an L4; and M3–Bill Riel and Blue.

Steven Roy of New Hampshire won the shotgun class on Rufus with a time of 47.941. Bill Riel and Blue followed with a time of 48.477, and third was taken by Rob Baratta with a time of 58.384. The CT Renegades will be back in Bethany, CT, on Saturday, October 11 to host a new horse/rider clinic. If you’ve ever wanted to try out mounted shooting,

this clinic is a great opportunity to train not only with experienced shooters, but with riders experienced in training horses to become solid shooting partners. The following day will be the final “Battle at the Airfield” four-stage match for 2014. For more information on the clinic, please visit CTRenegades.com.

[ABOVE] Amy Lunt and Three Bears.

[LEFT] Bill Riel and Whispering Blue.

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IEA Nat. Championships continued from page 117 manship among riders and coaches to the highest regard.

For this reason, two awards were given to recognize riders displaying exceptional sportsmanship. In conjunction with the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA), Jessica Brobst of the Stonehaven Equestrian Team from Temperance, MI, won the IEA National Sportsmanship Award. Micah King of the Autumn Rose Equestrian Team was awarded the NRHA Sportsmanship Award for displaying exceptional sportsmanship during the 2014 Western National Finals.

The IEA High Point Crossover Rider Award was given to Grace Cope from the Last Lap Ranch of Maryville, TN, for being the highest ranking individual to qualify for both the individual Western and Hunt Seat National Finals

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in 2014. The Team Spirit Award was given to the Dare Equestrian Team of Hilliard, OH, for their great attitude and participation throughout the Finals event. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our IEA riders were just spectacular in and out of the show arena during the Finals.

We are so fortunate to have such talented youngsters in our association. These kids can really ride. The staff of our alliance partner, the NRHA, was terrific as well.

Their assistance and facilities provide an environment that is very special to IEA competitors. Our members, parents, and coaches are overwhelmingly pleased with the support of the NRHA management and staff. We are especially grateful to the owners/ trainers that supplied the highquality horses,â&#x20AC;? said Roxane Lawrence, IEA co-founder/ executive director.

For more information on the IEA, please visit rideiea.org.

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Trail/Distance Riding news [ EQUINE JOURNAL AFFILIATE ]

Ohio Arabian and All-Breed Trail Society Has Successful Summer Outing SUBMITTED BY MICKIE NEWNAM

ANOTHER GREAT SCIOTO RUN HAS come and gone. I kept Barb Oberhaus company as she marked the trail, and we had a good time. The horses were very good (and the mare Thomas Shipley was riding was quite green-broke, but handled it like a pro!) and while I wasn’t a lot of help, we had fun. I almost got to try out my new crash vest but luckily avoided that! Trails were very wellmarked (thanks to Barb, and Jo Murray), which is always a good thing.

As usual, Mollie, Tom, and the crew put on a quality event. It was hot, but at least we didn’t have any monsoons (the weather leading up to it was pretty wet) and the trails were in good shape.

Maureen was training a new vet, who had a great time, so we may be seeing more of her. Unfortunately, I kept forgetting to get the camera out of the truck the first day, so I didn’t get any photos from that day. I dearly wish I had my camera when Robert Plummer came in from the 25—he tried his best to remove the mud from at least one spot on the trail, and did a pretty good job of it, from the looks of him. Had I been smart, I would have made sure someone got a photo of that, but as far as I know, no one did. It was pretty impressive, though.

Becky McCarty and Dommy (Wineglass Dominus+/) have been busy with a side activity. They’re still doing distance rides, but are also training with the Sheriff’s department. Over the winter, Becky plans to go for further training so they can do even more. But for now, they are doing parades (including carrying a flag) and learning the ropes.

[ABOVE] Kay Rothermund and Pure Country. [BELOW] Morgan Loomis and QED Ash-Leigh.

I’m including a photo of them meeting Smokey the Bear at a local function.

Don’t forget that the Cracked OAATS Crunch is fast approaching. If you can’t ride we can always use more help.

Also, remember that we will have our annual elections for the board of directors (BOD) there. We’re losing three members of the BOD (Barb Oberhaus,

who I neglected to mention before, is also leaving us), so if you think you might like to serve on it, please let one of the board members know. It’s a good way to give back to the club. And we don’t bite, really!

That’s it for this month. Hopefully by the time you read this, the trails will be dry and the hay barns full. Happy riding!

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

BY SUZY LUCINE

Morgan news a dedicated and celebrated breeder of Morgan horses. Her stallion, Immortal Command, was her pride and joy, earning her many accolades in the Morgan community. In addition to her work with horses, Meg also enjoyed stamping, knitting, sewing, reading, gardening, and had a great love of all animals. Most of all, she enjoyed long conversations with her young grandson, who shared her interests in flowers, animals, and geology.

A widow of the late Richard W. Preston, she is survived by their son, Randall “Randy” Preston, his wife Lori, and grandson, Randall E. Preston, II; one brother; two nieces; and several cousins.

WELCOME, BABY!

[ABOVE] Menomin Mister Yankee with Scott Rodlin jousting against Rebecca Cooper riding Ledyard’s Nicholas.

[RIGHT] David Sproul welcomed DWS French Elegance, a bay filly by Futurity French Command and out of VVM Simply Elegant.

OPEN BARN FUN

PHOTOS: (TOP) BILL ROBERTS

Ledyard Farms in King Ferry, NY, will host its third annual Open Barn on September 9, 2014. The event will include tours of the farm, dinner, and entertainment. The farm’s event has grown tremendously over the last three years, and more than 250 guests are expected this year.

Friends and visitors will enjoy seeing the Morgan horses, Highland cattle, Jacob sheep, peacocks, and other animals.

This will include the beautiful young Morgan horses of Ledyard, as well as Ledyard’s esteemed broodmares. “We will have 18 of our best yearlings and weanlings primped and ready to strut for our friends and guests,” said owner Bill Haines.

The 2013 Open Barn featured jousting, and it was a huge success. The jousters will

return again this year, but with a twist. Come see how jousting and professional Morgan trainers come together.

The event is free and open to the public. The party will kick off at 5:30 p.m.

If you are attending the New York Regional Morgan Horse Show (NYRMHS), a bus will be available at 4:30 p.m. at the state fairgrounds to transport guests.

For more information, email rcooper@ledyardfarms, or call Rebecca Cooper at 603-380-1077.

IN REMEMBRANCE Margaret Louise (Clark) Preston passed peacefully at home with family, on July 7, after a long illness. She was 77.

David Sproul of New Gloucester, ME, welcomed a bay filly out of his mare, VVM Simply Elegant.

DWS French Elegance is by Futurity French Command.

PUT A RING ON IT Congratulations to Angela Savoie and Ryan McGreary on their recent engagement.

SOLD!

Born in 1937 in Kezar Falls, ME, “Peggy,” as she was known to family, or “Meg,” as she was known to friends, was a graduate of Colby College in Waterville, ME. Before moving to Alton, NH, in 2005, Meg lived in Epping, NH, for more than 40 years, where she owned and operated Rum Brook Farm, and was

Chris Cassenti of Chrislar Farm in Rowley, MA, recently helped several sellers and buyers.

Linda Glock of Woodstock, VT, purchased Burkland Sea Fox. She will be using the chestnut gelding for competitive trail riding. He was formerly owned by Carol Ramsey-Rice of Hubbardston, MA. Ashley Fleck Morris of Vermont purchased Medowmak French Tradition. Treavor will be used for many years to come

by Hayden and Riley Morris doing leadline, walk-trot, and more! The nine-year-old gelding was formerly owned by Mary Pugliese and Hilda Denham of Rehoboth, MA.

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First Ever Morgan Rider Wins USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final again in January to aim for the final.

Caitlin and The Wizard put their 11-year partnership on display, earning much acclaim for their performance.

“We came here with very little expectation, all we wanted to do was have a fun experience,” Caitlin said. “We did better than we could have imagined. I had so much fun and had a clean pattern. It felt great to present the Morgan breed.”

Caitlin and The Wizard have been training with Jaisen for a year-and-a-half and have excelled in his program. She hadn’t shown pattern work in about 10 years, but her hard work leading up to the final paid off.

“Oz is a great partner for me. He knows his job and if I ever rush or get anxious, he gets upset with me,” Caitlin explained.

“With him, I don’t have an opportunity to get anxious. I thought he could hold his own and I knew going in [that] the goal was to have fun and a wonderful time.

Winning is just icing on the cake.”

A very talented group of riders

Caitlin Bevins rode The Wizard to win the USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final.

from across the country performed on the rail, and completed an individual pattern created by the judges for the USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final supported by Zubrod Stables. The judging panel consisted of James Hale, Brooke Jacobs, and Nancy Troutman.

Later in the show, Caitlin and Oz were reserve in the UPHA Adult Challenge Cup National Finals.

PHOTO: HOWARD SCHATZBERG

A FIELD OF 10 COMPETITORS VYING for the 2014 United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final title kicked off the evening session at the Lexington Junior League Charity Horse Show on July 9. At the end of the class, held at the famous Red Mile Race Track in Lexington, KY, history was made as Caitlin Bevins of Rotterdam, NY, was named the winner of the 2014 USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final. Caitlin rode The Wizard, a chestnut gelding she co-owns with Tamra Lynch. She rides under the direction of Jaisen von Ballmoos of Fairview Stable in Manchester Center, VT. Caitlin’s win was especially exciting because she is the first rider to ever win the final riding a Morgan in its 14-year history. The win was all the more meaningful for Caitlin as she has owned “Oz” since he was four years old. The pair quickly began competing in equitation classes, taking a break when Caitlin was in college, but began pattern work

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

BY JENNIFER ROBERTS

Arabian news LE EGENDARY Chrissie Bailey is excited to announce that her lovely Haalf-Arabian mare KB Kalilia Fahim +++// has earned her gion of masters. leg

BIIG BOY Co ongratulations to Mandy an nd Aaron Le of American Caanyon, CA, on the birth of th heir son Maddox Le on July 16 6, 2014. Baby Max weighed in n at a healthy nine pounds, 13 ounces.

N NEWS FROM STONE HOLLOW S

CONGRATULATIONS TO HOLLY SCHNADER on being appointed president of the Arabian Horse Youth Association!

PHOTOS: (TOP LEFT) ARABIAN SPORT HORSE MAGAZINE; (BOTTOM LEFT) DICK REED; (BOTTOM RIGHT) BRIAN NIGRO PHOTOGRAPHY

THE NEXT CHAPTER

“EMPRES”IVE

Hats off to Brooke Marie Jarvis who recently graduated from United International Business School. We wish her the best of luck with her future career at C. Jarvis Insurance and carrying on the great legacy started by the amazing Jarvis ladies.

Arabian stallion *EMPRES (Monogramm x Empressa) carried 11-year-old Casey Cairns to several placings in Training Level at the Westman Dressage Show. DJ Cairns also rode him to a win and reserve championship in First Level.

WINE AND CHOCOLATE

B Beth Thomas told us, ““Several riders ventured out into the open circuit o sshows around us and brought home some nice b wins and it was fun to get w the A th Arabians showing their skills off to others. We hope to do a few more local shows as well as an eventing clinic with Stephen Bradley at Creekside Stables in nearby Blairsville and a mini trial at Rolling Rock in August.

“We took FR Hercules++++//, Angelica Bay+//, and GA E-Khwaytor ++ (who now has enough points for his first /) to the Blue Ridge Classic in Lexington, VA. All three carried on as they finished last fall and earned lots of wins. They sure

didn’t forget anything over the winter and, in fact, improved! It was also great to see horse show friends that we hadn’t seen since September, and also to see their horses going well and their new horses coming along.

“I have spent so much time in Virginia as of late that I think I should just move there!

Mostly to see friends and show horses, but sadly also to pay tribute to the late Willis Foley.

Willis was a delightful man who knew so much about so many different things and could make you feel at ease right from the first hand shake.”

WHAT AN HONOR Thomas Crossen of Crossen Arabians and Warmbloods in Coventry, CT, recently received notification from the Arabian Horse Association that he has earned the prestigious Handler of Honor Champion in the Amateur Achievement Awards Program. Points toward the award were accrued in Class A, Regional, and National Arabian horse shows.

SOLD! Julie Daniels sends her congratulations to Makenna Dunn on her new fancy blonde mount, OH Legally Blond! We are very

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Kelly Felicijan and her Arabian/ Trakehner Cocoa Vino finished ninth in their second run at Preliminary at South Farm Horse Trials. They were double clear in cross-country and had just eight faults in stadium jumping.

CONDOLENCES Our deepest sympathies go out to Beth Conti and Shilo Bath on the loss of their two-month-old colt Oneiro (Mirage V x Cicadia) who was euthanized due to a severe bone infection.

[LEFT] Brooke Marie Jarvis. [RIGHT] Thomas Crossen and CA Celyna (First Cyte+ x CA Chelsea).

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Region g 16 Championships Attendees Enjoy Fun in the Sun THE ARABIAN HORSE ASSOCIATION Region 16 Championships were held July 9-12, 2014, in Syracuse, NY. The show had a great turnout, with many barns coming to compete in the myriad of classes and divisions.

New for 2014, the Sport Horse In-Hand and Under Saddle classes were divided by hunter and dressage type. This

encouraged a number of people to try out the sport horse classes in a smaller venue. Due to torrential downpours (and a tornado warning) the Hunter Type Sport Horse In-Hand classes were moved inside, a great decision by show management. The Training Level and First Level dressage classes were also split between Purebred and Half-Arabians for the

first time this year, in response to overwhelming exhibitor feedback.

All of the coliseum classes were live streamed via Arabian Horse Global, with the help of Seahorse Video, allowing anyone to spectate.

There were a number of exciting wins. However, it might have been Khaboom and Mary Trowbridge who stole the show with their amazing ride to victory in the Half-Arabian English Pleasure Open Championships.

Show manager Gaylon Medley put on an exhibitor friendly show with a hospitality booth and lots of little extras.

For complete results, visit Region16.org.

Arabian News continued from page 123 excited for you and your family. Special thanks go out to Laura Whitehead for acting as an agent.

APPROVED Arabian mare Naysa (Piaff x Nova Wind) was inspected and approved for breeding with the American Trakehner Association last June. The inspector gave her all 7s and 8s, pointing out her Bryna Stevenson and Whisperstreams Atropine. good bone, light trot, and big eye, and calling her Old Dominion trophy for daya great ambassador for the Arabian breed. Naysa is owned after Best Condition. and bred by Tamara Boose.

TAKING FLIGHT

Laine Sklar and her HalfArabian, Paladin SF (Ail Magic x Pudua Go), won all three of their Third Level classes at the Road Runner Open Dressage Show with score 66-68%.

Arabian cross, In Flight N’ Out Of Sight, and young rider, Jessica Ebzery, placed third in Junior Open Training at the Fitch’s Corner Horse Trials.

BRYNA BRINGS IT Leave it to a 14-year-old rider to set some new endurance riding standards in one of the country’s oldest and most prestigious 100-mile rides. Not only was the 40th anniversary of the Old Dominion 100 Bryna Stevenson’s first endurance ride by herself, but she also set the record aboard Whisperstreams Atropin as the youngest winner; she and Maddy won the Best Condition award as well as the 124 EQUINE

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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

Sport Horse Nationals is returning to Idaho for another year of quality competition. Put it on your calendar as a show not to miss!

Sport Horse Nationals Heads to Idaho This Month THE ARABIAN HORSE ASSOCIATION (AHA) SPORT HORSE National Championship Horse Show celebrates its 12th anniversary in 2014 from September 24-27, and benchmarks 12 years of incredible horsemanship and continued growth as AHA’s bright new show. Held at the Idaho Center Horse Park in Nampa, ID, it is the only Sport Horse show offered by a breed association.

From dressage, to hunter jumper, to pleasure carriage driving, and much more, come see some of the best horse athletes in the industry.

For more information, as well as a class list, visit ArabianHorses.org.

PHOTOS: (LEFT) OLIN BALCH, DVM, PHD; (RIGHT) DON STINE

BY THE LETTER

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arabian

[ EQUINE JOURNAL AFFILIATE ]

Arabian Horse Assoc. of New England Hosts 60th Annual Big Money Horse Show PHOTOS BY BRIAN NIGRO PHOTOGRAPHY

THE ARABIAN HORSE Association of New England held their 60th Annual Big Money Horse Show on June 26-28, 2014, at the Eastern States Exposition Center in West Springfield, MA. Janet Henderson of Port Colborne, Canada, capably judged all of the classes in the coliseum from main ring halter, to country pleasure, to sport horse under saddle classes. Johanna Gwinn of West Chester, PA, officiated over the large sport horse in-hand classes as well as the first day of dressage. Dee Loveless of Monson, MA, stepped in to score the second day of dressage classes.

Show Manager Robert McEntee kept the show running smoothly with the help of the office staff, which was managed by Lurline Combs, and the rest of the wonderful staff that was brought on board.

Popular among all of the exhibitors was the new trophy room that allowed you to pick from a wide variety of trophies, gift cards, books and horse equipment. It was exciting to see what the lucky winners would select after their win.

Even more exciting were the neck ribbons presented to the champions, in addition to their checks (yes, they gave out prize money in nearly all of the championship classes). The ribbons made for beautiful photos as riders and their horses made their way down victory lane.

For complete results, as well as information on the 2015 horse show, please visit AHANE.org.

[FROM TOP] Caroline Ventura and LH Feels So Good+/ won the HA/AA Hunter Pleasure AAOTR, the HA/AA Hunter Pleasure AATR 40 & over, and the HA/ AA Hunter Pleasure AATR Championship; Brooks Menard showing his yearling filly, CA Arabella, in the SHIH Mares JTH class; Thomas Crossen and Khocise+ competed successfully at First and Second Level.

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[ EQUINE JOURNAL AFFILIATE ]

Rhode Island Arabian Horse Association Holds Informative Meeting ON JULY 17, 2014, THE RHODE ISLAND Arabian Horse Association (RIAHA) held their monthly meeting at Dwyer Equine at Red Rock Farm in Foster, RI. Deborah Crane of Equine Sports Therapies, LLC, gave a hands-on clinic demonstrating all of the tools in her tool box. Deborah offers a wide array of services including equine massage and bodywork, Reiki healing, myofacial release, digital thermal imaging, bio sonic repatterning, and essential oil aromatherapy.

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Deborah did a complete round of therapy on a willing test horse, Thunderstuck NH, owned by Kevin Dwyer, in front of the small group. This intimate setting gave the attendees plenty of time to ask questions, which Deborah was more than happy to answer.

Plans for future meetings include details on forage analysis and saddle fitting as well as plans for a dentistry clinic. Members and non-members alike are encouraged to attend the meetings at no charge; new members

SAVE THE DATE! THE RHODE ISLAND ARABIAN HORSE Association Annual Open Horse Show will be held on October 19, 2014 at Dwyer Equine at Red Rock Farm in Foster, RI. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something for everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;we offer Arabian and Half-Arabian classes as well as open classes and a full Leadline division.

Champion and reserve championships will be awarded in all divisions, as well as a high point day end championship.

For a class list and entry forms, visit riarabianhorseassociation.com.

are always welcome. For more information on the club and future meetings, visit our website.

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

BY JENNIFER ROBERTS

Quarter Horse news QU UARTER HORSES HO ONORED The Normandy 2014 Orrganizing Committee is proud to welcome the Am merican Quarter Horse ass a Horse of Honor at the 20 014 Alltech FEI World Eq questrian Games.

“The American Quarter Horse is the world’s most veersatile breed,” said AQHA President Johnny Trotter of Hereford, TX. “Whether o raacing, ranching, or riding out on the trail, the o American Quarter Horse outA performs other breeds, and p its intelligent, gentle nature aand even temperament makes it unique.” m

FAMILY OF FIVE F HAIDASRODEATIDALWAVE AND OWNER/RIDER Amber Edmonds have had a fabulous 2014 show season.

SOLD! Pete Garcia Quarter Horses of Ocala, FL, would like to congratulate Gail Burke of Cumming, GA, on the purchase of Its Hot In Ocala, better known as Vegas.

Burke and Vegas will be under the guidance of Jamie Higgins.

WELCOME TO THE WORLD Heather McCormick and Mike Judd welcomed their second bundle of joy on June 15, 2014, at 1:14 p.m. Little Hannah May weighed in at 7lbs, 11oz, and measured 19.5 inches long.

Horses, Paints, Palominos, and Appaloosas. Roy will be responsible for leading their program forward in Athens, TX, which includes the management of the broodmare herd, show horses, and weanlings.

SHE SAID YES Congratulations to Taryn McBride and John Pina of Burlington, CT, who were recently engaged.

MILAN WELCOMES DONN

PHOTO: (TOP) MOTIKEN

Milan Quarter Horses, home of Very Cool and Attencion, is happy to welcome Roy Donn to their team. Donn has been in the halter industry since 1968 with over 20 World and Reserve Champions in Quarter

Taryn McBride and John Pina.

Congratulations to David C and d JJulie Dellin of Elmore City, OK, on the birth of their new daughter, McKenna Dellin. She weighed in at 8lbs, 5oz and was 19.5 inches long. Many in the industry know David as a trainer, AQHA judge, and the APHA Director of Judges. McKenna has two big brothers, Lane and Gage, to look after her.

REMEMBERING SAM Five Quarter Horse jockeys have been nominated for the 2014 Sam Thompson Memorial Jockey Award, which honors riders whose lives and character positively impact the Quarter Horse racing industry.

The nominees are: Oscar Delgado, Eddie Garcia, Cody Jensen, Ricky Ramirez, and Stormy Smith.

The award is given in honor of the late Sam Thompson, a Quarter Horse jockey who was well liked and highly respected both on and off the racetrack.

Thompson died in 2008 due to injuries suffered in a riding accident at Los Alamitos. A leader in the jockey’s room throughout his career, Thompson was a Jockeys’

Guild senator and the room representative at Los Alamitos.

He was also a council member of the Los Alamitos division of the Race Track Chaplaincy of America.

CONDOLENCES We are sad to report that Congress champion, High Point winning, and Reserve World Champion producing dam, The Katwoman, has passed away. The 1994 bay hunter under saddle mare was loved deeply by Doris Collier and the Augsburger family of Pinetree Quarter Horses. At 20 years old, the beloved mare had developed bladder problems that veterinarians could no longer control.

ONE ON THE WAY Congratulations to Grace Keating and Keith Robinson of Keene, NH, who recently announced that they will be expecting their first child at the end of January 2015.

TROTTER ON BOARD The American Horse Council (AHC) elected American Quarter Horse Association President Johnny Trotter and Chris Welton to the American Horse Council Board of Trustees.

“AHC is pleased to have Johnny Trotter and Chris Welton join its board,” said AHC President Jay Hickey. “The experience they have in both the horse and business world is outstanding. We are pleased to have them working in yet another capacity to keep our industry strong and feel that they will be great assets to the board and the organization.”

EXPENSIVE COOKIE No Doubt Im Lazy and Gumz Farms would like to congratulate Frank and Lin Berris on their purchase of Heza Lazy Cookie, who was the highest seller in

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Merial AQHA Region Six Regional Championship Highlights Successful Teens

Quarter Horse News

CT, with his wife, Tami, an AQHA Professional Horsewoman.

“She made a deal with Uncle Garry and Aunt Tami and started working at it and practicing at it,” Chris said. They told Sam that if she was committed and rode with them every day, they’d help her show.

“It’s hard not to be proud of her,” Chris said. “She has been working hard.

She does the work at Garry and Tami’s, and she does work at our house, too.

It’s a tradeoff. It’s not all show pens and ribbons and show saddles.”

But on the last day at least, there was time to sit back and enjoy the custom Montana Silversmiths belt buckle she earned for topping her regional championship class.

That’s just what 19-year-old Hannah Pingrey of Silver Springs, NY, was doing, too. She received a buckle for winning the 14-18 Novice Youth Trail class, and doing so propelled her to the top of the regional championship all-around standings for her age group and netted her a second buckle.

As she waited in line to take a win photo with Dreaming Ofa Goodbar, the sorrel gelding socialized with everyone

Hannah Pingrey won the 14-18 Novice Youth Trail class, as well as the overall regional champion for her age group.

standing around him and even nibbled on a nearby dog.

“He’s very friendly,” Hannah said.

“He’s always wanting you to pet on him and rub on him and just touch him.”

The two of them have only been a team for about a month, but the success they enjoyed at the regional championship was evidence that the partnership is already starting to gel.

“He’s definitely starting to trust me a lot, and I’m getting used to him and trusting him a lot more, too,” Hannah, who trains with Danny and Jill Bergstresser of Oswego, NY, said.

“He’s a good boy,” Hannah continued.

“He always does what I ask of him, he never fights me or anything.”

Article reprinted with permission from The American Quarter Horse Journal.

the Tom Powers Futurity Sale for $74,000. The Berrises own No Doubt Im Lazy, who also sired the highest seller last year, No Doubt Im Trouble.

developed many friends through horse showing and still asked about the old friends each time his granddaughter returned from a show. His daughter Elizabeth Boyter Turner and granddaughter Sabrina Turner reside in Gulfport, MS.

The men’s Horse of the Year is Twisters Play, a 2004 red dun gelding by JH Twister and out of DW Playnwithattitude by JH Playote. He was bred by Chad Boggs of Cyril, OK, and is owned by his exhibitor, Logan Harkey of Vernon, TX.

IN MOURNING

RODEO SUPERSTARS

GONE TOO SOON

Wayne Boyter passed away on June 14, 2104, in Pine Bluff, AR. He was 83. Wayne was a former judge, national director, and many time past president of the Arkansas Quarter Horse Association and Arkansas Youth Advisor. He was active in the Quarter Horse industry from the late 1960s until 1986, when his wife died of cancer. Wayne then retired from judging, but he continued to keep up with the industry, until his death, through his granddaughter showing. He

College athletes and their equine partners competed June 15-21 at the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, WY. The AQHA recognizes two top horses at the event. The women’s Horse of the Year is RS Hickory Play Boy, owned by Chris J. Walker of Wellsville, UT, and trained by his daughter, Jacalyn Walker. RS Hickory Play Boy is a 2000 bay gelding by Peppy Belles Player and out of Miss Hickory Prom by Hickorydickorydoc.

He was bred by Rulon and Sally Weaver of Layton, UT.

Margaret Hammond of Peyton, CO, renowned equestrienne, horse trainer, and international horse show judge, died June 26 of Alzheimer’s disease. She was 65.

Margaret was respected far and wide as an excellent horse show judge. She judged throughout the United States and Canada, in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Australia, and the Dominican Republic.

She also judged the huge All American Quarter Horse Congress in Ohio, plus the

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AQHA World Championship Show (four times) and the Youth World Championship Show. Margaret was also called upon one year to judge the Miss Rodeo America contest.

AQHA presented the AQHA Professional Horsemen’s Lifetime Achievement Award to Margaret in 2008. In 2011, she was inducted into the Rocky Mountain Quarter Horse Hall of Fame.

MAKING CHANGES Don Treadway Jr., the executive vice president of the American Quarter Horse Association, announced his intent to retire in 2015. In making the announcement, Treadway wants to allow ample time to appoint a successor and ensure an orderly transition to not interrupt Association business and member needs.

PHOTO: THE AMERICAN QUARTER HORSE JOURNAL

FOURTEEN-YEAR-OLD SAMANTHA Tarby rooted for her friends as they picked up wins at the Merial American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Region Six Regional Championships, but on the last day of competition, it was Sam’s turn to receive some applause.

Sam and Hot Rod Number Eight, owned by Katherine Hug, won a regional championship in Novice Youth Trail, 13 and Under.

“I’m really happy with how he did,” Sam said. She made one error during the trail pattern, steering her horse in the wrong direction, and he ticked a pole. “I was kind of grinding my teeth a little bit because I know what I did wrong, and I know I could have fixed it,” the competitive teen said.

“But the backup was good, and that’s what we were working on a lot, so I’m happy.”

And did we mention that this was just Sam’s second AQHA show?

Her dad, Chris McAllister, has some family connections that helped make Sam’s transition into AQHA competition easier.

The family lives just about a mile from Chris’ brother, Garry McAllister, who runs a training barn in Southbury,

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Baroque news [ EQUINE JOURNAL AFFILIATE ]

Foundation for the Pure Spanish Horse Shares a Great Book for Enthusiasts SUBMITTED BY BARBARA CLARK

PHOTO: COTY

A MUST HAVE BILINGUAL BOOK about Spanish Horses was recently published in Spain by Messidor Ediciones Ecuestres entitled Historical and Current Stallions of the Purebred Spanish Horse. With 30 of the most influential stallions documented in this book, it is something everyone interested in the breed will enjoy for years to come.

There is no one who can take the place of the recently deceased prolific author, Juan Carlos Altamirano, writing about the extensive history of the breed.

He continues to be the master and expert of the P.R.E.’s origins and evolution into the 20th century. In one of his most recent publications, Altamirano touched on the historical bloodlines of the horse with his book The Military Stud Farm. It is such a good read that it leaves people wanting more. Eliseo Ferrer, editor of the new book, provides knowledgehungry readers with detailed information on more recent stallions that have dominated the breeding shed, including some from the allimportant military.

Upon first glance, one of the most influential Spanish breeding stallions in recent history seems to be missing from the list of stallions represented.

Leviton (1970) is a remarkable stallion whose influence on the modern P.R.E. cannot be disputed. He is included, along with a long list of his many descendants, under his sire, Ajente (1959) who was an important stallion in his own right.

Each of the 30 stallions has a distinct, in-depth, and interesting story that also teaches about its road to fame and its many relatives. Another valuable addition of each stallion’s pages is a complete list of offspring including codigo, sex, breeder, color, and date of birth. It is almost like having the stud-

book in your hands!

If you are confused about the new categories formed for P.R.E. stallions to improve the breed, this book will explain them in detail. Everyone who is interested in purchasing a Spanish stallion will benefit from learning about these four classifications so they will understand what they are purchasing and can work toward upgrading their stallion to higher categories.

The Historical and Current Stallions of the Purebred Spanish Horse will occupy the person who loves to read stories about individual P.R.E. horses for many hours. It will satisfy the serious breeder who is dedicated to bloodline research, and it will delight the owner who would like to know more about his horse’s ancestors. There is truly something for everyone in this book! It can be found, along with many other books about the P.R.E. horse, on our website, prehorse.org.

Learn about the relatives of these beautiful P.R.E. stallions. » September 2014

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[ HAFLINGER AFFILIATE ]

Yankee Walkers,, Gaited Horses of New England

Ohio Haflinger g Assoc.

Advice on Becoming a Perfect Horse Husband SUBMITTED BY MATT DILLION

I’VE BEEN A HORSE HUSBAND FOR 35 years—one of the guys you see standing around the edges of horse shows holding reins, fetching buckets, and writing checks as instructed.

As a senior member of our loving yet often bewildered team, I’d like to offer my younger brethren a few of the tips I’ve picked up over the years—nothing particularly stunning or secretive, but just simple, time-tested approaches that have worked for me.

■ Be an enthusiastic supporter.

■ Don’t complain about the expense.

Yes, it’s outrageous what it costs to feed, vet, transport, and show horses. They require a lot of care, which will always be more expensive than you think it should be in relation to your “fun-time” pursuits. Nothing degrades the experience for the horse enthusiast more than induced guilt from a nickel and diming partner who resents the outlay.

■ Don’t complain about the time.

Yes, it’s shocking how much time your significant other will spend with her horse, caring, grooming, practicing, and showing.

All that time and energy spent on this big animal when it could be better allocated to you…the nerve! Get over it. These strange, wonderful horse people get these equines because they can’t imagine life without them. Complain, and you’ll all be miserable. Encourage it, and it’ll come back to you in a million unexpected and delightful ways in the long run.

■ Be a gracious helper.

■ There will be times when you’ll be asked to help, and it’s important to remember that helping with a task is (sadly) not an entitlement to critique or direct. Of course you’ll often have a “better idea” about any particular task at hand.

Keep it to yourself. Unless there’s actual danger or ruination at risk, it’s best to just be “the hands” in service of their need.

■ Old adage modified: No man was ever yelled at while mucking a stall.

■ No chitchat on show day.

■ Even the local neighborhood shows can be very stressful. Your horse owner will be focused on her form, interaction, and performance of her equine partner-

Summer Fun, Despite the Rain SUBMITTED BY KATINA WILSON

Matt and Prince Jester.

ship. Now is not the time to inquire about a bill, the kids, the car, your mother-in-law, dinner, or anything not directly related to the task at hand.

■ Acceptable exceptions to the rule are simple questions, “How can I help?

What do you need?” and simple declaratives, “Good ride. Good form.” Save anything else for the ride home.

■ At all times have a clean rag on show day. There will always be something icky at the last minute that needs to be wiped up. Boots, halters, noses… be ready and be a hero.

■ Learn to use technology. Preset the GPS to the show address in advance of their departure. Major stress avoidance.

■ As a horse husband, you’ll likely also be the cameraman. Learn which side of the phone camera is up, how to avoid the lens space during taping, and how to brace the camera against your beer gut for limited camera wiggle. Nothing ruins a post-ride analysis more than a giant thumb mid-test or vertigo inducing jittery display on playback. You don’t have to be Spielberg, but you must be competent.

These are just a few simple tips to help make your care and feeding of the horse owner a more enjoyable and peaceful experience.

IT SEEMS AS THOUGH OUR OLD friend, the polar vortex, is once again invading Ohio. Normally, we experience temperatures in the upper 80s with a high humidity for this time of year (as the magazine goes to press in mid-August). Not this week, however! As I type this article, it is a fall-like 71 degrees. The windows are open and the central air conditioning is turned off…a person could become accustomed to this type of weather. The wet weather throughout June did not damper anyone’s riding, though.

On a rainy, wet weekend in June, fellow Haflinger enthusiasts met in Conesville, OH, to camp and ride on the miles of trails that are available in the Fallon Park area of AEP reclaimed coal-lands. Everyone had a wonderful time despite the weather being uncooperative. While riders were out on their horses, we had two wonderful men tending to the camp.

Mike Woodward and my husband, Robert, were the self-proclaimed “campfire maintenance and refrigeration specialists” for the weekend.

When camping, it is imperative to have a campfire burning at all times, and ice in the coolers. Thank you to both Mike and Robert for keeping the fire going, and for cooking. The food was delicious! There were Ohio Haflinger Association (OHA) members who drove from West Virginia in order to camp and ride for the entire weekend. What a relaxing and entertaining weekend it turned out to be, despite the ever-present precipitation!

Upon typing this article, the Buckeye Haflinger show is over, and the New York Gold Classic is over as well. Where does the summer go? The last Haflinger breed show

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[ QUARTER PONY AFFILIATE ]

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Quarter Ponyy Assoc.

Stays on Foal Watch

WE ALL LOVE THE newborn foal, and Quarter Pony owners are no exception. Sadly, not all foaling has a happy ending. So, as equine owners, we need to make A Quarter Pony colt with Nellie. some tough decisions.

The actual foaling process went Nellie’s face. Time heals, and this well. But as time went on, the mare little guy is learning to work with began to bite the one-month-old colt. humans. We carefully put a halter on The mare was also very protective the colt, and then started to teach and would kick at the stall walls. Our him the leading process, placing the concern was that she would accidenlead rope around the foal’s rear and tally kick her own foal. Most babies gently pulling him from behind in a rely on their mothers for comfort and give-and-take manner. This was done protection, and this poor little guy first in his stall and then we moved was becoming terrified of his own him in the indoor. mother. So, the decision was made to It is very important to spend time wean the foal early. with your Quarter Pony foal. Our goal Due to the colt’s traumatic beginwas to get the foal used to following ning, he had developed a higher fear Nellie and listening to her voice. factor than most foals in the barn.

The foal resisted at first, but Nellie He was placed with a socialized foal remained calm and firm. After about that was very friendly. We hoped 10 minutes, our little Quarter Pony that it would make him realize that was being led without the rope around others of his kind wouldn’t hurt him. his hindquarters. Nellie and the colt After a few days, Nellie started are already developing a special working with him. At first she just connection. Our foal is on a journey entered the stall to get him used to that will shape him for a lifetime. people. A soft, kind voice reassured The colt’s registration papers have the colt that she meant no harm. been submitted to the International Nellie’s horse Cody died about a Quarter Pony Association (IQPA) year ago, so she was thrilled to work and we are looking forward to with the colt. It was very rewarding sharing our new little Quarter Pony’s to see that little colt put a smile on story with our readers.

Members build the foundation of any organization, and we hope that Ohio Haflinger Association someday you will become a member of QPA and share in the wonderful continued from page 135 world of the Quarter Pony. is just around the corner—the IQPA does hardship registrations, Haflinger Pleasure National so if you have a pony that exhibits Show will be held at the Quarter Horse characteristics, look Franklin County Fairgrounds into the benefits of having yours from September 4-7. registered. You can earn points by As always, if you would like showing in open horse shows around to have your farm or Haflinger the country! featured, please email me at Visit the International Quarter rknewilson@roadrunner.com.

Pony Association at quarterponyassociation.com/iqpa.

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There are many ways to earn points in the Fun with Fjords Points Program.

Northeast Fjord j Horse Association Show Your Pride SUBMITTED BY JOANNA CADORETTE

THANKS TO OUR HARD WORKING president, Angela Young, the Northeast Fjord Horse Association (NFHA) now has its new website up and running.

One of the latest exciting developments you will find when you visit the site is our new Fun with Fjords Points Program.

The program is open to any member who wants to participate. Whether you already own a Fjord or just love the breed and enjoy being part of the club, the points program gives members a chance to share their passion with the world and earn club points by sharing their Fjord outreach experiences with the rest of the club.

Just a few of the ways to join in the Fun with Fjords Points Program are by participating with your Fjord in a judged competition event; by taking your Fjord out onto a public trail or park where people may admire your horse and learn more about the breed; by showing your pride while wearing NFHA clothing or having your horse sport an NFHA saddle pad at a public equine event; by choosing to ride or drive in a parade or participate in a clinic—the lists goes on.

Plus, there are chances to get creative in our miscellaneous category. What inspirations can you share about how you show the world your Fjord pride?

The Northeast Fjord Horse Association will be sharing our pride in the breed again this year at the Equine Affaire held in Springfield, MA, at the Eastern States Exposition Center from November 13-16, 2014. Look for us in the breed pavilion and stay tuned for more details and upcoming information on our website, northeastfjord.com, or find us on Facebook.

PHOTO: (LEFT) COURTESY OF CAROLE EATON

SUBMITTED BY CAROL EATON

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION | Insurance

Equine Insurance You hear a soft whinny as you walk down the barn aisle, and it hits you: what would you do if something happened to your horse? Would you be covered? We insure our cars, our houses, and ourselves—isn’t it time that we insure our horses, too?

There are countless ways to insure every aspect of your equine-filled life, from a mortality plan for your horse to lesson program coverage. Equine insurance agencies are there to help you find the coverage that makes the most sense for you and your four-legged friends.

Check out the insurance options available for all of your equine needs.

A & B Insurance Group, LLC FOR THE A & B INSURANCE GROUP, LLC, IT’S ALL about the client. Founded in 2010 by Richard Bourgault and Wendy Ashe, this young, independent agency works with a number of different insurance companies to ensure the best coverage they can find. With a combined experience of nearly 50 years between the agents, there’s no doubt that they will search high and low for the most excellent deal.

Since the agency works with many different companies, it’s easier to find insurance for nearly every situation. “One

size just doesn’t fit all,” Bourgault says. Insuring everything from equines to oyster farms to motorcycles, there are few issues that the agency can’t handle.

While A & B has only been independent for four years, it has a steady following of loyal clients who flock to the agency for their commitment to client satisfaction. “We’re gaining ground every year now,” Bourgault says. “We’re licensed in all of New England, and we’re really enjoying getting on farms and meeting people.” With locations in Westford, MA, and South Deerfield, MA, the possibilities for coverage are seemingly endless.

“We’re only looking out for the customer’s interest,” Bourgault says.

Make sure to check out A & B Insurance Group for comprehensive equine insurance coverage at abinsgroup.com.

Essex Equine Insurance Agency, LLC BARBARA ODIORNE IS A HORSE PERSON THROUGH and through. She has owned horses and ridden in the New England area for nearly 25 years, mostly while working as an Operations and Technical Manager for a manufacturing company. So when she decided to combine her passion for equines with her business and management skills, there were years of real world experience backing her up. Thus, in 2006, Essex Equine Insurance came into fruition. Odiorne is licensed in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, and Connecticut.

As an Independent Agent, Odiorne can shop around for the best value for horse and farm owners alike. She specializes in all kinds of equine related coverage for both professionals and amateurs, private and commercial.

With a flexible schedule, Odiorne can easily visit a client’s farm or house, and often does. “Going to horse farms is fun for me,” she says.

“Horse people know they need insurance, but it’s not an enjoyable topic,” Odiorne says. “I like to explain the technical insurance lingo with more laymen’s terms and help people understand what kind of coverage is available, and how it could meet their needs.” This type of communication has led many clients to Essex Equine Insurance based on its excellence in finding the best coverage for you and your horse.

Contact Barbara Odiorne at 978-376-8327 or Barbara@ EssexEquineInsurance.com.

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real estate tip real estate guidelines for the equestrian

Waterworks Fix That Water Problem Before You List Your Farm

By Karen Elizabeth Baril

Between the spring snow melts, summer thunderstorms, and flash floods here in the East, water can really take a toll on a horse property. If you’re thinking of selling, you’ll want to get that water under control before you list. Let’s take a look at what you can do:

Maintain: n Clean debris from gutters on your home, barn, hay shed, and any other structures to avoid roof damage. All buildings should have gutters and downspouts or underground drains to redirect water away from the structure—even your run-in sheds. n Check cement or stone foundations for cracking and have them repaired. n Fix broken windows and doors and re-glaze if necessary to prevent water from entering the wood. n Consider installing swales around paddocks or riding arenas to divert runoff. n Install a catch basin or French drain for low spots on the property. A 2'x2' or 3'x3' basin is usually enough, but you may need to hire a contractor. n Properly install and anchor fence posts and divert as much water away from paddocks as you can. Soil with too much moisture won’t hold a fence post for long.

Be Mindful: n Repair leaks on hoses, faucets, and valves. Install shut-off valves on hoses so that you don’t leak water as you move the hose from place to place. n Remember to turn the hose off when you’re filling troughs. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve forgotten to turn the hose off and ended up flooding the paddock. Set a kitchen timer as a reminder. n Collect extra water in a rain barrel and use it to water your flowers or lawn. Don’t offer this water to the horses or use it on your vegetable garden. Roof runoff is not safe for human or animal consumption. n Buy flood insurance if you think

your property might be at risk. Many homeowners neglect to buy this, but even a nearby creek can wreak havoc on your basement or barn if it overflows its banks. Check with your insurance agent to be sure.

Obvious water damage can be a deal breaker for even the most motivated buyer. After all, who wants to buy a property that is calf-deep in mud puddles? Prevent water damage by staying on top of repairs as they come up and be sure to re-direct as much water as you can away from your structures. The more successful your strategy, the more likely your property will sell.

Photo: istockphoto.com/Big_Ryan

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CLASSIFIEDS Help Wanted

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@countysaddlery. com. Online Link: FastAd: #886352 Real estate Scenic Avalon Farm, Plympton MA Meticulous equestrianfacility, 12stall main barn, indoor arena, lighted outdoor, restored antique home & barn oozes with charm, 7.7 acres of heaven! $829,000. Alice Mallen 781-582-7617 alicemallen257@gmail.com. Success!

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Idyllic Horse Property Middleboro,MA

Idyllic Horse Property Middleboro,MA 20 Ac Sanctuary! 30 Stalls, 11 Paddocks w/ Elec, 4 Frost Free Hydrants, 1/2 Mile Stone Dust Track. 72x160 Indoor Arena w/10 Stalls, Tack Area, 2 Bay Garage.

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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.

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Promoting the Arabian breed of horses.

Horse registration provided through our P.R.E. Mundial Registry Service.

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The Baroque Equestrian Games & Institute

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Connecticut Dressage & Combined Training Association, Inc.

New Hampshire Hunter Jumper Association

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INDUSTRY WIDE

INDUSTRY WIDE

INDUSTRY WIDE

Norfolk Hunt Club One of the oldest registered Fox Hunts in the United States.

www.norfolkhunt.com

Silver Heels Riding Club Promote and support an interest in horses, horsemanship and sportsmanship.

C ADAMS SILVERHEELSONLINE COM s WWW SILVERHEELSONLINE COM

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

Tri-State Horsemenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Association Promoting equestrian competitions and shows.

PRESIDENT TRISTATEHORSEMEN COM s WWW TRISTATEHORSEMEN COM

Wentworth Hunt Club One of ten recognized hunts in New England, starting in 1976 WENTWORTHHUNT COMCAST NET s WWW WENTWORTHHUNT ORG

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A And B Lumber ....................................... 9 A&B Insurance.........................................79 Absorbine/Wf Young............................59 Advanced Barn C.................................101 American Gold Cup ...............................58 Andis Company.......................................10 Aubuchon Hardwa .............................120 Back On Track..........................................21 Bakko Industries ....................................44 Baldwin Stables...................................128 Barn Pros Inc............................................49 Bear Spot Found .................................102 Berkshire Hathaway ..........................144 Blue Chip Structures ............................44 Blue Ridge Trailers ................................22 Blue Seal .......................................126, 127 Bridgewater College .............................62 Bridgewater Sup .................................102 Buddy Inc...................................................63 Carolina Company ..............................131 Carriage Shed ..........................................48 Cedar Brook Farm..................................65 Center Hill Barns ....................................22 Chatham Hall...........................................62 Cheshire Horse........................................72 Classic Equine..........................................26 Control Solutions ..................................... 8 Country Carpent.....................................44 Cressbrook Stables ...............................70 Crossen Arabian ..................................128 Dana Hall Schoo .....................................98 Dj Reveal.................................................120 Doorley Real Estate ...........................142 Dover Saddlery ......................................... 4 Downeast Medal.....................................97 Eartec ..........................................................53 Eberly Barns.............................................46 Eleanorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Arabians..............................128 Engineering Services ...........................81 English Riding .........................................27 Equestrian Outfitters........................134 Equine Affaire..........................................33 Equine Homes Real Estate.............143 Equine Journal.....63, 64, 88, 102, 120, 138,139 Equine Properties...............................144 Eqyss Grooming ....................................... 2 Farm Credit............................................142 Farms And Barns.................................137 Ginette Brockway ...............................140 Gypsy Cob & Drum Horse Assoc. ....61 Hill VieW Mini........................................113 Hits ...............................................................83 Horizon Structu ...................................122 Igk Equestrian .........................................17 Innovative Equine .................................38 Intrepid Intern.........................................87 Kent Nutrition ...................... Back Cover Kerrits Equestr ........................................84 Khosmic Arabians...............................128 King Constructi ......................................... 3 Kingston Traile.....................................118

Linear Rubber Pavers ..........................46 Lubrisyn ....................................................... 1 Lucerne Farms.........................................45 Martin Auctioneers.............................134 Mdc Corporation.....................................73 Mh Eby Trailers .......................................16 Mor Linn Farms.......................................98 Morris Visitor ............................................74 Morrisville State College.....................62 Morton Building .....................................64 Newport Polo...........................................77 Norfolk Hunt Cl.......................................96 Nrha ..........................................................114 Nrha ..........................................................132 Nutrena ......................................................19 Old Town Barns ........................................ 7 On The Road .........................................134 On The Road .........................................144 Orchard TRailer....................Inside Back Parade Properties...............................138 Paul Congelosi.........................................15 Pdz Company Llc ...................................21 Performance Edge ................................72 Photoart By Jill ........................................71 Polysols/Winsor........................................ 5 Ponylocks Inc ...........................................21 Post University........................................60 Poulin Grain..............................................34 Precise Buildings....................................47 Priefert Ranch .........................................37 Purina Animal Nutrition .....................13 Pyranha Inc...............................................25 Rhinebeck Equine..................................38 Ryegate Farm .......................................108 Shed Man...................................................46 Shuck Fence .............................................46 Smart Pak Equine..................................11 Smart Pak Equine..................................12 Smart Pak Equine..................................14 Springfield Fen ....................................101 St Andrews Presbyterian....................64 Stepping Stone....................................118 Strain Family H .......................................88 Sweet Peet Of New York.....................53 T J Holmes ..............................................102 ThRee County Fair .................................30 Triple Crown Fe..................Inside Front Trote Y Galope ........................................30 Uckele Health ..........................................28 University Of New Hampshire .........63 Vermont Technical ................................63 Volo Farm ..................................................72 We Cover....................................................30 Wetherbee Farm .................................142 William Raveis ......................................141 William Woods ........................................61 Wilson College.........................................60 Winsor Farm Sal .....................................97

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| EQUINE JOURNAL 159

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LAST LAUGH

In with the New ONE NICE THING ABOUT TAKING up a riding discipline that’s new to everyone, like western dressage, is that there’s room to experiment.

Kind of like the Old West, where people went to get a fresh start and make their own way, and their own rules.

Now, of course, this doesn’t apply to the dressage part of western dressage.

There’s plenty of rules there. Plenty of tradition too.

But when you put western in front of it, no one quite knows what to expect yet.

There aren’t many purely western dressage shows here in my part of the world, but the dressage community is embracing it and adding western dressage to their schooling shows.

Recently we took the opportunity to go to one of these shows that had graciously opened the gates to us western dressage riders. My trainer and I wondered how many of us there would be, so I checked on the ride times as soon as they were posted. I was surprised to discover that there would be…one. Me. Talk about sticking out like a sore, western-dressed thumb.

And yet here’s one place the newness of western dressage feels really good—the clothes. Pleasure outfits have gotten so flashy, so crusted with bling, so poison-dart-frog shiny and neon, that your average pleasure show shirt features an eye-damage warning advising you to not look directly at it.

It also comes with a price tag you don’t want to stare at too hard.

Western dressage hasn’t yet developed any fashion statements. Sure, there are requirements about what to wear. But there’s no unwritten dress code about how glittery, sparkly, or shiny you have to be to “fit in.”

So I was free to wear jeans, and a simple (by western pleasure standards) show shirt with only a tiny bit of metallic shine to it.

There I was, among the tall-booted, blue-jacketed, English-helmeted dressage ladies, with their big imported warmbloods. Me in my blue jeans, roper 160 EQUINE

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boots, blinged-out hair-on cowhide belt and flowery western-cut show top. My white hat. And my half-Quarter Horse, half-Arabian mare.

I had no idea what to expect.

Would they be snooty? Would they be welcoming? Would they be amused?

The answer was yes.

But this was a well-bred group. There were no stares. There were no snickers.

The riders seemed to divide themselves between those who felt the best course was to pretend I was more or less, um, not there, but in a civilized manner, and those who went out of their way to talk to us, admire my horse, and be welcoming. In that sort of “be nice to the new kid, even if she does look a little funny” way.

The latter group fussed over me a bit like the walk-trot kid going to her first show, and gushed over how adorable I looked in my western get-up. I felt kinda Beverly Hillbillies, but still glad to be there.

The riders doing their high-level dressage-y warm-ups politely ignored our presence as we worked on our jogs and walks. I tried to keep out of their way, and they tried to pretend they always had cowgirls in their midst.

We had to cowgirl up in the ring,

though, and that blissful innocence we had at our first dressage show gave way to the painful reality that Gorgeous and I are still not great at math, geometry, or physics. We tried our best at the 20-meter circle at the jog, but the judge commented, “17-meter rectangle and needs energy.” Hmmm, sounds like we rode around a really teeny-tiny pleasure arena. I wonder if we could petition the Western Dressage Association of America to add 17-meter rectangle to the recognized test elements.

Another comment on another element was “jog like you mean it.” This after three years in the pleasure ring of trying to jog like we didn’t really mean it, and still being told we were rushing it. Finally, I get the jog right but in the wrong discipline.

I’m not complaining. I’m loving being the new kid on the block in the new riding discipline, making new friends who think my duds are cute. Hi-Yo, Silver—let’s round us up some 20-meter circles and jog like we mean it!

ANGE DICKSON FINN is an award-winning freelance writer, western dressage rider, and retired horse show mom who likes standing out in the crowd. Visit her at ridewithoutfear.com, or email her at ange@ridewithoutfear.com.

ILLUSTRATION: WILLIAM GREENLAW

BY ANGE DICKSON FINN

| September 2014

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