Ahc17 by city horse connections

17 TH EDITION - 2016

Â©Kris Wooten

NAJYRC Region 3 Strikes Gold

POLO

what makes a good pony?

SADDLE

ALONG FOR THE RIDE

FITTING TIPS

a horseshow mom shares her story

and much more!

SPORT

ENTERTAINMENT

T R AV E L

STYLE

COMPETITION

WELLNESS

Penny Morse Editor

Fall has come and the heat is still with us! Personally I enjoy not being cold, but some rain would be nice and those new fall outfits are just screaming to be worn! It has been one of those rising trot kind of years. Good and bad, sad and happy, we had an equal share of everything. I would like to see the rest of the year with all good! I would like to say a few words about our Life Style Editor, Maureen Foreman. She set out at the beginning of the summer to visit California and then on to Australia, to bring you the delights of these two places, for vacations, where to eat and interview some of the extraordinary riders that live in these locations. However, best laid plans; Maureen became seriously ill on her arrival in Los Angeles and spent her summer in a hospital room. A difficult time for her and her family and her friends here in Georgia, but the trooper she is, Maureen is making a fantastic recovery, is out interviewing everyone, and has just spent the weekend at the Longines Masters in LA, so we can read about the event and enjoy the fabulous pictures in the next edition! Hopefully Maureen will be back in Georgia after Christmas, as she is unable to fly right now. Maureen, we miss you, and hurry back to Georgia!

Heidi Caldwell Creative Director Maureen Forman Lifestyle Editor Contributing Writers Scott Armour Yvonne Barteau Emily Fritchey Carolyn Haward Hannah Hewitt Janie Pride Cheryl Freda Pritchard Amber Spiler Tatiana Valentine

Even with all the flooding in neighboring states, Atlanta has experienced a drought this year. There is a hay shortage and that means higher prices, and that could mean horses, in some cases, not getting the sustenance they need. If you see a neighbor having a problem, see if you can help before the situation becomes serious. We are all in this together, so get together with friends and neighbors and network, so we can make sure the winter months are not a complete disaster. We are looking forward to our next issue. We will be visiting with Lisa Vanderpump, reliving the Longines Masters from Los Angeles and enjoying a rather entertaining look at the event at Hickstead this year, plus many other fun and interesting articles as always! Happy Fall! Cheers!

Atlanta Horse Connections Magazine is part of City Horse Connections, an equestrian network bringing the equine world together, one city at a time.

/atlantahorseconnections

Â Penny Morse

On the cover: Randy Rizor and Jolie Liston at the Atlanta Polo Club, Pony Up for a Cause Photo by Kris Wooten All articles and pictures are owned and copyrighted by City Horse Connections, a subsidiary of JJP Group, Penelope Morse and Heidi Caldwell. Reproduction of copyrighted material, without prior permission of the copyright owner, is illegal according to 17 U.S.C. Reproductions of copyright materials apply not only to traditional works such as books, photographs, drawings, etc., but also digital media such as music, movies and software. ÂŠ2016.

©Kris Wooten

PONY UP!

Phil Town and his pony Bear – Ponying Up for a Cause!

what’s

4 6 10 12 16

INSIDE

HUNTER JUMPER Style Your Ride

EVENTING

Along for the Ride

INTERNATIONAL

Taken for a Ride in Greece, Part VIII

DRESSAGE Ray’s Corner

Dutch Ponies Rule!

20 23 27 30

EQ ST YLE

A Rising Epidemic

WELLNESS

Protecting Your Investment Why Do I Need a Saddle Fitter?

WESTERN DRESSAGE Posture and Biomechanics

35 36

Region 3 Strikes Gold

Gold Medal winner Emily Hewitt on her horse What’s Up with her coach, Karen Lipp

NAJYRC

©Sara Hellner Photo

46 42

JULIE FERRIS Feature Artist

SHORT STIRRUPS

Silly Gil Junior Rider Lily Verhoven

Region 3 Riders Strike Gold

POLO

The Makings of a Polo Pony Pony Up For a Cause

ART S & ENTERTAINMENT Millenials & Wine Clubs Artist Julie Ferris

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

Style your Ride SCOTT ARMOUR

HAWKWOOD FARM, PEACHTREE CITY, GA ADULT RIDERS, like the three featured this month, make up a large segment of horse show competitors these days. They are fun and rewarding to teach, but come with extra challenges. Most adults are more cautious because they understand that they do not bounce like the once did, and a fall feels much worse the day after! Responsibilities such as family and work often limit the amount of time adults can spend taking lessons and showing, but as a result, they are usually focused and committed to make the most of their ride time. If you would like to be considered in an upcoming issue for this column for evaluation, please email a high-res photo (300dpi) in no less than 4 x 6â&#x20AC;? in size to Penny Morse at designonpenny@yahoo.com. Please include your name, horseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name, age, breed and level jumping. 1. A more even grip with the thigh, knee, and calf will give this rider a more stable lower leg. It has slipped back slightly, and her foot is a little too far through the stirrup. Placing the stirrup on the ball of her foot and maintaining her calf contact will help keep her leg in place. Her long release is giving her horse plenty of freedom with his neck, but a shorter release with her elbows in will give her more feel and control. She is looking ahead and focused on the next jump. The pair is turned out nicely for a local show.

HUNTER JUMPER

A more even grip with the thigh,

knee, and calf will give this rider a more stable lower leg.

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

2. Our next rider is bracing against her stirrup instead of allowing her weight to sink into her heel. This has caused her to jump ahead and her leg to slide back too far. Allowing her leg to sink down and around her horse would give her a more secure leg, make it easier to keep her seat close to the saddle, and make her more independent with her upper body. At her level of riding, a shorter release would also be appropriate. Jumping without stirrups is a great way to prevent getting ahead because the rider canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stand up in the irons. Horse and rider are turned out well, but the horses mane could be pulled a littler shorter.

At her level of riding, a shorter release would also be appropriate.

3. This rider has a nice, naturally flat back without looking stiff. She is using a long release correctly to give her horse freedom and to help support her position. Her leg has slipped back significantly, but she has managed keep her seat fairly close to the saddle. A stronger leg and base will anchor her in the tack and make it easier to be more independent with her hand. She could then use a shorter release without getting in the way of her horse.

Both horse and rider seem happy with the job at hand. The horse has an alert expression and is using his front end well.

in the tack and make it easier to be more independent with her hand.

HUNTER JUMPER

A stronger leg and base will anchor her

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

along for

THE RIDE

Penny Morse

Paula Caras is a horseshow Mom. But not just any horseshow Mom – her daughter is up and coming advanced eventer, Jenny Caras. I PERSONALLY HAVE a great respect for horseshow Moms. Many of them are not horse ‘people’ but because of the love of their child, they get up early, learn to clean stalls, drive a truck with a trailer behind, and sacrifice both financially and mentally, so their child can pursue their dream of being an advanced rider.

EVENTING

When I asked Paula to share her story, she spoke more about her daughter than herself! However, reading between the lines you get a sense of

©Blackheart Imagery

Jenny Caras and Fernhill Fortitude (“Forty”) at Branham Horse Trials

©Blackheart Imagery

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

Paula and David Caras at home on their family farm with their dog Daisy and horse Gwen

Jenny Caras

Paula and her husband David. They have 2 children, Jenny and Nick, 18 months older than Jenny. Nick never really took to riding, so while Paula was trudging around the show grounds, Nick hung out with the neighbors and friends. There is obviously a strong bond between the family, with teasing from Nick, that Jenny is the favorite, knowing both kids are equally adored, and a relief that there were no more! It really doesn’t matter how you look at it, when one child has an obsession with horses, the other child will not get equal time, so there was obviously a lot of effort into making up for the lost time.

student, and it was with Julie’s guidance Jenny found her way to working for Phillip Dutton at West Grove in Pennsylvania. As a parent, your ‘job’ is to make sure your child has the best start possible for a secure future. Paula and David Caras are both professionals, and it would be assumed both children would follow their parent’s path, but it was obvious Jenny had no desire to attend college. Paula took her daughter to Pennsylvania knowing it was the chance of a lifetime, but at the same time wishing she was closer than having to get on a plane. Having spent many years being at

As a parent, your ‘job’ is to make sure your child has the best start possible for a secure future. But that road can be rather bumpy, and sometimes scary.

Jenny eventually found her way to riding with Olympic rider Julie Burns Richards, becoming a working

Paula and Jenny Caras at Pine Top

EVENTING

In the horse world the journey can be rather bumpy emotionally. Finding trainers, replacement trainers when they move, looking for the right environment, let alone seeing your child go out on a cross country course alone on a 1000+ lb horse, unable to see what is going on, but waiting at the finish, keeping an eye on the watch, knowing they should come into view any moment. It really doesn’t matter if the level is amoeba or preliminary – it is still a scary experience, which every parent learns to handle over time. Jenny was 14 when she moved up to Preliminary, so she was always one of the youngest in every competition.

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

©Blackheart Imagery

every show, now it would be a text or a phone call, giving a brief message of how things are going. Paula did travel to England when Jenny received the Karen Stives Grant to compete at Branham. What an adventure to be at the side of your daughter as she competes overseas, and places 9th in the CCI3* under 25 Division, and no horseshow mom is going to miss that! Paula is not afraid to admit that she worries for her daughter’s safety, and prays hard that Jenny’s Guardian Angels surround her while she is riding, and brings her safely to the finish line, but this is the career her daughter chose and supports her unconditionally. As every eventing parent knows, or eventually finds out, it is an expensive sport, and it is still necessary to help Jenny financially but the decision to do this is easier because of Jenny’s level of dedication. Paula and her husband David built their own farm a few years ago, so she could take care of Jenny’s first mare, now retired and another who suffered a career ending pasture accident. There is no desire to follow in her daughter’s footsteps, even at a lower level. Watching two horses grazing in the morning in peace and tranquility, and knowing both children are

EVENTING

happy in their life choices, is contentment enough.

10 TIPS 1) Never take what your kid says to you at a show personally, but remind them of it later...like for the rest of their lives. 2) Always be as prepared as possible when getting ready for a show, because there will always be things that you just can’t control as you are loading up at 2am for a 14 hour haul. You know, like locking the keys in the truck and OnStar won’t unlock it for YOU. 3) Never be in the porta-potty when your kid is jumping. He or she will definitely fall off and someone will come yelling for you.

TEENAGE EVENT RIDER HANNAH FRANCIS passed away August 1st 2016, 15 months after being diagnosed with bone cancer. Since her osteosarcoma diagnosis on 1 May last year, the 18-year-old wrote a blog of her experiences from the point of view of her cuddly toy, Willberry. She also raised significant funds for various charities.

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

HANNAH FRANCIS

In May, Hannah announced that Hannah’s Willberry Wonder Pony had been approved as a registered charity. All funds raised will go directly towards bone cancer research and granting horsey wishes to those with serious illnesses. Hannah continued to ride throughout her illness, performing the CCI2* guinea pig dressage test at Tattersall’s (Ireland) in June, while she continued with her chemotherapy. International event rider, commentator and TV presenter Spencer Sturmey had his head shaved by Zara Philips, September 11th at Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials, to raise money for this great cause. Spencer we love the new look! Contribute to Hannah’s Wilberry Wonder Pony Charity at www.justgiving. com/fundraising/spencer-sturmey

In Memorium from a horseshow mom 4) Never overinflate your tires before a long haul. YOU Will have a blow out on the side of the road at 4am. 5) Be sure to go to the bathroom before you leave a venue, because some evil children will not stop for you for at least 5 hours.

7) When your kid says they don’t need your help, know

BONUS TIP: Neve r, ever tell your kid that their 8) Never worry if you dressage test don’t know how to tack up was awful! Lie, lie, lie. the horse, just do the “T best you can. Let them beautiful, swee hat was theart” figure out that the jumping goes ov er much better boots are on backwards . That way when or you put the dressage they tell you that you do saddle pad on not the n’t wh at you are talk know jumping one. ing about, you can co ncur 9) Wine is always good at Or be tter yet, just . shows, especially after keep your mouth shut Cross Country. Don’t ! – Paula leave home without it.

EVENTING

6) Teach your kids how to read a map, not just rely on GPS. Some roads are not meant to be traveled by a dually and 31 ft. horse trailer.

they are lying. Just wait long enough and they will be calling you to muck, walk the horse, or in a panic, tack up the horse.

10) Love your kids and love their passion with them. They really will be gone before you know it!

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

Carolyn Haward FEI International Show Jumping Judge, Greece

taken for a

RIDE in GREECE PART EIGHT MEETING A CHILDHOOD HERO

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

I WAS INVITED LAST SPRING to go down to judge in Chepstow in Wales, one of the countries along with England, Scotland and Northern Ireland that make up Great Britain. This is the land of dragons, castles and kings, as well as the homeland of Tom Jones and Catherine Zeta Jones. This would be for me a CSI2* and 1*, as well as a 1* Young Horses competition and I was asked to be the Foreign Judge.

After having carefully checked up on the weather forecasts prior to my arrival in Britain, I had seen that there was a heat wave. (I have to explain here that in GB anything over 65 degrees Fahrenheit is considered a heat wave!) So I kitted myself out with lightweight clothes but also a raincoat and umbrella just in case. I never expected the cold of that first morning. The weather had turned and there was actually a thick layer of frost on all the jumps... in MAY! A picture is included to prove my point. Over the whole five days of the competition I have never seen the weather flip and change so much: from bright sunshine and blue skies to a dark cloud and heavy downpour within a few minutes, then back to sun again. I suppose Wales’ proximity to the Atlantic and the westerly winds that blow across it explain the phenomenon. Such was the quality of the footing that the outdoor competitions carried on uninterrupted. “This is Carolyn from Greece,” said my British colleague, Joanna, who has known me for a few years but who was introducing me to some other judges who were new faces to me. “Hi, Carolyn,” they replied as they did a double take and a look

of bewilderment swept over their faces. I was beginning to get used to this kind of reaction. “You don’t look very Greek,” was the comment that followed. “Oh, don’t I?” I answered in a nonchalant fashion, already expecting this line of questioning. After the usual polite exchanges, a further query followed: “You speak very good English.” “Thanks,” I said.

Childhood idol of many, olympic medal-winner and “Where did you learn such good English?” they continued. “Oh, in England, I told them in a very matter of fact way but by now barely hiding my giggles as they were beginning to suspect that I was a Greek imposter.

The beautiful event venue and riding centre at Chepstow is set among green fields, hills and woods, a perfect place for horses. This is, in fact, the equestrian centre belonging to David Broome, a well respected rider and famous name in British show jumping. Among his achievements, David was World Champion in 1970, European title holder in 1961, 1967 and 1969, and twice Bronze Individual medal winner at Olympic Games in 1960 and 1968. I was so looking forward to meeting him. As a young schoolgirl I regularly followed him and his contemporaries on TV as they competed in all the big competitions in Britain and abroad. He was one of my riding heroes. I soon got to meet David and his charming wife, Liz, also a veteran equestrian. To our delight, David came and joined the Ground Jury for a drink one evening after the last class had finished. (See the photo which proves it!) Not only that, but David rewarded me with a little amusing story told exclusively for Atlanta Horse Connections. The story as he told it took place in Spruce Meadows, Calgary, sometime in the 1980s, the exact date having slipped his mind. It was a team event, he explained. “There was myself on

was marching ahead of us, proud of the team of Great Britain that was following behind him. But, my goodness, it was SO cold that day! We couldn’t believe it! We were parading around the arena behind Ronnie when I suddenly saw an open gate on the right. The temptation was too great and I called out to my teammates: “Right turn!” I moved towards the gate and the others followed suit. They all obeyed willingly as we moved off to the right, through the gate and disappeared. Ronnie continued strutting around until finally he turned to find no team... neither riders nor horses... following him, just an empty gap. He couldn’t believe his eyes, amazement written all over his face and he had no idea whether the earth had opened up and swallowed us! It still makes me laugh today when I remember it!” Despite all his international achievements, prizes and titles, David was proudest in telling us how he had six times won the King George VI cup at Olympia in London on six different horses between 1960 and 1991, a record still unbeaten today. His most famous mounts, and very popular with the British public, were Philco, Countryman and Mr Softee but David confided that his all time favourite horse was one called Sportsman. “I got him as a four year old,” said David, “just a little horse but such a gentleman. He was very intelligent, extremely able but also kind.” From the way he spoke about his horses you could tell how much he genuinely loved them.

Really pleased to have met you, David, and thanks for the hospitality... and the story.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

world champion show jumper David Broome shares stories at his equestrian centre in Wales Countryman and the other team members were Malcolm Pyrah, Nick Skelton and, I think probably, Michael Whitaker. Our Chef d’Équipe was Ronnie Massarella. It was an outdoor event and this funny incident happened during the Parade of Nations. Ronnie

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

“Actually I have to tell you the truth. I’m British born and bred but I also hold Greek nationality through marriage.” All was now clear, the mystery solved!

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

Yvonne Barteau

Ray’s

CORNER

©fireandearthphoto.com

GP Raymeister shares his unique world...

DRESSAGE

WELCOME BACK FRIENDS. This month I want to address how your horse might communicate with you about training in general if he or she could. Training... in our mind, is everything! Every time you interact with your horse you are either training us or we are training you! You are either cultivating certain behavior, or discouraging it. Training... is something we need from you whether it is on the ground, under tack, in our stall, on cross ties or as we are led to turn out. We are, in fact, herd animals and as such, need leadership, guidance, and peace from you much more than you might think we do.

for us to trust and respect you as our leader than it is for you to be our “friend”. We value peace and your stillness and quiet inside and out. In all of your interactions strive to be peaceful, or even if you must be quick or sharp for a minute remember to return to a peaceful or neutral state in between all interactions and as soon as we comply with a request.

All of us horses have the ability to read body language and energy levels better than you humans do. In fact many horse handlers do not even notice us trying to discern your gestures and if your actions are not consistent, or they do not make any sense to us,

This carries forward into the riding work. If you cannot relax and be at peace just holding your proper rider position this needs to be practiced until we do not confuse your unsteadiness or tension in the saddle as some sort of aid we cannot understand. When you are relaxed in the saddle we can hear and respond to the aids you want us to hear and that is the most important thing. Also,

we will all soon ignore, take advantage, or be frightened by them, depending on our individual personalities. It is more important

when you make a request be sure that we know what the expected answer is. For example if you stretch up tall and soft as a rider

AUBURN’S STANDING CT MACHINE A KEY IN DIAGNOSING CRITICAL EQUINE DISEASES

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THIS IS ADVANCED HEALTHCARE. THIS IS AUBURN.

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CLINICS AND COACHING WITH CLAYTON FREDERICKS Clayton’s career highlights

FREDERICKS Equestrian International fredericksequestrian.com lisa@fredericksequestrian.com Lisa – 352-895-2144 clayton@fredericksequestrian.com Clayton – 352-299-3213

E TORBUTTON CTORBUTTONS .CO M V EVC S.C OM

IMPORTED QUALITY HORSES Book to try your dream horse today. Magazine -2nd ad-1/2 page.indd 1

• FEI World Cup Champion 2005, 2008 • Individual silver and team bronze World Equestrian Games, Aachen (2006) • Winner Lexington Kentucky CCI4* (2007) • Team silver medal Hong Kong Olympic Games (2008) Clayton’s international coaching experience extends across all levels of the sport around the world. He regularly travels to teach in Germany, Australia, Hong

Kong, Canada and around the US. Many of his pupils have gone on to compete at the CCI 4* level. You can book individual or group training sessions with him at his top-notch facility in Ocala, FL. If you can’t make it to Florida, you can host a clinic at your facility. Give riders in your area the chance to train with one of the world’s top riders. He is happy to teach all levels of riders in any discipline.

CONNECTING RIDERS WITH EXCEPTIONAL HORSES Results are the proof For over 15 years Clayton Fredericks and Eckart Siewert have been the source of numerous top horses and had the pleasure of watching them ride to victory, time and time again all over the world.

Whether you are a seasoned professional or an amateur seeking a quality mount, we have access to an abundance of European horses/ We can source one specifically for you, like we have for many clients, including the following:

• Leopin (Micheal Jung’s 4* Winner) • FBW Chico (Alex Hua Tian of China’s First Olympic Mount) • Bendigo (Winner 3*, Placed 4*, Clayton’s 2012 Olympic mount) • Catchascatchcan (Sarah Kozumplik Murphy) • RF Smoke on the Water (Marilyn Little’s “Superstar Event horse”) • Bentley’s Best (Jessica Phoenix’s winning CCI1* horse and rising star) • Chatwin (Frankie Thieriot) • and the list goes on....

We welcome the opportunity to work with you. 2015-02-11 1:53 PM

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

Training...

Horses are capable of great and amazing things but only if our riders and handlers understand their responsibilities.

put your right leg back a few inches and slightly flex us right in the process we should move sideways, or leg yield, to the left. If we do step sideways your leg should relax and then come again if you want more steps. Once we have done the move correctly a few times you can assume we do know the answer to that aid and we should then be accountable for it. So...if you ask us to move over from your leg a few moments later and we do not then you would need to be quicker and sharper with that same leg aid until we complied. Otherwise we might learn to ignore or tolerate a request rather than answer it. Most horses donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mind working even if we are somewhat lazy by nature. Once we learn that you will be fair and consistent with your aids, and follow through until we comply we will start becoming more and more agreeable, and, believe it or not, we will save our laziness for our own time. Even horses who have a somewhat challenging nature to begin with are still herd animals and we all understand that whomever assumes leadership, and is reliable, consistent and trustworthy can be in charge of our actions both on the ground and in the saddle.

DRESSAGE

For those of you riders that struggle with fear or confidence issues yourselves. Please understand that your fear is our fear,

your worry, our concern. You must interact with us on the ground successfully until you have no fear and then transfer that feeling to your under saddle work. Many of us will tolerate your fear and not let it affect our behavior very much however, there are a few of us that might take advantage of your fear and that type of horse had best be handed over to a professional until you have the necessary skills to handle him. Overall you need to be in charge of how and when we move our feet, you must have some sort of connection and line control that we predictably understand from your reliable and consistent signals. You, as a rider, need to understand neutral as well as the variances you need as a rider with the timing and dosage of your aids. These thoughts, actions and answers must be more important than the actual movements or test pieces we learn to do with you. Another important factor is routine and consistency. Since training is an ongoing issue for us that provides security, confidence and obedience it needs to be regular and not sporadic and random. Whatever you teach us becomes our vocabulary when we interact back with you. Weekend riding does not, a trained horse, make. My final thoughts on training in general are this. We horses are capable of great and amazing things, but only if our riders and handlers understand their responsibilities. Find a quiet place within yourself to interact from so we can be rewarded by your peace and stillness as often as possible. Remember that we value fairness and consistency and we love routine. Everything from how you ride a centerline and halt to how we should feel in the reins during a shoulder in should be monitored, thought of, and cultivated by you. Thinking and feeling are both requirements if you want to enjoy good conversations with your horse! Happy Riding and see you next time! â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ray

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS Elle Turner and Janie Prideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ico, Champions at the National Dressage Pony Cup in Lexington, KY

Dutch Ponies Rule! DRESSAGE

In 1996, i took a wonderful trip to holland to look for a dressage pony. Little did i know then that this trip would change my life in the dressage world.

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Janie Pride

Werner and I visited Mr. van Esch, a renowned breeder. I tried one of his beautiful mares, but I am not a mare person. Then he showed us his stunning stallions, including the brilliant Idzard and a young NRPS stallion named Ilja, by Idzard out of Oldert’s Karola by Oldert’s Fastwind. Mr. van Esch bred all of these incredible NRPS ponies. I fell in love with Ilja immediately and was astonished at his exciting gaits. Ilja was only 2 years old and a stallion, neither of which I needed, but I was in love.

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

I had been fortunate enough to meet the Dutch rider and trainer, Werner Geven, in 1996, when he came to the USA (Georgia) to give a dressage clinic. At that time, I had a thoroughbred and a Welsh cross pony. When I decided to look for a new pony, I looked to Werner find the pony of my dreams. I am very small, so we knew that I wanted a small horse or a pony. I did not anticipate coming home with two ponies, and that the two I found would be so extremely talented and competitive!

Billy Jackson and Janie Pride’s ILJA, Champion 2016 National Dressage Pony Cup Dutch Pony

Werner had one special pony, a 3-year-old NRPS gelding by Idzard out of Jasmijn, a KWPN mare by Olympic Cocktail that a client had purchased from Mr. van Esch as a yearling for his 8-year-old daughter. The 8-year-old broke Ico. Werner was so impressed by this pony Ico’s outstanding temperament and gaits that he knew we had to see him. When I first saw Ico, he was

Exciting gaits, talent and outstanding temperments are what these ponies are made of!

Elle Turner and Ico, Dutch Pony Champion NDPC

cute, small and fuzzy. I told Werner that he might not be what I was looking for, and he told me to “just wait”. Then he turned Ico out in the indoor arena, and the pony soared. He had this trot that took my breath away. I rode him, and he felt incredible. He stole my heart! The ponies have had incredible successes in the show ring and have won many year-end awards through the USDF All Breeds Awards, the USDF Horse of the Year, the Performance Horse Registry’s

DRESSAGE

Silver Stirrups Awards and the Georgia Dressage and Combined Training Association. Ico and Ilja have helped many riders earn USDF Rider Awards. Marjolein Geven, a very successful dressage rider, started her USA career on the ponies, Ico and Ilja. They helped her earn her USDF Bronze and Silver and her USDF Musical Freestyle Bronze and Silver medals. Ico, showing successfully at

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

Billy Jackson and Janie Pride’s ILJA showing I-1 AA and I-1 Musical Freestyle at the USDF Region Three Championships in 2015

Janie Pride, with her husband, LTC (RET) Sam Pride. They reside in Midland, GA.

With live streaming and commentary, the National Dressage Pony Cup in Kentucky is a special, highly supportive show that showcases the best dressage ponies in the USA!

DRESSAGE

Grand Prix, and gave rider Blair Bowers Elver the Grand Prix scores she needed for her USDF Gold Medal. The “boys” earned Meredith Mobley her Bronze and Silver medals. Ico, ridden by junior and young rider, Elle Turner, helped Elle earn her USDF Bronze and Silver Medals. Elle also received one score for her USDF Gold Medal at the age of 16 on Ico!! Ilja’s current rider, Billy Jackson has earned his USDF Bronze and Silver Medals riding Ilja.

18 6

I will always be thankful to Werner and Marjolein Geven for finding, training and showing both ponies and Mr. ALJ van Esch of the Netherlands for breeding my special boys and to my riders, Marjolein, Anna, Billy, Elle, Blair and Meredith for their time and effort. I have even shown Ico at Intro. I’m trying to get fit and brave enough to ride him now! He has the most incredible temperament and work ethic. I don’t think there’s another “Ico”. His brother, “Ilja” has incredible talent and is the sweetest pony ever! I have the best of both worlds. I mostly thank my husband, LTC (Ret.) Sam Pride for letting me buy two ponies when I went for one!

We have shown extensively in the South, but the show we wait for and anticipate is the National Dressage Pony Cup. We have made the trip to Kentucky for the Pony Cup nine times. When I first read about the Pony Cup many years ago, I knew that this was the show for us! Now there was an actual show JUST for ponies! I originally took Ico and Ilja, but this year only Ilja went. Ilja and his rider, Billy Jackson started at the Pony Cup at Training Level, and this year he showed at the I-1 AA Level and in the I-1 Freestyle. Ico showed Grand Prix, but is now in “semiretirement”, waiting for me to get him fit for next year’s Pony Cup. Ico made his last appearance at the 2014 Pony Cup with Young Rider, Elle Turner, who showed him at Training and First Levels. He was Champion at both levels and was awarded best Dutch pony. We had brought him back from three serious bouts of laminitis, so the FEI’s were out for him. I wanted him to be a part of this fantastic show, so he made the trip, too. The Pony Cup is amazing with live

streaming of the rides along with commentary by Axel Steiner! We were thrilled to have been interviewed by Axel. The commentaries, interviews and rides can be seen on the USEF network. The Awards’ Ceremony was so exciting! This year Ilja was Champion FEI AA Pony, Reserve Champion Musical Freestyles, Champion at I-1 AA and Champion Dutch pony. I was a proud Mom! We have made the best friends at the Pony Cup. We keep in touch during the year and make plans to stable together. We share with each other’s successes and mistakes. We’re always there to cheer each other on and scream and applaud for all rides! It is a very special group. 2017, here we come! Get ready for us, Kentucky! It has been an amazing journey with Ico and Ilja. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would have a Grand Prix pony and an I-1 pony who is now schooling the Grand Prix. They have made all of my dressage dreams come true. May there be many more special years together!

The 2016 Great American Insurance Group/USDF Region 3 Dressage Championships Hosted by GDCTA October 13-16, 2016 Georgia International Horse Park, Conyers, GA

The Great American Insurance Group/USDF Region 3 Dressage Championships in conjunction with The GDCTA Atlanta National Fall Dressage Show is finally here! We are very excited about this show. It promises to be a truly sparkling event. From beginning to end, this show has some of the finest people and horses in the United States. Be sure to join us for elegant dressage, shopping, art and other special events. We look forward to seeing you there.

   

Receptions & Parties & Exhibitions & Dinner

WEDNESDAY - 6:00 PM: Welcome Reception - Sponsored by Custom Saddlery & Triple Crown Feed THURSDAY – 6:00ish PM: A Taste of Conyers FRIDAY – 6:00ish PM: Vendor Walk - Sponsored by The Shop at Wits End SATURDAY – 5:30ish PM: Freestyle Extravaganza - Sponsored by GDCTA

RAFFLE October 15

Win your very own Vitafloor ® VMC! For horses and humans, Vitafloor’s vast presence spans throughout the barns of leading equestrian breeders, competitors, renowned veterinary clinics and equine rehabilitation facilities in more than 25 countries and growing. Why a vibration floor? One reason: Because it delivers the precise hertz most helpful for relaxing hypertonic (chronically tensed) muscles!

RETAIL VALUE: $6000

You do not need to be present to win.

Other Valuable prizes!

Raffle tickets will be available outside the show office.

Italian Custom Boots from Fabbri Boots

$20 Tickets on sale now at GDCTA.org

RETAIL VALUE: $2000

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

Horsepeople are at risk for serious sun damage and pigment problems. Read up and learn about the best ingredients to seek out that combat these effects.

Emily Fritchey

A RISING EPIDEMIC

Sun Damage, Melasma and Skin Discoloration THE CHANGES IN SKIN texture, color and appearance brought about by aging and time in the sun are all too familiar: wrinkles, patches of hyperpigmentation in places and loss of pigment in others, areas of purpura caused by broken blood vessels, keratoses, broken capillaries and skin tags. These changes are associated with changes in skin function. Skin elasticity decreases, the protective barrier function becomes compromised, skin builds layers of dead skin cells and loses its healthy glow and pores enlarge. To top it all off, pigmentation disorders and Melasma increase.

EQ ST YLE

Understanding Melasma Melasma is a chronic condition that primarily affects healthy women of childbearing age. It is believed that a combination of sun exposure, hormones and genetic susceptibility lead to the development of the characteristic blotchy skin associated with Melasma. Traditionally, its treatment has been based on four distinctly different, but interrelated modalities:

• Avoidance of UV exposure; • Topical regulation of melanocytic activity; • Selective light-based and laser-based photothermolysis of melanocytes or melanin; and • Chemical or mechanical exfoliation. Before starting any type of protocol to lighten the skin,

it is important to understand the primary causes of most hyperpigmentation: unprotected sun exposure and glycation. What is glycation, you ask? Glycation is a physiological reaction that takes place in the body when simple sugar molecules such as fructose or glucose become attached to proteins or lipid fats without the moderation of an enzyme, which results in the formation of rogue molecules known as advanced glycation end products (AGEs). This leads to a number of health problems, including skin discoloration and inflammation. Much of what is known about glycation’s ill effects comes from diabetes research: The connective-tissue damage and chronic inflammation resulting from diabetics’ sustained high blood sugar can lead to debilitating conditions, such as cataracts, Alzheimer’s, vascular tightening, and diseases of the pancreas and liver. Simply put – SUGAR is enemy #1! The following ingredients are healthy AND very effective alternatives to synthetic hydroquinone Be sure to look for them on your product labels: N-acetyl glucosamine: (NAG) is an amino sugar that is a precursor to hyaluronic acid and is found throughout nature and human tissues. Its de-pigmenting ability originates from the inhibition of tyrosinase glycosylation, a step necessary in the production of melanin.

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Licorice extract: A tyrosinase inhibitor, licorice extract is a potent skin lightener that disrupts melanin synthesis by the skin, and also has anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have suggested that licorice may be up to 75 times more effective than vitamin C in fading hyperpigmentation, and it may safely be used by anyone who is allergic to hydroquinone. Malic acid: An alpha hydroxy acid derived exclusively from apples, malic acid has protective and moisturizing qualities, making it ideal for use on sensitive skin, or those suffering from Rosacea or other skin concerns. Niacinamide is a biologically active form of niacin (vitamin B3) found widely in many root vegetables and yeasts. Niacinamide has several proposed medicinal applications in the skin including anti-inflammation, prevention of photo-immunosuppression and increased intercellular lipid synthesis. Arbutin: Derived from the leaves of blueberry, bearberry, cranberry, mulberry shrubs, or from certain genus of pear, arbutin contains the natural form of hydroquinone, which will inhibit the production of melanin by the skin. Azelaic acid: Most commonly, this ingredient is used to treat acne but recent studies have shown azelaic acid beneficial for the treatment of skin discolorations, as well. Azelaic acid is made from the grains of wheat, rye, or barely, and is usually found in creams at a concentration of 20 percent. Studies have shown it to be effective in treating melasma and inhibiting melanin production.

Kojic acid: Derived from a fungus, kojic acid also inhibits melanin production in a similar fashion to hydroquinone. This ingredient oxidizes quickly and will turn brown if left exposed to air, so check the expiration date carefully and be sure to store in a cool, dark place, away from heat or light. Lemon: Used to lighten hair, bleach freckles, and whiten faded or yellowed cotton clothing, lemon is a valuable home remedy women have been turning to for years. Lemons help brighten and clarify the skin with citric acid and vitamin C and may be applied topically to the skin with a cotton swab, straight from the freshly sliced fruit. However, fresh lemon juice can be drying to the skin so be certain to apply moisturizer after treatment to keep the skin hydrated.

Vitamin C: Vitamin C, also known as magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbic acid, ascorbyl glucosamine, l-ascorbic acid, and ascorbyl palmitate, is a common ingredient found in many botanical skin lighteners that is also a first-class antioxidant. Although studies have indicated that vitamin C does inhibit melanin production at concentrations above five percent, most skincare products available over-the-counter are not quite this potent. For this reason, vitamin C should be used in conjunction with other treatments for a skin-lightening boost. If you are serious about fading dark spots or uneven skin tone, you must be committed to the processâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;it takes time, but the results are totally worth it. Results can take anywhere from one to three months, and you must wear sun block daily for optimal results. Any unprotected UV exposure can potentially cause further hyperpigmentation and must be guarded against carefully. My passion is your solution... For more information visit SunshineBotanicals.com or email Emily@sunshinebotanicals.com

EQ ST YLE

Bilberry extract: A relative of blueberries, bilberry fruit contains tannins that have natural astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. Traditionally used by herbalists

to treat blood pressure and prevent the formation of blood clots, bilberry is also an excellent antioxidant. Recently, bilberry has proven useful for treating hyperpigmentation and sun damage due to its chemical composition, which includes botanical hydroquinone, vitamin A and vitamin C.

NATURALLY

BEAUTIFUL SUNSHINEBOTANICALS.COM

OF MONEY! Now, how can I protect my investment?

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

A LOT

I JUST SPENT

You’ve found the perfect horse – you love him, your trainer loves him, your vet approves and the price seems fair. The deal is done and now he is yours. Congratulations!

I JUST SPENT A LOT OF MONEY! Sooner or later, after the thrill of the chase subsides and the new horse becomes part of the family, every horse owner reflects on this new financial commitment. Everyone’s circumstances are different, so whether your horse is a Ford, a Lexus or a Maserati, it is a major investment. And it is an ongoing investment. A car might be safe in your garage, but a half-ton performance horse is never completely safe from illness, injury or even death.

WELLNESS

Bill Harris

FINALLY! You shared countless texts and conversations with your trainer, studied dozens of YouTube videos and made several long shopping trips. One top prospect you brought home on trial didn’t work out, and another got a thumbs down from your trusted veterinarian. But now you’ve found the perfect horse – you love him, your trainer loves him, your vet approves and the price seems fair. The deal is done and now he is yours. Congratulations!

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

insurer of any serious health condition, and to provide and pay for all necessary veterinary care. WHAT IF MY HORSE GETS SICK OR IS BADLY INJURED? Ownership of a horse involves open-ended commitment to its regular care. You already expect to pay for boarding and training fees, regular shoeing by a professional farrier, and periodic immunizations. Those are not cheap. But sometimes things go wrong. Like all athletes, horses are

longer be used for its intended purpose, but whose condition does not require humane destruction. It is not going to get better, and Mortality insurance will not pay unless the horse experiences suffering or debilitating risk which warrants humane destruction. If the horse cannot be repurposed to a less demanding use, you might be saddled with a very expensive pasture ornament. In either case, you would face a significant economic loss. Loss of Use insurance is intended to protect against a financial loss which might occur if a horse becomes totally and permanently incapable of fulfilling the functions for which it is used, and when its condition does not necessitate humane destruction. Settlement of a Loss of Use claim is a

Ownership of a horse involves open-ended commitment to its regular care. It is not cheap and when the best protective measures are taken. Insurance is intended to protect against unexpected

WELLNESS

HOW MAY I PROTECT MY INVESTMENT IF THE WORST THING HAPPENS? We ask the same question about ourselves and our loved ones when we consider life insurance and the answer is the same for horses.

Equine Mortality insurance is similar to annual term life insurance for humans, and protects the economic value of a horse in the event of its death or theft. You paid real dollars to purchase your horse, compensate your trainer for advising through the process, and perhaps even to import the horse from overseas. That value can be protected, and may be adjusted if a subsequent show record makes your horse worth even more. The cost of Mortality insurance is based upon the horse’s insured value, age, use and breed. If the horse dies or has to be put down for humane reasons, or is stolen, the policy will pay the full amount for which it is insured. Mortality insurance obligates the owner to care for the horse, promptly notify the

prone to joint and muscle injury. And like all animals, horses are subject to illness and disease. It can get very expensive. Major Medical insurance helps control necessary veterinary expenses for unforeseen events related to the health of your horse. Major Medical is not a health maintenance policy, and routine expenses and preventive care remain the owner’s responsibility. Major Medical protects against serious illnesses and injuries that can be costly to diagnose and treat. Horses that might be ineligible for Major Medical may be insured against more narrowly focused risks of surgical costs and/ or Colic treatment. Colic is a gastrointestinal condition that is particularly dangerous to horses. The condition can sometimes be fatal without veterinary treatment, and may even require surgical intervention. WHAT IF MY HORSE SURVIVES BUT CAN’T BE USED ANY MORE? That is a tough spot–a horse which can no

percentage of the horse’s insured value, depending upon whether the horse is surrendered to the company or kept by the owner. Loss of Use is available only for specific disciplines and for limited ages, and its medical qualification standards are stringent. I OWN A BREEDING STALLION. HOW MAY I PROTECT HIS BREEDING VALUE? Stallion AS&D insurance protects the breeding value of proven stallions against impotency or infertility resulting from a covered Accident, Sickness and Disease. Stallion AS&D is limited to certain ages and proven breeding histories, and may be purchased in addition to Mortality insurance. CAN MY HORSE BE INSURED WHILE OVERSEAS? Yes, under certain circumstances. Mortality and Major Medical coverages are limited to the USA and Canada, but may be extended at the insurance company’s discretion.

WHAT IF MY HORSE HAS A PREEXISTING MEDICAL CONDITION? Insurance is intended to protect against unexpected losses, and pre-existing conditions which increase the likelihood of a future occurrence are excluded from coverage. Companies exercise discretion

sometimes things go wrong even losses, illnesses and injuries. when excluding coverages, and might waive exclusion for minor conditions which have been fully resolved and pose no heightened risk of recurrence. And in some cases exclusion might apply only to Major Medical and have no effect on Mortality coverage. It is important to provide complete information to the insurer so there will be no surprises if you make a claim.

WHAT IS THE INSURABLE VALUE OF MY HORSE? You may insure your horse for its market value, or a lesser amount if you choose. For a new horse, insurable value begins with the purchase price, which may include related sales commission and transportation costs. Insurable values above the purchase price require documentation of the increased value, such as records of subsequent competition, training or breeding. WHAT DOCUMENTS MUST I PROVIDE TO INSURE MY HORSE? Mortality policies require a signed Application, substantiation of the insured value, and evidence of medical insurability.

Veterinary Exam Certificates are required for higher valued horses (often over $100,000) and foals under 30 days old. For all others, a signed Statement of Condition will usually suffice. HOW MAY I PURCHASE INSURANCE FOR MY HORSES? The market for Equine Mortality insurance is highly specialized and is limited to a handful of reputable carriers. An experienced and knowledgeable risk advisor can help you select the coverages and limits that best protect your financial investment and the health of your four-legged teammate. Bill Harris is a Risk Advisor with The Harbin Agency, Inc., an independent insurance agency with major specialties in Equine Mortality and Farms as well as Commercial, Personal and Life & Health insurance. Bill can be reached at billh@harbingency.com.

WELLNESS

MAY I INSURE MY HORSE ONLY FOR MEDICAL OR OTHER MISCELLANEOUS RISKS? No. Equine Mortality is the basis of the policy, and all other coverages are offered as endorsements to extend the Mortality policy. Companies exercise

discretion when excluding coverages, however. A company might waive exclusion of some conditions which are fully resolved and pose no heightened risk of recurrence. And in some cases exclusion might apply only to Major Medical and have no effect on Mortality coverage.

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

Transit insurance extends the policy to cover the horse during air transit to approved countries, most often between the United States and Europe. The coverage territory may also be broadened during the horseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stay in the approved country. With the Transit endorsement, an American buyer may insure a new horse immediately in Europe, and the coverage will continue through the flight across the ocean and for the remainder of the policy year at home.

Fall is in! the air

Dr. Jason McLendon, DVM Dr. Matthew Reynolds, DVM Dr. Libby Reidy, DVM

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WHY DO I NEED A SADDLE FITTER? Catherine Overstreet, Embrace Saddle Fit

Studies indicate 75-90% of all saddles in use do not properly fit the horse on which they are used. While only 12% of riders have their saddles professionally evaluated more than once a year. development of back pain, muscle atrophy and deterioration in performance. The back dimensions of a horse change over time and throughout the year, with work and seasonal changes. Therefore a saddle fit should be reassessed professionally several times a year, especially if there has been a change in work intensity. The use of an ill-fitting saddle can have both long-term and short-term implications for the horse. Early warning signs include

WELLNESS

REGULAR SADDLE FITTINGS are an important part of the health regime for any horse, whether you are competing, schooling or simply pleasure riding. Having your saddle checked regularly is a preventative measure to avert tack-related muscle inflammation and soreness that can interfere with training schedules. A properly fit saddle may also help avoid costly medical treatments and long term damage. Early recognition o an illfitting saddle may provide an opportunity to reduce the risk of compromised movement,

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

1. The Topographer by Equiscan. 11 individually moving sectioned arms, laid across the back of the horse. Each reading on each segment is recorded. Time consuming, but very accurate. 2. A measuring back guage, used to precisely measure the horse’s back. 3. Every saddle that is

WELLNESS

flocked will need the flocking adjusted or added to after a period of time. Depending on use, have your saddle checked every 6 months.

flinching when being groomed or abnormal behavior when being tacked up. The horse may become hypersensitive to touch especially in the withers area and sometimes around the girth. Long-term indicators of poor saddle fit include muscle atrophy, particularly behind the shoulder resulting in depressions or wither pockets. Palpation of the back may reveal adhesions between the skin and underlying fascia in which the skin cannot be moved over the fascia. White hairs begin to appear when pressure, heat or fiction has injured the hair follicles. Bear in mind that ill-fitting saddles can have detrimental effect on a horse’s performance including forelimb restriction, back stiffness, overall shortness of step, unwillingness to bend, and a tendency to become above the bit.

Properly fitted accessories are also important. Saddle pads must provide ample clearance of the spine; it should still be possible to insert two fingers width between the saddle pad and the wither, with a rider in the saddle. If using sheepskin or fleece pads [with rolled edges the entire saddle panel should rest inside the flat surface of the pad and not sit on top of the rolled edge by any means. The pad should be of the appropriate shape and size to fit both the horse and saddle. Saddle pads should not have rigid edges or stitching that can create friction and pain. Saddle pads should be of an appropriated weight and material to wick away sweat thus protecting the horse’s back. It is crucial that pads are washed frequently to maintain hygiene and softness. Breastplates should not be used to lock the

saddle in position. This may cause a continuous pressure on the chest and shoulder and scapula due to the tree points being held forward restricting the movement of the forelimbs. A breastplate must be fitted to the horse so that it does not interfere with the shoulder movement. Saddle storage and maintenance is crucial to properly maintaining your saddle. Every saddle should be conditioned weekly to maintain suppleness of the leather. This may be with a damp cloth or sponge using warm water, followed by application of leather food and oil as necessary. How saddles are stored can largely influence the contour of the panels creating an uneven bearing surface. Conventional saddle racks can create grooves on the lower surface of

4. Catherine using the Topographer so she can accurately measure the horseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s back. 5. Making sure the saddle is a perfect fit. 6. Keeping our riders and horses comfortable even at shows.

the panels. Saddles are best stored on an even surface. A tubular or V-shaped saddle rack that extends down the gullet channel is best. As an independent saddle fitter I can provide an unbiased opinion on your current saddle fit and make the necessary corrections or advise on the correct brand,

style and type of saddle that will suit you and your horse.

My goal is to ensure the saddle is properly fitted to both horse and rider so that they may experience: 3 FREEDOM from any restrictions 3 BALANCE in every ride 3 HARMONY in their relationship

THE MAJESTIC 2016

SILVERADO 1500 4X4 CREW

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

WESTERN DRESSAGE Posture and the biomechanics of your horse

WESTERN DRESSAGE

Your alignment, seat and rein contact have a profound impact on the movement of your horse. Improve these things and your horse will thank you.

Cheryl Freda Pritchard

I HAVE TALKED about the different skills which are required in Western Dressage tests. Now, it is time to discuss how the rider needs to work in order to accomplish these requirements. This article will not be able to cover all of the details of rider positions and how it affects the biomechanics of the horse, but it will cover the basics and how Western Dressage is different from Classical Dressage, Hunter and even Western Pleasure. The main parts of the rider that affects each horse are hands, torso and seat and then leg. There are slight nuances that also come into play, such as voice (which is permitted in a Western Dressage test), head movement, balance, but I will keep those for another time. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s start with hands. The hands use the reins are a direct communication to your horse via their mouth and their neck. Your hands need to maintain light contact while moving independent of your seat and leg. Think of this contact as they way you would holding your child or partnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hand. You want to have subtle movement to show them where you want to go

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

Breaks in communication occur when wrists are breaking upward or downward. There should always be a straight line from the elbow, through the wrists, reins and through the bit. and how fast. You do not want to jerk on them or keep pulling on their face. The arms of a Western Dressage rider should look like a line between the horse’s bit, through the reins to the hands and to the elbow. The reason that I say from the bit and not the horse’s mouth is due to the use of a shank bit. A break in the wrist of the rider is actually a break in the communication with the horse. (See photos shown). When riding, the elbows should not be overly bent, nor extended in front of the rider, and the elbows should be near the body without being out too far but not clamped to your side. There are three general types of reins that can be used in Western Dressage: split reins, romal reins, mecate reins or loop reins. Each of these reins will affect the

The torso and seat have a great impact on how the horse moves. Since the horse is sensitive enough to feel a fly land on their back, just think how our weight shift must feel to them. The rider sits and rides in the position to help support the horse. The ear, shoulder, hip and back of leg should be in direct alignment when sitting in the saddle. If the rider is leaning too far forward, they will have the tendency to put undue weight on the horse’s withers and cause them to move with too much weight on the forehand. If the rider is leaning too far back either with their upper body or with their pelvic tucked under them too much, they will be behind the movement of the horse, which can cause issues with relaxation in the horses back.

Correct alignment

While the Classical Dressage saddle as well as the different types of English saddles (close contact, jumping…) have been finely designed to ensure the support of the rider for the correct position, Western Dressage saddles are still

evolving. Currently, any Western stock saddle or Australian saddle can be used, just make sure that it fits your horse properly and enables you as the rider to communicate freely and in the correct position with your horse. As a rider, your leg will tell your horse to move laterally or to have more impulsion. Your legs need to have quiet contact with your horse. Different horses will require different contact, but if the rider’s leg is constantly moving, the horse will become frustrated or confused with too much ‘noise’. The leg needs to stretch downward with the heel lower than the toe. The leg should be neither fully extended nor have significant bend. The use of a spur is optional and should depend entirely upon the need of the horse. As we continue to explore Western Dressage together, please feel free to contact me with questions or items you would like addressed at Cheryl@ theHorseBusiness.com. As always, enjoy the ride, and use your position to make the most of your horse.

WESTERN DRESSAGE

horse in different ways and are used based upon your horse’s needs. (I will

cover the differences in each and legal or illegal hand position in another article.).

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

Amber Spiler

Silly Gil Sheesh. It's summer time in the South and it is super hot. I am just hanging out under my trees trying to stay cool. We haven't had rain in weeks and the grass is starting to get crunchy. I don't really mind it that much, but nothing compares to my yummy leaves. Although they are getting dry as well and it makes me thirsty to eat them. “Gil, Gil, Gil!!” I hear the yapping of that silly mutt. “Gil!” I heard him the first time.

KIDS’ CORNER

“I have the BEST idea!” Oh no. He has the worst ideas.

“Let’s go swimming today!” Huh? I let the leaf fall from my mouth. Swimming? We don’t have a pond. Do we? “You have a giant water trough and you aren’t very big. I think you could swim

in it!” He bounces around me in excitement causing a dust storm. Cough. “Come on over and give me a boost and I’ll show you. This will be so much fun!” I breathe deep and then blow the dried dirt out of my nostrils. Perhaps it’s not such a bad idea. I have gone for a swim or two with my girl in a lake and it was very refreshing. How much trouble could it cause? Puck the Jack Russell Terrier mutt was hopping up and down

“Just put your head a bit lower…and I will…bounce…There!” That crazy mutt hopped from my head right into the water splashing me in the face! It did feel good. Perhaps if I just stick my face in a bit. Ahh. Puck is paddling around the trough with his little beady eyes shut tight. He looks so cool. Maybe if I just stick a bit more of my face into the water I’ll feel better. I push my whole pony head in there and shake it back and forth. Ahh, it feels so good! “Gil! You’re splashing water out of the trough you big ol’ water hog!” I don’t care. It just feels so good! I think that I can get a leg…if I stretch. Yep. I got a whole leg in now. Let’s see…both! I have both front legs in the trough. “Stop! You are going to squash me under the water with those big hobbit hooves of yours!” Now Puck is scrambling to get out of the water. I don’t care. More room for me. I’ve got both front legs in and I really do think that I can manage to get my back legs in too. I’m really not that big. I lift one back leg and stretch it up and over. Whoa! Oh no…I’m stuck. I have two and a half legs in the water trough and it’s now feeling a bit wiggly. This is not good. “Now you’ve done it!” Puck rolls his eyes at me and stomps around and a muddy circle. “You’ve ruined all the fun!”

I’m okay. I shake my body off and snicker as I see Puck covered from head to tail in mud. “Gil!!! Now what are we going to drink for the rest of the day?” Huh. I didn’t think about that. As the minutes tick by we stand there staring at each other. “Gosh I’m thirsty.” Puck starts panting. A few more minutes go by and I am starting to worry. Sheesh. I can’t even swallow. So. Thirsty. Puck flops onto the ground and starts whimpering. “It’s been at least five minutes and I am afraid that we may not make it much longer.” I roll my pony eyes at him but secretly I’m starting to think that we may never have water again. “Puck! Gil!” our heads snap up simultaneously. It’s our girl! Puck drags his little body to the gate and crawls under. Our girl frowns a bit. “What’s wrong Puck? And Gil, why is there water everywhere?” Why is everything always my fault? “Who tipped this water trough over?” Her hands are on her hips now and she is

definitely not looking at Puck. Darn. She uprights the trough and turns on the water. Water! Cold water! I stick my nose right in and suck it up as fast as it’s coming out of the hose. Puck is in the trough lapping up what’s left with his little pink tongue. My girl pats me on the neck and scolds me a bit about knocking the water over telling me how lucky I am that she checks the water twice a day. She stands with me talking to me while the trough fills and tells me how much she loves me. I really am a lucky pony. Puck hops beside me barking his goodbye for the day. As I wonder back to my spot among the cool trees I promise myself that tomorrow I will not get in trouble.

SHORT STIRRUPS

I am tired of his complaining so I reach over ever so carefully to give him a little nip and…PLOP! SPLASH! The whole trough, pony and all go tumbling to the ground!

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

in front of my water trough.

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Amber Spiler

junior rider

lily verhoven “I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED HORSES,” says twelve year-old Lily Verhoven. “I started riding when I was three and when I was four I started showing my mom’s horse Red.” After a few years of riding on her family’s Sky Acres Farm and showing English and Western Pleasure Lily found barrel racing. She has been barrel racing now four years and has found her passion. Her main barrel horses are Cowboy, a paint gelding and Sassy. Cowboy was given to her and has taught her so much about the patterns. Cowboy is a bit older and will be retiring soon so Lily will be continuing her Rodeo season next year with Larkin’s Sassafras, aka Sassy. Sassy was given to her by her Aunt and she is taking Lily to the next level of riding. She has ridden in the Dahlonega (IPRA), Cumming (IPRA), and Wills Park (PCA) Rodeo over the past year. We have just bought the Kangaroo Conservatory in Dawsonville and will be moving Sky Acres Farm. She also competes in Jr. Rodeo’s and local shows. She is champion in these with Barrels, Poles, and Goat tying. Lily was the NBHA district 00 4D Champion two years ago at the age of ten.

If you would like to be featured in our Junior Riders section, email a short description of yourself, your horse and a few hi-res photographs to designonpenny@yahoo.com

touch on the belly, she can stand on him and whip the ground, and has gained his respect. She has taken on the leadership role and he is the apple of her eye. She also helps with the lesson program at her Sky Acres Farm. “I like to share my farm with kids who don’t get to have horses. They get so excited!” Lily truly has that special spirit that we find in so many of our young horse riders. Her brother has Tourette’s syndrome and she advocates this through her barrel racing. She has had t-shirts which read “Spin to Win for Tourette’s” made and gives part of the proceeds to Tourette’s awareness. “When I barrel race I feel like I am free, like I am moving in slow motion. I like to win but I do it because it’s exciting and fun to do with my friends and my horses.”

SHORT STIRRUPS

At age eleven Lily started a new endeavor which included training. She used her $25 to purchase a wild untouched mustang and entered the mustang makeover at Chickapee. She had 100 days to train her two year-old gelding and compete with him. This took a lot of her time and she was very committed. She spent at least three hours daily rain, sun, and heat seven days a week. This taught her so much about horses and the way they think. This was a turning point for her and

it will always help her in riding horses. Blaze is a handful but she is patient, kind, but firm. She has since broken him, is riding him daily and training him on barrels.She can lay him down with a

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Emily Hewitt on her horse What’s Up after winning team gold.

Region 3 Junior and Young Riders

IN COLORADO

SHORT STIRRUPS

Hannah Hewitt

A PROUD MOMENT FOR REGION 3 (which includes Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, and South Carolina) by bringing home the junior team gold medal from the Adequan/FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North (NAJYRC) for Dressage. Members of the team were Emily Hewitt, Helena Milazzo, Juliet Hess and Marline Syribeys. The Region 3 young riders, Rachel Robinson, Rebecca Roman, and Meghan Miller, also had a strong team showing and Rachel won the individual silver medal.

NAJYRC is the premier equestrian competition in North America for juniors and young riders, age 14-21. It is modeled after the Olympics and for the competition, the United States of America is divided into nine regions, while Canada is divided into three regions, and Mexico is one region. Each region is considered to be its own “country” and is guided by similar rules and procedures that guide Olympic teams. During the qualifying period, which typically runs each year from the beginning of August to the middle of June, young equestrians vie for one of four positions on either the junior (third level) or young rider (Prix St. Georges) team. As

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1. The Region 3 horses are loaded into a FedEx plane and are off to NAJYRC. 2. Juliet, Helena, Emily, and Marline enjoy dinner together after the opening ceremony. 3. Helena Milazzo and her horse Baccus enjoying her victory lap after winning team gold.

6 5

ÂŠSara Hellner Photo 4. Juliet Hess on her horse Diano after coming in seventh individually. 5. Left to right, Marline Syribeys, Juliet Hess, Emily Hewitt, and Helena Milazzo win team gold for the Region 3 Junior Team.

Syribeys coming from Atlanta, GA and Helena Milazzo, the fourth member of the team, coming from Ponte Vedra, Florida. However, before they were able to ride down centerline at NAJYRC, which was hosted by the Colorado Horse Park in

Parker, Colorado this year, each girl faced a rigorous qualifying season. While fund raising and pursuing sponsorships for the different expenses associated with NAJYRC the team

SHORT STIRRUPS

a result, when the Region 3 Junior Team won the team gold medal at NAJYRC, they became the number one team in all of North America. Georgia was well represented with three of the members, Emily Hewitt, Juliet Hess, and Marline

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SHORT STIRRUPS

members got to know each other and began to bond. Showing off their patriotic spirit, the Region 3 juniors and young riders chose red, white and blue as their outfit colors. Despite the serious nature of this competition, there were many fun activities as well. One such activity was the golf cart ceremony. Here, each region decorated a golf cart however they wanted and then paraded through the show grounds one evening where a winner was chosen.

Region 3 showed their party spirit and had the most fun was at the opening ceremony where each team was presented and there was a live band and a cookout to celebrate the start of the show. The girls from Region 3 like to dance and enticed

everyone at the party to join them. Aided by their sincere friendship and team spirit, the Region 3 juniors won the team competition the next day. This led the juniors to conclude that “the region that dances together, wins together”! Despite the highly competitive nature of NAJYRC, individual and team medals are not the only things it provides to young equestrians. The experience gained by competing has launched successful professional careers. Adrienne Lyle is an example of this. However, probably the most important thing that NAJYRC has provided for all competitors is lifelong friendships, in a sport that is otherwise very individualistic, and the importance of teamwork.

©Sara Hellner Photo 1. Rachel Robinson and her horse Indira after winning the young rider individual silver medal. 2. Juliet and her horse Diano after coming in seventh individually. 3. The Region 3 team bonds at the golf cart parade. 4. Marline Syribeys on her horse Hollywood after coming in eighth individually.

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©Katie Roth

the makings of a

POLO PONY MANY PEOPLE often ask “What type of breed makes a polo pony?” First of all, Polo ponies are a type of horse, not a breed, and they must meet certain requirements. The perfect polo pony has a combination of talents, endurance, intelligence, agility, speed and most important the love for the game. Essentially they must be super strong and able to carry riders of all ages and size, at full speed and stop and turn in a split second. The size of the polo pony doesn’t really matter so much as that is a personal preference of the rider. Some players prefer taller others prefer the smaller size. On average, they vary from 14 to 16 hands. There are several breeds that are used in Polo. The thoroughbred polo horse is commonly used, because of their strong hind quarters, that gives them incredible speed. The Thoroughbred Quarter Horse Pony also known as an

Appendix, is also a favorite. This is a cross between the thoroughbred and the quarter horse. Quarter horses are extremely agile enabling them to make quick directional changes. Like their quarter horse ancestors, these horses also have quick bursts of speed. There is also a polo pony called the Argentinean Polo pony. The Argentine Polo is a cross between the thoroughbred and a native Argentinean breed called the Criollo. Like the quarter horse, the Criollo is a tough working cow horse with the ability to move quickly and turn sharply; however the Criollo is typically bred for endurance rather than speed. The crossbreed is also called the Argentine-Anglo.

POLO

Jenny Kepano

Jenny Kepano and Midnight, an Appendix Quarter Horse

The Mighty Power Ranger

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The perfect polo pony has a combination of talents, endurance, intelligence, agility, speed and most important the love for the game.

Anja Jacobs

Power Ranger Red (Ranger) is originally from the town of 25 de Mayo, Argentina. Being a short coupled horse, Ranger found a job as a 4-year old child’s first polo pony. Being as new to polo as that 4-year old, I asked him if I could play Ranger at the La

It is truly amazing to play an experienced polo pony. They are able to anticipate plays during the game, often before the rider can. Next time you are flipping through the channels, please watch a high goal game on Chukker TV. You will see just how athletic and talented these horses truly are.

Mariposa Polo school. I fell in love with Ranger, bought him from the 4-year old and brought him back to the States. (That 4 year old was an impressive negotiator!) When my boyfriend’s daughter was old enough to start riding, Ranger seemed like the natural choice. I threw a western saddle on him and she took him into the show ring as a western

pleasure horse. Eventually she had her own pony, and I wanted to continue to go to shows with her, so I took Ranger over a few cross rails to see what he could do for me in the hunter ring. I quickly learned that he would rather jump big and fas, rather than to look pretty so we moved over to the jumper ring where he could really have some fun. While we are considering exploring a little barrel racing as our next adventure, but we will always play competitive polo together. Our goal is set on the 2017 US Open Women’s Polo Championship. Fingers crossed!

1. Ranger, an Argentine Criollo 2. Argentine Mare 3. The grey is Luna, a Thoroughbred. The Chestnut is Mate and Argentine Criollo 4. Nikki is an Appendix 5. Trinket is a Quarter Horse

POLO 41

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Phil Town, Winship Reese, Jamie Mirikitani, Stuart Campbell

PonyUp

©Kris Wooten

for a cause!

POLO

T H E AT L A N TA C H A R I T Y C U P b e n e f i t t i n g AT L A N TA R O N A L D M C D O N A L D H O U S E

THE INAUGURAL Pony Up For a Cause benefit polo match featuring the Atlanta Charity Cup, brought to you by BMW Atlanta Centers and the Atlanta Regional Polo Center, took place on Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016 at the Atlanta Polo Club. Three teams competed in the 6-goal USPA sanctioned benefit tournement where all proceeds from the event were donated to Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities. Preliminary matches were held earlier in the week, with the 6-goal Championship Match being featured on Sunday. Throughout the afternoon, there was a live and silent auction, a raffle drawing, wonderful food catered by Muss & Turners, as well as beer, wine, champagne, and featured cocktails hosted by Tito’s Handmade Vodka. And while the day also brought a

LOT of rain as well, the crowd was not deterred, and still had a fantastic time. The event was sponsored by BMW Atlanta Centers, Northside Hospital, Comcast Spotlight, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, RMS Automotive and Stratis Healthcare. To receive additional information on the Pony Up For a Cause, The Atlanta Charity Cup and how to get involved in next year’s event, visit www.ponyupforacause.org. To learn more about the Atlanta Regional Polo Center, visit www.atlantapolocenter. com. For more information the Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities, visit www.armhc.org.

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

POLO

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

Cherie Armand

millenials

wine

ART S & ENTERTAINMENT

CLUBS

No longer exclusive and expensive, today’s wine clubs are more accessible and affordable than ever before. And did I mention, FUN?

Tatiana and her brother Francisco enjoying the wine tasting

MILLENNIALS ARE DRIVING THE WINE MARKET upwards like no other group before. Today’s 20- and 30-somethings downed about 159.6 million cases of wine in 2015, according to the Wine Market Council, accounting for 42% of all the wine consumed in the U.S. last year, the most of any age group. Drinking wine has now become a daily ritual and millennials aren’t necessarily cheap about it either. Most of my consumers in this age group are happy to spend anywhere between $12 and $20 per bottle of wine. Unlike their older counterparts, they want more then just Kendall Jackson and Beringer, they want to try and explore all kinds of wines from all over the world. White, Red and the ever super trendy Rose, are all on an equal playing field with this group of wine consumers. With this trending thirst of wine exploration, tasting new wines is now an event. Hosting wine tastings and parties is now a fun way to learn and entertain simultaneously. Not to mention all of the Instagram, Facebook and Tweets that will be posted about who’s drinking what wine, with what food and where. Basically, if you’re not drinking wine, you’re not keeping the pace.

Wine clubs, which at one time were very exclusive and expensive, are now more accessible and affordable then ever before and millennials are signing up. Many clubs are available online to ship direct to your house or you can support one of your local wine shops. Most memberships are charged monthly to a credit card, include hand-selected bottles of wine and usually some other membership perks. At Cherie Armand Wine & Beer, our club includes a complimentary wine tasting - making our club more than just picking up monthly wines - it’s a fun, social, educational, and easy way to keep up with the wine world and its trends without having to do any leg work. It’s on tap! Wine on draft? To many Baby Boomers that may sound worse than

boxed wine. Despite what you may think, this new concept in pouring and taking “wine to go,” is music to my wine ears. With wine on draft, you never have to worry about open bottles oxidizing after being opened. Wine in a keg stays fresh, there’s no risk of “corked” bottles, and you can reduce your carbon footprint by using a “growler” to fill with wine and enjoy at home. Wine producers and distributors are catching on to this concept and the varieties of high quality wines now available on draft are in the hundreds.

catering to their style of consumption. Trendier wine labels now saturate the market and more organic and sustainably grown wines are being showcased. So if you haven’t taken your wine selfie yet, what are you waiting for? If millennials got one thing right, it’s their love for wine!

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Try a memebership to a wine club! It’s fun, social, educational and an easy way to keep up with the wine world and its trends without any of the leg work.

MY wine selfie!

Whether you like it our not, wine has turned a new leaf. Wine producers are definitely jumping on 2 the millennial bandwagon and are

ART S & ENTERTAINMENT

1. Wine on draft? Whatever will they think of next! 2. Live, laugh drink more wine!

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ART S & ENTERTAINMENT 46

artist

JULIE FERRIS

EQUESTRIAN ARTIST JULIE FERRIS has been spending the majority of her time working on commissions as well as pieces for her shows recently held in Savannah and Charleston titled The Art Horse: Series I. She is booked for the rest of 2016 and working on filling up reservations for 2017. She specializes in oil and her muse is her life experiences communicated through the horse as art. Her style resembles contemporary realism with a touch of impressionism and the use of many other art principles.

deeply I know my subject, the better I will be at depicting them on canvas. I would like to take equestrian art to a new level, one that hasn’t been seen before.” In the next several years Julie hopes to become renowned for her equestrian paintings not for the fame but because she believes the horse deserves it. “These animals give so much to us and by creating the most beautiful and astounding paintings of them, I feel that in a way, I am giving back a bit of the respect we equestrians know they deserve.” Just recently Julie traveled to South Africa as a part of a mission’s team working with

Young Life to put on a camp for kids in one of the townships near Bela Bela. Her role was to teach art to them and she was able to introduce these kids to famous artists they had never heard of before such as Van Gogh, DaVinci, and Pollock. Taking time to travel both for pleasure and humanitarian reasons helps inspire her as well as provide her with different perspectives. On all of her travels she makes a point to observe the horse culture of that society and of course go riding if possible. So far she has managed to ride in Great Britain, Denmark, South Africa, and France, and hopes to add many more countries to the list.

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Julie moved back to the Atlanta area after living in Savannah for eight years. She attended SCAD and rode for the SCAD IHSA Equestrian Team then decided to spend four years post college starting her business in the lovely artist community of Savannah. Now that she is a little more settled she is continuing to develop her ability as a rider which is an integral part of her progress as an equestrian artist and her own personal goals. “Painting is easy and fun for me, riding effectively, however is much more of a struggle and doesn’t come as easy for me, but I love it!” Julie believes that for her, riding and painting horses go hand in hand and one should not be without the other. “The more

“I would like to take equestrian art to a new level, one that hasn’t been seen before.”

ART S & ENTERTAINMENT

Iconic II, Oil on Belgian Linen, 36”x48,” 2016, custom commission

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

ART S & ENTERTAINMENT

Waccamaw, Oil on Canvas, 36”x48,” 2016, custom commission

Above: Resolute, Oil on Canvas, 24”x24”, 2016 for (The Art Horse: Series I)

Right: Spirit, Oil on Canvas, 24”x36,” 2016, custom commission

ATLANTA HORSE CONNECTIONS

“ These animals give so much to us and by creating the most beautiful and astounding paintings of them, I feel that in a way, I am giving back a bit of the respect we equestrians know they deserve.”

ART S & ENTERTAINMENT

Iconic I, Oil on Canvas, 22”x28,” 2016, custom commission

16 TH EDITION - 2016

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