Atlanta Horse Connections Volume 25

25 TH EDITION - 2018

2018

W EG

meet the new

DRESSAGE TESTS

A STAR IS REBORN

PONY UP FOR A CAUSE

the retired

RACEHORSE PROJECT

finals

ONE VOICE

to change equine welfare SPORT

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ENTERTAINMENT

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T R AV E L

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STYLE

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COMPETITION

u

WELLNESS

©Denise Rugan

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©Kim Lennon

THE 2018 SESSC

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21 25 29 30

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what’s

LOCAL NEWS The 2018 SESSC

INTERNATIONAL A Star is Reborn at WEG It’s About Time

EVENTING

It’s All About Timing

DRESSAGE

35 38 40

INSIDE

SHORT STIRRUPS Silly Gil

POLO

Pony Up for a Cause

EQ ST YLE Fair Play

Revel in the Ride Young Rider heads to the NAYC Meet the New Tests

©Liz Crawley Photo

WEG 2018 A STAR IS REBORN

WELLNESS

13

One Voice to Change Equine Welfare

“

This mare gives me glimpses of Valegro every time we go into to arena. She is such a talent, she just gives and gives and gives.

”

– Charlotte Dujardin Individual & Team Bronze Medalist, WEG 2018

CHARLOTTE DUJARDIN (GBR) AND MOUNT ST. JOHN FREEST YLE

Heidi Caldwell Creative Director

Penny Morse Editor As the competition season winds down, it would be amiss of me not to comment on this year. There have been lots of ups and downs. There have been several horses that lost their lives; we lost some household names to age and illness. We discovered that just because a person is bold enough to say he can make anything happen, it doesn’t always work out! All in all, it was a successful year for some and not for others. The weather was challenging to say the least; there was a rumor that an ark needed to be built soon at one point.

Maureen Forman Lifestyle Editor

Contributing Writers Yvonne Barteau Taylor Blumenthal Carolyn Haward

One thing I have noticed is the demographics in the horse world is changing. As one person pointed out to me this very weekend, we have become a sport of the haves and have not’s, once again. As everything becomes more expensive, I believe over the next few years you will see schooling shows become better organized and be run like a recognized show, with the majority of the lower levels competing. Recognized shows will be there more for professionals that are looking to be noticed by selection committees to compete overseas, or for promoting sale horses. Those with disposable income will continue to support the recognized shows, but the size of the divisions at Beginner Novice and Novice in eventing will continue to dwindle.

Jenny Kepano Katya Manjossova Penny Morse Emma Sevriens Betty Smith Amber Spiler Bill Woods

Rather than ‘persuading’ the students or the parents of students to throw caution to the wind and continue spending considerable amounts of money into competing at a recognized level, I hope that most open their eyes and realize things have to change. Let’s start by improving the riding standard of the students, rather than buying another expensive horse when the current one did not do well. Let’s make the rider responsible for working hard to succeed and not relying on the trainer or the horse to achieve their goals.

Contributing Photographers Valerie Bennett Alison Cochran Liz Crawley Werner Geven

I applaud the trainers that spend time with their students at non-recognized shows, and accept they cannot do that and compete their horses at every recognized event. Trainers must remember that their students are the ones that finance their passion and their goals and deserve to be put first when there is a show that is offered for their level.

Martha Grace Kim Lennon Paul Meredith Kathy Olivier

It is most important that every child and adult, who rides takes the time to volunteer at least once a year, if only to be reminded that it costs nothing to be thankful and pleasant, and to realize just how much work is involved in getting each rider into the arena at the right time.

We should not just be encouraging our younger generation to ride better, but teaching them to appreciate what they have, how complete strangers give up their time so they can have a show to enter, and most of all–learn to give back.

Maybe that is a lesson everyone should be learning.

Denise Rugan Erika Swales Susan Strickland

Happy Thanksgiving to all our readers and look for our last issue of the year in December!

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

Cover photo ©Liz Crawley Photo WEG Silver Medalist Laura Graves and Verdades

/atlantahorseconnections

Penny Morse All articles and pictures are owned and copyrighted by City Horse Connections, a subsidiary of JJP Group.

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. ©2018.

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2018 THE RETURN OF THE

Southeast Schooling Show Championships A YEAR AGO, the first event of its kind was successfully held at Chattahoochee Hills Eventing. ‘The Southeast Schooling Show Championships’.

It caused a stir, with articles being published online, in magazines plus podcasts. Organizations realized that the riders in these shows deserved to be recognized for their accomplishments as well as having the desire to strive for more than a ribbon at an unrecognized show. Interestingly enough, it was also easier to find sponsors for such an event compared to finding sponsors for recognized shows.

To fulfill the desire for more and more people wanting to sponsor, for 2018 classes were added, giving more riders a chance to win. Now, it has been suggested that this is the present attitude of some that everyone should get a ribbon.

Nothing could be further from the truth. When starting up ©Kim Lennon

©Valerie Bennett

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LOCAL NEWS

©Werner Geven

©Erika Swales

©Kim Lennon

an event, that everyone is certain will grow considerably over the next few years, you have to have your classes in place, rather than looking at the number of entries and wondering how to split the large classes.

The second SESSC was held the last weekend of September, at Chatt Hills.

The weather was perfect and the entries had grown, despite some having gone to WEG rather than compete. The ladies at Chatt Hills had gone to town decorating the pavilion in fall colors and displaying the trophies. The facility was decked out to welcome the riders, their families and friends.

©Kim Lennon

The event started out with a cross country course walk given by Sara Beth Anton of Starting Point Farm, followed by a Stadium course walk given by Chris Barnard (UK), the course designer. Competitors came from all directions to attend both course walks much to the delight of Sara Beth and Chris.

The evening then proceeded with a Parade of Riders, and the National Anthem, followed by pizza. The event had started and the organizers were ready to make sure the weekend went smoothly!

Saturday morning began with a thick fog that lifted in time for the first dressage ride. It

©Alison Cochran

made you feel that this truly was a fall show, even though the summer heat had continued to stay around. The excitement in the air was just as magical as the year before. The riders were once again dressed to the highest of standards and the horses and ponies were turned out beautifully. The day ran as clockwork, with successful cross country riders receiving their medal at the end of the course, and the dressage judges impressed with the standard of riding. At 5.30 pm the awards for the first day were presented. Phil and Melissa Town presented the prizes and chatted to the winners. Beaming faces, proud parents and an excited crowd that were still in awe that a schooling show could be

©Erika Swales

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©Valerie Bennett

©Kim Lennon

this exciting! For the organizers, they were getting ready for the entertainment part of the show–Bouncy Ball Races. They had been most popular at the Area lll Championships, earlier in the year, and just as exciting at the SESSC. Before there had been some rather underhanded cheating, but the competitors this time were all well behaved, but just as determined to win, as there was some serious chocolate for the prize winners! The classes were divided into 16 and under and adult. The 16 and under group were skilled, had a great laugh at themselves and there was no doubt as to the winners. The adult competition proved to be somewhat more difficult. There was no cheating but the determination to win, was second to none!

©Alison Cochran

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We saw women out there that I believe could have taken on Arnold Schwarzenegger and won. I have a whole new respect for the determination of some women that are not that much over 5’2”. It came down to a bounce off, with the audience becoming involved with some serious cheering and ‘helpful suggestions’! With the audience deciding on the winner of the best dressed, there was ample chocolate being passed around and a large crowd of people ready to enjoy the food and the music, including the disco ball!

Sunday morning, with a slightly later start, the higher level competitors made their way towards the arenas to start their day. Once

©Kathy Olivier

again, everyone looked immaculate, and with many of these riders also competing in recognized shows, it proved that they also took this event just as seriously. The day ended with the Sunday prize giving, and once again, even with less people in attendance it was still a very excited crowd with family and friends cheering!

Once again it was a successful weekend, with riders having more fun than at any other show. Those that travelled from out of state were ready to reserve their accommodation for 2019. It took some very dedicated ladies to put this together and an army of volunteers! It became apparent that giving the group of riders (the ones that

©Valerie Bennett

“

©Kim Lennon

“

“

When your horse follows

you without being asked,

when he rubs his head on yours, and when you look at him and

feel a tingle down your spine... you know you are loved.

– John Lyons

offer their services at the recognized shows), a show of this caliber is not only appreciated but encourages them to keep competing and volunteering. How many times at a recognized show, do you offer a prize giving ceremony, and unless it is in the arena right after the class has ended, half of the winners have left or were not interested.

It has always been said that when you decide on a career, make it one you will enjoy, because you are doing it for a long time. I have to wonder if some of our professional riders still enjoy what they do, or feel that they are just stuck there. I saw happy, accomplished faces, when at a recognized show I see a ‘how long is this going to take’ face. I think if more professionals attended an event such as this, they would learn more about their students and possibly remind them why they chose this as their occupation.

I was also interested to see the trainers who attended this event with their students and the ones that chose to compete themselves at a recognized show the same weekend. Trainers make their income by teaching their students, and with all the events that are held throughout the year, there has to be that one weekend where the student has to take priority over the trainer’s need to compete.

There were a couple of trainers who volunteered earlier in the year, so they could compete. Why? It was their way of showing support and they knew it would be a fun weekend without breaking the budget!

Congratulations to all the riders and their trainers! Thank you to the sponsors, the volunteers and the organizers. You are all the future of this sport that we love so much, and may you all continue to be part of the growth. ©Kim Lennon

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24 TH EDITION - 2018

surging towards WEG

the retired

RACEHORSE

Jamie Barge

& Luebbo

project part two

helping your horse surv

ive

ALLERGY SEASON horses without

HUMANS

training for the train

ers

DRESSAGE TRAINERS’

SPORT

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ENTERTA INMENT

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T R AV E L

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SYMPOSIUM STYLE

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COMPET ITION

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WELLNES S

STAY INFORMED!

From local stories and trainers to national news and competitions, Atlanta Horse Connections is covering all things important to the Equine Community!

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ISABELL WERTH and her 14 yr. old chestnut mare Bella Rose were undoubtedly the comeback kids of the 2018 WEG. After years off from the limelight due to the mare’s injuries, this combo reappeared and took home the gold in Individual Dressage and solidified Germany’s Team Gold as well. It was not an event without setbacks and a fair share of problems (including a pesky little hurricane named Florence) but the spirit and talent of the horse and rider pairs were undeniable. Our photographer Liz Crawley joined us there capturing some of the glorious action in the Dressage and Eventing competitions. Enjoy her beautiful perspective!

Isabell Werth and Bella Rose ©Liz Crawley photo

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INTERNATIONAL

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1. France’s Thibaut Valette Lt. Col. and Qing Du Briot Ene HN 2. Sidney Dufrense and Tresor Mail riding for Team France 3. Team Gold Medalists Great Britain’s Tom McEwen and Toledo de Kerser 1

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4. Individual and Team Gold Medalist Great Britain’s Rosalind Canter and Allstar B 5. Sarah Ennis and Horseware Stellor Rebound, Silver Medalists for Team Ireland 6. Sam Watson and Horseware Ardagh Highlight, Team Ireland 7. An amazing recovery for Robin Godel and Grandeur De Lully CH (SUI) 8. Great Britain’s Piggy French and Quarrycrest Echo 8

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1. Ireland’s Padraig McCarthy and Mr. Chunky, Team and Individual Silver Medalist 2. Donatien Schauly ADJ and Pivoine des Touches, Team France 3. Individual Bronze Medalist Ingrid Klimke and Sap Hale Bob OLD, Team Germany 4. Great Britain’s Charlotte Dujardin and Mount St. John Freestyle, Individual and Team Bronze Medalist 16

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5. Isabell Werth and Bella Rose, Individual and Team Gold Medalist, Germany 6. Ireland’s Cathal Daniels and Rioghan RUA, Team Silver 7. Piggy French and Quarrycrest Echo ECHO (GBR) 8. Team France’s Maxime Livio and Opiu De Verrieres 9. USA’s Laura Graves and Verdades, Team and Individual Silver Medalists AHC

INTERNATIONAL

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Carolyn Haward FEI International Show Jumping Judge, Greece

it’s about TIME!

A resurrection... yes, it’s been a long time, six years to be exact, since an international CSI competition was held in Greece. This year in June it finally happened.

THE VERY WORST OF THE AUSTERITY era over, sponsors clock displayed in the public arena is continually counting down, were eventually found to help bring Greek show jumping back second by second, until the next class starts. At the precise onto the international circuit. Not that the financial crisis has moment the clock second hand reaches the scheduled start time, completely passed, and the evidence can the judge rings the bell to start the first be seen all around us: shops boarded up, rider. That level of precision naturally companies gone bust, unemployment requires a high degree of organization rife among the young, families unable to and cooperation. Mediterranean pay their mortgages and left homeless, countries, on the other hand, have a properties going for a song on a market much more laid back attitude towards that has collapsed. Despite all the pain time in general. Their whole culture of a shrunken economy, the general works more on rubber time....but more public has kept cheerful with the usual of that later.

Greek joie de vivre, hoping that the country is now turning a corner and A competition where I officiated last year The clock counting down at Zangersheide the future may be brighter. In the light of this in St. Lo, France, was run as similarly punctual wave of optimism, more companies have been willing to make to those in Belgium; according to the times in the approved donations to sporting events. schedule and in accordance with ” the law of the competition”... to quote from FEI’s top jumping official. However a 15 minute Unfortunately, during that six year interval a certain degree of delay in the start of the final and most important competition, expertise has been lost as some of the older officials have retired, the Grand Prix, with resultant agitation shown by riders and leaving less experienced organizers in their place. So naturally indeed equally by the president of the Ground Jury, just goes to there were a few initial problems, with timing being one of the illustrate how crucial it is to start on time. The cause here was the primary issues from my point of view as a judge. fact that the Normandy province is strong in horse breeding and this equestrian center at St. Lo (incidentally very close to Omaha Timing is so important in our sport in that it uniquely involves beach famous for the ‘D’ Day American landings in 1944) is the an animal which is also an athlete, and like all athletes has to be place for buying good French jumping horses. For an hour prior warmed up before competing. Any delay in a starting time for a to the start of the Grand Prix, an auction of some of these top competition can cause considerable concern to the riders, whose horses was taking place, but they overran their allocated time slot, horses are all prepared and raring to go into the arena. with the resultant stress for horses, riders and, yes, we judges who CARE TOO! In my modest career as a judge the best timing I have ever encountered was at Zangersheide in Belgium where a large Anyway, back to Greece: The first CSI event, albeit a 1*, was to 18

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be followed by a 2* a week later... about time after that interim of 6 years. Due to the surface conditions this year, it was decided that the Olympic jumping arena grass would be preserved for the 2* and that the Olympic dressage arena would be the venue for the initial 1* which was to be presided over by... guess who?... your’s truly! I was of course honored to be chosen for this illustrious position but I knew I could easily be facing quite a lot of teething problems; which brings me back to the other question of time.

The first class on the first day was a two phase competition, to be held in the sand dressage arena especially constructed for the 2004 Olympic Games. As we all know, the dressage judges sit in strategic positions around the arena, in this case actually in little kiosks inside the arena itself. As a consequence, no suitable showjumping judges box had been constructed as it was then unnecessary. It was therefore decided that for this year the jumping judging was to be done from the room originally allocated to the press in the Olympics, located at the very top of the grandstand... high up with the ancient Greek Gods! This affords wonderful views of the surrounding countryside, as well as a good panoramic view of the competition arena... but such a remote location meant that the finer details of the course could possibly be overlooked.

On arrival at the venue, I inspected the course, as is the duty of the judges, to check that the fences were correctly built and flagged, the distances between them were safe, the background behind each jump did not conflict or mask the fence itself, and so on. All was in order except for the tripods for the electronic timing system, six being needed to mark the start and finish lines for the two phases. The timekeeper was a little late but would soon set them up, I was assured. Then the

Above: Horse displaying his jumping qualities at an auction at the Equestrian Centre in St Lo, France. Below: The expansive and panoramic view from the judges box at the dressage arena, Greek Olympic Centre.

riders duly came into the arena to walk the course for themselves and I climbed up the seemingly unending steps to the loftily placed judges box.

There I discovered a few challenges in the form of missing equipment: a microphone not yet in working order, no walkie-talkies to communicate with the stewards, no bell (necessary, don’t you think?), and insufficient chairs. These points were however quickly resolved. Hoping to start exactly on time, I then discovered that the timekeeper was still absent and not only that, neither the doctor nor the ambulance had arrived yet. Apparently there had been an accident on the main motorway to the Equestrian Centre, causing serious traffic jams. Naturally these were unforeseen

circumstances that could happen anywhere and are beyond even our control as judges.

We didn’t actually start until 30 minutes after the scheduled time, and not before the breathless timekeeper rushed, panting, into the box and introduced himself, full of apologies. I had never met him before... here was another inexperienced newcomer. Things were not boding well.

And so the first class began. All was running well until a certain competitor having a clear finish to the first phase, then took a sharp left turn around the wing of the final jump of phase 1, and changed into a higher gear in pursuit of a really fast time in phase 2.

“The rider hasn’t gone through the finish line of phase 1!” came a sudden shout from the timekeeper’s corner.

“Are you sure?” I enquired.

“Oh yes, he hasn’t gone through the photocells, so his time for the second phase hasn’t started.”

D.R.I.N.N.N.G! I rang the rider out, eliminating him for not finishing phase 1 correctly.

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We continued judging for another quarter of an hour or so...when another competitor did exactly the same thing!

I sounded the bell and eliminated this second rider, the horrible thought passing through my mind that something might be amiss. This was an international competition, most of the riders had competed in other countries and should know the most basic of rules–you have to cross the finish line to complete a course, even in a two phase competition where the finish of the first phase is also the start line of the second phase. Not long afterwards there was a knock on the door and the two riders in question together with their trainers entered the judges box, protesting that they HAD crossed the finish line. After some discussion and a close-up inspection of the course, it transpired that the timekeeper, in his haste, had incorrectly placed one of his tripods, the one left of the last fence of phase 1, at a distance of at least four feet from the white flag denoting the finish line. The riders HAD passed between the white and red flags but, of course, had not passed between the two tripods with their photocells incorrectly positioned! From our high up position none of the judges had been able to see that there was a problem.

So what happened next? This sort of complication is not covered by any rule book. However, all international judges are instructed during their training by FEI on what to do in an unlikely event such as this.

Any rider wrongly eliminated through no fault of their own... and these two riders WERE unjustly eliminated, as I was quick to admit... had to be placed with the scores they had at the point of elimination (a clear round in each case) and with equal best time among the riders with the same score as them. This meant that we had 3 riders all in first place! It followed also that they therefore had to be awarded equal first place money prizes! Not exactly a happy solution 20

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for the organizers who had to find the extra funds, but it was the only fair decision for the riders concerned. By the way, all other placed riders kept their original placing.

Later on at the same event we had further time abnormalities, as we can call them. The ultimate competition, and the most important, the Grand Prix, had to be delayed by an hour and a half. The Approved Schedule showed a start time of 13.30 but the printed programme announced the start time, unbeknownst to us in the box, as 15.00! It appeared that the Organizing Committee had decided that extra time was needed for the ground to be suitably prepared for such an important class. Only they had omitted telling us or amending the schedule. I had to juggle with numerous calls from both riders and officials who were as confused as I was until the double timing complication was sorted.

It is easy to understand therefore that any combination of factors creating an unusual situation, can and does challenge the judges with a problem not of their own making.

The approved schedule, ‘the law’ of the competition, should not be changed in any way unless there are unavoidable unforeseen circumstances. Another example; I remember a

Grand Prix at a European Championship in Athens which had to be delayed because of the unusually hot weather that would have been unfair or even dangerous to both horses and riders. Unforeseen circumstances will have knock on effects and the judges are expected to solve any resulting problems.

The only solution on that occasion was to reschedule the Grand Prix from the scorching daytime temperatures to cooler evening ones.

So you can see that judging jumping competitions is not always a case of counting the four faults when a fence falls, as so many people seem to think.

I sometimes feel more like a referee at a boxing match than a judge in the gentile sport of riding. We face all kinds of problems behind the scenes, although it is a great pleasure to find solutions. It is, after all, the sport that we all love and want to keep a level playing field for all involved.

Spare a thought for us occasionally as we try to do our best.

Don’t always blame the judges when things go wrong!

Auction action at the Equestrian Centre in St. Lo, France.

it’s all about

TIMING

Betty Smith & Taylor Blumenthal

Final entry in the 3-part series that follows the transition of a Thoroughbred racehorse coming off of the track through his re-training and onto his next career Fact: There were 812 applicants for the 2018 Thoroughbred Makeover project an increase in 38% over 2017.

Source: https://www.retiredracehorseproject.org Fact: The typical expense to purchase and bring along a project RRP is $8,000.

Source: https://www.retiredracehorseproject.org Fact: At the 2017 competition, approximately onethird of the 300 horses competing were for sale.

Twenty-two of those were confirmed as sold within a month of the competition with prices ranging from $3,000 to $21,000. To date, the average sale price of 2017 Makeover horses is $9,100. 2018 stats are not yet available.

Source: https://www.retiredracehorseproject.org/tbmakeover_ site/rrp-tb-makeover-classifieds/buy-a-tb-makeover-horse)

Best Fact: The 2018 Thoroughbred Makeover results are in the books! Read on to find out how Taylor and Valoordo fared.

Q: Before we talk about how you and Valoordo (Sammie) did in the competition, we need to talk about your building blocks along the way. You have been very purposeful about where you have taken Sammie and what experiences you have provided him. What have you done?

Taylor: When we last spoke I was feeling a little behind in my Makeover training. Injuries and life kept getting in the way. I’m not sure I had even cantered him as of June! Once I got some consistency at home, I started taking him on field trips. He went with me to teach lessons and he went trail riding or I would sit on him while others cross country schooled –that type of thing.

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He shows great promise when it comes to those higher jumps!

Sammie is very smart and generally very quiet but he can be opinionated and in some situations he gets extremely nervous.

On August 4th, I took him to his first schooling show at Chattahoochee Hills Eventing facility in GA. He did a Tadpole 3 Phase test. It was a learning experience for both of us. I got to know how he behaves in a show environment. He learned that yes, you do have to be ridden 3 times in one day and yes, you must behave all 3 times!

Two weeks later I took him to a Starter 3 Phase at Full Gallop Farm in SC and then two weeks later to another Starter 3 Phase at the KY Horse Park. We took a couple weeks off from showing and then off to an Ian Stark clinic at Pine Top Farm in GA. Then a very quiet week before the trip to KY for the Thoroughbred Makeover.

Q: So many shows, trailer trips, changes in environment and atmosphere. What was your goal for his experiences?

Taylor: Sammie is a horse that needs to know what to expect and what is expected

of him. It’s the double-edged sword of having an especially smart horse. The only way for him to get more comfortable going places was to take him places. And at each horse show he was a little better than the last, which was my goal.

Q: As the title of this segment suggest “it all about timing”. You told us of a show at the Kentucky Horse Park, site of the Thoroughbred Makeover competition. What was your goal for this experience?

Q: It seems there was some time off from showing before his next experience, an Ian Stark clinic.

What was your plan for Sammie this time?

The cross country start box is always a little overwhelming for a young horse.

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Taylor: I have shown many horses at the KY horse park over the years. From this I know that it is an exciting atmosphere.

Some horses are unfazed by it, others lose their minds. I suspected Sammie was a horse that really needed to see the horse park before the Makeover. My goal was a good quiet experience. There were some wild moments but at the end of the weekend I had a more experienced, confident, and comfortable horse.

Taylor: By that time I felt like Sammie was good to ride at home and away from home so no need for more shows. But, it was time to focus on higher level training.

Every show I took him to was at Starter/ Tadpole level so that I could trot to any jump if I felt he was getting nervous.

However, by mid-September it was time to start cantering fences! I took him to the Ian Stark clinic to put a little pressure on him under the watchful eye of an Eventing legend. It was one of the best

weekends I’ve had on a horse. Sammie was truly incredible. I could feel him thinking about each jump and challenge. He got better with each clinic day. By the time we got to cross country he was brave and clever and just skipped over all the jumps!

Q: And now we are off to the Thoroughbred Makeover at the Kentucky Horse Park. What classes have you entered and why?

Taylor: I entered Dressage and Freestyle.

Dressage–because I love Dressage.

Freestyle–because I knew the class was held in the indoor arena. Knowing Sammie, I figured that was something he needed to see before the finale–in case we made it into the top 5! I originally planned to enter either Show Jumping or the Eventing classes but at the time we had to submit our final entries I didn’t know if we would be ready to jump courses.

Remember, we had not actually cantered a jump until mid-August and the entries were due August 17th. I didn’t want to feel rushed in his training.

Q: Your Dressage and Demonstration test day dawns. Please take us through the day and test!

Taylor: Dressage was held in the Rolex arena this year. It was really fun but that arena is overwhelming. Luckily, I had the chance to school in there on Wednesday.

Our ride time at 3:00pm on Thursday gave me time to ride him again in the morning.

He started out nervous but settled well and our ride was great. I was feeling pretty confident about the day.

We rode 2015 USEF Training Level Test 2 in a standard arena; 20x60, then went directly to a demo ride in front of a different judge. Sammie was absolutely

wonderful in both rides! While there is always room for improvement, of course, he was as good in the test and demo as he is at home and I cannot expect or hope for more than that. He scored over a 76%!

This put him in 3rd place after the first day of the Dressage competition. I was so excited and so proud but waiting through another full day of Dressage rides was hard. I tried to stay busy and not think about it as much as possible. It wasn’t confirmed that we were in the finale until about 7:00pm on Friday.

Fact: 147 competitors had entered the Dressage competition class at the Thoroughbred Makeover event. Only 113 actually completed their rides. The top 5 scores will make it to the finals.

Q: And you and Sammie made it to the FINALS! (Big Congrats!) Saturday–Finals Day–dawns. How did you prepare? What was your plan? How did Sammie feel?

Taylor: Thank you! Dressage was the biggest division of all of the classes this year. We went into the finale in 4th place.

The Dressage portion was set for about lunchtime so I was able to ride him in the morning –which went well enough.

Unfortunately, the atmosphere of the finale and the indoor was overwhelming for Sammie. He did not show his best.

Once I managed to get him into the arena I found I didn’t have much control so my goal was just to keep him together and try to settle him the best I could in the 4 minutes allowed. He did start to relax just about the time they rang the bell signaling the end of our time. He handled it all the best he could given the atmosphere of the day. (I know what we will be working on over the winter – indoor arenas.) He

Hey look everyone!

We’re on TV!

placed 5th overall and I could not be more pleased and proud. He is truly a special horse and I’m lucky to ride him.

Q: And the most important question of all: Would you do this again?

Taylor: Absolutely, yes! The event itself was so much fun. I had an amazing time with friends and supporters. I have never been to a show like this. So many off the track horses and so many people that love Thoroughbreds. Seeing all the different disciplines in one place–it was very cool.

But more than that I love the concept.

These horses are incredible, special, sensitive and smart Athletes. This experience has reminded me of that fact –although I’m embarrassed to admit that I needed reminding.

Q: What advice do you have for anyone who would like to participate in this program?

Taylor: Don’t be in a hurry. The judging seemed more impressed with partnership than execution–meaning, they were looking out for the welfare of the horse. Also, be prepared to get way too attached to your makeover horse. I do this professionally so I try to keep my emotions in check as much as possible. I was not prepared for what a horse/rider bonding experience it would be.

AHC

EVENTING

23

About Taylor Blumenthal: A dressage and 3-phase eventing

Canada and Europe vying for $100,000 in prize money. The

trainer living outside of Atlanta, GA with her husband, toddler

event will take place October 4-7, 2018 at the Kentucky Horse

and two dogs. Taylor has ridden more OTTBs than she can count

Park. The RRP with its current format and location began in

and spent some time galloping racehorses and steeplechasers

2013 and has grown steadily over the last 4+ years. This is

at the race track early in her career so the Retired Racehorse

not simply a competition, it is a showcase of the breed and a

Project seems like a perfect fit. Taylor is the assistant trainer at

gathering of thoroughbred enthusiasts committed to helping

Shannondale Farms, a USEF Elite training facility in Alpharetta,

these athletes transition to life after the track. Horses ridden

GA. She currently has a loyal group of adult amateur students and

by over 300 trainers will compete in a variety of disciplines:

several horses in training or as sale prospects for their owners.

barrel racing, competitive trail, dressage, eventing, field hunters, freestyle, polo, show hunters, show jumpers, and working ranch.

About Valoordo: (Sammie) A handsome 2013 dark bay

Each division’s top finishers compete on in a finale to determine

gelding by Niagara Causeway who has raced 24 times with

the winner of each discipline. The crowd favorite from the 10

3 wins and a career earnings of $45,544. His last race was

discipline winners will also be awarded the title of American’s

December 11, 2017. He came home on Dec. 27, 2017 to

Most Wanted Thoroughbred which brings an additional

begin his next career.

$10,000 prize. To be eligible to compete, horses must have raced after July 1, 2016, and may not have started specific

About the RRP: The Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred

second career training before December 1, 2017.

Makeover brings competitors from all over the United States,

Congratulations Taylor & Sammie!

24

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EVENTING

Amber Kimball

Revel in the Ride SOME YEARS AGO, I was fortunate to ride a lovely young gelding who followed all of the rules. He was very smart and rather talented. Anywhere he lacked in movement or talent, he more than made up for the deficiency in heart and effort. We competed successfully in the Prix St.. Georges in the fall of his six year old year. In June of his seventh year, we cantered down the centerline to compete successfully in our first Intermediate 1 test. Everything just fell into place and soon after that, piaffe, passage and one tempi changes were part of our daily practice. That horse became my gold standard for the training timelines of all the horses I rode after him.

Amber &Zamboni

“

Even though he looks cute and alert, I think he was just spooking in place! photo by Denise Rugan

“

AAHHCC

DDRREESSSSAAGGEE 25

©Martha Grace

Canterbury Showplace in Newberry, FL. I’m not sure he ever actually went in a straight line that day.

would still believe though, that his antics would fade as his age increased and we would be on our way to the FEI arena in the blink of an eye.

4

At four years of age he was goofy and distracted under saddle but had amazing talent for flying changes. His response to a loss of balance was to do a clean change.

I added an aid when he changed on his own and soon my four year old was a baby genius who did clean flying changes on cue. I thought my training plan was ahead of schedule. I was sure the spooky, distracted goofball would turn into a workaholic when he turned five years old and we would be on the way to Prix St. Georges at six.

5

While I was still riding and showing the easy gelding, I bought a Dutch Warmblood foal, Zamboni. I had been riding other people’s horses for a long time, but Zamboni was the first horse I ever owned. I purchased him when he was a month old and envisioned a training schedule similar to the one that my favorite gelding had maintained. In my mind, there was no reason to think otherwise. Zamboni had good, uphill conformation, good bloodlines and a really good canter. All of the necessary ingredients for a successful dressage horse were there, or so I thought.

26

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DRESSAGE

Fairly early in Zamboni’s life, it became evident that he marched to the beat of his own drummer. As a foal, he dragged me into the pine trees regularly, made the farrier bleed more than once and always leaped away from the vet. Every event was a new adventure, even when it was something that had previously been a good experience. A small amount of doubt began to creep into my mind. I

His five year old year came and went, then his sixth year passed. He was schooling tempi changes and pirouettes on good days. On other days, we could barely make a 20m circle without spooking, leaping or sliding into a sudden halt. We weren’t on the training timeline anymore. The more I compared him to other horses his age and my gold standard gelding, the less I enjoyed riding him. Early in his seventh year he sustained an injury and it was six months before Zamboni was in full work again. We had lost half a year of training.

My goal of following the training timeline went out the window. I felt like a failure.

6

I watched other trainers succeed with their young horses and follow the path set by the USEF, similar to the schedule set by the gelding I rode years earlier. There are

What we don’t see in the magazines and on websites though, is that every trainer showcasing a young, talented horse also has a couple at home that just aren’t quite ready yet or that don’t quite fit into the standard training mold.

tests for four year old, five year and six year old horses, as well as a division for seven to nine year olds competing at Prix St. Georges and eight to ten year olds at Grand Prix. The standards in these tests are high, but achievable, for talented horses and trainers.

7

My seven year old horse was able to do everything in the Prix St.. Georges but never all on the same day. His mind just couldn’t stay focused long enough to get through a test and any attempts to show him at lower levels were lackluster due to his inability to focus on me.

His eighth year held another injury and an illness that sidelined him. I was feeling dismal and began to believe the people around me who doubted Zamboni’s worth. I never stopped loving my horse or ever considered for a minute that I should sell him, but I didn’t enjoy the rides anymore. To me, Zamboni represented my failure as a trainer, regardless of the

8

It’s easy to look at the horses competing in the young horse classes and feel like your horse must be inferior because he isn’t as developed as the ones at the championships. success I was having with my client’s horses.

From the outside of a situation, it’s easy to give advice to others. I regularly consult with clients who find themselves stuck in a training rut. Many times over I have told people that when the riding becomes drudgery, when they no longer look forward to riding their horse, it’s time to make a change. They should either change the training, change the goals, or sometimes, if it’s really not going to work, change the horse they are riding. I knew what I would tell someone else if they owned Zamboni. I’d tell them that he’s different than the other horses, that he would need patience and time. A lot of time. And, just maybe, I would tell someone else that he might not be the right horse for the goal of becoming an FEI competition horse.

Each horse is an individual. Some seem to take forever to mature while others speed through the levels like a rocket ship.

It’s easy to look at the horses competing in the young horse classes and feel like your horse must be inferior because he isn’t as developed as the ones at the championships. What we don’t see in the magazines and on websites though, is that every trainer showcasing a young, talented horse also has a couple at home that just aren’t quite ready yet or that don’t quite fit into the standard training mold. There will always be horses that seem, like some people, to be born to succeed in their vocation. Others will have to work a little longer. I’ve known horses that really struggled through the lower levels but then once the basics were finally confirmed, were back training at the level of their peers in the upper levels in no time. On the other hand, some

...and we’re galloping into the path of the chestnut stallion, after I asked him to enter the covered arena. Seconds later, the stallion gave us a lead into the arena where things didn’t get a whole lot better.

©Martha Grace

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D R E S S A G E 27

horses never really learn to handle the competition environment comfortably.

The age of social media has given us a window into the worlds of equestrians everywhere. We watch horse show classes on Youtube and get daily updates of blue ribbons and training achievements from our friends and celebrity trainers. What is presented on social media are always the highlights, the good stuff, results that are impressive. No one ever updates their status with a blurb about how after six months of training, their mare still can’t do a clean flying change or that their eight year old gelding still spooks at the same flower box he’s been stopping to admire since he was three years old. These things happen to everyone but not many people are going to advertise it.

At some point I think it’s important to remember why we started riding horses in the first place. Of course, our goals are always changing, but there was something that drew us here in the first place. For me it was the horses themselves. I loved the smell of them, their power, their beauty and their character. The best part was how they were generous enough to let me sit upon their backs and share all of those things with me through the saddle. In the beginning, I never even thought about a competition, other than maybe it would be a fun thing to do one day, if I were ever lucky enough to own a horse. I remember in my first riding lesson, sitting atop a big gelding and burying my fingers in his thick palomino winter coat, thinking there was no better place I could ever be seated than on top of a horse.

15

28

AHC

DRESSAGE

Zamboni is nearing his fifteenth year. In the past few years, I have begun to enjoy my horse again. I think of a thirteen year old version of myself and wonder what she would have thought about the prospect of owning a 17.1 hand, dapple gray, Dutch Warmblood gelding. That girl would have been awestruck by Zamboni with his big arched neck and deep brown eyes. She wouldn’t care about training timelines or his show record. She would, however, be thrilled that Zamboni loves flying changes and can do a few steps of piaffe and passage. My thirteen year old self never could have possibly dreamed of owning such a magnificent creature.

Zamboni is still a goofball and I’m not sure we will ever show in the FEI arena together and I’m okay with that now. I have other talented horses to ride and they have taken that pressure off Zamboni.

My heart swells with joy though, when Zamboni morphs into a schoolmaster and he and my husband, Brian, can ride a good shoulder-in together on a sunny Saturday afternoon. They are just out there having fun, enjoying the ride. Somewhere along my journey with Zamboni, I had forgotten to enjoy the ride. After all, isn’t that what it’s all about?

My heart swells with joy though, when Zamboni morphs into a schoolmaster and he and my husband, Brian, can ride a good shoulder-in together on a sunny Saturday afternoon.

Brian & Zamboni instant friends!

Emma Sevriens

©Susan Strickland

First taste of the

“

Young Rider Emma Sevriens takes us with her on her maiden voyage into international competition competing for Region 3 at NAYC

THIS PAST SUMMER, I competed in the Young Riders division at NAYC with my horse, Nido King. This was Nido’s and my first time competing in NAYC as well as our first internationally recognized competition, so it was definitely a big learning experience. The championship was held at Old Salem Farm in North Salem, NY. It was such a beautiful venue! Although Nido and I did not receive the scores we were hoping for, I’m proud to have made the team. In the team competition, region 3 was 4th, and my score in the individual test qualified me to compete in the freestyle. Nido can be a bit of a handful sometimes, but when he’s good he’s super–which is a really rewarding feeling.

NAYC is the only FEI championship in North America and it is very different from the national shows I was used to. At a national show, you typically just have to compete for two days and you only have to worry about your own results. Whereas at NAYC, you compete 2-3 times over a course of 5 days, and you ride an individual test as well as a team test.

The competition is also much different. Most of the horses there were international quality horses. NAYC is a great way for young riders in this country to get a taste of what international competition is like.

The freestyle part of the championship is only ridden if you make the top 18 in the individual test and only 3 from each region take part in it. After riding the individual test, I was in the top 18 but a point lower than one of my teammates. So, I was under the impression that I would not get to compete in the freestyle. While at lunch with my parents and some friends, my mom got a phone call from my chef d’equipe. She told me one of my teammates chose

Nido can be a bit of a handful sometimes, but when he’s good he’s

super–which is a really rewarding feeling!

–Emma Sevriens

to scratch from the freestyle and I had to be there ready to jog my horse at the vet check in 15 minutes!

I left lunch, rushed back over to the show grounds, changed my clothes, and threw Nido’s braids back in. We were a little late to the jog, but we made it and had a nice ride in the freestyle.

All in all, it was a great week, and I was lucky to have had such great teammates. Lastly, thank you to all of the sponsors and everyone who contributed to the Region 3 Dressage Junior and Young Rider teams; without your support, this would not be possible.

AHC

D R E S S A G E 29

Bill Woods

Meet the

NEW TESTS NOT UNLIKE THE CICADAS hatching out, every four years we are treated to a new set of dressage tests to complain about, habituate ourselves to, and then act like they’ve been this way forever.

With some cycles there are big changes, but if the older ones were generally satisfactory, the rewrites are small. This year’s versions generally fall into the latter category. Some tests are virtually unchanged. Others are modified in such minor ways that they are likely just to keep the judges’ whistles busy calling people off course.

little going on in these tests, that if you aren’t paying attention to everything, what ARE you doing out there?

Across the board Test 3 is most different and I would argue somewhat easier.

Gone are the “loops” that hardly anyone rode correctly anyway, replaced by three loop serpentines width of the arena. If you can ride an accurate 20 m circle and Let’s start at the beginning. Rest easy–the know where to cross the centerline each patterns of the new Introductory tests time, you know how to make a correct are identical to the old ones. The new serpentine. Be perpendicular as you cross Training Level tests are equally unchanged the centerlines and, remember, if your in Tests 1 and 2, save for serpentine has flat sides some additional double or goes in the corners, coefficients, but this will the terrorists win! Also in not affect the way you ride Test 3, no longer must them or, for that matter, the you canter across the the “loops” Gone are way they are judged. You diagonal to X. However, anyone that hardly can claim that the writers there is one tiny hang y anyway, de correctl ro wanted to call your heightened up. After a 20 m circle ree loop placed by th re attention to a few specific at B, the right lead s width of serpentine movements, but hey, there’s so canter comes down the arena.

l Training Leve Test 3

30

AHC

DRESSAGE

the long side (score the canter) to a trot transition at A (another score), and then in the blink of an eye “Before K Medium Walk, K-E Medium Walk” (score the walk including the transition from trot to walk).

There’s a lot of opportunity to screw up right there unless you are well prepared as you turn the F-A corner in the canter!

Moving on to First Level, here are some opportunities for the judge’s whistle: The new Test 1 is largely the same as the last edition except the trot lengthenings go from H to P instead of F to S and K to R instead of V to M. Both canter lengthenings start one letter earlier (at the corner marks) instead of at S and R. The rest is identical. Test 2 is not changed at all.

There are bigger changes in First Level test 3. Gone is many riders’ bugaboo– the leg yield from the corner in to the centerline and back out. They have been replaced by a pattern we saw in the

Second Level Test 1

Aside from the canter

1987 tests (those of us doing Dinosaur Dressage back then remember!) where you leg yield from the track at V in to the centerline and make a 10 m circle to the outside, continue to the end of the arena and repeat the same pattern on the opposite hand. The canter retains the same three elements in each direction but now instead of “Circle, lengthen, loop,“ the order is “Loop, circle, lengthen.” (Do retains the The canter in I hear more elements same three w o n tweeting?) on but each directi th g n le This may be a , Circle instead of “ bit easier for e order is en, loop,“ th .” n horses which le, lengthe “Loop, circ in the past got strong in the lengthening and would not rebalance for the counter canter.

First Level Test 3

serpentine with the In Test 2 rather simple changes being than begin with moved later to Test 2, Medium on the Test 1 has no simple diagonal and changes in it at all! then shoulderin, you track right and go directly to shoulder-in M-B. The 3 loop serpentine with the simple changes is in this test, but not as the first canter movement. It comes directly after a Medium, testing your ability to re-collect enough to make the simple changes viable.

Another oddity in this test–a Medium Trot on the final centerline from D to I. As a judge you can see straightness and suspension from that angle, but not much else. Not my favorite innovation in the new tests! In Test 3 everything stays the same.

Likewise for Third Level test 1–nothing new. Test 2 is largely unchanged. It still has the shoulder-in to renvers, but they serve as the only lateral work in the trot since the trot half passes have been removed.

As in the retired version, there is still canter half pass on the easy line from D to R and D to S. Test 3 remains as is.

Second level. Probably of more interest to judges than riders is at the end of the Medium Trot movements–the transition block now includes the Collected Trot around to where the next movement begins. In the past the transitions were Fourth Level test 1 is much the same as scored alone, and if there was a mistake before. You still have the Medium-collectin the Collected Trot prior to the next medium on the diagonal and the half pass instruction, it counted in the Medium Trot to the centerline, 10 m circle, shoulder-in block. Somewhat surprisingly, towards G. Then, aside from the canter serpentine RING THE BELL, with the simple changes being track right instead moved later to Test 2, Test 1 has of left now. That no simple changes in it at all! puts the canter lderIt still has the shou Instead, the pattern reads “Short depart at C instead they in to renvers, but diagonal in the canter M–E, of G, but the rest eral serve as the only lat counter canter to V, trot at V, walk of the test plays ce work in the trot sin at K, and then left lead canter at A. out the way it has have the trot half passes Much easier! in the past with been removed.

Third Level Test 2

half pass to counter canter to flying change at the corner letter, the Very Collected canter on the circle over the centerline, and finishing with the three flying changes at quarterline , centerline and quarterline. Test 2: as we know and love it. It has one set of three changes every four strides.

And finally the new Test 3 made shorter and a little bit easier...the 4-4-4 Swing is gone, replaced by a simple four step reinback. The extended walk is on the diagonal, no longer on the half 20 m circle. The Working Half Pirouettes remain but are done back to back at the A end of the arena, and there is only one set of tempi’s–three every three strides.

The 4 tempi’s are back on the shelf until Prix St.. George. One other anomaly: the first movement after the entrance is an extended trot on the diagonal. Near the end of the test you are asked to show a Medium on the long side.

All this happens for real on the first of December. If The Working Half Piryou are new to ouettes remain but are the sport, the done back to back at test changes the A end of the arena, may seem and there is only one traumatic, but set of tempi’s – three like breaking every three strides. in a new pair of boots, pretty soon they’ll feel like home.

If you’re one of those individuals whose boots always pinched no matter what, I can only recommend Advil and a glass of sherry before you show.

Fourth Level Test 3

AHC

D R E S S A G E 31

ON E VOICE Yvonne Barteau

to change equine welfare YVONNE BARTEAU HERE to talk about Equine Welfare in the United States at this time. Please keep reading. If you would finish this article before you form an opinion, or turn the page, those with no voice of their own, sure would appreciate it.. There is so much we could do if we all used our One Voice to elicit change. You... yes, you... have much to offer. Your voice can easily be added to the numbers we need to have so we can force a long overdue change in our industry. Please read on.

32

AHC

WELLNESS

Anyone who knows me knows I love horses. I know that I was put on this earth to become a horse trainer. However, I am starting to realize God may have had a larger purpose for me all along.

He helped me see my passion at an early age and he gave me the stubbornness and work ethic to realize my dreams. Also I was lucky enough to encounter hundreds of horses to help me in my journey. They taught me how to train. Because of them I have knowledge to share. Love... passion,. inspiration. Well, that was there all along. That same greater understanding has now led me to an awareness that all horses do not have a fair chance at survival here in the United States of America and I am not speaking of wild horses. I am speaking of horses who have slipped through the cracks of our system and our humanity. I am talking about the show horses, race horses, backyard and companion horses who have no voice of their own. I am speaking of the nearly 140k

Donate. This can be time, money, goods or services. However, investigate the organization you contribute to. See what can become of what you offer. Seek organizations that both need and will make good use of your contributions. We can truly find happiness when we give back and are part of something that works for the greater good. Educate yourselves and others. It is easy to live in a bubble of comfort that we design around ourselves.

horses who get on a slaughter bound truck and head across OUR borders towards the worst sort of end of life you can imagine.

I am always amazed at horse lovers who look at imagery of the horses who have been forsaken or read words about the plight and their first instinct is to turn away. Why? However sad it may be for you to read, watch, or learn about such atrocities, I guarantee you those horses have it far worse. What if we all took it upon ourselves to stay informed about these very real issues? What if we also educated the next generation of horse lovers to be mindful of those with no voice of their own? What if EVERY ONE OF US DID WHAT WE COULD? Guess what? We would have ZERO horses shipping to slaughter! Wouldn’t that be something? It can happen. Operation One Voice is a call to action. It is a chance for you to reflect on what your “one voice” might accomplish if you set it to good use. Let me give you some examples of what you might do with your one voice.

Voice just because it takes us out of our comfort zone. So... we must step forward and we must find a way to elicit change. You can reach out to me by email kybdressage@aol.com or even call my cell 847.809.4093. My voicemail is often full, but I do text. I have plans to turn the Spotlight on rescued and adopted horses in this country by starting a National Championships and a Search for a Rescued Star Competition that will give folks a reason to search for the many diamonds in the rough who need a fresh start. Also then to train and care for them with purpose because if not for the people who made horrible choices on their behalf they would already be in a good environment like the horses we all have already. I also encourage folks who have a horse they have not been able to market, sell or keep in training to surrender that horse to a progressive rescue. That way expenses stop for the owner but the horse can be safely placed with his next person without the worry he will end up on a slaughter bound truck. There are so many caring folks who truly love horses out there. I know we can do this. Who wants to add their voice to mine?

Above left: A kill pen holding horses on their way to slaughter. Above right: One of our horses arriving in a poor state, but we have seen much worse.

I know because I did that. It is lovely in that bubble. Beings that depend on us are treated fairly, other folks are all doing as they should and there is no unspeakable misery being delivered to one of God’s greatest creatures. Okay. So we all must exit the bubble. There is no way to properly convey the last days of misery a slaughter bound horse endures. It is however a known truth. Therefore it is unfair to those suffering if we hide our One

AHC

WELLNESS

33

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1/18/17 7:34 AM

Amber Spiler

Silly Gil

Happy Fall Y'all! It's me Gil, the cutest pony in the land. I'm extra cute now b ecause my coat is getting furry. My girl says I look like a fluffy unicorn but my sister Cricket says I look like a goat. I personally think goats are cute.

MY GREEN LEAVES are starting to turn pretty colors but they are not so tasty anymore so my girl has put big round bales of hay in my pasture. It’s not as tasty as my grass and leaves but it keeps my tummy full and that’s most important to me.

“Candy is straight sugar!” Puck licks his chops. “I know that you like sugar.”

My ears wiggle a bit as I hear a certain annoying yappy pup.

Why would she do this?

“Hey, Gil!” I hear the jingle jangle of his tags on his collar. “Gil!” I try to ignore him because I’m sure he’s going to try to get me in trouble. I walk to the other side of my round hay bale.

“Gil!” the yappy Puck is bounding around the bale, tongue hanging from his mouth from running so fast. “Our girl is going put something out today that you will want to see!”

Oh no, sounds like trouble to me.

“CANDY!” I don’t know this thing…candy.

Well, he is right, I do love sugar.

“She’s putting out an orange bowl with a lid and a funny face.”

“It’s a very special dog celebration I think…they call it Howl-o-ween.” Puck then howls to make his point.

“She will light the orange bowl from the inside and it will contain tons of yummy candy! We have to get it Gil, we just have to!”

in the front corner of my pasture.

As the sun goes to bed I did notice that the bowl is glowing from the inside and I can make out the funny face.

“Pst. Gil.” I hear that Jack Russell mutt calling my name. “Let’s get it.”

I feel a little guilty. I certainly don’t want to take all of my girl’s candy but I do so love sugar. It’s my favorite. In fact, she knows it’s my favorite so maybe, just maybe she left it up there for me.

I suppose that will be harmless enough.

Sure enough, here comes my girl carrying the big orange bowl in her arms.

It looks heavy. I casually watch her as she hoists the bowl up onto a post AHC

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I slowly plodded over to the bowl looking as casual as possible.

“What are you doing” Cricket hisses at me from the other field.

I jump because I didn’t think anyone was watching me. I casually lower my head and start to graze a little. This candy is not for Cricket, it’s just for me.

The round bowl rolls down off of the post, as it tumbles to the ground the lid comes off of it and I think it grins at me knowing that I am really in trouble now.

It hits the ground with a “splat!” and guess what? Candy does not come out, but something else does! Fire!

“Fire! Fire!” Puck starts howling and jumping about. “Fire!” He speeds off to the house howling like a maniac. I guess that’s why they call it Howl-o-ween.

and glare at Puck.

I nuzzle up to the bowl and sniff. It sure doesn’t smell like sugar?

Great, I’m in trouble now.

“It is, I heard the people talking about it.”

Puck is practically drooling. “Just push it a bit with your nose.”

Out runs my girl’s dad with a bucket of water with in his hands. The fire is quickly snuffed and there stands the dad, my girl and that dumb mutt staring at me, as if all of this was my idea.

“Silly Gil.” She reaches into her jacket pocket, “Why in the world would you do such a thing?”

“And me.” I hear Puck beside me. “Now let’s do it.”

I give it a little nudge. It wobbles a bit.

“Push harder!” The mutt is getting on my nerves. I push harder and then everything happened in slow motion.

The dad shakes his head and tells my girl what a naughty pony she has raised. I lower my head in shame

My girl climbs the fence and wraps her arms around me.

I take a deep breath and lowered my head even more.

“Here you go.” She produces a handful of sugar cubes for me, “I still love you so much even though you always seem to get yourself into trouble.”

She hugs me really tight as I contently chewed my sugar cubes. Out of the corner of my eye I see Puck licking on his very own sugar cube.

I love my girl and tomorrow I will not listen to that naughty mutt. Tomorrow I will not get in trouble.

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ON OCTOBER 7TH, 2018, Pony Up For A Cause had its third annual event at the Atlanta Regional Polo Center. They entertained guests with an exciting polo tournament, music, cocktails and entertainment including Bear Creek’s Parade of Hounds, a fashion show sponsored by House of Wallace and Bark Fifth Avenue and of course a live and silent auction. Our celebrity guest this year was Liana Brackett, 2018 Mrs. Georgia, who did a fantastic job at throwing in the first ball of the match, all to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House.

Pony Up For A Cause Inc., a charitable nonprofit, has been founded to give back to the community and to present to Atlanta the inaugural Pony Up For A Cause fundraising event, benefitting the Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities.

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FAIR PLAY You may not have heard of

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Making its mark in the

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Fair Play is a dynamically expanding equestrian brand, which has been winning over riders world-wide since 2007. Besides their core catalog, they launch a seasonal brochure twice a year featuring fresh, unique and modern designs for both the professional and recreational rider. Their heart winning, eye-catching competition wear is made in Poland, which proudly underlines on the tags of their products. The high quality of their fabrics, fashionable and unique designs and emphasis on details all guarantee complete satisfaction.

Discover why Fair Play is the brand every rider is talking about and is a new dimension of riding apparel. For more information contact them at 561.268.7701. Find them online at https://fair-play.pl

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