AHC 26 2018

26 TH EDITION - 2018

BEAR CREEK’S

OPENING HUNT

ADVENTURES IN

VOLUNTEERING THE RUMOR MILL

FAKE NEWS

THE

BRITISH INVASION

MASTERCLASS WITH CHARLOTTE DUJARDIN 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

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WELLNESS

6 12 14 16

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OPENING HUNT

LOCAL NEWS

The Bear Creek Opening Hunt

what’s INSIDE

INTERNATIONAL The Judges’ Box

EVENTING

The Adventures of Volunteering Why Do We Need Volunteers?

ART S & ENTERTAINMENT Fake News

THE BRITISH INVASION The Brits are Coming!

Charlotte Dujardin In a Class of her Own Meet Charlotte Osborne

27 30 32 34

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SHORT STIRRUPS Silly Gil

WELLNESS

An Equine Christmas Wish Plant Toxicities

DRESSAGE ‘Tis the Season

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6

You can’t be afraid of the power. You need to use it.

– Charlotte Dujardin

MASTERCL ASS WITH CHARLOTTE DUJARDIN

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Heidi Caldwell Creative Director

Penny Morse Editor Another year has passed! Where has the time gone?

Maureen Forman Lifestyle Editor

It has been a very emotional year. I feel like I have said that for the last few years, but this year especially. I lost my mother this year at the age of 92. She was the reason we are a horse family.

My mother, Betty Taylor and Bess, circa 1947

Contributing Writers

She was an incredible lady who survived the Second World War, could do anything she put her mind to, and was my biggest fan. She will be missed by many, but especially me and my two daughters.

They did not get to spend the time with her that they should have, due to us being in different countries, but she lives on in them.

Yvonne Barteau Maureen Forman Megan Harris Carolyn Haward Penny Morse

We were very fortunate to attend the Charlotte Dujardin Masterclass at Conyers in November. SH Productions kindly allowed us to photograph and attend the event as their guests. It was especially interesting for me as Charlotte Dujardin originates from the same town as my Mum. Somehow that just seemed an appropriate finale for the year.

I do hope you enjoy this Christmas issue. As always we have something of interest for everyone.

Betty Smith Amber Spiler Dr. Jennifer Taintor Bill Woods

We have another special section on volunteering! These are the army of men and women, that keep all the shows out there running, for very little thanks by the riders! Maybe reading this will give you a new perspective on volunteers and encourage a few to step up and donate some time.

Contributing Photographers Jennifer Bishop

We have enjoyed entertaining and educating you all this year, and hope that you will continue to read Atlanta Horse Connections in 2019.

Ciera Foley Kim Lennon-Freire

From everyone at Atlanta Horse Connections, we would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, and a Very Happy New Year. May everyone move forward to a more peaceful, content and successful 2019.

Joanne Morse

Cover photo ŠJennifer Bishop Huntsman Steve Clifton from England.

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

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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. Š2018.

Full Service Boarding & Training Experienced Instruction Specializing in Young Horse through FEI

Jos & Laura Sevriens 678.641.2192 404.643.7523

Megan Harris photos by Jennifer Bishop

the

Bear Creek Hounds opening meet THOUGH NOVEMBER 10TH dawned cold and windy, the morning sky showed promise for a clear and sunny day; another blessedly rain free morning for The Bear Creek Hounds’ 16th Annual Opening Meet in Moreland, GA. Bear Creek’s Opening Hunt hosts a traditional Blessing of the Hounds, and an open invitation for land owners, members & their families, friends and locals to attend. The blessing is a tradition that began many centuries ago honoring the horses, hounds, fox, people and land that provides our sport. Many families and friends of Bear Creek look forward to participating in the ceremony and event each year.

Joint Masters, Stuart Newman MFH & Larry Sellers MFH hack to the kennels

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AHC LOCAL NEWS

A crowd of more than 380 people gathered to watch Father Dan Fleming bless the Bear Creek Hounds

The Bear Creek hounds patiently listen during the blessing

Lura Vittetoe, and her daughter, Leah, enjoy opening hunt together

More than 35 riders participated in the opening meet this year; a diverse group of individuals, friends and families. The youngest rider, making her opening hunt debut, was Leah Vittetoe, age 6!

Bear Creek orchestrates their opening meet to give spectators a taste of the hunt, with as many views of the hounds and horses as possible. Bear Creek offers guests the option of riding in ‘tally-ho’ wagons in order to follow the hunt through the woods and fields.

Wagon riders are encouraged to tailgate, and many groups get into decorating and personalizing their wagons.

At the hunt’s end, riders, members and guests gather together on the grounds for a BBQ lunch and fellowship. Bear Creek’s Opening Hunt always falls on the second weekend in November. To find out more about The Bear Creek Hounds, foxhunting, and future events, please visit www.bearcreekhounds.org.

Our photographer was Jennifer Bishop of JBishop Photography. Jennifer rode and

AHC

LOCAL NEWS

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Riders in 1st Flight

competed when she was younger, but now spends her time behind the camera, enjoying and capturing the partnership of horse and rider from another perspective. While she has photographed many different equestrian sports, this was her first time photographing a foxhunt. Jennifer admits she was enthralled with the experience, and appreciated the tradition of the riders’ turnout, the hounds’ enthusiasm for their job and the sense of community amongst members and friends. She promises she’ll be back next year!

Members and land owners, Lee & Megan Harris

Guests have the opportunity to pet the hounds and meet the riders during designated ‘checks’ during the hunt

Hounds clear a coop during the hunt

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A H C L LOOCCAAL L NNE EWWS S

The Bear Creek hounds make their way out the front gates at the start of the hunt

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God doesn’t count the hours you spend afield with friends.

– Gene Hill

AHC LOCAL NEWS

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Member, Peggy Costales & her Haflinger pony, Toby

Adrianna Barry, granddaughter of BCH founder, Hal Barry MFH, and William over the coop

Dressage rider, Amy Heap, a recent foxhunting convert, and her Warmblood mare, Mystic

Hunt members, Deb Conaway & Jason Freeman

The field hacks in at the end of the day

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AHC LOCAL NEWS

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Carolyn Haward FEI International Show Jumping Judge, Greece

the JUDGES’

BOX

Have you ever wondered what is going on in the Judges’ Box? You might see a fence go down but it doesn’t show up on the scoreboard. Well, this could be due to a number of reasons.

FIRST OF ALL, occasionally a pole falls down but it isn’t one from the top part of the fence. In that case it doesn’t count as a fault; as the rule book says: “An obstacle is considered to have been knocked down when through a mistake of the horse or athlete, the whole or UPPER part of the same vertical plane of it falls......” Less experienced spectators may erroneously think it was a fault.

Another reason may be attributed to human error but the cause of it is often forgivable when everything is taken into consideration.

There is always one judge in the box who is responsible for watching the rider in the arena as he progresses through the course and who calls out the faults as they occur. Simultaneously a secretary is recording them on a score sheet while another official taps them into a computer so that the score also appears outside on the live scoreboard. A second judge is tasked with the timekeeping using a stopwatch and manually recording the order of the results, yet again as a backup in case anything goes wrong with the electronic timing, which he is also controlling. A third judge is on the bell and responsible for the overall smooth running of the competition. This fault calling judge closely follows the rider with his eyes, however on rare occasions he may actually miss a pole going down. It might be a fence in shadow, at an obtuse angle to our vision, positioned a fair distance away, or the sun may be setting low in the sky therefore glaring directly into our vision thus obstructing a clear view of some of the fences. Another scenario that sometimes happens is that a pole gets knocked by a rider as he passes over it but it doesn’t fall until a few moments later, by which time the judge’s eyes have moved on with the rider

to the next fence. Of course, the other judges are watching too, so hopefully one of them will see the belated fall of the pole. As does happen, things sometimes coincidentally go wrong.......just as an athlete knocks a fence; someone knocks on the door of the tribune and enters. Instinctively, all heads momentarily turn round exactly at the moment a pole falls! Murphy’s Law strikes again! That brings me to why I am writing on this subject.

An unusual incident with an even more bizarre set of circumstances happened to me just a few weeks ago at a Greek national competition for young novice riders. There were six of us in the box: the official timekeeper, the official on the computer, a secretary and 3 judges including myself. I was the judge on the bell for this speed class without a jump-off. The day had been running smoothly and this class was no exception. That is until it appeared to me that the arena seemed to be rising up before my very eyes!!

My field of vision was getting narrower and narrower before it dawned on me that it was me who was moving, not the arena! In fact, I was slowly slipping down as, unbeknown to me, the back

Carolyn Haward congratulating the winners

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AHC

INTERNATIONAL

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legs of my chair were gradually bending inwards until, to my and everybody else’s astonishment and amusement, it completely buckled and I found myself in a heap on the floor!!!

After being helped to my feet and with a fresh bruise making its appearance on my right elbow, I took the spare chair as we all hurriedly continued judging the competition with none of the riders, trainers or spectators any the wiser to what had just transpired. Or so we thought!

Thirty minutes later the class had finished, whereupon the winners were announced and the prize-giving ceremony took place.

Not long afterwards, there was a feeble knock on the door, which then opened to reveal a sheepish young competitor together with her trainer. Instead of beaming with delight at having just been awarded a gold medal, this girl was in tears!

Her trainer explained: “She didn’t get a clear round, she knocked a fence down.”

Astounded that nobody had seen this happen, I queried why not a single soul had said a word until after the awards ceremony.

“She guiltily admitted it herself after seeing the young lad who came second (but who should have come first) weeping in frustration. HE didn’t want to be thought of as a snitch so kept his mouth shut. “ I thanked the trainer for his honesty, although belated, and set about rectifying the situation. An announcement was made to correct the result and the medals were redistributed to reflect the true winners.

The unfortunate non-winner was at least allowed to retain her “winner’s” rosette.

I and my fellow judges were baffled as to how six able bodied officials in the tribune had each failed to see that one pole fall?

The Judges watching every ride with great concentration

After a lot of discussion, we came to the conclusion that it had happened when my chair collapsed! ... The pole must have toppled out of its cup and landed on the ground at the very same moment that I toppled with my chair and landed on the floor!! All eyes had been on me, not on the rider in the arena. They had all witnessed me but not the pole toppling!

It is possibly the only time I can recall where the welfare of a judge took priority over the welfare of a rider.

AHC

INTERNATIONAL

13

the adventures of

1

VOLUNTEERING photos by Kim Lennon-Freire

SO I HAD THE “PLEASURE” of being the “provisional scorer” in the tower one recent Sunday for the upper levels cross country. (Actually we sat in my truck all day as it was too windy and cold for the tower.) The announcer’s mic was wireless so it was easy for him! The communications controller spread out in the front seat of my truck and ran her rider and jump judge tracking. (Quite an impressive process she has!) I was in the back seat next to my grand-daughter’s baby seat squished in.

So sets the scene.

When we got settled in I asked the controller– “exactly what am I supposed to do?” She said, “Do you have any paper?”

Fortunately I did. She said “just write down the time the Finish guys give you and calculate the penalties.”

“Can do.”

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AHC

EVENTING

Betty Smith

First division is off–it’s the 1* and ‘Start’ radios the departure time...then ‘Finish’ radios the completed time.

Again, I asked, “What exactly am I supposed to do with this?”

“Finish should be telling you time they were on course. Radio them and ask them to just give you the time. I have no idea how it’s calculated!” (Not said with malice–only under stress of keeping the riders going and tracking their progress,) I did. They don’t do that. They only tell me the time a rider crosses the line. (This was said with just a slight bit of friendly attitude.)

Meanwhile several riders have started and finished and Announcer does not have any provisional scores to announce. The controller calls for an official to come and help me. (This is now said, with a bit of huff, stress and indignation.) So an official comes

2

over and I get out of the car to get a quick lesson. He says something like “Let’s see if I can remember how to do this.....”

What? Really?

“You cannot use a calculator because this is time in 60’s and not 100’s. Then you have to know the Optimum time and multiple the seconds over by .004...no wait it’s .04...that’s not right, let’s try .4...”

We worked out the formula and we did several of the riders together. All I needed to know was the EXACT formula that they wanted me to use. I had about 2 - 3 minutes between each rider to make this calculation work and hand it to Announcer so he could do his announcing thing.

3

4

I completely missed the 1* and pretty much used the next group–Prelim–to really get a process going. By then I HAD IT DOWN! The office then radios and says, “How come no one is making optimum time on cross country?”

5

I panic and triple check my formula. It’s right. The riders are just slow. The office needs to try being on the other end of the radio just once! One of the pro riders comes up to the truck to complain. I panic again and “fourple” check my formula. I am right. He’s slow. The announcer now has his provisional scores and he’s doing math and I might do this again if asked. I will re-calculating the standings. I get one wrong, certainly set up my system beforehand. It’s panic and “fipple” checked my formula. a good thing that we only have to do this for the International shows otherwise I By the end of the day the controller said would insist on training others. At the end that I was “brilliant! The Announcer says of the day I was given my voucher and a that he has never had provisional scoring beer–it was very much appreciated! On that fast before. retrospect, I think that I’ll stay with the dressage in gate...those are my people!

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1. Chatt Hills stadium jump crew 2. Instructions from the TD 3. Finish line judges volunteering at Rolex 4. Stadium crew at Chatt Hills 5. Stadium crew at work 6. Jump judge briefing

AHC

EVENTING

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Penny Morse photos by Kim Lennon-Freire

why do we need

VOLUNTEERS?

They should pay professionals to do those jobs.

EVERY SHOW YOU ENTER, the chances are that majority of the people you are interacting with on the ground are volunteers. Over the years the regular volunteers get to know all the riders and there forms a kind of friendship. There is the lady who always has a towel to wipe the boots when they are a little muddy, or the other that always has a kind face and some encouraging words when the rider looks like she would like to run for the hills! These are the men and women that donate their time, in all weathers, to make sure the event runs smoothly. They either work Dressage, Show Jumping, Cross Country and every other discipline that chooses to bring riders together to find the winners that day.

So first of all, why volunteers, why not hire trained people? After all, volunteers are really not accountable for making wrong decisions because they are not paid? Let’s take a look at shows in general. They are a business. They are run as a business, and if not they last for a few months and then they disappear into the sunset. Every business has costs. For example, let’s take regular horse trials. Beginner Novice up to Intermediate. First, the facility has to 16

AHC

EVENTING

be prepared. Judges and officials have to be found, ideally months beforehand, and accommodations booked if necessary. The local EMTs need to be organized, just in case they are needed. Ribbons and bridle numbers have to be ordered, a calculated guess as the actual number will not be known until the week of the show. Plus, let’s not forget the golf carts and the ice!

The cross country course has to be the best it can be, and that is always hard when the weather has a huge influence on that situation. The arenas have to be in tip top shape. Gates must be operable, boards all on place on the fence, and the footing must be in good shape. Some form or shelter

has to be placed for Judges and stewards.

Stabling has to be ready, with stalls cleaned, labeled and in good shape. The cross country course has to be designed by the course builder, jumps placed and mended if necessary. Port-a-potties placed at convenient locations, and the sound system checked. Dressage arenas have to be set up, making sure all the side rails are in good shape. The stadium course has to also be designed, and then set up by the course builder. RV hook ups need to be checked that they are working and all the faucets are in working order. That is certainly not a one man job; it takes quite a few plus some serious farm equipment. Once that is all taken care of, there is the task of cleaning up any debris from either the elements or visitors, cleaning the bathrooms and the office. Meanwhile the show secretary has

The next time you see a volunteer; thank them as they are helping to keep money in your pocket.

been receiving the entries and explaining why the entry is incorrect, and please send a copy of this and a copy of that as requested on the entry form. (Yes, this is a pet peeve of mine, but I will leave this for another day!) Stabling has to be organized, and let’s not forget ride times. Once all that information is prepared, packets have to be made for officials and riders. Finally, the catering crew has to decide on the menu, calculate how much food will be eaten, order and prepare. At this point there has been a considerable amount of money spent. Officials are not cheap, and neither is accommodation.

Now there are all those other positions that have to be filled. Dressage Stewards, maybe 4 or 5 depending on the numbers entered, but certainly no less than 3, and the score runner. There is a scribe required for each Judge. Stadium Jumping requires 2 stewards, a gate keeper and let’s not forget, at least 4 people (stadium crew) to pick up poles. Cross Country is just as demanding for help. There are stewards to check in;

stewards to take care of warm up and call the riders when it is their turn, and the stewards that stop the clock when the rider crosses the finish line. There is another steward that calculates the times and works with the controller, and a score runner.

Then there are the jump judges. Depending on the number of jumps and where they are located, the numbers can vary. Experienced judges can cover multiple jumps whereas others are only comfortable with one. Let’s not forget hospitality! All those stewards need snacks, drinks and lunch to get them through the day. When we, the volunteer coordinators, talk about ‘it takes an army’ we are not kidding. If everyone that donated their time was paid, your entries would be so much more.

There is often ‘talk’ among riders that the volunteer made a bad call and cost them time, or a higher placing. Yes this can happen, and some facilities go over and above to train the volunteers, by bringing in officials to explain the ins and outs of the sport, and what is allowed, what is not and what any new rule means! Interestingly, most riders are very uneducated when it comes to the rules.

So the next time you enter a show, and you are so devastated about the cost, remember, it could be so much more. At your next show, and you see a volunteer, thank them as they are helping to keep money in your pocket. Finally, take a few hours and offer your time. You quickly find out that a ‘thank you’ is so appreciated; that most of the volunteers are better educated on the rules than the competitors; that some riders are extremely rude; parents and trainers can be most inconsiderate asking how long does their rider have before their ride time, when you are trying to check a bit; and it is hard work keeping up with every rider that is in your arena, as they all seem to show signs of serious deafness when it comes to hearing their number. Finally, just because a particular bit or bridle was allowed at another show, it doesn’t mean it is legal. It means you got away with it because that steward did not know better.

My advice to all riders is this; read the rules; remember your manners; and always smile even if it is the worst day possible. Finally when in doubt, don’t argue, ask the official.

After all that is why they are there!

AHC

EVENTING

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?

R A E H U O

Y D I D !

G M O

WHEN ERIC LAMAZE WAS KICKED OFF of the Canadian Olympic team for cocaine use before the Atlanta Olympics, the talented young rider had a long road to travel in order to find redemption. I can’t think of anyone who hasn’t made a mistake or used substance of one kind or another (including food) to fill emotional holes. In fact, Joely Fisher recently relayed to me that her half-sister, Carrie Fisher, would say we are all stuffing our holes in some fashion.

While whispers of narcotics use and functional alcoholism are not unusual rumors in Equestrian sport, it’s not often that one becomes the poster boy for such labels. Suddenly Eric was “that guy”.

When Eric Lamaze faced a lifetime ban for testing positive for ephedrine and pseudoephedrine before the Sydney Olympics, the public opinion was not favorable. Rumors circulated about Eric, just adding fuel to the fire. What was not disclosed was that Eric Lamaze took Advil Cold and Sinus, which contained pseudoephedrine, and was also taking a diet supplement which did not disclose that it contained ephedrine.

When the manufacturer of the diet supplement disclosed the omission, the lifetime ban was lifted, and Eric Lamaze moved on. The rumors that floated around eventually silenced as others surfaced about someone else.

Maureen Forman

I TOTALLY BELEIVE IT!

Recently, a rumor about Georgina Bloomberg disallowing her grooms to speak to her - that they were only permitted to talk to her trainer- began circulating as whispers in the VIP tent, and behind the scenes, amongst the top level riders. I was taken aback, as my encounters with Georgina have always been (to be clear, we have only talked twice) incredibly pleasant.

While guarded by PR folks, my personal impression was she is thoughtful, and warm. I went to the top of the rumor mill, asking my confidante, in-theknow horsewoman and close friend, E.B. if this was true. E.B scoffed, noting that Georgina’s easy not to like simply because of her wealth and guessed that jealousy is where the rumor started. E.B. confirmed that she is very polite to her staff, and noted that rumors are very destructive adding “THAT is not cool”. I then spoke to someone who knew her former groom. He confirmed that Georgina Bloomberg is terrific and that lies were circulating because people are jealous.

FAKENEWS

As easy as it is to share what is giggled about over wine, think twice about being just another spoke in the rumor mill. Let’s clear a few things up right now!

Above: Georgina Bloomberg, above right: Kaley Cuoco, right: Jessica Springsteen

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

3 Jessica Springsteen is warm, kind and generous- her smile lights up a room. Fact.

3 Athina Onassis did not deserve what Doda (Alvaro de Miranda Neto) put her through. Fact.

3 Hannah Selleck is hard working, nice as pie, and is unaffected by her father’s legacy. Fact.

3 Karl Cook recently lost Kaley Cuoco’s hat in Vegas. They still love each other. Fact.

E S R O H T A H T T N E W W E N T I IK D

E T

Penny Morse

THE

BRITISH INVASION YOU ALL KNOW SOMEONE who came across the pond, whether it is recently or more than 30 years ago. The most interesting thing is there is a tendency for all Brits to congregate at functions, even seeking out other fellow Brits who have yet to join the ‘group.’ Some are quite famous in the equestrian world, having represented the UK in the Olympics, and some have settled in the area and are sharing their knowledge with budding future equestrians. These ex pats vary from course designers, to announcers, to officials, to facility managers, to trainers, to horse breeders to competitors and just horse owners. It doesn’t seem to matter where you go; you are going to hear the lucid tones of a Brit.

There is also a trend right now to fly in British riders to give clinics. William Fox-Pitt, Carl Hester, Charlotte Dujardin, Gemma Tattersall, Lucinda Green, Niall Quirke, and Stephen Hayes, to name just a few. So what is the attraction besides the accent and the dry no nonsense sense of humor. Britain has produced some phenomenal riders over the years. Not all of these athletes have come from affluent families; most have had to work hard from cleaning stalls to riding horses for successful riders so they could learn and become the best. For that reason alone, they are not there to pander to anyone just because they paid a considerable amount for the lesson, but to help make that person the best they can be. Plus, being chastised by an English accent is quite enjoyable to many Americans!

So while Britain continues to dominate most of the English Disciplines around the world, we hope to see more and more trainers coming here to share their knowledge. Look for a visit from Sue Hendry this coming June in the Atlanta area. Sue is currently the coach to the British Eventing National under 18 program and ready to get riders of all ages into shape!

A H C T H E B R I T I S H I N V A S I O N 19

Hannah Hewitt ©Ciera Foley

Penny Morse

A MASTERCLASS WITH CHARLOTTE DUJARDIN

©SH Productions

THERE WAS A BUZZ AT CONYERS even in the parking lot, as women grabbed their bags, blankets and warm coats and headed to the covered arena to see Charlotte Dujardin. There were all ages, from teen agers to those of a more mature age all waiting to hear the words of wisdom from the world class dressage rider. The weather was not going to be kind. Damp and miserably cold, but nothing was going to ruin the enthusiasm of these fans. There were a couple of horses being led around, looking very show ready in there fleece blankets and braided manes.

The tables were all tastefully setup with a centerpiece

In true British style, at 9.30 on the dot Charlotte was

and information to read. As the only press present, I

introduced and she stood up from one of the tables and

was fortunate to sit at the end, giving me a clear view

walked confidently towards the center of the arena. Her

of everyone. Many familiar faces, all eager to find their

introduction was educating everyone on her perspective

seats and be enlightened. As the clock got closer to 9.30

of training. She does not compete young horses but will

the first two horses entered and began their warm up,

take them out and about so they get use to the hustle and

not quite sure what to expect. Charlotte Dujardin has a

bustle of a show. Young horses are able to give their best

reputation of being blunt and pulling no punches, so it

effort for the first 10 to 15 minutes, so never over work.

was anyone’s guess on how the first two riders would be

As she spoke and watched the young horses being ridden

received.

around her, she commented that it is easier to make a strong horse light, rather than the other way round.

20

AHC THE BRITISH INVASION

The first 2 horses ridden by Heather Beachem

shoulder-in, leg yielding, travers and renvers.

(USA) and Charlotte Osborne (UK) were very

Dujardin accentuated that a correct canter-walk

different. The Osborne horse being far more

transition requires “two legs and two reins”,

use to the atmosphere of the arena, whereas

coming straight and forward into the walk and

Beachem’s horse was a little out of his element,

not ever blocking or stopping the movement

but as different as they were, Charlotte saw the

abruptly. Her motto...“canter with your seat

talent in both. She concentrated on the walk

and walk with your hands” seemed to create

and the trot. Lots of turns, remembering to

light bulb moments for many. This, of course,

correctly transition from the trot to the walk and not just pull on the reins. As Dujardin reiterated to every rider, ‘the rider must be

is easier said than done, but the improvements Charlotte Osborne ©Joanne Morse

balanced otherwise it created stiffness in the

there was a continuation of correctly bringing

horse.” Every rider must have a good solid

the horse from canter to walk, without just

foundation in their riding. When it seems to be

pulling on the reins. It is understandable that if

going wrong, go back to the basics.

you are competing horses at upper levels, it is

made were quite notable.

easy to forget how it should be done and get it done the easiest way possible, unless you have the right person on the ground keeping you in check all the time. Wilson was consistently reminded that she needed to use her legs and the whip is there to keep rhythm not for show or making the horse go more forward.

Going from two riders to just one rider in the arena, did mean that Wilson was the center of attention at all times and Charlotte’s eye never Heather Beachem ©Joanne Morse

Karen Lipp ©Joanne Morse

left her, but with great composure Wilson

The following rider was well-known and

made it through a very demanding session, and

respected FEI rider, Karen Lipp (USA). The

came away better and smiling.

session was certainly less tense but it was easy

In England it is common practice to bring a

to see Lipp was taking everything she was told

young horse in for a couple of months and

The basics were stressed over and over by

to heart, so she could continue to improve.

work it gently, and then turn it back out again.

Charlotte, demonstrating the need go forward

Flying changes were of particular interest

This gives the horse time to mature, rather than

and sometimes even fast, to free up horses

to many in attendance. Her exercise for this

work them fast and furious and their career is

and allow them to go for a GALLOP! She

proved very effective. She used figure 8s on the

over before they have reached double figures in

also emphasized that the building blocks

short side with a change on the centerline near

age. When it comes to looking for a new ride,

must all be established before training “the

the turning point (C). The changes seemed to

Charlotte does not look at the breeding, she

tricks” and this means lots of shoulder fore,

be fairly seamless and balanced without being

looks at the horse. She talked of Valegro who

rushed, as the horse naturally had to slow down

theoretically was not bred to be the best in the

to make the turn and did not have the ability to

world, and certainly had flaws when it came

run off after the change, which can be a very

to his overall physique, but earned the rank of

typical problem. Once a horse has learned a

Number One.

change, Charlotte said she prefers to ride them on the wall and not on the diagonal, unless to

The next rider was Justine Wilson (USA),

prep for upcoming competition.

riding her 6 year old stallion. It is hard for any rider that has had a good deal of success in the Dressage Arena over the years, to be critiqued and be brought back to the basics. Once again

When asked about her time in the arena, Karen Justine Wilson ©Allie ©JoanneConrad Morse

said; “it’s amazing to ride with one of the best riders in the world. I totally soaked in every A H C T H E B R I T I S H I N V A S I O N 21

Karen Lipp ©Ciera Foley

“

It’s amazing to ride with one of the best riders in the world.

”

I totally soaked in every minute of it; it was good. What I liked a lot was her attention to detail and really focusing on looking up and straight lines. –Karen Lipp

After lunch, we were introduced to Hannah Hewitt (USA). Hewitt had recently returned from her first trip to the US Dressage Finals, placing 1 in the Intermediate 1 and st

Freestyle Divisions for Adult amateurs, plus minute of it; it was good. What I liked a lot

winning the Prix St. Georges Adult Amateur

was her attention to detail and really focusing

Championships with a 70.735%, on Fidens,

on looking up and straight lines. Things that

owned by Tammy Pearson. Despite the usual

as an FEI rider I get a little bit lazy and sloppy

comments of shorten the reins and that was

and do my own thing, and she was holding

terrible when the rider transitioned from the

everyone to her standard which I thought was

canter to the walk, Hannah was an excited

really great. I love to take lessons, and do so all

and very good student, performing one tempi

the time when I am in Wellington. Given the

changes with Charlotte counting. The audience

opportunity I would love to train with her in

was certainly relating with Hannah, as you

England!”

could see everyone quietly counting as she would aim to get from one end of the ring

Lunch was welcomed by everyone as an

to the other with no breaking. After a few

opportunity to find heat and to enjoy the

tries, she finally made it and it was a proud

catered lunch. After being so enthralled with

moment for everyone not just the horse and

everything going on in the arena it did not

rider. Dujardin noted that this was a horse that

occur to everyone just how cold it had become.

was willing to try anything for his rider as he

I personally regretted not bringing a packet of

wanted to please.

hand warmers.

The final rider was Fie Andersen (Denmark), Hannah Hewitt ©Joanne Morse

riding her stallion. I personally feel sorry for the rider that goes last. The clinician is usually tired, and you have had all day to see how everyone else faired, and are wondering just how you will survive. Obviously a confident rider, when she entered the arena, Andersen was reminded of the same faults as the other riders; reins, more forward, straight and transitions, and her focus was pirouettes and canter zig zags. The common denominator with both these movements is counting, of which Fei found that difficult to start with. I will give her the benefit of the doubt as she is from Denmark, but to the crowd’s amusement Charlotte did pick up the counting job, as Fei seemed to be late every time.

22

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THE BRITISH INVASION

Fie Andersen ©Joanne Morse

The best thing about any symposium is seeing the improvement happen as you are watching and this rider certainly showed what she was made of, by not only improving but never giving up, and taking every criticism and task given to her. I believe at the end of her session, the audience was equally as exhausted.

There is no doubt everyone came away with something from this clinic. Whether it made you rethink your own training program or you realized that your trainer had been correct all this time and maybe you needed to pay more attention. Whatever anyone gained from it, it will be an experience they will always remember and hopefully just a few words will always stick in everyone’s memory, even if it is only, “That was terrible!’

So in Charlotte Dujardin’s words; Plan your sessions; Don’t do it all in one day; Keep some of it easy; Keep it fresh; And lastly, Slap the rider….pat the horse.

A Conversation with ©Ciera Foley

Charlotte Dujardin

AHC: Do you see the young riders today, with the same

will not touch a mare, but I will not touch a stallion, but that

commitment as 15 years ago?

is just personal preference. You can get a good stallion!

I was in Toronto and I worked with 2 geldings that were

CD: No. It’s very easy now with a lot of parents of young

worse than any mare could be. Mares get such a bad

riders buying expensive ponies and horses, so they can do

reputation, but these geldings were far worse, so it shows

the tricks to be successful, but not actually learn the route

that geldings are not always perfect.

of dealing with problems and grafting to get there. When I was a kid, I always had to muck out, tack up, wash off and

AHC: You have a crazy schedule. Training all week and

learn the discipline of caring and looking after my pony. It

teaching all weekend. How do you deal with that and

wasn’t just riding; it was doing all the day to day stuff.

how long will you continue at this pace?

AHC: Does everyone want to get to be successful fast or

CD: I am doing as much as I can now, because I have no

is this just here in the USA?

ties at home. I have no kids,; I have no commitment that can stop me from coming to do all of this. But definitely one day,

CD: Everyone wants it quick; do the tricks; to go out and

when I start having kids, there is no way I can continue as I

say I am at Prix St. Georges in my top hat and tails. It’s

do now. I generally love doing all these things and sharing

everyone’s dream but they lose the way of learning all the

my knowledge and experience around the world. Trying to

basics. It’s easy to do the tricks but when you step back and

tell people it isn’t as difficult or as complicated as they think.

see all the underlying problems it is because of the lack of

I know a lot of people can make it sound complicated but

the basics.

it’s not. It is keeping it black and white and keeping it simple.

AHC: You have a lovely new mare, Alive and Kicking, also known as Audrey. Who did you name her after and

AHC: What kind of music do you like to listen to while

do you prefer mares or geldings?

training?

CD: She is named after Audrey Hepburn! I have always

CD: Anything! We can be riding and when Carl hears

had mares and right now I have 7 of my own. Some people

something he likes, he turns it up full blast and says this is it!

AHC

T H E B R I T I S H I N V A S I O N 23

JOIN US IN 2019! Next Year’s issues will be March, June, September and December. We would like to wish all of our readers a very

Merry Christmas and a

Happy New Year! If you would like to receive a copy of each edition of Atlanta Horse Connections, please send email to designonpenny@yahoo.com. The cost for the year is $40, including postage.

This is what we are going to ride to! I like everything, mostly

no easy task, and many would have run for the hills. Once

top twenty.

she becomes comfortable with those around her, she opens up and is just like the girl next door. She is open and honest

AHC: What do you take away from these symposiums?

to a fault. Charlotte Dujardin is easy to like, as fame has not

CD: Meeting different people; meeting different riders;

influenced her personality as it has with others. She cares

seeing different problems and dealing with them. I get

about her horses and does not regard them as a tool to

to meet so many people and that is really nice. I do like

enhance her career. Retiring Valegro when she did, is an

that, because I wouldn’t say I am the sort of person that

example of someone who is more interested in his welfare

would go and just make conversation with someone so this

and letting young riders experience riding such a talented

encourages me to interact with other people, beyond what

horse rather than continuing taking him to one competition

I do and it has really helped me with my social skills. That

after another. After all, as she points out, when you have

was my biggest problem, being able to talk to people like

won everything that is possible to win, there is nothing

you, (press) and social media. I struggled with that, but all

else to prove, so why keep on. She does not sugar coat

of this has really helped.

anything to make the rider feel better, but instructs on what the problem is and how to fix it. If more trainers had the

AHC: Charlotte thank you for talking with us. It has been

same disciplined approach rather than focusing on getting

a pleasure to meet you.

their students to a higher level in record time, I believe

CD: It was a pleasure meeting you too.

the standard of riding would be consistently higher in all disciplines. Hopefully everyone will eventually learn that

As a Mother with two daughters around Charlotte’s age,

rather than invest in an expensive horse, it is more fruitful to

I can appreciate that the last 10 years have been quite

invest in hard work and commitment.

overwhelming for her. To step into the limelight overnight is 24

AHC

THE BRITISH INVASION

Meet

CHARLOTTE OSBORNE

ONE OF OUR NEWEST neighbors in the Atlanta area is Charlotte Osborne.

Originally from Southampton, England, Charlotte studied Sports Science (Equation Coaching) in Warwickshire,

achieving a BSC degree. Shortly after, she moved to the Netherlands for the next four years to ride for several top dressage barns; Kebie Van Heijden at Stal Korenbloem, and Ron Smeets at Ron Smeets Dressage Horses in Hulsberg.

In 2017, Charlotte and her husband, Guido, decided to leave everything behind and set on an adventure. They finally settled in Atlanta, GA in April 2018, and ‘Osborne International Dressage’ is now a successful business at the beautiful facility, Mainstay Boarding, in Alpharetta.

Osborne International Dressage provides the Atlanta area with international-quality

services. Charlotte Osborne is already a highly respected teacher in the area, able to explain complex training concepts simply, and is known for helping riders achieve more than they thought possible.

Osborne regularly travels back to Stal Korenbkoem, to connect with her network there and source top-quality prospects to import to America. Her specialty is pairing the right horse to the right rider.

Charlotte’s goal is to become a world class international rider with a global network, as well as buying, selling and importing top quality horses for affordable prices.

You can find Charlotte on Facebook, at Osborne International Dressage.

instruction, horse training, and sales

AHC

THE BRITISH INVASION

25

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1/18/17 7:34 AM

Amber Spiler

Silly Gil

The Christmas Road Trip

Happy winter! It's me Gil, the fluffiest pony ever. It's really cold here, so I mostly spend my days in the trees imagining that I have my yummy green leaves. It's not that b ad really b ecause my girl brings me arm loads of alfalfa and gives me extra grain with warm water in it. Makes my mouth water just thinking ab out the melty, sweet concoction.

“Yap!” oh no. “Gil! Gil!” Puck, the naughty Jack Russell Terrier mutt is coming and I just know that he’s going to try to get me in trouble. He’s just jealous because I’m our girls favorite.

“Gil! Guess what?”

I turn my rump to him and bury my nose in my hay.

“Gil! We are going on a field trip!”

What? I live in a field. Wait? I wonder if this field has green, juicy grass. I perk my ears and give Puck my full attention now.

I love grass.

“Our girl is coming to get you and she said that she’s taking us on a field trip!”

He was so excited that he just started hopping up and down.

“I wonder if the field has cats to chase?”

I can see the excitement in his tiny brown eyes. I wonder if it has trees with leaves. I glance up to my trees and there is not a leaf to be found.

AHC

SHORT STIRRUPS

27

I hear the jingle, jangle of my girl walking down the gravel road to my pasture with the feed bucket. She doesn’t have to ask me twice. I gallop, okay, I trot up to her and stick my cute pink muzzle right in to the halter. I really want to see this field.

She scratches behind my ears just the way I love and I snuggle my face against her. I hop right into the trailer and off we go.

“Cats? Where are the cats?”

“Here we are, Gil.”

Puck’s big, bat ears start to droop. But as I stand there beside my girl and Puck I realize that these people are a little different than my girl and her parents.

They are in chairs with wheels or walking with metal sticks. They smile and laugh when they see me and Puck. Not like they are laughing at us, but like they are truly happy.

The truck has stopped and my girl walks to the back of the trailer and opens the door. I back out of the trailer with dreams of green fields in my head and...what? We are in a parking lot. There is absolutely no grass anywhere. Just blacktop and lines.

“Come on Gil, I have a very special treat for you.”

My girl leads me toward a building. As we approach the building the doors slide open and people start coming out. Lots of people. Puck is jumping up and down and barking.

28

AHC SHORT STIRRUPS

“Look at all the people! They really want to see us.”

I take a deep breath and sigh. All I wanted was the yummy green grass.

“I wanted to chase cats.”

I stand very still when they approach me and put my head down so they can touch my face. This seems to make them so happy. I love it when humans are happy.

Puck hops right up on their laps and gives them wet kisses with his tiny tongue.

I look over at my girl and she is beaming with pride. This makes me so happy. I know that I am not in the field I imagined, but I am in the perfect place right now.

We spend the whole afternoon with the people getting little snacks and lots of attention.

Someone places a fancy red and white hat over my ears and my girl puts Puck on my back. We smile our best smiles and pose with all the people for pictures. I feel so special.

Later that night my girl unloads me from the trailer and wraps her warm arms around my neck. I know that I didn’t get to go to the field I was expecting, but this field trip made me feel so good.

“Silly Gil.” My girl snuggles into my mane.

“You are the best pony ever” I snort and pull her close to me.

Tonight I go to sleep in the crisp night with the moon overhead and I know that today I was a good pony.

25 TH EDITION - 2018

24 TH EDITION - 2018

2018

W EG

meet the new

DRESSAGE TESTS

A STAR IS REBORN

PONY UP

FOR A CAUSE

surging towards WEG

the retired

RACEHORSE

Jamie Barge

& Luebbo

project part two

helping your horse surv

ive

ALLERGY SEASON

the retired

RACEHORSE PROJECT

finals

ONE VOICE

to change equine welfare SPORT

u

NT ENTERTAINME

u

T R AV E L

u

STYLE

u

COMPETITION

u

WELLNESS

horses without

HUMANS

training for the train

ers

DRESSAGE TRAINERS’

SPORT

u

ENTERTA INMENT

u

T R AV E L

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WELLNES S

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Christmas Wish THE SIX WEEKS LEADING UP to Christmas is my absolute favorite time of year. So much so that I designed an entire Equine Theater Show around the theme of family, holidays, and the Spirit of the Horse, almost ten years ago. Something about chilly short days, family and friend a gathering, and less daylight to work in, makes me slow down, just a bit. Those around me are grateful... for obvious reasons.

The months of November and December often find me reflectively thankful for all that I have, and newly inspired to do even more.

This year will be no different, I’m sure. The puzzle in my head that I cannot currently solve will be the source of my reflection this year. That unsolved puzzle is the juxtaposition between horses that are safe, well cared 30

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WELLNESS

Yvonne Barteau

for, even pampered, and those whose lives hang in a perilous and dangerous balance. Sadly... most who are reading these words are the type of owner whose horse is a member of their family. They may have no idea about what the life of an unwanted horse is like. If you are in that category you are still encouraged to read on. Approximately 140k horses are shipped across our borders each year to an ungoverned and horrific end of life. How can any of us... those who love one horse... not love all horses? Once the sad truths of equine welfare are understood shouldn’t we all feel compelled to step forward and offer our support? Sadly, our overpopulation of horses are too often ignored, neglected, passed over, exploited, transported badly, treated inhumanely, and then killed barbarically. I believe that all horse lovers must band

together to do what is right by those with no voice of their own.

I know it is neither easy nor convenient to leave our comfort zones. Stretching our time, resources and our emotional security beyond it’s agreed upon limits. However, if we do not, how does the problem get better? The situation will not improve if we continue to ignore it, and I cannot live with that. So... I do what I can with what I have, and I ask you all to do the same. This isn’t a battle I can win on my own.

Just the publishing of this piece shows a commitment by those who have chosen to give these words space, and hopefully wings. What will you do as you read these words? I hope you will reach out in some way. My email is kybdressage@ aol.com and my phone number is 847809-4093, please text as my voicemail is often full. We also have a ‘Horses without Humans’ website and Facebook page so we are not too difficult to find. If you are a horse person you might have room to foster or rehab a horse. Fostering is not adoption so you could return the horse after a time. That would surely help. If you do not have land you could foster or sponsor a horse at a rescue. There are full and partial sponsorships available. You could encourage folks in your circle who are shopping for an equine partner, or companion horse, to look at local rescues and see if their next equine friend might be found there. If you are a trainer you could donate some time to a rescue project.

I think the biggest thing our nation of

horse lovers must do is unite on this one problem, until we find a solution. We must put aside all of our differences for the improvement of equine welfare in the United States at this time. We who love horses should be the first line of committed family members that these lost souls can rely on. Right now we are not. We are a sketchy army at best, and we are fighting a losing battle. We need more–more people, more money, more awareness.

center for rescue and adopted horses and their people. An eventual National Championship for these same pairings. A haven for horses and a healing environment for all of our four legged friends. My wish for this holiday season and beyond is that all who love and care for horses find a way to do what they can for those with no voice of their own. Thank you.

I invite any of you to visit us at Rock Bluff Ranch in Bell, Florida to see what we are working on. A training and education AHC

WELLNESS

31

PLANT TOXICITIES Jennifer Taintor DVM, DACVIM-LA, ACVSMR-EQ. Auburn University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences

What trees could cause a problem with your horse

MANY PLANTS ARE TOXIC TO HORSES similar to dogs and cats. As in other animals: the size of the horse, the amount and part of the plant ingested, and the toxicity level that plant at ingestion plays a role. Some common landscaping and shade trees can be toxic to horses, however this articles does not need to result in all these trees being removed, but merely inform what trees pose a risk.

Red Maple

RED MAPLE (Acer rubrum) are one the most concerning trees that can be toxic to horses. Hybrids of red maples and silver

maple has also been documented to cause toxicity in the horse. When a tree falls or a branch come down in a storm, the wilted and dry leaves contain an unknown toxin that damages red cells leading to poor organ perfusion. Horses will become depressed, have an increased heart and respiratory rate, may look yellow and urinate dark color red or brown urine. This is an emergency situation and veterinary attention 32

AHC WELLNESS

is needed immediately often with referral to a veterinary hospital. The mortality rate associated with red maple toxicity is

Persimmon approximately 60 to 70%.

Fruit of PERSIMMON trees (Diospyros virginiana) can be a problem in horse.

When the fruit is ingested tannins with the fruit react with stomach fluid creating a solid sticky mass. Unfortunately this mass then can become a physical obstruction within the stomach or small intestine.

Horses present with colic and on passing nasogastric tube for refluxing seeds and pasts of the pulp are often evident in the fluid. Fortunately if caught early, treatment for this is old southern stable of cola product that when administered by nasogastric tube helps to break down the mass and relieve the obstruction.

Black Walnut

Within 12 hours, horses will present with laminitis. Treatment is to remove from the bedding and treat the laminitis.

Nuts and leaves of the HORSE CHESTNUT (Aesculus hippocastanum) tree contains a glycoside that is toxic to the nervous system. Horses that ingest approximately 0.5% of their bodyweight of the nuts or leaves will present dull with dilated pupils, have muscle trembling and may stand with a saw-horse stance, and uncoordinated when they try to walk.

Treatment usually is decrease absorption of the plant through medications administered by nasogastric tube, supportive care, and time.

CHERRY trees such as Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) and Wild Black Cherry (Prunus serotine) contain cyanide within the seeds, leaves and bark with the toxic level increasing with freezing.

Cyanide results in failure of the red cell to release oxygen leading no oxygen getting to tissue and organs. Horse will present with high heart rate, increased respiratory rate and blue gums. Sudden death can happen depending on the amount of plant ingested and the time of year. Fortunately horse rarely eat this tree, so toxicities are rarely seen.

Do not use Black Walnut as bedding. Within 12 hours, horses BLACK will present with laminitis!

WALNUT (Juglans nigra) can be a problem if used as shavings from the heartwood to bed a stall. The toxin involved is unknown but it can cause constriction of the vessels to the foot leading to compromised blood flow.

Acorns from OAKS (Quercus) can pose a threat to horse if a large amount of acorns are consumed. The exact toxic principle is unknown but an acid is suspected that cause a marked change in the gastrointestinal microflora.

Horses present with diarrhea and colic.

Veterinary attention should be sought as soon as possible and hospitalization may be required depending on the severity.

Treatment is supportive through fluid and medical therapy. Although there are many causes for diarrhea, acorns are uncommon and an infectious cause such as salmonella and clostridium is more commonly suspected. Acorn as a cause of the diarrhea is usually confirmed thru finding acorn material in nasogastric reflux and if the owner has seen the horse actively consume a large amount of acorns recently in his environment.

Oak tree acorns

Although there are many plants that are toxic to horses, toxicities are uncommon cause for many of the medical issues that are present to a veterinarian. However, being knowledgeable of the plants and trees that may pose a threat to horses will lead to an informed landscape design as well as provide needed information if your veterinarian suspects a plant toxicity.

This article mentions just a few trees that present a possible threat to horses but there are many weeds, shrubs, and other landscape plants that may be toxic. Be aware of what you plant before you plant any trees as besides horses, small animals, ruminants and children can be a concern as well.

AHC

WELLNESS

33

Bill Woods

Season

t’ is the

34

IF YOU ARE A NORTHERNER, and particularly if you and your horse reside beyond the confines of suburban curbs and

Wintertime on horseback can be a special time. Though not exactly at Christmas, I remember a lesson I taught years ago in

common to outdoors people but something memorable for my students from the city.

sidewalks, some late weekend afternoon before Christmas you’re apt to bundle up, braving the cold, to go Christmas caroling on horseback. Your harmonizing will be best received if the ground is frozen so the hordes don’t punch deep hoof prints all over your audiences’ yards. And if enough stirrup cup or Bloody Marys have been consumed to render anyone’s inability to recognize what’s being sung immaterial.

Massachusetts that manifested this feeling: Eight o’clock in the evening, four “hobby riders” on school horses, and me on my event horse pressed into night-time duty.

Not a typical “look up, stop pulling” indoor ring lesson, but a ride through the fields, fresh with eight inches of virgin powder– every crystal glittering in the full moon’s light, the bare branches casting long, sharp shadows–all framed by a blanket of stars. It was a vista worthy of Wenceslas and

Christmas treats for horses are stockings stuffed with carrots and candy canes hung on stall fronts. The fragrance of fresh hay in a snug, buttoned-up barn out of the chill.

And the sound of contented munching.

According to a Christian legend popular in Norway, at midnight in the first moment of Christmas Day the animals speak. It is a time of magic. For some of us fortunate ones, while it remains a marvel, it’s not that unusual. If we know how to listen, our animals talk to us all the time.

AHC

DRESSAGE