Stretch Classes for Equestrians

Seeing the transformation from just a baby that doesn’t know much to a more mature horse with a job is incredible. It requires a ton of patience, but the reward is absolutely worth it. There’s no better feeling than watching a horse that you trained — and were the first person to back — go out and accomplish their job. You know you did right by them.

Teaching is another favorite for me. It’s important for trainers to keep teaching. How else are we going to bring new people into the sport? Getting new students involved and sharing a love of horses with them is rewarding.

CH: As a young professional working to grow your own business, how do you find inspiration, especially on the challenging days?

Be the best you can be in the saddle. Be 100% to give your horse your all.

• Loosen up back, spine, knees, and ankles.

• Strengthen quads and core.

• Gain upper body flexibility.

Alex: Horses are a way of life, and it’s a lot of work. It’s easy for it to take over everything. I make it a priority to set aside time for things other than just my horses, my clients, and my business. I’ve always had an appreciation for learning, so I decided to go back to school for a third bachelor’s degree, this time in graphic design. Art is something I’ve always enjoyed and done on the side, and I thought, “Why not?” It gives me other personal goals and gives my brain time to think about something different.

And honestly, most of the time, the things I’m drawing are horses, and the graphic design projects I take on are for horse publications. For me, it’s just another way of making myself a more rounded equestrian and sharing my love for the sport.

It doesn’t mean I enjoy my career any less, it just means I don’t feel entirely consumed with worries about my business.

Focus on stretches to get ready for your ride.

ZZ Productions

Judith Lindstedt zz.judithproductions@gmail.com

CH: What do you hope to contribute to the equine community as a trainer?

Alex: I want to produce great horses and great students. But more than that, I want to help make this sport more accessible to students. Inclusivity can be a huge hurdle in equestrian sports. I’ve had a lot of

• Complete oral/dental exams

• Routine dental maintenance ("floating")

• Preventative dental care planning & implementation

• Geriatric horse dental care

• Young horse dental evaluations

• Periodontal disease diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management

• Advanced diagnostics featuring digital radiography and oral endoscopy

• Basic extractions (wolf tooth and retained deciduous extraction)

• Advanced extractions (diseased permanent tooth extraction)

• Complex problem solving & severe case management students come to me because they feel different, for whatever reason, and couldn’t find a barn that felt welcoming to them. I take a lot of pride in being there for those students and promoting inclusivity. We need to embrace that equestrians come in all shapes, sizes, colors, gender identities — whatever it may be.

Let us be part of the health care team to help achieve your goals for your horse’s health and performance.

I’ve had my fair share of obstacles in the horse world around my identity, but I’ve been lucky to be supported by great clients that are like family to me now. I want to provide that support to others as they encounter their own obstacles. I want to inspire other equestrians to be who they are.

Jennafer Maselli, a freelance editor and writer, lives in Berkshire County, Massachusetts. As a horse owner and rider, Jennafer enjoys everything from trail riding to reining to playing polo, and is an active USEF competitor with her Irish Sport Horse and Thoroughbred-cross geldings.

7 English and western tack and equipment

7 Driving supplies: Marathon, pleasure, and farm harnesses for minis, ponies, cobs, Haflingers, warmbloods, and drafts

7 Blankets, boots, first aid, fly control, hoof care, supplements, dewormers

7 Work apparel, riding apparel

7 Hay, grain, shavings, bedding pellets

7 Farm & stable supplies: Feeders, stall mats, shelters, fencing, and more.

7 A complete and extensive line of farrier supplies

At Meader Supply, we’re committed to:

Customers. Our top commitment is to you – our customer. Our sales and service people are trained to know our products, and to be friendly and helpful. They’re ready to take all of the time necessary to take care of you.

Quality. We know the importance of quality. We are committed to selling quality products that meet your needs.

Quick Shipments. We ship fast. In-stock items are usually shipped within 12 hours of the time we receive the order.

Massachusetts

Amherst Farmer’s Supply

320 South Pleasant St., Amherst (413) 253-3436 amherstfarmerssupply.com

A.W. Brown Pet & Garden Center

144 Shaker Rd., E. Longmeadow (413) 525-2115 . awbrown.com

Bridgewater Farm Supply

1000 Plymouth St., Bridgewater (508) 697-0357 bridgewaterfarm.com

Essex County Co-op

146 S. Main St., Topsfield (978) 887-2309 essexcountycoop.com

Greenfield Farmers Co-op Exchange

269 High St., Greenfield (413) 773-9639 greenfieldfarmerscoop.com

Hardwick Farmers Co-op Exchange Rte. 32, Gilbertville (413) 477-6913 . hardwickfarmers.net

Sweet Meadow Feed & Grain 111 Coolidge St., Sherborn (508) 650-2926 sweetmeadowfeedandgrain.com

Stonecreek Farm

15 South St., New Bedford (774) 425-3740 stonecreekfeeds.com

Connecticut

Benedict’s Home & Garden

480 Purdy Hill Rd., Monroe (203) 268-2537 . benedictsgarden.com

G. M. Thompson & Sons

54 Middle Tnpk., Mansfield Depot (860) 429-9377 . gmthompson.net

Litchfield Blue Seal Store

99 Thomaston Rd., Litchfield (860) 482-7116 . blueseal.com

Lock, Stock & Barrel

770 Amity Rd., Bethany (203) 393-0002 . lsbfarmsupply.com

Meriden Feed & Supply

846 Old Colony Rd., Meriden (203) 237-4414 facebook.com/MeridenFeed

Rhode Island

Allie’s Tack & Feed

3700 Quaker Ln., North Kingston (401) 294-9121 . shopallies.com

Leeway True Value

790 Great Rd., North Smithfield (401) 765-2222

Farm