Mount Up Virginia Mount Up Virginia NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013 FREE
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013 FREE
Mount Up Virginia
November/December 2013
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Mount Up Virginia
November/December 2013
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Affordable Farm Services, Inc
Affordable, efficient services
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Respectful care for your farm & lands Manure removal
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Philipp Studio Stained Glass Art 845-797-1829
Mount Up Virginia
November/December 2013
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November/December 2013 Director of Publications Kim Crawford Art and Editorial Mountupva@gmail.com Advertising Director of Advertising Editor@mountupva.mygbiz.com Mount Up Virginia 10539 Dyke Rd. Stanardsville, VA 22973 Mount Up Virginia is published bi-monthly by Kim Foster Productions. Mount Up Virginia is designed with the mission to promote Virginia Quarter Horses, Paints & Appaloosas. The editor welcomes photos, but cannot guarantee their return.
Article submissions are welcome . Email to: Mountupva@gmail.com Include SUBMISSION in the subject line.
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Contents November/December 2013
Letter from the Editor
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Horse Lovers Gift Guide
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VA Barrel Racer Stetsin Jade Fielding
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Rein Dance
Mount Up Virginia
Performance Horses
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Winterizing your Horse
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Buying a Kid Safe Horse
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Coming Events
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Kids Corral
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November/December 2013
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Merry Christmas
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Letter from the Editor First of all, allow me to say that I don’t do “happy holidays” I wish you and your family A Happy Thanksgiving and A very Merry Christmas! As the mirage of colored leaves fill the blue skies, it’s a great welcoming sign of the fall and winter holidays. For me it’s an embracing time of slow down, as my kids softball and baseball games are coming to a halt and even the horse show world is reigning it in. Once the leaves begin to change their formation & colors and fall festivals are in full swing. I turn into a kid myself and dance with pure anticipation of Thanksgiving & Christmas. Many people find the holidays a bit overwhelming and often get lost in the hustle and bustle of all the commercialism. Fortunately, I just get lost in the spirit of the season. I am truly thankful that I have such a great family to celebrate this joyous season with. Remember this is the time to start evaluating the conditions o f winter blankets, especially those horses that will continue to work the winter months. You don’t want them to develop a full winter coat. Be extremely fortunate if you are able to blanket your equine friends, and even more so, if you have a roof over your head and are able to eat better than perhaps you need too. If you are like me, around this time of year, you find yourself thinking more and more about our Military and their families, how fortunate we are because of the countless men and women that protect our country each and everyday. Pray for their safety and for the grief and emptiness their families endure. They are my heros! Spoil your equine friends! Don’t forget it’s okay to ridge your horse in the winter months, pull out extra clothing, bundle up and hit the trails with bells on! Christmas Blessings, Mount Up Virginia
November/December 2013
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Horse-Lover Gift Guide By: Kim Crawford Pillow talk Inspired by the wild Sable Island horses that live off the coast of Nova Scotia, Kristie Thinnes hand screen -prints "Wild Horses" onto pillows, tea towels, and totes. Her equine inspiration also roams to the American West: She does pillows with hand-sewn mustang appliquĂŠs, too. Items are made of cotton and organic cotton, and inks are water-based. Wild Horses 18 x 18 pillow cover, $38 (with insert, $56; with kapok insert, $88); tea towels, $12; tote bag, $24. Mustang collection pillow, $62 (cover only, $44). Mug shot Jacqueline Stanford is best-known for her horse-hair pottery, which uses actual horse hair to create one-ofa-kind art pieces. For horse lovers who take their coffee with their favorite four-legged companion, she does custom wheel-thrown mugs in porcelain. Your horse's name is inscribed on the hand-etched horse crest. Dishwasher- and microwave-safe. $25 plus shipping.
Rhythm Beads (Sometimes called "speed beads") not only enhance the natural beauty of your horse, but help build rhythm/cadence and help you both to stay calm and focused in stressful situations. There are other retailers that sell these wonderful beads but what I love about elated equine is the ability to choose your colors, pattern, string and bells using the Design your own bead feature. Log on, pick your colors and see what your design would look like on YOUR horse, right now, before you decide to buy! You can also purchase necklaces directly from the featured patterns section or contact them with your color preferences and they will create a rhythm beads design especially for you!
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Pillow talk Keep your horse lover warm this winter with a pair of handheaters from Hotwears. With these warm insulating hand heaters your hands and fingers will stay cozy warm! The Handheaters hold up to 2 hot packs; one at the pulse point of your inner wrist and one across the back of your hand in a fingerless gloves, keeping your hands warm and fingers free. Another Plus: the slim fit lets you use them under your gloves or mitts! Batteries Included: 2 HeatMax® HotHands® (Hot Packs). There are three sizes to choose from: S, M & L
Card-carrying cowboy Five years ago, graphic designer Kimberly Parker Russell pulled up her Atlanta roots and moved to New York City, where she screen-prints Sidepony cards by hand in her home studio. Her mom, who owned a plaster shop in Georgia, would be proud. Cowboy thank-you card set, three folded blank cards with brown envelopes, all recycled, 4.25 x 5.5, $12; Buck Wild card, folded blank recycled notecard with gold envelope, 4.25 x 5.5, $4. • www.elsewares.com
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Horse-Lover Gift Guide Continued Cuff Bracelet Artisan Copper Gallopers Cuff Bracelet : We start with recycled copper, design to accentuate the natural beauty of the metal. Each unique piece of art is hand cut and shaped by caring artisans. Made in the USA. 1/2" wide. horseloversgifts.com
Sun Catcher Guilded Lily by Artist Caly Garris. She paints from the heart in a style that beautifully captures the distinct personality of her subjects. Her love of horses has truly inspired her art. 13x19 Print. horseloversgifts.com
Bag and beautiful mandonia has introduced new vintage Western designs that put horses on purses: "ABC Ranch" recalls a Western childhood, "Wildly Beautiful" features wild herds, "Open Range" showcases bucking broncs, and "Dakota" pairs horse and Indian — all with classic frames, leather details, sturdy hardware, and clear vinyl overlay. In tote, large overnighter, large and small kiss, large and small cosmetic case, and wristlet, $54 – $350. Here, ABC Ranch small kiss with denim detailing ($156) and Wildly Beautiful small overnighter ($310). • www.mandonia.com
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The Christmas Pony by Melody Carlson, Š2012 With Christmas around the corner, the Turnbull family is in need of a few small miracles. It is 1937, and Lucy Turnbull knows better than to wish for a pony this Christmas. Her mother has assured her in no uncertain terms that asking for a pony is the same as asking for the moon. Besides, the only extra mouths they need at their boarding house are the paying kind. Then an interesting pair of strangers comes to town, and Lucy's world changes forever. Lucy was about halfway to town when she heard a car coming down the road behind her. It was making a lot of noise, and when she looked, smoke was billowing all around it. She stepped to the side of the road as the pale yellow car slowly sputtered and clunked past her. It looked like a pretty car. Too bad it didn't work right. When Lucy got to town, she noticed the pale yellow car parked in front of Hempley's Garage, and a man in a brown suit was talking to Mr. Hempley. But it was the lady getting out of the car who really captured Lucy's attention. Wrapped in a royal blue coat with a big silver fur collar, she had shining hair almost the same color as the pale yellow car and cut short with bangs that curled like a fringe around her pretty face. As Lucy got closer, she could see the lady's rosy cheeks and lips of scarlet red. She looked just like a real movie star! Hello, doll; The lady smiled down at Lucy. Hello; Lucy managed to say back to her. Is there a place I can buy a soda around here?; Her voice sounded as sweet as sugar and honey. *** Lucy's adventure is beginning! This is the most excitement she has seen in ages, that is as far as she can remember, anyway. Mr. Hempley is shaking his head. Hmm. Maybe they will need to stay a few days while he orders parts! And... remember, Lucy and her mother's conversation... Christmas is about to happen and they have a boarding house. Isn't it convenient that Lucy happened to walk this way at this exact moment! Lucy has been making Christmas presents and wishes. And... half way through, I had some wishes of my own! Melody Carlson! What a beautiful, sweet story. I love how you have written from the viewpoint of the little girl ~*~ so reminiscent of childhood and the wonder of anticipation. Could we not set aside our cares, and become like a child again? I have not read a Christmas story in a long time that compares to The Christmas Pony. A story of dreams and hopes that are not deterred in the eyes of a little girl for her family. You will want to read this story year after year. It will become a keeper on your bookshelf. Lucy's father has died and her mother and grandmother have turned their country home into a boarding house with delicious home cooking. Well worth the travel to get down their winding road. Interesting guests are brought in December at a time when they are needed, in answer to Lucy's prayers for God to bring them paying boarders. The house description so fits the times. Pull down string to turn the light on and off in the bedroom, the worn stair tread creaks, the scents of Christmas. Adding an electric light to lengthen the day so the chickens continue to lay eggs. Lucy's daily chores. Love that keeps them together. Lucy has the "same little goading girl" at school that we all have had at one time or another. And the much anticipated Christmas program at church. Fun for all with wonder and excitement. During times of hope and plodding on, the family works together. A beautiful story. Reminiscent of a home and people we all would love, The Christmas Pony is a story to read aloud and enjoy together. MELODY CARLSON is the award winning author of over two hundred books, including fiction, nonfiction, and gift books including these bestselling Christmas novellas: The Joy of Christmas: An Irish Christmas, All I Have to Give, and The Christmas Dog; The Treasure of Christmas: The Christmas Bus, Gift of Christmas Present, and Angels in the Snow; and Christmas at Harrington's. She is the winner of a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market. Melody writes books for adults, young adults, and children. I have thoroughly enjoyed her novels. The Christmas Pony will make a wonderful Christmas story gift book for everyone on your list. Melody lives with her husband in Sisters, Oregon.
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Virginia Barrel Racer: Stetsin Jade Fielding By: Kim Crawford
Growing up in rural Stanardsville, Virginia, home to the Tripple S Ranch, not only did Stetsin Jade Fielding have open spaces, a huge pen and three barrels, but a tremendous amount of determination. Like her siblings, Stetsin began riding and showing as a baby, being led through the pattern, until age three, at which point and time she was officially turned loose. Desire, compassion and the need to succeed have all been noted.
ly it came with a knocked barrel, but you take the good with the bad. When I asked Stetsin what she was thinking when she ran that particular time, she looked up with a shining, somewhat shy but warm grin and said “I knew it was fast”.
The love of fast horses is a necessity when you grow up a “Sims”. No doubt about it, she was born to ride and born to rodeo. Although, it’s a family sport and a family passion, it’s also a family rivalry. Stetsin’s mom, Tiffiney is a veteran Virginia barrel First impressions are everything and that is racer, as are Aunt Billie Jo and her biggest no different in the horse world. When fan and biggest competitor, her sister meeting Stetsin or even by talking to her Mersates. Currently, these ladies are sitting family, it’s evitable that she is an extremely in the top ten SEBRA standings. Stetsin caring, faithful young lady, with a comes from a long line of Barrel racing tremendous amount of heart. Don’t be including Grandfather Gary Sims who disengaged by her quiet presence. That could according to Mersates and Tiffiney is the be because she leaves nothing to be biggest backbone and supporter they have. determined, her confidence and faith carries Stetsin is encouraged by each and every her well. member including Aunt Billie Jo, who has At the young age of 14, Stetsin Jade earned over years lent her horses to sister and nieces. the bragging rights of the youngest barrel racer to lead the SEBRA Rodeo Circuit. If you have been fortunate enough to attend Certainly this is the beginning of many titles any speed events in Virginia, you’ve surely to hold her for the upcoming years. Not only met the Sim’s family. If you have met them, has she led most of the current year, but she you know they are about the most kind and is the youngest to win a SEBRA event, while gracious folks you would ever wish to meet also turning the fast time ever at the Old and even in the form of friendly competition. Grey Mare arena in Raphine, Virginia. That time is an ever astonishing 11.8, unfortunate-
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Virginia Barrel Racer: Stetsin Jade Fielding By: Kim Crawford
No matter which event, they are usually all there cheering for their team, as well as everyone else’s. One of the things that I find most intriguing is they are always willing to talk to the new comers and veterans alike. They are one of the few families that I know, willing to not only share their knowledge of the sport and horses; but they will also share their horses with friends and family.
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Ironically Stetsin’s big win came on her sister, Mersate’s horse. 2013 has been a year of first for Stetsin! Leading the SEBRA circuit, winning shows and setting records. 2014 should be no different, perhaps bigger and better. We are optimistic that will kick off for her at the SEBRA finals in Murfreesboro, TN on January 24 & 25th.
As they prepare to head for finals, Tiffiney is proud to share, they are the only Mother/Daughter duo on the circuit, and that means Tiffiney is the only Mother/Daughter duo twice because Mersates too will be at the finals. Virginia barrel racing has seen significant growth over the last 10 years. The Sims hope to keep that going. Tripple S ranch held five events in Stanardsville, VA this year and would like to continue to generate growth. Their horses are Ducky Keller trained, they are well seasoned and know their job. If you are interested in learning more about barrel racing locally, visit the following sites. www.facebook.com/tripples.ranch?fref=ts www.gosebra.com www.ibra.us www.nbha.com
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Virginia Barrel Racer: Stetsin Jade Fielding By: Kim Crawford
Questions & Answers:
architecture and join the rodeo team.
How long have you been riding? Since 2001 at age 3 by myself but since I could sit up with help from my momma .
What is your all time favorite horse moment?
How has your year gone?
That would be when I was leading my first rodeo and my name was called as the official winner.
I qualified for IBRA and NBHA finals. If I stay in the top 20 of SEBRA I will qualify to go to those . What do you think about when you are on deck waiting to run? How awesome it is to do what I do and thanking God for every moment even when I knock a barrel. Who helps you get ready to go into the pen? Depends on which horse I am riding, most of the time it is my sister since I am currently competing on Rhythm . What are your goals for next year? To continue competing as much as possible and getting better at the game. What do you plan to do after high school? To attend college out west to study 18
Photographs contributed by: Christopher Thompson Mersates Sims
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"The Best N
2113 Lak Lynchburg 434-38 20
Never Rest"
keside Dr. g, VA 24501 85-5012 Mount Up Virginia
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Rein Dance Performance Horses By: Kim Crawford Sometimes the simple things in one’s life are completely overlooked, like for instance on a perfect fall day, I’m driving on 295 south with a destination of Rein Dance Performance Horses. My apprehension takes over and my curiosity runs wild with anticipation of what I perceive to find upon my arrival at 317 Green Level Rd in King William, VA.
“Her ability to focus on the horse is so intense that you can actually see the horse start to figure out how to respond to what she wants”.
Debbie’s competitive equine sport is Reining. She has been breeding, riding and working with Reining horses for 20+ years. Rein Dance Performance Horses evolved and expanded from a I must admit that my perception of reining was a rider focus on Reining to training and problem solving for horses and performing various fast running circles and the sliding stop, one their owners of all western disciplines. of the signature moves of a reining horse. To my dismay the Debbie’s patient training method works in a way that allows horses at Rein Dance Performance facilities are all of what I had the horse to feel like it is doing something it wants to do! The anticipated and much, much, more…Almost indescribable! The key to this type of training is the riders timing, feel, and most drive to Rein Dance was surreal and almost enchanting, passing importantly respect. countless cotton fields with the beaming sun rays, it was Respect is built with a horse by Debbie’s patience, and her extremely warming, but the minute I arrived to the facility, it ability to establish a training task in a way that one - actually was completely awing. gives the horse time to understand the task and two – respond It was absolutely breath taking to watch the riders work with correctly. If a horse resist the training task, Debbie’s body their horses, noticing little to no movement of action, the language and mental intensity increases to meet the elevated intensity between the rider and horse was like a marriage intensity of the horse’s resistance. While maintaining her made in heaven. Debbie Bull, trainer and owner of Rein Dance mental intensity and being patient and persistent, Debbie Performance Horses utilizes Natural Horsemanship a training allows the horse to find a way to avoid confrontation. As soon philosophy that represent the perspective of the horse and not as the horse explores the desired behavior her persistence the human. Natural Horsemanship is a true “cowboy concept” vanishes, (remember timing). This telling the horse he found that has been proven time and time again, as with such cowthe right answer. boys as Ray Hunt, Tom Dorrance and his brother Bill Dorrance, It’s imperative for humans to know the difference between all of whom were outstanding ranch hands and depended on being assertive and being aggressive. Assertiveness is confident their horses to be a willing partner in their work. These in power and strong mental energy. Aggressiveness is angry and particular believed that by understanding how a horse confrontational energy with attacking body language. Animals communicates with other horses and how they think and learn, or humans alike are not going to respond to aggressiveness in a you could tailor your training techniques to fit the horse. The positive manner. result was a more willing and confident horse, and the method Debbie states that respect, timing and feel are taught and became known as Horse Whispering, or the more modern experienced from lessons on the ground as well as in the name, Natural Horsemanship. saddle. Often time’s trainers underestimate the importance of Debbie is unique in the world of “whispering” for many working the horse on the ground to build communication reasons, the most obvious is that she is a woman in a before climbing on its back. Ground work that builds respect profession dominated by men. Debbie is accomplished and and communication makes everything easier, from feeding, to most successful at using this technique to work with horses and haltering, to standing calmly for grooming or vet work. their owners. Debbie’s longtime friend and mentor, Bruce Olsen helped Debbie learn how to implement these techniques as well as learn the awing art of reining. “To watch Debbie work with a horse is a wonderful thing” says Dee Papit, a friend and client.
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The absolute most impressive thing about the environment at Debbie’s farm is the relaxed atmosphere of the barn. Debbie does not judge the rider or the horse, she simply uses her expertise to help. Her calm manner and attitude, gives the clients and students the confidence to try things they have never tried before. It also sets up the positive mental attitude needed for success. A final plus for students and clients is that nay success, from the tiniest accomplishments all the way to the biggest Blue Ribbons, are all celebrated with great relish at Rein Dance Performance Horse Farm. Debbie specializes in and is always looking for dedicated teenage to senior riders and their horses to further the concept of “TEAM REIN DANCE�. To learn more about these methods and Debbie Bull, visit: www.reindancehorses.com or feel free to call Debbie at: 804-814-1182 Also visit the Virginia Reining Horse Association: www.virginiareininghorse.com
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(804) 731-0222
Hoofbeats Equine Service: your neighbors in equine care. Veterinary services include the following: Lameness Evaluation Reproductive Services Motorized Dentistry (Routine and Corrective) Advanced Diagnostics (Digital Xray and Ultrasound) Bloodwork Digital Coggins Vaccination Programs Pre-purchase Evaluation Nutritional Counseling Chiropractics Wellness Programs 24 Hour Emergency Service
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17000 Berlin Turnpike Purcellvile, VA 20132
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Mount Up Virginia
The Carlyle family, along with John Deere, thanks you for your business and looks forward to serving you.
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Winterizing Your Horse By: Darlene Cox As the winter months begin we need to make sure that our horses are ‘winterized’ and best able to adapt to and be comfortable with whatever nature presents. Special attention should be paid to shelter, nutrition, water, exercise, and hoof care to keep you horse healthy and happy during the winter months. Shelter Shelter is the first important requirement on your list to winterize your horse. In the wild, horses would use the commonality of the herd for warmth; generating and sharing body heat while gathered in tight little groups behind a natural windbreak. You will also notice this behavior in domesticated herds; however, not everyone has their own herd, which would make the shared warmth impossible. Therefore, it would be optimal to have an enclosed stall within a dry/ warm barn in which to house your horse during bad winter weather. Always keep your eye on the weather forecast so you’ll know if your horse should be stalled or turned out for the day/night.
If your horse is pasture-bound, providing a 3sided run-in shed will allow him to get out of the elements at his choosing. In some states, it is a requirement that a run-in shelter be provided. You can also utilize a well-fitting waterproof, wind- resistant winter blanket to provide additional warmth to your horse. I would recommend using such a blanket as well if you do not have a structured shelter that your horse can use. Make sure the blanket is ‘water-proof’ and not ‘waterresistant’ as water-resistant blankets will eventually allow water to soak in. If the horse is wet under the blanket, he’ll be just as cold as if he didn’t have a blanket on. It is important for you to check the blanket often for placement, dryness, and cleanliness. A dirty blanket can cause fungal infections. Regular grooming during the winter months is imperative to keeping your horse fungus free. It also provides you with an opportunity to make sure the blanket isn’t rubbing anywhere.
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Nutrition Your horse should have a great body condition as he goes into the winter months. A poor body conditioned horse will not fare well during this time of year, and you will be investing more money trying to keep him healthy. You should provide your horse with quality, clean hay (roughage). While hay preferences vary, always insure the hay is clean and mold-free. Most sources identify the amount of hay to feed your horse is between 1% - 2% of his total body weight. In other words, a 1,000 pound horse should consume a daily ration of 10 to 20 pounds of hay. I will again keep my eye on the weather forecast, and if it seems a severe batch of winter weather is coming, I will increase the amount of hay I feed two or three days in advance to aid my horse in keeping warm. Graining and supplementation of your horse should continue at the amounts/portions fed prior to winter weather. This is, of course, depending upon exercise and body condition. Always check your horse’s body condition by running your hand over their barrel feeling for their ribs, as well as along their backbone and croup feeling for bony protrusions. If your horse is loosing condition, minimally and systematically increase their grain intake. A general rule of thumb is to increase grain quantities by ¼ measures each week until the body condition begins to improve, and then continue that amount/portion throughout the winter months. Water One of the greatest misnomers I have ever heard portrayed is that ‘horses can get all the water they need from eating snow.” While some horses may eat snow, they would have to eat a lot of it to achieve the minimum of 5- 10 gallons a day that is required. Clean, ice-free water should be available to your horse at all times. Since your horse’s diet is primarily hay/roughage, water will aid in its digestion.
Some
horses will not drink an adequate amount of water during the winter months as cold water is not very palatable to them. Always keep a salt block available during the winter to encourage drinking. Heat tape applied to your barn faucets will keep your water source from freezing. Heated water buckets and/or water tank heaters are available at most horse/stock suppliers. Using bales of straw as an insulator around a water trough can also aid in keeping water ice free. If you don’t have an electricity source at your barn, you can always heat up water and take it to your horse. While a little more arduous for you, it will assuage your fears that your horse isn’t getting enough water.
Exercise Throughout the winter months it is important to keep your horse in good shape. Don’t let them become a pasture-potato just because it’s snowy and cold out. Light exercise is the key with 2 or 3 weekly ½ hour sessions recommended. Whether you choose to lounge-line, round pen, or ride your horse make sure your emphasis is on ‘light’; don’t overwork him to where he is sweating profusely, as he will quickly chill. Utilize some type of blanket to cover his croup while riding to keep his muscles from being cold and having spasms from the workout. Always cool him out and make sure he is adequately dried after the exercise session. Fluff up his hair a little to allow air to get in which will then be warmed next to his skin and thereby providing warmth.
If your horse is shod during the riding season, having their shoes pulled during the winter will give their feet a break allowing the hoof wall to thicken and give the sole a chance to toughen up. If you keep your horse shod during the winter because of riding preferences or perhaps because of a pre- existing hoof condition, it is important that you keep the foot ‘snowball’ free, as snow will accumulate between the sole and the shoe forming a ‘ball’, which will make walking unbalanced and difficult. I have had great success in keeping shod feet free of snow by using petroleum jelly. Simply clean out the hoof and apply the petroleum jelly with a hoof brush. This will need to be repeated often (as long as you have snow cover), but it is very effective in keeping the snowballs from forming. Since there is an abundance of moisture during this time of year, whether it comes from standing in snow, water, mud, or a mucky stall, your horse will be greatly susceptible to thrush. Continuing your daily practice of cleaning your horse’s feet will reduce the risk of your horse contracting thrush. If your horse is stall bound for a greater number of hours, make sure the stall is kept clean. Woody Pet is a great product on the market today that absorbs moisture in stalls. Following the above-mentioned points will allow you to ‘winterize’ your horse and keep him happy and healthy while you both await springtime and the awakening of a new riding year.
Hoof Care Some may believe that hoof care is not an important issue during the winter as horses are not ridden as often. While hoof growth may slow some during the winter months, it is still of utmost importance that you continue to have your farrier check your horse’s hooves and trim them as necessary. Many abscesses form over the winter months and are caused by the hoof’s impact against frozen ground. Mount Up Virginia
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Mount Up Virginia
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Buying A Kid Safe Horse By: Ken McNabb It is very important to choose the right horse for your kids. Not only do you need to choose a mount that will keep them safe, you need to choose something that matches their personality and riding and training level so they will enjoy the time they spend in the saddle. There’s nothing worse than seeing a kid who has a horse that is way beyond their ability level and an unsafe mount. They won’t have any fun, and they are likely to get hurt. They may be so intimidated that they lose all their enjoyment of riding and quit entirely. What makes a good kid’s horse? First and foremost, you need to focus on safety. Both you and your child should feel completely confident without hesitation that you could and would ride the horse anywhere. For young riders, you need to find a horse that is so good that no matter what your kid does, the horse won’t let them get into trouble. This probably won’t be the prettiest horse, and it won’t be the fastest horse, but it will be the horse with no buck, no spook, and no desire to run away. I want to stress that your kid needs to have 100% confidence in their mount. Just the fact that you think they should be able to ride a horse anywhere isn’t enough. They need to believe that, too.
Now, I’m not saying your kids will never have challenges even with the best horse. You can buy a “perfect” horse, but each rider is going to need to convince even the best trained horse to listen to them and do what they ask. Some horses personalities will take a lot more convincing, some just don’t challenge or ask questions much. For a very young rider or someone without a lot of confidence, you will want to get a horse that isn’t going to challenge them a lot. Regardless of what horse personality fits your child’s personality, you need a mount that will never be dangerous even when they may be testing or challenging your child to learn and improve. So, how do you find the right horse for your kids? You’ll need to do a lot of looking and a lot of driving. Test ride a lot of horses and get a feel for different personalities and training. And most importantly, don’t compromise. Keep looking until you find the right fit. Never buy a horse based on looks, color, or breeding. Many times they best horses aren’t the prettiest. Look beyond physical attributes and find the horse that will take care of your kids through thick and thin and allow them to build their confidence and progress safely in their riding.
As your kids get older, they may develop an appreciation for training and want a horse that will allow them to teach it some new things or compete at Enjoy your horses with your family, and until next some level. Even as they move up to more advanced time may God bless the trails you ride. mounts, it is still most important that their horse is safe and well matched to their riding level. You still want them to have 100% confidence in their horse and feel that they could take them anywhere and do anything with them. If they want to move up to training a horse themselves, choose something that is a safe, gentle, broke horse with a good disposition, even if it doesn’t have a lot of fine tuning yet. I never like to pair a green or young rider with a green horse. “Green on green makes black and blue!” Don’t get sucked into the romantic idea that your child and a young horse will grow and learn together. Some younger horses have a temperament and training that makes them a good match for a skilled younger rider, but be very careful if you are considering this route.
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Coming Events November 2013~ Nov 1-3 – Equine Extravaganza, Meadow Event Park, Doswell, VA www.equineextravaganza.com Nov 1-3 – 4* Parelli Professional Ryan Rose Workshops at The Jbit Ranch, Berryville, VA 540-955-4099 or www.jbitranch.com Nov. 1-3- Fall VA Horse Trials, VHC, Lexington, VA, www.horsecenter.org November 9, 2013- VA03 and SVSA Sanctioned Show @ Merry Oaks Stables, Windsor, VA Nov. 9: Fredericksburg Urban Trail Ride, Fredericksburg, Va. Ride sponsored by the Fredericksburg Parks and Rec Dept. Tour historic downtown Fredericksburg. Riders must be 15 years of age or older, regardless of experience. All riders ages 15–18 must be accompanied by an adult. Event held rain or shine, unless extreme weather. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Virginia Recreation and Parks Society. Early registration: $15 per horse/rider; onsite registration, $20 per horse/rider. For more information, contact Jennifer Hellier, 540.372.1086 November 16, 2013– VA-1, VA02, VA06, Clayton C.Bryant Indoor Arenda Winter Series, Appomattox, VA For more info contact Adam Roper @ 434-664-7891 November22- 24 - VA03, NBHA Costal Run Super Show, Williamston, Bob Martin Ag Center, For information call Van Manley @ 610-693-2767, Tom Harvey @ 919-853-3660 Nov 22-24 – Pre-Turkey Quarter Horse Show, Frying Pan Farm Park, Herndon, VA
Nov. 30 – Open Barn and Tack Shop Sale, Valhalla Farm and Tack, Westminster MD, 410-404-3365 www.valhallafarm.net
December 2013~ Dec 6-8 – Champion Saddlery’s Holiday Open House, Doswell and Midlothian locations, 804-2273434, www.championsaddlery.com
Dec. 7-8 – Hedrick Rodeo, VA Horse Center, Lexington, VA www.horsecenter.org
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We are eager to include any upcoming events And would like to add them to the calendar. Please submit event information to: Editor@mountupva.mygbiz.com Include as much information as possible. Date, times, contacts, etc.
Mount Up Virginia
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801 Graves Mill Rd. Lynchburg, VA 24502
Sales: 866-205-1241 Service: 866-205-1442 36
Sales: (866) 205-1241 Sales: (866) (866) 205-1442 205-1241 Service: Service: (866) 205-1442
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Sales: (866) 205-1241 Service: (866) 205-1442
Sales:(866) 205-1241 Service:(866) 205-1442
9409 Old Marlboro Pike Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
301-599-6285 Mount Up Virginia
November/December 2013
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As your New Holland dealer, we're committed to helping you make the right choice in tractors and equipment. We carry other lines such as Cub Cadet, Echo, Hustler Equipment, Land Pride, Toro, Troy-Bilt.
Rockingham New Holland, Inc 600 W. Market St. Harrisonburg VA 22802 Phone: 540.434.6791 Fax: 540.434.6780
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Mount Up Virginia
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Horse Tack & Supplies Western Wear & Boots Work Boots Work Clothing
1251 Tappahannock Blvd. Tappahannock, VA 2256 804-443-1945 Mon-Fri: 10am-6pm Sat: 10am-3pm
Equine Mortality and Theft Care, Custody and Control Liability Commercial Equine Liability Farm Coverage Private Horse Owner Liability
1-877-341-8566 Mount Up Virginia
November/December 2013
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11450 Washington Hwy Ashland, VA 23005
855-443-2447
Sheehy Ford of Ashland What really sets a car dealership apart these days? Value, Selection and Price 42