Equine Enthusiast, Spring 2018

SPRING 2018

Published by News Media Corporation/California Edition Published by News Media Corporation | SPRING 2018

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TABLE of CONTENTS

SPRING 2018 CONTENTS

NEWS BITS Teagan Sores crowned Miss Salinas Valley Fair.............. 6

Dairy producers search for royalty.......................................7

Entries open for Miss California Rodeo open...................7

Tickets available for Salinas Sports Complex events.... 8

FEATURE

Western Art Show comes to Paso Robles........................ 4

STAYING SAFE ON THE TRAIL.................................................... 9 BUYING A HORSE...........................................................................10 STARTING AN EQUINE BUSINESS............................................. 11 ADRESSING HOOF ABSCESSES............................................... 12 HOW TO OWN SHOW DAY.........................................................14 TIPS FOR BETTER JUMPING.......................................................14

EQUINE E N T H U S I A S T ™

News Media Corporation/California Edition Published in conjunction with Paso Robles Press, Atascadero News, South County Newspapers and Register-Pajaronian. • www.ca.EquineEnthusiast.com

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SPRING 2018 | Published by News Media Corporation

EQUINE E N T H U S I A S T ™ EDITORIAL Luke Phillips Editor (805) 466-2585 ext. 113 lphillips@atascaderonews.com PRODUCTION Jim Prostovich Production Manager (805) 466-2585 ext. 109 jprostovich@atascaderonews.com ADVERTISING SALES SAN LUIS OBISPO SANTA BARBARA VENTURA COUNTIES:

Sheri Potruch Marketing Associate (805) 237-6060 ext. 127 spotruch@pasoroblespress.com

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SANTA CLARA & SANTA CRUZ COUNTIES:

MONTEREY COUNTY:

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is a FREE quarterly publication. 15,000 copies are distributed throughout Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Santa Clara, Monterey & Santa Cruz counties. It is available at feed and retail stores, event centers, hotels and other equine related businesses.

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Published by News Media Corporation | SPRING 2018

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FEATURE

by of

BETH BOLYARD Equine Enthusiast

CATTLEMEN HOST WESTER ART SHOW

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he Cattlemen’s Western Art Show returned to the Paso Robles Event Center for its 28th year April 6-8. The art show touted more new artists than ever before with artists coming in from as far away as Washington State, Utah and Arizona.

The art show, which doubles as the Cattlemen’s Association’s annual fundraiser, awards two artists every year — one people’s choice and one artist’s choice. This year the People’s Choice Award went to Keith Batcheller, a 10-year participant from San Dimas and the Artist’s Award went to Susan Eyer-Anderson, a new artist from Tustin.

The turnout for the event was good according to Dee Pellandini, the art show’s coordinator for more than a decade. Pellandini said that the show’s new artists brought a freshness to this year’s event.

“Everybody was very receptive,” she said. “We had a lively crowd Friday evening and then Saturday and Sunday was one of the best ever.

This year’s Saturday was wonderful and Sunday was awesome.”

Artists Larry Bees, Larry’s wife Jackie Bees, Ernie Morris and Suzanne Williams along with a cowboy named Gary Williams created the first Cattlemen’s Western Art Show.

The group approached the San Luis Obispo Cattlemen’s Association for a partnership after they saw a need in the area for a western art show.

Larry Bees considered the art show “a major cultural event,” and the inaugural show took place in October of 1990 with 35 artists and 500 people in attendance. The first show took in $1,500 at the Bull Sale Barn at the Madonna Inn Ranch and has since moved to its new home at the Paso Robles Event Center.

This year, Pellandini said the art was really wonderful and artists went out of their way to welcome newcomers to the show. She added

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Keith Batcheller poses for a photo with his People’s Choice Award during the Cattlemen’s Western Art Show at the Paso Robles Events Center Saturday.

(Contributed photos)

that it’s a fun event and everyone who attends feels welcome to talk with the artists and hear their stories.

“There was a lot of freshness and a lot of new artists,” Pellandini said of this year’s show. “The weather was great for us, the show was fun, everyone had a great time and the art was really spectacular. It’s a great show where the artists can get in

touch with each other and communicate with each other. They’re very welcoming of new artists and it’s a very down to earth show and the artists are there for three days and they can tell their story as to why they create what they do.”

The show attracts artists from several Western states including Utah, Arizona, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Colorado.

“For anyone that’s never been exposed to art, this is the show to start with, and that’s why the artists like to come,” Pellandini said. “We just want to have a nice weekend, we draw the patrons into that so when they walk in the door it’s welcoming and warm and they can go enjoy art, not like some galleries when you walk in you’re afraid, ‘oh my gosh if I breathe or touch something, am I going to ruin it?’ We’re not like that, we have a fun show for everybody.”

This year’s Artist Award recipient, Susan Eyer-Anderson, D.V.M., is a new artist from Tustin with a background in art and veterinary medicine. She was surprised and honored to receive the award at her first year at the show.

She said growing up with professional artists as parents led her to pursue art as a passion, but also led to her veterinarian career.

“This was my first major art show that I’ve been to,” Eyer-Anderson said. “I just started getting back into painting, I was blown away that I got that award and I was really honored that the artists voted for me.”

Eyer-Anderson said it was her parents that influenced her artistic passion. She would sneak into her parents’ studio and her father set up an easel for her to use while he was working. It was also seeing her parents struggle as artists that led to her veterinary career, one she said still has its stresses, even after 30 years.

Now Eyer-Anderson is getting back to her childhood passion, using her knowledge of anatomy and desire to paint emotional, realistic art.

“I would try to call my style ‘realism with passion,’ because you’ve got to have something other than just an exercise in trying to get it looking like a photograph,” Eyer-Anderson said of her painting style. “It needs to say something, it needs to CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

SPRING 2018 | Published by News Media Corporation

THE EQUINE INDUSTY BY THE NUMBERS

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Paintings by Artists’ Choice Award winner Susan EyerAnderson (pictured at left) on display at the Cattlemens’ Western Art Show.

(Contributed photos)

ART SHOW

Continued from PAGE 4

touch you or to convey a message to make you want to be there or touch the horse.”

Eyer-Anderson said she tries to be as natural and authentic as possible with staging or copying another artist’s work.

“One thing I try to do is not be trite,” she said. “I like things to look as natural as possible, when it looks like it’s staged, or when it looks like you’ve put something into the painting just because you think it should be there, I try to avoid that stuff, I don’t know if I really know what I’m doing or not, but I try to make it look to where it doesn’t look like it’s staged.”

Eyer-Anderson has recently been juried into an online show called American Academy of Equine Artists that will start April 16- May 23.

See more of her work at susaneyeranderson. com.

The People’s Choice award winner, Keith Batcheller, is a 10-year participant of the art show from San Dimas. He was born in the San Gabriel mountain foothills near Los Angeles and grew up admiring images of the southwest, old west, and native american people. He is now devoted to his passion of painting western scenes capturing the people who lived in a bygone era as well as those who lived in the contemporary west.

Published by News Media Corporation | SPRING 2018

Batcheller said he enjoys working mostly in oils on canvas using a style known as “painterly realism.” His goal is to tell a story and conveying emotion through each painting that will provide enduring enjoyment for all who see his work.

“I’ve always had a passion for western subject matter going back to when I was a kid, I really enjoy doing it,” Batcheller said. “I paint a variety of things, people, horses, some landscape stuff. Mostly in oils on canvas.”

He attended the prestigious Art Center College of Design where he earned B.F.A. with honors, then got his post-graduate degree in Connecticut. He began his professional career in New York City as an illustrator, then later worked in Chicago and Hollywood for Walt Disney creating movie posters for movies like “Pocahontas,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and “Lilo and Stitch.”

Batcheller said he loves coming up to Paso Robles for the art show because “it’s such a beautiful area,” and he enjoys using his time to display his childhood passion.

“When I was a kid every time I saw western art published somewhere, on a book cover or a magazine, I was always very interested in it,” he said. “When I was a kid I watched all the western TV shows, always had a very keen interest in it.”

More of Batcheller’s work can be seen at keithbatchellergallery.com.

ccording to a recent study commissioned by the American Horse Council Foundation and conducted by the Barents Group estimates there are 9.2 million horses in America — and counting.

This large number is broken down into horses serving all sorts of purposes, including recreational, commercial, showing, farm work, rodeo, polo and police work.

Let’s take a deeper dive into the statistics behind the growing equine industry.

Here is a breakdown of the number of new breed registries, according to a 2014 report by the American Association of Equine Practitioners: Quarter Horse: 263,528 Paint: 50,211 Arabian: 22,433 Standardbred: 17,500 Appaloosa: 12,096 Tennessee Walking: 5,912 Miniature Horse: 5,028 Morgan Horse: 6,032 Pinto: 7,200 Saddlebred: 6,562 Paso Fino: 3,264 You might guess that Texas has the largest number of horses compared with other states in America. Did you know that California and Florida fill out the top three, respectively? Here is the top 10, according to the AAEP: Texas: 1 million California: 700,000 Florida: 500,000 Oklahoma: 326,000 Kentucky: 320,000 Ohio: 307,000 Missouri: 281,000 North Carolina: 256,000 Colorado: 256,000 Pennsylvania: 256,000

HORSE OWNERSHIP

Of the approximate 2 million horse owners in the United States, here is how the AAEP distinguishes them into categories: Recreational rider: 85 percent Competitive rider: 30 percent Horse breeding: 11 percent Horse facility manager: 10 percent Grooming and exercising: 9 percent Professional trainers: 7 percent Racehorse owner: 2 percent

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ABOVE: Miss Salinas Valley Fair 2018 contestants Angelina Gortarez, Teagan Soares and Angelita Cisneros-Aguilar.

LEFT: Teagan Soares (center) receives her crown from 2017 Miss Salinas Valley Fair Rena Escobar, while fellow contestant Angelita CisnerosAguilar watches.

(Contributed photos)

Crowning moment Teagan Soares named 2018 Miss Salinas Valley Fair SAMANTHA BENGTSON of Equine Enthusiast by

K

ing City High School student Teagan Soares has been named 2018 Miss Salinas Valley Fair after two days of competition in March.

“I am so grateful for the support from my family and friends in my pursuit for the title of Miss Salinas Valley Fair,” said Soares after receiving her crown and sash. “I can’t wait to meet everyone at this year’s Salinas Valley Fair in King City.”

Soares, 18, daughter of Jason and Dawn Soares of Lockwood, has an impressive track record with three weight champions and multiple topfour placings in junior and senior sheep showmanship. She is active in her high school FFA chapter, earn-

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ing her Greenhand, Star Greenhand Chapter Farmer and State Degree.

Her dedication and hard work also led to a scholarship that helped fund a trip to the National FFA Convention in Louisville, Ky. Soares said earning the Miss Salinas Valley Fair title “means that I have to take that role of leadership and lead my community into a better time.”

In her spare time, Soares works part time for Green Rubber Kennedy Ag in Greenfield in the sales department. She assists customers in need of irrigation, safety and fertilizer equipment as well as parts for tractors and pumps.

Soares won the scholastic and appearance and the horsemanship portion of the March 16-17 competition.

She was crowned by 2017 Miss Salinas Valley Fair Rena Escobar and is the recipient of a $2,000 scholarship, among other prizes.

The winner of the personality competition was Angelita Cisneros-Aguilar.

Cisneros-Aguilar, 17, is a senior at Soledad High School and the daughter of Miguel Cisneros and Maria Aguilar of Soledad. She also has received the Greenhand Degree, Star Chapter Greenhand, Chapter Farmer Degree, Star Chapter Farmer and Outstanding Junior Award.

“This competition brought me out of my comfort zone,” Cisneros-Aguilar said. “This brings a broad perspective of our fair and about our Salinas Valley culture. I wanted to bring community members involved, not just in Monterey County, but

overall.”

Miss Salinas Valley Fair’s third competitor was Angelina Gortarez, 17, a senior at Soledad High School.

She is active in her FFA chapter at school and began her showmanship career with a market lamb and has also shown rabbits.

“This gave me a great opportunity to expand my mindset,” Gortarez said. “I got motivated by Angelita Cisneros and she pushed me throughout this competition.”

Gortarez said she was lucky she stayed in the competition because she learned a lot and overcame her fear of speaking in front of crowds.

Soares will represent Miss Salinas Valley Fair during the Fair Kick-Off event April 28 and be an ambassador for the annual fair set for May 17-20 in King City.

SPRING 2018 | Published by News Media Corporation

Entries open for Miss California Rodeo Salinas 2018 contest CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE

Dairy producers begin search for royalty CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE

TRACY — The local dairy industry is now accepting applications from young women wishing to compete for the District 6 Dairy Princess crown.

The winner will represent the dairy industry in District 6 as a spokeswoman and will also represent the California dairy industry in appearances at schools, fairs, industry meetings, service clubs, parades and with the media. The newly selected Dairy Princess and alternate will participate in a mandatory training, July 9-12, in which they receive professional development coaching.

Contestants must meet the following requirements: 1) Be 17 years old by the date of the contest and not over 21 years of age by contest date; 2) Be unmarried; and 3) Family — parents or grandparents — must own or previously owned a dairy farm; parents work for the dairy industry; or have a dairy-related background.

More detailed qualifications can be found on the application, which is available at www.californiadairypressroom.com/ca-dairy-princesses.

Applicants are urged to submit their applications as soon as possible.

The application deadline is Friday, May 11.

The District 6 contest is sponsored by the District 6 Dairy Prin- cess Committee and the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB). The 60th anniversary event will be held Thursday, June 14, at Our Lady of Assumption Hall in Turlock. The evening begins at 6 p.m. with a social hour and is followed by the contest and dinner at 7 p.m.

Current Dairy Princess Makayla Toste, of Newman, will relinquish e f her crown to the winner who will represent the dairy industry in Alameda, Mariposa, Merced, Monterey, San Benito, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Stanislaus and Tuolumne counties.

Scholarships will be awarded.

Questions can be directed to Linda Teixeira at 209-634-4500 or 209-402-8305, or the CMAB office at cmacedo@cmab.net or 209-4840690.

Published by News Media Corporation | SPRING 2018

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California Rodeo’s coloring contest returns CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE SALINAS — California Rodeo Salinas is hosting a rodeo-themed coloring contest again this year for third and fourth graders. The community can start getting into the Big Week spirit early as children can submit their drawings now through June 1.

Presented by Home Depot, coloring sheets can be found at Home Depot at 1890 N. Davis Road in Salinas, the California Rodeo Salinas Office at 1034 N. Main St. or online at www. carodeo.com under “Events.”

Entries are due by June 1 at 5 p.m. and can be submitted at the California Rodeo Salinas Office, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entries can also be mailed to P.O. Box 1648, Salinas, CA 93902 or returned to the Home Depot at the customer service window.

The California Rodeo’s Marketing Committee will select the top 10 semi-finalists and post those entries to the California Rodeo’s Facebook page in early June. Fans will vote by “liking” their favorite picture. Three finalists with the

NEWS BITS

2017 Dairy Princess Makayla Toste (Contributed photo)

SALINAS — The Miss California Rodeo Salinas title is widely recognized within the rodeo industry as one of the top honors for young ladies who desire to promote the western lifestyle.

Each year young women from all over the state of California travel to Salinas during Big Week to compete in the prestigious contest to represent the largest professional rodeo in California. The winner will travel to various events including other rodeos, parades and more throughout the year acting as an ambassador for the event, the sport and western culture.

Entries for the 2018 contest close on Monday, May 7. Full contest details and a digital application can be found at www.carodeo.com/p/aboutus/mcrs/mcrs2018info.

The contest consists of horsemanship, personality, appearance and scholarship categories.

The contest begins Wednesday, July 18, and Miss California Rodeo Salinas 2017 Lena Coul-

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Tickets are now on sale for 2018 events at the Salinas Sports Complex, including bull riding. (Contributed photo)

Tickets available for Salinas Sports Complex events

Professional Bull Riding and California Rodeo Salinas among this year’s events

CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE

SALINAS — The Salinas Sports Complex will host several community events in 2018, and the box office is now open for the season.

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Tickets are available online, via phone or at the window for the May 6 Monster Jam, Big Week Professional Bull Riding July 18, California Rodeo Salinas July 19 to 22, and Bulls of Summer Professional Bull Riding Aug. 25. Limited tickets for the Rodeo Kick Off Concert featuring Blake Shelton are also available.

Tickets can be purchased by calling 800-549-4989, visiting the Box Office at 1034 N. Main St. in Salinas between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday or by visiting the websites www.salinassportscomplex. com, www.carodeo.com or www. tickets.com.

The 108th California Rodeo Salinas will take place July 19 to 22, offering family-friendly entertainment at affordable prices for two night performances and two day performances. The Rodeo features professional cowboys competing in team roping, bull riding, steer wrestling, tie down roping, bareback riding and saddle bronc riding in the arena while clowns, specialty acts and barrel racers perform on the track.

The freestyle bullfights cap off each performance and the night shows on Thursday and Friday end with finale fireworks. Gates open at 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 19, and Friday, July 20, with the show starting at 6 p.m. both nights. Gates open on Saturday, July 21, and Sunday, July 22, at 10 a.m. with matinee performances starting at 1:15 p.m.

Outside of the action on the track and in the arena, fans can purchase a variety of foods including churros, corn dogs, barbecue and more while they shop on the midway, visit the heritage museum or kids corral or have a beverage in one of the cantinas.

The Big Week Professional Bull

Riding takes place Wednesday, July 18, and is part of the PBR’s Touring Pro Division. Presented by Salinas Valley Ford, this Professional Bull Riding event has sold out for the past four years.

Country megastar Blake Shelton headlines the Big Week Kick Off Concert on Friday, July 13. Presented by Taylor Farms, this show will be one of the biggest in the history of concerts at the Salinas Sports Complex.

Only limited tickets are still available.

All premium seats sold out Jan. 18, the day that tickets went on sale.

Gates will open at 5 p.m. and music starts at 7 p.m., with opening acts to be announced at a later date.

Monster Jam is the first event of the season Sunday, May 6, with gates opening at noon and the show starting at 2 p.m. This family-friendly event features giant trucks and more.

The Bulls of Summer Professional Bull Riding will return to the Salinas Sports Complex for the second time on Saturday, Aug. 25. This event is part of the PBR’s Velocity Tour and will feature top riders on the circuit.

Gates open at 5 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m.

SPRING 2018 | Published by News Media Corporation

STAYING SAFE ON THE TRAIL GREENSHOOT MEDIA

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f you’re like most riders, the first hint of spring weather has you — and your horse — chomping at the bit. Where there is warmer weather, there is trail riding through serene, stunning landscapes across America.

While you may be excited to dust off your saddle and riding gear, keep in mind that safety comes first when hitting the trail. Follow these tips to make sure you and your horse have a great riding experience.

KNOW YOUR SURROUNDINGS

Have you ever snaked through a windy trail only to find you can’t make your way back? Keep a GPS-enabled smartphone on you at all times to keep track of your whereabouts.

Remember to map out your route ahead of time and stick to the trail, especially if you’re riding solo. The last thing you want to happen is to get lost and lose cell phone reception. Take your time and keep track of where you are at all times.

KNOW YOUR EXPERTISE

Trails are generally ranked and marked according to their difficulty.

Are you a beginner, intermediate or advanced rider?

This is important to know to make sure you don’t get in over your head. Your horse’s level of knowledge and your riding experience are critical components of a safe ride.

If you don’t take these into consideration, you might find yourself battling terrain that is too difficult for your horse to endure.

KNOW YOUR HORSE

Always stay alert during a long trail ride. If you know that certain animals, weather or terrain spook your horse, steer clear of these situations.

Keep your reins in a position in which you can easily gain control when needed, especially if your horse is known to be jumpy. Know your horse’s favorite snacks and reward him after a long day on the trail.

KNOW YOUR GROUP

Trail riding alone is a dangerous activity. Experts recommend a buddy system, not only for your own good but for the good of your horse.

Having a buddy system can be critical in emergency situations.

It also helps create a safer, more enjoyable riding experience for all riders and horses in your group.

Published by News Media Corporation | SPRING 2018

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BUYING A HORSE?

Here are a few things to consider before making a decision GREENSHOOT MEDIA

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hopping for a new horse can be one of the most exciting experiences for an owner.

It also can be expensive, stressful and complicated if you aren’t prepared.

With technology and social media platforms, there are more search methods at your disposal than ever before. How do you know where to start? What kinds of challenges will you face along the way?

Here are three tried-and-true tips to the perfect horse search:

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KNOW WHAT YOU WANT

Can you find what you want at the grocery store without a list?

Sure, but you will likely find your cart filled with goodies you don’t need and didn’t plan to buy.

Defining your needs, budget and goals is critical in the horse-buying experience. If you’re looking to buy a show horse, you’ll want to have a clear idea of the horse’s skills and background.

Are you looking for young and raw, or veteran and experienced?

Knowing what type of horse you’re seeking can help simplify the shopping process from the start.

PUT IN YOUR HOMEWORK With technology aiding your shopping experience, there is no reason to be underprepared for your hunt for the perfect horse.

Use social media and the internet to search through photos of horses on the market. Find credible performance reports online and search through their databases.

With the amount of research tools at your fingertips, you should feel like an empowered, educated shopper every step along the way.

INCLUDE OTHERS

Don’t approach at the shopping experience alone. Especially if this is your first horse, surround yourself with people who have been through the process before.

Ask someone you trust to accompany you while you pet and ride your new potential horse. This extra pair of eyes can spot things you may be overlooking in the excitement of the moment.

Enlist the help of your veterinarian to conduct a pre-purchase exam. Skipping this step can leave you holding the bag for expensive medical issues or even surgeries.

SPRING 2018 | Published by News Media Corporation

Starting an equine business

Entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in a hot industry need look no further than equine GREENSHOOT MEDIA

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orses are big business in the United States.

According to the American Horse Council, there are more than 9 million horses kept for sport or recreation across the country.

The large number of horses should be seen as a big opportunity for entrepreneurs. Every horse needs grooming, medical care and general upkeep over the years.

Building your own boarding stable can be a worthwhile investment, especially if you live in a state with a large number of horses. Taking an

interest in equine medicine could pay off, particularly if you have a love for horses and their health.

But what kind of experience does it take to create a stable, dependable equine business? Here are a few questions to ask yourself prior to choosing your segment of business.

food.

If this is too big of an investment for you, it might be time to consider ancillary services such as shoe care or grooming that can fit with your inventory and experience level.

Check with your local equine organizations to learn more about equine regulations and policies in your area.

AM I LEGALLY CLEARED TO RUN MY BUSINESS?

DO I HAVE THE PROPER FACILITY AND EQUIPMENT?

Legal hurdles can be another barrier to entry for prospective boarding stable owners. It is crucial that boarding stables are in proper compliance with state and local regulations. This includes maintaining updated business licensure and operating in adherence with specific zoning regulations.

If you’re opening a boarding stable or training business, will you specialize in a certain riding style?

English riding is different from western riding and will require a completely different approach when it comes to training and grooming.

Consider hiring people from different backgrounds in the industry to offer the most well-rounded line of services possible.

If you’re looking to build your own boarding operation, you’ll need at least one barn with stalls, locked fields, mowing equipment, water troughs, bedding and areas to store

Published by News Media Corporation | SPRING 2018

WILL I SPECIALIZE IN A SPECIFIC TRADE?

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Addressing hoof abscesses GREENSHOOT MEDIA

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ne of the most painful issues for your horses can be hoof abscesses.

As a responsible owner, it is in your best interest to be able to quickly identify and treat them before they become too serious.

WHAT IS AN ABSCESS?

Abscesses are quite often associated with changes in the moisture content in the soil or environment.

If the hoof becomes compromised by cracking or splitting, bacteria can seep into the hoof.

This leads to an abscess and the pain associated with it.

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WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

The symptoms related to a hoof abscess usually come on suddenly.

You will notice your horse experiencing severe discomfort and lameness, almost to the point of being immobilized.

Some horse owners have compared the look of a horse with an abscessed hoof to having a broken leg.

If you notice a puncture wound to the hoof or serious discomfort in your horse, immediate veterinary attention is suggested. Veterinarians worry about cuts becoming

infected and impacting the ligaments, tendons or joints.

SIGNS OF AN ABSCESS

Veterinarian professionals use special tools to accurately identify a hoof abscess. If you don’t have a hoof tester, you can feel for heat or a pulse in the hoof. This is a sign that bacteria have tracked into a sensitive region of the hoof.

If you required a home visit, pay attention to how your veterinarian assesses the abscess. He can likely teach you how to analyze the foot for digital pulses and increased heat in the hoof. He might be able to recommend training for using hoof testers for future use,

as well.

Hoof testers are relatively inexpensive and can help ease your mind when assessing these types of hoof-related issues.

HOW DO I TREAT IT?

After examining and cleaning the hoof, the next step to treating an abscess is to soak the hoof. Use a bucket of warm water and Epsom salts — as well as any other medicated solutions recommended by your veterinarian.

Don’t hesitate to call your vet for a home visit if you feel overwhelmed with the treatment plan.

The key is keeping your horse calm and relaxed.

SPRING 2018 | Published by News Media Corporation

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How to own show day

AT THE SHOW

GREENSHOOT MEDIA

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TIPS FOR BETTER JUMPING GREENSHOOT MEDIA

TIPS FOR BETTER JUMPING

Is there a better feeling than executing the perfect jump atop your show horse?

That special moment when horse and rider become one for a challenging jump is indescribable. But just because it looks like an effortless jump doesn’t mean it’s easy.

Jumping is an art that involves timing, discipline and plenty of practice. If you’re just getting started in jumping, there are numerous ways to improve your skills.

IT’S ALL ABOUT CONFIDENCE

When it comes to training for that big jump, it’s important to build confidence — in both you and your horse.

Don’t start too high. A young horse’s courage should be put to the test against smaller jumps or no jumps at all. Allow the horse to form a confidence in its gait first before it ever take to the air.

Start with flatwork basics before your next jumping session. Just like a world-class athlete, your horse will not perform at its peak without a

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proper warmup session.

If your horse loses confidence for any reason during a jump session — which is bound to happen — don’t stress over the results.

Forcing your horse to handle jumps it isn’t ready for can lead to injury or loss of confidence. Lower the jump and try again.

TROT BEFORE YOUR RUN

Every great horse masters the trot before the jump.

Trotting teaches your horse to remain calm on the approach to fences. It also encourages proper technique prior to the jump.

There is nothing wrong with a slow and steady approach. This goes for your attitude during the session, as well.

Your horse will follow your lead. Are you anxious and high-strung during training?

If yes, your horse will likely be, as well. That’s no way to execute a strong jump.

Find a good ground helper to keep you focused on the training. An assistant can lower jumps or give you feedback on your horse’s performance. The more people who are rewarding your horse, the better for his confidence.

fter all the training, sweat and tears, it’s finally time for the big competition. You’ve seen your horse grow by leaps and bounds, but how will he perform in front of an audience? Will he keep his cool or succumb to the extra noise and activity? Will you be able to calm your nerves enough to give your horse the leadership and guidance he needs?

These questions are completely normal. If you weren’t asking them, you probably wouldn’t be cut out for competition.

The key to a strong show-day performance is overcoming these internal struggles and external pressures. Remember how much work you have put into this day and seize the opportunity to show everyone around you how far you’ve come.

Here are some tips for overcoming the nerves and channeling your inner competitor to thrive on show day.

DON’T ASK TOO MUCH FROM YOUR HORSE

By this point, no one knows your horse like you do.

That comes with the responsibility of knowing how far you are able to push your horse on competition day.

Stick to the routine you’ve worked through during the months leading up to the show. Keeping your horse in a controlled, quiet environment on competition morning is a great start to the day. Once show time nears, keep the horse on its regular schedule in terms of exercise, diet and rest. The more you can keep the same, the more natural the horse will feel when the time comes to jump, race or show off. Keep things simple and watch your horse rise to the occasion.

SET REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS

Is this your horse’s first jump? Are you going against competition with many more years of experience? We all want to be part of the underdog story, but it’s important to set realistic expectations of what your horse can achieve on show day.

Even riders atop the most experienced horses make mistakes. Allow yourself some leeway when it comes to pulling off a perfect performance.

If your goals are too lofty, you’ll have no chance of enjoying a second-, third- or even fourth-place performance.

Remember why you got into this game — to have fun, compete and build a strong relationship with your favorite animal.

SPRING 2018 | Published by News Media Corporation

Examining the sport of polo

COLORING

Continued from PAGE 7

most “likes” will then be reposted to the page and fans will vote again with “likes.” The entry with the most votes wins.

The three finalists will each receive four tickets to the 2018 California Rodeo Salinas Thursday, July 19, performance. The grand prize winner will be announced

by June 29 and will receive two additional tickets for the July 19 performance, a meet and greet with a freestyle bullfighter and their artwork will be featured on the Jack in the Box Instant Replay Screen on July 19 and also on carodeo. com.

Download the coloring contest entry form at www.carodeo. com/events/2018/ coloring-contest.

METRO CREATIVE SERVICES The premise behind so many sports, be it soccer or hockey or American football, is to get a ball into the opposing team’s goal area. The sport of polo is no exception, though players must use a mallet to hit the ball while riding horses instead of using their hands or feet to launch a ball into a goal. It is a challenging sport that requires cooperation between rider and horse.

HISTORY Polo is considered the oldest team sport, though its precise origins are unknown. Sport historians believe it originated in the region once known as Persia (present day Iran) around the 6th century BC. The first recorded polo match occurred in 600 BC when the Turkomans beat the Persians in a public match. Polo may once have been a tool for training cavalry, but it eventually became a sport, spreading quickly across the east.

It wasn’t until the mid 19th century that polo established a foothold in Europe. Englishmen Captain Robert Stewart and Major General Joe Sherer were responsible for introducing the game to the west after the pair witnessed a polo

MISS CA RODEO Continued from PAGE 7

son will present the winner with her new title on Thursday, July 19, at the beginning of the first California Rodeo Salinas performance.

The winner will receive a $2,500 cash scholarship to be used at the college of her choice, a gold and silver trophy belt buckle, the use of a twohorse trailer for one year, along with many other gifts and the privilege of wearing the Miss California Rodeo Salinas gold and silver tiara.

“The Miss California Rodeo Salinas contest has changed every aspect of my life and made me the woman I am today,” Coulson said. “It all comes down to how hard you are willing to work and how badly you want to represent a rodeo where the west truly comes alive.”

Competition is open to young women 18 to 21 years of age. Contes-

match while stationed in Manipur, a state in northeastern India. It would be nearly 20 years later before Americans were introduced to the sport and the first formal American polo club was established.

PLAY A polo match is typically played outdoors on a field. The match lasts about 90 minutes and is divided into six timed periods called chukkers. Breaks of three minutes are included between chukkers, and there is a five-minute halftime as well.

Each team is made up of four players.

Their positions are designated by the numbers 1 to 4 and are worn on their team jerseys. The roles of players are flexible, and players can make any play that benefits the team.

Players use a wooden mallet to hit a plastic ball down the field toward the opposing team’s goal posts. A series of shots are used to move the ball, and these shots include forehand, backhand, neck shots, tail shots, and belly shots. The shot is determined by the side of the horse’s body from which the ball is hit. The near side is the left side of the mount, while the off side is the right side of the mount.

Certain defensive and offensive strat-

tants must be at least 18 years old by July 1, 2018, without having turned 22 by July 31, 2018. In order to be eligible, contestants must represent either a recognized horsemen’s organization or another recognized community organization (not commercial).

Miss California Rodeo Salinas 2018 will have numerous and rewarding opportunities during her reign. If any contestant entering the 2018 Miss California Rodeo Salinas Contest currently holds a title representing another rodeo or horse organization, she will be eligible to compete in the contest with specific conditions outlined in the Contestant Contract.

Contestants are judged on horsemanship (40 percent), personality (30 percent), appearance (20 percent) and scholarship (10 percent).

Horsemanship will include a pattern that demonstrates horsemanship abilities and a presentation run on

Published by News Media Corporation | SPRING 2018

egies are allowed during play. A certain amount of “hooking,” or using a mallet to grab another player’s mallet, as well as bumping away of other players is legal.

In a ride-off, a player rides his horse alongside an opponent’s mount in order to move an opponent away from the ball or to take him out of a play.

POLO PONIES The mounts used in play are called polo ponies, although the horses are not really ponies but full-sized horses. Horses are chosen carefully for their quick bursts of speed and agility. The mount must remain responsive during pressure and not be easily spooked. Trainers acclimate polo ponies to being handled with one hand and help them grow accustomed to responding to changes in the rider’s leg and weight cues. Horses begin training early and may require up to two years of training before they can become efficient members of a team. Polo players will rely on different ponies throughout the match, so the animals can rest between chukkers.

Polo is played all over the world.

However, it is only played professionally in a few countries, including Canada and the United States.

the contestant’s own horse. Each contestant will also participate in a draw for the exchange of contestants’ horses. The same pattern or one similar will be performed by each contestant on the horse selected in the draw. Personality and appearance judging will involve a brief private interview and friendly impromptu questions before an audience. The

scholarship section will include a short examination.

Call the Miss California Rodeo Salinas Committee Chairman Laurie LaVelle at 831-775-3100 with any questions. The 2018 contest is sponsored by the official hotel partner of the California Rodeo Salinas, the Holiday Inn Express and Suites in Salinas.

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SPRING 2018 | Published by News Media Corporation