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WINTER 2015

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FEATURES ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING/ANDREA BAXTER................................... 6 PINT-SIZED CHAMPIONS/PIECE OF ME MINI HORSES..................... 8 HORSES AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION.............................................. 10 LOCAL ARTIST CREATES POINTY-TOE HORSE................................ 11 CAL POLY EQUINE CENTER............................................................ 12 ARTIST CREATES EQUINE SCULPTURES..........................................13 SPCA STABLES AT INDIAN SPRINGS................................................ 14 WESTERN PAINT WORLD HORSE COMPETITION...........................15 ARMACOR LABORATORIES................................................................ 16 HORSE SANCTUARY IN NEED OF DONATIONS.............................. 18 RESCUED HORSE INSPIRES CHILDREN’S BOOK..............................19 WATSONVILLE MAN EXPANDS SUCCESSFUL STORE......................19 LITTLE RIDERS A SOURCE OF EQUESTRIAN THERAPY.................. 20

Children in the Little Riders program learn a variety of horse skills and are always assisted by a group of volunteers who follow alongside. - Read more on page 20. Story by: LUKE PHILLIPS

ANNUAL HORSE SHOW PROVIDES A RUSH....................................22

COLUMNS HERTHA WOLF-AREND: LIFE LESSONS FROM A HORSE LOVER.............................................24 BARBI BREEN-GURLEY: THE PAYOFF FOR COMMITMENT AND PERSISTENCE................... 26 THE EQUINE CENTER: THE CLINICAL IMPORTANCE OF HAY SOAKING............................27 KRISTA KOENIG: FROM START TO FOUNDATION.......................................................28

EQUINE E N T H U S I A S T ™

Located at the northernmost edge of the San Luis Obispo campus, the Cal Poly Equine Center has some of the best vistas of the various Morros that dot the picturesque Central Coast city. - Read more on page 12. Story by: JEFF POIRIER

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

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EQUINE E N T H U S I A S T ™ 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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ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING ANDREA BAXTER BUYS AND SELLS WITH KEEN EYE

By NICHOLAS MATTSON EQUINE ENTHUSIAST

ndrea Baxter, of Twin Rivers Ranch in San Miguel, has been buying and selling horses for many years — on both a personal and business level — building a stable of inventory and a history of experience as the agent in charge of the ranch’s Estrella Equestrian sales and service. Baxter has grown up in equestrian life, and operates from various saddles with her family’s 500-acre horse park at Twin Rivers, and her passion for horses dates back to her infancy. She has since tallied a long list of accolades from her training days at the United States Pony Club, to her event qualification for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Baxter was born into the life, and

grew up helping her mom, Connie, breed and train horses. That led to her competing at the highest levels at the nation’s biggest events — including riding her prize possession, Estrella, at the Rolex Kentucky. Through the years, Baxter has developed a keen eye for equestrian quality and talent, and uses that to find good homes for good horses, locally and abroad. “I’ve been informally [buying and selling] since I was in high school,” Baxter said, “and more formally doing it for the past five years.” Baxter’s maturity has built a substantial program of service and sales for Twin Rivers Ranch, a worldrenowned event facility located south of San Miguel, off North River Road in Paso Robles. “In the past five years I have used

it as a side business,” Baxter said. “It is really hard to rely on selling horses as a business. It is hard to keep an inventory, and you need to stand behind your inventory.” The challenge of standing behind inventory is that the horse is one of a kind — there are no spare parts. Having an eye for a quality horse is both a talent and a gift and mistakes can be costly. “There is money to be made and to be lost,” Baxter said. “In the grand scheme of things, it is a small industry. You have to stand behind what you sell.” Baxter admitted that buying and selling horses is a tricky business and there are no guarantees. “If I had a formula of where I find horses I’d be a millionaire,” Baxter said. “I think it is just luck. Sometimes

I buy something for myself, and it won’t work out, so I will sell it to a better home.” Years of experience in the equestrian industry have given Baxter a long list of avenues that she has tried and tested. “I’ve bought horses off of Craigslist, or I’ve gone to the sales, thoroughbred sales, or auctions,” Baxter said. “If you have a good eye for what you are looking for, you can find a good deal.” But being the agent in an industry of living goods is much more than just getting lucky at an auction — it is a relationship business. “It is a lot of word of mouth,” Baxter said. “I will talk to my trainer friends and see what they have. That comes from having good relationships and staying relevant and pertinent in the industry.”

Andrea Baxter of Twin Rivers Ranch has been buying and selling horses for many years as the agent in charge of the ranch’s Estrella Equestrian sales and service. Her advice to novice enthusiasts looking to find a quality horse was clear. “If you want to buy a horse for your own personal use,” Baxter said, “you want to look through reputable sales agency.” Baxter’s experience makes her valuable across the spectrum of the equine realities — from the basic to the Olympic level, and she said the higher the stakes, the greater the risk and reward, making it akin to gambling and professional athletics. Knowing the industry helps, as a talented athlete, or horse, might have talent better suited for one sport than another. “The equestrian world is a little bit like the sports world,” Baxter said. “If you are a recruiter, you might be representing a high-quality athlete, but he is in the wrong industry. You cross out of one discipline and you get into another.” After years of training and competing, Baxter has made a name for herself in the field of eventing — dressage, cross-country, and show jumping — and she trains people as well as horses. Through Baxter, Twin Rivers Ranch offers training, coaching and boarding for the development of horse and rider. Her training programs create another avenue for sales that help her connect buyers and sellers, and she recently sold a client’s horse to a young rider looking for her own horse. “[The client] brought it over and I sold it in three weeks,” Baxter said. “The client brought the horse over and said they needed it sold within a month. I thought of a lady’s daughter who was looking for a horse. The girl came over, rode it, loved it and bought it.”

Another way that Baxter obtains inventory is by breeding horses, which has a high cost, but can lead to incredible results. Estrella, her crown jewel, gained international attention, when the Italian national team offered upward of half a million dollars for the brood mare. The high price was not enough to steal Estrella way, and Baxter rode her all the way to Rolex. Estrella has since given birth to Coronado, “the most exciting eventing foal born in the USA this year,” according to Baxter. “Estrella went all the way to compete at the four-star level,” Baxter said of the foal’s mother, “and the sire [Chilli Morning] is the current European champion and got the bronze medal at the world championships.” Growing a foal to maturity is a committed process, and through the life of the horse, indelibly a relationship forms between horse and trainer. “It is hard to put a price tag on the horse sometimes,” Baxter said. Baxter related that each horse has a unique personality that helps her understand what she, or another rider, can get out of the horse. Of all the qualities that a horse can present to a prospective buyer, Baxter said she places attitude and confirmation at the top of the list. “My biggest thing is the attitude, or confirmation,” Baxter said, “or confirmation and then attitude. Those are one and two. Confirmation is the build of the animal — how the head sits on the shoulders, [etc]. Next would be potential for talent — their movement and their jumping ability.” Attitude plays such a big role in the value of a horse, because as the lightframed trainer admitted, she can only coach a horse to do what it is willing to do.

“At the end of the day,” Baxter said, “no horse is going to be made to do something it does not want to do. It is my 100 pounds against its 1,200 pounds, so it will not do anything it doesn’t want to.” Unlike confirmation, which can be seen, felt and measured, attitude is an intangible that can be much more difficult to gauge. “It is the hardest thing to see, the hardest thing to find, but it is probably the most important,” Baxter said. “You just have to have a feeling about it. It is what is cool about horse sports. Some are just good competitors, and want to compete, but don’t want to go into cross-country. Or some want to go out into the field, and run all day, but don’t want to jump at all.” Like high-performance athletes, potential runs a course through the path of good work ethic, and talent is limited by attitude. “You can help a horse with low talent and a good attitude,” Baxter said, “but if it is the other way around, not so much.” Unlike many other agents in the equine industry, Baxter has been able to purchase locally, but said she is an extreme exception to the rule, and most people travel across the United States, and across continents, to find the right horse. Finding the right home is as important to Baxter as finding the right horse, and her reputation within the industry is built on that integrity. In breeding horses, it is even more important, as the horse is direct evidence of the quality of her program. “You want to pick homes for them that promote what you’re doing,” Baxter said. “Ideally I will sell him to a professional in the industry, and the horse’s success will prove my brood

mare.” There are no guarantees in breeding, so eliminating risk is a major factor in success, as is pedigree. Baxter’s prize possession, Estrella, proved to be a world-class competitor and she now breeds her in hopes of repeating the success. “She turned out to be my oncein-a-lifetime horse,” Baxter said. “I would be honored if I ever got a horse as great as her. Since I got her from a breeding process, I will be forever chasing the dream of that happening again.” Between breeding, training, boarding and selling, Baxter has her hands full, and she also works as the Twin Rivers Ranch event coordinator, hosting several events throughout the year, including the “big three” — which take over the north end of Paso Robles for three-day events. The Baxter family purchased the ranch in 2001, and since 2004 have held major events at the ranch. Coming up, from Friday, Feb. 27 to Sunday, March 1, Twin Rivers will host the United States Eventing Association sanctioned Twin Rivers Winter Horse Trials — featuring dressage, cross-country and show jumping. The event will be held at the Twin Rivers Ranch event grounds at 8715 North River Road, Paso Robles. Spectators are invited to attend the event and tour the Twin Rivers grounds at no charge. Information on the many services provided by Twin Rivers Ranch, or to contact Baxter by email, go to twinrivershorsepark.com, or call 805235-0412. Maps and directions are also available at the website.

The miniature horses can even be trained to jump at Piece of Me

Photos by Skye Ravy/Equine Enthusiast

PINT-SIZED CHAMPIONS

PIECE OF ME MINI HORSES PROVIDE BIG FUN IN LITTLE PACKAGES By SKYE RAVY OF EQUINE ENTHUSIAST

ince he was young, Bryce Baker, one of the two owners of Piece of Me mini-horse ranch in Paso Robles, knew he wanted to work with horses. “I got my first horse at 15, in junior high,” he said. “We lived on a ranch with another family, and they had kids and they bought us all horses to start that season.” Since those early days, Baker has worked in the horse training industry, “I was working with an Arab trainer, a working cow-horse trainer, and with a cutting trainer.” Mini horses, however, were not always his passion. Shawn Hester, the other owner of the operation, did always have a

special affinity for miniature horses. The two had a friend, Nancee Schmidt of Big Dogs Little Horses, who had been breeding and training minis for over 15 years, that brought the two on their first drive. “Shawn always wanted minis, but the first time I went driving I thought, ‘this is stupid!’” Bryce said. “But then, I fell in love. We did it a few more times and it was really fun, it was great. “I always wanted to train horses on my own, but obviously there are a lot of facilities required, the barn and the round pen and the arena. It’s a lot easier to have minis. It allows me to train horses without all the stuff. “I’m from the quarter horse world, and at first I thought they were dumb, but I think they really give people

who either weren’t horse people, or are maybe older and can’t take care of full-sized horses an opportunity to have one. The same goes for young children. They are safer, and easier.” The two have met a lot of success in the five years since they started the operation. “We started with five horses in 2009, and they were all from champion blood lines. Since then, every year we buy and sell,” he said. “We showed at the world show last year, and we had a world champion. Our stud is a world champion. Every year we have gotten so much better. “We first started with our leopard stud that we bought from Arizona. He was 10 years old. I brought him here and we started to train him, and I ended up winning two champions

with him his first show. Since then, we have started getting more and more clients. We’ve kinda blown up, it’s crazy, like a dream.” Bryce’s focus is training the horses, and Shawn’s specialty is breeding. Shawn’s background is in paint breeding, but he loves appaloosas most of all. They sell their horses and also provide training. They train for classic pleasure driving, country pleasure driving, single pleasure driving, and for show classes such as Roadster, Driving Obstacle, Halter, Halter Obstacle, Liberty, Horsemanship, Jumper, and Hunter. “I’ve really learned over the years how horses think. I’ve worked for some of the best people in the industry,” Baker said. “I’m different

than a lot of trainers. I use the arena, but I always take them out on the road, too. Getting them out of the arena is good. A lot of horses in training can’t handle the stress that trainers put on them. I think bringing them out and about is great for them.” Baker also focuses on making the horses soft in the bit for ease of maneuverability. While they have met a lot of success in the show world, they are not interested in creating a highstress, competitive environment. This year, they plan to take client horses to show this year, something they haven’t done before. “When we go to shows, there is no drama allowed. This is a hobby, and it has to be fun. We all cheer each other on and congratulate each other.” The two conduct group rides with their clients, and insist upon providing the utmost hospitality for those traveling from out of town. “We always say, ‘stay at our house, let us make you breakfast!’ we want to make our clients happy and focus on fun,” he said. “If your not having fun at the end of the day, what is the point?”

Clients of Piece of Me go for a group drive. Courtesy of Piece of Me

Bryce Baker, of Piece of Me miniature horse ranch, demonstrates driving in the ring.

Courtesy of Piece of Me

This miniature horse, named Blueberry, is a client horse that Bryce Baker takes a client for a drive around the country at Piece of Me Bryce Baker; of Piece of Me; trained to drive. miniature horse ranch.

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HORSES AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION by their humane officers, who investigate more than 800 cases of neglect and cruelty in he SPCA has horses and burros Monterey County every year. available for adoption, which “Occasionally others come are in need of good homes. to the SPCA as strays whose The horses range of all ages owners never attempt to find and abilities, from 2 years old to them,” said SPCA Director of elder statesmen in the 20’s. Some are Community Outreach Beth un-started to ride-able to those who Brookhouser. “Most likely prefer a life as a pasture ornament. deliberately, illegally and Swift is a 5-year-old off track Thoroughbred that the SPCA received due to the horse’s owner no Horses come to the SPCA in a cruelly abandoned.” longer being able to afford to keep her. Submitted photo variety of ways. Some come from SPCA Humane Officers owners who can no longer care rescued the burro, named for them due to financial or health Burrito from a life of neglect near King her face that required veterinary care development of horse and rider, issues, whereas others are rescued City. She had untreated bite marks on when she was rescued. She has now dedicated to optimizing each horse’s recovered and is looking for a new, individual talents, where she excelled. She also attended the Peter loving, lifelong home. One small, 7-year-old pony for Campbell clinic where she did well. adoption is named Bradley who Two fillies that also attended that was rescued from a neglect case clinic have already been adopted. Staff at the SPCA feel that took place in Morgan Hill late last year. The man accused that while she is young she of neglecting the horses pleaded needs additional training and her no contest to felony animal personality has very nice manners cruelty at the South County and is willing to please. When most people think of the Courthouse in Morgan Hill, where in addition 38 horses, SPCA, they think cats and dogs. And including Bradley were taken in it’s true, they care for thousands of abandoned, abused, or homeless dogs by rescue groups. Bella Donna is a big-bodied and cats and even goats every year. When the SPCA was formed in 16-year-old mare but despite her size, she is easy to handle Pacific Grove in 1905, their mission and staff state “she is quite was to address the problems of the sweetheart.” She seems to stray “dogs and cats about town” have good basic training, and as well as to discuss the “different has been saddled but not yet diseases prevalent among horses” ridden at the SPCA. She was and to “investigate the abuse and fast also rescued from neglect in the driving of donkeys and horses.” “But horses have been deeply Morgan Hill case. Swift is a 5-year-old off track ingrained in our mission from the Thoroughbred who came to start,” said Brookhouser. People can find pictures of all of the SPCA because her owner could no longer afford to care their adoptable horses, and the one for her. She is very sweet, good burro, as well as numerous sheep, with other horses, and currently rabbits, and other barn animals on at spcamc.org. sound stated SPCA staff. If anyone is interested in any of While at the SPCA, she participated in the Jec Bailou the horses, contact 373-2631 or info@ The SPCA currently has horses and one burros up for adoption like (from left) Bella Donna “Boot Camp and Rider” spcamc.org. a mare and the small pony Bradley, who were rescued from an owner who neglected them. highlighting the gymnastic By DEBORAH MILLS OF EQUINE ENTHUSIAST

Submitted photo

Scott works on her latest painting. Skye Ravy/Equine Enthusiast

Watercolor entitled, ‘And then there were three.’ Courtesy of Bonne Scott

Watercolor entitled, ‘Are you my daddy?’ Courtesy of Bonne Scott

HORSES ON POINT

LOCAL ARTIST CREATES POINTY-TOE HORSE WATERCOLORS. was Cloud, and he was an old movie horse. I love paints and pintos. I find that I always end up adding spots on don’t know what little bee got the horses that I paint.” in my bonnet, but one day, I just Today, Scott spends her time came up with the idea to paint creating art of all sorts in her quaint horses with pointy hooves,” Bonne working/teaching studio nestled in Scott said. Scott is a local artist who the back-roads between Atascadero has created a collection of unique, and Santa Margarita. Originally from pointy-toe horse watercolor paintings Ohio, Scott and her family first settled in her beautiful country studio. in Southern California. “I have loved horses my entire “In Ohio we were near lake Erie, and life,” she said. “When I was little my we would get what’s called lake effect brother and I both had polio, and as snow during the winter. I remember we recovered we watched Roy Rogers walking through tunnels of snow on and I felt like he really got us through my way to school in the morning. it.” My brother and my sister had bad Rogers, who was known as the asthma, and my sister had pneumonia “King of Cowboys,” was a great several times, until the point where inspiration for Scott from that time the doctor said she probably wouldn’t forward. live through another winter, so we “I have always loved Native ended up moving to Fontana, down American culture as well,” she said. in San Bernardino county.” “My first horse was a pinto. His name Scott later attended Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, where she started out studying Animal Husbandry, but ended up switching her major to Applied Art and Design. After graduation, she found her way to Atascadero. “Robert Reynolds was a real inspiration for me Uniquely Yours hosts a yearly jewelry making party to benefit while I was at Cal Poly. He was a great Toys for Tots. Courtesy of Bonne Scott By SKYE RAVY OF EQUINE ENTHUSIAST

teacher, and is an extremely talented artist. He was the Architecture teacher at that time; I don’t think they even had ‘real’ art classes yet at Cal Poly. He taught us how to use watercolors to create conceptual art for architectural designs. With a lot of teachers, it’s kind of, ‘my way or the highway,’ but not with Robert,” Scott said. Scott cited local artist Pat Cairns as an inspiration as well. Scott has worked in numerous mediums, but she especially likes to create with watercolors. “Watercolor is my favorite medium. It’s a transparent medium and I love that you can layer with it, but I enjoy many different mediums,” she said. At her studio, which is called Uniquely Yours, she and her daughter-in-law host classes in watercolors, acrylics, oils, pencil and pen, and mixed media. They also host jewelry making parties. “We have a jewelry making party for Toys for Tots each year where we create pieces of jewelry and then donate them,” she said. Scott also enjoys painting landscapes. Inspired by her stunning surroundings, she is never at a loss for subject matter. While she has had an overflow of positive feedback for her pointy-toe series, she doesn’t know how long she will keep working within the same style. Like most artists, Scott draws inspiration from many things, from the mundane to the extraordinary.

“The pointy-toes probably have a finite life, I’m not sure how long I will keep painting them. So long as the inspiration is there,” she said. She has created over a dozen paintings in the style so far, some of which have already sold and some of which are still up for sale. She, along with dozens of other Western artists from across the country will be showing at the 25th Annual Cattlemen’s Western Art Show and Sale early this spring in Paso Robles. The show will be held Friday, Saturday and Sunday March 27–29 — Friday from 5 to 9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. — at the Paso Robles Event Center in Paso Robles. Friday will be a special preview and artist reception and on Saturday and Sunday there will also be barbecue lunch available for $10 per plate. To find out more about the show and the participating artists, visit cattlemenswesternartshow.com. Uniquely Yours teaches classes by appointment only. Their classes are typically $35 and run two to two-and-a-half hours in length. To find out more about Scott’s art or her studio, visit her webpage at uniquelyyoursteachingstudio.com, or check them out on Facebook at facebook.com/pages/UniquelyYours-Teaching-Studio, or call 805-441-6374.

Several large pastures surround the Cal Poly Equine Center, providing ample space for horses to roam and graze. The young horses pictured above were bred on campus and will soon be trained and sold at the Animal Science department’s annual Performance Horse Sale in June. Photos by Jeff Poirier/Equine Enthusiast

BREEDING THE NEXT GENERATION OF ANIMAL EXPERTS CAL POLY EQUINE CENTER PROVIDES HANDS-ON STUDENT TRAINING

By JEFF POIRIER OF EQUINE ENTHUSIAST

pread across 700 acres of pristine real estate in San Luis Obispo, the Cal Poly Equine Center is a multi-purpose educational facility that provides students with a comprehensive curriculum in a variety of agricultural disciplines. The Equine Center falls within the purview of the Animal Science Department, which is housed by the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences at Cal Poly. With a rich history that dates back to the early years of the 20th century, the “Horse Unit” holds a place of high esteem among faculty members,

students and the community at large. The facility includes a breeding lab, a foaling stall, a pair of arenas, several pastures and various barns with over 120 horses on hand, all of which contribute to the students’ educational experience. “From an academic aspect, we really take pride in our ‘Learn By Doing’ philosophy,” said Equine Center Supervisor, Natalie Baker. “[We] provide students with hands-on classes that allow them to take the knowledge that they learn and apply it practically in the different labtype settings that we have and the enterprise courses that we offer.” In addition to serving as supervisor, Baker is on faculty at Cal Poly as a

full-time lecturer, teaching three to four classes each quarter. Baker oversees a myriad of offerings at the Equine Center, including breeding services, training programs, animal boarding and horse sales. Students who study at the center, most of whom are pursuing Bachelor of Science degrees, can get concrete experience in every facet of the equine trade. “It’s a really awesome opportunity for students to do everything,” Baker said. “So many different aspects with the horse from literally breeding the mare, to halter breaking to riding and selling her offspring.” As Baker explained, students can start by learning the ins and outs of

breeding, which includes skills like artificial insemination and embryo transfer. There’s also one stud on campus — Quarter Horse stallion Backdoor Cat — who can be called on to get the job done the way nature intended. After the opening phase, students then get the chance to nurture the pregnant mare, using techniques of palpation and equine ultrasound to follow the growth of the soonto-be colt or filly. Once gestation is complete, students take part in the birthing process, or “foaling out.” However, that’s hardly where the road ends for students learning the ropes at the Cal Poly Equine Center. Once the foals make their way into

the world, students get the chance to raise them and eventually train and saddle them. Finally, the last step of the process is something that can’t be found in most barns. Students learn how to market their animals and prepare them for outside sales, which is often beyond the realm of standard ag education. The degree program offered at the Cal Poly Equine Center is truly all encompassing, and it presents students with the tools necessary to be productive in the workforce right away. While the equine program is top-notch, Baker made clear that there’s much more available for students to specialize in. Coursework can be honed to a speciesspecific level, giving the Mustangs a chance to focus on dairy, equine, beef, swine, sheep, goats and more. Baker also said that the Equine Center’s massive barns are home to the Cal Poly Dressage Team, Cal Poly Equestrian The Cal Poly Dressage Team houses its animals and practices on the grounds of the Cal Poly Equine Center. Team and the little-known horse judging team. According to Baker, Cal Poly’s horse judging team is the only one of its kind west of Colorado. Whether it’s a horse owner searching for complex breeding and training services, or a prospective student interested in the world of animal science, the Cal Poly Equine Center can be of service to all on California’s Central Coast. To learn more about the Cal Poly Equine Center, visit ranchhorse.calpoly. edu or contact Natalie Baker by email at ncbaker@calpoly.edu. For more information regarding the Animal The Cal Poly Equine Center boasts a wide array of glistening Located at the northernmost edge of the San Luis Obispo Science Department, go to animalscience. facilities, including a 40-stall barn that is used for boarding campus, the Cal Poly Equine Center has some of the best vistas calpoly.edu. horses owned by Cal Poly students, faculty and staff. of the various Morros that dot the picturesque Central Coast city.

ARTIST CREATES EQUINE SCULPTURES CUSTOM SCULPTURES AVAILABLE BY REQUEST

Staff Report

ierre Riche has been creating figure and equine sculptures for more than 20 years. He is currently working on a series of horses and faces constructed entirely from bicycle sprockets. His studio is in Watsonville. Riche also creates custom sculpture by request. The artist can be reached by email or phone at richeart333@gmail. com or (415) 706-0262. His website is richeart.com.

The SPCA started operating at Indian Springs in May

SPCA STABLES AT INDIAN SPRINGS By DEBORAH MILLS OF EQUINE ENTHUSIAST

he Monterey County SPCA stables at Indian Springs offers more than affordable horse boarding by offering a “Whole Horse System Clinic” with Joe and Cindy Elliot on Jan. 31 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. to educate horse owners through practical application. Joe is a Certified Journeyman Farrier, bodyworker, and horse trainer who has a driving passion in educating others in what he has learned by teaching the concept of achieving balance by seeing the whole horse as a complete entity. The Elliots have been doing this type of work for the last 20 years. In 1985 they moved from Temecula up to San Juan Bautista. They hosted clinics far south as San Diego up to Placerville. They also have had clinics out-of-state in New Orleans and Alabama. The clinic will cover evaluation of measurements and determine a starting point of flexibility, balance and movement for the horse. The clinic will also provide groundwork where individuals will

create respect with their horse by strengthen boundaries between the horse and the owner. The clinic will also feature a “Touch ‘N Release Bodywork” where simple techniques of light pressure that incorporate Bio-mechanics and Neurokinesiology methods. Horse owners will gain knowledge, and develop a better understanding of how horses move and perform. These methods taught could ease pain and any discomfort a horse might have. “It is all about teaching people certain simple techniques to build their relationship with their horse,” said Cindy. “It allows them to take their relationship to the next level.” Cindy explained that once individuals start doing bodywork on their horses their fingers become trained and will find knots in their muscles, just like massaging a person. The horses are very receptive and respond well to these types of treatments. When they get the benefit of no pain the horses react positively, for example, start yawning or blinking their eyes. Participants will also learn to implement techniques on the ground

and in the saddle. Individuals will stables provide very large stalls, two grasp the importance of saddle fit, riding arenas for multiple disciplines, healthy hoof care, proper diet and lighting for evening riding, and more. multiple turnouts. A new round pen The SPCA started operating at and other upgrades are coming soon. Indian Springs in May, formerly Upon opening at the new location, known as Indian Springs Equestrian the SPCA stables welcomed Hope, Center, located at 22400 Indian Horses, and Kids, a nonprofit equine Springs Road off of River Road in learning program designed to Salinas. help local children with social and “We have never operated a emotional difficulties or disabilities. boarding stables before until this year. They still have their barn on the It was a nice opportunity to provide SPCA property on Highway 68 to a service to the community, giving house rescued horses. horse owners an affordable, safe, quality place to keep their horses, as well as showcase some of our wonderful adoptable horses,” said SPCA Media Relations Beth Brookhouser. The SPCA offers quality, affordable horse boarding in large stalls, paddocks, The SPCA offers quality, affordable horse boarding in large stalls, or pasture. SPCA paddocks, or pasture.

PAINTS RETURN TO PASO WESTERN PAINT WORLD HORSE COMPETITION MARCH By ALLYSON OKEN OF EQUINE ENTHUSIAST

nce the largest Paint horse event in the United States, the Western Paint World Horse Competition is picking up its roots in Bakersfield and moving to the Paso Robles Event Center, March 26-29. The event will include two judgings with a panel of four ruling on the March 26 and 27 and the next panel of four judging for March 28 and 29. This competition is made possible by the combined efforts of the Central California Paint Horse Club and the Seven Counties Paint Horse Club. Each had competing competitions and saw an opportunity to combine events. Currently the 7CPHC has not released the judging information; to find out more about the competition on the 26 and 27, visit 7cphc.com. CCPHC’s competition will begin at 7:30 a.m. on March 28 with a deadline for entrance of March 7. Mel White, who can be reached at 661428-3636, will manage stalls and the competition manager will be Steve Grant, who can be reached at 661742-5837. Their judges this year will be Mark McCarthy, Gary Reynolds, Chris Jeter and Cindy Chilton-Moore — all have been certified through the American Paint Horse Association. All paint horse competitions and judging events are governed by the rules and regulations of the American Paint Horse Association and its international branch. This will be the two clubs biggest event of the year and the first time in about a decade that the CCPHC has competed in Paso Robles. Rob Purdie, currently secretary for the CCPHC, said that they saw this year’s Western Pain World Horse Competition as an opportunity to expand the event and bring it back to its former glory when it was the largest APHA approved event in the nation. “Last year our Western Paint World was in Bakersfield in October,” said Purdie with enthusiasm. “In the past this was one of the largest paint shows in the nation and we aim to bring it

back to its former standing in the Paint horse community. Our March show in Paso will be our Western Paint World this year in conjunction with Seven Counties Paint Horse Club who held their previous shows in Paso, which will give us our eight judges needed to meet APHA standards for a competition of this type. We look forward to making our new location home to our events for many years to come and have plans for a long tenure in Paso. We are also looking to add more fun activities in the future and tie in with local attractions, hoping to partner with local wineries and vendors to give people a taste of Paso Robles when they come to compete. The Ranch Horse and Reining classes we have this year are offered for all breed as well as paint horses. I don’t have the full class list yet, but we do offer those classes for youth and all ages. Our website will be updated soon with our show premium and new officers, and our Facebook will be posting show updates soon. So get ready for a whole lot of fun with the California paint horse communities come March.” This year CCPHC will offer all of the usual APHA classes and will incorporate the new APHA rules for Ranch and Pleasure horse entries. According to APHA, the purpose of Ranch and Pleasure horse classes is to reflect the versatility, attitude and movement of a working horse. This class is offered as an all age class for open, amateur and youth and for horses three years of age or older and no horse may cross enter in these competitions. For those that would like to enter to participate in the 2015 Western Paint World Horse Competition make sure to register in advance by visiting the CCPHC web page at centralcaliforniapainthorse.com, the 7CPHC web page at 7cphc.com and midstatefair.com. The Paso Robles Event center is located at 2198 Riverside Ave. in Paso Robles and will be the new home of the paint horse competitions in California if the CCPHC and 7CPHC are successful in this endeavor.

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Owners of ArmaCor Laboratories, Donald Pierce Jr. and Tamara Casey, provide gun enthusiasts in the Atascadero area an outlet to refurbish their firearms. Photos by Allyson Oken/Equine Enthusiast

ARMACOR LABORATORIES ATASCADERO GUN REHABILITATION SPECIALISTS By ALLYSON OKEN OF EQUINE ENTHUSIAST

onald Pierce Jr. has a passion for resurrecting a customer’s family heirloom in the form of a rifle or handgun and bringing it back from the dead. This was his vision when he and his partner and girlfriend, Tamara Casey, started ArmaCor Laboratories. Now four months in, they are feeling lucky to have made such great connections and friends of their clients. ArmaCor Laboratories’ hidden man-cave of a workshop is Pierce’s fortress of solitude, where he creates

and rehabilitates handguns and rifles with artistic and machinist precision. As most gunsmiths, Pierce likes to keep his location under wraps as it is home to some really fun and somewhat hazardous materials. For those that he invites in, they are greeted by his warm and jovial attitude as well as wealth of knowledge. Pierce said the best part of his job is meeting the great people that are part of the firearmloving community. “I have made some great friends and been given the chance to work on some really amazing antique firearms,” he said. “It has really been a passion of mine for most of my life.

I started learning about the trade from a young age, working with different guys in the trade over the years to learn. I was also a Marine and taught marksmanship at Camp Pendleton and learned a great deal about firearms. I was also a professional commercial diver, third generation in my family to do this type of work, but I was injured and could not do it anymore. Starting this business was the next best thing and after working at it for a while on my own, I decided to go for it.” Pierce does everything from the basic clean-up — disassemble, clean, inspect, lubricate and reassemble

a firearm — to custom work and restoration of heirlooms. “People bring me their grandfather’s guns; real family heirlooms and I will fix them up like new,” he said. “It is really great getting to present them with the finished product. Some of the manliest men have been brought to tears when I give them their gun back like it was the day they got it.” He removes corrosion, does touch-up and finishing work, replaces defective parts with factorymade replacements, hand-fitting as necessary, and repairs and re-finishes wooden stock parts. Tamera does checker and re-checkering to grip

areas of shotgun stocks and butts. Their family business will also deepen or clean-up worn or damaged engravings and markings, re-crown damaged muzzles on a lathe, repair dented shotgun barrels, check for excessive bore erosion, troubleshoot and repair feeding, ejecting and firing problems, fabricate wooden stocks to customer specifications and body dimensions and fit these to the same existing receiver and barrel, remove existing metal finish, re-blue metal parts, modify trigger-pull weight through careful stoning of trigger mechanism parts, replace worn barrels, which have fired so many rounds that they are no longer of the specified caliber and design, and build a complete rifle, starting with several pieces of blank steel and a slab of walnut, using nothing more than a lathe, saws, files, chisels and rasps. Pierce will even add after-market customizations like sling-swivels, recoilpads, iron-sights, scopes, grip caps and buttplates. ArmaCor Laboratories offers everything a gun enthusiast can imagine and more. Pierce is so involved in the work, he thinks of it as art. “I create everything down to the stocks and butts,” Pierce said. “This is a very artistic type of work. I sand all of the stocks and butts by hand when fabricating, taking chisels and mallets to the wood to shape it all just right. I also do the blue coding and build my own oven to fire the ceramic coding onto the steel components of a gun or rifle and offer a variety of different color options. It is really a lot of fun. I do all my testing on my home gun range and no handgun or rifle leaves the shop that has not been tested multiple times. For me, the work is all about the attention to detail. So when I break down a gun, I am meticulous, cleaning and setting everything down to the last pin and spring.” To contact Pierce Jr., call 805-468-5039, email Don@ArmaCorLabs.com or visit armacorlabs.com to find out more.

Co-owner Tamara Casey is working on checkering this rifle for a client. This is very detailed work and one of the more artistic sides to the business.

Donald Pierce Jr. is meticulous about his craft, taking the time to build a complete rifle from several pieces of blank steel and a slab of walnut, using nothing more than a lathe, saws, files, chisels and rasps.

Co-owner of ArmaCor Laboratories Donald Pierce Jr. is working on a blue coding for this legal AK-47. He is going to use his self-made firing oven to add the coding.

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HORSE SANCTUARY IN NEED OF DONATIONS F By ERIK CHALHOUB OF EQUINE ENTHUSIAST

sanctuary for pregnant mares is in need of donations to keep the barn doors open. Pregnant Mare Rescue, located in the hills of Larkin Valley, experienced a slow year in terms of donations, said founder Lynn Hummer, and its coffers are dangerously low. “My coffers here are the lowest they’ve ever been,” she said. “We’re down to eight weeks.” The nonprofit organization, entirely donation-run, costs a minimum of $1,500 a month, and that doesn’t include the horses, which average about $350 a month each for hay and other factors. It also is run by volunteers, and Hummer herself does not take a salary. Hummer, who founded Pregnant Mare Rescue in 2006, said she is

looking for a partner to help her expand the organization. Her current three-acre ranch is too small to host large-scale events, she said, and also doesn’t have enough room to provide shelter for a large number of horses. She currently has five horses sheltered in a foster pasture off-site. Hummer is also looking for landowners who would be willing to donate land for the organization, and in the process, receive a tax deduction. “We’ve put so much work into it in the last eight years and it would be a shame to see it dismantled,” she said. Pregnant Mare Rescue is also holding an online fundraising campaign for five horses that were seized from a neglected horse case in Morgan Hill earlier in 2014. For information and to donate, visit www. gofundme.com/hn1840. Despite its financial situation, Pregnant Mare Rescue is still going

strong, having placed seven horses www.pregnantmarerescue.org or call in permanent homes in December, Hummer at (408) 540-8568. Hummer said. “There is such a tremendous need for getting horses out of harm’s way,” she said. The organization provides a place for pregnant mares to find temporary sanctuary while they foal and nurse their young. More than 100,000 American horses are sent across U.S. borders to slaughter each year, according to Pregnant Mare Rescue. Zizi and Yushda are two horses who found permanent homes For information in December after being cared for by Pregnant Mare Rescue. and to donate, visit Photos Contributed

RESCUED HORSE INSPIRES NEW CHILDREN’S BOOK By DEBORAH MILLS OF EQUINE ENTHUSIAST

outh Monterey County Newspapers’ columnist Lucy Jensen recently published her second book, a children’s story called “Winston Comes Home.” To mark the book’s release, on Nov. 20 Jensen hosted events at Legacy Real Estate office at 641 Front St. The first book signing had a traditional English tea, and the second signing was a wine and cheese reception. “Winston” is about Jensen’s rescue of a white horse from Mexico, which she refers to as “Winston Sebastian Churchill Mason Jensen.” At the time of the rescue she was battling cancer. According to Jensen, the “noble steed,” changed her life in more ways than one. The author’s husband, Mike Jensen, concurs. “To me, Winston was the cure for cancer. Though the drugs and all did their part, it was not until Winston came to live with us that I really saw my wife come

back to life and to living,” he said. The book is filled with pictures that illustrate the story of how Winston found his way into a home in Soledad, along with his “naughty” goat friends, Charlie and Elvis, who were also rescued from Mexico. Filled with hope, love and compassion for animals, the book is dedicated to the multitudes of rescue animals “who crawl up inside our hearts and stay there for always.” In the dedication Jensen pledges to make a donation from every book sold to local animal rescue causes. The story is told from the perspective of Winston and how he did not understand the “mean manager from Rancho Dominguez,” who would often yell and beat him when all he was doing was trying to be a good horse. The story also unfolds with Winston’s love for the ranch cat Karma, who always encouraged Winston not to worry because this will not be forever and his life was going to change. One day Karma did

not come home and Winston searched and searched for the white cat and never found her. Jensen’s first book “Window on the World,” was released in January 2013. The book was a compilation of her columns by the same name, published in South County Newspapers. The author remarked on the book signing for her first book. “It was very moving to me to see all the people who came out in support,” she said. “It especially touched me deeply to see the Lopez family come out in full support.” Local librarian Angie Lopez, had inspired Jensen to compile the book. For many years, Jensen and Lopez served on the Chamber of Commerce together and developed a deep friendship. “Angie said to me I should put a book together of my columns, and this was back in about 2007,” Jensen said. “Angie was the trigger.” Shortly after that, Lopez became ill with Valley Fever and could not work very much. Jensen was then diagnosed with

Lucy Jensen recently released her new book, ‘Winston Comes Home’ on Nov. 20. In the dedication she pledges to make a donation from every book sold to local animal rescue causes. cancer. Lopez passed away from her illness, prompting her friend to move forward with the book because she felt she must keep her promise. Jensen has been a passionate writer all of her life, and began to write regularly for South County Newspapers after she settled in Soledad in 2003. Both books can be purchased at Amazon books online.

S FROM THE FIELDS TO THE BUSINESS WORLD WATSONVILLE MAN EXPANDS SUCCESSFUL STORE

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By TODD GUILD OF EQUINE ENTHUSIAST

hen Jorge Ortiz came to the U.S. as a teenager in 1987, the first thing he wanted was a pair of blue jeans. He met that goal after toiling in the fields for a few months picking strawberries. Just as quickly, he upped the ante. Ortiz is now a successful businessman, with a newly expanded store that features Western wear, a small grocery store, a deli and a juice bar. Ortiz Store & Deli opened Dec. 13 at 29 East Beach St. in Watsonville. A Michoacán, Mexico native, Ortiz remembers spending time in his grandfather’s grocery store there, and watching as he dealt with the customers. He decided he wanted to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps. After 15 years of fieldwork, he contacted

El Pájaro Community Development Corporation’s Plaza Vigil Incubator Project, which helps assist low-income, Spanish-speaking business with starting and operating businesses. He got a business loan and in 2000 opened Ortiz’ Boots and Imports, a small Western wear store on Union Street that sold boots, shirts, hats and other Mexicanstyle clothing items. His business was small at first, so much so that he kept his agricultural job until 2003. In the meantime he went to Cabrillo College and earned an associate’s degree in real estate. Now, the business has expanded. Just over 14 years later, he is moving to the larger location, which until recently housed El Charrito market. Ortiz originally planned to only move his clothes store, but he heeded the advice of his daughter, who reasoned the spot was right for a market.

His daughter will help him run the business, as will many other family members. In opening the deli and juice bar, Ortiz said he wanted to offer his customers a healthy alternative. To help with this endeavor he contacted Jóvenes Sanos, a group of Watsonville youth activists who work with local schools, stores and the city to promote nutrition and physical fitness. Of course, he will also offer snacks, candy and other food items and other household necessities in the convenience store. “But if people want to eat healthy, we have that option,” he said. “We’re very motivated, and we know it’s a good location,” Ortiz added. “It’s a family business, it’s a local business.” ••• Ortiz Store & Deli is located at 29 East Beach St. Ortiz plans to keep the store open from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. every day.

Jorge Ortiz, owner of Ortiz Store & Deli, arranges a display of footwear. Photo by Tarmo Hannula/Equine Enthusiast

Children in the Little Riders program learn a variety of horse skills and are always assisted by a group of volunteers who follow alongside. Photos by Bob Canepa/ Courtesy of Jack’s Helping Hand

LITTLE RIDERS

JACK’S HELPING HANDS A SOURCE OF EQUESTRIAN THERAPY FOR CHILDREN By LUKE PHILLIPS OF EQUINE ENTHUSIAST

ver the past year a number local children who are living with cognitive or physical disabilities, or both, have been given an opportunity to reap the benefits of equestrian therapy thanks to the efforts of San Luis Obispo based nonprofit organization Jack’s Helping Hand and the many private donations that fund the program. Jack’s Helping Hand was formed eight years ago by San Luis Obispo residents Paul and Bridgete Ready in honor of their son Jack, who lost his

battle with a rare form of brain cancer in 2004. Paying for Jack’s treatments and travel outside of the area for physical therapy was a challenge for the Readys, even though Paul is a successful attorney and Bridgete has a solid career as a teacher. “They realized during Jack’s illness that there’s just not enough resources in the community to help,” said Jack’s Helping Hand Executive Director Karen Borges. “Even being a lawyer, they almost lost everything.” The experience led them to look for ways they might help those in need. They hosted their first barbecue fundraiser eight years ago to help

fund the purchase of a prosthetic leg for a local amputee in need and the event was so successful that they decided to make it an annual event. The barbecue is still hosted each July at Santa Margarita Ranch and brings in enough money to fund Jack’s Helping Hand throughout the year. In addition to their assistance program, which provides monetary and logistical assistance for children under 21 years of age who are fighting cancer or living with disabilities, Jack’s Helping Hand also runs several other programs including a therapeutic swim program, a summer camp program, and now the therapeutic

equestrian program, Little Riders. During his illness, Jack utilized equestrian therapy to astounding results, enabling him to regain his ability to walk after just a few lessons, according to Borges. Since then the Readys have been big supporters of equine therapy, which will play a large role in another upcoming Jack’s Helping Hand project. For the past three years the organization has been hosting an annual golf tournament to raise money for the construction of a 30-acre park in Nipomo that, when finished, will provide a familyfriendly park complete with an

inclusive playground suited to parents and children with special needs and a complete equestrian therapy center. The center will include a horse barn, parking for horse trailers, and will connect with an existing equine trail. Local therapeutic riding instructor Lisa Ankenbrandt heard about the project and instead of waiting for the new facility to be built, she asked Borges if she could get the Little Riders group going right away. Jack’s Helping Hand funded two riders in January of 2014 and expanded the program to 10 riders in November. Ankenbrandt stresses that she is not a medical professional or a licensed therapist, but is a certified therapeutic riding instructor. “I teach skills, but through the skills therapy happens,” she said. According to Ankenbrandt, horseback riding can be therapeutic in many different ways, engaging riders on physical, mental and emotional levels all at once. “The position on the horse can address so many therapy issues simultaneously that they cannot copy it in an office setting,” she said. “Then there’s the emotional aspect, the learning aspect. When they’re riding they have to track many steps.” Ankenbrandt says that riding horses can also help to boost a child’s self esteem, which will carry over into other parts of their lives. While riding lessons can be fun, Ankenbrandt says there’s more to it. “This is bigger than that,” she said. “Coming to the lessons week after week will change them outside of the lessons, at school, at home. They build their confidence and their self esteem, which they can then bring back to school if they have social problems and they have something special that they can do that maybe nobody else in the class does — they ride horses.” Ankenbrandt says that riding also helps children with behavioral problems by giving them something positive to focus on, noting that she’s never

had any behavioral problems during lessons. “I treat them like people,” she said. “I’m warm, I’m welcoming, but I also want them to listen to me and to respect all the volunteers and the horse especially. So we encourage empathy for the horses. They’re not just on some robot here, this is a living being. I have everyone pet them and say thank you when we’re done.” For now, while she waits for the new equine therapy center to be built, Ankenbrandt teaches the children at Wagner Ranch in Arroyo Grande using five horses she personally chose for their calm personalities and a team of 20 volunteers who walk along either side of each rider to ensure their safety. Lessons include how to get a horse to walk, stop, turn right and left, and even cantering and trotting. Children in the program also now have plenty of saddles, tack, helmets and more thanks to a generous donation from Santa Margarita resident Lori Johnston, who recently donated nearly $1,000 worth of riding equipment to the program. Initially, Borges said that the organization had planned to rotate children through the program every six weeks, but decided that participants should be allowed to stay as long as they are benefiting from the therapy provided. “The kids who are currently in the program are in the program until they no longer need it,” she said. There is a waiting list for those interested in joining the program when a spot is available and Ankenbrandt also provides equestrian therapy separately through her business SLO Hoof Beats. For those interested in support Jack’s Helping Hand at their annual barbecue fundraiser, Borges says that tickets will go on sale for $60 each at the end of March, but are usually sold out by midApril. For more information on Jack’s Helping Hand and the Little Riders program, visit www.jackshelpinghand.org.

Little Riders instructor Lisa Ankenbrandt, left, walks alongside one of her little riders during a recent lesson at the Wagner Ranch in Arroyo Grande.

Dana Sanders of Eureka competes in the Gymkhana competitions at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds in the annual California State Horseman’s Association Show of Champions. Photos By Tarmo Hannula/Equine Enthusiast

ANNUAL HORSE SHOW PROVIDES A RUSH By TARMO HANNULA OF EQUINE ENTHUSIAST

he annual California State Horseman’s Association Show of Champions unfolding at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds during the week of Oct. 6. The six-day event, which was free to the public, was a blend of competitions including English, Western, Gymkhana, horsemastership and royalty. Hundreds of competitors from as far north as Eureka and as far south as Los Angeles took part in the event.

“We just love coming to these fairgrounds,” said organizer Linda Quattlebaum. “The people are nice, the weather is great and we simply love the grounds — the dirt — it’s perfect. And every time we go into town everyone is so friendly and helpful.” Nicole Pepper of Concord came to compete in Gymkana, which is an American Indian word meaning horse games. She brought her quarter horse, Sky. This year marks the seventh year she has taken part in the CSHA. “What I like about these

competitions is the adrenalin rush,” she said. “It’s tough competition, which makes me and my horse do our best. You really have to focus and you can tell when you and your horse are working best together. The weather here is very nice and that makes the competition go even better.” Dana Sanders of Eureka competed in Gymkhana on her blue paint horse, Apachee. “I just love being on my horse and pushing the limits,” she said. “Apachee and I work together very well. Many of these people are very

talented so you have to try your hardest. This is my first year in Regionals.” Kelsey Clark, 17, of Martinez brought her quarter horse, Cali, to the competitions. She planned to compete in Gymkhana. “I’ve been riding horses for around 11 years,” Clark said. “This is what I do best so it’s only natural to come to these events to compete. And, besides, it’s a lot of fun.” In 2013, Clark placed first in her division in Gymkhana and in 2012 she also claimed first.

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Kelsey Clark, 17, of Martinez is shown with her quarter horse, Cali.

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Equine Enthusiast

Guest Columnist

am a horse lover and a horse owner. When we bought a ranch with several acres, I was finally able to surround myself with my best friends — the horses. Don’t get me wrong; I have many friends and a loving family, but through life I have learned that my most loyal and loving companions are my horses. When I was a child, my horse helped me to overcome the pain and the struggle with my parents getting a divorce. This same horse was my best buddy through childhood and the wild days as a teenager. He prevented me from making too many mistakes and kept my two feet on the ground unless I was sitting on the four-legged creature when the horse’s feet were on the ground. A few years later, when I had finally made some money, I spent it right away on a new horse. My first own horse cost me a fortune — at

LIFE LESSONS FROM A HORSE LOVER least that was what I felt at the time — and made sure that my money was not spent on stuff other than tack, boarding, the vet and riding lessons. It was worth every penny and I don’t regret the days when I had no money in my account so long as I had a healthy horse that gave me endless hours of pleasure. Later on, I bought a horse that led me on the path to become a skilled dressage rider. She is still in my life and has been my best friend for almost two decades. I used to ride her very early in the mornings before going to work, and she taught me what life is about. She saved me from losing my center when life was stressful and again she gave me countless hours of happiness that I would otherwise have missed. She was the horse who helped me overcome the sudden loss of my brother, and she helped me deal with being homesick after we relocated from Germany to California. Horses still accompany me in my life and keep me healthy — emotionally and physically. They are my teachers, healers and best friends. Today I am still mourning the loss of one of my wonderful horses. His name was Stravinsky and he passed away just a few weeks ago. He taught me patience, love and resilience. Losing him was and still is a tough life lesson. So what can we learn from horses that you cannot experience otherwise:

Leadership

Horses reflect your leadership skills immediately. They follow you when you lead and they lead you when you cannot. You don’t need any management training — just allow the horses to teach you what real leadership entails.

Loyalty

Horses teach you loyalty. They love you unconditionally when you treat them well. They accompany you in good times and in bad times without ever questioning you.

Centering

There are many ways to focus. Many people practice meditation and spend hours sitting on the floor in contemplation and silence. I respect this practice and I believe in its purpose. Nevertheless, I practice the exact same presence by being with my horses. I need to be centered to work with them and, therefore, I always focus on my center before I approach my horses. If I don’t or for whatever reason cannot achieve a centering position and balance, the horses let me know and I have the chance to correct both my emotional as well as my physical posture or withdraw until I am ready.

Presence

When you are in the presence of horses you are in the present. Nothing else is possible, because horses take your full attention. They connect you with yourself and nature. Time spent with horses is time spent in the now.

Healing

When you are suffering from a loss, pain of any kind or a feeling of despair, horses are your healers. They sense and reflect your inner state of being. They can listen to you without talking, and they will comfort you and show you the way out of your pain.

Relationships

Horses can teach you about relationships. They sense where

you are coming from and what you need. They can be your best friends, loyal and loving, but they can also challenge you when they feel that you are not authentic. You cannot pretend around horses. They will always love you for who you are. Horses are not just equestrian friends who give us great performance in the arena. Living with horses and loving horses entails so much more. The best way to find out how they can help you in your life is by just allowing them to become part of your life. If horses are already part of your life, I invite you to change your way of being with them. They can always be your equestrian partners leading you to success at horse shows, but also allow “horse-time” when you are with them. Allow time to approach your horse with no other purpose than just being with your horse. Accompany your horse to the pasture and sense and feel what is happening during that time. Share your horse’s 360 degrees perspective and you will begin to see your own life in a much bigger picture. You may well have all the knowledge you need for riding and training a horse, but have you also experienced just being with your horse? It is time wisely spent, and you can only win by having this extraordinary experience. Hertha Wolf-Arend is a certified business coach and a certified equine guided educator. She is also the author of the book “Be a woman and act like one. Succeeding in business and life’’ and she writes a blog for women with the same title. Hertha offers leadership and team-building training as well as personal training with horses for men and women at her ranch near Paso Robles. She combines her livelong passion for horses with her coaching skills and with her management experience. For more information, contact her at 805234-6454 or email Hertha@HWACoaching.com.

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THE PAYOFF FOR COMMITMENT AND PERSISTENCE

any of us equestrians have at one time or another been faced with an unexpected injury or illness of our equine partner, which stopped us in our performance tracks. Through the years, I have had enough of them that taught me to earnestly look for answers out of the box and delve into the program with hopeful positive results. Sometimes we are lucky and there is a favorable outcome. Other times we are not so fortunate. My dressage Grand Prix horse unexpectedly came down with Cushing’s disease four years ago, shortly after winning the state and western regional championships for the Grand Prix. The disease hit him hard, stripping away his energy, muscling, weight and leaving a thin, hairy horse that grunted during his light daily exercise sessions. He went on Pergolide, the recommended drug of choice. We had to alter his diet, switching from his normal hay to teff hay, which

feels like air, or just as light as paper. No more carrots, no more nibbling on grass, and no more normal grain rations. He became so disgusted with his diet that he quit eating, causing heavy weight loss and, ultimately ulcers. Then diarrhea set in, and he was a sight for sore eyes. I finally decided to feed him a hay ration which included other types of hay (soaking it was unacceptable to him) and gradually he began putting weight back on. We continued with this program for three years. I rode him daily out of commitment, not out of fun as my once light, energetic horse now felt like a lead balloon. I also let him work as a schoolmaster for some of my students who wanted to feel the Grand Prix movements. At least he felt important in this way, as I’m sure he sensed my sadness. We had been a very successful pair for 11 years as I brought him up through the dressage levels. Unfortunately, because he wasn’t carrying weight behind anymore,

he sustained an injury to a front tendon, which ended any exercise for a period — other than walk — to allow for healing. My veterinarian recommended six months of rest, but agreed to my riding him at the walk daily for 15 minutes. I wanted to keep him doing this, as I feared once all his muscling diminished, I would never be able to put it back on; let alone wanting to offer him something to bolster his attitude. So, day after day we walked, and I had to block out the sound of his grunting. At six months, I had him re-checked; we did an ultrasound and found that unfortunately he still had more healing to do. The healing was extra slow due to the Cushings condition. At nine months, we went back for another checkup and ultrasound; this time we got the OK to begin a conservative “introduction to trot” program. We are two months into the prescribed program now and the difference in my horse is

amazing! He is once again muscling up, finding more energy in his steps, and I can see the twinkle back in his eyes. He even has that little whinny he does while we do our two-minute intervals of trot! It is so clear that he is very happy to have his job back; and I am so thrilled to see the change in him. I don’t know what the future will hold for us, but we are coming back toward where we were and that alone makes us both very satisfied. The lesson is again before me to share with others — “Stay committed to your goals and persevere even when the odds appear to be against you!” Barbi Breen-Gurley operates Sea Horse Ranch out of 2566 Sea Horse Lane, Los Osos. She can be reached by email at barbi@seahorseranch. com or call 805-528-0222.

THE CLINICAL IMPORTANCE OF HAY SOAKING By WAQAR AHMAD, DVM THE EQUINE CENTER, SAN LUIS OBISPO

What is Hay?

Hay is dried forage that comes from graminaceous and leguminous plants. Coastal Bermuda grass hay, orchard grass hay, Timothy hay, oat grass hay and tall fescue hay are graminaceous forages while alfalfa hay, red clover hay and birdsfoot trefoil hay are considered leguminous forages. Basic components of hay include water, protein, carbohydrate, fat, minerals and vitamins. We divide the carbohydrates into two sub categories: Structural carbohydrates or fiber: these are starch-based components and are fermented in the hind gut. Non structural or water soluble carbohydrates: these are simple sugars such as glucose, fructose and fructans, and are digested and absorbed in the stomach and small intestine. Water soluble carbohydrates (WSCs) possess higher clinical importance in comparison to structural carbohydrates. In this article, we will discuss the impact that soaking hay may have on the carbohydrate and mineral contents of the dry forage.

How can soaking hay be helpful?

Water soluble carbohydrates make up approximately 25 percent of most hay. This means that a 1,100 pound horse, eating 16.5 pounds of hay daily, is ingesting 4.19 pounds/8 cups of sugar in one day, every day. Though such a high sugar level may be tolerable to healthy horses, compromised horses may exhibit metabolic intolerance. For the horses, exhibiting metabolic conditions, the optimum concentration of watersoluble carbohydrates is less than 10 percent of the total weight of hay. Following ingestion of hay, the blood insulin level becomes raised in order to control the blood glucose level, triggering bouts of insulin. This situation leads to a metabolic imbalance and ultimately exacerbates

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metabolic diseases such as Laminitis, Cushing’s disease, EMS etc. Soaking dissolves water soluble carbohydrates from the hay and reduces them to tolerable limits. Soaked hay contains less carbohydrate content which makes it a desirable diet for obese horses. Some research outcomes have documented that soaking decreases the levels of Calcium (Ca), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K) and Sodium (Na), therefore electrolyte supplementation is required. Soaked hay is a healthy diet during the treatment and prevention of Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis. In addition, soaking hay for a short period completely eliminates dust particles, hence, it is also recommended for horses with respiratory problems.

Consider soaking hay if your horse exhibits signs of the following conditions:

Obesity Founder Cushing’s disease Insulin Resistance Geriatric dentition problems Respiratory diseases e.g. Heaves Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) Polysaccaride Storage Myopathy (PSSM) Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis (HYPP)

Easy steps for soaking hay:

Add 14 gallons of cold water to a bucket. Immerse all of the hay in the bucket of cold water with a net. Duration of soaking varies with the purpose of soaking: To remove dust particles, soak for 30 minutes. To soften hay, soak for one hour To decrease Potassium concentration, two hours of soaking is sufficient. To reduce water-soluble carbohydrates contents, soak for 7 to 16 hours (12 hours is optimum). Remove the net of hay from the bucket and drain off all of the water.

Be aware that the remaining water is an environmental pollutant and should not be discarded near any water reservoirs.

unusual findings must be discussed with an equine veterinarian.

For further information, visit our website theequinecenter. Soaked hay should always be com or call us on 1-805-541used with some precautions: 6367. Soaked hay is deficient in mineral contents such as Ca, P, Na and K. Proper electrolyte supplementation is required. Constantly monitor your horse’s body condition score. Soaked hay possesses considerably less energy and dry matter. This may cause excessive weight loss. Prolonged soaking may promote fungal growth. Upon achieving the therapeutic goals, discontinue feeding of soaked hay. During the entire course of feeding, any

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Guest Columnist By KRISTA KOENIG OF FROM START TO FOUNDATION

s you can tell by our name, we put the utmost importance on horses’ foundational training. If the foundation is solid, so will be the horse and horses’ training is never finished! There is no end to the things a horse can be taught. The idea is also that once a horse learns to learn and interact, they will always be open to learning new things and trying new tasks. We do not “break”

FROM START TO FOUNDATION horses to ride. They are taught the skills needed to understand and perform the necessary parts to be ridden. Our focus on the balance and comfort of the horse so that he is able to learn and process the entire session instead of just getting bits and pieces of it. We do a lot of work with wild mustangs and not trained rescue horses. Some of them are older, some have been abused, some just never got the time spent with them to get the basics in place for the next

step in starting a horse to ride. If a horse cannot be easily caught, led, tied, bathed, lunged, trimmed and saddled, there is really no reason to get on yet. Some horses come to us in need of being gentled and halter trained, we offer a competitive reduced rate to get us the time needed to prepare these horses for the saddle and a rider without rushing them. This would be like asking a child to spell words without first memorizing and understanding the alphabet. The language has to be in place in order for the horse and rider to be as successful as possible. There was a time when I worked under the pretense of “problem” horses. I have learned over the years that there is usually some physical or neurological issue that is keeping them from focusing on their handler or the task presented. Now when a horse comes in we look at teeth, hoof health, nutrition, muscle development and any other possible factors that could be preventing them from processing the training and handling. There is no such thing as a “problem” horse, just either under educated or there is an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. It always bothered me why when using natural horsemanship; the horses would still be very resistant. Now I understand that they are trying to convey some sort of pain, lack of confidence or some other issue that is preventing them from cooperating. Horses might be the most forgiving and tolerant species of animal; so, it did not make sense that they would simply refuse to do things. Since coming into this way of thinking, I have not had a horse yet refuse to do something that they understand and are capable of doing. Trick Training has also been an invaluable tool to help us understand each horse and bridge the language barrier between us. Trick Training is a fun and easy way to develop good responses from your horse, balance, patience and a positive payreward system. It also helps develop a horse’s unique personality and character, allowing your horse new

ways to express how he thinks and understands things. The past two years we have been showing and teaching Cowboy Dressage. This is a very relaxing, balancing way of riding that has given us great results for the foundation of a happy, forward moving arena horse, which transfers to the trail! We also love to do tune-ups and one on one training with you and your horse to develop good horsemanship and communication. We want to help you to understand your horse and why he does the things he does, how to approach certain aspects of cross training and how to address the issues you may be having with your horse. Our specialty being the ability to work with a horse, figure out what he understands and how to put the pieces together in a way that makes it fun and enjoyable for you and your horse. We offer private lessons, clinics on a wide ranging variety of topics, monthly training and will tailor a system that suits you, your horse and us to the greatest benefit of all. Foundation training is the same for all disciplines and no steps should be skipped, some of the worst and most dangerous issues can be solved my making sure all the parts are in place and understood before moving on to a chosen discipline.

Look us up at Fromstarttofoundation. com or on Facebook. If you would like to help us with our Mustang rescue work, visit our website and follow the rescue links to our Go Fund Me, or look up FSTF on Go Fund Me. Contact us for more info on clinics, lessons and horse training.

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