California Spring 2013 by Weeklys

Equine Enthusiast

spring 2013 | Published by News Media Corporation

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.EquineEnthusiast.com Equine e n t h u s i a s t ™ is a FREE quarterly publication. 12,000 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. Publisher Jeremy Burke Advertising Sales San Luis Obispo/Santa Barbara/ Ventura counties: Cassie Verley 805-237-6060 ext. 210 cassie@pasoroblespress.com Sheri Potruch 805-237-6060 ext. 102 spotruch@pasoroblespress.com Janine Lloyd 805-466-2585 ext. 103 janine@atascaderonews.com Matt Verley 805-466-2585 ext. 110 matt@atascaderonews.com Carmen Burton 805-466-2585 ext. 116 carmen@atascaderonews.com Monterey County: Amanda Ochoa 831-385-4880 amanda@southcountynewspapers.com Sheryl Bailey 831-385-4880 sheryl@southcountynewspapers.com Santa Clara & Santa Cruz counties: Jeanie Johnson 831-761-7354 jjohnson@register-pajaronian.com General Information Get the Word Out! event Calendar Submit a short description of your club, business or organization’s event. Be sure to include relevant dates, times, locations and contact information. E-mail your event to: cassie@pasoroblespress.com

spring 2013 features Cathie Twisselman.......................................................................... 4 Horsemen’s Re-Union...................................................................... 8 V6 Ranch in Parkfield.................................................................. 12 Eden memorial pet center......................................................... 14 Equine Artist: Glynnis Miller.................................................... 16 redwings horse sanctuary....................................................... 17 Horse History: Horses in war................................................... 18 Equine Photographer Karen Asherah................................... 20 Pleasant Valley Horse Club....................................................... 22 las estrellas del valle ladies ride......................................... 23 Miss Salinas Valley Fair 2013 ..................................................... 24 Riding warehouse......................................................................... 26 Golden Hills trains champions............................................... 38 Equine Enthusiasts spring featured items ......................... 40 columns Eric Wagner: Lessons of QI in trailer loading.................. 28 The equine Center: preventative health care part 3...... 31 Barbi Breen-Gurley: Slow and steady..................................... 32 Lee Pitts: cowboy texting.......................................................... 33 Jack’s column................................................................................. 41 every issue calendar of events...................................................................... 34 Real Estate Arena.......................................................................... 43 classified marketplace............................................................... 44

Advertise in the Classifed Marketplace! Line Class ads are at $15 Display Classified ads are $25 Call 805-237-6060 for information.

Equine enthusiast

on the cover: Cathie Twisselman - Read more on page 4. Photo by Adriane Hartzell

Published by News Media Corporation | spring 2013

Equine enthusiast

Equine enthusiast | cover feature

Cathie Twisselman

horsewoman extraordinaire

Adriane Hartzell

Equine Enthusiast

spring 2013 | Published by News Media Corporation

Judy Bedell EQUINE ENTHUSIAST

atching up with Cathie Twisselman is a challenge. She is one busy lady. A horsewoman extraordinaire, Cathie stays busy managing her horses, ranch and family. Never one to pass up an opportunity to help a fellow cattleman or horseman or help a neighbor or novice, Cathie’s life is all about horses. Whether she is gathering cattle to ship off the family ranch, starting colts, showing cutting horses or competing with her daughter in team roping, Cathie is always willing to take a moment to share her thoughts on horses. And sharing thoughts is the basis of her newest endeavor, “The Horseman’s Re-union” event. “It all kind of started because we had too many colts to start,” Twisselman said. “We had 60 2-year-olds last year and even with everyone pitching in, it was too many for us to start. So I was talking to Martin Black about my problem and we got an idea.” The idea was to have a gathering of horsemen and to get all the colts started. Since many horse trainers live and work in isolation, it would be a chance to get together and watch each other work and learn while spending time in the company of fellow horsemen. “We didn’t want it to be a competition. We talked about doing it that way, but I didn’t want it to be about competing as much as about sharing, watching, learning. I’ve started hundreds of colts, and to this day I learn something new with each one,” added Twisselman.

Cathie and husband Rowly have always raised their own colts, and Cathie has extensive records going back 50 years cataloging the pedigrees, health records and achievements of the colts she raises. “Originally, Rowly and I had the idea of raising five good colts a year. Then the five turned into 10, and then 20 and next thing you know we had 60,” said Twisselman as she walked through the herd of this year’s colts. Another unique part of Twisselman’s “Horseman’s Re-union” plan was that after watching the colts get started over a four day-period, visitors to the event would have the opportunity to purchase a colt at the auction. “Last year was the first year we ran the event, and it really was just to get our colts going but it ended up being so much more. At the end of the day, the public would go home and the horsemen would all be out back or at the corral sharing ideas, asking questions, trying out new techniques. We had horsemen from all over the world talking together about the one thing we all love, horses,” said Twisselman. And Twisselman does love her horses. “Whenever I feel stressed, I just come out and walk through the herd of colts. It is so relaxing and I get to know each of them,” she added. The Twisselman colts are ready to perform in any equine discipline. Raised in the rugged hills surrounding Carissa Plains, drinking water from a pond and walking miles each day, they are strong, sturdy and confident. The colts all have gentle eyes with a natural curiosity and

Published by News Media Corporation | spring 2013

Cathie Twisselman walks through her herd of two year olds on a daily basis, checking each one and enjoying their company.

desire that can be seen as they approach. “We have been getting calls from people who bought colts at last year’s event, and they want to know what this year’s colt out of the same parents is like. Some are coming back because they want to buy the brother or sister of last year’s colt. That’s pretty good advertising when the colts kind of sell themselves,” said Twisselman. Many of the colts descend from the “Pick and Shovel” line of horses started by Cathie and her father Alex Madonna, owner and builder of Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo. The horses have excelled as team ropers, cutters and all around ranch horses, with many going on to be excel-

lent broodmares. “It’s interesting what is happening in the breeding business these days. Some people are looking to cross back to some of the older lines. We have bred some of our mares to thoroughbred stallions to get a little more speed and size on some. I look at each mare’s line and decided what will work best. And I look at what she has produced and what that colt is doing. It is a lot of work to keep up on all these horses. You should see my files,” she said.

Twisselman

continued on page 8

Equine enthusiast

Equine Enthusiast

spring 2013 | Published by News Media Corporation

Published by News Media Corporation | spring 2013

Equine enthusiast

Twisselman

continued from page 5 Twisselman admits horses are her life. Whether she be riding, doctoring, roping or talking to a fellow horsemen, she is happiest when surrounded by horseflesh. She starts her day looking out the picture windows of her home at one of the many herds of horses and goes non-stop until dark, doing what she loves, working with horses. For more information on Cathie Twisselman’s colts go to www.horsemensreunion.com

From the Ring to the Ranch:

2013 Paso Robles Horsemen’s Re-Union

Kamryn Clarke EQUINE ENTHUSIAST

adies and Gents, mark your calendars! Producers Martin Black, Chris Cox and Rowly and Cathie Twisselman are happy to present the second annual Horsemen’s Reunion in Paso Robles on April 15th-20th. The sixday event is sure to please city slickers and avid horsemen alike with a winning combination of inspiring horsemanship, mouth-watering chuck wagon grub, heel-stomping entertainment and Western style wares. The main idea of the event is to gather talented horsemen, some new and some well known, and give them five days to turn green colts into sellable horses ready to perform their duties on the ranch. Without restrictions and without judges, the horsemen have the opportunity to showcase their skills and different methods of starting colts. Co-producer Chris Cox states, “at the end of the day, our goal is to keep the values and traditions of the Western way of life alive!” Cathie Twisselman, event producer and daughter of local legend Alex Madonna, says that she and the other producers are “very excited and proud to bring to you more talent, more ability, more kindness, more versatility, and more knowledge than will be together in one place at one time ever again... til next year, anyway.” To be held at the Paso Robles Event Center located at the fairgrounds, the sixday shindig will feature 20 professional horsemen from seven countries who will be available for chat and autograph sessions.

Equine Enthusiast

Kate Bradley

At last year’s Horsemen’s Reunion, event producer Cathie Twisselman took her turn in the camp drafting event, which combined multiple skills, including sorting and cutting, all in 40 seconds.

Tuesday night will feature a discussion on equine nutrition by world-renowned nutritionist Win Wolcott, and there will be plenty of opportunities to get your toes tapping with live entertainment by Teale and Tara Twisselman, Adrian the Buckaroogirl, Dave Stamey, Waddie Mitchell, Juni Fisher and J. Parson. Just a few of the other features include food vendors such as Cowboy Flavor, Bonnie Marie’s, and The Coffee Hut; Cattlemen’s dinner and live auction; beer and wine tasting; and a trade show featuring Western gifts and memorabilia. 2013 Horsemen’s Reunion General Manager Katie Nichols assured us that the wide array of vendors, inside and out, will provide wonderful shopping for both men and women. Finally, the hootenanny will conclude on Saturday with the Horsemen’s Reunion horse sale and a dance led by Monty Mills and the Lucky Horseshoe Band. Nichols tells us this year the sale horses will be provided by Rowly and Cathie Twissel-

man, the Babbitt Ranch, the Singleton Ranch, and the Lacey Ranch. Katie Nichols tells EE that she and her cohort “really felt as if the first Horsemen’s Re-Union was fantastic…We had such a strong base last year that it was easy to develop and grow our event this year.” Tickets may be purchased on a per person per day basis, or they may be bundled with various package deals which in-

clude entertainment, dinner, VIP lounge access, preferred arena seating, and VIP parking passes. Planning for 2014 begins in June so anyone interested in volunteering or applying as a vendor at next year’s event should not hesitate to get his or her name on the list. Tickets and more information about this special event may be found online at www.horsemensreunion.com, or you may inquire by phone at (805) 878-5466.

spring 2013 | Published by News Media Corporation

Published by News Media Corporation | spring 2013

Equine enthusiast

Equine Enthusiast

spring 2013 | Published by News Media Corporation

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Amazing ranch has it all, and is only 25 minutes to Paso Robles! Adorable 3+2 well maintained farm house, pool, horse set-up, and fully insulated 40x60 metal building on concrete. About 100 acres farmable for horse/cattle with balance hunting and wildlife. Well maintained, good well and in a fantastic location… a must see! PRICE DRASTICALLY REDUCED TO $1,200,000. MLS #185082 Seller may carry.

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Equine enthusiast

Equine enthusiast | feature

v6 ranch, parkfield

Family is what it is all about at the V6 Ranch in Parkfield

Grandpa Jack Varian heads a calf as granddaughter Kathryn goes In for a heel shot with John Varian in the background. Everything on the V6 Ranch is a family event.

By Judy Bedell Equine Enthusiast

estled in the valley of the self-proclaimed “Earthquake Capitol of the World,” the V6 Ranch stretches over 20,000 acres of authentic Western range and farmland, just 25 minutes off the busy Highway 46 east and half way between Los Angeles and the Bay Area.

Equine Enthusiast

Owned by the Varian family, the V6 is the real deal, a working cattle ranch where family is first and work is a way of life. Grandpa Jack Varian grew up in Palo Alto and after graduating from Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo with a degree in Animal Science, he married his college sweetheart, Zee, and set about ranching in the Cholame Valley, establishing the V6 Ranch.

The late 1980s brought about challenges, challenges that turned into opportunities for the Varian family. A multi-year drought caused Jack to look at different ways to support his family. He began learning about sustainable agricultural techniques and ways to diversify the family operation. The Parkfield Café was built by the family and after that the Parkfield Lodge was constructed. Now, visitors to the area began to get to know

the family and had a chance to stay and experience the Varian lifestyle. And the Varians’ lives are the V6 Ranch and Parkfield. On any given day, you can find Jack driving a ranch truck to check fences while John is working on a project at the Inn and daughter-in-law Barbara is making breakfast at the Café. Granddaughter Kathryn is out catching horses so they can gather cattle with granddaughter Samantha practicing for an

spring 2013 | Published by News Media Corporation

Savannah Martin was in heaven on her V6 Dude Ranch Getaway Weekend. Getting to spend all day around horses was this city girl’s dream come true. upcoming barrel race in the rodeo arena. One way to keep the family ranch income-producing was to share the lifestyle. Guests to the Parkfield Café envied the family-filled lifestyle they saw in the Varians and the chance to be a part of the real “West” beckoned. Jack saw the need for his family and the need from his customers, and together with his two sons and two daughters, they started hosting Dude Ranch Weekend getaways and inviting guests to join them on Cattle Drives. Both opportunities were a hit. Now, guests book months in advance for the opportunity to experience the V6 Ranch lifestyle and the Varian family. A trip to the V6 Ranch is wonderful for all ages. Sunny Minedew is hooked on the experience. Visiting V6 for the second time, she is already looking forward to her next trip in June. “I have had so much fun. My sister and I wanted to go on a cattle drive and saw this in Sunset Magazine. I just love it. Sleeping in the lodge, with the hot tub and the wine, some comfort along with long days in the saddle. But I think the best thing is the family. They are the greatest and so friendly.” Guests agree that the Varian family is what sets V6 Ranch apart from other Western adventures. Suzi Jones had a lifelong dream to go on a cattle drive. “I grew up on a dairy farm and used to go out on my imaginary horse in my grandpa’s pasture trying to herd his dairy cows and they just looked at me,” Jones

Family friend Gary Bolen shows a guest how to adjust her horse’s cinch prior to heading out on the cattle drive.

said. “To celebrate my 60th birthday in 2010 my husband found this place and I did the cattle drive. The number one thing that keeps me coming back is the family. I know it is the number one thing. It is the low-key, relaxed atmosphere. I just want to keep coming back forever.” The change of pace is what hooks many of the guests. Hung on the gate at the entrance to the horse corrals is a sign that let’s guest know they are now on “Varian Time.” A typical day on a Dude Ranch Weekend starts with a full ranch breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits, fried potatoes, fruit and fresh brewed coffee at the Café. Guests of all ages then enjoy making their own knapsack lunch which is put in a denim saddlebag to take along for the ride. There is no need to hurry to get ready to ride. John Varian and his daughters help each guest catch their horse and saddle up to go. The V6 Ranch horses are gentle and dependable and each rider is matched with a horse to suit the rider’s abilities. After a leisurely ride with stops for photos, fishing and fun, the riders return to the Café for a chance to unwind in the heated pool or spa, sip a glass of selected local wine or have a relaxing massage. Evenings bring a delicious meal which can include Varian ranch-fed beef and a chance to visit or enjoy music around the campfire. Jack Varian loves to tell the story of V6 Ranch and visit with guests who often comment on how much

Published by News Media Corporation | spring 2013

Quinn Comer relaxes with his horse while waiting to head out for a day of cattlework with the Varian family.

they enjoy his family. To learn more about the Varian family or V6 Ranch go to www.v6ranch.com or call 805-463-2421. Don’t be afraid to leave a message because they might be out checking cows or fences. And don’t

miss their upcoming events: 21st Annual Parkfield Rodeo, May 24-26; Family Style Cowboy Academy, August 7-11,V6 Fall Cattle Drive, October 10-13.

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Equine enthusiast | feature

Eden memorial pet center Helping you say goodbye to a beloved horse Staff report Equine Enthusiast

osing a family member is a time full of grief and uncertainty. When the family member is a beloved animal, that uncertainty is magnified, as options for comfort that comes from postdeath rituals are few. With an equine loss, options grow fewer still. Eden Memorial Pet Center creates those options for families who wish to cremate their animals in a way that respects both the animal and the feelings of the people it has left behind. The center’s website says it best when it explains that Eden understands “what it is like for you to have to say goodbye to your beloved companion, and best friend. Our staff consists of dedicated people who love and care for all animals, and know the grief and sorrow you are feeling when your pet passes away.” With a horse, though, caring is not enough. Sound mechanical engineering is an integral part of the process when it comes to transporting an animal that can weigh upwards of 1,000 pounds. “Anyone who has horses understands that this is a difficult process,” said Christine Johnson, Eden general manager. “It was very important for us to create a process that is dignified, and my dad created this wonderful system that we use to pull up into a facility -- a boarding facility, a veterinary facility, private home -- whatever it is and we’re able to back the trailer into a good spot and use a winch system to move the horse. We pull the horse into the trailer.”

Equine Enthusiast

Johnson’s dad is veterinarian of more than 40 years Dr. Ennis J. Ogorsolka, known to patients and their families as Dr. O. Dr. O pioneered pet cremation in San Luis Obispo County more than 18 years ago and started Eden with his daughter seven years ago. “My dad and I got this business going in 2006,” Johnson said. “It was a long process. We knew it was such a need in the community … It’s a big commitment. It’s basically taking our whole facility and adding; we had to get a whole crematory chamber that was specifically for horses. Then the most important thing for us was the trailering and transportation of the horse, because there are services in L.A. that have been known to come through and help people, but they are also a tallowing service. We’re not into that; we wanted to do cremation, something where

you can get your remains back, to have something for yourself to spread on your ranch. People wanted another option besides tallow. So we wanted to be more personable, we wanted to be more dignified and the biggest thing for us is, how do you get this large animal that we care for so much into a trailer and get them to a facility.” Tallow is a hard fatty substance made from rendered animal fat and is used in products and animal feed. “We’re very proud of our system because we worked so hard on creating this process,” Johnson said. “People have seen us do this and they say they can’t believe it because they know it’s difficult — you’re dealing with a 1,200-pound animal. This is an animal that’s been a part of someone’s life for decades, and that’s the thing with horses; people have horses for a long time, and they become part of their family. We’ve had so many clients that have had their horses since they were young, growing up. It’s very important, it’s like a family member. Just knowing all that and being through all that ourselves we knew we wanted to create something that could make a hard situation as easy as possible.” Johnson said taking care of the remains of an animal is such an emotional process that it’s difficult to talk about the difference between Eden and some other animal-cremation sites, but the distinction between them is an important one to families. “A lot of horse crematories throughout the country don’t do what they call whole horse cremation,” she said. “Other facilities will have to cut the horses up. We ob-

viously don’t do that. That was a big thing for us. You’re dealing with a pet, someone you love. This has to be done in a very dignified and good way that you can keep the horse intact and not have to cut them up.” Eden has an active Facebook page that does more than deal with items of grief, and Johnson invites those interested to take a look. “Obviously our business is largely about grief and death, but on our Facebook page, I’m trying to put out there interesting information about horses and horse care and animal care and fun things that are going on, touching stories.” Cremation services, Johnson said, cost in the neighborhood of $1,500 for SLO County residents, which includes cremation and transportation. “I wouldn’t say it’s overly affordable but again we’re dealing with a very large animal and people with large animals understand that things cost more,” Johnson said. “What they’re getting for that is an exclusive private cremation of a horse, knowlege that your horse is getting taken care of, and you’re also receiving remains. For more information on Eden Memorial Pet Care, go to its website at www. edenmemorialpetcare.com or call 805227-4435. Like its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/EdenMemorialPet Care.

spring 2013 | Published by News Media Corporation

Published by News Media Corporation | spring 2013

Equine enthusiast

Equine enthusiast | artist

Glynnis Miller

Featured Artist for Cattlemen’s Western Art Show and Sale

Kamryn Clarke EQUINE ENTHUSIAST

pon first glance, artist Glynnis Miller’s work appears to be a collection of beautiful black and white photographs. Look closer, however, and one can see that she creates art not with a camera but with a pencil. Using either graphite or charcoal, Miller creates www.glynnismillerart.com pencil-drawn Glynnis Miller. portraits that look surprisingly alive on the page. Her most popular subjects are those you would find on a ranch: cowboys, horses, dogs, cattle, bison, rodeo scenes. As a girl, Miller lived in the ranch community of Elko, Nevada, which is where she garnered her affinity for Western style and culture. Her time in Elko was full of ranches, horses, cowboys, and rodeos. Since then, Miller has successfully melded her 30-year love for horses with her lifelong passion for drawing by creating a portfolio full of lifelike Western scenery sure to speak to anyone’s inner cowpoke. A self-taught pencil artist, Miller started drawing as a young child and won her first accolade in fourth grade. Later, she began college intent on studying art to become a professional artist, but she says that “life…got in the way.” After marriage, two children, a nursing career, and retirement, Miller finally reconnected with her passion for drawing. She has since turned her talent into a blooming second career. On her website, www.glynnismil lerart.com, Miller states, “My goal is to create texture, contrast and form with painstaking layering and shading resulting in a drawing that leaps off the paper. I am trying to capture beauty and soul, regardless of the subject matter. Beauty has the power to evoke powerful emotions and fill us with awe and wonder. It is my desire

Equine Enthusiast

Glynnis Miller (www.glynnismillerart.com)

“Li’l Longhorn Buds.”

“Soft Eye.”

“Bringing ‘em home” in pencil.”

to inspire these feelings and provide food for the soul through my art.” Also on her site, you can peruse her other subjects, along with information on commissioning pieces and ordering prints. Each of Miller’s pieces is a labor of love, taking hundreds of hours split between meticulous planning and using countless strokes with a sharp pencil. The artist says that “patience and focus are a requirement with this simplest, yet complex medium.” Because of her striking, ranch-in-

Glynnis Miller (www.glynnismillerart.com)

spired work, Miller was chosen as the featured artist for the 23rd annual Cattlemen’s Western Art Show and Sale. The event, presented by the San Luis Obispo Cattlemen’s Association, will take place at the Paso Robles Event Center (Paso Robles Fairgrounds) on the weekend of April 5-7. Showcasing the art of up to 60 professional Western artists, the show will run Friday from 5-9:00 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, and Sunday from 10 am to 3:30 pm. The weekend event will in-

“Red Boots.”

Glynnis Miller (www.glynnismillerart.com)

clude an art show and sale, face-to-face time with the artists during the show, wine and hors d’oeuvres on Friday night ($20 a person), and a BBQ lunch Saturday and Sunday ($10 per plate). General admission is free, and there will be a no-host bar on Saturday and Sunday, the proceeds of which will go to the Cattlemen’s Association Youth Ag Projects. For more information about the show or how to apply as an artist or sponsor for next year, visit www.cattlemenswester nartshow.com.

spring 2013 | Published by News Media Corporation

Equine enthusiast | feature

redwings horse sanctuary compassion through education and community outreach

edwings Horse Sanctuary, established in 1991, has worked tirelessly with the aid of many volunteers and donors to eliminate the causes of equine suffering through education and community outreach programs, rescue abused and neglected equines and provide permanent sanctuary or selected foster homes for those equines. Our main ranch is located in the beautiful Lockwood Valley near Lake San Antonio and Fort Hunter Liggett, and we are open to the public Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. We love having visitors and are happy to entertain tours. Our horses and burros have come to us because somewhere in their lives, human beings treated them as if they were just things. We know from experience that there is so much more to these magnificent creatures than just us caring

for them. Interaction with horses is a twoway street, and those humans who choose to recognize that they receive as much as they give, and that their lives are enriched by this interaction, realize and honor the true spirit of equines. Besides tours, we offer training for those who wish to volunteer, help those in need with their own horses through a program called “Helping Hooves,” and we are happy to travel to speak with organizations interested in learning more about the difficulty that our equine friends are facing, particularly in trying economic times. We hope you will be among those who discover the beauty, intelligence and gifts horses, ponies, burros and mules offer us, when you come to visit us. For more information, please call 831-386-0135, or visit our website at www.redwingshorsesanctuary.org.

Congratulations to Dana Claywell & "EVG Gee Dubya" First place in all three of her jumper classes (2'11", 3'3" & 3'7") at Twin Rivers!

Congratulations to Tayler Sulse & "He Tops All" Winner of the BN Combined Test at Twin Rivers!

Congratulations to Pam Lovell's "Wellesley" Placing Fourth in her two jumper classes (2'7" & 2'11') at Twin Rivers! Wellesley is offered for sale.

Congratulations to Erika Cooper & "Nelson T" Placing Fifth in the 1.45m Kick-Off Class at Thermal Week 1!

Erika K. Cooper Equestrian “Raising the Bar” Specializing in Green to Grand Prix Show Jumpers

Published by News Media Corporation | spring 2013

858-335-8144 erika_jumphigher@yahoo.com

To Join a Winning Team, Contact Erika Cooper

Located at Golden Hills Farm Paso Robles, CA

Equine enthusiast

Equine enthusiast | feature

Horse History: Horses in War

equines have served in war from ancient times to modern armies Shaun Evertson Equine Enthusiast

ost of us know that humans domesticated horses thousands of years ago. The horse, until it was supplanted by vehicles driven by the internal combustion engine, was perhaps the most important power source and locomotive force available to mankind for millennia. According to archeology and paleontology, horses were first domesticated between 4,000 and 3,500 B.C in central Asia — present day Ukraine and Kazakhstan. In addition to their duties as draft and transportation animals, they were immediately recruited into human warfare. Evidence that horses were ridden into battle as war mounts exists from as long ago as 5,000 years. In addition to cavalry and reconnaissance work, horse power was used to pull wagons and sledges of war supplies, to turn windlasses for raising water from wells and heavy beams to build fortifications. Chariots appeared on the battlefield around 1,600 B.C., pulled by single horses or by teams of up to six. The chariots were usually crewed by a driver and an archer and made lightning-fast, slashing attacks on enemy formations, then sped away to rearm and, if needed, change horses. Written training manuals for the use of horses in warfare began to appear around 1,300 B.C., and formal cavalry techniques began to be developed. The use of coordinated cavalry changed the face of warfare and spurred the invention of improved harness designs, the saddle and stirrup, and even the horse collar. War horses came in all shapes and sizes, from the shaggy, tough and diminutive pony of the Eurasian steppe to the largest of the “slow-blood” draft breeds. The type of horse employed usually depended on the mission. Reconnaissance demanded toughness, endurance and the ability to forage. Armored knights of the Middle Ages required large, very strong mounts capable of quick bursts of speed and rapid recovery. Military draft horses had to have immense strength and endur-

Equine Enthusiast

National Archives public domain

Comanche, said to be the only survivor of Col. Custer’s force at the 1876 Battle of the Little Bighorn, is photographed in 1885. ance. Mules and donkeys were widely used as military pack animals, as well. We tend to think of the famous cavalry actions of the 19th century — during the Napoleonic and Crimean Wars in Europe, and the American Civil War — as the high point of horse warfare. The steam engine was at that time making its presence felt around the world and on the battlefield, taking over many of the heavy lifting duties previously assigned to the horse. Though horses still pulled supply wagons and sledges, steam locomotives and steam-driven riverboats moved bulk freight over long distances. In the wars of the late 19th century fought in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, cavalry forces usually fought in large, set-piece battles under the direct control of a commanding gen-

eral, who sighted himself on high terrain with a good view of the unfolding battle. The general communicated with individual infantry, cavalry, grenadier and artillery units via mounted dispatch riders. Elementary schoolchildren the world over — at least into the 1960s — were assigned to read and discuss Lord Tennyson’s famous poem, “The Charge of the Light Brigade.” The poem, first published in 1884, described a desperate British cavalry charge into a tight valley of ortified Russian artillery during the Battle of Balaclava in 1854, at the height of the Crimean War. The charge was a disaster. The mounted force consisted of roughly 600 men and 600 horses. During the charge the British lost 156 men killed, 122 men wounded, and 38 men taken prisoner. Horse casualties were

even more severe, with 355 killed and 50 wounded or captured. As the remaining force regrouped after the battle, only 195 men had mounts. At least one surviving horse is said to have received the British Crimean Medal — and a pension. The style of combat was considerably different in the American Civil War. Though there were many famous largescale battles, few were European-style set-piece battles. In between the large scale battles, there were daily clashes and raids. Nearly all fighting involved horses. No one has even a good estimate of the number of horses used in the Civil War, but at least one-million were killed. Both Union and Confederate forces turned the cavalry raid into an art form, and both sides used horses to move troops and supplies great distances with

spring 2013 | Published by News Media Corporation

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OD public domain

One horse lies dead in the rubble of a Berlin street in 1945, near the end of WWII. In the background stands a saddled horse held by a man who is probably his rider. Horse and soldier are most likely Russian. Behind them, in the center of the street, lies the remains of a wrecked German anti-tank gun.

Afghan fighters of the Northern Alliance, accompanied by U.S. Special Forces troops, advance toward enemy forces in the early stages of Operation Enduring Freedom.

astonishing rapidity, often appearing unexpectedly in enemy rear areas, causing havoc and sometimes changing the tide of entire battles. One Confederate general, Nathan Bedford Forrest, is alleged to have said his battle strategy was to “get there fustest with the mostest.” (Ed: sic) This quote may be apocryphal. In the American West, the U.S. Army was in near-constant combat with American Indian tribes for most of the 19th century. One of the more famous battles occurred in Montana at the Little Bighorn River in June 1876. The Seventh U.S. Cavalry Regiment, commanded by Lt. Col. George A. Custer, attacked a numerically superior and better-armed force of Lakota, Arapaho and Cheyenne cavalry. Custer split his regiment and took a 700 man force to the Little Bighorn. His entire force was wiped out. The only survivor was a horse named Comanche, the mount of Captain Miles Keogh. But the 19th century was not the end for the horse in combat. Despite the invention of the internal combustion engine, followed by trucks, automobiles, motorcycles and tanks, horses continued to be used in warfare right through the 20th and into the 21st century. As large armies began to field mechanized forces, horse cavalry and a direct combat role for the horse began to be phased out, though scouting and cavalry units fought throughout the First World War. A few even fought during the opening phases of World War II. Most famously, Polish Lancers fre-

count of his war experiences, “To Hell and Back”, Murphy recounted a grim scene from the fighting in southeast France in 1944. Murphy’s Third Infantry Division was attacking to the north, attempting to join up with Allied forces that had landed at Normandy in June. In his own words: On the outskirts of Montélimar, a huge enemy convoy has been caught by our artillery fire. In their haste to escape, the doomed vehicles had been moving two and three abreast. Our artillery zeroed them in. The destruction surpasses belief. As far as we can see, the road is cluttered with shattered, twisted cars, trucks and wagons. Many are still burning. Often bodies of men lie in the flames, and the smell of singed hair and burnt flesh is strong and horrible. Hundreds of horses, evidently stolen from the French farmers, have been caught in the barrage. They look at us with puzzled, unblaming eyes, whinnying softly as their torn flesh waits for life to drain from it. We are used to the sight of dead and wounded men, but these shuddering animals affect us strangely. Perhaps we have been in the field too long to remember that innocence is also caught in the carnage of war. A horse, trailing entrails from a split stomach, staggers down the side of the road. Mahler, a gentle Texan who lived on a ranch in civilian life, stops. I hand him the Luger which I took from the German colonel.

quently attacked — and were slaughtered by — German tanks as the Nazis invaded their country in 1939. In the Philippines, the 26th U.S. Cavalry Regiment — the famed “Philippine Scouts” — fared only slightly better. Fighting delaying actions against the invading Japanese forces, the 26th remained a viable mounted force until, in early 1942, lack of re-supply and starvation forced them to slaughter their remaining mounts and issue the horse flesh as rations. Even though the role of the horse in active combat quickly came to an end in the early stages of World War II, nearly all Allied and Axis armies continued to use the horse to move supplies. In the European Theater, both the German and Russian armies, each sorely lacking in motorized transport, made heavy use of draft horses to move supplies. Between the two, more than 6 million horses were used. But the horses suffered horribly. As large, upright quadrupeds, animals which had never developed a ground-hugging avoidance instinct, they were all too vulnerable to modern artillery and rifle fire All told, about 8 million horses were killed during World War II. One of the most poignant tales of the wartime suffering horses endured came from Audie Murphy, America’s most decorated soldier of the war and a post-war actor who appeared in more than 40 films, most of them westerns. In his semi-autobiographical ac-

Published by News Media Corporation | spring 2013

He goes over to the horse and pats him on the neck. “What did they do to you, boy? What did they do?” he croons. Then he raises the pistol and shoots the horse behind the ear. He hands the pistol back to me without speaking. “Keep the gun for a while,” I say, “you’ll need it further on.” As we move up the road, he begins to talk. “I’ve known horse all my life,” he says, “and there’s not one dirty, mean thing about them. They’re too decent to blast each other’s guts out like we’re doing. Makes you ashamed to belong to the human race. If I ever get out of this war, I want to live so far back in the hills that I’ll never see another human being.” During our advance, he steps stoically over the corpses of Germans to put horses out of their agony with the Luger. The next day Mahler is hit. He is on a routine patrol when he is struck in the back by a fragment from an air burst. His spine is injured; I hear that his legs are paralyzed. Remembering his face as he patted and shot the horses, I wonder if he will ever ride again. As this piece is written, Afghans — and the U.S. Special Forces fighting with them — continue to ride horses into battle. In Africa, the Janjaweed militias continue fight from horseback in the ongoing war in Darfur. And horses continue to be used ceremonially by modern armies around the globe, including and perhaps most famously, those ridden by contemporary British cavalry units.

Equine enthusiast

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Equine through the lens equine photography is karen asherah’s specialty Tarmo Hannula EQUINE ENTHUSIAST

aren Asherah of Felton, in Santa Cruz County, specializes in large digital photographs of horses. Her current exhibit, at the Santa Cruz County Building, is a roundup of 24 such images in color and black and white. Her compositions explore the world of equine, from expansive landscapes sprinkled with horses to extreme close-up detail images. “I strive to capture the individual character, power and inspiring nature of horses,” Asherah said. “I just want to share the incredible animal pride. I believe in respecting these animals; I want to revel in that place.” She uses a Canon 5D, and her favorite lens in the L series (professional) 70200, 2.8. Asherah, who works in social welfare, said she has been photographing seriously about five years. “I just love animal and nature photography,” she said. Asherah said she is now planning on a show at the Parks Department and at Santa Cruz Mountain Art Center. “I’m hoping to get involved with a number of upcoming fairs and Open Studio,” she said. “If anyone is interested, I am interested in photographing anyone’s horses in exchange for some photo copies.” Asherah said she is also searching my other venues to exhibit her work.

Karen Asherah

“Classy” is a work that show a palomino in Felton.

Asherah’s website is www.karenasherah.com/ and her number is (831) 3313384.

Karen Asherah

“Deep reflection” is a digital photograph by Felton artist Karen Asherah showing at the Santa Cruz County Building.

Equine Enthusiast

Karen Asherah

“Kiara” captures the spunk character of Kiara.

spring 2013 | Published by News Media Corporation

Published by News Media Corporation | spring 2013

Equine enthusiast

Equine enthusiast | feature

A camp for equine enthusiasts

Pleasant Valley Horse Club welcoming to Beginners, advanced riders

in horsemanship during the summer months. “My mom said do what you love, and I take that to heart,” she said. “And my dad said always leave something better than when you found it.” Now LeClair’s business is celebrating its 20th anniversary. For part of the year, Pleasant Valley Horse Club brings in horses whose owners can no longer care for them or for other reasons need good homes. But LeClair is quick to point out that the business is not a training facility. Rather, she accepts horses that were previously owned, possibly abandoned and which need a bit of work to get them back in the ring. “We take horses that are rough around the edges, diamond in the rough,” she said. The horse club’s Leadership Program uses older teens to help train the horses, which serves the dual purpose of bolstering the trust of the horses, and of boosting the self-esteem of the kids. “We like to inspire them,” LeClair said. We teach the teens how to rehabilitate the horses and get them to trust again.” Employee Lucia Tuman, who said she has been working there for one year, said she has seen a pervasive rigidity among other equestrian facilities where she has been employed. Not so at Pleasant Valley Horse Club. “I love it here,” she said. “The atmosphere is very welcoming. We’re really set up for people new to riding who want a comfortable place.” Alex Schierenbeck, who has worked at PVHC for about two years, agreed. “I love how friendly it is,” she said. “Everyone is so welcoming.” Pleasant Valley Horse Club is located at 710 Del Valle Road in Aptos. It offers year-round lessons and summer camps for riders of all abilities. For information, visit pleasantvalleykidsclub.com or call 831-763-2733.

Todd Guild EQUINE ENTHUSIAST

leasant Valley Horse Club is a gem nestled on a peaceful, verdant two-acre ranch on the outskirts of Aptos. It’s a place where a herd of horses — most of them rescued and rehabilitated from previous unhappy lives — frolic in the sun as they wait for their next student. It is here that students ranging from 3 to 78 learn the fine points of horsemanship, all led by instructors who strive to make the lessons unhurried and non-intimidating. While some students have won awards at high-end horse shows, owner Michelle LeClair said that the ambience of the place is anything but competitive. “That’s not what I sell,” she said. “I want them to feel comfortable.” On Wednesday a small group of young home-schooled children were participating in Tiny Trots, learning the finer points of horsemanship, including giving simple commands, exercising the animals and getting a feel for communicating with them. Other students work on equine activities such as western pleasure, western trail, reining, cattle work, lower-level dressage, equitation and hunter/jumper. Other lessons might touch on horse nutrition anatomy. The business also offers summer camps for beginner and advanced riders, with activities that include arts and crafts and basic lessons for younger children. Older and more advanced students versed in horsemanship improve upon their skills in the arena and on offsite trail rides. They can also participate in overnight horse camping in Henry Cowell State Park. All interested students are advised to apply early, as LeClair keeps group sizes small to ensure teacher to student ratios stay at 6-1. A teacher for 20 years before starting the business, LeClair said she turned her lifelong passion for horses into her livelihood after tutoring some of her students

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Tarmo Hannula/Register-Pajaronian

Beeda LeClair (Left) and other youths head to a large arena at Pleasant Valley Horse Club.

spring 2013 | Published by News Media Corporation

Equine enthusiast | feature

ladies ride in soledad

hosted by Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital Foundation

Deborah Mills

t a recent Soledad Rotary meeting, it was announced that the Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital Foundation on April 26 to 28 will host their annual Los Paseos de Los Rancheros men’s ride and on May 3 to 5 will be the Las Estrellas del Valle (the stars of the valley) ladies ride. Local horse wrangler and horse ranch owner Jennifer Ray was the guest speaker at the lunch. “I got involved with the ladies ride in Salinas when it started 22 years ago. The very first ride was at Joanne Taylor’s ranch on Old Stage Road,” said Ray. “My job is that I am the head wrangler, which is to coordinate all of the volunteers basically. I usually

get about 16 other ladies that come in and help me take care of 175 women. It is like glamorous camping for the ladies.” The ride includes meals, “Rusty’s Bar,” massages, live and silent auctions, dancing, games and hiking. Non-riders are also welcome to attend the event. “We have 56 acres and approximately 50 heads of horses out there right now,” said Ray. “We are a full care boarding and training facility. I give riding lessons, train horses — you name it, we do it.” Currently they have several children from the ages of 7 to 13 that board their horses at the ranch. The children come up with games with their horses all the while learning to be around the

Published by News Media Corporation | spring 2013

animals and learning good horsemanship practices. Seventeen years ago there was only a little house and wire fencing; they built the ranch from the ground up. The Foundation was started in 1979 with the mission to ensure that the health care system continues to have one of the finest hospitals in California. Since the beginning the Foundation has raised more than $58 million. The monies from these fundraising events, for example, the Las Estrellas del Valle ladies ride, help start and support things like the heart center, cancer oncology unit and their new neo-natal intensive care unit.

Deborah Mills/South County Newspapers

Local horse wrangler Jennifer Ray, at her ranch in Soledad, attended last week’s Rotary meeting to let members know about the Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital Foundation’s upcoming ladies ride in support of vital hospital programs.

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Equine enthusiast | feature

Miss Salinas Valley Fair 2013 Four contestants vie for 2013 Miss Salinas Valley Fair title

enjoys mud runs, hiking and hanging out with friends.

Submitted

our young women competed for the Miss Salinas Valley Fair crown Saturday, April 6. That was the day Ashley Jones, Savannah Hoss-Dodson, McKenzie Miller, or Tahnee Bray was to be chosen to represent the Fair as Miss Salinas Valley Fair for the year. The competition was at the Salinas Valley Fair’s Pavilion and Rava Arena in King City. The winner will reign at the Fair, which will be held May 16 to 19, 2013, and through the year. The four young women are: Ashley Jones A Junior at North Monterey County High School, Ashley Jones, 17, daughter of William and Moreen Jones, is excited to be competing for Miss Salinas Valley Fair. Ashley is a three-year cheerleader who also served as the 2011-2013 Cheer Captain of the junior varsity cheerleading team. Ashley is a member of the National Honors Society of High School Student Scholars, is on honor roll with a 4.0 GPA or higher for three years, and is the recipient of the 2010 Citizenship Award of Lagunita School. Ashley’s honors include Grand Champion Swine at the Monterey County Fair in 2005 and Santa Cruz County Fair in 2012, Reserve Grand Champion at the 2006 Santa Cruz County Fair, fourtime Salinas Valley Fair Best of Show Horse Champion in 2008 through 2011 and CSHA Show of Champions State Reserve Champion in 2009. Ashley also enjoys baking, hunting and fishing. Savannah Hoss-Dodson Savannah Hoss-Dodson, 17, from San Ardo is a senior at King City High School. Savannah is the daughter of Steven and Debra Dodson; she is an active young lady whose interests spread from basketball to micro- and macroeconomics. Savannah is an active member of the King City FFA chapter, serving as Vice President and participating in beef placement, project comp, livestock judging, horticulture judging, Farm Day, and

Equine Enthusiast

Submitted photo

The four contests for 2013 Miss Salinas Valley Fair are, from left, McKenzie Miller, Ashley Jones, Tahnee Bray and Savannah Hoss-Dodson. showing at the annual fair. Savannah has served as a delegate at the Chapter Office Leadership Conference, Made for Excellence Conference, Advanced Leadership Conference, Subcommittee Chairmen Conference, State Convention, National Convention, and ran for Regional Office. Savannah is also active in her church, attending Hume Lake Christian Camp and Youth Group, and helps feed the less fortunate. Savannah works part time at Wildhorse Propane, has volunteered at King City Veterinary and coached summer volleyball at KCHS and basketball at Chalone Peaks Middle School. McKenzie Miller McKenzie Miller, an 18-year-old senior at Salinas High School, is the daughter of Arthur and Sabrina Miller. McKenzie says 4-H and FFA have been a huge part of her life, and raising and showing sheep will continue through the end of her senior year. McKenzie plans to attend Hartnell College following her graduation from Salinas High, and plans to transfer to Cal Poly from Hartnell Col-

lege. McKenzie’s recent accomplishments include: 2010 Presidential Fitness Award, 2010 Phyllis Freeman Good Hands and Seat Award, 2011 Third National USEA Training Rider of the Year, 2011 Second Place Irish Sport Horse of the Year, 2011 Area VI Training Jr. Rider of the Year, 2011 Area VI Training Horse of the Year, 2012 First Place Age Group, Hollister Mud Run, 2012 10th Area VI Preliminary Young Rider, 2012 FFA Enterprise Competition II Runner Up, and many top placings in 4-H and FFA Market, Bred and Fed, and Showmanship classes. McKenzie is passionate about threeday eventing, an equestrian triathlon of sorts. She has also competed in gymkhana and reining and trail. McKenzie helps her family manage their family business, The Riding Academy, where she cares for 60 horses, teaches lessons, runs summer camps and breaks and trains young horses. McKenzie volunteers at Hope Horses and Kids, a non-profit organization for special needs children, and

Tahnee Bray Tahnee Bray is a 17-year-old junior at King City High School, raised by her Uncle David and Aunt Holly Thompson. Tahnee is active in her FFA chapter, serving as the 2011-12 Sentinel, 2012-13 Vice President and Monterey Bay Sectional Treasurer. Tahnee participates in the State FFA Choir, and the National FFA Choir. Tahnee is a member of the King City High School American Sign Language Club and serves as the club’s vice president. Tahnee is a six-year cheerleader, now cheering for King City High School, and was a member of the 2011-12 swim team. In the community Tahnee remains active as a member of the Timshell Choir and has been a cast member in the Stage Hands’ 2009 production of Gypsy and Sol Treasures’ 2009 production of Beauty and the Beast. Tahnee has performed in Sol Treasures’ Backyard Concert, at the Hospice Tree of Life Ceremony, the Colgate Country Showdown at the Salinas Valley Fair, and was the second-place winner at the Salinas Valley Fair Talent Show in 2011, in addition to participating in the Mid-State Fair Talent Competition. Tahnee is employed at Rava Ranches in Food Safety and is interested in pursuing ag law, food safety and performing arts.

How it’s judged Entrants are judged on personality (40 percent), scholastic ability (25 percent), poise and appearance (20 percent) and horsemanship (15 percent). The 2013 Miss Salinas Valley Fair will receive a $1,000 scholarship, sterling silver buckle and many other prizes. In addition to her duties as Miss Salinas Valley Fair, the winner will have the opportunity to represent the fair in the Miss California Rodeo contest. The Miss Salinas Valley Fair contest is coordinated by Julie Hood and Dawn Soares. For more information about the contest, call the Salinas Valley Fair office at 831-385-3243.

spring 2013 | Published by News Media Corporation

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Riding Warehouse

long riders gear expands to meet demands By Paula McCambridge EQUINE ENTHUSIAST

iding Warehouse is a new Central Coast business that sells all equipment needed by both horse and rider. Equine Enthusiast had a chance to talk with Riding Warehouse owner Tracy Bailey and learn a little more about the expansive space. When was Riding Warehouse established? Riding Warehouse was brought to life Nov. 1, 2012, and the owners are Drew Munster, Mark Sczbecki, and myself, Tracy Bailey. What was your motivation for creating this type of business on the Central Coast?

Drew and Mark had been considering starting Riding Warehouse for several years, as Drew’s daughters have horses, and he owns Buckley Stables in San Luis Obispo. I created my online business, Long riders Gear (for trail riders) back in 1996 and last May, I opened a retail store in Atascadero for local customers. Due to many customer requests, I was in the process of expanding to English and western products. Drew contacted me in August to talk about joining forces – right after I was back from a buying trade show. We launched Riding Warehouse in November and are very excited to offer our customers outstanding customer service and a large and varied selection of English, western and trail-riding products.

Riding Warehouse QP

Riding Warehouse owner Tracy Bailey is all smiles on a recent ride.

What makes your business different from others in the county? Our retail store and warehouse space combined is approximately 8,000 square feet. The Riding Warehouse retail store is set up with saddles, tack, apparel, stable supplies and much more for English, western and trail riders. What makes us a little different is in our store, we also have a kiosk with a computer and customers may look at our websites for something else they may be looking for, which might not be on the floor at the time. Our giant warehouse is right behind our retail store, and we are able to go back and get anything the customer may need. Can you give an example of how your customer service representatives help customers? All of our customer service reps are horse gals and involved in varied disciplines and they are quite knowledgeable about all of our products – if you look at our three websites and all of our products that’s quite a bit of knowledge! One particular situation that comes up often is a customer looking for the right saddle pad for their particular saddle. Our gals are

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Contributed photo

able to determine exactly the right saddle pad (size, thickness, inserts, etc.) for each customer’s needs through many varied questions.

What changes/growth, if any, do you see for your store in the next year? We are constantly adding new products to all of our websites, so in the next year, you will see even more exciting horse products in the store and on our sites. We have a long list of fun events for our store – starting with our grand opening on May 11! We will have dozens of vendor donations for raffle prizes, storewide discounts and giveaways.

Riding Warehouse 181 Suburban Road San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 805-540-7908 www.ridingwarehouse.com.

spring 2013 | Published by News Media Corporation

Equine enthusiast | feature

Portrait of a Paint Horse spotlight on the American treasure horse Kristie Akin Equine Enthusiast

he stunning aesthetics of the paint horse have earned the beautiful breed a significant story in history. Dating back to paint horse depictions found in Egyptian tombs, 18th century European paintings tell stories of the paintâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s role in war and peace during the development of western civilization, even ancient idols and statues testify that Asian horsemen knew and respected the paint horse. Records indicate the American Cowboy aware of an importance of being mounted on the best quality stead, preferred the paint, but one of the most well known and more meaningful beliefs about paints stem from Native Indian connections to the breed which placed them in a cherished, mysterious, and spiritual element of life. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s believed that horse symbolizes purity, courage, power, independence of spirit, and freedom to roam. The Paint horse in particular, sacred to Native Indians was believed to hold magical power and protection for its tribe. Horse stealing was a respected art when done well between tribes, and paints were the most treasured prize because of their medicine, some tribes believed if their medicine horse was stolen or lost that misfortune would soon follow. Paints with blue eyes were exceptionally mystic and called spirit eyes. The controversial origin of the paint horse still remains un-conclusive while many believe the theory the first paint was brought to America as one of sixteen horses that survived the journey of the Spanish Conquistadors, and further developed there after. Either way, the paint horse, with its intelligent behavior, sensible nature, speed capability and pleasing demeanor is commonly referred to as the American treasure horse.

Published by News Media Corporation | spring 2013

Equine enthusiast

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Lessons of qi in trailer loading eric wagner training center, Arroyo Grande

Eric Wagner Eric Wagner Training Center

hether taking off for shows or heading out for a trail ride with friends, many of our most memorable experiences with horses begin and end with trailer loading and unloading. Much potential stress can be eased by enjoying, rather than dreading, this process. The main key to a smooth transition in and out of the trailer is to approach the task from a relaxed state of mind. One of my mentors, the great horseman Jeff Wonnell, once told me, “When it comes to trailer loading, if you act like you have 10 minutes, it will take all day; if you act like you have all day, it will take minutes.”

He offered this kernel of wisdom as we watched a couple trying to drag a tired, sweaty, reactive horse down the show ground’s barn aisle to its trailer. The episode was exhausting for all of those involved and observing. For over an hour, the handlers used hay whips and butt ropes and even brute force to try to coax, nudge and lift the resistant horse into the trailer. Finally, my mentor had had enough. Letting out a deep sigh, he walked over to the couple and politely asked, “What seems to be the problem?” He took the rope, and within a matter of minutes, led the horse willingly into the trailer. For those dealing with the same challenges during trailer loading, follow these steps to achieve calm, quick success every time. 1. Take a Step Back When a horse shows the kind of reactive resistance to the trailer as seen in the story above, it is acting out of panic. Seeking calm obedience at this point would be like trying to talk sense to a hysterical person. Instead of forcing the issue, recognize the state of emotions occurring within the horse and yourself (panic and impatience) and move far enough away from the obstacle that the horse does not feel threatened — in this case, about 30 feet from the triggering trailer. In the story above, Wonnell did this by slowly taking hold of the horse’s rope, pulling gently, and leading it quietly away from the trailer.

As the horse moved its feet, he patted its neck and head soothingly and thanked it for its actions. 2. Reboot Take a moment to ground yourself: take a deep breath and remember that any sense of urgency emanating from you (a racing heart, shortness of breath, tense muscles) translates to anxiety in the horse and validates its sense of fear of the obstacle. In order to reassure the horse, remove any feelings of doubt, urgency or frustration in yourself, and come to this task with calm, certitude and a sense of leisure (even if, in reality, you’d like to be on the road quickly). If you need to, remove yourself from the horse and find a quiet place to clear out your emotions. Practice a few minutes of deep breathing, meditation or Qi Gong in order to re-center yourself. Then, return to the horse, and take a moment to reconnect with it, reassure it, and reassert yourself as its calm, balanced leader. 3. Find the Threshold Starting fresh from this place of comfort and calm, lead the horse one step at a time until you notice the first signs of the trailer’s influence over the horse. Perhaps the horse goes from a relaxed position (tail down, ears up) to a state of suspicion (twitching tail, ears laid back) within 20 feet of the trailer. This point is referred to as its “stretch zone,” where it is challenged, but not yet panicked. Horses learn in the stretch zone, but they will quickly unravel and revert to fight or flight reactions if they are forced past their threshold into the panic zone. It is important, therefore, to show patience and firm leadership in this phase, and not to let the situation escalate. Wonnell did this by bringing the horse to a stand, reconnecting with it, and inviting it to relax and drop its head. 4. Lower the Threshold To make progress beyond the threshold point, call upon the horse’s subconscious behaviors by going back to its basic training. Use simple pressure-and-release work; ask it to perform quick, easy and

Equine Enthusiast

familiar tasks; and show the horse that it will be rewarded for any of its efforts. In your own mind, let the goal of loading the horse go. Imagine that the trailer is simply a point along your line of travel, rather than a destination, and simply ask the horse to lead. Eventually the trailer will again fall within the horse’s threshold.

5. Be Consistent Horses tend to learn negative lessons when in the panic zone, and these lessons can be very difficult to reverse. As such, the horse in the example above may still associate the trailer with a negative experience next time around. In order to overcome those memories, practice loading and unloading your horse in the same methodical way each and every time. Practice the task even when you do not plan to actually go anywhere. Rehearsing in a safe, familiar environment will convince the animal that loading does not correlate to being forced beyond its stretch zones, and that entering the trailer does not necessarily mean a stressful and challenging journey is ahead. Soon the trailer will no longer pose a challenge; rather, the horse will see it as a positive place of comfort and safety. Eric Wagner is the owner and founder of the Eric Wagner Training Center where he offers horsemanship training lessons, individual consultations, and clinics for a wide range of riders and breeds, including endurance, competitive and recreational riding. Wagner began his career in the Arabian horse industry, starting colts and training champions alongside Jeff Wonnel and Ron Bechtel. Opening his own training center in 1979, he has won numerous Class-A, regional and national level shows; trained many winning competitive trail and endurance horses; and become a trusted and sought-after expert trainer. Riders interested in learning to apply his concepts may register for trailer-in lessons as well as off-site clinics for small groups. For more information about Eric Wagner or his services, visit www.TheWagnerRanch.com or call (805) 748-3366.

spring 2013 | Published by News Media Corporation

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The Wagner Ranch Arroyo Grande, CA www.thewagnerranch.com 805-489-7368

• Visit our Website often for Events & Updates

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Equine enthusiast

Equine Enthusiast

spring 2013 | Published by News Media Corporation

Equine enthusiast | column

Equine Preventive Health Care A Must for All Horse Owners – Part 3: dental care

abnormalities. A complete oral exam should precede any dental procedures. Most equine dental procedures irreversibly change the horse’s teeth and therefore are most appropriately performed by a veterinarian. Consult your equine veterinarian for annual dental exams as part of a proper preventive care program.

Submitted by The Equine Center

ave you ever heard the saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”? Well nothing could be closer to the truth when it comes to the health and happiness of our equine companions. The single most important thing a horse owner can do, next to providing good quality feed and water, is to take an active role in reducing the risks that are potentially preventable. The main components of any good preventive care program are proper vaccination, deworming, dental care, and most importantly having your veterinarian out, at least annually – preferably biannually – for a thorough physical exam. Part 3: Dental Care Routine dental care is essential to your horse’s health. It has the benefits of improving your horse’s comfort, better utilization of feed, improving performance, and even longer life – by avoiding diseases related to poor dental care. Periodic exams, dental corrections and regular maintenance are especially necessary for the following reasons. Firstly, we have domesticated and confined horses and in doing so we have modified the horse’s diet and eating pattern. Secondly, we demand more from our performance horses beginning at a younger age. And finally, we often select breeding animals without regard to dental considerations and conformation. Poor dental care can commonly result in sharp enamel points on the pre-

molars and molars (cheek teeth), causing laceration of the check and tongue. Hooks and abnormal or uneven bite planes can form on the upper and lower cheek teeth, leading to inefficient grinding of feed and colic (impactions). Horses with dental problems may show obvious signs such as pain and irritation; however, some horses simply adapt to their discomfort and show no noticeable signs at all. Signs that indicate a primary dental problem are: • Loss of feed from the mouth while eating • Difficulty with chewing or excessive salivation • Loss of body condition • Large or undigested feed particles in the manure • Accumulation of balls of forage between the cheek teeth and check • Head tilting or tossing • Bit chewing or resisting the bridle • Poor performance • Foul odor from the mouth or nostrils • Nasal discharge or swelling of the face An oral exam, sometimes including dental radiographs, should be an essential part of an annual examination by your vet-

Published by News Media Corporation | spring 2013

erinarian. Every dental exam provides the opportunity to perform routine preventative dental maintenance. The end result is a healthier, more comfortable horse. Floating teeth involves removing the sharp enamel points and creating a more even bite plane to help restore comfort and feed efficiency to your horse. Hand tools or power floats are both acceptable means to maintain proper alignment or correct

4850 Davenport Creek Road San Luis Obispo 805-541-6367 www.theequinecenter.com www.AAEP.org

Equine enthusiast

Equine enthusiast | column

slow and steady Shortcuts are not usually the shortest way

Barbi Breen-Gurley SPEICIAL TO EQUINE ENTHUSIAST

am frequently reminded of the inevitable truth of this philosophy, especially in the world of horses. What might seem like a quicker way to get around an obstacle will often show up as a much bigger misunderstanding or resistance when the horse shows that the “dots didn’t match up.” Let us first look, for example, at the preparation of a really correct rider’s position. I’ve heard it said that at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, Austria where the famous Lippizaners reside, riders must begin learning on the lunge line for 4-7 years before schooling the stallions independently. Much of this time is done without stirrups as well. The reasoning behind this is to cement the stability of an independent seat, so necessary for “the airs above the ground” (or high school movements)

and classical riding in general. When time is not devoted to developing a stable, independent seat and position, the rider’s posture is not secure. The aids, which a rider then applies to the horse, come across as messy, making a clear, immediate response from the horse unlikely. As an instructor for many years, I often see the result of this breakdown in communication. It shows up as a loss of trust, harmony

and understanding on both the horse and rider’s part. If ignored, usually the horse or rider get scared or hurt, and what would have been a fun relationship presents itself as fairly negative. Taking the “short cut “of not addressing this creates a much longer journey. Now lets look at the training of the horse. Some may feel just getting on the horse is a shortcut in the starting of a young or green horse. I personally feel that correct longing of a young or green horse prior to mounting clearly builds a foundation of balance, rhythm, accepting the contact with the bit, learning to bend, clarity of forward and many other principles. Frequently horses that come to me for training, which have not been introduced to lunging first, have many more problems understanding these concepts under saddle. Finally, lets address how you expose

your horse to something new. Some people just randomly jump into the experience with no plan or forethought. The attitudes of “We’ll just see how it goes,” or “I don’t really have time to prepare my horse,” or “He was scared last time but we have to just do it now”… may provide a result you’d wished you could have avoided. Our horses try to tell us, as best they know how, if they trust something we expose them to. We often know a history from which we can fairly accurately predict the outcome. If we create more stepping stones, taking the time to prepare the horse and carefully prevent the undesired result, we are more likely to end up with a lot more fun and harmony for ourselves and our horses! Barbi Breen-Gurley operates Sea Horse Ranch out of Los Osos.

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Equine enthusiast | column

cowboy texting It’s the pitts Lee Pitts Special to Equine Enthusiast

lthough I think email is the greatest invention since the Barcalounger or Lay-Z-Boy, I just can’t develop a fondness for texting. I am baffled by all these symbols and shortcuts the thumb-typers use to save valuable time they wouldn’t be wasting if they just stopped sending all their worthless text messages. One of the reasons I don’t own a cellphone is I don’t want to learn all the cutesy letter combinations that people use in their texts. If I wanted to learn an all-new language I’d learn something useful, like Spanish. It’s bad enough that these texting shortcuts have overflowed into letters and emails that people write. I’ll give you an example. For years now I’ve read the letters LOL in emails and for some reason I thought it stood for “lots of luck.” But one day I asked my brilliant editor-friend Ann just what LOL means and, much to my surprise, she said it stands for “laugh out loud.” Which, I must admit, made a lot of the emails I’ve received make a lot more sense than if it was “lots of luck.” Ann said that if I had questions in the future about texting abbreviations that I should go to a website called Urban Dictionary. I did as she suggested and found shortcuts and keyboard strokes that are supposed to look like animals; no doubt created by people with active imaginations and waaaaay too much extra time on their hands. The problem I had with the Urban Dictionary is that it is just that: urban. So, even though I don’t text, I decided to perform a service for the little-served cowboy community by creating texting shortcuts just for them. So from now on, if you see the letters LOL in a cowboy’s email it doesn’t stand for “laugh out loud,” it stands for “lost our lease.” Here are some more cowboy texting shortcuts I came up with: NSBS — New saddle. Butt sore. UU — Kicked by mule. Funeral Fri-

day (FF). STARVIN — The wife has been sick for two days now. Can anyone out there in the cloud, or global village, tell me how to turn on an oven? BITNV — My buddy just got a brand new Mark Dahl bit and I am envious. EEEOOOOW! — Some snake put a baby rattler in my boots. RWI- Riding While Intoxicated. #$@%&*! — My new horse just bucked me off again and I think I may have a concussion. Come and get me. I’m in the big rock pile. DandG’s- Dudes and Gunsels. GGNCBKI — Gotta go now. Cookie’s beans are kicking in. VETCOT — Does anyone have any Vaseline or KY-Jelly? Our vet was preg checking and his arm is now stuck tight in the reproductive tract of a 550 pound heifer. IQUIT — My new boss expected me to drive a John Deere and pull weeds in his wife’s garden. So I did what any respectable cowboy would do. CHIPS — This can either mean you’re horse bucked you off into a fresh cowpie or your wife just got another job in town. Her third. As in, “We’re in the chips now.” PU- I’m on a trail ride and none of us have had a bath or shower in a week. NOKIDS — My knuckle-head horse kicked me you-know-where and gave me a cowboy vasectomy. BYOH — Branding Saturday. Bring your own horse. JACKPOT — I just hit the USTRC jackpot in Oklahoma City and quit my job. I’m gonna rope until the money’s all gone. CANTCOPE — I’m out of tobacco and desperately need a chew. TRIGTHWITTWMIWBSIIHTBA45¢S — The ranch is going to heck while I text these worthless messages I wouldn’t be sending if I had to buy a 45 cent stamp.

Published by News Media Corporation | spring 2013

For more of Pitts’ writing, visit www.LeePittsbooks.com.

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event calendar april April 15-20

Horseman’s Re-Union 6 Days, 20 Horsemane, Starting 40 Colts Produced by Martin Black, Chris Cox and Rowly & Cathie Twisselman Paso Robles Event Center Paso Robles, CA www.horsemansreunion.com

April 18-21

V6 Ranch Cattle Drive V6 Ranch, Parkfield, Ca 805-441-3507 www.v6ranch.com

April 23

4th Annual James Pickens Jr. Foundation USTRC Charity Roping Tejon Ranch, Lebec, CA Scott, 661-305-0399 www.ustrc.com

April 27

California High School Rodeo Assoc. District 7 Rodeo #9 (no Jr. High) Parkfield, CA www.chsra.org

may May 4

Lazy K Ranch, Chowchilla, CA Pick A Colt Day Production Horse Sale AQHA & APHA 559-760-7055 or 559-665-2908 www.LazyKranch.com

May 4-5

SLO-CDS Central Coast Dressage Show Golden Hill Farm Paso Robles, CA Ellen Corob, 805-440-2947 www.slocds.org

May 9-12

Mother’s Day Quarter Horse Circuit PCQHYA Youth Qualifying Show & Novice Championship Qualifying Show Paso Robles Event Center 209-754-4165 www.mothersdaycircuit.com

May 17-19

California High School Rodeo Assoc. Jr. High State Finals Plymouth, CA www.chsra.org

Equine Enthusiast

May 17-19

Central Coast Cutting Paso Robles Event Center Grey Wyatt, 805-239-3323 www.centralcoastcutters.com

May 18

Horsemanship Clinic at the Wagner Ranch 9:30am-4pm Eric Wagner Training Center Arroyo Grande, Ca Eric Wagner, 805-748-3366 E-mail ericthewagnerranch@yahoo.com www.thewagnerranch.com

May 19

Taste of the Creston Wine Trail… Join us out in the rolling hills of Creston where you will find five diverse wineries and an olive oil producer. Stop in and meet the owners/winemakers, sample fine wines, olive oils, tapas, entertainment and a barrel room experience. 11am – 5pm. $25pp, all inclusive 805-238-2321 www.crestonwinetrail.com

May 18-19

Central Coast Cutting Paso Robles Event Center http://centralcoastcutters.com

May 24 & 25

21st Annual Parkfield Ranch Rodeo. Parkfield, CA Katy Varian 805-441-7342 | www.parkfield.com

June 9

21st Annual Parkfield Ranch Rodeo Parkfield, CA Katy Varian 805-441-7342 www.parkfield.com

Western Day 12:00 noon - 5:00 pm Annual Fundraiser for the BOK Ranch 650-366-2265 www.bokranch.com

May 26

June 10-15

Horsepower Show, BBQ & Stagecoach Rides Harris Stage Lines 5995 North River Rd., Paso Robles 805-237-1860 www.harrisstagelines.com

May 31-June 4

Carrot Fest II A multi-user trail work and ride weekend Montana de Oro Horse Camp Los Osos, CA Kathy Longacre, KLL50@sbcglobal.net

June June 8

NRCHA Cow Horse Show Santa Ynez, CA Carol Sutton, 805-260-4543 centralcoastreining@verizon.net www.nrcha.com

Photo Courtesy of V6 Ranch

NRCHA Derby Paso Robles Event Center Paso Robles, CA www.nrcha.com

Kathy Gould, 559-760-0512 kathy@saddleup-enterprises.com www.nrcha.com

June 24-28

Summer Horse Day Camps Beginners to Advanced ages 7-18 Ride & Drive Horses. Perform in the Cavalcade of Horses Debby Harris 805-237-1860 www.harrisstagelines.com

June 28-30

June 10-15

USTRC West Coast Regional Finals Paso Robles Event Center Paso Robles, CA www.ustrc.com

June 11-12

July

California High School Rodeo Assoc. State Finals Rodeo Bishop, CA www.chsra.org

SLO-CDS Central Coast Dressage Show CDS, USEF, USDF, DASC Golden Hills Farm Paso Robles, CA www.slocds.org

June 22

July 4

SLOCQHA Open Show Buckle Series Pat Mar Ranch Templeton, CA 805-434-6143 www.patmarranch.com

NRCHA Horsemans Show Merced, CA spring 2013 | Published by News Media Corporation

Equine enthusiast

event calendar July 10

August 20-21

SLO-CDS Summer Fling Los Osos, CA Ellen Corob, 805-440-2947 www.slocds.org

SLO-CDS The Dress Rehearsal CDS, USEF, USDF, DASC Los Alamos, CA Ellen Corob, 805-440-2947 www.slocds.org

July 18-21

NRCHA California Rodeo Salinas Jul 18 - Jul 21 Salinas, CA Cheri Carl, 831-775-3100 sdurgan@carodeo.com www.nrcha.com

August 29-Sept 1

Double R Cutting Paso Robles Event Center Paso Robles, CA Rex Rossoll, Event Manager 805-331-5978

July 23

September

NRCHA Event Paso Robles Event Center Paso Robles, CA Elena Clark, 805-238-5098 www.nrcha.com

September 3, 4

SLO-CDS Fall Fling CDS Central RAAC CDS, USEF, USDF Ellen Corob, 805-440-2947 www.slocds.org

July 29-Aug2

Summer Horse Day Camps Beginners to Advanced ages 7-18 Ride & Drive Horses. Perform in the Cavalcade of Horses Debby Harris 805-237-1860 www.harrisstagelines.com

October

August

October 5

August 5-9

October 18-November 3 Pacific Coast Cutting Horse Association Futurity / Stakes Paso Robles Event Center Paso Robles, CA www.pccha.com

August 12-16

Summer Horse Day Camps Beginners to Advanced ages 7-18 Ride & Drive Horses. Perform in the Cavalcade of Horses Debby Harris 805-237-1860 www.harrisstagelines.com

October 27

SLOCQHA Open Show Buckle Series Pat Mar Ranch Templeton, CA 805-434-6143 www.patmarranch.com

August 11

August 11-18

NSHA Snaffle Bit Futurity World’s Richest Show Paso Robles Event Center Paso Robles,CA www.nationalstockhorse.com

Wyatt Smith of Rexburg, Idaho, scored 10.4 seconds in steer wrestling Thursday, opening day of the California Rodeo Salinas. Tarmo Hannula/Equine Enthusiast

Cattlewomen’s Pre-Pioneer Day Roping Paso Robles Event Center Paso Robles,CA Elena Clark, 805-238-3323 www.cattlewomen-slo.org

Summer Horse Day Camps Beginners to Advanced ages 7-18 Ride & Drive Horses. Perform in the Cavalcade of Horses Debby Harris 805-237-1860 www.harrisstagelines.com

SLOCQHA Open Show Buckle Series Pat Mar Ranch Templeton, CA 805-434-6143 www.patmarranch.com

July 18-21

NRCHA California Rodeo Salinas, Salinas, CA Cheri Carl, 831-775-3100 | sdurgan@carodeo.com | www.nrcha.com

Please send us your event listings. Send to news@pasoroblespress.com. All information should be under 20 words. If you have a photo, please send that as well.

Published by News Media Corporation | spring 2013

Photo by Rachael Harper Jessica Willoughby cuts it close in a barrel racing competition Thursday, opening day of California Rodeo Salinas.

Equine enthusiast

DISTRIBUTING 12,000 COPIES FROM SANTA CLARA TO VENTURA COUNTY

All Breeds, All Disciplines! COMMUNITY CALENDAR

GET THE WORD OUT! Submit your event to our community calendar. Include date, club, location and contact information. Email your event to: karli@pasoroblespress.com

ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES CLASSIFIED ADS: Buyers and sellers meet at the EQUINE E N T H U S I A S T ™ classified marketplace. Advertise your service or sell a product – choose from two options: line ads and display (picture) ads. Items for sale only. Call for details. Line Ad — $15 — Up to 75 words Display Ad — $25 — (1) color photo [Ad dimensions: 3.125” x 1.75”] BUSINESSES: Hit your target market by advertising in the EQUINE E N T H U S I A S T ™ featuring events, profiles, businesses, calendar and classifieds. Distributed to local feed stores, event facilities, hotels, retailers, and other equine related businesses – your advertising dollar gets directly to the hands of potential clients and fellow equine enthusiasts. Call for details. Non-profit rates available. CALL TO FIND OUT ABOUT NON-PROFIT RATES & OTHER DISCOUNTS! Full Page — $350 [Ad dimensions: 10.0” x 10.75”] Half Page — $233 [Ad dimensions: 10.0” x 5.25” or 4.75” x 10.75”] Quarter Page — $116 [Ad dimensions: 4.75” x 5.25”] ALL DISPLAY ADS INCLUDE FULL COLOR!

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UPCOMING ISSUE: ADVERTISING DEADLINE January 1, 2013 PUBLICATION DATE January 11, 2013

EQUINE E N T H U S I A S T ™ Call today for more information! (805) 237-6060 www.EquineEnthusiast.com

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spring 2013 | Published by News Media Corporation

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Golden Hills Trains champions In Paso Robles on Creston Road near Creston By Paula McCambridge EQUINE ENTHUSIAST

There’s a spirit of both competition and nurturing that come together at the 100-acre Golden Hills Farm in Paso Robles, a place that offers both Olympic-level dressage training and sanctuary. Dressage is a French word that means, “training.” It’s a practice where horse and rider develop a close working relationship working in harmony as the pair competes. “Kent and Dorreene (Gilmore) have created an oasis on their farm,” said Shelley Lawder, a clinician who has often traveled to Golden Hills to train riders. “They’ve done so much for their sport. Dorreene is extremely nurturing and loved raising her foals – she’s a mother to many. Kent is an amazing breeder. It’s one thing to buy a horse trained for Grand Prix. But to breed your own horse, raise it and train it from scratch – that’s phenomenal.” The Gilmores’ phenomenal life, dressage-style, began in the Bay Area in the 1990s where they lived when they noticed a shortage of quality dressage horses. That’s when Kent decided he wanted to breed the animals himself, but there wasn’t a lot land in the Bay Area on which to accomplish that goal. Being a couple willing to face a challenge, they began their search for farmland and found their dream on the Central Coast. “In 1992, we bought the land then we leased it back to the previous owners,” Dorreene said. “In 1996, that we put our sign out in the street. The first time I drove out here, it was all cattle country, rolling green hills and white fences. I said, I think I just found heaven.” Both Kent and Dorreene have competed and won dressage competitions. Dorreene has bronze and silver medals, and her husband has bronze, silver and gold. Kent’s breeding program has been very successful with a number of horses doing well in competition, including one that was short-listed for the Canadian Olympic team. The couple is getting a little older, now in their 60s, so they’ve recently stopped breeding horses, though they dressage training clinics, shows and fundraising work remain strong. “Kent and I are getting older now,”

Equine Enthusiast

Dorreene said. “We know when we breed horses it’s a responsibility for 3 to 5 years. It’s getting harder now, so we stopped the breeding a year ago. Our last foal is 1. It’s going to be hard to let this one go. It’s hard to part with any of them, but our last one is our best one.” Besides training and breeding, Kent was involved in the dressage foundation at the national level and he published a book that raised money for young riders. The book sold out, but the couple is considering republishing the inspirational anthology, Along the Way. “It was a really nice anthology, local people contributed stories and international people as well,” Dorreene said. “It was about interactions with horses. There was a woman polo player who had to dress as a man to play polo with the man, just lots of different stories, the whole gamut of people’s experiences with horses.” As for Dorreene, horses have always been in her blood. “I’ve loved horses since I could walk,” she said. “Now, I just love going out every morning and being with those horses. They’re wonderful creatures. They teach me something every day. You have to learn to listen and watch them. I love teach them things and learning from them.” Though the Gilmores are competent in their own right, they also bring in worldclass dressage trainers to teach multiple-day clinics. Golden Hills’ clinicians are trained to the highest level in dressage competition, Grand Prix, and the students they teach are far from weekend riders. “It’s not pleasure riding, it’s training,” Lawder said. “These riders have made a commitment and are seriously invested in the sport and are interested in serious coaching.” Golden Hills brings top clinicians from across the world to give its students access to the best right here on the Central Coast but Kent and Dorreene, dressage medalists themselves, have also traveled to them. “Kent just retired from riding,” Dorreene said. “He rode at the Grand Prix level. He went to Germany and trained with Conrad Schumacher.”

Gail Baum and Wimenta CL Markel Amateur High Score Woodside. USDF Reserve Champion Amateur 1st Level. USDF All Breed Award KWPN 3rd at 1st Level Amateur. Courtesy photo.

Golden Hills includes the Gilmores, the horses, visiting clinicians and also two other trainers, Ariane Rezvani and Erika Cooper, who run their businesses on site. “We pride ourselves on a very warm and peaceful and friendly,” Dorreene said. “Everyone gets along very well. The horses are all happy. It’s a stress-free environment.” Dorreene said described a life she loves and one which she, now 67 years old, cannot imagine living without. “It’s been a good ride,” she said laughing. “And I’ll keep on doing it as long as I can. My mom was still riding when she was

90, and her horse was 30. I wasn’t going to be like that because I remember worrying about her, but I seem to be headed in that direction.” Golden Hills includes a covered arena, outdoor sand arena, outdoor sand/rubber arena, hacking trails, stalls, paddocks with shelter, large turnout paddocks and irrigated pastures.

Clinicians

Robert Gharibzadeh

German Certified Pferdewirtschaftsmeister

spring 2013 | Published by News Media Corporation

(The highest certification attainable as a German equine professional for training both horse and rider) To attain this one must already hold a Bereiter’s license and must study many years under the tutelage of an accomplished master. The testing for the certification alone takes twelve weeks to complete. Requirements are in depth knowledge of not only riding and training, both in Jumping & Dressage at the upper levels, but ones ability to teach correctly, work in hand, stable management, veterinary practices, farrier work, arena footing, saddle fitting as well as many more intricate subjects. Robert has 27 years of experience working with horses. He began his Dressage career with Antonius Holland followed by Wolfgang Winkelhuis. A Grand Prix trainer who was in charge of the Junior/Young Rider program in Rheinland for 25 yrs. From there proceeding to work with George Theodorescu and Herbert Rehbein, whom Kyra Kyrklund also trained with. The trainers with whom he studied Jumping include Karsten Huck who won the bronze medal at the Seoul Olympics and Gilbert Bockmann who has won the German Championships on numerous occasions and is rated one of the most talented and sought after Jumping trainers and coaches in Europe. Robert has been a judge for 16 years in both Dressage and Jumping, holding qualifications for the Bundeschampionat (Young Horse German Championships). Taking a hiatus from competing for the last five years was seen to be necessary to focus more on coaching and judging but preparing to return to the show ring. In the past 10 years Robert’s students have represented his training regularly at the German Championships for ponies, junior and young riders in Dressage, Jumping and Eventing. In 2005 Malte Ehrichs, who studied with Robert for seven years won the Northern Germany Championships in Dressage. He also has enjoyed training children for Oldenburger Bezirksveband and has many FEI riders in Germany, The United States and Canada currently under his tutelage. Although qualified to teach the upper levels, he enjoys teaching all levels to both armatures and professionals alike. This is what makes a true teacher. “The German Training Scale is always with me and it works. I learned from Mr. Theodorescu to listen to all the muscles and bones to bring the right strength to the right places. In order to be great athletes they need strength to perform as we expect. It is our job as their stewards to help develop this and with this comes health and well being. Only happy horses can give

Ariane Rezvani and Bandalor MQ 3 top 10 finishes at CDS/USDF Annual Show USDF All Breed Award U.S. PRE 2nd Place 3rd Level. Courtesy photo.

you everything you ask for. On top of this it is crucial to insure they have proper fitting shoes and tack”. “The most important thing I wish for my students to learn from me is patients and understanding of their horses.

Horse Trainer Ariane Rezvani

Ariane Rezvani is a full time trainer and instructor. She is a USDF bronze medalist, a recommended USDF “L” Program graduate, and a USDF certified Instructor at Training through 2nd level. Ariane has been training and teaching full time for 23 years. She has produced five elite Hanoverian mares, three Dutch Keur mares, one national Dutch IBOP champion, junior ride champions at training, first and second levels and qualified horses and riders for the USDF and CDS regional annual finals. She is currently competing Bandalor MQ, a 6-year-old PRE stallion owned and bred by Yequada Marquesa of Paso Robles at second and third levels.. The training emphasis is to build a solid

Published by News Media Corporation | spring 2013

confident foundation for horses and riders using common sense horsemanship and a classical dressage theory. Limited openings for new students and horses in training are currently available. For more information or to discuss a training plan, please contact Ariane by calling (805) 712-4561 or email at daryoush1@ msn.com

Horse Trainer Erika K. Cooper

Erika acquired her current mount Nelson T as a 4-year-old, and is currently competing in Grand Prix classes. Erika and Nelson have been successful all along the way. One of Erika’s passions is bringing along young horses. She has an uncanny ability to get the most out of any youngster she’s riding. Her methods and timing ensures every green horse will maximize its potential. To jump start your horses career, contact EKC Equestrian at 858-335-8144 or email erika_jumphigher@yahoo.com.

Kent Gilmore

Kent GilmoreIt is said that there are many roads to Rome. This is true enough, however, there is only one Appian Way, and in Dressage that is the Classical Way. My methods and style closely follow those of many by-gone classicists as well as contemporary practitioners like Hubertus Schmidt and Conrad Schumacher. I teach using time honored methods without tricks and shortcuts. The welfare of the horse is always my top priority. My clients learn to ride their horses over time with less and less help on the ground from me so that they can eventually apply their skills to any horse of any age in any situation effectively. Among the specific goals are: an independent, elastic, and adhesive seat, (the uncontested holy grail of dressage), indispensable to the implementation of the famous training triangle.

For more information on Golden Hills, go to its website at www.goldenhillsfarm. com, call 805-237-9892 or email d.gilm ore7@sbcglobal.net.

Horse Trainer Equine enthusiast

Equine enthusiast | feature

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5 Star Pads

FOLKS THAT USE AND BELIEVE IN 5-STAR PADS Canyon Trail Rides – Utah Grand Canyon Mule Rides – Arizona Leslie Desmond – Writer/Clinician “Bill Dorrance” Loren Basham – Champion Trainer Julie Kennedy – Champion Trainer Sandy Collier – NRCHA Champion Doug Milholland – NRHA Champion Darren Miller – NRCHA Champion J.D. Anderson – NRHA Champion

Ariat Boots

For more information go to http://5starequineproducts. com

All photos were taken by Jeremy Burke/Paso Robles Press at Whitehorse

Equine Enthusiast

spring 2013 | Published by News Media Corporation

Equine enthusiast | column

Jack’s column

A NEW LEASE FOR THE HORSE Boy it’s easy to get jaded now a day’s what with so many people walking around almost stepping on their lower lip with “ain’t it awful “spelled out clearly with their body language. Well I’m here to tell you that our dear friend the horse has two occasions on their horizon that can make them once again affordable to the middle class horse lover. The first is hydroponics and it has been a known technology for many years. The era will be pre-recession 2008 when jobs were plentiful and things like gas and food for both horse and people were a lot cheaper than they are today so hydroponics sat on the shelf unnoticed but now it’s 2013 and lots of the populace are suffering from recession shock. Gas is no longer in the $2 range and hay is no longer in the $100 to $200 category but rather now hovers in the $300/ton delivered in truck load lots and a gallon of gas will cost you $4 to $4.50 for the cheap stuff. It’s time to take a hard look at fodder the name given to the sprouting of seeds, with water in a controlled environment, like barley, oats, wheat, and even alfalfa. At this point in time barley seed is the most popular choice to grow fodder. So what does a person need to start growing feed for your horse? You will need a shallow trough 6” to 8” in depth that you can spread the seed in and then you just add enough water to keep the seeds wet for six to seven days in a lighted 24 hour a day environment that temperature is maintained between 68 and 72 degrees. What you will get is a feed that for every pound of seed, six lbs of a good for your horse carpet of green grass held together by roots and spent seed hulls which your horse will love and it’s very nutritious. There are two companies that I know of that manufacture fodder machines. First is FarmTek, internet address www.farmtek. com and the second is fodder solutions, internet address www.foddersolutions.net. If you’re a computer whiz I’m sure there are other manufacturers out in internet land. The cost of growing fodder is mostly dependent on the price to be paid for the seed. At the time of this blog barley seed will cost as low as $300 per ton in bulk and twice that amount by the sack in a feed store. I think most people will probably buy the sack

which will amount to .30 cents per pound to produce six lbs of fodder which will make the cost $ 100 per ton. It is necessary to feed some hay to keep your horse from getting the scours and there will be a power bill to keep the UV lights on and the temperature constant. I think a reasonable guess that an owner would expect to pay for a ton of feed for their horse would be $150 per ton a 50% savings. Second, I think that the tide is turning in favor of the reopening of an abattoir to harvest horses instead of having to send an unwanted horse to Mexico or Canada where conditions are unknown. People are beginning to realize that horses like all living things do die and many times the kind thing to do for a horse in constant pain like severe arthritis is to put them down. But not all people can afford to have a vet do it and then pay the tallow works to dispose of the carcass. The abattoir won’t cost but will offer a viable exit strategy. I think if these two ideas go mainstream we will once again have a vigorous horse industry that is affordable to those who would like to have a horse of their own. See Ya, Jack Varian http://blog.v6ranch.com

Published by News Media Corporation | spring 2013

Equine enthusiast

At Atascadero Hay and Feed we take pride in serving you with the best service as possible to help you with your animals needs. We carry a full line of livestock and pet feeds, along with livestock and pet supplies, Hay, Shavings, Straw and Fencing supplies. We also carry a complete line of Show feeds.

Located at 6155 Via Ave (off Traffic Way), we are just two miles from Hwy 101.

Or give us a call at 805-461-6411.

Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am-6:00pm, Sat 9:00am-5:00pm, Sun 10:00am-3:00pm.

We Deliver! Also, Check us out on the web at www.atascaderofeed.com Like Us On Facebook @ Atascadero Hay and Feed.

Equine Enthusiast

spring 2013 | Published by News Media Corporation

Real Estate

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Ranch Home in Santa Margarita, CA Impeccably remodeled ranch home on 40+/- acres in Williamson Act for low taxes. Vaulted living room, 2 fireplaces, wood cabinets, kitchen island with sink, hardwood flooring, indoor laundry, two wells, a pool, 2- car garage, barns, and 28x70 metal building. MLS#190128 $399,000

S A N TA M A R G A R I TA , C A 160 Ranch with unbelievable views and privacy. Complete with post and beam main house and guest house. Ready for you to move in! Large master suite. Cozy living room w/wood burning fireplace. Lofts and guest room. 2-Car detached garage. More pictures & info at www.VintageInvestmentProperties.com $1,099,000.

n Ra y lle

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Real Estate

Arena

Reach 65,000 readers in 6 States for only $100! California, Wyoming, Nebraska, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico

CALLING ALL PREPPERS & SURVIVALISTS! Off the grid, isolated 80 acre parcel in Santa Margarita, California All-solar 2 BR w/ office or 3rd BR and 2 BA log home. Ready for hunting, off-road fun or country living! Carport, shop/ garage and RV hookups! Horse corrals and shelter, hay storage and tackroom! Varied terrain, gorgeous mountain views! $497,500 #185657

All Breeds, All Disciplines

Call today for more information! 805-237-6060 www.EquineEnthusiast.com

Kathe Hustace Broker Associate DRE#00571121

805-459-6436

khustace@att.net

Published by News Media Corporation | spring 2013

York Real Estate, Inc. 8865 Morro Rd, Atascadero (805) 466-9394

Equine enthusiast

Classified marketplace Clinics Horsemanship Clinics April 6, April 14, May 18 Increase connection with your horse; Learn drills that you can apply in any environment; Have fun! To register or for more info, call Eric at 805-748-3366 Eric Wagner Training Center, Arroyo Grande, CA www.thewagnerranch.com Horsemen’s Re-union April 15-20 6 Days, 20 Horsemen, Starting 40 Colts Produced by Martin Black, Chris Cox and Rowly & Cathie Twisselman Paso Robles Event Center Paso Robles, CA www.horsemensreunion.com

Equipment C&N Tractor Two locations to serve you! Paso Robles, CA: 2690 Ramada Drive 805-237-3855 Watsonville, CA: 496 Salinas Road 831-722-2733

facilities twin rivers ranch Equestrian Events and Riding Lessons 8715 North River Road Paso Robles, CA 805-235-0412 www.twinrivershorsepark.com

Farm & Ranch Supply

real estate

For sale Tie down calf horse hauled and won on in pro & amateur rodeos 19-year-old, QH papers, guaranteed sound. Good horse for anyone. Call 308-641-2008

Paso Robles, CA Call Leila Harrington at Mission Country Properties Paso Robles, CA 805-712-7354 MissionCountryProperties.com

PRW Steel Supply Used pipe for sale. Fencing materials, steel fabrication, sales & welding. 800-439-1694 2905 Union Road, Paso Robles, CA www.prsteel.com

Check out our full line of Dynamite Nutritional Products for Horses Dynamite all natural dog food. The BEST dog food in the world! Rossi Feed & Forest Products 1386 Rossi Road Templeton, CA 805-434-2884 www.rossitransport.com

Donatello MQ 4 yr. old bay PRE gelding. Will mature 15.3 hh. Well started & going nicely under saddle. Fun personality & easy to train. Bred to be a future dressage star & has the gaits & presence to back up his lineage. Ready to compete Training Level. Located in Paso Robles. $25,000. Contact Ariane Rezvani 805-239-5850

Ranch Home in Santa Margarita Impeccably remodeled ranch home on 40+/- acres in Williamson Act for low taxes. Vaulted living room, 2 frplc, wood cabinets, kitchen island, hardwood floors, indoor lndry, 2 wells, pool, 2- car gar, barns & 28x70 metal bldg. MLS#190128 $399,000 Wayne Lewis Prudential Hallmark Realty Paso Robles, CA 805-975-6330

Hay, feed & Seed

hotels/Motels

misc

L.A. Hearne CO. Hay & feed, tack, bedding, fencing, clothing and more. Two locations 524 Metz Rd., King City, CA 831-385-4841 8525 Prunedale Rd. Prunedale, CA 831-663-1572 www.hearnestore.com

Atascadero Hay & Feed Horse, Livestock & Pet Supplies 6155 Via Avenue Atascadero, CA 805-461-6411 www.atascaderofeed.com Triple Crown nutrition, Inc. 800-451-9916 www.triplecrownfeed.com By the Bale or Truckload! Top quality hay at some of the best prices around. Orchard • Timothy • Alfalfa • Forage Mix • Oat Hay Rossi Feed & Forest Products 1386 Rossi Road Templeton, CA 805-434-2884 1989 TOUCH OF CLASS FEATHER-LITE 2 Horse Bumper Pull 2 escape doors, 2 tack doors, saddle rack & bridle hooks, ramp load, padded sides & rubber mats. Has removable center divider. Weighs 2380 lbs. Hitch has Draw-Tite weight distribution system. Comes with hitch for pickup truck. $6,500 In Arroyo Grande (805) 489-0726.

www.rossitransport.com Pioneer Ag Resources Hay cubes, shavings & bedding delivered to you. Paso Robles, CA 805-459-0399 www.pioneeragresources.com

Equine Enthusiast

Horse Bedding

boot barn 1340 Spring Street Paso Robles, CA 805-238-3453 Or find a location near you: www.bootbarn.com

Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Paso RObles Now offering special equine rates for 2013. 2455 Riverside Avenue Paso Robles, CA 877-449-7276 www.hixpaso.com

harris stage lines Horse Day Camps, Riding & Driving Lessons, Horse Drawn Vehicles for Hire, Event Rentals 5995 North River Road Paso Robles, CA 805-237-1860 www.harrisstagelines.com

The oaks hotel 3000 Riverside Avenue Paso Robles, CA 805-237-8700 www.PasoOaks.com

Horses for Sale Advertise your horse for sale in our next issue of Equine Enthusiast for as little as $15. Call 805-237-6060!

Dude Ranch Getaways V6 Ranch Parkfield, CA 805-463-2493 www.v6ranch.com

Donatello MQ 4 yr. old bay PRE gelding. Will mature 15.3 hh. Well started & going nicely under saddle. Fun personality & easy to train. Bred to be a future dressage star and has the gaits & presence to back up his lineage. Ready to compete Training Level. Located in Paso Robles. Priced at $25,000. Contact Ariane Rezvani (805) 239-5850

DaCosse & Assoc. real Estate Purchasing a Ranch, Estate or Second Home? Ask about our Property Concierge Services. 935 Riverside Ave., Suite 3, Paso Robles, CA 805-238-9022 www.dacosse.com Off the grid, isolated 80 acre parcel in Santa Margarita All-solar 2 BR w/ office or 3rd BR and 2 BA log home. Ready for hunting, off-road fun or country living! Carport, shop/ garage and RV hookups! Horse corrals and shelter, hay storage and tackroom! Varied terrain, gorgeous mountain views! $497,500 #185657 Kathe Hustace Broker Assoc DRE#00571121

York Real Estate Atascadero, CA 805-459-6436 Santa Margarita, CA Ride on your own land! 160 Ranch with unbelievable views & privacy. Complete with post & beam main house & guest house. Ready for you to move in! Large master suite, cozy living room w/wood burning fireplace, lofts & guest rm. 2-Car detached garage. $1,099,000 805-235-8416 Vintage Investment Properties More pictures & info at www.VintageInvestmentProperties.com

services Central Coast Propane Residential, Commercial, Agricultural 6260 Monterey Road, Paso Robles, CA 805-237-1001 Eden Memorial Pet Care Afterlife services for your companion animal. Located in Paso Robles, CA 888-216-6127 www.edenmemorialpetcare.com shadle insurance Horse and Farm & Ranch Insurance 209 Oak Hill Rd., Ste 111 Paso Robles, CA 888-821-7629 www.shadleinsurance.biz

SILVER CUP TRAINING Ariane Rezvani Dressage training, lessons and sales USDF Certified Instructor 25 years teaching and training experience Golden Hills Farm, Paso Robles (805) 239-5850

spring 2013 | Published by News Media Corporation

Tack & Supplies Balding Bits & Spurs 307-672-8459 www.tombalding.com

Classified marketplace Display Classified & Classified Ad Form

whitehorse Tack, Clothing, Gifts, Supplies 2805 Black Oak Drive Paso Robles, CA 805-238-6001 www.whitehorsetack.com

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16 years old, 16 hands. Swedish Warmblood Mare. English, western. Trailers, clips, ties. Easy keeper, no vices. Good ground manners, great on trails. Sweet natured, great for beginner or interm. $XX,XXX Call Annabelle at XXX-XXX-XXX

Training Erika K Cooper Equestrian Specializing in Green to Grand Prix Show Jumpers Located at Golden Hills Farm Paso Robles, CA 858-335-8144

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Warmblood mare

riding warehouse Saddles, Tack, Apparel, Stable Supplies 181 Suburban Road San Luis Obispo, CA 888-420-4327 www.ridingwarehouse.com

swedish Warmblood mare for sale

16 years old, 16 hands. English or western. Trailers, ties, clips. Easy keeper, no vices. Good ground manners, great on trails. Sweet natured, great for beginner or interm. $XX,XXX Call Annabelle at XXX-XXX-XXX

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Eric Wagner Training Center All Breeds & Disciplines Arroyo Grande, CA 805-748-3366 www.thewagnerranch.com

veterinarians The Equine Center Advanced diagnostics, hospital & ambulatory services, surgery, sports medicine, rehabilitaion. 4850 Davenport Creek Road San Luis Obispo, CA 805-541-6367 www.theequinecenter.com

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Equine enthusiast

Equine Enthusiast

spring 2013 | Published by News Media Corporation

TACK ★ CLOTHING ★ GIFTS ★ SUPPLIES For all your Horse Care Products & Needs Since 1985

Ariat Clothes & Boots GREAT SELECTION!

NOW LOCATED NEAR THE FAIRGROUNDS www.WhitehorseTack.com Open: Mon-Sat 10am-5:30pm

Published by News Media Corporation | spring 2013

24th Street

★

Black Oak Dr.

(805) 238-6001 2805 Black Oak Drive, Paso Robles

Spring St.

LOTS TO CHOOSE FROM!

Riverside Ave.

Large Selection of Breyer Model Horses

New & Used Saddles

FAIRGROUNDS

HWY 46W U.S.

101

Equine enthusiast

Equine Enthusiast

spring 2013 | Published by News Media Corporation