FEBRUARY 2018 × VOLUME 1 ISSUE 4
THROWBACK FEATURE:
THE GEORGE MORRIS CLINIC 2015 PG. 34 FEATURED RIDER
MACKENZIE WRAY PG. 12
DO YOU KNOW YOUR EQUESTRIAN CANADA RULES? PG. 16
WWW.HORSEWARE.COM | INSTORE | #RUGSFORLIFE
BUTET SADDLES CANADA ALAN LE LOUEDEC alan.lelouedec@butet.fr (1) 519 215 1474 www.butet.fr
EQUESTRIAN ONTARIO
CONTENTS FEB 2018
EO FEATURE 34 The George Morris Clinic 2015 EO FEATURED RIDER 12 Mackenzie Wray EO EVENTS 8 February/March 2018 EO ARTICLES 16 Do You Know Your Equine Canada Rules? 24 How Technological Advances are Changing the Way Saddles are Fitted Saddlefit4life 46 Winter Water Woes System Fencing 48 Winter Blues? Excercises to do from the ground with your horse Lindsay Partridge / Harmony Horsemanship 52 Working Equitation Jill Barron
22 Product Spotlight: MEGA-FLX+HA Spectra Equine 26 Custom Fake Tails Twisted Tails
28 A Little About Some of the Brands We Carry Noble Outfitters Canada 30 BIO BITE Great Lakes Agra 32 Renew Gold – Non GMO Equine Supplement Danamay Supplement Company 42 Who Are We? Schleese Saddlery Services LTD 52 Winter Laminitis & VetCur StoneHedge Farm Canada 56 Immune Pet & Equine H.A. Purica EO SERVICES 14 Sharpe Farm Supplies LTD 26 Horse Laser Therapy EO PUZZLES 58 Crossword
EO PRODUCTS 10 The Power of Seabuck 7 Professional Edge Equine
COVER Mackenzie Wray riding Castor at Caledon Equestrian Park
Photo credit to Ringside Media.
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“The horse, with beauty unsurpassed, strength immeasurable and grace unlike any other, still remains humble enough to carry a man upon his back.” - AMBER SENTI
CONTRIBUTORS
EDITOR
Samantha Fawcett
Jill Barron
SALES
Lindsey Partridge
Saddlefit4life®
Tyler Saik tyler@equestrianontario.com
PUBLISHER
Horseback Media Inc. Milton, Ontario, Canada
equestrianontario.com
Mackenzie Wray
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ALTHOUGH THE AUTHOR AND PUBLISHER HAVE MADE EVERY EFFORT TO ENSURE THAT THE INFORMATION IN THIS PUBLICATION WAS CORRECT AT PRESS TIME, THE AUTHOR AND PUBLISHER DO NOT ASSUME AND HEREBY DISCLAIM ANY LIABILITY TO ANY PARTY FOR ANY LOSS, DAMAGE, OR DISRUPTION CAUSED BY ERRORS OR OMISSIONS, WHETHER SUCH ERRORS OR OMISSIONS RESULT FROM NEGLIGENCE, ACCIDENT, OR ANY OTHER CAUSE.
“PLEEEASE CAN WE GO TO FLORIDA NEXT YEAR?” Considering a change of discipline for you and your horse? Check out Jill Barron’s article on the newest sport to North America; Working Equitation! Popular overseas in Europe, Working Equitation was developed as both a traditional and a practical approach to training horses. Combining Dressage, obstacle courses, and even cow handling – Working Equitation is open to all breeds and any tack you choose; English, Western, or otherwise! Read more on Page 54!
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR February can be a very dreary time of the year if you are not lucky enough to be able to travel south. The weather can’t seem to make up its mind on whether it wants to be freezing cold with lots of ice, or warm with lots of mud! If you’ve got the winter blues, you might want to check out Lindsay Partridge’s latest article on Page 48 that will provide you with some great ground exercises that you can do with your horse; without even having to remove your layers, or take your horse’s blanket off! (Which is a big win on frigid days!) 6 | EQUESTRIAN ONTARIO FEB ‘18
With show season fast approaching, it might be a good idea to take a read through your chosen discipline’s rulebook on cold, blustery days spent inside! Staying in the know on current rules is important for all competitors, owners, and especially trainers and coaches! Check out Page 16 for some of the rule changes for 2018 that may be of particular interest for Hunter/Jumper riders that show on the Trillium or ‘A’ Circuit! For more information on rule changes particular to other disciplines, check out the Equine Canada website at www.equestrian.ca! I hope you enjoy every article in this issue of Equestrian Ontario! Until next time, stay warm!
Samantha
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EVENT LISTINGS FEBRUARY
MARCH
SCHOOLING SHOWS FEB 17-18
TRILLIUM SHOWS
Snowflake Dressage Show @ RCRA
MAR 3-4
Joker Hill Trillium #1 @ RCRA (CE)
FEB 18
Hunter Schooling Show @ Meadowlark North
MAR 10-11
Joker Hill Trillium #2 @ RCRA (CE)
FEB 18
Jumper Schooling Show @ Iron Horse Performance
FEB 24
Mussenist Winter Dressage Series
CLINICS
CLINICS MAR 3
University of Guelph Equine Research Day
MAR 8
Horse Hoof Health Seminar @ Budson Farm & Feed Company
FEB 17
Cindy Ishoy Dressage Clinic @ Sprucehaven Farm
MAR 16-18
Rebecca Brown Hunter/Jumper Clinic @ Hillsview Stables
FEB 18
Hunter/Jumper/Equitation Clinic with Peter Gisborn @ Ancaster Fairgrounds
MAR 17-18
Eventing Prep Camp with Jennifer Pejic @ Sprucehaven Farm
FEB 24
Western Dressage Freestyle Workshop @ Symphony Stables
MARCH
MAR 24-25
MAR 31 - APR 1
Rider Clinic and Workshop with Biomechanics Clinician Carol Martineau @ Evamar Farms Equestrian Centre Jason Irwin Clinic @ Ancaster Fairgrounds
SCHOOLING SHOWS MAR 3
Schooling Show @ Cornerstone Equestrian Centre
MAR 4
Jumper Schooling Show @ Meadowlark North
MAR 4
Hunter 1 Schooling Show @ Iron Horse Performance
MAR 18
Hunter Schooling Show @ Meadowlark North
MAR 31
Mussenist Winter Dressage Series
8 | EQUESTRIAN ONTARIO FEB ‘18
APRIL APR 21-22
Featured Clinic: Isabell Werth @ RCRA, Presented by DMF Productions
APR 6-8
Featured Event: Can-AM All Breed Equine Expo
Proudly Canadian! 9 | EQUESTRIAN ONTARIO FEB ‘18
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EO FEATURED RIDER
EQUESTRIAN ONTARIO’S FEATURED RIDER
MACKENZIE WRAY
DATE OF BIRTH April 20th, 1999 HOMETOWN Loretto, ON BASED OUT OF Loretto, ON FAVOURITE INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE “You must do the things you think you cannot.” WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 5 YEARS? I see myself attending school for business as well as regularly jumping at the Grand Prix level.
Before I started riding with Erynn Ballard, I rode with Foxbury Farm where I learned the basics of horses and started showing. I rode there for five years and showed in the Large Ponies and Children’s Hunters. I started riding at Looking Back Farm in 2013. My first year there I showed in the Junior Hunters, Medals, and Derbies. It was my first time showing the full circuit and also my first time going to the Royal Winter Fair where I showed in the Junior Hunters and Jump Canada Medal. In 2014, we decided to buy an Equitation horse named Castor, aka Casper. Casper didn’t have much experience in the show ring and had never shown in any Equitation divisions. I was very happy with our results at the end of our first year together; we got good consistent ribbons throughout the whole season and finished Reserve 12 | EQUESTRIAN ONTARIO FEB ‘18
PHOTO CREDIT: RINGSIDE MEDIA
CASTOR AKA CASPER
BREED (PEDIGREE) Dutch Warmblood HEIGHT 17hh LOVES Jumping HATES Flower Boxes IF HE WERE IN HIGH SCHOOL, HE WOULD BE a very socially awkward nerd! Champion overall in the OHJA finals, and 5th in the Jump Canada National Medal Finals at the Royal. The next show season, we decided to make Casper my 1.20 jumper, and so I needed to find another Equitation horse. We purchased Contact, aka Conner, a 6 year old gelding that had previously shown with Erynn. That spring Casper made his jumper debut and Conner made him equitation debut. Both horses were winning constantly and at the Bromont horse show I jumped my first 1.30 with Casper in which at the time
was intimidating. Throughout the rest of the summer I gained more experience on how to ride more technical courses in both the jumper and equitation ring. Connor and I also showed in the hunter derbies in which we won the first one at Angelstone horse show. When the royal came around I had qualified for the 1.20s, jump Canada, Juniors and the CET finals. Connor and I won the Jump Canada which is a dream of every equitation rider, so it was huge for both him. 2017 was the first time I was able to compete for the winter circuit in wellington. It was a huge learning experience for me because we were moving up with Casper which I struggled with my body position and being to ahead of the motion before the jump. It was my first time showing in any of the US equitation classes. The equitation aspect of the winter helped me become more competitive and smarter in the way I rode, teaching me how to ride the specific track that works for your horse to complete the course correctly. The courses were also significantly more challenging as well as the competition was harder than I had ever shown against, but I was proud of the progress we had made by the end of circuit. When the summer season came Connor and I started the equitation with very high placings. In June I competed in my fist 1.40 class on Casper, and by the end of summer I had competed in my first grand prix. By the end of the season I was qualified for CET finals and the 1.40s at the royal horse show. I was away majority of the time leading up to the royal giving me little time to practice. I placed second in the 1.40 the first day on Casper. Although I was ecstatic
with my 1.40 results that was not the highlight of my royal, Conner and placed first in the flat gymnastic phase of the CET and second in the jumping phase the next day, this then allowed us to continue to the finals testing phase in first place. Our test performance kept us in the lead and I won we won the CET finals 2017. This was a huge victory for me seeing we had one two medal finals in the past two years at the Royal. It also proved that hard work pays off and that my riding had drastically improved and benefited I WOULD me over my HAVE NEVER three years of BEEN ABLE TO equitation. I was ACCOMPLISH incredibly lucky MY EQUITATION to be able to ride GOALS such an amazing WITHOUT HIM. and talented equitation horse whom I would have never been able to accomplish my equitation goals without him. The past 2017 season one of my most important seasons seeing as it was my last junior year as well as set me on the right track for the U25 classes and the chance to compete on the young rider’s team. This winter I will be showing on the WEF circuit with Casper with goals of jumping the U25s. I am extremely grateful for my parents who are my biggest role models who have supported me every step of the way making all my goals possible. Also, Erynn Ballard and Kaite Uloth and the team of Looking back for helping me reach my goals and grow as a rider, I would never be the rider I am today without then and I cannot thank them enough. I have been so fortunate to be able to ride at this level and cannot wait to see what the future brings!
EO ARTICLE
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Founded over 30 years ago, Sharpe Farm Supplies is family owned and operated by Bill & Marion Sharpe, and their three sons, Michael, Paul, and John. Offering a wide variety of products, such as livestock feed, seeds, fertilizer, shavings, pet supplies, and more - Sharpe Farm Supplies has it all! Sharpe’s has locations in Guelph, Fergus, Elmira, Moffat, Freelton, and Shelburne in order to best serve our customers’ needs in Waterloo, Wellington County, Dufferin County, Simcoe County, and parts of the Hamilton region. At Sharpe’s, a full range of products and services are supported by knowledgeable staff and competitive pricing. Along with their enthusiastic staff, they look forward to servicing the needs of the community. Sharpe Farm Supplies carries a complete line of Equine nutrition from well-known brands such as Purina, Masterfeeds, Brooks, and Tribute; as well as our own brand of mill mixes manufactured on-site at our feed mills in Moffat and Shelburne. As your Equine specialist, Sharpe’s also offers supplements, animal health care products, bedding, stable, and light tack supplies. Sharpe’s also carries a
wide assortment of wild birdseed and pet foods from premium brand names such as Purina Pro Plan, Horizon and Loyall. Together with Purina, they offer industry leading nutritional software programs, high quality feeds, and sound advice to help producers in the dairy, pork, and/or beef industries meet their full potential and improve their bottom line. From their Guelph Elevator location, Sharpe Farm Supplies can buy, sell, dry, store, and truck your crops. They offer bulk and bag fertilizer, crop protection products, and a leading lineup of seeds (NK and Pride) to provide full service shopping to local farmers. With a fleet of modern application equipment, your products will be applied in an accurate, efficient manner. Sharpe’s competitive advantage comes from surrounding themselves with EXPERTS in all areas. This enables them to provide their customers with access to a wealth of reliable knowledge, not only in Equestrian feed, but beef, dairy, backyard chickens, and even crop management. This knowledge base is what makes Sharpe Farm Supplies a sure bet for all of your needs! If you have any questions about Sharpe Farm Supplies, please do not hesitate to contact us at our head office in Guelph! @sharpefarmsupplies @sharpefarmsupplies
14 | EQUESTRIAN ONTARIO FEB ‘18
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EO ARTICLE
DO YOU KNOW YOUR EQUESTRIAN CANADA (EC) RULES? TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF COMMON GENERAL AND HUNTER/JUMPER RULES!
16 | EQUESTRIAN ONTARIO FEB ‘18
WORK YOUR WAY THROUGH THE BELOW QUESTIONS. YOU’LL FIND THE ANSWERS AT THE END OF THE ARTICLE, BUT NO PEAKING!
1. A running martingale is permissible for use in a hunter over fences class.
T
F
T
F
3. Adults are permitted to show (be judged) on large ponies in miscellaneous non-point classes not limited to juniors, and Adult Amateurs may ride large ponies in adult amateur classes where fences do not exceed 3’ (0.90 m).
T
F
4. A hunter under-saddle or hunter hack class must never be the first class of a division.
T
F
5. 100% of the jumps on course must be set at the class specified height and width.
T
F
T
F
T
F
T
F
2. Prize money and ribbons shall be awarded on a ratio of one (1) ribbon for every six (6) horses actually shown in a class whether the class is split or not with prize money in a descending ratio, with last place equal to or more than the entry fee.
6. Exceeding the time allowed in a jump-off will result in how many penalties? 7. In a hunter equitation class, the test may ask riders to dismount and mount. 8. In a Show Hack Class, horses are judged based on 55% performance, 20% quality, 15% conformation, and 10% on manners. 9. Under special circumstances, a steward or judge may give permission for a horse to trot or canter into the ring. 10. When calculating points for championships, how many points are awarded to 1st place?
EQUESTRIAN CANADA 2018 RULES UPDATE
In accordance with the Evergreen Rules Process, the Equestrian Canada rulebooks are updated annually; effective January 1st. Below are only some of the changes made to the EC Rulebooks for 2018 that will affect all EC Hunter/Jumper sanctioned shows and participants. To see the full changes made to any of the rulebooks, please visit Equestrian.ca. It is the responsibility of every competitor at an EC-sanctioned competition to know the rules and abide by them. Keep yourself informed and avoid unpleasant circumstances that could have easily been avoided by reading the rulebook at the beginning of each new season! Note: Changes are noted with additions underlined in red ink; deletions presented by red strikethrough text.
SECTION A – GENERAL REGULATIONS CHAPTER 8 – ENTRIES
ARTICLE A810 HORSES AND PONIES 3. In all classes, ponies under saddle shall may be ridden only by juniors or adults, except as noted in discipline/breed sport rules.
SECTION G – HUNTER, JUMPER, EQUITATION AND HACK CHAPTER 1 – GENERAL RULES FOR NATIONAL HUNTERS AND JUMPERS ARTICLE G105 STALLIONS 1. Junior “B” and “C” riders must not ride or handle stallions anywhere on the competition grounds. Junior “A” riders may ride manageable stallions in Jumper classes only. A stallion ridden by a Junior must be accompanied at all times by a competent adult/handler Person Responsible. 3.4. Stallions may not be ridden in Pony Jumpers. ARTICLE G114 COMMUNICATION AND VIDEO DEVICES 4. EARPHONES/Earbuds Earphones/Earbuds and/or other electronic communication devices are strictly prohibited in the competition arena, and such usage is penalized by elimination. The use of only one earphone/earbud is allowed while mounted everywhere within the grounds of the Event except the competition arena.
CHAPTER 3 – HUNTER CLASSIFICATION, CLASSES & DIVISIONS ARTICLE G316 HUNTER DERBY 1. A Hunter Derby is a high performance class which is a combination of a hunter classic and a handy hunter class. The course shall be a combination of natural obstacles – post and rail, pen, ditch, for example, and handy elements – trot jump, rollbacks, unique approaches, option jumps. As per G402.3, the horse must be able to knock down the top element of hunter fences. Derbies may consist of one or two rounds. 2. A Hunter Derby will be judged on performance, pace, style, handiness and brilliance. Bonus scores and handy performance scores may be awarded and must be published with the class criteria. If a specific score is awarded for a bonus option, the score must be given regardless of refusal, a knockdown, or poor jumping style provided the fence (or option) is taken. 3. Open numerical scoring is required. The base score is announced first, then the bonus scores, then the total score. The next horse in the order should not begin their course until the scores for the previous horse are announced. Suggestion for bonus scores: High and/or handy options may be awarded bonus scores in addition to the base score. Two points per high option taken to a maximum of ten. “Handy” option bonus to a maximum of ten points. A total of twenty points could be added to the hunter score. 4. Horses must be jogged for soundness either in hand or mounted. 5. A Derby may be offered at EC recognized horse shows to horses and/or ponies. Should ponies compete in a Derby for horses, no distance adjustments will be made. 6. A Hunter Derby must not be divided. 7. Competitions may specify horses must compete in another class or classes to be eligible to compete in a Derby. 8. The height of option jumps will not affect a horse’s competition status. (Exception to G304.4). Height of option jumps must be listed in the conditions of the class. Page 24 2018 Rules of Equestrian Canada, Section G 9. Derbies will count for provincial awards provided that juniors, amateurs and professionals do not compete together and that entries are not restricted by qualifying criteria. Points will be awarded to their respective divisions in mixed Derbies. (G204.8) CHAPTER 6 – JUMPER CLASSIFICATION AND DIVISIONS
ARTICLE G601 PONY JUMPERS 7. A pony entered in a pony jumper class may not be cross-entered into any jumper classes exceeding 1.00m 1.10m at the same competition. 7.8. Stallions may not be ridden in Pony Jumpers. FEB ‘18 EQUESTRIAN ONTARIO | 19
ARTICLE G607 CLASS SPECIFICATIONS OFFICIAL MAX. HEIGHT OF JUMPS FOR JUNIOR/ AMATEUR CLASSES
MAX SPREAD
CLASSES CONDUCTED AT THIS HEIGHT
0.90M
1.00M
PONY JUMPERS
1.0M
1.10M
PONY JUMPERS, JUNIOR, AMATEUR
1.10M
1.20M
JUNIOR, AMATEUR, NON PRO
1.20M
1.30M
JUNIOR, AMATEUR, NON PRO
1.30M
1.40M
JUNIOR, AMATEUR, NON PRO
1.40M
1.50M
JUNIOR, AMATEUR, NON PRO
CHAPTER 7 – CONDUCT OF JUMPER CLASSES
ARTICLE G706 ORDER OF GO 4. All horses ridden by a single rider must be ridden in the sequence that appears on the officially drawn jumping order in all rounds of a competition unless class specifications call for a new order for a second round and/or jump-off. If a rider with multiple horses competes out of the drawn sequence of their horses in any class with a drawn jumping order, the remaining out of sequence horses will be eliminated, unless the out of sequence rides are approved in advance by the jury. 5. Voluntary move up’s are permitted with the approval of the jury. CHAPTER 8 – FEI RULES
FEI ARTICLE 201 ARENA, SCHOOLING AREAS AND PRACTICE OBSTACLES
4.1. Ground lines may be placed directly underneath the first part of an obstacle or up to 1 m away on the take-off side. No ground lines may be used on the landing side of the obstacle. If there is a ground line on the take-off side of the obstacle, a ground line may be placed on the landing side of the obstacle at an equal distance up to a maximum of 1.00 m.
FEI ARTICLE 235 FAULTS
3. Disobediences, falls etc., occurring between the signal to start and the moment the Athlete/Horse combination crosses the starting line in the correct direction, are not penalized. However, in the event of a fall, the 45-seconds countdown will not be interrupted.
FEI ARTICLE 269 ACCUMULATOR COMPETITION 5. For the last obstacle of the course, an alternative obstacle may be provided, of which one element may be designated the Joker. The Joker must be more difficult than the alternative obstacle and carry double points. If the Joker is knocked down, these points must be deducted from the total points obtained so far by the Athlete. At the discretion of the Course Designer, two Jokers may be included instead of one as alternatives to the last obstacle jumped. In this case, the first Joker will carry 150% of the points of the last obstacle on the course; the second Joker must be more difficult than the first Joker and will carry 200% of the points of the last obstacle on
the course. The Athlete may jump one of the two Jokers as an alternative to the last obstacle. If the Joker is correctly jumped, the Athlete earns 150%, respectively 200%, of the points of the last obstacle on the course. If the Joker is knocked down (JRs Art. 217.1), 150%, respectively 200%, of the points of the last obstacle of the course must be deducted from the total points obtained so far by the Athlete. CHAPTER 10 – EQUITATION RULES ARTICLE G1003 DRESS 2. Jacket - conservative colour; Jodhpurs or breeches; shirt and tie, stocks or chokers must be worn; boots; black or brown smooth leather half chaps are permissible providing they match the boot colour. 5. Stirrup irons must not be affixed to the rider’s foot or boot in any manner. To facilitate the judge’s view of the rider’s foot position, black or coloured stirrups or stirrups with black or coloured branches are not permitted and, if used, will incur elimination. Only silver/grey or silver/grey safety stirrups with elastics of any colour are permitted. When showing in the Hunter/Jumper Seat Equitation, it is recommended that riders use traditional stainless steel stirrup irons that promote proper position of the foot in the iron as well as a correct leg position. It is further recommended that riders use stirrup irons that allow judges a clear and unobstructed view of the position of the foot in the stirrup. Judges may not eliminate a rider for using a particular style of stirrup iron. Safety stirrups are permitted. CHAPTER 11 – MEDAL CLASSES ARTICLE G1102 TACK AND EQUIPMENT 3. To facilitate the judge’s view of the rider’s foot position, black or coloured stirrups or stirrups with black or coloured branches are not permitted and, if used, will incur elimination. Only silver/grey of safety stirrups with elastics are permitted. When showing in the Hunter/Jumper Seat Equitation, it is recommended that riders use traditional stainless steel stirrup irons that promote proper position of the foot in the iron as well as a correct leg position. It is further recommended that riders use stirrup irons that allow judges a clear and unobstructed view of the position of the foot in the stirrup. Judges may not eliminate a rider for using a particular style of stirrup iron. Safety stirrups are permitted. ARTICLE G1107 CET MINI MEDAL CLASS SPECIFICATIONS The CET MINI MEDAL CLASS is to be held under the same rules and regulations as the CET Medal (see Article G1108) with the exception of the following: 1. Open to riders of all ages who are current EC Sport License holders for the level in which they are competing. A CET Medal membership is not required for the CET Mini Medal classes. In addition, in order for points to count toward a provincial final, athletes must be members of the provincial Hunter Jumper association tabulating points for that region. Athletes may compete in more than one provincial final provided all memberships are in place and they have points as per the CET Medal Regional Final Rules. TO SEE ALL CHANGES MADE TO THE 2018 EQUESTRIAN CANADA RULEBOOKS, PLEASE VISIT EQUESTRIAN.CA Answers: 1. True (Article G203.9) 2. True (Article G204) 3. True (Article G306.2) A pony shown in any judged class(es) by an adult may not be shown in judged classes by a junior at the same competition. 4. True (Article G401.3) 5. False 75% of the jumps must be set at specified height & width. (Article G607.1b) 6. One penalty for each second or commenced fraction of a second. (FEI Article 236 Table A) 7. True (Article G1009 TESTS) 8. True (Article G1302.3) 9. True (Article G104) 10. 7 points (Article G205.3; 2nd – 5, 3rd – 4, 4th – 3, 5th – 2, 6th -1)
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22 | EQUESTRIAN ONTARIO FEB ‘18
ADVANCED NUTRITION TO REDUCE MUSCLE SORENESS
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ago with Mega-Flx, and were able to achieve the benefit of selenium with a joint supplement in one product.” THE SORE MUSCLE & JOINT SOLUTION™
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EO ARTICLE
SADDLE FIT AND TECHNOLOGY
HOW TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES ARE CHANGING THE WAY SADDLES ARE FITTED
BY JOCHEN SCHLEESE, CMS, CSFT, CSE ©2018 SADDLEFIT 4 LIFE. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Many tools have been developed over the years to assist in the diagnosis of saddle fit, however, as ‘sexy’ as they are, they are just that – tools – providing information that exemplifies the situation at a given moment. Unless you have someone that actually knows what to do with this information to provide you a solution to your issue, it’s pretty much without value. Many people can tell you what’s visually wrong with your saddle but there are very few who can analyse the data to actually tell you why you are having the issue you are. Most saddle fitters will come out to take a look at your horse and measure his withers size and shape using a flexible wire curve. This is pretty much the minimum measurement you should expect during a saddle fitting session. This does not however, tell you much more about the horse’s three-dimensional back shape (size and length of the saddle support area) and really only works to determine whether you need a narrow, medium or wide tree in most saddle brands. Several of these tools can be subjectively manipulated so that in the wrong hands they become simply a marketing tool to show you exactly what the technician wants you to see. Thermography is one of these tools which can provide a very pretty picture filled with lots of colours, but 24 | EQUESTRIAN ONTARIO FEB ‘18
the interpretation is open to error unless you have someone welltrained in the use of the instrument. Computerized saddle pads to measure pressure points – integrating sensors in every square inch of the pad which are linked to a computer readout – are also not without fault, as pressure will change according to the gait and rider balance.
THE HORSESHAPE® LASER CAPTURES THE 3-DIMENSIONAL BACK SHAPE WITH A COMPUTER PRINTOUT THAT CAN BE COMPARED OVER TIME AS THE HORSE CHANGES – PHOTO USED WITH PERMISSION.
THE ARC DEVICE (OR “LOBSTER CLAW”) ALSO MEASURES THE ANGULATION ALL ALONG THE BACK.
One of the newest tools on the market is the HorseShape® laser which is truly an interesting piece of machinery, reading the three dimensional shape of the horse’s back within seconds and transmitting
this information back to the main computer for analysis. It is used best when a full custom saddle is being made to accommodate a particular horse’s back, but also allows the horse owner the option of getting a ‘cutout’ form of the shape which clearly allows comparisons of changing conformation over time. The Arc Device ™ is a manual measuring device, fitted to each individual horse’s back while the saddle fitter or saddle ergonomist records the angles. This is also used to ensure that a saddle is refitted properly to accommodate the horse’s back shape.
THE TOPOGRAPHER BY EQUI SCAN - ALSO USED TO MEASURE THE 3-D BACK SHAPE BUT SOMEWHAT AWKWARD IN ITS USAGE.
There are a couple of other devices available commercially (only in Europe at this point) to ascertain the shape of the horse’s back, but they are somewhat convoluted and unwieldy with several kinks to be worked out before they are acceptable for general use. The Topographer® by EquiScan consists of 11 individually moving sectioned arms which are laid across the horse’s back. Each individual number on each segment is recorded. Until this can be done automatically/electronically
it becomes prohibitive (time-wise) to do this – although the results are very good. Many more saddle manufacturers are starting to use this tool as it is one of the most comprehensively accurate on the market.
THE BVFR USES THIS STANDARDIZED BUT ALSO SOMEWHAT UNWIELDY DEVICE TO MEASURE THE HORSE’S TOPLINE.
There is a device approved by the Association of Saddlers and Harness Makers in Germany called the BVFR which determines the horse’s topline. But since this device always needs to be used in conjunction with another device to also determine the actual shape of the saddle support area, it too becomes a bit complicated to use accurately. For most saddle evaluations we do, we prefer the simple Sprenger Withers Gauge to determine withers shape and angle to ensure enough room at the pommel of the saddle, and a combination of the Arc Device...
THIS ARTICLE WAS PACKED WITH TOO MUCH GOOD INFORMATION FOR TWO PAGES, TO VIEW THE REST, VISIT
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EO PRODUCTS
A LITTLE ABOUT SOME OF THE BRANDS WE CARRY WITH NOBLE OUTFITTERS CANADA
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Products designed to make your ride safer, more convenient and affordable is Cashel’s manufacturing promise. Ride in comfort with the Dressage Cushion pad. It is engineered to provide outstanding back protection and shock absorbency. Feel the difference with the FeatherFlex™ Girth. Made from extra soft virgin neoprene, the jump & dressage girths are selflubricating, antimicrobial & antifungal. CashelCompany.com is your resource for quality equine products.
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EO PRODUCTS
RENEW GOLD® NON-GMO EQUINE SUPPLEMENT THE NEXT GENERATION OF HIGH PERFORMANCE EQUINE NUTRITION
Renew Gold™ is a supplement for all classes of horses. It is a unique formulation of energy dense, low starch, premium quality Non-GMO ingredients, and is designed to be fed at a low rate of ½ lbs to 1½ lbs daily. This uniquely efficient formulation is comprised of Stabilized Rice Bran, CoolStance® coconut meal, flax, and fermented yeast culture.
fiber. Using a base of food grade Stabilized Rice Bran, we fortify Renew Gold™ with CoolStance® coconut meal and Flax. Digestive efficiency is then enhanced with the addition of Fermented Yeast Culture. This offers horse owners the opportunity to utilize the well proven nutritional advantages of Stabilized Rice Bran in an even more effective, advanced formulation.
Renew Gold™ advances the concept of concentrated nutritional support for your horses feeding program with the use of three sources of natural vegetable oils, a unique profile of high quality protein, and healthy digestible
Stabilized Rice Bran provides usable energy from natural vegetable fat without behavioural issues often associated with high starch grain feeds. CoolStance® coconut meal is easily digested and promotes “cool energy”.
32 | EQUESTRIAN ONTARIO FEB ‘18
Flax is a natural source of vegetable fat and contributes anti-inflammatory Omega 3 fatty acids. The fermented yeast culture helps your horse maximize the nutrition naturally found in their hay or pasture. Our goal is to limit or eliminate the use of high starch based ingredients in the overall feeding program. This can help to bring the entire digestive system into proper balance.
SO WHY DOES RENEW GOLD™ WORK? Renew Gold™ truly is sound science that helps build sound horses. The unique combination of three protein and fat sources and other premium quality ingredients allows Renew Gold™ to provide concentrated nutritional support for horses of all classes. Renew Gold can improve the efficiency of your entire feeding program and is Calcium/ Phosphorus balanced so that it can be fed with any type of hay.
FEEDING INSTRUCTIONS
Less than one year of age
½ lb per day
One to three years of age
¾ lb per day
Mature Horse (low work load) Mature Horse (moderate to high work load) Senior Horse (fifteen years or older GUARANTEED ANALYSIS
Crude Protein Min 15% Crude Fat Min 15%
1 lb per day 1½ lb per day 1 lb per day
Selenium Max 0 .9 ppm Selenium Min 0 .66 ppm
Crude Fiber Max 22% Dietary Starch Max 10.6%
Zinc Min 22 ppm Omega 6 Min 3.7%
Calcium Max 1.9%
Omega 3 Min 0.8%
Calcium Min 1.6%
Lysine Min 0.25%
Phosphorus Min 1.3%
Methionine Min 0.14%
Copper Min 28 ppm INGREDIENTS
Heat Stabilized Rice Bran, Coconut Meal, Flax Seed Meal, Yeast Culture, Calcium Carbonate
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EO ARTICLE
IMPORTANT LESSONS FROM
George
October 9th-11th, 2015, Equestrian Ontario attended the George Morris Clinic presented by DMF Productions and held at Wesley Clover Parks. Here is a great throwback to our first published article! This year, DMF Productions is proud to present Dressage super star, Isabell Werth, who holds the record for the most Olympic medals won by any Equestrian athlete! April 21st&22nd at the Royal Canadian Riding Academy! Visit dmfpro.com/ isabellwerthclinic.html for more information and to purchase tickets! ON PREPARATION AND HORSEMANSHIP
1. On the first day, George spoke to each group in the beginning about proper stirrup length. He explained to riders how stirrup length is based upon the activity you are performing; short stirrups for crosscountry, long stirrups for flatting, short stirrups for racing, long stirrups for dressage. He told the riders that their stirrups for jumping should be 2 holes shorter 34 | EQUESTRIAN ONTARIO FEB ‘18
than their at length, “1 hole is not enough, 3 holes are overkill.” He cautioned riders to always keep their foot in the stirrup when adjusting the length for safety reasons. He also made note to several riders that using rubber hinged stirrups can compromise the support, and that stirrups should be heavy so they are easily retrieved. 2. The worst thing in the universe is drilling a horse. What cripples a horse is excessive fast riding, galloping and jumping. Coaches nowadays don’t teach people how to ride and train a horse - they teach people how to compete. George said that he doesn’t jump much, except with a horse who is a “chicken sh*t.” Good horsemen don’t jump a lot of jumps, and they don’t lunge much either as it is physically taxing on the horse. He said “if I have time to lunge for a half hour, then I have time to ride.” 3. Management and horse care comes before riding, and before selection. If you get a horse and put it in a bad stable, the horse is miserable. You need great vets and great blacksmiths too. Selection is an art itself – finding the best horse for the job in terms of “suitability”. There are important benefits to understanding dressage and how it relates to physical soundness, and mental soundness. The horse becomes more relaxed, more ride- able, and enjoys his/her work more.
COLLECTION Increased engagement, lightness of forehand & self carriage
COLLECTION Increased engagement, lightness of forehand & self carriage
STRAIGHTNESS Improved alignment & balance
SUPPLENESS Relaxation & Elasticity
IMPULSION Increased engergy & thrust
CONTACT Acceptance of the bit through acceptance of the aids
CONNECTION Acceptance of the bit through acceptance of the aids
RHYTHM Pace & tempo
RELAXATION Elasticity & Suppleness
STRAIGHTNESS Improved alignment and balance
RHYTHM Energy & Tempo
Impulsion Increased energy & thrust
THE GERMAN SCALE OF TRAINING
THE GEORGE MORRIS SCALE OF TRAINING
ON FLATWORK
1. Riding a horse is moment to moment, and very specific. Exercises are all designed to improve the basics – impulsion, straightness, rhythm, contact, suppleness, and collection. 2. Inside leg should always be the FIRST aid on your horse, followed closely by the outside rein. The outside leg is secondary. The horse should always be ridden leg to hand in order to maintain straightness. Bending a horse is simply riding the horse straight on a curve. The diagonal opposition of inside leg to outside rein creates balance, which leads to the ultimate goal of self-carriage. Resistances such as bucking, shying, bolting, spooking, etc. are caused by the horse not being ridden leg to hand. 3. The outside rein is the half halt rein, it regulates speed. The inside rein is for flexion - always look to give to the horse, especially with the inside rein.
4. If your horse is reluctant to go forward, make sure you are not behind the motion. Lean forward and out of the saddle to allow your horse the ability to use his/ her back, especially through tight turns. It isn’t just about getting higher out of the saddle, its leaning your upper body forward to be with the horse. The consequences of being behind the motion are getting left behind, catching the horse in the mouth, and coming down on his/her back. All which makes the horse reluctant to move forward. 5. He told riders to “sink - don’t sit” when going through a tight turn. In a short turn, you want the inside hind stepping under the horse, not skidding to the outside, as happened with one horse. Both hands should be slightly to the inside, and there should be little, if any, pull on the inside rein. 6. Work trot poles and canter poles to help teach rhythm. If the horse rushes, close your hands. If the horse hesitates, close your leg.
LONGITUDINAL SUPPLING
LATERAL SUPPLING (1 TRACK)
LATERAL SUPPLING (2 TRACKS)
LENGTHENING
SERPENTINES
HAUNCHES IN
COLLECTING
HALF TURNS
LEG YIELD/HALF PASS
UPWARD/DOWNWARD TRANSITIONS
CIRCLES
7. It is important to supple the horse both longitudinally and laterally. (See Above)
8. Transitions both upwards and downwards should always be uphill, like an airplane. When riding downwards transitions, ensure you remain active with your inside leg to make sure the horse does not fall to the forehand. He told riders to keep their leg on, and raise their hands to encourage the horse to “sit” in the downward transitions. 9. Changing direction is a good exercise for bending and suppling, it also helps to control the horse’s shoulder and maintain impulsion. Schooling a horse on shoulder-in helps to straighten the horse out by making them light to the inside leg, and gets them working inside leg to outside rein. ON JUMPING
1. Pace is the first factor of every jump. The line is the second factor, and distance is the third. Keep your pace in the short turns (balance and impulsion) – that is how you win classes. Once you get confident in a short turn – go forward to the jump. Don’t cut the corner when approaching a line you can’t rush the first fence. It’s always the first fence of a line that counts, get the first fence, and the rest takes care of itself. 2.
George loves to work trot fences, and told the riders to school
SHOULDER IN
this exercise with a slow tempo for best results. He used a false ground line to teach the horses to look at the top rail in order to promote carefulness. He warned riders to pay particular attention after a jump that they don’t sit down too quickly, or go against the horse as it will cause the horse to sit down on the fence too early in anticipation, and cause rails with the hind legs. 3. George told riders that they must practice different speeds when jumping, not just your comfort level. “Lengthening, shortening, and turning – what else is there in riding?” 4. It is important to use your eyes, and look up and ahead. This will help your aids work more automatically! Several of the exercises George had riders perform over the weekend reinforced keeping their eyes up and focused on where they were going next. At the end of the third day, George had riders jump over the liverpool remaining on a straight line, all while copying whatever he was doing at the other end. He would stick one arm out to the side then place it on his head, on his back, on his belly, and a combination of all of the above. He said to the riders, “If you learn a thing from me – eyes, if you learn nothing – eyes. Eyes give you timing.” As Gordon Wright said, “Most things on a horse start with eyes.” FEB ‘18 EQUESTRIAN ONTARIO | 36
5. When schooling or introducing a spooky jump, such as a liverpool, each individual horse will require a different aid of varying intensity. He had the first group of riders use an exercise in which they used their stick just behind their legs on approach to the liverpool, “This is how you educate a horse to a spooky jump” he told riders. For the second and third groups, George asked riders to decide whether their horse would need a cluck, kick, spur, or stick to jump over the liverpool, and to ride accordingly. He warned, “If the horse gets chicken, you have to over-ride to give him confidence – cluck, spur, stick!” 6. It is important to gymnasticize the horses by practicing adding and taking out strides. Note: You will not find “gymnasticize” in the dictionary, translated loosely, it means to supple AND strengthen the horse simultaneously, which can be very advantageous in Show Jumping!) George had riders practice lots of bending lines while both adding and taking out strides, he told them “These exercises help to educate the horse, and your riding to precision. To get a technique you have to exaggerate the technique, once you have it – you don’t need to exaggerate it.”
soften their hands at the base of the jump and keeping one hand on either side of the neck, to follow the horse’s mouth over the jump. He told riders “Even if you don’t use this, be able to do it.” 8. George used another exercise with the automatic release in order to promote a calm, forward, and straight ride through the gymnastic line. He had the riders keep their eyes on his hands while he stood at the end of the line, and had them widen their hand, based on which hand he opened, in order to keep the horse straight through the line using an opening rein. 9. George told the more advanced riders to set up situations where horses will get rubs on rails. When schooling over the liverpool, he told riders to give to their horse at the base of the jump to encourage a rub, this will make the horse more careful and encourage selfcarriage.
7. George had riders practice their automatic release technique in order to teach balance and a good forward hand. There are three places you give to the horse when jumping – coming out of the corner, when you see the spot, and on take-off. Riders were asked to One of the riders demonstrating an opening rein to maintain straightness
“George’s
STRAIGHT FROM MOUTH
We narrowed down the best quotes of the weekend for your entertainment! 1.
“Young people are very helpless nowadays!”
2. “I love dressage, but I keep it in its place. If I had a wife, I’d keep her in her place.” 3. “You have to control your eyes, it’s like driving. I’m a bad driver because I’m always looking down at my phone!” 4. “I don’t like wishy-washy, make a decision!” 5. “Dysfunctional, I’ve learned to love this word through teaching clinic after clinic.” 6. “How I get you sharper people, is to insult you!” 7.
“You’re a control freak, I’ll talk to your dog and he will vouch for me.” 8. “You do the stupidest things people, its worse when you think!” 9. “Go forward! Boy, you could just stop a freight train!”
10. “Thoroughbreds didn’t have physical scope, but they had heart and soul.” 11. “Wait means wait. It doesn’t mean tear their head off!” 12. “Spur his heart! My spur would be in his heart!” 13. “I get up every day and say I don’t know much about this sport.” 14. “It takes concentration, discipline, and willpower to get better.” 15. “I hope you’re as good as your expression says.” 16. “Don’t run by a horse, that’s very stupid.” 17. “It’s so hippity to ride in a full seat!” 18. “Ride like I ride for three days, then you can go back to your way!” 19. “They constantly invent new tack because you’re suckers!” 20. “Get out of the saddle - you’re what we call a butt grabber!” 21. “You choke the horse - let him go to that jump!” 22. “Your left stirrup is correct, your right one has a mind of its own it’s quite irritating!” 23. “She has terrible stirrup irons – but they’re cool!” FEB ‘18 EQUESTRIAN ONTARIO | 38
24. “C’mon! You’re folding like a tent!” 25. “I see happy, smiling faces – that does not make me confident!”
“
"THESE COACHES DON’T TEACH PEOPLE HOW TO RIDE AND TRAIN A HORSE — THEY TEACH PEOPLE HOW TO COMPETE.” 26. “Lengthening, shortening, and turning – what else is there in riding?”
33. “We forgive you because you’re blonde, we like blondes.” 34. “You’re young professionals, you don’t know much.” 35. “Lean forward when I teach you and let that poor horse use his back!” 36. “You don’t think, I think!” 37. “Geez, you people don’t ride too well.” 38. “Practice doesn’t make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect!” 39. “Stop – you’re a bird brain!” 40. “You have to practice precision, it doesn’t just happen!”
27. “Tact, not rough, tact!”
41. “The worst thing in the universe is drilling a horse.”
28. “You’re too heavy - you need to get on a fitness program.”
42. “You people are quite dysfunctional.”
29. “Calm, forward, straight.”
43. “People always say “he’s crazy, eccentric, anal,” – well, I did quite well. It worked for me.”
30. “If I see a happy mouth bit, I know the horse does not have a happy mouth, and does not accept the hand.” 31. “When I taught Ian, people went on about how they can’t see Ian do anything – that’s because the horse does the work.” 32. “This horse has one problem, I don’t own him!”
44. “She is excellent over fences, but her horse told me she has little interest in dressage.” 45. “I hate teaching. I like riding.” 46. “I’m not catering to your sloppy ways people!”
FEB ‘18 EQUESTRIAN ONTARIO | 39
OLYMPIC SCHOOLING SESSION WITH GEORGE MORRIS AND THE MILLAR FAMILY
On Saturday October 10th, Danny Forbes of DMF Production managed to coordinate George Morris, The Millar Family, and three Grand Prix level mounts in the indoor arena of Wesley Clover Parks - at one time for the featured Olympic Schooling Session. “Always bring a gun to a gun fight,” Ian joked at the beginning of the clinic after introducing the mounts, “If you’re going to do a lesson with George, you better have a good horse!” Ian rode Baranus, a 2003 Oldenburg gelding by Balou du Rouet. Jonathon brought Devos, a young gelding that is moving from the seven year old development classes into 1.40m. Ian took a moment to tell the auditors that Devos has an incredible 92% clear round record to date! Amy’s mount was an eight year old gelding named Furos, yet another impressive young mount that already has a Grand Prix win under his belt as a seven year old! The term good, doesn’t even scratch
the surface when describing the horses team Millar brought to school with Morris. In front of a packed arena, riders and fans were given the once in a lifetime opportunity to watch how the first family of Canadian Show Jumping handled a lesson with George himself. “Okay, we’re going to have a school.” George said as he instructed the Millar family to move up into the posting trot - which should always be the first trot in order to loosen up a horse’s back. The riders warmed up by working walk/trot transitions, and George reminded them to use their inside leg preceding the downward transition to prevent the horse from falling to the forehand, or behind the leg. At the beginning of the flatwork session, Ian’s mount had a tendency to walk laterally (pace) and George instructed him to correct the gait by keeping his hands up and legs on. He also suggested that Ian work Baranus using shoulder fore, because this exercise will help to break up resistance as the horse is worked from leg to hand. The change was immediate as Baranus began to accept Ian’s legs and hands and keep a consistent, even walk!
Ian and Baranus working on the flat.
Amy and Furos demonstrating a supple, and elastic contact with a forward seat and correct leg.
“Feel both sides (of the horse). One side is convex and one is hollow,” George said to them, “You will feel this in your hand and leg. The objective is to make the horse hollow on both sides.” He instructed the Millars to work their horses on serpentines with frequent changes of direction, an exercise he loves because the combination of bending and straightness creates a more supple horse. Before moving on to the next exercise, Morris was sure to commend the Millar’s on the impeccable turnout and condition of both horses and riders. Once the horses seemed to be supple and using their backs, George had the riders move on to the sitting trot while alternating between shoulder in and shoulder out every ten steps. “Shoulder in and shoulder fore is the combatant to every resistance,” George said as he spoke of how important it is to keep rhythm, straightness, and impulsion with the inside leg. After a couple laps of the arena, George told the Millars to give their horses a break from the collected work by straightening out into the posting trot. George then instructed the Millars to perform figure eights over two sets of diagonal trot poles. He increased
the difficulty of this relatively simple exercise by telling them to remain posting, and collect their mounts to a slow, active trot on the short side before coming across the diagonal over the trot poles. He used this exercise to reinforce the importance of impulsion, rhythm, and straightness, while ensuring the horse remains light to the aids with the ultimate goal of creating self-carriage. After working several walk/canter/ walk transitions to ensure the horses were light to the aids, George had the Millars work half turns and leg yield back to the rail while remaining in a counter canter. The counter canter helps to develop balance and collection, and George warned against teaching flying changes without counter canter. Once they had counter cantered several strides, George told the riders to ask for the flying change by using their inside leg to outside hand to keep the horse straight, and to work this exercise in both directions. Furthermore in the canter, he also asked the riders to make frequent changes of direction while practicing lengthening and shortening in order to get the horses listening, and light off the aids. “I think this horse would be interesting for me.” George said as he eyed up Jonathon’s mount. George riding Jonathon’s mount Devos.
IAN AND BARANUS; A CLASSICAL POSITION TO BE ENVIOUS OF! 42
Ian and Baranus.
To help Devos become lighter in the bridle, George worked several movements such as shoulder in, shoulder out, half pass, walk/canter transitions, and spiraling in and out on a circle. Always ensuring to use give and take, and ride leg to hand in order to elevate the front end and create an uphill feeling. Next, George set his sights on Ian’s mount, Baranus. Once he was in the saddle, he began to work on getting Baranus to accept the three points of contact – leg, hand, and seat, in order to break up the resistance that was causing him to walk laterally. “The horse must have respect, not fear of the legs. He must not run through the hand either, he must come under through the legs. Lightness – is legs.” George said as he skillfully piloted Baranus around the arena through many of the same series of movements he used with Devos. Before handing over Ian’s mount, George said to the audience, “People who are the best, are the best students. Ian is revered not only for results, but for his methods.” It is very clear to see the pride that George has over Ian’s success with horses. Ian thanked him, and replied, “George gets on a horse and evaluates it. When you ride a horse every day, you become involved, and now – I can clearly see what I need to work on.” Amy and Furos jumping the gymnastic line.
Ian and Baranus jumping through the gymnastic
Next, Morris schooled the Millars over various jumping exercises that incorporated lateral schooling through the use of turns, and bending lines. George advised the audience to take note of Ian’s light, soft jumping seat, saying, “It does my heart good.” He was adamant that riders should always finish a course by schooling the horse, and that they must be obsessed with the use of inside leg to outside rein for better control of the horse, especially while jumping. A gymnastic line was the last exercise of the session – three strides to a triple bar oxer, two strides to a vertical, and one stride to a square oxer. As Ian came down the gymnastic line for the last time, George cried out: “Now, people, I can retire. You can’t get better than this. Generation after generation, I like soft riding and definite riding. The horse likes this type of riding too.” George finished off the day by speaking to the audience about progressing as a rider, particularly to the level of Olympians like the Millar family. “First, you’re not too good. Then you get good. Then, in the stratosphere, there are people who are artists.”
EO PRODUCTS
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SCHLEESE SADDLERY SERVICE LTD • Over 150,000 saddle fit evaluations since 1986! • Numerous industry, manufacturing, export and business awards; profiled in Wall Street Journal, Discovery Channel, educational articles written for 35+ equestrian publications! • Largest North American manufacturer of English saddles, specializing in saddle fit to horse and rider – especially women! Author “9 Points of Saddle Fit” and “80 Point Diagnostic Saddle Fit Evaluation” • Provide education, on-site service, and saddle adjustments worldwide by Certified Saddle Fit Technicians and Saddle Ergonomists following Saddlefit4Life® philosophy. • 3 year apprenticeship program in saddlery and training through Saddlefit 4 Life® in Equine and Saddle Ergonomics. • Innovative saddle patents and patents pending. • Author of best-selling “Suffering in Silence: The Saddle Fit Link to Physical and Psychological Trauma in Horses” (Trafalgar 2013, 2015, 2017) and “The Silent Killer: Saddle Fit for Just a Moment in Time?” (WuWei 2012/ Kosmos 2016).
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WHAT MAKES US UNIQUE? Certified Master Saddler Jochen Schleese and our trained team of craftsmen and technicians share commitment to highest standards of quality and education to enable riders to make informed decisions. Popular speaker at veterinary schools, instructors’ associations, symposiums, and equine trade fairs. Saddlefit 4 Life® curriculum will soon be elective at Guelph’s Equine Sciences degree program. SADDLEFIT 4 LIFE® COMMITTED TO EDUCATION, PROVIDING ALL RIDERS CURRENT, ACCURATE INFORMATION IN: 9
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Fit is Everything. 45 | EQUESTRIAN ONTARIO FEB ‘18
EO ARTICLE
WINTER WATER WOES BY SYSTEM FENCEING
FREEZING WATER CAN EASILY BECOME ONE OF THE MOST CHALLENGING ISSUES YOU’LL EXPERIENCE AT YOUR FARM THIS WINTER. If you live in a cold climate and manage or work at a farm, you can relate to some of the frustration that comes with sub-zero temperatures. Ensuring your horses always have clean, fresh water is a number one priority. But, freezing water can easily become one of the most challenging issues you’ll experience at your farm this winter (if you haven’t experienced it already!). There’s nothing worse to wake up to than temperatures below -20°C and knowing that you’re 46 | EQUESTRIAN ONTARIO FEB ‘18
going to run into a host of problems that day. Barns get cold and horses need water; if you don’t have your water system set up correctly the first time, you’ll be waking up every morning below 0°C praying that nothing freezes. A typical water line must be below the frost line for your area. Check your local building codes for standard frost depth. When installing your water line you will need to be aware of a number of items: • Are you planning to have your water line run under a driveway or turnout path? If so, keep in mind that the frost line in those areas is going to run deeper into the ground; snow acts as an insulator and is often removed from these areas for practical reasons,
resulting in a deeper frost line. The solution for this is to simply run the water line deeper, or add Styrofoam insulation over the water lines in those areas to limit penetrating frost. Another alternative is to route the water line around these areas instead of going underneath them. •
Consider installing frost-free hydrants in areas where you need access to water. They are installed in the ground and water does not come up from below the frost line until the handle is pulled (or the paddle is pushed, as in the case of The Drinking Post Waterer).
If you already have your water line in place, there are a number of things you can do to keep your water from freezing: • Run a heat tracer line in the water line—a heat tracer is an electrical heating element that runs alongside the length of a pipe and can be purchased from your local hardware store. If your lines are constantly freezing it may be worth investing in an internal pipe freeze protection line, which can be inserted into an existing water line. •
Leave your hose or tap trickling into a bucket or drain in extremely cold weather. In order to do this you must have a good source of water, but that little bit of movement will help keep the water line from freezing.
• Add bales of straw on top of areas where you feel the frost is going too deep. The straw will act as an insulator and prevent the frost from reaching the water line (straw
is a better insulator than hay). CAUTION: DO NOT PLACE STRAW NEAR ELECTRICAL WIRES, PLUGS, AND/OR HEATERS. •
Be sure to invest in multiple shutoffs; this will give you the ability to turn off and drain water from lines that you know are a problem.
•
Make it easy to blow your lines out by putting an air fitting on your lines. This will allow you to use an air compressor to blow lines that are an issue in freezing temperatures.
Implementing one or many of these strategies will dramatically decrease your stress levels this winter. Remember that it’s much easier to carry water for a couple of days if the line freezes solid as opposed to throughout the entire winter. The less time you spend trying to thaw your pipes, the more time you’ll have to spend with your horses—or inside!
EO ARTICLE
WINTER BLUES? EXERCISES TO DO FROM THE GROUND WITH YOUR HORSE BY LINDSEY PARTRIDGE
2015 & 2016 Thoroughbred Makeover Champion of Trail, and 2016 Freestyle Champion. Toronto Star named “Canada’s Horse Whisperer”
In the winter I can find it hard to motivate myself to go out and train my horses. It’s a time of year when I tend to spruce up my ground training to make it easier to do so. Groundwork is easier to prepare for, my horse can keep their blanket on, and if you don’t have an indoor ring you can still do many of these things outdoors in the snow. Here are some exercises to try with your horse this winter so you can be super stars when spring comes.
GROUND TYING
This is an exercise to teach your horse to stand still and wait. It can be handy to have your horse know this, and also in some competitions you may be asked to do this. Before you start: Get excess energy out. It will be much easier if your horse is feeling calm and relaxed. Lead your horse around or practice other exercises until your horse seems to be in a frame of mind willing to stand. Your horse will learn best if it’s not a
fight, and instead something that they are willing to do.
important when you walk to your horse’s hip that your lead rope is not pulling your horse. It works easier if Safety first: Try this in an enclosed you keep one hand on your horse. If space with no hazards your horse can you can do this on both sides then get caught on if they leave. Also make you can try putting the rope on sure your horse is wearing a halter/ the ground and walking all the way rope that will break if they got caught around your horse (always rewarding on something. afterwards). Once this is really easy for your horse you can do this with Helpful hint: Use an object as a target. no object as a target, try going further Ask your horse to stand still with their away from your horse, and try moving nose pointed at an object. This can be at different speeds around your horse. a jump standard, fence, barrel, or gate. The object with be a marker for your horse to help them know where they are supposed to stand. You could also make a box out poles to give a visual barrier to your horse. The exercise: Ask your horse to Stay. Give your horse a cue that will ask them to ground tie. I tell my horses to ‘stay’ and then bring my hand up like a stop sign. If your horse leaves: calmly approach them and take them back to the target object. It may take several corrections, but be patient because they are learning. Reward: Wait a few seconds (if this is easy for your horse you may wait longer, up to a minute) and then reward your horse. I tell my horses ‘yes’ and then usually offer a treat if this is a behavior I am wanting to encourage. You can also give your horse scratches if they like that. I use a roughage cube so it is low in sugar and easy to feed. The next steps: If your horse understands the concept then advance by walking from your horse’s head to their hip, waiting a few seconds and then reward. It is
AUTO LINE UP
This exercise teaches your horse to line themselves up to the mounting block so they are in the perfect position for you to mount and wait patiently for you.
Before you start: Get excess energy out. Similar to when teaching ground tying, this exercise involves standing still a lot which means it will be easier to teach if the horse has been allowed to move around for a bit first. Different horses have different energy levels, so look for when your horse seems willing to stand still to teach this.
Safety first: Use a mounting block that your horse is able to safely walk a circle around (you can stay standing on the mounting block and your horse can walk around it). Helpful hint: It’s easiest to do this exercise by only holding the rein that is closest to you (don’t hold both reins), or using a halter and lead rope. The exercise: Go get onto your mounting block (do not position your horse first, just lead them over with you). Ask your horse to come parallel to you. They do not have to be in the perfect position, just generally near you and pointing the way you want. If they are confused, simply lead them forward (you stay on the mounting block). This means your horse may walk a full circle around the mounting block to get lined up. Reward: Once your horse is somewhat in the right spot, offer a reward. You can say ‘yes’ and then offer a treat or give your horse scratches if they like that. Then get off the mounting block and lead your horse around to all them to think and move for a minute
or so before coming back to the mounting block again. The next steps: Each time you try, you can start to get your horse into the more ideal position for you to mount. Eventually be particular so that your horse is lining exactly where you would want them to be for getting on. Reward each time. If your horse is being good with lining up at the block, then the next step is to mount your horse. But when you get on, remember to breathe first, rather than pick up stirrups and go. You can reward your horse after getting on and this will encourage them to line up really easily at the mounting block and wait for you. STRETCHES
These are great to do with horses to help them relax and become more supple and giving in their body. Before you start: You may want to teach your horse to ground tie so that they are more patient with these exercises.
Safety first: Be careful to stay within your horse’s limits, never forcing a stretch. If you have any concerns or are unsure about your horse’s limits consult your equine vet, massage therapist, or chiropractor. When asking your horse to lower their head, make sure you are at their side so that if they quickly raise their head you are out of the way. Helpful hint: It’s easiest to do some of these exercises using baby carrots that your horse can reach for. The exercise: You will ask your horse to do some different postures with their head/neck, as well with other parts of their body. Give the cue, and if your horse starts to move just ask them to stand still and try again. • Head Down: stand at the side of your horse and gently pull down on the halter to ask your horse to lower their head. As they lower their head release pressure on the halter, and then if you want them to go lower apply gentle pressure to ask for lower. Try to see if you can get their head all the way to the ground. Hold the position for a few seconds.
along the horse’s midline (near where the belly button is) to ask the horse to lift their back. Hold for a few seconds and then relax. • Bum Lift: rub firmly at the top of each hip joint to ask the horse to tuck their hindquarters and will flatten their back. Hold for a few seconds and then relax. Reward: In the beginning you can offer a reward after each stretch, but as you progress you might reward less because the stretches become easy for them. The next steps: You can repeat each stretch a few times and increase how long you ask your horse to hold each one. In the beginning you hold each stretch for a few seconds but after a month you may be able to hold them for 30 seconds. How long do you do each exercise? Only repeat each exercise until your horse seems to be understanding and relaxed about it. It is better to try this for a short amount of time (less than 10 minutes) with a little bit of progress than try something for an hour and both of you become frustrated.
• Bending: ask your horse to lower their head slightly and then bend to the side (you stand on the left and ask the horse to bend left, or stand on the right side to ask the horse to bend to the right). Check that your horse bends the same to each side.
Have fun and give it a try. If you are interested in more Harmony Horsemanship, visit harmonyhorsemanship.ca
• Tummy Tuck: run your fingers back and forth (from head to tail)
EQUESTRIANONTARIO.COM
EQUESTRIAN ONTARIO READERS FOR 2 BONUS EXERCISES “TOUCH IT” AND “BOOMERANG”, READ THE FULL ARTICLE ON OUR WEBSITE!
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WINTER LAMINITIS
BY: STONEHEDGE FARM CANADA
When talking about Laminitis, you might think of lush springtime pastures, fat ponies, or horses that got into the grain bin. However, every winter there are horses that are faced with hoof pain, for no apparent reason at all.
In short, the normal reaction of the horse’s body to decreased blood supply to the distal extremities and hooves during cold exposure may cause decreased blood supply to the hoof sufficient enough to cause pain.
It is necessary to rule out hoof pain related to very hard ground conditions, bruising, and abscesses. These horses will be much more comfortable in their stalls and walking on stall mats. The horse that has true wintertime laminitis will be more comfortable off the uneven ground. However, they will still remain lame. Lameness can appear suddenly and be very severe.
SOLUTIONS FOR WINTER LAMINITIS Protection from the cold is the first step in combating winter related hoof pain. The use of lined leg wraps or lined socks to keep the lower legs warm along with lined bell boots will help. Cut back on grains if not in exercise and provide warm water to encourage drinking which will help to flush any toxins from the body.
These horses often have a history or suspicion of insulin resistance or equine metabolic syndrome. Some may have a history of winter laminitis that strikes the same time every year and is resistant to all efforts at treatment - until one day in the early spring it suddenly goes away.
If your horse or pony is currently suffering from Winter Laminits, than VetCur’s DiVet and ReVet will provide the body with nutritional support as a 100% natural herbal feed supplement. DiVet supports the natural detoxing process of the body, providing support for the liver and kidneys, which aids in expelling toxins. ReVet aids in the support of blood circulation, while supplying nutrients to the hooves and laminae.
Horses who have had bouts of laminitis in the past often have damage to the vascular supply to their feet. Horses with Cushings/Metabolic issues may have the normal body response blocked due to changed levels of cortisol/insulin. When the weather turns cold, the body’s normal way of regulating the proper circulation in the hoof stops working, which deprives the hoof of sufficient circulation for dangerous periods of time.
LET THE HEALING BEGIN… STONEHEDGEFARMCANADA.CA 705-835-0620
EO ARTICLE
WORKING EQUITATION
A NEW COMPETITIVE SPORT WITH A TRADITIONAL APPROACH TO TRAINING! BY JILL BARRON
WHAT IS WORKING EQUITATION? When someone says “Equitation”, there are many different images that may come to your mind, usually of Hunter/ Jumper riders in a flat class or over fences. But there is a new Equitation class in town called Working Equitation (WE)! Working Equitation is an exciting new sport that officially became a competitive sport in 1996, with the first European championship being held in Italy that same year. 54 | EQUESTRIAN ONTARIO FEB ‘18
Working Equitation was developed with the goal of preparing horses for a working environment. It is a traditional, practical approach to training an equine partner. Although WE has long been an International competition, it is an emerging sport in the United States and is rapidly gaining popularity in Canada. Working Equitation is all inclusive; it is open to all breeds and tack, which makes it very unique. You don’t have to
abandon everything you know and start over. You can bring the horse, the tack, and the training you already have and simply add another layer of expertise. Competitor’s goals are focused on advancing their horse’s training, as well as their own horsemanship skills. The culture that has been created around the sport is one of comradery and support, making it enjoyable for riders to push their limits.
competitors are timed against the clock while work their way through an obstacle course. The fourth phase is The Cow Trail, where competitors test their cow handling skills; but this phase is only held during team competitions. Using precise horsemanship to display and test horse and rider’s harmony, maneuverability and cattle handling skills, Working Equitation is a true test of accuracy and precision.
Like dressage, there are different levels from Introductory (walk-trot) through Advanced. WE is a fourphased competition that begins with the Dressage Phase—a test of classic dressage skills and movements. The
WHO CAN TRAIN FOR WORKING EQUITATION? Simply put, anyone. A competent WE rider is always in balance with their horse, giving the impression of harmonious cooperation. By maintaining a correct position, with a commanding but relaxed presence, the rider is able to direct the horse with nearly invisible aids. The rider must enjoy a challenge and be open to trying different things. The horse must have a good mind and a willing attitude. He also must be balanced. At the higher levels he needs the ability to lighten the forehand and achieve true collection. The progressive levels make for a great program for horse and rider to advance their training and skills. Training for Working Equitation is a great way for an amateur rider to build a foundation of trust with their horse, and an excellent avenue for trained horses to stay challenged, focused, and sharp.
WORKING EQUITATION IS A TRUE TEST OF ACCURACY AND PRECISION
second phase is the Ease of Handling Phase; in which competitors must demonstrate their partnership by navigating an obstacle course. The third phase is the Speed Phase, where
THE DRESSAGE PHASE: The first portion of any Working Equitation competition is the Dressage Phase, a classic test of skills and movements. Riders and horses must perform a test with required elements appropriate for their specified level. FEB ‘18 EQUESTRIAN ONTARIO | 55
Riders will ride the same test until they have accumulated enough points or choose to move up a level. It is the
THE PERFECT CHECKLIST FOR TRAINING A WILLING, PRECISE EQUINE PARTNER perfect checklist for training a willing, precise equine partner. Movements in the dressage test coincide with the type and difficulty of movements required in the Ease of Handling and Speed trials at each level.
EASE OF HANDLING PHASE: This Phase is exactly what it sounds like: competitors are to navigate an obstacle course with grace, harmony, and accuracy. There are 19 traditional obstacles that may be used in any order to create a course, with the minimum number of obstacles used in lower levels being 11. This phase gives the horse a focus and the partnership between the horse and rider flourishes. Examples of obstacles you may encounter are a bridge, gate, side pass rail, circling drums, and weaving poles.
SPEED PHASE: The Speed Phase of the competition incorporates the obstacles of the Ease of Handling Phase, but now competitors are evaluated on how skillfully they can complete the course against the clock. This phase isn’t just about going fast, but about how precise a team can be while completing the course as quickly as possible without missing any steps. COW PHASE (ONLY HELD AT TEAM COMPETITIONS): The Cow Trail tests the ability of the horse and rider to work cattle individually and with teammates. The trial is performed with a team of 3 or 4 riders and is timed. The objective is for each rider to move an assigned cow from the herd and put it in a designated pen, and for the team to demonstrate teamwork by herding/containing cattle both efficiently and accurately. CREATING PURPOSE IN YOUR TRAINING PROGRAM I have found it to be the perfect avenue for creating purpose in training programs through a wide variety of disciplines. In order to be successful, there are skills you need to develop, and so your training goals become clear. The aim of this International sport is to preserve and perpetuate not only the type of Equitation in each country, but to also the various traditions, riding
attire, and tack that constitute part of the intrinsic cultural tradition of countries around the world. WHERE TO LEARN MORE WECan is a Federal Not-for-profit Corporation created with the purpose of promoting the sport of Working Equitation throughout Canada with a focus on classical horsemanship and the use of horses for ranch work and functionality. They hope to welcome the sport into Canada and respect the traditional values and rules that Working Equitation was founded on by the four pioneering countries: Italy, Portugal, Spain, and France. The vision is to see Canadians inspired to achieve personal excellence and embrace lifelong participation in the
sport of Working Equitation, with some even pursuing it on an International level. If this hasn’t peaked your interest to explore the Working Equitation options in your area, I don’t know what will! A National body, Working Equitation Canada, has been formed and here you will find more information on what is happening in your Province. If you are looking for purpose, progression, fun, and a group of likeminded people Working Equitation is for you! FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO FIND EVENTS NEAR YOU, VISIT WORKINGEQUITATIONCANADA.COM JOIN US ON FACEBOOK AT WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ WORKINGEQUITATIONCANADA.COM
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ACROSS 3. A common material used in modern saddle pads. 8. You should do this to your leather tack before you use it for the first time. 9. Vice in which a horse may stand on its hind legs. 10. Your horse is covered in it. (And your clothes, car, and home). 11. A ______ high horse stands taller behind than in front. 12. A type of mash you may give to your horse. 15. A jumping exercise that will help your horse’s form. 20. Farms typically have a lot of this. 22. Riding stick. 23. Coolers may be made out of this material. 25. Not an amateur. 27. Commonly used material for shoes. 29. When a horse can stand still without being tied up. 30. A group of horses. 31. The goal of jumper competitions; go _____.
DOWN 1. Severe abdominal pain that may be characterized by pawing and/or rolling. 2. May refer to a chain, rein, or problem with a horse’s hock. 3. May be standing or running. 4. Where some Canadians may be heading for the winter season. 5. Commonly used for braiding manes and tails. 6. A type of saddle that may be used for eventing. ____flap 7. You may do this to your horse’s coat during the winter months. 13. A spiked, revolving disk at the end of a spur. 14. Type of jumping competition; Six ____. 16. Hair on top of your horse’s neck. 17. An infection that commonly affects the frog. 18. A commonly used ingredient to fight thrush. 19. Coolers may be made out of this material. 21. May be found in high end joint supplements; Hyaluronic _____. 24. Typically used for mucking out stalls; ______barrow. 26. Type of dun (colour). 28. Flat exercise/shape that helps to strengthen the hind end; _____drop
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