ON THE HORSE - January/February 2017 by Equestrian Ontario

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 VOLUME 2 ISSUE 1

FREE

Feature

TONYA JOHNSTON PROBLEM SOLVING WITH SPORTS PSYCHOLOGY PG. 26 ON THE COVER FEATURED RIDER ENDURANCE ATHLETE SARAH CUTHBERTSON PG. 12

VACCINATION NOW HELPS MAINTAIN HEALTH LATER

KNOW THE HEALTH AND FINANCIAL COSTS OF EQUINE INFLUENZA VIRUS Talk to your veterinarian about your horse’s risk, and how to protect it with regular vaccination and good management.

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Brubacher’s Harness Supplies is nestled in the heart of horse and buggy country, just outside of Waterloo, Ontario. Carrying the best equipment for English and Western riders of all levels, including custom blankets, stall drapes, and several other fully custom cloth and leather items. We also carry equipment for farmers, drivers, and draft and pony shows; repair blankets, leather goods, and harness equipment; and provide blanket cleaning services. A lot of people don’t know that we also build and deliver custom horse shelters, run-in sheds, row-barns, hay feeders, and other wooden structures. We deliver anywhere, just give us a call to let us know what you need, and where you need it! All of our structures have a pressure treated base, thick pine boards, and metal corner plates.

Come and experience the Brubacher’s difference! Shop online 24/7 at www.BrubachersHarness.ca Quality, service and price! 519 - 669 -2064

FEATURED THIS ISSUE

CONTENTS 26 January/February 2017

OTH PRODUCTS 10 Enjoy Yums: The Healthy Treat For Your Horse! A Little Pet Vet 14

Say Goodbye To Mud Fever With Vetcur

Insurance For Trailering Horses 101: Business Vs. Commercial Use BFL Canada

Golden Horseshoe Products For Joint Health

Noble Outfitters™ Quality & Function

Recovery EQ and Osteochondrosis Purica

The Story, Philosophy, and Evolution Behind the Samshield Helmet

How Sea Buckthorn Berry Can Aid Your Horse’s Digestive Health Professional Edge Equine

OTH FEATURED RIDER 12 Sarah Cuthbertson

OTH EDUCATION 16 Turn Your Passion For Horses Into A Fulfilling Career Dreamwinds

PROBLEM SOLVING WITH SPORT PSYCHOLOGY

OTH features Tonya Johnston on how problem solving with sport psychology can Improve your riding!

OTH EQUINE 20 Ride N Tie: Two Riders. One Horse. An Amazing Challenge! Ashley Tomaszewski OTH RETAIL & SERVICES 22 February is Dental Health Month at Mckee-Pownall Equine Services 44

In Celebration Of 30 Years, System Fencing has Become an Equine Industry Leader

OTH VET & EQUINE HEALTH 34 Keeping Your Horse’s Joints Healthy: Part III of III Dr. Dieter Oberbichler 46

Fascia and the Equine Athlete: Form, Function, and Balance Julia Merritt

OTH RIDER HEALTH 38 Concussions and Equestrian Canada’s Return to Play Rule Samantha Fawcett

OTH DRESSAGE 50 What Makes a ‘Good’ Rider? Karen Rohlf OTH EQUINE HOROSCOPE 54 The Twelve Horse Personalities Samantha Marshall OTH PUZZLES 56 Crossword Samantha Fawcett

ON THE COVER

The January/February Featured Rider: Sarah Cuthbertson Photo by Richard Dunwoody

BUTET SADDLES CANADA ALAN LE LOUEDEC alan.lelouedec@butet.fr 203 940 3460 www.butet.fr

“

The Horse Knows... EDITOR Samantha Fawcett

He Knows if you know...

SALES Tyler Saik tyler@onthehorse.com / 289-270-0906 DESIGN Navy Blue Stripes Paper Co.

He also knows if you don’t know... - RAY HUNT

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.

CONTRIBUTORS Dr. Dieter Oberbichler Samantha Marshall Sarah Cuthbertson Julia Merrit Tonya Johnston Karen Rohlf Ashley Tomaszewski PUBLISHER Horseback Media Inc. Milton, Ontario, Canada www.onthehorse.com

NEVER MISS AN ISSUE! ONLINE TODAY. ONTHEHORSE.COM

ONTHEHORSEMAG

4 | ON THE HORSE JANUARY/FEBRUARY ‘17

ONTHEHORSEMAG

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EDITOR’S NOTE times that in training rides and leisure! She recently raced in Race the Wild Coast, which is a race along the eastern coast of South Africa totaling 350 km! Ever heard of Ride N Tie? 2016 Ontario Champion and Canadian FEI Endurance rider, Ashley Tomaszewski, wrote an educational article on this fun, new sport! Two people and one horse work together to run and ride in a leap frogging fashion until they cross the finish line! Take a look and see if this may be something new for you and your horse to try with a friend in 2017!

Samantha with her mount “Tucker.” Photo credited Ashley Harris Photography

anuary has been one of the gloomiest months on record for some parts of Ontario. Perhaps made even more so by the fact that many of us have been stuck riding indoors due to the crummy weather! I know that January and February always seem to stretch out the longest for me! But the sun is on the horizon - warmer weather and show season are fast approaching, and now, the most recent issue of ON THE HORSE is here! I figured that while many of us are cooped up indoors, it would be a great time to highlight the sport of Endurance riding from two Canadian Endurance riders! Our featured rider for the January/February issue, Sarah Cuthbertson, is a veteran Endurance competitor with over 2000kms to her name is competition, and 10 6 | ON THE HORSE JANUARY/FEBRUARY ‘17

The feature for this month’s issue is Problem Solving with Sport Psychology, by Tonya Johnston, MA. Tonya is an accomplished writer, having written columns for popular magazines and websites. She has also published her own book, Inside Your Ride: Mental Skills for Being Happy and Successful with Your Horse. Using sport psychology is a very advantageous way of working on improving your riding abilities while you are both off, and on the horse! I’ve saved the best news for last! Our brand new website has officially launched! Check out articles from past issues, ongoing updates, and future issues! We also have a brand new message board system for Ontario Equestrians to use for networking! Better yet, we are expanding to add another 10 pick-up locations in February! Like and follow our social media pages to find out where you can pick up your very own copy!

Samantha

EVENT CALENDAR Februrary 2017 4

• Winter Equine Photography Clinic @ Travis Hall Equestrian

4-5

• Chris Delia Clinic @ Ancaster Fairgrounds

• Problem Solving Clinic w/ Justin Hawkins @ West Meadow Stables

• Breeding Seminar with Merck Animal Health

• Reproduction Workshop @ Iron Horse Equine

• Jumper Schooling Show @ Iron Horse Equestrian

•Iron Horse Hunter 1 Schooling Show (Hunter Bowl) @ Iron Horse Equestrian

• How Horses Think and Learn Clinic w/ Lindsay Grice @ Dufferin Center for Continuing Education

• Dressage Schooling Show @ Mussennist Dressage

• AGM Stagg Newman Clinic @ Best Western Plus, Cobourg

• Winter Series Jumper Show @ Meadowlark North

Clinic w/ Lindsay Grice @ Dufferin Center for Continuing Education

• Dressage Schooling Show @ Sprucehaven Farm • NCCP/EC Competition Coach Equestrian Specific Training Workshop @ Ontario Equestrian Federation

• Winter Series Jumper Show @ Meadowlark North

• Iron Horse Hunter 2 Schooling Show @ Iron Horse Equestrian

• SOCTA Indoor Eventing Series @ Highland Green

• Esther Mortimer Clinic @ Effingham Stables

• Horse Health Clinic w/ Sharon McMaster @ Fire Fly Stables

• Winter Series Hunter Show @ Meadowlark North

• NCCP/EC Competition Coach Equestrian Specific Training Workshop @ Ontario Equestrian Federation

• How Horses Think and Learn

• Open Jumper Schooling Day @ MJM Equestrian Centre

EVENT CALENDAR March 2017 5

• Winter Series Hunter Show @ Meadowlark North

18-19

• NCCP/EC Equestrian Theory Workshop @ Ontario Equestrian Federation

• Winter Series Jumper Show @ Meadowlark North

• Hunter 1 Schooling Show @ Iron Horse Equestrian

6-24

• March Break Fitness Camp @ RCRA

• Daphne Haagmans Equitation/ Dressage Clinic @ KB Equestrian • Extreme Cowboy Clinic w/ Susan Caldwell @ Snapping Turtle Stables

• Hunter 2 Schooling Show @ Iron Horse Equestrian

12-13

• NCCP/EC Equestrian Theory Workshop @ Ontario Equestrian Federation

• Equine Back Issues Seminar @ Bahr Saddlery

• SOCTA Indoor Eventing Series @ Twisted Pine

]

• Jumper Schooling Show @ Iron Horse Equestrian • Through the Judges Eye with Elaine Potter @ WindReach Farm

• Dressage Schooling Show @ Mussennist Dressage

• Tillsonburg Tack Sale @ Brownsville Hall • Horsemanship and Liberty Trick Training w/Jenn Bruner @ Fire Fly Stables april

31-2

• Can Am All Breeds Expo @ Markham Fairgrounds

TO HAVE YOUR EVENT FEATURED ON OUR CALENDAR, PLEASE SEND AN E-MAIL TO EVENTS@ONTHEHORSE.COM.

OTH PRODUCTS

ENJOY YUMS

The Healthy Treat for Your Horse! Inspired, Developed, and Endorsed by Veterinarians!

Enjoy Yums are the perfect solution for finding a treat your horse will love AND that you can feel great about feeding every day! With the owner of A Little Pet Vet being a veterinarian, animal health is a top priority. Susie and her husband had a difficult time finding a treat that would be healthy and safe for all animals on their farm – and this is why they created Enjoy Yums treats! The Enjoy Yums Equine treats are safe and delicious for all animals including dogs, sheep, goats, rabbits, pigs, and other farm animals! Enjoy Yums are made with only six simple human grade ingredients such as oats, carrots, applesauce, or honey! There are no artificial dyes, flavoring, or scrap fillers. They are slow baked at a low temperature to preserve freshness, and contain NO preservatives or mold inhibitors. So when your horse hubby tries to gross you out by eating horse treats, he might just enjoy them!

Do you have a picky eater? Don’t worry, Enjoy Yums have been taste tested to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters! They are crisp and crunchy – the perfect treat to slip in your pocket for training and positive reinforcement! Choose one (or all) of three flavours: Apple, Carrot, or Mint! For horses with metabolic disorders such as Cushings or IR, be sure to check out the lower sugar flavours, Carrot and Mint, for an affordable low sugar alternative for your horse! Enjoy Yums are available in Canada at select retailers, with more locations coming soon. ORDER ONLINE WWW.ENJOYYUMS.COM Distributed in Canada by Canpro Horse Equipment Ltd. to find a dealer near you, visit www.canpro-horseequipment.com

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OTH FEATURED RIDER

Sarah with her team of 3 horses for Race the Wild Coast, Gerber, Ramkat, and Asad. Photo credit Ian Haggerty.

Sarah tacking up Ramkat at 4:15 am, being in the leading pack meant very early mornings! Photo credit Rockethorse Racing.

SARAH CUTHBERTSON January/February Featured Rider

DATE OF BIRTH May 30, 1986

HOMETOWN Georgetown, Ontario

BASED OUT OF

Sarah riding a Mongolian horse in the Mongol Derby whipping across the Steppe at about 35 kmh. Photo credit Richard Dunwoody.

Mansfield, Ontario

FAVOURITE INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE “Just try.”

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 5 YEARS? With 5 more bucket list completions added to my list.

has earned top awards on two teams in both 2013 and 2014.

arah is a Canadian Endurance rider with over 2000kms to her name in competition, and about ten times that in training rides and leisure. She is currently a FEI level 2* rider, eligible to ride FEI 3*. On home soil, in Southern Ontario, Sarah competes with her Arab x Trakehner, Cricklewood (known around the barn as Bentley). Together they have placed in the top ten of every 40km to 120km events they have entered, with notable achievements of earning the OCTRA Part-Arab award in 2013&2014, and winning the 1* division of the Pan-Am test event in 2014. Sarah also competes regularly in Ride N Tie events, and

Sarah is also an avid writer, and the main contributor and owner of EatSleepRideRepeat.com. It is her goal to promote competitive distance riding and help bring it to the mainstream media through stories, photos, videos, and most importantly adventures!

12 | ON THE HORSE JANUARY/FEBRUARY ‘17

In August of 2014, Sarah took on the Mongol Derby – also known as the World’s Longest Horse Race. Due to safety concerns with her equipment, Sarah chose to withdraw in one piece, with a positive attitude and plans to take another crack at it in a few years in hopes that luck would return to her side.

key, combined with good preparation, ingenuity, riding capability, and a serious sense of humour. In addition to the tough terrain and weather, she was limited to 5kg of gear to carry with her – just enough for a sleeping bag, pain meds, a few snacks, and her emergency tracker. Sarah and Gerber crossing a waterfall during Race the Wild Coast. Photo credit Rockethorse Racing.

In July of 2015, she reunited with Mongol Derby veterans to herd horses in Iceland, riding for 6 days totaling 250km. In October of 2016, Sarah accomplished her “wildest” dreams at Race the Wild Coast, a 350km adventure race along the eastern coast of South Africa. Riding in the leading pack the entire time, Sarah is most proud of her horse management – allowing her first out of the vet check almost every time. In a 500m dash at the end of the race, she placed 3rd, only seconds behind 1st and 2nd place. She will be in a documentary about the race due out in February 2017.

Despite some extreme chafing - Sarah had the best time of her life! She strongly recommends the trip to anyone looking to shake Sarah and Bentley riding up their routine through Coates Creek. and experience the beauty of the Wild Coast, and making it a race helps to push your limits and test your skills of managing horses and navigating yourself without the help of a guide. The satisfaction of completing a big race in a foreign land is immeasurable!

The race itself was punishing. She rode 3 different horses – 2 native Boerpoerd horses (Gerber and Ramkat) and 1 Arabian (Asad) over 4 days. The terrain was unimaginably beautiful but also tough – pristine beaches, steep mountain climbs and descents, swimming horses across rivers up to 50m wide, and thick, thorny forests that would leave your clothes and body in shreds and bloody. Physical and mental strength were

Next up, Sarah hopes to prepare Bentley to take on the Shore to Shore challenge in Michigan – 5 days, 80km per day on a single horse. The skills she learned in South Africa will certainly help her get through, but to do this on a single horse is no easy feat! She also hopes to continue to inspire people (young women in particular) to set their sights high and take a stab at their dreams.

CRICKLEWOOD (CPAR) aka bentley BIRTHDATE July 19, 2008

“Rockefeller Skank” (I kid you not)

PEDIGREE Trakehner x Arab

HATES Dressage – the necessary evil

(Deacon x Madelaina)

IF HE/SHE WERE IN HIGH SCHOOL,

HEIGHT 16.2hh

HE/SHE WOULD BE Probably in the

LOVES Kicking into 5th gear on the

smoking pit, haggling passing

trail, bushwhacking, Fatboy Slim’s

by cars.

OTH PRODUCTS

SAY GOODBYE TO MUD FEVER with VetCur

his time of year it is a constant battle with the mud and our horses are at risk of getting mud fever. Mud fever is not a single disease but can come in different forms. It occurs especially in warm, wet weather, and is certainly not limited to horses that are paddling knee deep in mud! Mud fever can range from a mild skin irritation to very painful infected sores, and can in some cases cause significant swelling with severe lameness. Bacterium lives in soil as spores, and can survive from year to year. These spores become activated by wet weather, and this is why we see the disease when the ground is wet. This bacterium cannot invade healthy skin. During the winter the snow and wet weather soften the skin, which causes the skin in this area to chap, setting us up for Spring when the bacteria is activated and can enter. Any small cut or would can break the skin and allow the bacteria to invade. For this reason muddy conditions are not always necessary for mud fever to occur! The treatment of mud fever begins with thorough daily washing of the affected areas with an antibacterial shampoo and warm water to remove the crusts and pus that harbours the infection. The leg must then be DRIED thoroughly with a clean towel. It is important to dispose of the scabs properly as they can remain infectious for up to 42 months! It may become necessary to stable those who are affected badly, to prevent the skin from any further wetting or exposure to mud until the skin surface is healed. To keep the infection under control it is imperative to keep on protecting the area until the new skin and hair has formed by using Cur1 both morning and night. Continue until the area is completely healed and if necessary support with medical treatment. Once a horse has suffered with mud fever it is not unusual for them to have repeated attacks. The chronic injury of skin weakens the immune system and natural microorganisms are able to invade the tissue. To strengthen the horse’s immune system, it would be a beneficial preventative to supplement the feed with a combination of VetCur’s DiVet and ImVet starting in January to prepare for spring!

CONTACT US TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW VETCUR CAN HELP YOUR BEST FRIEND, AND LET THE HEALING BEGIN…. VETCUR.CA | 705 835 0620 14 | ON THE HORSE JANUARY/FEBRUARY ‘17

OTH EDUCATION

TURN YOUR PASSION FOR HORSES INTO A FULFILLING CAREER Do you dream of a career working with your horses? Imagine a career that allows you to work with your horses to help other people. 15 year career as a corporate marketing executive to realize her own dream of a career with horses. Dreamwinds is a successful and multiaward winning EAL business today and is the only satellite EAL Centre licensed to deliver the Cartier Farms Certification. Business training and post graduate support is what sets the Dreamwinds Program apart. 5-day Course Overview • EAL Fundamentals plus Marketing 101 • The proven Cartier EAL Curriculum • CD with program materials, marketing content, handouts • Hands on experience with clients Equine Assisted Learning - the practice of using horses as guides to teach life skills — is a growing area of opportunity for horse lovers. It is an exciting field with a wide variety of applications such as youth development, special needs programs, PTSD support, leadership development, and psychotherapy. Now imagine a program that provides you with the education, experience, and tools you need to get started right away. It exists! Dreamwinds Equine Assisted Learning Centre in Bradford, Ontario offers the Cartier Farms EAL Certification Program, providing those who dream of a career with horses, or who seek to expand their current equestrian program, a proven and respected choice for certification. Tracey Evans, owner of Dreamwinds, was certified in 2012 which enabled her to leave her 16 | ON THE HORSE JANUARY/FEBRUARY ‘17

Post-Graduate Support • 90 minutes of 1/1 business coaching • Ongoing apprenticeship opportunities • Exclusive access to the EAL Alumni Community • Access to Dreamwinds EAL Business Accelerator Program & continuing education opportunities As a graduate of the Dreamwinds EAL Certification Program you will have the skills, tools and confidence to deliver life changing programs, provide a life-long career for your equine partners, create a new high margin revenue stream, and most importantly, create the life of your dreams! To find out how you can pursue this exciting career, visit www.dreamwinds.ca/eal-certification

OTH PRODUCTS

INSURANCE FOR TRAILERING HORSES 101 Business vs. Commercial Use BFL CANADA In the equine industry it is very common for individuals and equine facilities to ship non-owned horses, often clients’ horses to local events. How do you ensure that you are adequately covered for such occasions? If you are shipping a friend’s horse and are not being compensated - a personal auto insurance policy should be sufficient. Although it is recommended that you confirm this with your broker, as many companies are not able to insure horse trailers at all. If you are shipping horses for compensation, it is important to ensure that your vehicles are covered under a commercial policy. Rating a vehicle for “commercial use” can sometimes be more expensive than “occasional business use.” Unless the vehicle is farm plated, then rating the vehicle for “commercial use” may in fact be cheaper! “Business use” means using the vehicle to transport oneself in order to conduct one’s own business, outside of commuting from home to work and back again. Examples of “business use” for an equestrian coach might include: driving to other locations for freelance coaching, clinics, judging horse shows, etc. “Commercial use” means using the vehicle to perform a service for others. The most common example of “commercial use” would be transporting horses owned by others, including students and boarders. It is important that your insurance company understands what you do with your vehicle so it can be rated properly and there will be no issues in the event of a claim. In order to be certain that you are protected, confirm with your broker in writing the activities you perform with your vehicles and request that they confirm back to you that your policy protects you for these activities. If you are not sure you have the right protection, or if your rates go up as a result, shop around. Finally, if you use your horse trailer to ship other people’s horses for compensation, either as a common carrier or to ship your boarders / students, be sure to purchase Stableman’s Liability insurance that protects you for your legal liability for the care, custody and control of nonowned horses. Be sure that the limit you purchase is sufficient for your exposure. Determining the appropriate limit is something that a broker specialized in equine insurance can assist you with. Make sure the broker you choose understands the unique needs of the equine industry! 18 | ON THE HORSE JANUARY/FEBRUARY ‘17

WE INSURE MORE THAN JUST HORSES! BFL CANADA offers outstanding products for: • Farms • Coaches • Clubs • Competitions • Farriers • Grooms • Horse trailers

 Follow our Facebook page at BFL CANADA Equine equine@bflcanada.ca | 1 800 668-5901

 bflcanada.ca

BFL CANADA is a registered trade-mark of First Lion Holdings Inc. used under license by its subsidiaries, which include BFL CANADA Risk and Insurance Inc., Financial Services Firm, BFL CANADA Risk and Insurance Services Inc., BFL CANADA Insurance Services Inc. and BFL CANADA Consulting Services Inc.

OTH EQUINE

TWO RIDERS. ONE HORSE. AN AMAZING CHALLENGE. ASHLEY TOMASZEWSKI

So you’ve done the fun runs and the mud runs but you’re looking for something new to try? If you like running and riding, ride n tie may be the sport for you.

20 | ON THE HORSE JANUARY/FEBRUARY ‘17

WHAT IS RIDE N TIE? In ride n tie, teams are made up of two humans and one horse. One person starts off running and the other starts off riding. The horse and rider pair take off ahead, leaving the runner to catch up on foot. Down the trail, the rider will dismount and tie the horse to a tree and then take off running. The initial runner will catch up to the tied horse, untie, mount up and continue on riding. This leapfrogging continues on until all three members cross the finish line. Veterinary checks also occur at the beginning, throughout, and at the end of the race to ensure the horse is fit enough to continue and not being ridden too hard.

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO COMPETE IN RIDE N TIE? Aside from a horse and your regular riding equipment, not much else is needed to compete in ride n tie. You will need running apparel, a helmet, and a hydration pack or water bottle. Many people opt to use fleece covers on their saddles and caged or safety stirrups so that they can ride in shorts and running shoes. WHO CAN COMPETE IN RIDE N TIE? The wonderful thing about ride n tie is that just about anyone can do it! Teams are made up of everyone from kids on ponies with their parents to serious runners and riders. You don’t even have to be the best rider. Some riders partner with marathon runners and only run the minimum distance they need to. You tailor your strategy to your team members’ strengths. Any horse can participate in this sport as well. From ponies to Arabians, to drafts and stock horses, you will see just about every breed out on trail at a ride n tie event. As long as the horse is fit and is comfortable standing tied while other horses and runners pass him, then he will be a great fit. WHY PARTICIPATE IN RIDE N TIE? Whether you want to just spend time out on the trail enjoying a new sport or competing for that first place ribbon, there is a spot in ride n tie for you. Experienced endurance rider Solstice Pecile got her start in distance riding from first participating in ride n tie. “When I first started, my dad and I did it so it was a way for us to do something together. But usually the competition is for my horse. I like how ride n tie makes you really work as a team and the better you work together the better you’ll do.”

took home the 2016 Ontario Provincial Ride n Tie Championship with his sister Ashley, even though he does not ride. “From a running perspective, ride n ties activate numerous stability muscles that I wouldn’t normally get to use on a smooth road, while being completely invested in my surroundings at all times,” Tomaszewski says. “It becomes quite the satisfying workout! A level rarely obtainable with normal long distance running.” WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT RIDE N TIE? You can visit the Eat Sleep Ride Repeat blog at www.eatsleepriderepeat.com to hear firsthand accounts of ride n tie races as well as some helmet camera footage. You can also visit the Ontario Competitive Trail Riding Association website at www.octra.on.ca where you can find a list of upcoming ride n tie events in Ontario. Ashley Tomaszewski is a Canadian FEI endurance rider who is up to try anything once! Taking up endurance in 2014, the pair have over 700km in competition, winning awards every year and won the 2016 Ontario Championship in the sport of ride n tie with Ashley’s younger brother Alex. Ashley loves sharing her adventures with others and exposing new people to distance riding by contributing to the Eat Sleep Ride

Multiple marathon runner Alex Tomaszewski

Repeat blog. JANUARY/FEBRUARY ‘17 ON THE HORSE | 21

OTH SERVICES

FEBRUARY IS DENTAL HEALTH MONTH AT

McKee-Pownall EQUINE SERVICES

ook your horses to have their teeth floated by the veterinarians at McKee-Pownall Equine Services in February and the call fee will be waived!

Regular dental care is an important part of keeping horses happy, healthy, and pain-free. McKee-Pownall wants to encourage every horse to have a thorough oral exam and dental float as part of their preventative health program. Horses can suffer from many dental disorders that can affect feed utilization, performance, and general well-being. An annual dental will help ensure optimal dental performance. The veterinarians at McKee-Pownall have a special interest in dentistry and actively pursue continuing education in this area! Having routine dentistry performed on your horse is one aspect of your horse’s preventative health care. McKee-Pownall has developed annual prepaid wellness programs specifically designed to provide you with peace of mind knowing that all of your horse’s wellness needs are taken care of. For more information on the Preventative Health Care Plans, contact the office nearest you.

Call the McKee-Pownall office to book your horse’s February dentistry appointment today! Campbellville 866-856-3260 | Newmarket 855-898-0370 **APPOINTMENTS MUST BE WITHIN REGULAR SERVICE AREAS** 22 | ON THE HORSE JANUARY/FEBRUARY ‘17

Equine Services Equine Veterinarians

Serving You & Your Equine Partner • 24/7 Emergency Care • Farm Visits • Lameness Exams • Pre-Purchase Exams • Dentistry • MRI • Acupuncture and Veterinary Spinal Manipulative Therapy Campbellville/Caledon (866) 856-3260 Newmarket (855) 898-0370

info@mpequine.com • www.mpequine.com

OTH PRODUCTS

Golden Horseshoe Products for Joint Health UNI FLEX GLUCOSAMINE HCL Uni Flex is a pure Glucosamine supplement that helps to promote joint health and mobility. Glucosamine is believed to keep joints and cartilage lubricated, and also stimulates gylcosaminoglycans (the substance necessary for the formation of joint tissue). This is important because as a horse ages, or is subjected to work and exercise, it may not produce a sufficient amount of glucosamine naturally. This results in cartilage that has a diminished ability to absorb shock to the joints. DIRECTIONS FOR USE (HORSES) 25 - 50g daily as required (1 scoop is approximately 30 grams). Available in 1KG and 4KG.

TRIPLE FLEX ABILITY Triple Flex contains Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and MSM. Chondroitin sulphate is a major part of cartilage, and works to enhance glucosamine and may support bones as they heal. The most recent research is showing superior results for combinations of glucosamine and Chondroitin. MSM is both anti-inflammatory and necessary for the correct synthesis of amino acids, vitamins, and Chondroitin sulphates. These ingredients are often used for support of horses facing the strains of aging, training, and competition by providing support for connective tissue and natural lubricant. DIRECTIONS FOR USE (HORSES) Give 25g daily (1 scoop is approximately 25 grams). Available in 1.5KG and 4KG.

B COMFORTABLE SOLUTION A supplemental source of Vitamin B12, Boswelia, Yucca, and Devil’s Claw in a water based solution. B Comfortable Solution contains anti-inflammatory herbs that are gentle on the stomach, and may help ease aches and discomfort in the horse’s body caused by Training and Competition. DIRECTIONS FOR USE (HORSES) Feed 30 mL daily for a 500kg horse. Increase or decrease dosage according to weight of horse. Available in 1L and 4L.

Golden Horseshoe Animal Health products are distributed exclusively by Wecan Sales of Beamsville, ON. We offer a wide range of quality Canadian made Equine/Animal Health products available throughout Canada. You can feel confident knowing that all products are manufactured in a Health Canada, GMP Approved facility! Golden Horseshoe products are available in a Feed Supply or Tack Store near you! For more information on products visit www.goldenhorseshoeproducts.com 24 | ON THE HORSE JANUARY/FEBRUARY ‘17

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A long lasting, non-oily residual insecticide and repellent that contains 0.10% pyrethin, 1.0% piperonyl butoxide and 0.5% permethrin. Features the natural properties of citronella, aloe vera and lanolin oil. Kills multiple species for 3 to 5 days.

A long lasting, water based fly spray that contains 0.10% pyrethin, 1.0% piperonyl butoxide and 0.10% permethrin and the added fragrance of citronella. Repels and controls multiple species for 3 to 5 days.

A water based fly spray with the added fragrance of citronella. Contains 0.10% pyrethrin and 1.0% Piperonyl Butoxide. Repels and controls mosquitoes, biting midges, black flies, stable flies, hornflies, table flies, horse flies and face flies.

A broad spectrum fly spray that contains 0.05% pyrethin, 0.5% piperonyl butoxide and 0.10% permethrin with the citronella fragrance. Kills and repels multiple species.

Proudly For more information, Canadian! visit: WWW.GOLDENHORSESHOEPRODUCTS.COM or contact Wecan Sales at 3768 Mountain St., Beamsville, ON L0R 1B2 Phone: (905) 563.0808

OTH FEATURE

Photo credit Alden Corrigan.

PROBLEM SOLVING

WITH SPORT PSYCHOLOGY BY TONYA JOHNSTON, MA

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ou may turn to the field of sport psychology to help you with your riding for many different reasons. You may look for support while striving for excellence or achieving your goals. You might want assistance moving up to a new division or while building a partnership with your new horse. There are also times when you need mental skills to help you through a problem or truly difficult time. Is it correct that sport psychology can help you accomplish all of the above? Yes!

In this article we are going to focus on how you can use sport psychology tools to help you solve some common riding problems. From here on these ‘problems’ will be referred to as ‘challenges’. You see, a ‘problem’ is static and unchangeable; a ‘challenge’ contains an implied solution. In riding, you and your horse are a team. When you are facing challenges as a team, the reasons can be multi-faceted. Adopting a solution-oriented approach where you explore a variety of ideas to help you overcome your challenges is ideal. For example, it goes without saying that you and your horse’s mental and physical health, strength, training, etc. need to be addressed, as solutions often exist within those areas. We are now going to focus on the mental strengths and tools you can utilize to work through a few of these (often) multi-layered issues. CHALLENGE: RIDER (AND THEREFORE HORSE) EXTREMELY NERVOUS/TENSE/FEARFUL AT SHOWS Everything was going so well at home, but when you got to the show on Thursday and got on to school your horse, the wheels came off the wagon. Why? Well, there may be many reasons, but for now we will simply accept this somewhat unpleasant state of affairs and examine some mental skills solutions. 1.

Dress Rehearsal: When you observe a drastic difference between your performances at home and at an event, then you know that the show environment is creating a fight-orflight response in your nervous system. Preventative medicine can be best for this challenge. In order to normalize the experience it is helpful to run through the show scenario as thoroughly as possible at home. Not only can it be helpful to actually wear your show clothes, but doing things like warming-up in one area, and then riding a course or test in another ring can make a big difference. This will make the horse show process more familiar and natural for you, enabling you to focus on the process of being effective once you get to the show.

Manage Your Energy: Be sure to have tools in mind that you can use to adjust (and lower) your energy level. It is helpful to use things like breathing techniques that can help you put your mind and body in sync and help you feel like you are in control of the situation. You may also use: music; scanning your body for tension, then shaking and releasing the muscle groups that feel tight; keep your physical energy even by eating small amounts often throughout the day; and taking time to sit down, rest and relax away from the barn or ring to gather yourself in a peaceful setting.

“The problem is not that there are problems. The problem is expecting otherwise and thinking that having problems is a problem.” - Theodore Rubin 28 | ON THE HORSE JANUARY/FEBRUARY ‘17

CHALLENGE: “ALL-OR-NOTHING” THINKING There are riders who feel like complete failures as the result of any mistake - however large or small. Have you ever felt that way yourself? This constant critical voice can create quite a roller coaster for your confidence, not to mention how it can damage your motivation and enjoyment. 1.

Debrief Progress First: Reflect on progress with your performance goals (e.g. kept counting through every corner), immediately after each ride as a way of guiding your debriefing process. Instead of focusing on mistakes in the ride (e.g. a chocolate-chip at the liverpool) use your mental strength to pick out two or three parts that were successful. Particularly when they are things that you set as goals before you your ride, the process will help you stay committed to valuing progress and effort. In addition, when that routine becomes habitual, you will enter the arena, ring or start box with an eye on remembering success (instead of wondering where the ‘problem’ will crop up).

Boundaries for Negative Emotions: Of course it is unrealistic to think that you will not feel upset or frustrated after a mistake. What is realistic is to set up specific parameters for how, when, and where you are allowed to engage in those negative emotions. By setting a time limit (e.g. two minutes), or a physical boundary (e.g. by the time I have walked back to the barn to get off) you can acknowledge the upset, and then make a conscious plan to switch gears. You are allowing the negative feelings to be experienced, but then choosing to move forward and focus on solutions.

CHALLENGE: RETURNING AFTER A FALL OR INJURY In every discipline of riding, falling off is a part of life. Sometimes you land on your feet and hop back on (and smile at your good fortune), but sometimes injuries occur that are both physical and/or mental. In addition, competing with or recovering from injuries that are unrelated to riding can greatly impact your ability to be confident and assertive on your horse. 1.

Be Good to Yourself: When returning to the saddle after a fall or injury, it is important to take more care and be gentle with yourself. Be patient as you do regular tasks around the barn, like tacking up or getting on – they may all take more time and that is OK! Being kind to yourself is a part of accepting the reality that you feel differently than you did before the injury or fall. Remember that all of your talents, skills, and strengths are still within you; they may just need a little extra time to come back on-line.

Adjust Goals and Expectations: It is extremely important to sit down and adjust your goals in a calm and realistic way before you return to the saddle. Your competition schedule, your training, and your outcome goals will all be naturally affected by your physical and mental health. Depending on the severity of your injury, length of your rehab or time off, the adjustments required will vary in scope. Get help with this process from family, trainer, and/or friends. Adopting a modified timeline and new goal strategies will take off a lot of pressure, and thus give you the flexibility to listen to your body and comfort level as you return to riding.

“The measure of success is not whether you have a tough problem to deal with, but whether it is the same problem you had last year.” - John Foster Dulles JANUARY/FEBRUARY ‘17 ON THE HORSE | 29

CHALLENGE: STOPPING Your horse occasionally chooses extremely inopportune times to say “No thank you, not today.” This seems to be another simple fact of the sport of jumping horses over obstacles - sometimes they won’t. However, particular stops or patterns of stopping can begin to leave footprints in your mind that interfere with your ability to ride effectively. 1.

Focus on Things in Your Control: Ultimately, whether your horse lofts him or herself into the air over a pile of lumber is out of your control. Focusing on that reality can cause stress and anxiety that does not help you do your job: creating the best opportunity for them to jump the jump. You control your attitude, your physical aids, your focus, and your ability to problem solve. Keep your mind squarely on those factors and you will create the best environment for your horse to do his job.

Use Process Goals: Process goals focus on position, strategy, or the technical aspect of a task to perform an entire skill (like jumping a trakehner) successfully. For example, if your eye drops to the ground beneath the airy vertical, causing your horse to lose his nerve, a process goal would be getting your eye up on a specific focal point three strides out from the jump.

“How you think about a problem is more important than the problem itself - so always think positively.” This quote by Norman Vincent Peale is a wonderful way to frame the ‘problem’ scenario, and it states the utmost import of maintaining a ‘can-do’ attitude no matter what the challenge. When you add that attitude to a mental toolbox full of strategies to utilize, there is no mountain you can’t climb.

Tonya Johnston, MA, is an equestrian mental skills coach, author, and hunter-jumper A-circuit competitor with a master’s degree in sport psychology. For over 20 years, Tonya has helped equestrian athletes of all ages, disciplines, and levels develop their mental strength for riding. Tonya travels to give workshops and consults individually with clients and teams all over the world via Skype and phone. Tonya has a regular column titled “Inside Your Ride” in Practical Horseman magazine and a monthly podcast on The Plaidcast. Her book, “Inside Your Ride: Mental Skills for Being Happy and Successful with Your Horse” is available on Amazon in paperback and e-book formats. 510.418.3664 | WWW.TONYAJOHNSTON.COM

Photo credit Deb Dawson.

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NOBLE OUTFITTERS ™ Quality & Function

Back by popular demand, the new and improved Pinnacle Jacket is ready for you to make a statement! This is innovation combined with fashion - for the ultimate performance and leisure piece. A fully seam sealed 100% waterproof and breathable jacket features a stylish blazer-inspired design with dropped back that is able to withstand adverse weather conditions. Experience stretch side panels that extend through the sleeve to provide maximum freedom of movement as well as a removable hood that has excellent peripheral visibility. Be ready to win when you step in the ring with Show Ready Leather Gloves! Crafted from genuine goatskin with stretch mesh panels across the knuckles, spandex jersey between the fingers, and a keystone cut thumb that gives the glove amazing fit and flexibility. Double stitched at critical seams to reinforce the forefinger, thumb, and pinky to provide extra protection and durability. The large tab closure allows you to adjust fit, and sits in just the right place on the back of the hand to enable full wrist movement. A glove that gives you a traditional polished look with superior grip and comfort! With LubrisynHA - the best care for your horses is your number one priority! Lubrisyn’s formula promotes healthy joint function and helps maintain consistent levels of HA in the blood and synovial fluid. Hyaluronan (HA) is a naturally occurring high-molecular-mass glycosaminoglycan found in connective, epithelial and neural tissue. With its viscous and elastic properties, hyaluronan acts in joint spaces as a lubricant and a shock absorber. It is one of the major components of synovial fluid. LubriSynHA is a fast-absorbing oral form liquid of HA designed to help restore joint fluid as it degrades through aging and exercise. 32 | ON THE HORSE JANUARY/FEBRUARY ‘17

OTH VET

KEEPING YOUR HORSE’S JOINTS HEALTHY PART III of III BY DR. DIETER OBERBICHLER, DVM www.oberbichler-equine.ca

n the first part of this series, I explained that the horse’s joints are under tremendous mechanical stress and the risk for this repetitive trauma leading to inflammation, degenerative joint disease, and finally osteoarthritis. Prevention is essential - that is why we talked about joint supplements and the importance of proper warm up and correct shoeing in the second part. Now it is time to talk about treatments, and as with many other conditions - early recognition and treatment is better and more successful than when the joint is too far gone. There are several treatment options; my list includes, apart from the most common therapeutics, some very recent advances in treatments, but it is not an exhaustive list.

NSAIDS Non- steroidal drugs are still an important, widely used tool to treat chronic and acute arthritis. Everybody is familiar with “ bute” - Phenylbutazone has been around forever and is still the most commonly used NSAID in equine medicine. The main risk for use in horses is the development of stomach and hindgut ulcers, especially in foals, and the risk of kidney damage (papillary necrosis). The risk of kidney damage is low if the horse is well hydrated, however, it increases considerably when the animal is dehydrated. This is the reason why a horse that is sweating heavily due to “tying up” should NOT be given just a shot of bute. Another now commonly used NSAID is Previcox (Firoxicib). There are no licensed versions for horses in Canada, therefore the dog pills are used “off label”. The way the non-steroidal medication works in the body is similar to all substances in this class of drugs, therefore possible side effects are similar to bute. However, the general impression is that the occurrence of problems, even with long-term use is low. Please keep in mind that continuous long-term use of Previcox is not recommended, but sometimes it is a trade-off between the risk of medication and the comfort level of an older arthritic horse. This is a decision that every owner has to make for themselves. 34 | ON THE HORSE JANUARY/FEBRUARY ‘17

Another drug needs to be mentioned: Meloxicam. Many pet owners might be familiar with METACAM ® as arthritis medication for their dog. An oral paste of Metacam is licensed in Europe for veterinary use in horses and the generic human pills are sometimes used in North America with good success. As a topical NSAID choice Surpass® is available in the US. And in Canada, we have to use the human variant Voltaren® - it is applied on the skin directly over the affected joint. INJECTIONS Adequan® is, unfortunately, hard to get in Canada. It is manufactured from frozen cattle trachea. Chondroitin sulfate is extracted from the cartilage rings of the windpipe, it undergoes a proprietary 24- month-manufacturing process in order to synthesize the PSGAG (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan). It increases the hyaluronic acid production in the joint from 24-96 hours after an injection and should be given 7 times, 4 days apart. Polyglycan® is considered a “medical device” and can be used to replenish joint fluid after surgery. It is not licensed as a drug, therefore use it at your own risk. It seems to work quite well for some horses, and a study done in Fort Collins, Colorado from 2013 considered it to have “some potential”. Hyaluronic Acid (HA) preparations are available from various manufacturers and they mainly differ in molecular weight. Given intravenously they seem to have some preventative and therapeutic effect on joint health. Hopefully, this year in Canada we will have a compounded Pentosan available. Pentosan is a substance that has been widely used in Australia for many years now, and there is sufficient evidence showing improvement in joint health parameters in both horses and dogs. For many equine practitioners, joint injections are the daily “bread and butter”, and while the use of “preventative” injections is a questionable practice in some countries, therapeutic joint injections are probably the most important weapon we have in the fight against joint disease. A very common intra-articular combination is a mix of a (long-acting) steroid together with Hyaluronic Acid. All steroids are not equal. Some products actually, not only reduce inflammation in the joint, they also seem to have, depending on the dose, a protective effect on the joint cartilage. Other very commonly used products, when injected in so-called “high motion joints” like the fetlock and the coffin joint, for example, can have a deleterious effect on the joint cartilage. In the long run, this can lead to a condition called steroid arthropathy. Research over the last few years has shown that in general “less is more” and overdosing the steroid concentration inside the joint does more harm than good. Thinking back about 10 years ago, injecting steroids in a joint with or without HA was more or less the only intra-articular treatment available for the equine practitioner. Today we have several other options like IRAP, MSC, PRP, and PAAG, so stay tuned for another episode. JANUARY/FEBRUARY ‘17 ON THE HORSE | 35

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Recovery EQ ® and Osteochondrosis (OCD) WHAT IS OSTEOCHONDROSIS (OCD)? Osteochondrosis (also known as OCD) is a common, painful disease in horses. It is characterized by an abnormality in the cartilage-to-bone transformation. As a result, cartilage and bone fragments may break off into the joint space. Osteochondrosis (OCD) is not a form of arthritis, however, it often leads to arthritis. Rapidly growing larger breeds of horse, such as draft and warmbloods, have a genetic predisposition towards the condition. Osteochondrosis (OCD) is a congenital defect in normal joint cartilage development that leads to the development of a loose piece, or flap of cartilage. This loose piece or flap can give rise to secondary degenerative joint disease. Secondary degenerative joint disease that develops as a result of Osteochondrosis generally occurs early in the horse’s life as opposed to the “wear and tear” arthritis that many horses experience later in life. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF OSTEOCHONDROSIS? The symptoms of Osteochondrosis (OCD) depend on the area that is affected by the condition. Stiffness, lameness, and pain in the affected joint are common signs that a horse may have developed Osteochondrosis (OCD). Unlike other animals, a horse with Osteochondrosis (OCD) does not always experience pain. Although Osteochondrosis (OCD) usually affects both sides, one leg is often worse than the other. The horse may therefore take extra weight on the better leg, resulting in decreased muscle development in the affected leg. OCD TREATMENT OPTIONS The treatment for Osteochondrosis (OCD) is geared towards inhibiting further breakdown of the joint cartilage and bone, and decreasing the pain your horse may experience. Various medical and surgical treatments are available today that can ease your horse’s discomfort and restore mobility. The type of treatment depends upon several factors, such as the age of the horse, the severity of the problem, and financial considerations. Management of Osteochondrosis (OCD) usually consists of exercise restriction, body weight management, and symptomatic pain management with analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs. HOW RECOVERY EQ® CAN HELP Recovery®EQ with Nutricol®, is an elite proprietary performance and wellness supplement for horses that enhances quality of life. Recovery®EQ improves healing by increasing circulation of nutrients to affected cells and extracellular structures, halting tissue damage, and modulating inflammation. It may be used in combination with prescribed medications. Always consult with the veterinarian prior to adding a new natural lifestyle supplement to a horse’s feeding program. Ask your veterinarian how Recovery®EQ can help your horse. www.recoveryeq.com

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Horsemanship, Inspired by Horses®

To find out more about RECOVERY, visit www.RecoveryEQ.com or call toll free 1.866.334.2463 PHOTO OF JONATHAN FIELD BY ROBIN DUNCAN

OTH RIDER HEALTH

CONCUSSIONS AND EQUESTRIAN CANADAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S RETURN TO PLAY RULE Effective as of January 1st, 2017, EC has implemented a brand new concussion-related policy, Article A101 Accidents & Return To Play to help make the sport safer for all participants.

BY SAMANTHA FAWCETT

ccording to Parachute (a Canadian based charitable organization that is dedicated to helping prevent predictable and preventable head injuries), “A concussion is a common form of head and brain injury, and can be caused by a direct or indirect hit to the head or body. With a concussion, there is no visible injury to the structure of the brain, meaning that tests like MRI or CT scans usually appear normal.” As Equestrians, we understand the inherent risk of getting on an animal weighing over 1000lbs, moving at speed, with a mind of its own. Or maybe we don’t, since we continue to swing a leg over on a regular basis anyways! Several studies have been performed in recent years high lighting contact sports and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs). Horseback riding has ranked high as a cause for TBIs among sports such as football, hockey, rugby, and skiing. As we learn more about TBIs and how postconcussive symptoms can impact our brains, bodies, and daily life – it is becoming increasingly important to minimize the risk.

In order to help limit the risk of re-injury soon after a concussion, EC has now implemented the Accidents & Return To Play rule. Here are some important excerpts from the 2017 Rule Book:

ARTICLE A101 ACCIDENTS & RETURN TO PLAY 1. This rule is applicable to all competitors (including foreign) at EC sanctioned events and applies to falls/accidents that occur at the event location. 2.

In the event of a fall/accident where a concussion can be reasonably suspected, (not limited to a direct blow to the head or loss of consciousness), the competitor must receive medical clearance by qualified medical personnel onsite, through the EC Accident Injury Report Form before continuing. . The competitor is solely responsible for ensuring the onsite medical assessment takes place by the onsite qualified medical personnel. If the competitor refuses to be evaluated, he/she is disqualified from the event.

If the qualified medical personnel suspects a concussion (regardless of symptoms displayed), or believes that the competitor may be at risk of concussion due to the nature of the fall or impact, the competitor is suspended from competition until medically released, as outlined

Organizations such as Riders4Helmets, aim to get everyone wearing a helmet, EVERY time they get on a horse. Even “just walking” on your horse can subject you to very serious injury in the event of an accident! Wearing a helmet is the only way to protect your head from serious injury, although wearing a helmet does not completely eliminate the risk of concussion! Immediately after a fall, you may feel completely fine, as concussion symptoms may take hours or days to appear. When you get back on to ride or compete with a concussion, you put yourself at unnecessary risk of suffering from another blow that could cause Second Impact Syndrome with devastating, life changing consequences.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY ‘17 ON THE HORSE | 39

in paragraph 6 below. 4.

Any competitor suspended from competing further at the event on the basis of any of the preceding paragraphs will be placed on a medical suspension list, managed by EC, until medically released as in the process described in paragraph 6.

In the event a competitor is determined ineligible to compete per one of the above conditions, the competitor must submit the EC Return to Play Form to EC, completed by a licensed physician. The EC Return to Play Form will be processed by EC within two business days, at which point the competitor will be removed from the EC Medical Suspension list and may return to regular competition. If the competitor wishes to compete after being medically released by a physician but before the EC processing period of the form, the competitor must also submit a copy of the EC Return to Play Form to the show secretary. In this case the competitor is competing at their own risk and may be pursuant to fines and penalties if the form is found to be incomplete in any way.

No competitor shall compete in an EC sanctioned event while on the EC Medical Suspension List. It is the responsibility of the competitor to refrain from competition and the competition organizer may refuse entry to anyone currently on the EC Medical Suspension List.

For more details, visit Equestrian Canada to view a digital copy of the rule book.

Although some riders may consider this rule to be inconvenient at times, Canada’s Equestrian governing body is doing what they feel necessary in order to limit the risk of re-injury and the devastating ef-

40 | ON THE HORSE JANUARY/FEBRUARY ‘17

fects it can have on riders. In the long run, would it not be more convenient to sit out a few days of riding and/or showing, as opposed to the rest of your life?

CONCUSSION SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS Below are some common signs and symptoms of concussion. It is important to note that although symptoms of concussion usually appear immediately after the blow, it may take hours or days before they appear. When a rider has suffered a blow to the head or body in a way that could cause the head and brain to move quickly back and forth, it is important to take immediate action. Do not let the rider get back on their horse, and if they are unconscious – call 911 immediately and do not move the rider unless you are trained to do so! Physical Symptoms • Dazed/stunned • Headache or neck pain • Nausea/vomiting • Poor coordination and/or difficulty balancing • Dizziness • Blurred or double vision • Sensitivity to light and noise • Ringing in the ears • Drowsiness or insomnia • Fatigue • Numbness/tingling • Loss of consciousness or responsiveness • Seizure or convulsion Cognitive Symptoms • Amnesia • Feeling mentally foggy or slowed down

• • • • • •

Difficulty concentrating or remembering recent information Confusion Repeats questions Forgets instructions Does not know the activity/class they were participating in Easily distracted

Behavioural/Emotional Symptoms • Irritable • More emotional than usual • Nervousness or anxiety • Feeling sad or depressed • Drowsiness • Difficulty falling asleep • Sleeping more or less than usual It is important for all riders, coaches, barn owners, and staff to be able to recognize the symptoms of concussion in order to ensure immediate attention, safety, and proper care for boarders, students, and peers. The parents/ guardians of those under 18 should always be notified, as well as coaches and trainers of the riders if they were not present when the fall happened. Riders who compete in other sports should also refrain from doing so, and notify their coaches so as to avoid the risk of a second impact before the brain is able to heal itself and recover.

and how to select the best helmet and fit for each rider! More information at: www.cdc.gov/ headsup/resources/app.html. Always remember that helmets are designed to diffuse and absorb energy in the event of a fall or blow to the head. This means that although it may show no sign of external damage, the helmet likely sustained internal damage in order to disperse the energy of the impact. This means that you MUST IMMEDIATELY replace your helmet after impact. Using a helmet that has sustained damage means that it will not be able to absorb as much energy as it was designed to in the event of a second impact! Helmets should also be replaced every 5 years, or as recommended by the manufacturer, as sweat, heat, rain, etc can cause deterioration to the helmet overtime, and thus limit the ability of the helmet to absorb impact. Replacing your helmet every 5 years could also mean improvements in technology, safety standards, and fit that will help better protect your brain in the event of a fall/impact. You cannot replace your brain (yet anyways), so make sure you strap on a properly fitting helmet EVERY time you get on your horse! A little bit of helmet hair is well worth the price of protecting your head!!

The Ontario Equestrian Federation (OEF) provides a page on their website dedicated to safety that includes helmet safety, concussion prevention, brain injury information, and return to play guidelines. More information at: horse.on.ca/programs/safety. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has also developed an app called Heads Up, that will help riders learn to spot a possible concussion, and what to do if you think a concussion or brain injury has occurred. This app includes information about helmet safety JANUARY/FEBRUARY ‘17 ON THE HORSE | 41

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The Story, Philosophy, and Evolution Behind

Samshield Helmets

Samshield is the result of a mix between a young professional rider’s needs, a young designer’s creative energy, and an engineer’s technical vision. Modern riding demands innovation, Samshield added elegance and distinctiveness.

OUR STORY The creator of Samshield, Sam Maloigne, started out as a motocross/supercross international professional pilot from 1980 to 1990, and then became Sales Manager at Oakley eyewear. He began riding in 2003 with friends who rode competitively in CSO. After buying his first riding helmet, which was the flagship product of the time, he was immediately disappointed by its technical failures. He found that other professional equestrians were also unsatisfied with current products on the market. Passionate about beautiful products, and especially helmets, he decided to start a project that would create riding helmets made with high quality materials that were comfortable, customizable, and had increased active and passive security. Sam combined his passion and talent with those of Olivier Taco, designer student and creator of Iguaneye shoes; and three young future stars of the CSO, Nicolas Delmotte, Simon Delestre, and Kevin Staut in order to help him to develop his product. Strongly influenced by Jim Jannard, the creator of Oakley, Sam kept in mind the philosophy of the American genius for the other products that he will create: “Launch a product only when you are sure that it will be the best of the market!” 42 | ON THE HORSE JANUARY/FEBRUARY ‘17

PHILOSOPHY Samshield’s philosophy is to always propose advanced products in terms of active and passive security, comfort, hygiene, material, customization, and finished quality. EVOLUTION Driven by the passion to provide the highest performance products, Samshield always has and will always make professional riders such as Kevin Staut, Stever Guerdat, or Adelinde Cornelissen test products before launching them on the market. Samshield has been able to create helmets which are spescifically adapted to show jumping, dressage, racing, polo, and eventing activities in terms of protection and comfort. Samshield launched its first range of riding gloves in 2012 with the V-Skin, designed for competition and professional riders. In 2014, Samshield developed a winter high performance model glove: the W-Skin. The Samshield R&D office works with the determination to generate the best products of the market and to constantly improve its existing range. For more information on Samshield products, visit our website www.samshield.com

MODERN RIDING DEMANDS INNOVATION, SAMSHIELD ADDS ELEGANCE & DISTINCTIVENESS Samshield is the result of a mix between the young pro rider’s needs, the young designer’s creative energy and engineer’s technical vision. Samshield’s philosophy is to always propose advanced products in terms of active and passive security, comfort, hygiene, material and finish quality as well as customization. Helmet Shadowmatt blue, Flower Swarovski top, chrome blue trim Gloves V-Skin Swarovski blue Down Vest Limited Edition Swarovski model Sweatshirt Limited Edition Swarovski model

www.samshield.com

OTH RETAIL

In Celebration of 30 Years, System Fencing has Become an Equine Industry Leader

ittle did Dwayne and Kevin Job know that a summers worth of building fences in 1987 while attending high school and working from their parents’ home would soon turn into their very own 33,000 sq ft. Empire focused on meeting each and every need of the horse and fellow equestrian. System Fencing has grown and has become so much more then fencing, with the professional staff of 45, many of which are horse owners themselves that are focused and driven towards meeting every need of our clients and offering the best customer service we can. With continuous new product research and training, we also offer education to our customers on how to use our products. “We have hired the very best account managers and store staff to assist you with your selections” Says Dwayne Job, President. System fencing has proudly become a North American leader in equestrian products. We are so proud to call Canada our home and we have focused on building our products here. System fencing is the manufacturer of stall systems & horse exercisers that have shipped to prestigious horse facilities all around the world. “Canadians have huge potential in the 44 | ON THE HORSE JANUARY/FEBRUARY ‘17

world market through the building of high quality products with design and safety being a top priority. “We as a country need to take advantage of the opportunities” says Job. We do our very best to offer our clients very competitive pricing. At System fencing we continue to source or develop new and innovative products and make them available to our clients. We offer a wide assortment of Equine equipment, Horse stalls, Fence materials with Installation, Tack, Farrier supplies, Horse Health care products, Equestrian apparel and to top it all off, we also offer blanket cleaning and repair. Our vision is to be your “one stop shop” if there is something you are needing for your equine partner, there is a very good chance we have it available and can offer support and suggestions. System fencing is celebrating 30 years in the business in 2017 and we couldn’t of done it without our customers – thank you from Team System Fencing, Proudly Canadian.

If you are making your next purchase let us have the opportunity to earn your business. You can also visit us online at www.systemfence.com or www.systemtack.com.

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OTH EQUINE HEALTH

FASCIA AND THE EQUINE ATHLETE Form, Function, and Balance JULIA MERRITT Certified Equi-Bow Practioner

e all know the importance of keeping muscles, tendons, and joints healthy. An issue with any one of these can impact the overall health of the body, and if there is too much tension in one area, the body will compensate in others, creating discomfort or injury.

and is filled with nerves, blood and lymph vessels, and adipose (fat) tissue. It has multiple roles in the body. It provides support, protection, and shock absorption, and it also acts as a medium for cells to communicate with each other. Depending on its location, it can be thick or thin.

And yet there is another component of the body that has the power to affect movement, circulation, and well-being: the fascia.

(DIY anatomy lesson: the next time you’re preparing chicken, note the thin webbed layer of white that attaches the skin to the meat, or the thicker layers that separate sections of meat in the drumstick – that’s fascia!)

Fascia plays an essential role in balancing the body – and when the body is out of balance it can’t function optimally. Re-balancing the body improves athletic performance, which is key for all horses, as they are all athletes! Fascia is connective tissue made of collagen. It wraps around every part of the body: muscles, organs, and joints. It blends with ligaments and even provides attachments for some muscles. In some cases it even encases each muscle fibre. It is everywhere in the body and it is completely interconnected in one piece from head to foot. Fascia looks like a densely woven spider’s web 46 | ON THE HORSE JANUARY/FEBRUARY ‘17

Observe the ridges on the shoulder,abdomen, and below the withers. This is called “fascial banding”; these ridges are occurring along specific muscles and indicate significant tension.

One of the most interesting things about fascia is that it can take on the properties of either a gel or a liquid. It can feel very firm, or soft and flexible. To do its job of protecting the body, it remodels itself in response to physical stress, dehydration, and even emotional trauma. For example, a horse that pulls back when tied up may strain his neck muscles beyond what they are capable of at the time. After the injury, the fascia will stiffen around the muscles to support them as they heal, and protect them from potential future injury. Even after the muscles have healed, the fascia will stay tight, because it doesn’t know that what happened was a onetime accident. When ridden, the rider may find that the horse struggles to bend properly. This horse may also show uneven movement in the pelvis or hind limbs, as the body attempts to function within comfortable limits and compensate for the restriction in the neck. That’s why it’s so important to pay attention to fascial health; a localized problem in one area may in fact mean that other areas need attention too. This type of situation can happen to any horse: a jumper lands awkwardly and jars a joint, an eventer stumbles over uneven terrain and strains a tendon, or a dressage horse learns a new exercise that incurs repetitive stress on muscles. Fortunately, fascia can be remodelled in positive ways too. Bodywork is essential in releasing restrictions and creating a balanced body that the athlete can use to perform even better. The Bowen modality, a neuromuscular repatterning technique, is particularly effective in working with fascia. It works by stimulating neural receptors in the fascia, encouraging the nervous system to enter a parasympathetic state where it can rest and process. This gives the body maximum opportunity to use its own self-healing powers to repattern

the neuromuscular connections. Because the nervous system is so sensitive, only a gentle touch is required. This gentleness by-passes the body’s instinctive response to resist forceful touch – the “hurts so good” sensation of deep tissue massage does not apply here. BEFORE

AFTER

This 5 year old dressage-bred gelding was asked to stand squarely before and after a single bodywork session to release the fascia. Note the dramatic change in posture and balance; imagine how much his performance will improve. Bowen for humans has been adapted for use in horses by Equi-Bow Canada. Equi-Bow combines knowledge from multiple modalities including Bowen, Cranio-Sacral, Feldenkrais, myofascial release, and more. Effects of EquiBow techniques include more symmetrical muscles or movement patterns, changes in behaviour, and fascial remodelling. It acts as a complimentary support to veterinary medicine.

Julia Merritt is a Certified Equi-Bow Practitioner based in Southwestern Ontario, with 20 years of horse experience, including showing and rehabilitation. You can reach her at firehorseperformancebodywork.ca JANUARY/FEBRUARY ‘17 ON THE HORSE | 47

OTH PRODUCTS

HOW SEA BUCKTHORN BERRY CAN AID YOUR HORSE’S DIGESTIVE HEALTH

horse’s digestive system is one of the most delicate, yet complex bio-systems in the animal world. The horse benefits most when the overall system works properly and the horse eats and drinks well. Sea Buckthorn berries have shown to have positive effects on the digestive system and digestive health in over 240 published studies! Sea Buckthorn is a hardy plant that is indigenous to select regions in the Northern Hemisphere. The wild-growing shrub produces bright orange berries that contain more nutrients than practically any other food source on the planet. The fruit from the plant, nutritionally dense Sea Buckthorn berries, contain over 190 beneficial bio-actives including antioxidants, minerals, flavonoids, carotenoids, Vitamins A, B’s, E and 10x more Vitamin C than oranges, plus a spectrum of Omegas including 3, 6, 9 and the highly elusive Omega 7 which is vital for internal and external health. SeaBuck7 is a Sea Buckthorn based all natural equine product for all breeds and classes of horses that supports healthy digestive function. The nutritional attributes of the Sea Buckthorn Berry supports digestive health by ridding the body of unwanted toxins, promoting mucous membrane production and maintaining balanced gut pH levels. It is a historical fact that the celebrated horsemen of the Far East have used the Sea Buckthorn plant for thousands of years. The Ancient Greeks found that their horses were healthier, their coats turned very shiny, and they gained remarkable weight. This is how Sea Buckthorn got its Latin name, “Hippophae”. “Hippo” which stands for horse, and “phaos” which means to shine; which essentially translates to “Shiny Horse”.

Just as the ancient warrior’s life depended upon the health and stamina of his horses, the modern horse professional’s success is totally dependent upon maximizing the overall health and performance of their athletes in training. SeaBuck7 has been developed to capture the strengths of Sea Buckthorn Berry for the benefit of horses in today’s exacting market. For more information on how Seabuck 7 can help your horse www.seabuck.ca | 1-519-494-5789 48 | ON THE HORSE JANUARY/FEBRUARY ‘17

THE POWER OF SEABUCK 7 A Natural Equine Health Product

Numerous studies have confirmed that the easily absorbed SeaBuck 7 supplement promotes healthier internal functions, maintains optimum weight, and improves skin texture, coat shine, and luster. SeaBuck 7 liquid supplement contains only the goodness of the entire Sea Buckthorn berry, purified water, and nutrient stablizer. There are no additional additives, just natural food-based nutrition!

“I am truly excited and impressed with the results I and my clients have experienced with the introduction of Sea Buck to the feeding program. From foals, to horses in training/ competition, I have seen significant results to the overall health of these horses – they look better, feel better and perform better. There is a ton of research behind this product so perhaps I should not be so surprised with the results I am seeing.” Vet – Kentucky

W W W.SEABUCK.CA

OTH DRESSAGE

WHAT MAKES A ‘GOOD’ RIDER? K AREN ROHLF cre ator of dres s age n at ur a l ly

Recently on one of our bi-monthly Q & A calls in the Virtual Arena program, a student asked me: “What makes a rider a good rider? How do I know if I am a good rider when I am riding all by myself most of the time?” My answer surprised her a little, as she thought I would answer her with a checklist of movements that she would need to be able to perform. I did give her a list, but it was not of movements. Here is the list I came up with off the top of my head… And now, after giving it some thought, I am sticking with it.

50 | ON THE HORSE JANUARY/FEBRUARY ‘17

QUALITIES OF A ‘GOOD’ RIDER Your horse understands you; your priority is clear communication You do your best to see things from your horse’s perspective You don’t act from ego You don’t take your frustrations out on your horse You are able to follow that which you asked your horse to do Your horse sees you as trust-worthy These qualities can appear at any level. You don’t have to wait to Grand Prix to be a ‘good rider’. There are plenty of educated and experienced riders who I would not call ‘good riders’ and there are plenty of ‘good riders’ that are not that educated or experienced. When I thought about answering her question, the first thing I thought about was: How do I decide who can ride my own horses? I tend to be exceptionally greedy when it comes to my own horses; but when I do put someone on one of my own horses they need to have the qualities on the list above. If I needed someone to exercise my horse, I would rather have a less educated rider with those qualities, than an upper level rider without them. It reminds me a bit of the Object Of Dressage as written by the F.E.I (The International Equestrian Federation) which states:

Of course, I am not saying that you can’t have both. ‘Good’ riders can become educated, gain skills, and experience. Young supple, loose, confident, happy horses can be trained to become supple, loose, confident, happy Grand Prix horses. I have to believe that because if I didn’t I would quit this! For all the novice or amateur riders out there, remember that the most important judge of your riding is your horse. That is why I put understanding at the top of the list. With so many systems out there, at the end of the day, all your horse wants is to know what YOU are trying to say to him. He wants to know what to do, and he wants you to make it easy for him to do it. For all the experienced riders out there, remember that the most important judge of your riding is your horse... Not the score sheet, not the top rail of the jump. He just wants to know what you want him to do, and he wants you to make it easy for him to do it. Strive for the qualities on the list above. Notice, however that it’s not all woo woo stuff that can’t be measured. You have to be able to follow that which you asked your horse to do. Riding is a physical skill and even if your main goal is harmony and understanding, there is a physical aspect that is important. Conflicting aids due to lack of balance or physical awareness can be just as devastating to the relationship as get-

“The object of dressage is the development of the horse into a happy athlete through harmonious education resulting in a horse that is calm, loose, supple, and flexible, but also confident, attentive, and keen, thus achieving perfect understanding with his rider.” This object of dressage can also be met at the very beginning. It is possible for a lower level horse to meet the object of dressage, and it is possible for a Grand Prix horse to not. JANUARY/FEBRUARY ‘17 ON THE HORSE | 51

ting mad and frustrated. Know your abilities and play in that delicate balance of what you can do, and what you can’t do yet. Don’t be afraid of stretching your limits, but when you do, be mindful of how you handle your frustrations, and how the process is for your horse. Making decisions with your horse based on the qualities above will keep you progressing in a way that ensures you and your horse have a better chance of enjoying every step of it. And the best news is you can become a ‘good rider’ right NOW. TAKE THE ‘GOOD’ RIDER PLEDGE I pledge to communicate clearly so my horse understands me I pledge to do my best to see things from my horse’s perspective I pledge to not act from ego, but instead from empathy and humbleness I pledge to not take my frustrations out on my horse I pledge to do my best to follow that which I asked my horse to do I pledge to be trust-worthy to my horse DRESSAGE.ONTHEHORSE.COM

Karen Rohlf, creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. Karen is well known for her student-empowering approach to teaching and her ability to connect with a wide range of horses. She believes in getting to the heart of our mental, emotional, and physical partnership with our horses by bringing together the best of the worlds of dressage and partnership-based training. For more information on Dressage Naturally and online virtual courses, please visit www.dressagenaturally.net JANUARY/FEBRUARY ‘17 ON THE HORSE | 53

OTH HOROSCOPE

The Twelve HORSE PERSONALITIES THE ARIES HORSE March 21 – April 20 “I Am”

THE CANCER HORSE June 21 – July 20 “I Feel”

The Aries horse is a leader, and headstrong. So give it its head, and explore together at the front of group. Attempting to force it to the back of the line will end up in a battle. Lots of energy and is not comfortable with confinement.

These are the protectors of those around them – whether that’s the herd, or you. They also need to feel safe in their environment. Give them a great little place of their own to call home. Nuture them with love and they will nuture you back.

THE TAURUS HORSE April 21 – May 20 “I Have”

THE LEO HORSE July 20 – August 20 “I Will”

We can call this horse our rock. It is solid, stable and trustworthy. It can be stubborn, but easily bribed with sweets and scratches. It might seem a little slow to catch on at times and not happy with change. Status quo – stready as she goes.

This is the horse who likes to strut its stuff! Bring out the camera, put it in front of a crowd, definitively applaud it, and its performance will improve. Great show horses, they love a parade and will appreciate wearing showy gear.

THE GEMINI HORSE May 21 – June 20 “I Think” These horses can be the smartest in the herd. They are quick, agile and versatile. They need to be kept busy or boredom quickly leads to bad habits. Give them lots of variety and teach them something new as often as you can. 54 | ON THE HORSE JANUARY/FEBRUARY ‘17

THE VIRGO HORSE August 21 – September 20 “I Analyze” These horses are generally a little high strung, may have fine lines, and a very sensitive digestive system. Watch their diet carefully, and keep a look out for ulcers. Good at learning detailed routines, and most really enjoy grooming.

THE LIBRA HORSE September 21 – October 20 “I Balance”

THE CAPRICORN HORSE December 21 – January 20 “I Use”

These horses generally get along with everyone, horse or human. They are not usually the fighters in the group because they prefer peace and harmony. They definitely are not happy when they are alone. They also like to look good!

This is another sound, consistent, reliable type. Not flashy, but you can count on them. They like to have a job, and love to be shown respect. They can have long periods of disciplined activities, and don’t mind being alone.

THE SCORPIO HORSE October 21 – November 20 “I Create” This one may give you a run for your money if you choose to try and overpower it. Best approach is mutual respect, mutual contribution, compassion and consideration. Empower them and they will empower you. THE SAGITTARIUS HORSE November 21 – December 20 “I Perceive” Keep these guys in a pasture, as stalls will drive them crazy unless there is an open door at all times. Freedom and adventure are what makes them happy. Routines or ring confinement will dull their spirit.

THE AQUARIUS HORSE January 21 – February 20 “I Know” This is another “Don’t confine me!” character. Independence is its keyword, and walking a different path is its way. To teach this one you will need to use innovative and unusual methods. Put your thinking cap on! THE PISCES HORSE February 21 – March 20 “I Believe” Horses born under this sign are the most sensitive and make great healers. They seem to read us easily with their keen intuitive abilities. Not the kind of horse you want to shout at or use harsh training methods. Kindness will get you everything you want.

To find out more about how to get your own horse’s chart done and your compatibility with it, go to equineastrology.com or email samantha@equiserene.com.

BRUNO DELGRANGE & ERIC LAMAZE, ONE STEP CLOSER TO PERFECT RIDING*

MODÈLE ATHÉNA

* U N PA S D E P L U S V E R S U N E É Q U I TAT I O N PA R FA I T E .

JACQUES FERLAND 514.912.7976 jacques@delgrangesaddles.com

WENDY GOOD 416.574.8709 wendy@delgrangesaddles.com