Pony Quarterly Spring Issue by Pony Quarterly

Promoting and Celebrating Show Ponies, their Owners & Lifestyle

THE

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PONYQUARTE

Breed Spotlight

Fjord Pony

Spotlight on Training

Basics: Successful Training

Selling Your Pony? $5.00 | Spring 2017

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Full Moon Farm FMF Angel Lauren Chumley trainer Dressage at Devon, Fall of 2016

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SPRING 2017

table of Contents 3

EDITOR’S LETTER

SPOTLIGHT ON THE BREED Norwegian Fjord Horses By Sara Brooks

BASICS; SUCCESS IN DRESSAGE By Kathryn Barry

SELL THAT PONY– HOW TO By Judy Powers

CUSTOM SADDLERY=RIBBONS IN THE RING BASICS: SETTING YOU AND YOUR PONY UP FOR SUCCESS IN DRESSAGE By Kathryn Barry

NOBLE OUTFITTERS: VEST AND TIGHTS By Sara Brooks

Kathryn competed the well known stallion GRP stallion Makuba through FEI level dressage as well as many of his offspring. Currently she is known for her partnership with the young stallion Magnum with whom she competed to top 10 and top 15 finishes in the USDF Horse of the Year standings. Page 12

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editor’s Letter It’s that Time...

Breeding season! The prospects are expanding each year, making the opportunities to find “just the right one” easier and easier. The problem is, you never really know if what you have in your mind, will play out in the game of genetic roulette. That gamble is what makes breeding so difficult and yet rewarding!

Our super writer Sara Brooks, took on a big project this issue, “Pony Breeding in North America” and did a remarkable job. We asked her to discover where exactly we are as a community and how we can grow in the coming years. Sara interviewed pony breeders, show organizers, and breed organizations to get their input. The answers were both thoughtful and candid. I encourage you to take a look. It’s a great read! Its an interesting time in the pony industry, as every indicator shows ponies are increasing in numbers and popularity and have garnered more respect in the competition arena than ever before. And yet most breeders, stallion owners and organizers feel the industry is not unified and they feel unsupported. NOW, is the time to work together! To reach across breed lines and disciplines to help one another in our mutual goal of promoting ponies as competition mounts for children and adults alike. As all of us dream about the little super star foals we are expecting this year, creating for next year, or choosing for our next partner, lets also dream about what the pony industry really can be. Then, go out and help make it so! PQ is hoping to be a jump off point for a dialog that will help move the industry forward! Don’t forget to let us know YOUR thoughts on these issues!

Frutiger 45 Light - quarterly Palatino Bold- Pony ITC Franklin Gothic

SPRING 2017

Editor-in-Chief | AUDREY MASCHUE THE

Right about now, breeders and even trainers are taking stock of what we have in the barn, what we want or need and how we are going to either produce it, or acquire it. We have to look honestly at our ponies strengths and weaknesses, and how to go about producing the very best we can. This process is sometimes painful, but long term, often very rewarding.

Senior Art Director | CLARA TRENT

PONYQUARTERLY

Contributing Writer | SARA BROOKS

Advertising Managers | SHARON BAKER

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PQ Spotlight on the BREED

FJORDS

Norwegian Fjord Horses

DISTINCT IN EVERYWAY!

Photo ÂŠ LL-Foto.de

by Sara Brooks

he breed itself can be traced back over 4,000 years when Fjords are believed to have migrated to Norway. The Norwegians domesticated the ponies and there is historical evidence supporting selective and specific breeding of Fjords for over 2,000 years! In other words, it has been clear from the beginning that Fjords should be developed as a breed, and their talents cultivated.

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Today, Fjords are cross-disciplinary competitors seen as often in the dressage ring and boldly blazing cross country courses in eventing as they are in driving competitions or therapy programs.

It’s hard to ignore Fjords – they are distinct in every conceivable way and respected by riders of all disciplines, by breeders, and by equestrians the world over. The origin of the breed is uncertain, but it is probably related to the primitive wild horses of Asia, the Przewalski. The Fjord Horse is one of very few breeds to retain the original primitive character and color. Earlier names for the Fjord horse have been the Vestlandshest (West Country horse) or the Nordfjordhest (Northfjordhorse) which indicates the breed’s geographical connection with Norway. The Vikings used the Fjord horse as their primary war mount. Therefore, it may be assumed that it affected the breeds indigenous to other countries, notably the “mountain and moorland” ponies of Great Britain and the Icelandic Pony. Today, Fjords are cross-disciplinary competitors seen as often in the dressage ring and boldly blazing cross country courses in eventing as they are in driving competitions or therapy programs. They are renowned for their kind personalities

and loving demeanor and, as such, Fjords have proven to be suitable partners for both children and adults. The Fjord community is full of life and passion for these wonderful ponies and Jill Kosek, who breeds and trains Fjords at Full Moon Farm in Pennington, New Jersey is truly a proponent for the breed. She discovered Fjords whilst attending a three-day driving class at breeders Carol and Arthur Rivoire’s Beaver Dam Farm in Nova Scotia, Canada and was immediately smitten. “They were just what I had been searching for to start my breeding farm,” she says. “With two young children, I wanted horses that were calm, safe and friendly.” As fate would have it, the Rivoires decided to retire and Jill was able to purchase several of their imported mares whom were bred to the Rivoire’s stallion, Gjest. “Our first foal arrived in the spring of 2008, and we have been deeply involved in the Fjord world ever since,” Jill explains. “My goal is to breed Fjord horses that are beautiful, athletic, and have great temperaments.” continued on page 9

Photo by © Kiersten Danford

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PQ Spotlight on the BREED - FJORDS

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“One of my favorite things about Fjords is their love of people,” says Jill, her adoration for the breed apparent within her words. “They always come running up to the gate to greet visitors. They love to be with people, they love to do things with people, they have a great work ethic and great temperaments. They excel in many disciplines – one of the hallmarks of the Fjord breed is its versatility.” When asked about misconceptions regarding Fjords, Jill says that “there are two things that I think are often misunderstood about Fjords.” “While they are cute and friendly, they are not stuffed animals and they do need training in order to turn them into useful and well-behaved companions,” she explains. “As with any horse, good solid training is necessary; it is especially important to instill good manners and respect at a young age.” “The other misconception that many people have about Fjords,” states Jill, “is that they are not athletic.” “In fact, Fjords are amazingly talented and able to be competitive in many disciplines.” Expounding upon the known versatility of Fjords, Jill explains; “there are three recognized types of Fjords: the light, moderate, and drafty, and they are all celebrated by the Fjord community for their different strengths.” “They do a variety of work: they pack elk in the Rocky Mountains and compete at the top levels of driving and dressage, and do everything else in between. There’s a huge range of abilities and strengths and talents.” As for her personal Fjords, Jill says that her mare, FG Stine, has had the most impact “on my life and in my heart.” “When I originally purchased my Fjords from Carol Rivoire,” Jill recalls, “she generously gave me her beloved Stine, then carrying her last foal. Together with the stallion, Gjest, she produced thirteen registered offspring, who have strongly influenced the Fjord breed in North America.” “They were considered a ‘magic cross”’ that often produced very high-quality horses. Several of her offspring with Gjest became popular breeding stallions, and she has over sixty ‘grandchildren’ who are now producing yet another generation of wonderful Fjords.” “Stine was born in 1986, and is still going strong. When she was 30 we went to a Fjord Evaluation in VA, and she received a perfect score of 100 on the Family Fjord Test, which evaluates the horse’s obedience and relationship with the handler. She was the first horse ever to receive a 100 on that test. She is such a special girl, she has a true air of beauty and grace and I love her very much.” Beautiful Fjord from Full Moon Farm

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PQ Spotlight on the BREED - FJORDS Despite their long history in Europe, Fjords are still gaining popularity in other places such as The United States and Canada. Respect and admiration for the breed it growing fast, however, and Jill is part of a larger effort towards providing quality Fjords for buyers and enriching the quality of the breed within the Fjord network. “Norwegian Fjord Horses are comparatively rare in North America, numbering about 6500 horses registered with the NFHR (Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry),” says Jill. “For the past five years, we have registered fewer than a hundred foals annually (as compared to over 25,000 Quarter Horses being registered by the American Quarter Horse Association in the past year). I believe this number will increase dramatically as more and more people are exposed to the breed and want to have one of their own. Currently, there are many more potential buyers than available Fjords. As

continued

breeders, we are working hard to produce more talented and athletic foals to meet the ever-growing demand for these wonderful horses.” “More and more people are looking specifically for Fjords due to their combination of spirit and athleticism,” says Jill. “Many of the people that I have sold horses to have been a little reluctant at first and then are glad to have purchased a Fjord. I have women that tell me that they are relaxed and happy on horseback for the first time in their lives. They finally aren’t scared of their horses, and they form a very strong emotional bond with their Fjord horse.” “I absolutely believe,” states Jill, “that we will see more people in competition and pleasure riding with fjords; there just aren’t enough available on the market at the moment.”

The dun colour itself is a dominant dilution gene. All Fjord horses are dun; therefore they are homozygous or nearly so for dun colouration. The Fjord horse breed standard recognises five “shades”. Among all Fjord horses 90% are “brown dun” (the colour called “bay dun” in other breeds). The remaining 10% are either “red dun”, “grey” (less often “grey dun”, the colour known as grulla in other breeds), or two colours reflecting the influence of the cream gene: “white dun” (or “uls dun”) and “yellow dun”.

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Amongst Fjord horse aficionados, the dark section of hair in the middle of the mane are described by the Norwegian terms midtstol, and darker hair in the middle of the tail is called the halefjær.These include the dorsal stripe, darker mane and tail, horizontal stripes on the back of the forearms, and, in rare cases, transverse striping across the withers. The Norges Fjordhestlag (The Norwegian Fjord Horse Association) decided in 1982 that stallions of any age with any other white markings than a small white star cannot be accepted for breeding.

For those who want to learn more about Fjords or are ready to potentially purchase a Fjord of their own, Jill offers some insight into the resources available. “The breed registry’s website, NFHR.com, is really great,” she says. “It has a huge amount of information, and you can learn almost anything you want to know by exploring the site. If you join the registry, which is relatively inexpensive, you will receive a quarterly magazine called the Fjord Herald, which always has interesting and entertaining articles, as well as contact information for many Fjord breeders. Most Fjord breeders are more than happy to talk to anyone who wants knowledge about their beloved breed.” Another advantage to Fjords, according to Jill is that “the Fjord community is small and friendly, so many Fjord owners and breeders know one another, and network to find potential buyers the Fjord that is right for them.” It’s no wonder that Fjords stand the test of time. The marriage between athleticism and amicability embodied by Norwegian Fjord Horses guarantees that not only will the breed grow but it will become even more beloved.

Blue Ribbons all around for these beautiful Fjords from Full Moon Farm Trainer is Lauren Chumley >>> Spring >>> Spring 20172017|

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BASICS.

By Kathryn Barry

Setting You and Your Pony Up for Success in Dressage t’s a word many dread hearing, and hearing, and hearing again. It’s a word I dread having to say, and say, and say again. So why do it? Why say the word that has a huge number of riders cringing? Because without the basics we having nothing to fall back on, nothing to build forward with, nothing but luck and a prayer to carry our equine partners through the journey that is dressage.

In my personal training history, I have had it drilled into me that the basics are of the utmost importance. I base my daily training with every single horse on this. What I have found as a result is that when challenges crop up, as they are libel to do with an equine dance partner, I am able to problem solve quickly. I do this by looking at each basic piece of a movement, and always keeping in mind the training scale relevant to where I am with each individual horse.

Straightness

I start every ride with a warmup designed to physically and mentally prepare my horse for the days work. I walk each horse on a long rein quietly around the arena several times in both directions, letting them get their joints moving and muscles loose. This quiet time is good for them to look around the arena and settle in to the working space as well. I’m not wandering around aimlessly during this phase. The time is used to feel if the horse’s back is swinging. Are they even both directions? Are they forward of their own accord or am I pushing to keep them going? Am I keeping a steady pace, with each step similar to the last? These questions directly relate to the base of the training scale, Rhythm and Relaxation. My trot and canter warmup consists of many circles, traveling around the span of the arena. I call it roving circles, one at A, one at B or E, and one at C. The circle line is a wonderful thing, allowing me to bend and supple my horse, all while checking the same questions as above.Traveling about the arena gives another chance to the horse to survey their surroundings, with

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My trot and canter warmup consists of many circles, traveling around the span of the arena. I call it roving circles, one at A, one at B or E, and one at C.

Rythm

a bit more speed. Keeping in mind that the horse is a prey animal, this is a part of the mental relaxation, as well as the physical relaxation through the warming up of muscles, tendons, and joints. I ask the horse to accept (Relaxation) moving freely forward from my driving aids while maintaining a steady Rhythm. Throughout this second phase of the warmup I also begin to focus on Connection, our next step up the training scale. Connection can vary greatly from horse to horse, and from rider to rider, and will change throughout a horses education in dressage. I think of it in terms of balance and acceptance. A horse learns to yield to pressure from the hand and then lightly and quietly rest his jaw into the contact with our reins, accepting driving and positioning aids from the leg and balance from the seat. All of this makes up your Connection. I have always been taught that a half-halt, classically defined, is a framing in of the horse between the aids; leg, seat, and hand. Sounds awfully close to how I define Connection, doesn’t it? A half-halt for me is always thought of as a rebalancing of the horse, an improving of the throughness, which is the suppleness of the connection. Sound confusing? It’s really not, I just check that I still have my horse moving with rhythm and relaxation into a soft contact with the bit, accepting my aids. You can clearly see how Connection is not

possible to properly achieve without Rhythm and Relaxation. If you leave out the two R’s you may have contact, but not Connection. The third phase of my warmup checks in on our next step up the training scale, with Impulsion. Now that I have my horse connected and accepting all my aids I can add some power, and really who doesn’t like more power? Well, probably the people without a reliable Connection, because power without the ability to balance it is kinda frightening.

A horse learns to yield to pressure from the hand and then lightly and quietly rest his jaw into the contact with our reins, accepting driving and positioning aids from the leg and balance from the seat. All of this makes up your Connection. At this point of my ride I add transitions to my warmup, to and from each gait, as well as within the gaits. On a horse who is lazy off the leg aids I usually do frequent prompt transitions quickly establishing each new pace. On a horse who is apt to loose the Relaxation I do fewer transitions, staying at each gate longer because

Connection

>>> Spring 2017

continued on page 14

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Collected gaits when ridden well are a beautiful thing to behold.

I cant afford to loose my base steps without affecting my Connection, and thus my ability to add power safely (for young horses this might be the whole ride). Quietly develop your Connection and test it by adding Impulsion. Straightness. I’ll be honest, I’m probably still doing circles as I look at Straightness, which can be defined as improved alignment and balance. Straightness is literally improved Connection. Yup, read that twice, maybe even three times. Straightness is the ability to better align your horses body using your Connection which is the acceptance of the aids into contact

without decreasing Impulsion, changing Rhythm or loosing Relaxation. I approach straightening my horse by asking them to come more through into the contact. For example, if I’m riding around one of my beloved circles and I notice my horse’s haunch is to the inside of the circle line I know that I need to straighten him. I know to do this by using a driving leg aid into the contact as opposed to a positioning leg aid to drive the haunch out because I know that Straightness is improved Connection while maintaining Impulsion. I know that asking the horse to move forward off the leg aid into the accepting rein aid will improve the throughness of the Connection. I know that

Collection

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continued on page 16

Horse carrying rider uphill with a seemingly effortless balance and strength. That we all know is achieved by a solid base (Rhythm and Relaxation) that allows the rider to influence the horses balance through their aids (Connection) and add power (Impulsion) while increasing rideablitity (Straightness) that results in what truly sets dressage apart from other equestrian disciplines, Collection.

Magnum

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Connection can not properly be achieved without Rhythm and Relaxation continuing as my aids come together to frame in my horse. Collection is our top step along the training scale and can be defined as self carriage through the further engagement of the horses hind quarters and lightening of the forehand. Collected gaits when ridden well are a beautiful thing to behold. Horse carrying rider uphill with a seemingly effortless balance and strength. That we all know is achieved by a solid base (Rhythm and Relaxation) that allows the rider to influence the horses balance through their aids (Connection) and add power (Impulsion) while increasing rideablitity (Straightness) that results in what truly sets

dressage apart from other equestrian disciplines, Collection. Now that my horse is physically warmed up, mentally warmed up, and properly balanced to work in collected paces I can approach the movements with confidence that I have all my basics in order, effectively giving me a safety net. So the next time your instructor says to work on the basics donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t cringe, realize that they are doing their best to set you and your horse up for success.

Kathryn Barry runs Classic Touch Training, a small dressage training business out of Bell Oaks Farm in Freeport, IL. With a focus on ponies and pony crosses Kathryn focuses on producing correctly started young stock suitable for AA and Jr/Yg Riders. Kathryn competed the well known stallion GRP stallion Makuba through FEI level dressage as well as many of his offspring. Currently she is known for her partnership with the young stallion Magnum with whom she competed to top 10 and top 15 finishes in the USDF Horse of the Year standings as well as several NDPC Championships, winning High Score in 2016.

You can contact Kathryn Barry by calling (815) 235-4031 or emailing kbcuatx@yahoo.com www.belloaksfarm.com

John Coryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s photography

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PQ Spotlight on SALES

SO YOU WANT TO SELL YOUR PONY? by Judy Powers

he decision to sell a pony usually comes after a long emotional roller coaster. Maybe you’ve gotten too busy to spend the necessary time with him, or maybe your kids have outgrown him for their equestrian needs. Whatever the reason, this difficult choice is often fraught with sadness and guilt. But if you know in your heart it’s the right path for both of you, you must prepare emotionally for the reality of selling. The two of you are connected, and it’s incumbent upon you to find him a new partner and a good home. Now the question is, “Who will the next owner be?”

Unlike selling a car or a house, selling your pony is, well, a horse of a different color. Finding your perfect buyer isn’t just a matter of good marketing. It’s crucial to your pony’s future well-being. You want someone who is knowledgeable and experienced with horses, of course, but also an owner who will appreciate your pony’s unique characteristics and strengths.You know your equine partner better than anyone, so you’re the best judge of an ideal buyer.

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#PonyForSale Out of every five minutes Americans spend on mobile, one minute is on either Facebook or Instagram. Since Facebook acquired Instagram in 2012, businesses are more visible and sell more across the two platforms. In 2017 there are 400 million Total Number of Daily Active Instagram Users so make sure they have a chance to meet your pony through daily posts.

YOUR OWN BACKYARD

Many successful sales have been made between pony lovers who know each other. Get the word out locally. Someone who already knows your pony might be privately pining for one just like yours. If the buyer is an acquaintance, or at least connected to someone you know, you’ll be able to stay apprised of the pony’s well-being. Print out flyers and put them up in feed stores and vet offices. Pass it out among trainers, farriers, and other interested horse people. If you have a show horse, distribute the flyers at horse shows. Advertise locally, since prospects can more easily visit your pony in person. Don’t be too wordy, and use photographs. Okay, we’ve covered the time tested ways to spread the word. But in today’s highly competitive equestrian marketplace, social media will give you a huge legup: it’s one of the most widely chosen marketing tools. When we think of social media, Facebook usually comes to mind first, and with good reason. More than 1.8 billion people use Facebook every month. There are 1.15 billion active mobile daily users. You can give your pony his own Facebook page or advertise him on your equestrian business page, as well. Do you already have a business website? If so, publisize the pony there, and use Facebook’s “call to action” button to direct viewers to a page on your website where more information and videos are

available. Cross-promote! Send website visitors to your pony’s Facebook page, as well. Make sure your Facebook posts are casual, fun and conversational. If they sound too “salesy,” viewers will go elsewhere. Also, post on other horse group’s pages.

USE VIDEOS!

You already know a picture speaks a thousand words. But a video is worth a thousand pictures. There’s no substitute for showing how your pony moves and interacts with humans. Studies show that the average Facebook video post generates a 135 percent greater organic reach than the average photo post. In 2017 over 8 billion videos or 100 million hours of videos are watched on Facebook every day. You’ll be receiving plending of inquiries, including tire kickers. Make sure you post, “will answer questions from serious buyers only.” You’ll still get some, but not as many. Because social media is free and so accessible, the platform is flooded with ponies and horses for sale. So how do you stand out among the competition? Make sure you emphasize your pony’s UNIQUE attributes. Does he do anything amazing? Anything charming? Of course he does! So make sure part of your video showcases that. Make sure you hire a good photographer. Good quality photos and videos showcase your ponies best assets. Poor quality can make a gorgeous pony look like a barn-yard nag. While Facebook is by far the largest social media continued on page 20 >>> Spring 2017

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PQ Spotlight on SALES #PonyForSale

platform out there, it’s not the only one. Other media sites to consider include Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Out of every five minutes Americans spend on mobile, one minute is on either Facebook or Instagram. Since Facebook acquired Instagram in 2012, businesses are more visible and sell more across the two platforms. 400 million Total Number of Daily Active Instagram Users so make sure they have a chance to meet your pony through daily posts. Use Twitter to drive traffic to your website, Facebook page and other social media. You can share images, quotes, short videos and gifs on Twitter and remember to keep it short, since you only have 140 characters.

BE HONEST!

In all of your content – from flyers to social media, be honest. Does your pony bite or kick? Does he bolt? Does he rear or spook? It’s no favor to your buyer or to your pony to make an unhappy match. Your reputation is at stake. At best you’d be back at the starting gate, looking for a buyer. At worst, the disappointed new owner would sell the pony to an unfit buyer or even an auction yard. If your pony is current on vaccinations, deworming and hoof care, and has a current Coggins test, convey this info in all your content. If you suspect any soundness issues, straightforwardly say this in your ads. Again, avoid surprises. Share your pony’s history; the more facts, the better.

At some point you will be talking with prospects on the phone. Remember, selling is half telling and half listening. Once you’ve conveyed your pony’s selling features, ask prospective buyers about their equestrian experiences. Open-ended questions, such as, “What are your riding goals?” can elicit details that tell you much about the kind of match the person might make with your pony. Ask specific questions about people’s equestrian history. Have they ever owned a horse? For how long? Did they sell it? If so, why? You may determine whether a person sees horses as things or as sentient beings. How do they foresee interacting with the horse? Will your pony be mostly stalled and rarely ridden? How often will the pony be turned out? Does the scenario match your pony’s needs? continued on page 22

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Just as it’s important to maintain curb appeal when marketing a house, when showing your pony, make sure he is well-groomed, clean and clipped. Brush up on his training if you need to. You want him at his best when prospects meet him. This might require hiring a professional if you don’t have the time or ability to prepare your pony this way. Like selling a house it can be a long process to find the right buyer for your pony. Try to take this in stride. The right one will come along. It’s vital to have face-to-muzzle meetings before deciding on a buyer. There is a chemistry that takes place with ponies. No doubt, you’ve felt it yourself and seen it in others. Horses feel it, too. When a prospect meets your pony, watch the interaction closely. How does your buddy respond to the buyer and vice versa?

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Remember, selling is half telling and half listening. Once you’ve conveyed your pony’s features, ask prospective buyers about their equestrian experiences, and love for the sport.

These subtle clues will tell you whether the chemistry feels right or not. Smoothness may not come instantly, but the buyer should at least seem eager to work on it. Once you have a likely buyer, be sure to get references from the person’s veterinarian and farrier. If possible, visit the site where your pony will be living. Contact animal control and horse rescues in the buyer’s area to discover if there have been any complaints or issues about this buyer. Make yourself available by phone for any subsequent questions from the new owner.

Sources: http://www.socialmediatoday.com/ marketing/top-5-facebook-videostatistics-2016-infographic http://gohorseshow.com/2017/03/ social-media-part-1-we-ask-trainershow-has-social-media-affectedyour-business/ https://www.thebalance.com/isyour-website-or-facebook-better-toreach-your-audience-2315322 https://legupmarketingblog. wordpress.com/2017/01/14/usingsocial-media-promote-equestrianbusiness/ https://zephoria.com/top-15valuable-facebook-statistics/

Now that you’ve made a good match for your buddy, know that you’ve done your best. Have a carrot! This article is a spin-off of a piece from Pony Quarterly, Winter 2015: Five Steps to Marketing Your Pony by Johnny Robb.

Promoting and Celebrating Sport Ponies, their Owners & their Lifestyle

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PQ Spotlight on EQUIPMENT- Saddle Fitting

Photo courtesy of Tom Baldwin

onies are worth their weight in gold when it comes to providing hours in the stirrups for young aspiring equestrians. In fact, many of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most accomplished riders started out as pony riders. For developing young dressage riders, ponies can be the perfect choice; however, like big horses, their body types can prove challenging when it comes to finding the ideal saddle. By choosing a saddle carefully and considering customized options like those available through Custom Saddlery, riders and their ponies have the best chance to comfortably progress with daily training and excel in the show arena.

Deb Hilberg and her pony Sand Hill Caberneigh Eyrl in their Custom Icon Flight, fitted by Sarah Boothe.

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Ponies are worth their weight in gold when it comes to providing hours in the stirrups for young aspiring equestrians. In fact, many of today’s most accomplished riders started out as pony riders. For developing young dressage riders, ponies can be the perfect choice; however, like big horses, their body types can prove challenging when it comes to finding the ideal saddle. By choosing a saddle carefully and considering customized options like those available through Custom Saddlery, riders and their ponies have the best chance to comfortably progress with daily training and excel in the show arena. A premier manufacturer of customized saddles and a top choice for dressage riders around the world, including Olympians Steffen Peters and Patrik Kittel, Custom Saddlery crafts saddles specifically made for ponies, too. The company has expert fitters located throughout the United States and the world to help riders find just what they are looking for. “Custom now has over 30 saddle fitters worldwide!” confirmed Sarah Boothe, Professional Saddler and Senior Saddle Fitter for Custom Saddlery. The company is known for providing excellent equipment to Olympians, international Grand Prix riders, the Tempel Lipizzans, young riders, and adult amateurs who want the perfect fit.

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“People frequently assume their pony needs an extra, extra wide tree, That is sometimes true, but many times is not. At Custom Saddlery, we set up the saddle to fit the pony’s measurements rather than assuming all ponies are super wide.” ~Stacy Berger

Bigger isn’t necessarily better, and over the last decade, the popularity of ponies for dressage competition has skyrocketed. American dressage riders are taking notice of these athletic and intelligent partners who are the perfect choice for children and small adults. With the interest in pony competition mounting, Custom Saddlery is keeping pace by offering a variety of options for hard to fit, pint-sized superstars. Stacy Berger, a saddle fitter with 10 years of experience with Custom Saddlery, said, “Ponies, like horses, must have a saddle that is the proper width with a tree that is the correct shape to match their conformation. It is important to work with a saddle fitter to find a solution that is safe for both the pony and the rider.” From the mutton-withered to the slab-sided, the shortbacked to the croup high, ponies require a special set of saddle-fitting parameters when equipping them for comfort and performance. There are all sorts of ponies whose shapes continued on page 26 >>>Fall Spring >>> 20162017 |

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make finding the right saddle a challenge, and there is much at stake. Ear pinning, tail swishing, spookiness, and evasion of the bit can all be signs that the current saddle just isn’t working. Saddle fit for ponies can be tricky, but purchasing the proper model is one of the most important investments a rider will make.

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“Every pony is unique; there is no magic ‘one size fits all’ solution out there,” said Berger, who works with Custom Saddlery clients in northern California, Reno/Carson City, Nevada, and central/ southern Oregon. “While some ponies may have backs similar to a full-sized horse, many are very short coupled, which doesn’t provide much real estate for the saddle, especially if they have an adult rider. In particular, some horses that measure to be a pony – Arabians or Arabian crosses for example – can be extremely short coupled as they have one less vertebrae than other equines.” When a saddle is too large, it can place the rider on the weaker lumbar vertebrae, which is the nonweight bearing area, causing back soreness. “Most important is the length of the saddle on the pony’s back,” said Boothe, whose Custom Saddlery clients include internationally ranked dressage professionals in her service area of central California, Scottsdale, Arizona, and Las Vegas, Nevada. “Custom Saddlery actually measures each pony’s back to get the exact fit. With the

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Promoting and Celebrating Sport Ponies, their Owners & their Lifestyle

“Like their larger counterparts, ponies also need a saddle that sits correctly behind their shoulders, allowing for freedom of movement. The saddle must also distribute pressure evenly without bridging or rocking. The ideal saddle is designed so that the rider is close to the center of balance, enabling the pony to carry the rider with ease.”

~Stacy Berger

Golden State NRW with rider Shena Cornett in his navy blue Custom Icon Flight, fitted by Stacy Berger (Photo courtesy of Tamara Torta)

“pony panel” we offer, the rider’s seat size stays the same but the saddle length is shorter and the overall footprint on the pony is smaller. We can order the pony panel on any of our models. We also offer two of our popular saddles in a junior size: a mini Signature Steffen’s Advantage and a mini Wolfgang Solo Jr. They start in a 15-inch seat.” Like their larger counterparts, ponies also need a saddle that sits correctly behind their shoulders, allowing for freedom of movement. The saddle must also distribute pressure evenly without bridging or rocking. The ideal saddle is designed so that the rider is close to the center of balance, enabling the pony to carry the rider with ease. “If the saddle is too narrow, the tree will bridge across the back, causing soreness at the withers and lower back, and usually will ride up on the pony’s withers towards the neck,” said Berger. “Wide-backed ponies frequently do well with a saddle tree that has a hoop shape and sits flat across the back. Custom Saddlery has a few saddles with hoop-type trees to accommodate this, and a few models that are perfect for the flat-backed pony.”

(which has a shorter tree length) with pony panels; and the Wolfgang Solo Jr. with pony panels. The newly designed Wolfgang Solo Jr. has panels that are cut back for the shoulders, which enable ponies to move their shoulders freely.” Any saddle that a young rider chooses should help that rider sit into the pony, connecting the rider’s body through the seat, and aiding the process of becoming fully part of the movement. “People don’t realize how broad ponies’ backs can be,” said Boothe. “You want a saddle that is low profile and wraps around the pony, verses having that sitting-on-top feel.” “People frequently assume their pony needs an extra, extra wide tree,” Berger added. “That is sometimes true, but many times is not. At Custom Saddlery, we set up the saddle to fit the pony’s measurements rather than assuming all ponies are super wide. Another common misconception is that ponies always need a special pony saddle. Many times the saddle that works well on a horse can be set up to work well on a pony with similar conformation.”

Commenting on her own unique experiences, Berger added, “The saddles that work well on ponies that I have fit are the Icon Flight with pony panels; the Wolfgang Omni

continued on page 29

Spring 2017 | >>>>>> Spring 2017

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PQ Product Review www.nobleoutfitters.com NOBLE OUTFITTERS DELIVERS STYLE AND COMFORT By Sara Brooks It’s great to have longer days that allow us to ride more consistently but keeping oneself properly clad can be a challenge! Enter the Noble Outfitters’ Radius Insulated Vest. Like most riders, I am a big fan of vests! I ride in them, I muck stalls in them, and I probably wear them (covered in pony hair) to run errands more often than I should admit. Noble Outfitters has designed the Radius Vest with both comfort and function in mind. The vest is insulated without being bulky, waterresistant, and it is both stylish and professional. The Radius has a two-way front zipper that won’t get stuck, soft-brushed material inside the collar to prevent itchiness or rubs, and convenient front pockets that allow you to

seamlessly slip your hands inside and capitalize on the warmth of your core. Vests which are not designed for riding tend to be too long, which can cause the collar and chest area to bunch up. Noble Outfitters has provided a safeguard for this by lowering the hem of the Radius Vest. Paired with the handy phone pouch with a hole for your ear buds, this vest has easily become my favorite. The Balance Riding Tight, which is another of Noble Outfitters’ top-rated products, boast plenty of stretch for ultimate comfort, a streamlined hem that will not cut into your ankles whether you’re in tall boots or paddocks and half chaps, and ultrasuede knee patches for the best possible grip. The Balance Riding Tights have a hidden pocket inside the waist band to keep sugar cubes and other essentials close-by, and an additional

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PQ Spotlight on EQUIPMENT- continued “If the saddle is too narrow, the tree will bridge across the back, causing soreness at the withers and lower back, and usually will ride up on the pony’s withers towards the neck,” said Berger. “Wide-backed ponies frequently do well with a saddle tree that has a hoop shape and sits flat across the back. Custom Saddlery has a few saddles with hoop-type trees to accommodate this, and a few models that are perfect for the flat-backed pony.”

After repeatedly encountering horses with very tight, sore backs in her work as an equine massage therapist, Sharon Cooper, one of Custom Saddlery’s Floridabased fitters, found the cause of the back issues to be poorly fitting saddles. Cooper began her career 15 years ago as an equine massage therapist, and has been a saddle fitter for Custom Saddlery since 2014.

preferences. Pony riders can order saddles with shorter flaps to enable improved leg contact and, of course, there are countless aesthetic options to choose from. Colored or patent leather accents, colored stitching, crystals, and other fun accents are a specialty of Custom Saddlery. Whether aiming for the show ring or simply backyard fun, Custom Saddlery wants to instill the importance of properly fitting saddles in young riders so that both pony and rider will remain healthy, happy, and performing to the best of their abilities. The company provides top-quality saddles and accessories, along with expert saddle fitting services around the world, to accommodate the perfect fit. Based in Aiken, South Carolina, Custom Saddlery designs all saddles anatomically for horse and rider, handcrafts them with the finest leathers, and manufactures them using technically advanced methods and features. Custom Saddlery is devoted to supplying high-quality, customized saddles for professionals and amateurs. Pony riders interested in trying a saddle can take advantage of the company’s 10-day free trial program. For more information about Custom Saddlery, its wide range of saddle models, and its group of saddle fitting experts, visit www. mysaddle.com or call (800) 235-3865.

“The hardest part of saddle fitting is the horses that are outside the range of normal fit. Ponies can be a big challenge,” Cooper said. “You have either the very plump, round pony with no withers, or the skinny, slabsided pony. The round pony presents an issue in that it is hard to get the saddle to stay in place; it is like fitting a saddle to a propane tank!” For this challenge, Cooper has had good luck with a lower pommel saddle such as the Wolfgang Solo Jr. or the Wolfgang Omni. Cooper has been very successful in matching ponies with some sway to their backs with the Wolfgang Constanze. The Constanze is built on a shorter tree that helps with the short back. She then adds the pony panel, and can also have the back of the panel stitched higher up the cantle to give an upsweep to the back of the saddle. Riders of slab-sided ponies also benefit from trying the Wolfgang Constanze. “I have several ponies in the Constanze,” said Cooper. “Again, I go with the pony panel and the upsweep at the back.” Saddle choice options for pony riders are numerous, and Custom Saddlery can customize models in a myriad of ways, while suiting individual taste and

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>>> Spring 2017 | Spring 2017 Promoting and Celebrating Ponies, their Owners & their>>> Lifestyle

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Promoting and Celebrating Sport Ponies, their Owners & their Lifestyle