The
Eloquent Equine Issue No. 6
STONEWOOD EQUESTRIAN ELITE HUNTER TRAINING FACILITY
CENTER STAGE with
DI LANGMUIR RENOWNED TRAINER, HORSEWOMAN, & JUDGE
THE
OUEA DON’T LET GOING TO UNIVERSITY TAKE YOU OUT OF THE SHOW RING
PLUS QUICK TIPS FOR SHOWING HUNTER UNDER SADDLE, HACK, & MORE!
CONTENTS SPOTLIGHT 05 Gallery Our cover star is hunter fabulous
FEATURED 26 ZIKY Boutique
Custom Saddle Covers, Bags, & More
08 Stonewood Equestrian Elite Hunter Training Facility
30 Galla Designs
CENTER STAGE
RIDERS CORNER
12 Di Langmuir
31 Featured Rider
Renowned trainer, equestrian, & Judge
THE ESSENTIALS 16 Clinic Report Hunter Judges Clinic with Barb Mitchell, Can Am 2014
20 Fenced In - Course Design
A look at what you may encounter in the show ring.
Unique Horse Hair Jewellery
Jamie & Concord
32 The OUEA Compete while away at school.
Editor’s Desk Spring has finally sprung! The long cold winter seems to finally loosened its hold, and its time to celebrate! Warmer weather means more saddle time, hacking, fresh air, sunshine, and preparation for show season. The 2014 season is lurking just around the corner, and may have already started for some of you. Some of us are heading into boot camp after a long winter (myself included), while many others are likely coming off a busy season showing in much warmer climes. This is a time of excitement, the air is crisp and fresh, the birds are chirping, horses are feeling good, and the anticipation is building as preparation commences for the show ring. We here at The Eloquent Equine want to wish the best of luck to everyone competing this season, and hope its a great summer of good, friendly competition! We’ve got a great new issue (with a great new look) in store for you this month, and it’s all about the hunters. We’ve got an interview with top horsewoman and trainer Di Langmuir; a great feature on Stonewood equestrian, an elite training centre in the GTA; tips and tricks for competition; and so much more. A special thanks goes out to Stephanie Jensen of Stephanie Jensen Equestrian for supplying our cover photo, as well as the other photos featured in our spotlight gallery. So take a break, sit back and relax, and enjoy Issue No. 6 - its hunterrific!
Editor In Chief Krista Rivet
Creative Director Samantha Wild
Social Media Manager Allyson Lowe
Submissions theeloquentequine@gmail.com
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The Eloquent Equine is a quarterly publication, producing four full issues a year. Reproduction of any material from this issue in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited.
The Eloquent Equine • 3
FROM THE
BLOG
7 Terms Every Equestrian Must Know Before Riding in the UK TIA CULLEY [Excerpt]
...
Probably one of the most important differences to understand is the term ‘hunter’. Although show ring hunters do exist in the UK, the discipline is not nearly as widespread as in North America. The term is more generally used to refer to the sport of ‘hunting’ which involves horses and riders gallivanting across the English countryside at full speed, jumping over humongous hedges, fences and ditches and getting absolutely caked in mud from the wet English weather.
Click
for the full article
The absolute disparity of the term has probably been best summarized by my American friend who expressed an, ‘aw hell no!’ when she was shown the what the English sport entailed.
...
SJE DONTECITO
SPOTLIGHT The Eloquent Equine • 5
Owned by Stephanie Jensen, of Jensen Equestrian, our Issue No. 6 cover star is showing great potential in the hunter ring.
COVER STAR
Photo(s) | Stephanie Jensen
The Eloquent Equine • 7
STONEWOOD EQUESTRIAN AN INTERVIEW WITH TENNILLE KERRIGAN
C
onveniently located within a short drive from most major cities in the GTA, Stonewood Equestrian is an equestrian facility that offers top of the line horse care in a fun and friendly environment. Owned by Tennille Kerrigan and her husband, and operated by an elite team of equestrian professionals including respected horsewoman Di Langmuir and successful hunter/jumper rider Shane Pearson, Stonewood offers a range of services to the high level competitor and casual show rider. As the business continues to expand, Ms. Kerrigan, who herself has been riding since she was young, looks to continue to improve the services Stonewood has to offer. Located in Pickering ON, Stonewood Equestrian is an A circuit Hunter Jumper Facility which offers a wide range of coaching and training services, to a wide range of clients, many of whom travel with the barn to shows throughout the season. The facility itself is impeccable, combining elegance and practicality to produce a clean and spacious facility that is warm and inviting. The facility offers 24 hour care, large indoor and outdoor arenas, grass and all season paddocks, a heated viewing room, and hacking across rolling hills with a scenic view.
Stonewood also offers training services, as well as a selection of quality sport horses for sale, and marketing services for sales horses. Their in house trainers are some of the best the sport has to offer, and they often provide opportunities for riders to work with outside trainers to help build up specific skills and prepare for upcoming shows and championships. Their services are constantly being enhanced, and have recently expanded to offer high level lessons, and a selection of horses for full or part lease. The farm was built with services that would help riders bridge the gap between Trillium and the A circuit, to provide a range of opportunities for owners to access a higher level of training and showing, all at an accessible price level. While the hunter discipline, and riding as a whole, may be a primarily individual sport, Ms. Kerrigan strives to bring a team driven culture to Stonewood and add a little fun into the highly competitive nature of the sport. With a wide range of barn activities, from general get-togethers to pre- and post horse show parties, Tennille and the barn team try to ensure that Stonewood maintains an enjoyable social atmosphere; since many riders spend
a large portion of their time at the barn, especially during show season. While the Stonewood property itself has been around since the 1970’s, and served historically as a training centre for young horses and riders, when Ms. Kerrigan purchased the farm in the winter of 2012 there
wasn’t a wide range of options in the area that offered both exceptional care and high level coaching. Horse care and customer satisfaction is their top priority at Stonewood. They strive to provide diverse training opportunities to propel riders to success.
”
The goal: to produce talented, knowledgeable horses & riders. The Eloquent Equine • 9
Whatever your equestrian goals may be, Stonewood has a package to help you achieve them. The team at Stonewood works hard to provide high level consistent coaching for all riders, regardless of whether they are actively competing or not. As the business continues to grow, Tennille continues to be proud of the exceptional group of staff and clients that make Stonewood Equestrian what it is. She couldn’t be more proud of the team, clients and professionals alike, who have helped make Stonewood one of the premier equestrian facilities in Southern Ontario. At Stonewood Equestrian it’s all about the features, the level of services offered and the friendly team driven culture that they work hard to produce. It’s about serious training combined with a fun and flexible atmosphere, where teamwork is encouraged, and there is more than one person looking out for a horse and rider combination. Their goal is simple, to provide the best services an equestrian facility possibly can. Stonewood Equestrian is located in Pickering, a 35 min. drive from downtown Toronto and just a short drive from many cities in the greater Toronto area.
More information about the facility and services offered can be found by visiting their website at stonewoodequestrian.com or by emailing stonewoodequestrian@hotmail.com.
The Eloquent Equine • 11
DI LANGMUIR RENOWNED EQUESTRIAN, TRAINER & EQUINE CANADA JUDGE
D
i Langmuir never planned to have a career in horses, but is now one of the industry’s most highly regarded professionals, with over 30 years of experience producing top level competitors in the hunter and jumper rings. She is currently the president of Langmuir Equestrian Services, and provides training and coaching for Stonewood Equestrian in Pickering (ON, CAN), as well as Mariposa Stables in Nassau (Bahamas). She is also an Equine Canada Judge. She was kind enough to share how she started her career, what inspires her to continue riding, as well as her advice for aspiring riders. She also provided us with some great tips for improving your riding, as well as some of the challenges people come across when trying to break in to the sport.
How did you get started with horses? Did you always plan to have a career with horses? DL: I started riding when I was young, and I don’t think it had always been a plan to have a career with horses. I simply grew up riding, I was lucky enough that my father supported me, but I still had to find my own way along. At a young age I started working to support my riding; I learned how to braid and helped out around the barn. This eventually turned into a summer job when I got older, I ran a few summer camps, and taught lessons. As I got towards university age, I decided to take a gap year, which ultimately turned into 10 years. During that time
Centre Stage • Di Langmuir
I undertook an apprenticeship and certified through the Canadian coaching program, and then started teaching lessons full time. When I turned 25 I decided to go to university, and ended up working in the ‘real’ world for a short period of time, though I never entirely gave up horses. Eventually I simply got drawn back in and horses became my career path, and that’s where I am today.
Can you speak a bit about your accomplishments as a rider / trainer? DL: There have been a lot of them. I had a very good jumper which I owned who qualified for the Marshall & Sterling Hunter classes. His name was Daddy’s Airplane, and he represented Canada 3 times in the competition in the US. Honestly, its so hard to look at one thing as the greatest. Every time someone I teach masters a skills is a great accomplishment for me. I had a rider who won the mini medal finals one year and I stood at the in gate crying, simply because we had been down such a long path together, to get to that point. I see all the little accomplishments as the great moments, I find great moment’s every day. It’s those moments that really keep us going.
What advice would you give to riders looking to make their mark in competition in the hunter ring, and in the equestrian community as a whole? DL: I think one of the biggest things, one of the hardest things, is getting as much competitive experience as you can get at a young age. It can be very hard when I get someone as a student, who comes in at 20 and has little to no competitive experience. It can be very difficult to catch up on that kind of experience, it’s not impossible, but if you haven’t had experience it’s very hard to teach. Even if you haven’t competed in the ring, you just have to have been there, been at shows. You need to know what the product is, what showing is like. I’ve found that a lot of people just want the riding job and tend to forget about the non-riding jobs and other professionals that are key to the industry. There are other opportunities in this sport, in this field, that are not riding
related but just as important. It’s really hard to find people who have the experience and knowledge to take care of top competitive horses. There’s also a need for people working at horse shows, working in offices, grooming, announcing, judging, teaching and coaching, et cetera. A lot of people limit their view, they simply want to ride horses for a living, but there are many places in the sport that need knowledgeable people who have a love and a passion for the sport. People often lose sight of things; even if you don’t own a horse doesn’t mean you can’t make this your love. It’s also, generally, just hard to make it in the equestrian world. It’s a very expensive sport.
What inspires you (is the driving factor) to continue working in the industry as a trainer, etc.? DL: I love watching riders and horses that find joy in what they do. I love watching a horse that jumps a jump and really loves it. I love a rider who has an epiphany and really gets it, really has a skill click. I feel that this is something that we’ve lost a bit of in an industry like this, one that pushes horses and riders so hard.
“
I love watching riders and horses that find joy in what they do. I love watching a horse that jumps a jump and really loves it. I love a rider who has an epiphany and really gets it.”
The Eloquent Equine • 13
We should train horses and riders, prepare them, and then go to a horse show, once they are ready. We have a problem of going to horse shows and simply hoping that we have a finished product. This isn’t a new trend, but something that started in the 80’s as we got more horse shows. We’ve gotten to the point where, often, we end up putting the cart before the horse, as it were. Now we have riders who don’t enjoy it any more. Showing can be really busy and sometimes it can suck the joy out of the industry, having so many shows and competing so often.
As a judge and trainer you’ve likely seen a wide range of horses over the years, when in the ring, what makes a horse and rider stand out performance wise? DL: The first thing is turnout. It doesn’t have to be the most expensive clothing either, if the horse and rider are turned out impeccably in well-fitting and clean attire you automatically get my eye. It’s the attention to detail that matters. If you pay that much attention to what you look like when you enter the ring, I’ve found that you will ride better in the ring.
Do you have any favourite exercises you recommend to riders to improve their performance in the show ring? DL: Take the stirrups off of your saddle. Spend ten thousand hours trotting and cantering around the ring without stirrups. You need to have balance to ride a horse, and this will help you gain that balance. People do not spend enough time doing no stirrup work, and it’s the one thing that will make you a better rider. If you don’t do it, you won’t get better. Off of the horse I recommended that people take up yoga. What we do when riding horses is a form of controlled relaxation, and that is what yoga is. It’s about learning to hold something without being tense, as well as improving balance.
Centre Stage • Di Langmuir
What do you consider the most important assets or skills a horse and rider must have to excel in the sport? DL: You need to have patience, and a sense of humour. As a society we tend to live in a fast world, and unfortunately this is a slow sport. If you rush the horse you will miss crucial steps in their training, you will also miss steps in your own training. The fundamental building blocks of riding cannot be rushed. You also can’t take yourself too seriously. If you can’t laugh it off you are going to begin riding with anger, and the just doesn’t get you anywhere.
What do you think are the most challenging aspects of the discipline riders will have to overcome as they work their way up the ranks? DL: I think the biggest problem we have right now is people who are trying to show horses without a strong skill base. This will catch up to you. You need those fundamental basics, like how to count steps in a line, balance on horseback, etc., in order to succeed. I often see people moving up divisions simply because there seems to be fewer competitors in a class, which means a better chance at getting ribbons or prizes. Getting higher doesn’t mean it gets easier. People seem to forget that this is a sport and there needs to be some level of proficiency before you consider taking the next step. I also think that people often make an error when they select horses and/or trainers. The misconception that you can buy young horses for young riders never really works out well, there are exceptions, but generally things just never work out well. When your child first gets a licence you are not going to buy them a car without a steering wheel or brakes, the same goes for a young rider. You also need to make sure that you are working with a qualified professional. People are often scared to ask questions, don’t be - never forget to ask questions.
The Eloquent Equine • 15
HUNTER UNDER SADDLE & HACK DIVISIONS
JUDGING
HUNTERS Can Am All Breeds Expo - Clinic Report Clinician Barbara Mitchell Despite the decidedly un-spring like weather and boggy conditions, the show went on, and the Can-Am All Breeds Equine Expo, held at the Orangeville Fairgrounds, brought professional equestrians and horse enthusiasts together for three days of equine education and shopping. The Can-Am All Breeds Equine Expo, hosted by Can-Am Equine Marketing is Canada’s largest equine education event, and
Can Am 2014 • Clinic Report
brings renowned clinicians from across the disciplines into one venue for one weekend. The expo offers a range of shopping opportunities, as well as numerous equine-related lectures and presentations. We had a chance to check out the range of clinics offered on Saturday, including the first part of Barbara Mitchell’s Hunter Judges Clinic – Judging under Saddle and Hack Divisions.
Barbara Mitchell is an Equine Canada Senior Judge for Hunter, Equitation, Hack, and Jumper classes and holds all of her judging cards with the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF). She is also a member of the board of directors for Jump Canada, and a past president of the Ontario Hunter Jumper Association. Saturday’s first clinic with Ms. Mitchell served as an opportunity for upcoming judges to hone their skills and learn from an industry professional. While the clinic’s target audience may have been Hunter judges, it provided a unique opportunity for riders to gain insight on what judges are looking for, and may expect from you, in the ring.
Tack standards for hack classes, as per Equine Canada regulations, include an English saddle; bridles of the double, Pelham, snaffle, or kimberwick type; and spurs (optional). No whips, martingales, breastplates, boots or bandages, or dropped or flash nosebands are allowed. For a full list of tack specifications, please see the Equine Canada regulations. There are three primary types of hack you may encounter in the ring during a hack division. These hacks differ from the common ‘hack’ in hunter under saddle classes. 1. The Pleasure Hack
1.
Key considerations for judges, which riders should also be aware of are:
• There should be balance and consistency in the movement of the horse and rider • Gait is affected by a horse’s emotional state • Nervous horses will be less consistent than calm ones • Horses, like people, are left and right handed – so they will perform differently depending on which direction they are travelling • Horse see differently left to right • What is scary one way may not be so the other way, and vice versa • The Gaits • The walk is just as important as the other gaits • But all of the gaits are ranked 1. Canter – most important, especially because this is the gait that is used for jumping 2. Trot 3. Walk
2.
The Hack Class
The pleasure hack sounds exactly like it is, judges are looking for a relaxed and happy horse, one that would be a pleasure to ride. Your horse should be calm, and take care of you. This hack can be judged at the walk, trot, and canter. Light contact should be maintained throughout the class. Key aspects of a good pleasure hack: • Horse is quiet • Horse is carrying its head/neck long and low • Good attitude (manners) 2. The Road Hack During the road hack your horse should be collected, on the bit, and engaged - especially through the hind end. This is a more aggressive hack than the pleasure hack, and the horse should be solid and in hand. The trot should be a strong working trot, and all gaits should be straight and ‘true’, and exercised with ease. Essentially, your horse should get the job done, but still look like an easy ride. 3. The Show Hack The show hack is simply a road hack with much more pizazz. This is a showy hack, and should be engaged and strong like the road hack, but much more lively and expressive. You should be able to extend and collect your horse’s gaits in order to excel in this class.
Hack classes are most commonly found on the Trillium show circuit (Ontario). The hack division was created to showcase the versatility of a horse or pony on the flat. A well rounded horse/pony that is versatile and able to adjust his gaits will excel in this division.
The Eloquent Equine • 17
3.
Equitation
Where the hack class assesses the versatility of the horse, the equitation class looks at the skills of the rider. The judge is looking for a certain level of sophistication and skill in the rider, based upon their division level.
C
Level Open to riders under the age of 12, as of January 1st of the current year.
Key considerations • Judges are looking for control and good position • Rider should be in the middle of the saddle • There is a soft feel on the reins and horse’s mouth • Consistent rein length throughout the class • Consistent position throughout the class • Should be on the right diagonal
B
Level Open to riders who are 12-14 years old, as of January 1st of the current year.
Key considerations • Should be more ‘educated’ than a C level rider • Position • Should be straight and centered • Should be good connection between the rider and the horse’s mouth • Need to be on the right diagonal – you will score very low if not • Rider should sit down and into the saddle at the canter
A
Level Open to riders who are 15 +, as of January 1st of the current year
Key considerations • A rider at this level should be highly sophisticated • Body should be centred, connected to mouth, with elbows at sides • Horse should be in a frame, with the poll up • Hands should be closed on reins, this will help maintain connection with the horse • Can be asked to transition from walk to canter at this level
Can Am 2014 • Clinic Report
Other things to keep in mind: • Riders should not fight their horse into a frame • There should be no ‘nagging’, avoid the noticeable left/right head wag of consistently fighting your horse’s head down • It would be much better to have a horse’s head higher than to see it “nagged” down • If you want to stay square in the saddle, keep more weight on your outside stirrup • Turnout is important • As soon as you enter the ring, you will be judged on your turnout • You don’t have to be dressed in the most expensive clothes and equipment, as long as it’s clean and well fitting • Presentation is important • If you can be one of the first in the ring, then do so – the judge will see you sooner • Show your horse off as you enter the ring, get the judges attention • Show off what you do best before the show starts; if that is canter, canter, if it’s trot, trot, etc. • Know where the judge is sitting, and move your number to reflect that position as you ride around the ring • Be prepared and ready for any command the judge may ask for when riding on the flat
FENCED IN
COURSE DESIGN
WHAT YOU MAY ENCOUNTER IN THE SHOW RING
H
eading out to the show ring for the first time, or simply want to better prepare yourself and your horse while at home? Well look no further, we’re taking a look at some of the most common fences you’ll encounter in the hunter ring. ---Obstacles on a hunter course are required to mimic those that you would encounter out on the hunt field. Courses will usually offer a variation of the standard jump types, with a variety of appearances, depending on the class. Jumps may mimic standard show jumper fences with natural/simulated natural decorations, or may resemble stone walls, fences or gates, hedges, brush, logs, or natural post and rail. The style of fence and the design of a course will vary by type of show class, be it a hunter class, an equitation class, or a derby. Equitation courses, unlike standard hunter courses, will see a wider variation of jumps, as a combination of hunter fences, jumper fences, or a variation of both are acceptable for course designers to employ. The vertical and the oxer are the two most common jumps you will likely encounter on course, and while they may seem simple, are not to be underestimated.
The Essentials • Course Design
THE VERTICAL This style of jump is comprised of a standard horizontal rail (vertical element) on a vertical plane; there is no spread to it. It’s not uncommon to find a vertical as the first fence on a course, as it is a simple and great way to help a horse get started. This style of fence will force a rider to collect and balance their horse, and should undertaken without losing impulsion or step.
Vertical Rail (Vertical element)
Vertical Plane
(No spread)
The Eloquent Equine • 21
THE OXER Spread
The oxer is simply two vertical jumps put together to create a jump with width, or spread. There are two standard types of oxer, the ramped and the square.
(Two rails with width between)
Back Rail
Square Oxer
(Higher than front)
il Ra
Square oxers can cause a horse to become ‘loose’ in the air over the fence, which will lead the horse to lose impulsion on the landing, which will affect the approach to the next fence.
nt Fro
In this type of oxer, the back and front poles are the same height; this makes it difficult for the horse to judge how wide the spread of the fence is as they cannot see the second rail.
Ramped Oxer In this type of oxer, the front rail will be lower than the back one. This makes it easier to assess the spread of the jump. This type of fence allows the horse to arc more easily over the fence, creating a more powerful jump. Ramped oxers will often force a rider to lay flatter while in the air over the jump, which will minimize the control you have over your horse. This means you need to be more aware, and quick, in gaining control of your horse after landing to prepare for the next fence – especially if your horse gets strong.
Spread
Back Rail (Level with front)
Fr
on
tR ail
(Two rails with width between)
Square Oxer The Essentials • Course Design
Ramped Oxer
NATURAL / SIMULATED NATURAL OBSTACLES These can be comprised of any number of materials, from hedges and bushes to flowers, and are designed to mimic a natural obstacle you and your horse may encounter in the field. While not necessarily a standard ‘jump’ they are an obstacle you will need to navigate in order to successfully complete the course.
COURSE DECORATIONS Flower, plants, trees, and islands can all be used to decorate a hunter course, so making sure you horse is comfortable with them can help improve your performance in the ring, especially on a windy day! A variety of greenery, including small plants, flower boxes, trees, and brush can all be used to provide a more natural feel to the course, bringing it closer to the look and feel of a hunt field. It’s not uncommon to see decorative ‘islands’ throughout a course. These decorative additions can be just about anything, and are meant to add beauty and elegance to a ring.
The Eloquent Equine • 23
COMBINATIONS While many of the above jumps can appear as single obstacles that stand alone in the hunter ring, riders also need to be aware of combinations that occur on course and the challenges that come with each.
1.
Vertical to oxer combinations are the easiest you will encounter, it’s a simple combination style and will be easy for even beginner riders to navigate.
3.
The vertical to vertical combination can vary in difficulty, depending on the spacing between jumps.
While it is generally an easy and safe combination style, when the two jumps are spaced further apart the difficulty will increase. This is because across longer distances riders must maintain forward impulsion while also staying balanced and organized. With shorter distances between verticals, there is less time for a horse to collect speed and lose balance.
Vertical to Oxer (Side view cutaway)
Vertical to Vertical
2.
The oxer to vertical combination is a bit more challenging, and will test a rider’s ability to land cleanly off the oxer and quickly prepare their horse for the vertical, which will require the horse to be much more balanced, without losing impulsion.
(Side view cutaway)
4.
The oxer to oxer combination can be difficult for riders to navigate and requires a combination of forward pace and impulsion with control and good rider position.
The rider must be able to support themselves over the jump, but be able to organize and balance the horse between fences, especially if a horse gains to much impulsion (gets strong) which will cause them to lose balance.
Oxer to Vertical (Side view cutaway)
Oxer to Oxer (Side view cutaway) The Essentials • Course Design
FILLER & GROUND LINES Vertical Rail Many hunter jumps, regardless of style, will employ a lot of filler and bigger ground lines with longer jump trajectories. This design choice means that many jumps have an ascending shape, leading the rider to have to balance their horse less than when riding into a standard, and truly vertical, fence or obstacle. It also means that it is easier for your horse to avoid hitting the rails, which can help you make it look as if your horse is that much easier to ride - helping to improve your score.
Ascending Shape
(Angled - spread)
Filler(s)
(Flower boxes, hedges, etc.)
The Eloquent Equine • 25
Passion for horses and fashion! ZIKY is a line of equestrian clothing and accessories that reflects my love of horses and fashion. I first discovered my passion for equestrian sports when I went with my older brother to vaulting lessons at age 4. From then on I took any and every opportunity to be around animals, especially horses. All of my summers were spent at my aunt’s farm riding ponies and finally, at age 14, I joined a local riding club. The time I spent as a child and young teen around the barn are some of my best memories. Not only did I have a great time, I learned a lot too. Responsibility, discipline and hard work come hand-in-hand with being a rider. This is why riding is such a valuable activity for kids. At the same time it was fun and exciting to be around horses! Being creative has always been a huge part of my life. As a child I was interested in arts and crafts and as a teen I started making my own clothes. After graduating from High School, I went on to fashion school in Paris and then New York City, where I met my husband. We got married and I settled down to life here in the United States. We had two children and before I knew it the break from riding and horses had stretched past a decade.
The Eloquent Equine • 27
Finally, when my daughter was 6 she asked to ride horses. I was thrilled! I knew that she would learn the same valuable lessons I did as a child while having an amazing time. I found a local barn. Soon her instructor dared me to get on a horse as well... One week later I found myself in a fox hunt with a hunt master and hounds dashing though the woods of Arkansas, having a blast! I started riding regularly and a couple years later fulfilled my childhood dream of owning my own horse: I bought a thoroughbred straight off the track. Needless to say, ‘Good For You,’ turned out to be just that! Inspired by my passion for designing and sewing I started a line of handbags that very soon took me into equestrian accessories. As a rider, fashion designer and tailor, I appreciate good quality craftsmanship. My line combines my love for fashion with my passion for horses and riding. I strive to produce great products, made in the USA, that are stylish, functional, and of high quality. A collection of gear bags such as bridle bags, helmet sling bags, boot bags, saddle pad bags and saddle covers was created with these characteristics in mind. I designed a few graphics for t-shirts and it grew into a line of shirts, hoodies, sweat pants, and pajamas with equestrian themes. Embroidered caps and polo shirts complete the look. Shop ZIKY online or at select horse shows (Rolex April 2014).
www.ZIKYboutique.com www.etsy.com/shop/ZIKYboutique www.facebook.com/ZIKYboutique www.instagram/ZIKY
she asked to ride horses. I was n the same valuable lessons I did as me. I found a local barn. Soon her rse as well... One week later I found aster and hounds dashing though ast! I started riding regularly and a dhood dream of owning my own aight off the track. Needless to say, t that!
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ridle bags, helmet sling bags, boot e covers was created with these
ts and it grew into a line of shirts, amas with equestrian themes. complete the look. shows (Rolex April 2014).
tique ique
The Eloquent Equine • 29
CUSTOM HORSE HAIR JEWELLERY
GALLA DESIGNS Galla Designs has proudly made horsehair jewellery for Olympians and international riders.
So far 2014 is off to an exciting start for Galla Designs!! We have launched many new designs with more still to come. Solid yellow gold is now being offered in rings, as well as a silver/gold combo to ease the pocket book. Love your horse breed? - we have breed logo rings. Whether you use hair from your horse or ours, we offer top of the line unique options. We also have options for mane hair, or cat and dog hair in our resin line. Our website will be up to date shortly, but new items can be seen on our Facebook page.
RIDER’S
CORNER FEATURED RIDER JAMIE KENNEY SHARES HOW SHE PREPARES FOR COMPETITION & WHAT SHE LOVES ABOUT RIDING HUNTERS
H
i! My name is Jamie, I am 15 years old, and my horse is a 14 year old 16.3 bay OTTB named Concord. We have been together since September and I have only recently started leasing him, but have made great progress in that time. Concord is an incredible horse; he goes above and beyond for his rider and has saved my butt numerous times! He used to do the jumpers but he really enjoys his new hunter career. This year we will be competing in the children’s division, and my goals for the year are to qualify for finals, and I hope to move up in divisions by this time next year, as my junior years are numbered. I think that the hunter discipline is great because it focuses on what the sport is really about, the horse. I think, speaking as a junior, we lose sight of what’s important a lot, whether it’s for money or status or any other reason. To me, hunters almost corrects that focus back onto the horse.
As for how I prepare for a competition, I actually have a checklist saved into my phone! I make sure all my stuff is ready, because I have this crazy fear that I will show up for a big class only to realize I forgot my helmet at home or something. Maybe that’s just me but I worry about those things! Next I usually watch recent videos of me riding to pinpoint what I think I need to focus on for the show. Finally, I get food because I sometimes forget to eat on show days and then I end up riding terribly because my blood sugar is so low! I think the biggest thing to focus on at shows, especially if you are in the hunters, is your horse. Don’t think about the ribbons or the points you need, or anything like that. Your horse should be all you are really worried about, and if you work hard enough, the rest will come easily.
Jamie & Concord Photo | Mackenzie Gilligan Fly Over It Photography
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Your horse should be all you are really worried about, and if you work hard enough, the rest will come easily. The Eloquent Equine • 31
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OUEA Not your typical show circuit
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ounded by a group of dedicated equestrians in 2007, the Ontario University Equestrian Association (OUEA) is run by students, for students. It provides the opportunity for equestrians to connect with others who share their passion, as well as continue riding and competing while away at school. The OUEA offers hunter equitation classes in various divisions, and riders compete on horses they have never ridden. The OUEA started small, with a handful of universities from the south-central region of Ontario, but has since drastically expanded to include 17 universities from across the province. The circuit is now divided into East and West zones, which allows teams to send more riders to competition while also minimizing travel times and the costs associated with long distance travel. Individual shows are run by OUEA member teams, in their respective zones, and operate at facilities and with horses donated by local equestrian community members. Each morning of a show live draws are held where riders obtain a number which corresponds to the horse that they will ride that day. Each horse wears a numbered saddle pad, and riders are allowed to watch their horse warm up with another rider in the ring before their class. When it’s their turn in the saddle, they are not allowed to touch the tack or pick up the reins until they enter the ring. Adjustments to tack and care of the horses between rides is left up to the show volunteers. We had a chance to speak with Kirsten, OUEA president for 2013-14, and Laura, current East Zone representative and future president of the OUEA for next term, to hear about what they love about the circuit and what they hope riders achieve by being part of the organization. Kirsten has rode with and been captain of the University of Guelph team, while Laura rides and runs the Ryerson University Team.
Featured • The OUEA
What do you see as the goal of the OUEA, present and future?
Is there anything else you’d like people to know about the OUEA?
KD: The OUEA is really just a great environment for people. Going away to University can often be overwhelming, so to join a team and be part of something is quite welcoming and fun. You become very close to everyone on the circuit, and it really gives you something to look forward to. It’s nice to be on a team, and to be part of a team. While it is competitive, everyone is also very supportive of each other, so it’s a really friendly environment.
KD: The circuit really depends on the horse donors; we really couldn’t run shows without them. The same is true for those who donate their facilities for our shows, as well as everyone who supports the OUEA and its member teams, without them we couldn’t do what we do.
LG: Next year I’d like to see the OUEA grow further. We’re building a community; we already have about 20 universities participating on the circuit. I would also like to see the OUEA become more reputable, and recognized, within the equestrian community itself.
LG: It’s really important, when considering universities to look at the athletics they offer. Look to see if the university has an equestrian team. If you want to keep competing while at university, the OUEA is an option.
What do you hope riders who ride as part of a University team, and on the OUEA circuit, gain from the experience? KD: I hope riders find it welcoming and fun, something to look forward to. OUEA shows serve as a great stress outlet; you don’t have to think about school, and just come to look forward to shows. All year long you compete in your zone and work towards qualifying for finals, and after all that we have a big year end gala, with a banquet and dance, which is a lot of fun. LG: Speaking from personal experience, I’ve made some of the best of friends through the OUEA and through the University team. The OUEA helped me meet some of the best people I could possibly meet.
What are you hopes and goals for the OUEA for the coming year?
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KD: We are seeing a lot of new facilities who are starting to take interest, especially up North, which is really quite exciting. In general we are starting to see new interest, which is really nice. LG: I’m hoping that next year we are able to continue expanding riders and expanding teams. Some are quite small right now, especially in the East Zone, and it would be nice to see them grow. As a whole the organization has been around for 7 years now, so this is a great time to look at the operational side of things. When the OUEA was founded, it was based off of Equine Canada (EC) and the Intercollegiate Horse Show Associate (IHSA) in the United States, so it’s time to make it our own.
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The Eloquent Equine • 33
THE ELOQUENT EQUINE THANKS FOR READING! We’ll be back with a whole new issue Summer 2014! Seem like a long wait? Well then make sure you check out our website for great articles, product reviews, clinic reports, and more to keep you inspired.
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