The Plaid Horse - April 2016 - The Equine Business Issue

The Plaid Horse

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America’s Premiere Horse Show Magazine April 2016 • The Equine Business Issue

Inside

Donna Struve & Ledges Sporting Horses Showplace Productions • Safety Check, Inc. Is He Lame or Just a Lefty? • The Ridge USHJA Horsemanship Quiz Challenge Andrew Ryback 2016

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ANTARES • LUC CHILDERIC • HERMES • AMERIGO • TAD

COFFIN • VOLTAIRE • DELGRANGE • CWD • DEVOUCOUX • BUTET •

THIS MONTH’S FEATURES:

12 A CULTURE OF SAFETY BY AMY CLEVER 23 USHJA HORSEMANSHIP QUIZ CHALLENGE 26 IS HE LAME OR JUST A LEFTY? 28 OLIVIA GOLDEN 36 BLENHEIM EQUISPORTS 46 DONNA STRUVE & LEDGES 56 JOHN COURAGE BOOK REVIEW

CONTACT THE PLAID HORSE:

WRITE Piper Klemm, Ph.D., 14 Mechanic Street, Canton, New York 13617 • CALL 541-905-0192 EMAIL theplaidhorsemag@gmail.com FACEBOOK facebook.com/theplaidhorsemag TWITTER @PlaidHorseMag twitter.com/PlaidHorseMag INSTAGRAM @theplaidhorsemag instagram.com/theplaidhorsemag PINTEREST pinterest.com/theplaidhorse GOOGLE + The Plaid Horse Mag TUMBLR theplaidhorsemag.tumblr.com ISSUU issuu.com/theplaidhorsemag

COFFIN • VOLTAIRE • DELGRANGE • CWD • DEVOUCOUX • BUTET •

EDITOR’S NOTE: Spring is here in the Bluegrass! It seemed like the grass greened up overnight, and suddenly, the trees were in bloom. This is my first spring in Lexington, KY since my senior year at the University of Kentucky—eight years ago! Lexington is my hometown, but the horse show scene here has really changed since I was growing up. The inimitable Kentucky Horse Park—where I showed in my first show, and even rode stadium jumping rounds in the Rolex arena when I tried my hand at three-day eventing—has developed into a first class competition venue, and has helped in building up a stronger sport horse community in this town. I’m looking forward to spending quite a bit of time at KHP this spring, summer and fall, probably with my sweet pup, Java, in tow. I’ll either be riding my mare Secret Society in the jumpers, taking pictures by the hunter rings, or cheering on my barn, United Sport Horses from the rail. So, look for us and come say hi! Meeting new friends is one of the best parts about working for The Plaid Horse. ◼ MEGHAN BLACKBURN, EDITOR

ABOVE: EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MEGHAN BLACKBURN IS ENJOYING HER SPRING IN LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY WITH HER DOG JAVA. INTERESTED IN CONNECTING WITH MEGHAN AT THE KENTUCKY HORSE PARK THIS SPRING AND SUMMER? EMAIL THEPLAIDHORSEMB@GMAIL.COM ON THE COVER: DONNA STRUVE. PHOTO © ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY.

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TPH CONTRIBUTORS

KELLY SHEEHAN HOMETOWN: Nashville, TN OCCUPATION: Board Certified Behavior Analyst FAVORITE SUSHI ROLL: California Roll FAVORITE CHILDHOOD BOOK: Where the Sidewalk Ends, Shel Silverstein BIGGEST PET PEEVE: Superfluous, comma, usage HORSE CRUSH: My guy “Only In Dreams” (aka Floyd)

KEELIN REDMOND, DVM HOMETOWN: Half Moon Bay, CA OCCUPATION: equine sports medicine veterinarian in Aiken, SC FAVORITE SUSHI ROLL: the VO roll at fabulous Takosushi in Aiken FAVORITE CHILDHOOD BOOK:

All Creatures Great and Small (of course) ROLE MODEL: Dr. Stan Brown, in medicine and in life BIGGEST PET PEEVE: lack of empathy HORSE CRUSH: 50/50 split between the great Zenyatta and the equally great Northern Spy

PHOTO © LIBBY POLLOCK.

IRENE ELISE POWLICK HOMETOWN: Salt Lake City, UT OCCUPATION: Student FAVORITE SUSHI ROLL: Any! I love seafood!!

FAVORITE CHILDHOOD BOOK: Out of My Mind ROLE MODEL: Georgina Bloomberg BIGGEST PET PEEVE: Improper grooming for lesson/show HORSE CRUSH: Kaitlyn Van Konynenburg’s Commisario

EMMA DUBINSKY HOMETOWN: St. Louis, MO OCCUPATION: Student FAVORITE SUSHI ROLL: California Roll (I don't eat raw fish) FAVORITE CHILDHOOD BOOK: the whole Boxcar Children series ROLE MODEL: My mom BIGGEST PET PEEVE: People who cheat in class or on tests HORSE CRUSH: Cold Harbor

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Orion Farmtes

a l u t a r g n o C d LINDA EVANS & KIM FERRO 413-530-9685 orionpny@aol.com Massachusetts & Wellington, Florida

Dreaanmdlan n a m e e r F a i d Clau WINNERS OF THE $5,000 “GIVE A BUCK” LARGE PONY HUNTER DERBY CLASSIC AT THE WINTER EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL!

A Culture of Safety: Why It’s Important In Your Barn

BY AMY CLEVER OF SAFETY CHECK, INC.

◼ Damages caused by injury to

both horses and barn staff contribute to many unforeseen costs in the equine industry every year. Undeniably, safety is a factor that is at the heart of this issue. Research shows that increasing the culture of safety in your barn can decrease the costs associated with insurance and healthcare for both barn staff and horses. One of the easiest ways to develop a strong safety culture in your facility is to implement an equine safety program. ◼ An equine safety program is designed to help equestrian facility owners determine risks and prevent accidents involving staff, clients, visitors, and horses. A well-written and implemented health and safety manual is imperative in enabling equestrian facilities to improve the safety of their facility. Below are a few key elements that an equine safety program should include: • Assessment of Hazards • Health and Safety Manual • Routine Safety Inspections • Regular Safety Training • Assign a Program Coordinator ◼ In reality, dangers do exist in the equestrian facilities of even the most competent professionals. The first step in developing a strong culture of safety in your facility is evaluating the risks at hand, and taking steps to reduce those risks. The development of a health and safety manual goes hand in hand with determining the risks in your facility and working to eliminate them. A health and safety manual will outline the protocol for employees to follow with regard to guidelines and rules for many of the day-to-day activities in the barn, as well as sections providing guidance on specific tasks. A strong safety program will put an end to complacency, and should motivate you and your staff to take a close look at your everyday activities in order to keep your thoughts and actions fresh. ◼ Your health and safety program provides a multitude of tools to help you get the job done. As part of the program, safety inspections should be completed on a regular basis. Safety inspections will help to identify high-risk areas

and potential liability, allowing you to correct issues before problems arise.

When your facility is inspected on a consistent basis, it brings safety and accountability to the forefront of everyone’s actions, which will decrease the possibility of accidents or injury involving both staff and horses. ◼ Of course, no facility is free from the need to learn about how to improve their safety practices. After all, aren’t we always striving to do better? A training schedule should be planned out for the year, with specific topics outlined to be covered at regular times. However, from your inspections will also come the opportunity to provide training in different areas as concern arises. For example, during your inspection you might see a member of your staff struggling to handle a particularly unruly horse. That would lead to the opportunity to teach safe handling practices. When utilized properly, your safety program becomes a tool through which you can take advantage of teachable moments within your operation, as well as to coordinate regularly scheduled trainings on specific, pre-planned topics. ◼ Keep in mind that while your program is a tool for achieving better safety in your facility, you must use your tools to get the job done. In order to implement the health and safety program, it is important to assign a program manager from within your staff, or to hire a third party consulting company.

This person will complete all of the record keeping, complete regularly scheduled inspections and implement consistent training. Your safety program manager/consultant is the main person who cultivates the safety climate within your equestrian facility, so choose wisely. ◼ As you can see, the implementation of a health and safety program in your equestrian facility can lead to many positive changes in your operation.

From a strong culture of safety when handling your horses and working in your facility, to decreased costs in insurance and health care, a well-maintained health safety program can make a world of difference in your business. If you have the desire to further develop a culture of health and safety in your equestrian facility, there are a number of third party safety consultants available, including Safety Check, Inc.

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Turf Tour at The Ridge, Wellington, FL, March 2016. 1. Paul O’Shea. 2. Madeleine Mallon. 3. Clementine Goutal. 4. Sarah Wayda. 5. Peter Wylde.

PHOTOS © ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY.

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HITS Ocala Ocala, Florida, February 2016.

1. A/O Hunters watching their fellow competition.

2. The USA Nations Cup team accepting their top placing.

From left to right: McLain Ward, Elizabeth Madden, Lauren Hough, and Todd Minikus.

3. Libbie Gordon and Ginger Rodgers.

4. Aaron Vale and Mallory Vale take their daughter Kinser Vale lead line class before the Sunday Grand Prix.

5. Daniel Bluman in the City of Ocala Grand Prix .

6. Lauren Hough’s mount Cornet.

PHOTOS © DOMINIQUE GONZALEZ.

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USHJA HORSEMANSHIP QUIZ CHALLENGE

A Personal Account of 2015 By Emily Garrett

The USHJA Horsemanship Quiz Challenge all starts with the study guide and first online quiz. However, that guide does not stop when HQC is over. I reference it when I encounter something happening at the barn of which I’m unsure, and because of the guide, I use the knowledge from HQC and apply it in multiple situations. After passing with an 80 percent, you move on to the on that quiz, which is longer and more intense. You need a passing score of 90 percent or higher on quiz two.

The first year I qualified for nationals, I was in a tiebreaker to make it into one of the 12 individual spots for that year.

The tiebreaker was a short phone call of about 10 questions. I was in the car when I got the call and had to answer the questions without any materials or planning. It’s very competitive to make it to HQC Nationals. With 42 people at

USHJA YOUTH COMMITTEE MEMBER KIRSTIE DOBBS GIVES A BRAIDING CLINIC AT NATIONALS 2015 AT OTTERBEIN UNIVERSITY (OH).

nationals, 2013 was a big year for the challenge; 30 on 10 different teams; 12 individual finalists. Last year there were a few less teams and individuals with around 30 people, but this year seemed to smallest with everyone on a team and around 15 finalists.

In preparing for HQC Nationals, you must have a thorough knowledge of the Study Guide, but also current events and practice in the barn. I was fortunate to be at a college where I could take equine classes and really practice my knowledge. I was also a working student over the summers, which allowed a lot of hands-on work as well. A large part of the test and experience at nationals is not only knowing the answers to certain questions you’re asked, but also being able to apply that to real world situations.

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The first year I made it to HQC Nationals was 2013, and once arriving at the University of Findlay, everyone went into a classroom to take the test and then watched the EAP finalists ride before the welcome meeting and games. The games are always my favorite part.

There is the bridle challenge which has been there every year. We had identifying the color and breeds of horses and as always charades of various horse related terms which is the most comical to watch. The second and third years I was at Nationals, the jumping game was added. The first time, we tried to jump a made up course together as a team and were judged on how many jumps all members could clear in a certain time. Since it was outside to Northern Ohio weather, it was 30 degrees and there was snow on the ground.

This year, the stakes were higher with an individual joker challenge and thankfully, inside. Plus, we had an announcer which made it really exciting! In 2014, the identification challenge was a new addition but built in as one of the seminars on Saturday.

In 2015, it became an element of the test, so when you finished the test you could watch the riders, but before the meeting, everyone had a chance to go in one at time. Last year it was for fun however, this year it was very different

and more challenging with five tables each containing 20 items that you had to identify in 5 minutes. Following all of the hard testing, we could have fun and met one another.

Saturdays were the days for learning which included educational seminars from industry professionals and auditing the EAP riding sessions. The top twelve every year have a specific time to do their practicum session.

You could feel the nerves for the ones about to be tested, and see the relief on everyone’s faces when they were done. I remember my first year at the practicum vividly, because I was nervous and stumbled my way through it. I had no idea what it would be like but the judges were very encouraging and gave great feedback for improvement when I received my test scores a few months later. The two following years I knew what to prepare for and an idea of how the practicum worked so by the third year, I was pretty confident going in and was ready to prove that I learned from my mistakes and could put forth my best effort. Repetition was key for me because I didn’t grow up riding in a show barn or owning my own horse, so some of the methods and materials were foreign to me the first year.

The first year I only qualified as an individual but the following years I have

been fortunate to be on successful teams. Having strong teammates when I was on the IHSA team in 2014 to win as the Gold Team, and the Zone 5 team in 2015 to earn the Silver Team medal has been a privilege and contributed to my individual success as well, being a Silver Medalist and High Practicum score. Being on a team encourages support of your teammates and allows the experienced finalists to help guide the new team members with calming their nerves and discussing the process. Amid the stress of the end of the semester, Nationals comes at a perfect time to get out of thinking about school and projects and return to my passion for a weekend.

It’s been such a blessing to be at the National event and meet young horsewomen and men from around the country and the members of the USHJA task force. Interacting with top professionals in the industry and Olympian Peter Wylde, is invigorating and inspiring. It’s a wonderful environment to learn in and one that I wish happened more than just once a year. ◼ BY EMILY GARRETT

For more information visit the USHJA Horsemanship Quiz Challenge page: www.ushja.org/programs/ youth/hqc_home.aspx

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USHJA Horsemanship Quiz Challenge Practice Quiz Enroll for HQC:

www.ushja.org/programs/youth/HQC_home.aspx

1. The hunter/jumper industry considers a horse to be at least 14.1 hands tall.

☐ True

☐ False

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2. Which of the following parts of the saddle is defined as a channel running down the length of the underside of the saddle?

a. Skirt

b. Panel

c. Gullet

d. Point of Pocket 5.

6.

3. When lunging, the whip is used to represent the rider’s:

a. Leg

b. Spur

c. Crop

d. Voice 4. The horse’s diet should ideally consist primarily of roughage.

☐ True

☐ False

Pony Island at the Winter Equestrian Festival, Wellington, FL, March 2016. 1. Alexis Bauman in the Small Pony Hunters. 2. Ponies jogging. 3. Olivia Markman and Benlea Mizzou were class winners in the Small Pony Hunters. 4. Anna Richardson and Vermont Ruby Fox have earned top prizes in the Medium Pony Hunters all circuit. 5. Riley McKesson earned the Children's Small/ Medium Pony Hunter Championship. 6. TPH Ambassador Hannah Hoch and Anisette were Owner/Rider Medium Pony Hunter Champions.

Email your answers in to TPH at theplaidhorsemag@gmail.com by May 15, 2016. One winner will be randomly selected from the correct entries to win The Plaid Horse USHJA Prize Pack!

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Talk to any rider, and you will hear it: “His left lead is better.” “His right to left change is better.” “His right hind is the weak one.”

Talk to any rider and you will hear this too: “My vet injected his right stifle and it got better.” “My vet injected his hocks and it got better.” “My chiropractor adjusted his left pelvis and it got better.”

So which is which? How do you know when your horse is just dominant on one side (a “right-handed” or “left-handed” horse) and when he is in pain?

Which issues require a trainer and which require a vet?

Sometimes It’s Easy If your horse is lame, your problems are based in pain. Most of the time, a visible limp is an indicator of pain, even if he improves with warmup. There are some “mechanical lamenesses”, or gait abnormalities not related to pain, but they are few and far between. If your horse is lame, your veterinarian needs to check him out.

IS HE LAME OR JUST A LEFTY? Distinguishing Between Lameness, Weakness, and Sidedness • By Keelin Redmond, DVM

Sometimes It’s Not So Easy So your horse looks sound to you and your vet when moving in a straight line and a circle. But the left lead canter still doesn’t feel the same as the right, or one change isn’t as good as the other. It could be one of many things.

“Sidedness.” To a degree, this is normal. Remember that all of us have a dominant side. I am right handed. I write, brush my teeth, play tennis and dust my house with my right hand. But here is the key; my left hand doesn’t hang limply at my side. I can and do use it. And the more I use it (like when my right has been injured), the better it gets. Try it. You can write pretty darn well with your non-dominant hand if you practice for a few weeks. So if your horse simply CANNOT change leads from right to left, he’s not just right-handed; something is wrong. The same goes if he can’t land on the right lead or hold the canter in a small circle one way. His left hand is hanging limply at his side.

You need to consider the degree of an issue. If it is a total inability to perform a fairly routine task, your vet needs to rule out pain as a cause.

“Weakness” and its duration. Many, many flaws in a horse’s gait or performance are due to weakness. But these weaknesses should not persist forever. If your horse has been performing at the same level for several years, and he still struggles to canter in a circle to the right, it’s not weakness.

Weakness is something that should improve over time. If the problem isn’t improving, and certainly if it’s getting worse, it’s not weakness. It’s either pain, or it’s restriction of range of motion.

Range of Motion. A good rider knows which leg is pushing less. What no rider can tell is if that leg is weak or if it’s stiff. What a rider perceives as a lack of power can come from either cause. Diagnosing abnormalities in range of motion and being able to improve them is the basis of chiropractic therapy.

Chiropractic, acupuncture, physiotherapy and massage generally will not make a lame horse sound. But identifying and correcting abnormalities in range of motion is where these therapies excel. Subtle differences in range of motion

between different legs and different sides of the horse’s body can be hugely involved in “sidedness,” and remedied by chiropractic and related therapies.

What is the Rider’s Role?

1. ESTABLISH A BASELINE FOR YOUR HORSE: “Normal” is different for every horse. You should be familiar with how your horse feels under saddle in each direction, at the beginning and end of each ride. But remember that horses have a tremendous ability to compensate when at work, and that riders can unconsciously affect that in the way that they ride. A good rider can mask even a fairly severe lameness. Take the time to watch your horse move, both in hand and on a longe line. Watching a horse on a longe line, with no equipment other than a halter, can be very informative. You should know what your horse looks like at the trot and canter on a longe line, and so should your trainer. The horse only needs to make a few circles in each direction for you to get an idea of how he moves.

Set a schedule for yourself and watch your horse move on a regular basis, so that changes are noticed immediately and before they present a problem under saddle.

2. HELP YOUR VETERINARIAN ESTABLISH A BASELINE FOR YOUR HORSE: Your vet should know what your horse looks like all the time, not just when he’s lame. Whether it’s weekly, monthly, or quarterly, schedule an appointment for your vet to watch your horse move in a straight line and on a longe. Your vet will be able to make more informed decisions for your horse if he/she is very familiar with the horse’s individual movement.

3. CONSULT A CERTIFIED VETERINARY CHIROPRACTOR: A certified veterinary chiropractor is either a vet or a doctor of chiropractic who has been through extensive training and testing on veterinary chiropractic.

A chiropractic exam and adjustment can help provide a baseline for your horse’s musculoskeletal system, and may be beneficial in correcting problems of “sidedness”.

4. WATCH THE TREND: Are your horse’s struggles getting better, getting worse, or staying the same? Try not to think of the struggles day-to-day, but rather in two month increments. Is your horse better in the left lead canter than he was two months ago? If so, you may have a strength issue that is moving in the right direction. Worse or no different? Consult your vet.

We’re All in This Together. Remember that you know your horse better than anyone. If he’s trying to tell you something, listen. Get close to your team. Your vet, trainer, farrier and chiropractor all want you to be successful. A happy, comfortable horse is good for all of us.

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Olivia Golden is Raising Her Daughter Right On a normal day, young Vivian Golden goes with her mother, Olivia Golden, to the family’s Double G Stables after school, and helps with the family business. Vivian is a first grader at Sacred Heart School in West Reading, Pa. Vivian gets to ride her two ponies in addition to all the great ponies that come through the Double G Stables’ sales barn. Not only does she ride, she works hard helping to clean tack and even stalls when needed. She is learning this strong work ethic from her mother, who worked in her family’s car dealerships growing up.

Having the opportunity to grow up in a family business taught her about hard work and perseverance, and Olivia went on to a career on Wall Street before making a change in 2003 to founding Double G Stables, based in Reading, Pa. Olivia’s obsession with ponies has given Vivian more opportunity than most, but she has never been allowed to take any of it for granted. She rides her ponies, is responsible to help care for and clean up after her ponies, and is quickly becoming very horse smart.

VIVIAN TAKING CARE OF HER PONY AFTER SHOWING THIS WINTER. BELOW: VIVIAN AND CALENDAR GIRL SHOWING AT LAKE PLACID HORSE SHOWS (LAKE PLACID, NY), 2015. PHOTO © THE BOOK LLC. VIVIAN AND CHAPMAN, CHAMPION SHORT STIRRUP AT THE WINTER EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL (WELLINGTON, FL), 2016.

“The other day, her pony, Calendar Girl, didn’t look like she was feeling right,” Olivia recalled. “I asked Vivian what she thought and she said to me ‘well, Mommy, does she have any manure in her stall?’ I thought it was pretty cute and was impressed that a 6-year old would know to ask that question!”

After diagnosing her pony, she helped her mother get Banamine and aided their barn manager while administering it.

“She is learning and generally understands what happens in day-today care; she’s really good about that,” Olivia said. Vivian has been involved with horses and ponies her entire life, and has always loved caring for them as much as she does riding them. When she was very little, she liked to help feed. She began riding as soon as possible, and even won the leadline class at Devon at just four years old.

Even though the family is centered around their farm, where Double G and father, Matt Golden’s, advertising agency are both located, they try to keep their personal life separate.

“We don’t live at our farm. I do that on purpose because otherwise it becomes all you’re doing. My husband is a bit more focused on life outside of horses, so I don’t think he wants to hear us talking about horses 24/7, while looking at horses 24/7. My husband and I work towards the ideal balance for Vivian of riding, schoolwork and

simply ‘being a kid’. And that extends to our time on the road at horseshows and lessons.”

This winter, the Goldens spent about two months in Wellington, Fla., for the Winter Equestrian Festival. Olivia was able to sell several ponies, but mainly they went to let Vivian ride, and she got to work with Joey Currais. She rode many ponies, including Miss Australia, Chapman, and her own Rosehaven Legacy to tricolors several times in the crossrails division.

“We take academics very seriously,” Olivia explained.

Vivian goes to Kumon, a reading and math tutoring service, in addition to school, and also attended

Montessori School in Wellington to stay on top of her academics while horse showing. “No matter what we are doing, she knows she has to get good grades and take advantage of academic opportunities, and then she can make choices to do whatever she wants to do.”

Since this family never seems to slow down, they have made a foray into manufacturing equine shampoo.

Olivia was unhappy with the quality of the shampoos currently offered, and teamed up with an expert “human” shampoo formulator to create Oompa’s Favorite. Oompa’s is an all-natural, deep cleaning shampoo that cleans gently, but effectively. Olivia uses it daily on her ponies, and Vivian even helps her father package the bottles.

theplaidhorse.com • April 2016 • 31 LEFT: OLIVIA LEADING VIVIAN IN LEADLINE AT THE DEVON HORSE SHOW (DEVON, PA).

LOWER LEFT: VIVIAN HELPING OUT AT HOME AT DOUBLE G STABLES (READING, PA).

BELOW: VIVIAN SHOWING AT WEF 2016. PHOTO © ANNE GITTINS PHOTOGRAPHY.

Despite everything going on in the Goldens’ lives, they have still been able to raise their daughter in their family of businesses. Vivian thrives in and out of the show ring, and is quickly growing into a smart and mature horsewoman. ◼ BY IRENE ELISE POWLICK

For more information on Double G Stables, you can contact Olivia via their website, doublegstables.com, and for more information on Oompa’s Favorite, visit oompasfavorite.com for information and ordering opportunities.

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Blenheim EquiSports is bursting at the seams with exciting programs and sponsors for the 2016 season. Kicking off with the Spring Series, riders can expect to enjoy some cool, new concepts.

Chip in For Charity The southern California-based show management is pleased to present the new Chip In For Charity program.

Debuting during the Blenheim Spring Series, every blue ribbon class winner will receive a "chip" that can be used to redeem a first place prize, or to donate the chip’s value to one of the four charities in the program. Each charity

BLENHEIM is the Place to Be in 2016

has a different focus: Thrive Animal Rescue, an adoption organization founded by Cece Bloum, has a mission to save abandoned dogs from the loneliness of shelter life and place them into loving families and forever homes.

Uryadi’s Village, founded by Jennifer Crooks, is a non-profit organization whose mission is to support vulnerable children and their extended families around the globe. Park Place Foundation, based in Southern California, strives to make changes in how society perceives and treats addiction and mental illness through education, increased awareness and sharing the personal stories of peers.

And the Shea Center for Therapeutic Riding, established in 1978 and located in San Juan Capistrano, is dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities through therapeutic horserelated programs that serve over 800 riders per year.

"We are constantly inspired by those that work tirelessly for charity," said Blenheim Equisports Vice President of Marketing Melissa Brandes. “We’re excited to join with our extended horse show family to help support these great causes.”

Awards & Hospitality Galore Recognizing the horse show stars with special awards is another exciting addition to the Blenheim EquiSports show season. After the first four weeks of the Spring Series are complete, professional, junior, amateur-owner, adult, children’s and pony hunter riders who earn the most points in their respective divisions will be awarded a $250 gift certificate from ROMFH Equestrian Apparel.

JOHN BRAGG AND LAURA STRASBURG’S SOCIAL HOUR WON THE WCHR SPECTACULAR - WEST AT BLENHEIM EQUISPORTS IN 2015.

During the WCHR weeks at Blenheim Spring III and Showpark Ranch & Coast, a host of superb hunters and their teams will be recognized for accolades including: • SmartPak Grand Champion Hunter • SmartPak High Score Hunter • Awards To Leading Owners & Trainers

theplaidhorse.com • April 2016 • 37

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Plus for each hunter derby—national and international—Blenheim EquiSports will present: • The Plaid Horse High Score Junior Hunter Derby Award • Shapley’s Best Turned Out Award • One K Helmets High Score Amateur Hunter Derby Award • Balmoral Farm Owner Award • Equitex Trainer Award Keeping with the tradition, the Easter Bunny will be visiting on the first Saturday of the Spring Series. The third annual Scarlett’s Derby, presented by the Park Place Foundation, will host an evening Asado, and new for this year, Blenheim EquiSports is offering a brunch during the USHJA International Hunter Derby on Friday, April 15.

There will certainly be a lot of reasons to smile during the spring season in San Juan Capistrano and Del Mar! Vegas in the Spring Introducing the Las Vegas Spring Classic: May 18-22, 2016! For the first time, Blenheim EquiSports will wrap up a wonderful spring season with a show at the South Point Equestrian Arena, home of The Las Vegas National in November.

Beyond the top-notch footing and permanent stalls, the South Point offers hotel rooms with a closed circuit feed of the show, as well as dining, spa,

bowling, movies, gambling, and even an option to order room service at the barn, all under one roof and within minutes of the famed Las Vegas Strip.

With a list of highlight classes, competitors can also ride in the arena that hosts the finals in November for: • The Markel Insurance 1.40m Grand Prix Series • The Interactive Mortgage Under 25 Series • The Ryegate/North American League for Adult, Children and Low Junior/ Amateur-Owners • The Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series In May, riders have their choice of these highlights, and more.

• $30,000 Markel Insurance Grand Prix, 1.40m • $20,000 Winning Round Welcome Classic, 1.40m • $10,000 Las Vegas Welcome Speed Stake, 1.35m • $5,000 Gambler’s Choice, 1.20m • $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby • $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby

Brandes commented, “It will be a busy but fun spring at all three locations, we can't wait to see everybody!”

PHOTOPLAY:

Lindsey McDonald Showplace Productions’ Ledges Summertime Derby Day, Roscoe, IL

Answer Key: 1. The GPA logo is removed from the front of her helmet. 2. Her crop is removed. 3. Her horse’s ears are up. 4. The flower pot is missing on the front standard on the right. 5. The flowers on the bottom right moved from red to yellow. 6. The horse’s star is removed. 7. The top of the evergreen on the right of the jump is removed. 8. The horse’s front left stocking became a sock. 9. The logo on the girth is removed. 10. The stirrup leather’s tail is removed from behind her leg.

38 • THE PLAID HORSE

Can you find at least ten differences?

Andrew Ryback Photography

theplaidhorse.com • April 2016 • 39

40 • THE PLAID HORSE

MEHOT: A Unique Hyperbaric

Oxygen Therapy Provider

BY KELLY SHEEHAN • Pulled up beside the veterinary building at HITS Desert Horse Park for the winter circuit in Thermal, Calif., sat what looked like an unassuming horse trailer. However, upon further investigation, that trailer happened to be an air pressurized equine treatment center, called MEHOT. “Mobile Equine Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (MEHOT) is the country’s premier provider of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for horses,” explains Emily Triesch, MEHOT’s program director. “HBOT delivers a high concentration of oxygen to your horse in a pressurized environment that offers distinct therapeutic benefits and promotes rapid healing and recovery.”

Treatments vary depending on the needs of the horse and the condition being treated; however, results are reported to be highly positive. For example, more than $20,000 of the HITS Desert Circuit VI $50,000 HorseWare Ireland Grand Prix prize money went to horses treated by MEHOT, including the winner, Zuidhoeve, ridden by Kasey Ament.

“I decided to do the hyperbaric oxygen therapy for my horses to increase performance and

theplaidhorse.com • April 2016 • 41

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reduce recovery time between classes at a competition,” said Ament, a West Coast-based show jumper.

HBOT can be used to treat a wide range of conditions or concerns, including improving rates of recovery, tendon injuries, fractures, tying up, and even infertility. The horse is placed in a stall that is similar in size to a horse trailer stall, and up to two horses at a time can be treated at MEHOT. The hyperbaric system brings outside air into a compressor system and then cools it. This cooled, compressed air is used to pressurize the horse chamber. Pure oxygen is conveyed into the chamber through a humidifier and the horse breathes it in through a mask. The system delivers up to 20 times the amount of oxygen that can be received at normal pressure. This high level of oxygen benefits horses by raising the amount of oxygen that is dissolved in blood plasma, facilitating oxygen delivery to body tissues and supporting recovery.

To ensure safety, MEHOT utilizes a system that meets the highest codes for human occupancy. Their mask-delivery system allows the use of air to pressurize the chamber, eliminating the risk of fire or explosion, which is a concern of many who hear about this treatment due to accidents that happened in the past.

Because of these accidents, Ament was a little skeptical at first. “My only concern was the safety of my horses based on previous hyperbaric attempts by others, but my concerns we alleviated once I went out and had a full explanation on how it actually works,” she said.

Additionally, all horses are monitored prior to, during, and after treatment and treatments can be interrupted if there is a health or safety concern for the horse.

Horses are treated based on a customized program designed to meet their needs.

While some horses may receive 20 treatments for something like a bone infection, others may only need one or two treatments to promote recovery. Each horse receives no more than one treatment per day and each treatment lasts approximately one hour.

Although horses do not need to be sedated when receiving HBOT through MEHOT, and they can keep their shoes on, if the horse has certain conditions or has been treated with specific medications, they may not be able to receive HBOT. Additionally, it is important to note that although there is no evidence that HBOT prior to exercise impacts the performance of the horse, some competitive organizations have regulations on when HBOT can be used in relation to competition.

“I am a huge believer in the hyperbaric oxygen treatment system. I have only used the hyperbaric chamber for 5 months,

theplaidhorse.com • April 2016 • 43

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and in the two years I have been riding theses horses they have never ridden so consistently and with so much energy,” Ament continued. “I have also seen a huge improvement in the condition of their bodies. Muscle tone, healthy coat, and their hooves have never looked so healthy.

I can’t imagine competing with out it!”

Find out more information at www.mehotcenters.com.

44 • THE PLAID HORSE

FINDING BALANCE: ORTHO-BIONOMY FOR HORSE AND RIDER Have you ever had lingering pain from an injury? Has your horse ever duped the vet? What about that time you tweaked your back?

That was the beginning of Hunt’s journey with non-invasive therapies, and as a horse owner she discovered “rolfing.” Rolfing is a therapy that uses manipulation of fascia to reorganize connective tissue which then realigns and balances the whole body.

Do you know about “ortho-bionomy?”

“The results with my mare from rolfing were structural and had a great effect on her,” Hunt recalled. “I studied equine rolfing from Jim Pascucci. I also took a few courses in equine craniosacral which improved and deepened my work even more.”

If you answered no, it’s worth your time to find out about its benefits for both you and your horse.

Jenny Hunt, a horsewoman with decades of experience grew up in England.

There, she was recognized as an assistant instructor by the British Horse Society.

After college, she moved to the U.S., and she ran a teaching and training business in Connecticut for hunter/jumpers.

After that, she managed elite facilities, and trained with eventing coaches throughout the U.S., like legend Jimmy Wofford. Along the way, she also worked as a vet tech for Dr. Harry Werner, VMD. However, a fall from her personal horse sent her in a different direction.

“I became interested in bodywork for horses after a fall from my horse, Ellie,” Hunt, Lafayette, Colo., said. “In rehabilitating my neck with somatic work, the person working with me suggested that I get Ellie worked on.”

Determined to expand her education in the area, she began taking Equine Positional Release classes (EPR) from Zarna Carter. There, she studied for 15 months, learning a curriculum that was based mostly on ortho-bionomy. During that time, Hunt realized the importance of studying ortho-bionomy to bring lymphatic and visceral perspectives to her work with horses.

Ortho-bionomy is based on osteopathy and is gentle and non-invasive. It’s an alternative, but not an opponent of chiropractic medicine. Hunt places a joint in a position of ease which creates relaxation in and around the joint, and by adding a small compression, stimulates the proprioceptive nerve endings which allows the nervous system to self-correct

and realign the joint.

Hunt explained, “ortho-bionomy follows the principle that structure follows function. It is a way of working with the body to improve function.”

Sessions range in length, but improvement can be seen after just one session. In order to address multiple areas of need and maintain changes, Hunt recommends starting with three or four sessions, spaced one to two weeks apart.

“I had known for years that riders reflected the patterns or even created the patterns in their horses and although I always suggested they go help themselves, it usually resulted in a gentle massage that did nothing structurally for their bodies,” Hunt recalled.

Susan Moore sought Hunt out to aide her gelding in achieving a healthy balance. Moore owns a performance horse who had a suspensory injury, and was laid up through initial rehabilitation.

Hunt worked with the injured horse and supported his healing process.

Moore said, “I ended up moving him to Jenny’s house where she could keep an eye on him. I think her being able to get her hands on him on a regular basis saved him. In partnership with a vet for the last two years, she’s been able to hugely assist

theplaidhorse.com • April 2016 • 45

in his recovery. I’m now riding him and bringing him back. He has maintenance sessions with Jenny once a month, or more, if needed.”

Hunt has been adamant about continuing her education; there is always something more she feels she can learn. Currently, she studies with Sheri Covey and Melinda Doden at the Rocky Mountain Ortho-Bionomy Center (Colo.).

“The most efficient way to live is in balance,” Hunt explains, “The majority of time, when we move away from balance,

we are moving away from healthfulness.”

say, ‘You’re right, that’s been a little off.’”

Hunt is now expanding her practice to work with human-equine dyad, as she finds many patterns are mirrored between horse and rider. Whenever possible, she likes to make some physical corrections for the rider, while the rider is in the saddle on the horse.

Her services lead to results for both horses and humans and her schedule now takes her across the country to provide sessions for clients. Although Hunt incorporates other areas of her training in sessions, as appropriate, she shares that with ortho-bionomy, “the focus isn’t on the symptom; it’s on the cause.”

“Trauma is held in our bodies,” Hunt explains, “We stop noticing compensatory patterns created by pain.”

Moore supported Hunt’s theory. “It’s a body awareness she helps create within you,” she said. “She’ll feel things and you’ll

Additional information, as well as how to schedule an assessment, can be found at horsehoundbodywork.com. ◼ BY KELLY SHEEHAN

46 • THE PLAID HORSE

BUILDING BUSINESSES, BREEDING BABIES…AND BUCKING BULLS

Donna and Clay Struve, owners of Ledges Sporting Horses, have invested in the future of the sport in more than one way.

TPH COVER STORY BY MEGHAN BLACKBURN PHOTOS BY ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY

This winter, many riders in the Midwest had a place to show close to home, thanks to Donna and Clay Struve. Ledges Sporting Horses and Show Grounds in Roscoe, Ill., hosted Showplace Productions’ Winter Series of horse shows from December through early April, and has done so for many seasons.

Ten years ago, the Struves secured the future of the venue, when the previous owners put it up for sale.

“A lot of people wondered what would happen with it. We wanted to make sure it stayed in horse showing so that people from the area had somewhere to show in the winter. People that couldn’t take off time to go to Florida or who didn’t feel up to driving to St. Louis,” Donna said.

Emily Elek of Stonewall Ponies shows regularly at Ledges. “The Chicago area is so fortunate to have a year-round series at Ledges,” Elek, Ixonia, Wisc., said. “From there, I am able to sell ponies, and also qualify and prepare them for Devon, Indoors, and Pony Finals.”

Showplace also has shows throughout the spring, summer and fall. The Struves are hands-off owners when it comes to Ledges, preferring to let Pat and Nicole Boyle of Showplace Productions run the show—literally.

“They do an amazing job,” Donna, Lake Bluff, Ill., said. “They maintain the property, and bring in exciting show opportunities for riders. This year, Ledges will host some top events thanks to them.”

theplaidhorse.com • April 2016 • 47

LEFT: SABRINA (CABARDINO—TAPESTRY) SHOWING ON THE LINE AS A YOUNG HORSE. ABOVE: SABRINA LAST SEASON SHOWING IN THE BABY GREENS WITH TRAINER JOSEY GENTRY.

48 • THE PLAID HORSE

BELOW: LEDGES SPORTING HORSES HOSTS SHOWPLACE PRODUCTIONS HORSE SHOWS ALL YEAR. RIGHT: MOLLY STRUVE ACCEPTS HER BLUE RIBBON ON BLUERIDGE FROM TAPESTRY FARM’S TRAINERS’ DAUGHTER, ELLI GENTRY. BELOW, RIGHT: THE STRUVES BOUGHT A SECOND TAPESTRY FARM LOCATION IN OCALA, FLA., LAST SUMMER.

Elek is impressed with the facility. “They do a great job on upkeep,” she continued. “The footing is great, the bathrooms are clean, and they have nice wash racks.”

While the Struves aren’t necessarily hands on as owners of Ledges, they are both riders. Neither one of them came from horse families, but Donna, who grew up in Ireland, was exposed to horses at a young age.

“I had a little horse background in Ireland,” she said.

“We weren’t very wealthy. I worked weekends and summers at the International League for Protection of Horses, learning to care and fend for them.”

The Struves bought a 116-acre property in Bristol, Wisc., not long after they invested in Ledges. Tapestry Farm is named after a mare of Donna’s, Tapestry, or “Dora.” Scott and Josey Gentry, the Struves’ trainers, run the day-to-day operations there. They have their own client base, but their focus is on the Struve family’s horses. Donna has been training with Scott for 30 years.

Clay, on the other hand, has only been under the Gentrys’ tutelage for a few years. A securities trader who has been an active athlete most of his life, Clay started riding four years ago.

“He decided, ‘since I go to the farm with you almost every day, I might as well learn to ride,’” Donna recalled. “For a while, he rode and was happy walk, trot, and cantering. But then thought it was boring. He had to learn to jump.”

But it wasn’t until Donna and Clay married that she became as involved as she is now. The couple met in the London airport more than 30 years ago, and after So the Gentrys found Clay a Warmblood gelding named [Gallatin] “Dude,” and a short engagement, got married. Through a friend of now the pair competes in the jumpers.

Clay’s, Donna got back into the barn.

Adding to the family aspect, the Struves’ daughter-in-law, Molly—who is “It snowballed from there. In the beginning, I had married to their son Owen—also rides at the farm. She competes in the one or two horses, and I did the adults and amateur- amateur-owner jumper divisions. Donna and Clay have a daughter, Ashling, owners hunters,” she said. who lives in Denver.

theplaidhorse.com • April 2016 • 49 HORSES AND BULLS? Somewhere along the way, the Struves’ interest in building and investing in businesses led them to the Professional Bull Riders (PBR).

“My husband owns bucking bulls for the PBR. He and his partner Chad Berger own some of the top bulls out there. They have a bull named Asteroid who just came out of retirement,” she said. “Big Tex, Smackdown, Fire and Ice, and Crossfire are just a few of the top bulls that they own.”

ABOVE: DONNA STRUVE WITH TWO OF HER HOMEBREDS AT THE OCALA LOCATION OF TAPESTRY FARM. ABOVE, RIGHT: CLAY STRUVE AND “DUDE” COMPETED IN THE JUMPERS THIS WINTER AT HITS OCALA. PHOTO © ESI PHOTOGRAPHY. RIGHT: DONNA GREW UP WITH ONLY A SMALL AMOUNT OF EXPOSURE TO HORSES IN IRELAND. FAR RIGHT: MOLLY STRUVE SHOWING THE GRADUATE, ONE OF DONNA’S HOMEBREDS, IN THE JUMPER RING. PHOTO © ESI PHOTOGRAPHY.

Donna sticks to riding the hunters. “I really love showing and competing. When I got Dora, I competed in shows with her for a long time, and she won everything; she was wonderful.”

“I really wanted to get babies from her,” she continued.

That desire has blossomed into Donna’s own breeding operation at Tapestry Farm.

most of the team (humans and equines) relocated last fall to enjoy some down time after a busy show season.

Tapestry Farm enjoyed a successful winter circuit at HITS Ocala this winter; Donna showing her Insight and In Print in the adult hunters. Molly showed Orchidee Milody in the low junior/amateur-owner jumpers, and Clever Girl in the mediums.

Both women won classes and were awarded Her efforts in breeding quality horses championships throughout the circuit. Clay have not gone unnoticed. One of Dora’s daughters, Sabrina (Cabardino—Tapestry), and Dude rounded out the family team, jumping to good placings in the .80- and was overall grand champion at the 2012 .90-meter jumpers.

Sallie B. Wheeler/US National Hunter Breeding Championship, as well as Best Josey showed Sabrina, now 5, in the preYoung Horse at Devon in 2013, as a twogreen hunters. “She’s been wonderful. She year-old. Donna now rides Sabrina, and had some very good ribbons in competitive Josey is showing her. classes,” she said. “We showed her sparingly because she’s still young. She’s a natural Last June, the Struves bought a farm in show horse.”

Ocala. Tapestry Farm “south” was where “I grew up always wanting to raise babies and young horses. Since I had my own place, I figured it wouldn’t be that tough to do that there. I’ve done seven embryo transfers this year,” Donna shared.

When they packed up to return to Wisconsin, Donna chose to leave her broodmares and foals in Florida this time around. Everyone else—including yearlings and 2-year-olds—went north.

“We like to keep them in a show barn environment from early on,” explained Josey.

The oldest homebred of Donna’s is now 7.

“I love breeding, and I love my young horses. It’s so much fun watching them grow up. I’ve sold a couple, but I find that very hard,” she said.

“I always say, “farms are like fishbowls.

The bigger the fishbowl, the bigger the fish you have.” I had six horses on the farm in the beginning. Now that number’s grown.”

50 • THE PLAID HORSE

info@andrewryback.com • www.andrewryback.com • (224) 318-5445

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Showplace Productions at Ledges Sporting Horses & Show Grounds, Roscoe, IL, March 2016. 1. Ashley Flanagan. 2. Emma Daley.

3. Melissa Williams. 4. Kelsey Cerkleski.

5. McKenna Nagy. 6. Megan Thomas.

PHOTOS © ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY

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theplaidhorse.com • April 2016 • 51

52 • THE PLAID HORSE

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56 • THE PLAID HORSE

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John Courage by Mimi Tashjian Thankfully, I was on spring break when I read Mimi Tashjian’s book John Courage, because I just couldn’t put it down.

The story begins during Josie Parker’s childhood, when she spends her days at Hidden Green Farm, riding and falling in love with a boy named Cleve Gregory. As her life is torn apart when she experiences tragedy after tragedy, she finds herself spending all her time with a new horse abandoned at the barn named Lars. When he gets taken from her, she rips herself from the horse world and goes to New York to become a nurse.

It wasn’t too long that she found herself running back to the horses. At a barn called Cloverfield, Josie is the only one who can handle at horse named John Courage. She and this horse form an inseparable bond, and the story finishes up their journey with a heartwarming ending.

While reading the story, it was easy for me, as it would for any girl in the horse world, to identify with Josie Parker. Her love for horses keeps dragging her back to them, even when the world throws almost every blockade it can in her way. And,

Josie’s best friend Tessa lives almost every rider’s dream when she gets to run off with the very attractive top rider of the time.

The book revolves around the horse world, but it also reminds the readers of a theme of perseverance. Josie Parker didn’t have it easy, but she still managed to keep riding. Even when she didn’t have the junior career she dreamed of, she still managed to see why she loved the horses so much. Even when college took her away from the thing she loves most, there was a time when she realized she didn’t feel alive without horses surrounding her. So, she took the reins into her own hands and created a future for herself. She didn’t let lack of funds or lack of experience in the show ring stop her. Her story ends with a feeling of accomplishment, and she got everything she could have wanted by keeping her head held high and her future in her own hands.

Tashjian writes a story not only perfect for the horse lover, but one that also explores what it means to truly love something and love someone, and the measures one will take to get back to that person or that thing.

◼ REVIEWED BY EMMA DUBINSKY, TPH INTERN

theplaidhorse.com • April 2016 • 57

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58 • THE PLAID HORSE

THE PLAID HORSE: Piper Klemm PhD LLC (Publisher of The Plaid Horse) is not responsible for obtaining permission to use any photographs for either advertising or non-advertising use. All responsibility and liability regarding copyright and any other issue as to right of use shall be the submitters. Be sure you have the right to use the photograph(s) before you submit them for publication. When a photograph is submitted to use for publication, the submission of such photography is a warranty by the submitter to us that the submitter has the legal right to have such photograph and that the submitter will hold Piper Klemm PhD LLC harmless as to all costs incurred by Piper Klemm PhD LLC, including defense costs such as counsel fees, which Piper Klemm PhD LLC incurs as a result of publishing such photographs. Piper Klemm PhD LLC reserves the right to refuse anything which we deem unsuitable for our publication. We assume no liability for errors or omissions of advertisers copy and/or photos. Piper Klemm PhD LLC will not be responsible for any typographical, production, or ad copy errors, including inaccurate information provided by advertisers. Piper Klemm PhD LLC (Publisher of The Plaid Horse) Š2015 Piper Klemm PhD LLC.

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HITS Thermal, Thermal, CA, March 2016.

1. Caroline Mawhinney and Winetou.

2. Michele Grace and Odyssey. 3. Cate Nolan and Casanova Z! 4. Royal Dutch.

5. Gabriela Pattinson and Sam-I-Am. 6. Gabriela Pattinson and Leandro.

7. Junior Jumpers. 8. Stacey Siebel.

9. Lanie Walkenbach and Lapis.

10. Katie Browne and Candle Light van de Warande. PHOTOS © LAILA KLINSMANN @

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EQU.PHOTOGRAPHY.

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STONEWALL FARM

Congratulates Our Sales Graduates

Stonewall Black Pearl & Emma Mechlin St. Louis Children’s Pony Hunter Series Champion, TRAINER: SARAH MECHLIN

Mr. Australia & Reagan Gallagher Champion Medium Pony Hunter, Scottsdale Spring Classic, TRAINER: BETTY BERAN

Blueberry Hill & Stella Wasserman Circuit Champion Small Pony Hunter, HITS Thermal, TRAINER: ARCHIE COX

Hillcrest’s Lorelei & Gabrielle Roderick St. Louis Pony Hunter Series Champion Blondie & Reserve Series Champion, TRAINER: SARAH YOUNG

Emily Elek • 920-889-0028 S T O N E WA LLP O N IE S@YA H O O.C O M • I XO N I A , W I SC O N SIN PHOTOS © LILI WEIK PHOTOGRAPHY, SMOKE TREE RANCH, & LAURA WASSERMAN.

theplaidhorse.com • April 2016 • 61

SERVING THE HUNTER/JUMPER WORLD SINCE 1951 ~ 775-267-4861 • (fax) 775-267-4573

www.jimmyssaddlery.com

• AVAILABLE FOR BREEDING •

Hillcrest’s Top Hat 1999 Gray Welsh Stallion, 12.1 h GAYFIELD’S VIDA BLUE X HELIKON HALO

4th USEF Pony Hunter Sires 2015 Sire of Model, U/S and O/F Ribbon Winners at USEF Pony Finals STUD FEE: $1000 LFG

STANDING AT QUICKSILVER FARM

Melinda Zalesky quicksilverponies@gmail.com 440-487-7746

KJequestriancreations kj_equestrian_creations

Calendar of Horse Show Live Streams www.streamhorsetv.com

Top That (by Hillcrest’s Top Hat) USEF Horse of the Year National Reserve Champion Large Green Pony Hunter

@ S T O N E WA LLP O N IE S

62 • THE PLAID HORSE

A TPH PRODUCT PICK: KJ EQUESTRIAN CREATIONS

Even though I spend a good deal of time at my computer, I also spend a good deal of time at the barn, outside, in the elements.

Luckily I’ve grown up with the awareness that sun protection and skin care are very important, even more so when your lifestyle doesn’t wane when the weather gets extreme.

For this reason, I’m always searching for new products to help keep me feeling fabulously young and fresh. So I was excited that I recently discovered KJ Equestrian Creations.

Kristina Juhnke started the company in November 2014, but her business also offers monogramming, personalization of products, and specialized tack trunks and tack rooms—she’s been doing that since 2006. Her business started as the result of Juhnke’s horse accidentally sitting on her Warner trunk that she’d had for 15 years.

“I couldn’t afford to pay the $1,000 to replace it, so I went to the local Home Depot and started asking questions. I’ve been doing my own soaps & scrubs since college because my horses and my dogs had allergic reactions to

store bought products. My husband gave me my first vinyl cutter machine as a birthday gift and from there my “hobby” of fun stuff became KJC when all my friends started paying me to make their Christmas gifts and said, ‘hey, you should do this as a job!’ ” She has a lot of fun stuff, but I was most intrigued by Juhnke’s artisan apothecary line. Here’s what I’ve tried: the Sugar Scrub Dream, the Facial Scrub, the Facial Mask Wrinkle Redux, and the Dead Sea Scrub in Thai Tea scent, and the Sore No More Soak. I also have the Tack Cleaner Mint 2 Be. “Everything is made from USDA Organic ingredients, organic essential oils (not perfume oil… YUCK!), and I purchase everything USA produced,” Juhnke explained. She used a trial and error process to get each product’s ingredients just right.

In 2008, I had a fall from my horse while at home on holiday vacation from my job in NYC. I broke my back. I was lucky and didn’t need surgery, but I do feel some pain when I’ve had a hard lesson, a long day showing,

or a rough ride out foxhunting. So I really enjoyed a hot bath with the KjC soak. It comes in a bag you just throw in the tub, and all the good stuff just seeps out.

Though if I had to pick a favorite, it would be the Sugar Scrub Dreams. It has fresh lavender in it, and it smells so good!

An equestrian herself—in fact most of the scents of her products are named after horses or ponies she’s known—she saw the need for quality items for the rider.

“Let's be honest. Our horses get EVERYTHING, while we, the paycheck, do nothing for ourselves. We deserve to be pampered too. The items I did find would be full of stuff I was allergic to. It was no question in my mind that I wasn’t alone in the want for quality products for ourselves not just our horses.”

Visit kjcreations.us on the web, KJ Creations on Facebook and @kj_equestrian_creations on Instagram to check out all the products Juhnke offers with KJ Equestrian Creations.

◼ BY MEGHAN BLACKBURN

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64 • THE PLAID HORSE