The Plaid Horse - December 2016/January 2017 - The Education Issue

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congratulations

Isabella Littlejohn & Splendid

PHOTO © SHAWN MCMILLEN PHOTOGRAPHY.

small jr’s 15 and under, under saddle cp national horse show • lexington, kentucky

thank you to the team at brookway stables archie cox, lenny marconi, jenny ross and carlos soriano

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WISHES TO CONGRATULATE THE FOLLOWING on a successful indoors season!

GUEST OF HONOR AND NOLAN THOMPSON Younger Large Junior Hunters

LEDGER AND AVERY LYNCH Younger Small Junior Hunters

LITTLE MANHATTEN AND MEGAN ROSENTHAL Second Year Greens

BOSS’S BENTLEY AND MEGAN ROSENTHAL Second Year Greens

BEST OF LUCK to our whole team for the new 2017 show year!

FAIRY TALE FARMS • CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA Jaimee and Megan Rosenthal, Chelsea Miller 704-453-4963 • fairytalefarmsclt@gmail.com • fairytalefarms.us Showing ~ Training ~ Sales

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CONGRATULATES ITS RIDERS ON A SUCCESSFUL 2016 SHOW SEASON.

CAVES FARM • OWINGS MILLS, MD • 410-916-5532 Katie Cooper • Katie Francella

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FAR WEST FARMS CONGRATULATES

Fiona Sewell 2016 Onondarka Final Champion

“Dear Nick, thank you for all of your help, guidance and making riding such fun. Much love, Fiona and Karl” A special thank you to Georgy Maskrey Segesman, owner of Karl Ernst.

TRAINER: NICK KARAZISSIS, JR. (818) 937-3835

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#

Sumner Hill Farms C ongratul ates

Amelia Ruth

on successfully moving up to horses

Congratulations on a Fantastic 2016 in the Pony Divisions Best of luck in 2017 in Hunters & Equitation

#

Thank you Gary and Kelsey Duffy at Littlebrook Farms

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Windcrest Farm

CONGRATULATES

DARBY PEASE on a Successful Junior Year!

TERI KNOWLTON 720-635-2806 Hunters, Jumpers, Equitation, Training & Sales available at The Winter Equestrian Festival • Windcrest Farm, Wellington, Florida

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THE EDUCATION ISSUE

Publisher

PIPER KLEMM, Ph.D.

P. 30 SIGNATURE TUTORING

Sissy Wickes

Art Director

P. 38 ARTIST LAUREN SALAS

Sissy Wickes

LISA DALY

P. 42 CAZENOVIA COLLEGE

Sissy Wickes

Editor

P. 46 GUT MICROBES

Biozyme, Inc.

SISSY WICKES

P. 58 HORSEMANSHIP QUIZ CHALLENGE

Piper Klemm

Web Director

BETSY KELLEY Advertising

NANCY HALVEY KATIE COOK MALORY SCHALL LIZ DAVOLL Marketing Partner

ELIZABETH HOWELL

CONTACT THE PLAID HORSE

WRITE Piper Klemm, Ph.D., 14 Mechanic St, Canton, New York 13617 CALL 541-905-0192 WEB theplaidhorse.com EMAIL piper@theplaidhorse.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 SNAPCHAT theplaidhorse ISSUU: issuu.com/theplaidhorsemag

P. 62 ARP/TPH HIGHER LEARNING AWARD

Irene Elise Powlick P. 68 COLLEGIATE RIDING OVERVIEW

Elizabeth Howell P. 73 THE PATIO AT POLO

Sissy Wickes P. 76 CLAIBORNE BISHOP AND UVA

Sissy Wickes P. 84 COVER STORY:

LEGACY RIVER EQUESTRIAN

Sissy Wickes ON THE COVER: LEGACY RIVER EQUESTRIAN CENTER IN ILLINOIS. PHOTO © ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY.

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USHJA HORSEMANSHIP QUIZ CHALLENGE NATIONAL FINALS AT LAKE ERIE COLLEGE (PAINESVILLE, OH) IN NOVEMBER. LEFT TO RIGHT: CRICKET STONE, USHJA HQC AD HOC COMMITTEE CHAIR; PIPER KLEMM, TPHPUBLISHER; ALIX MORRISON, 2016 OVERALL GOLD MEDALIST; AND SISSY WICKES, TPH EDITOR. PHOTO © AMANDA SCHOENFELD.

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: As I trek around the country all year for horse shows, it is easy to find people with a nihilist view of the future of our sport. “Kids these days...,” they say. “In my day, we had real horsemanship.” Perhaps this does ring true of some junior riders.

But, after spending four days at the USHJA Emerging Athletes Program (EAP) and Horsemanship Quiz Challenge (HQC) National Finals at Lake Erie College (Painesville, OH), nothing could be further from the truth for these young, elite horsemen and women representing our sport.

Year after year, clinicians, sponsors, and volunteers from around the United States take time from their busy show barns, international competitions, jobs, and families to focus on educating and inspiring the next generation of horsemen.

Thanks to the support of the USHJA, USHJA Foundation, USEF, and presenting sponsors Dover Saddlery and The Plaid Horse, we come together to focus on the solution – education. With one collective voice, we extol the value of learning and hands on achievement.

Although it is a competition where champions were crowned (Alix Morrison for HQC and Gracie Marlowe for EAP), the weekend was full of clinics, lectures, team-building, and friend making. Riders walked away with new knowledge of every facet of equestrian experiences: riding, care, veterinary, bitting, course building, sports psychology, and more. Olympic Gold Medalist Peter Wylde taught the mounted component

of the EAP National Training session, which was audited

by HQC Finalists throughout the weekend in between their activities. EAP clinicians included consummate horsewomen and educators Mary Babick, Sally Ike, Anne Thornbury (Stable Manager), Kip Rosenthal (Sports Psychologist), and Janus Marquis (Equine Physiotherapist).

HQC committee members Elaine Schott, Lilli Biedermann, Brooke Mallin, Terri Young, and chair Cricket Stone designed challenging written and practicum tests. As judges, they evaluated finalists through a written test, horsemanship/ identification room, and a hands-on appraisal of horsemanship skills in the barn. With seminars by Erin Hickey about shipping and Elizabeth Evans about bits and bitting, new knowledge was absorbed all weekend long.

So, what can you do to be a part of the horsemanship movement? Get involved right now! Encourage the under 21 horse people in your life to apply for EAP and take the HQC tests online. Counsel them to take advantage of every opportunity that comes their way. Volunteer your time to teach riders at your barn to wrap, to drive barn mates to a clinic to audit, to host a horsemanship reading group at your house.

Be the difference in a young equestrian’s life. And please send The Plaid Horse your stories about how you made our community a better place! We want to hear from you.

◼ BY TPH PUBLISHER PIPER KLEMM, PHD

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How is a rider able to meet the demands of an “A” circuit equestrian career and achieve academic excellence?

Wendy Salomon of Signature Tutoring has spent her career solving this dilemma.

Wendy Salomon began tutoring equestrian students in 2008 as a way to include her lifelong love of horses in all aspects of her life. In 2014, she launched her own business, Signature Tutoring, to meet the academic needs of students and families for whom education is always the number one priority. Salomon and her team focus on academic excellence and academic integrity. With impressive academic resumes from Ivy League and top twenty universities, the teachers of Signature Tutoring fully understand the academic rigors demanded by the top high schools and colleges in the U.S. For students and families committed to balancing serious academics with serious pursuit of passions like equestrian sports, Signature Tutoring is your greatest proponent.

Subject Tutoring, Test Preparation, College Applications Since 2014, Signature Tutoring has provided customized academic programs for its equestrians and equestrian based families. With brick and mortar locations in Ocala, FL and Wellington, FL, Signature Tutoring fulfills all academic needs during the winter show season as well as throughout the school year as travel schedules demand. The Plaid Horse recently caught up with Salomon and her team as they tutored students through the indoor circuit. As with riding careers, academic success is only achieved with the support of great teachers and dedicated professionals.

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Salomon is proud of the superlative quality of Signature teachers. “All of our teachers have significant academic accomplishments. We focus on students and families who value education as a priority in their lives. High academic goals, and the pressure that goes along with them, require high level educators.”

Signature Tutoring provides teachers for all subjects at any level. From science courses and labs to intensive writing requirements to music and art, the service extends “beyond the required courses to almost anything our students might be studying.” Signature team members also work with kids with learning differences, making educational accommodations and following an Individualized Education Program as designated by a school district. As she explains, “Through our networks, we have the right specialist for any student.”

Seasonal Custom Accredited Academics In the second year of an innovative partnership with the Wellington Preparatory School, seasonal equestrian students who have to withdraw from their full-time schools to compete in Wellington can again enroll at Wellington Preparatory School One-to-One Academy for custom, one-to-one, accredited academics. Because Wellington Preparatory School is fully accredited K-12 by AdvancEd/SACS, teachers are able to develop and teach customized curriculum for seasonal students, including lesson plans, assignments, and assessments. Students are graded, and receive report cards and official transcripts for their work. This option enables the student to complete the identical academic workload as their counterparts at home and stay on track with their class work. Many high schools mandate that students formally withdraw if they plan to miss more than a prescribed number of school days, which can be a source of tension between students, teachers, and administrations. When full-time schools find out that these students can enroll in an accredited school during their withdrawal, and will be on track with the same coursework as their classmates when they re-enroll in the spring, they are thrilled.

Got one? Want one?

PHOTO © IRENE ELISE POWLICK.

JuniorHunters.com Scan here to view or list a Junior Hunter for Sale!

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“This has been a long time coming,” explains Wendy Salomon. “Every year, we have at least a couple of students who need to withdraw from their fulltime schools to compete during the season. They need an option that makes it possible for them to stay on track with their class work, while also coming away with an official and accredited transcript for their academic work. Our students are high achievers with elite college ambitions, and have to be sure that their transcripts reflect their consistent, quality work for the entire school year. A Pass/Fail quarter does not work for them.”

Year Round Accredited One-to-One School With the success of seasonal, custom, one-to-one school, Signature Tutoring and Wellington Preparatory School are moving forward to launch the Wellington Preparatory School One-to-One Academy, which is a year-round, one-to-one school based in Wellington for grades 6 through 12. The One-to-One Academy is a full-time school that offers students a traditional college preparatory curriculum in a flexible, alternative manner.

Unlike traditional day schools, classes are one-to-one on a customized schedule. Unlike online schools, students build relationships with teachers they meet in person in regular, one-to-one sessions. For college-bound students who are pursuing time-consuming, extracurricular activities, the flexible and year-round schedule options combined with the personal relationships with real teachers can make all the difference The structure of one student to one teacher creates a limitless academic horizon. Jeff Altschuler, founder of Wellington Preparatory School (www.wellingtonprep.org), praises the benefits of the One-to-One program. “One-to-One provides great academics to students with a different delivery mechanism. Instead of sitting in a class, they are sitting with their teachers. Most students are able to understand the

material and learn more quickly. It is a dream for teachers... they sit across from a student and can decide if that student is comprehending the information and accelerate or remediate, depending on what the student needs.”

Salomon, Altschuler, and their team of teachers appreciate the benefits of the One-to-One model of education. They are able to cater to the interests and learning styles of each individual student, promoting academic achievement, the personal relationships of teacher and student, accountability, and self-reliance.

Signature Tutoring came to being with the goal of providing the best academic options for equestrian student-athletes who value education. Now, with the accredited seasonal and full-time one-to-one options of Wellington Preparatory School One-to-One Academy, the dream is bigger, with more high quality educational options to meet any student’s particular needs. From subject tutoring to standardized test preparation to alternative seasonal or year-round school, Signature Tutoring is synonymous with academic excellence. ◼ BY TPH EDITOR SISSY WICKES

ABOUT SIGNATURE TUTORING - Signature Tutoring Services (www.signaturetutoring.com) is the “go to” team for high-achieving, goal-oriented, equestrian student-athletes in middle school through college. In the face of a demanding year-round schedule of training, travel, and competition, Signature Tutoring enables top students to pursue the highest levels of equestrian sport while maintaining the highest levels of academic excellence. Offering a full range of educational options, from as-needed subject tutoring to seasonal and full-time accredited school via Wellington Preparatory School One-to-One Academy, Signature Tutoring is a critical resource for student-athletes who value education. With permanent locations in Wellington, Florida and Ocala, Florida, plus a presence at major national equestrian events, Signature educators are always ready. Signature Tutoring is located at 11924 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 1, Wellington, FL and 9483 NW 137th Ave., Morriston, FL.

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STONEWALL FARM

Congratulates TOP THAT

Top Ribbons • Devon • Harrisburg • Washington 2016

Always a selection of small, medium, and large ponies for sale and lease.

S TO N E WA L L P O N IE S@YA H O O.CO M • IXO N IA , W I S CO N S I N PHOTO © SHAWN MCMILLEN PHOTOGRAPHY.

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STONEWALL FARM

Congratulates

OUR USEF ZONE VI YEAR END W INNERS

Large Green Pony Hunter Champion Stonewall Top Call

3'3" Junior Hunter Champion Peroni

Large Pony Hunter Champion Top That

Medium Green Pony Hunter Champion Moonshine

Medium Pony Hunter Reserve Champion Rosewood

Small Pony Hunter Reserve Champion Stonewall Hazel

Large Pony Hunter Reserve Champion Dreamsicle

Medium Green Pony Hunter Reserve Champion Minion

Emily Elek • 920-889-0028

S TO N E WA L L P O N IE S@YA H O O.CO M • IXO N IA , W I S CO N S I N PHOTOS © ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY, EMMA DUBINSKY, CYNTHIA WOODS, & SHAWN MCMILLEN PHOTOGRAPHY.

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STONEWALL FARM

Congratulates

PIPER KLEMM PHD LLC ON A FANTASTIC 2016

Ice Cream Pancake

Vermont Golden Graham

Vermont Ruby Fox

Sugarbrook Positron Blue

Masterpiece Theater

Vermont Maple Fox

Stonewall Black Pearl

Vermont Here’s the Gold

Always a selection of small, medium, and large ponies for sale and lease.

S TO N E WA L L P O N IE S@YA H O O.CO M • IXO N IA , W I S CO N S I N PHOTOS © ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY, LILI WEIK, ADAM HILL, EMILY RIDEN, JORDAN COBB, & EMY LUCIBELLO.

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1.

4.

2.

3.

5.

6.

Royal West, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, October 2016.

1. & 4. Jenni McAllister won the Longines World Cup Qualifer. 2. Jenni McAllister won the costume 4-bar at 1.95 m. 3. Chris Surbey. 5. Christian Heineking.

6. Hunter Derby Championships.

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Lauren Salas: Painting the Spiritual Connection

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To surround yourself with the works of Lauren Salas is to experience the best of our relationship to animals.

From horses to dogs to more exotic subjects, Salas captures the spiritual connection that animals summon.

With an authenticity that can only emanate from an animal lover, she paints with vibrant colors and strokes that evoke vignettes rather than an isolated view.

Salas hails from Southern California and received her degree from University of California, Santa Barbara.

She was involved with horses from an early age, and as a young professional opened her own local hunter and jumper barn. Her clientele consisted of mostly ponies and children as she “loved teaching kids.” Through all of her personal journey there was one constant: drawing.

The granddaughter of a successful professional artist, Salas has an innate creative will. Her grandmother concentrates on landscapes and florals with a spiritual, abstract tone. While Salas’ work is realistic, her grandmother’s influence is seen in the line, balance, and shape of the work. Salas explains the symmetry of their work in the simple phrase, “I am her granddaughter.”

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Salas does mostly commissioned work from photographs. Also an accomplished photographer, she will shoot the subject herself if location allows.

Otherwise, she asks the client to submit photos that capture the personality of the animal, and will keep asking for submissions until the artist understands the subject. “When I feel its energy, I can make that happen in the work,” she explains. As to size, medium, and profile, she will consult with the client to assess the best options. For small and medium pieces, she customarily produces a head shot. For large pieces, she enjoys full body portraits of the animals. Salas

works in many mediums, including oil, acrylic and watercolor. While the majority of her portfolio is horses, she is pleased to paint any subject. Currently, she is working on a flying pig commission as a birthday gift. The whimsical gift is for a trainer that loves pigs, and the painting is of a pig jumping with its knees in perfect form and wings on its sides.

Salas works quickly with a lag time of approximately 3 months for an oil painting and one month for acrylic or watercolor. She still has a few openings for Christmas delivery if contacted soon. If a client misses the Christmas deadline, she offers a Portrait Certificate which enables the recipient to participate in choosing the image, look, and feel of the painting. Salas works with framers local to the client and will see the portrait through to its final form. She has non-commissioned paintings that she completes in order to keep up her “creative steam” available on her website equestrianartistlauren.com. Her favorite personal works are horses with wild, rebellious expressions, a foil to the “cute as it can be” works that she regularly produces.

Lauren Salas has a talent to engage and discover the personality and spirit of animals through her paintings. She currently exhibits with West Palms Events at horse shows throughout Southern California including Del Mar, where she does a live painting exhibition. Observers can watch her at work while she magically transforms a two dimensional photograph into a living canvas. ◼ BY TPH EDITOR SISSY WICKES

Contact Lauren at equestrianartistlauren@gmail.com and follow her on Instagram at @equestrianartistlauren Website: equestrianartistlauren.com

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A WELL-ROUNDED EQUINE EDUCATION

Cazenovia College is one the oldest independent, coeducational colleges in America. Established in 1824, the picturesque campus is set in the quaint, Main Street, USA town of Cazenovia, NY. College enrollment is approximately 1000 students with the student/faculty ratio at a low 12:1.

Students compliment the school’s welcoming environment and tight knit community. Academic programs are offered in four divisions: Art and Design, Business and Management, Humanities and Natural Sciences, and Social and Behavioral Science. Within these divisions are a myriad of majors and specializations such as Studio Art, Liberal Studies, Human Services, and Sport Management. For the equestrian, Cazenovia offers a well-respected program in Equine Business Management.

The Equine Business Management specialization of the Management Program leads to a Bachelor of Professional Studies and is designed for students exploring the many facets of employment in the equine industry. Young equestrians aspiring to find a career within the horse business are availed of this opportunity at Cazenovia College. Out of the 1000 students enrolled at the college, approximately 100 pursue this specialized degree program.

The fields of commercial management and operations as well as advanced horse care, breeding, and stable management are all addressed within the curriculum.

Course requirements include a variety of equine business courses and equine science- related courses. In

“Our intent is to turn out professional, educated young people who can flourish in multiple aspects of the horse industry and are also qualified to work in various different business professions or go to graduate school; it’s a degree with options.”

Barbara Lindberg, Director of Equine Business Management at Cazenovia College.

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addition, the program includes business courses such as Accounting, Human Resource Management, and Business Law and Ethics. Students interested in the field of equine reproduction may pursue elective courses resulting in a Certificate in Equine Reproductive Management.

Cazenovia College’s Equine Education Center is a magnificent facility on 240 bucolic acres just five miles from campus. The barn is impressive in its size and setting, a hallmark of the superlative quality of all things equine related at Cazenovia. With 70 horses, including Thoroughbreds, Warmbloods, and Quarter Horses, the facility offers a large, heated indoor ring, multiple outdoor rings and paddocks, and enough open space to pursue any equestrian activity. As senior Katie Brewer explained, “We drove five hours to upstate New York to see Cazenovia.

When we pulled in and saw the barn, I turned to my mom

and said, ‘I am going here.’ It is just breathtaking.” Brewer arrived at college with a background in hunt seat riding and a little eventing experience. While at “Caz,” she has explored the dressage and Western disciplines as well with the purposeful intent of experiencing as much as possible. “I love building my resume with anything and everything that I can possibly put on it. There are so many different options with equine industry courses and different business classes that it was an easy decision for me to come here to college.”

Cazenovia participates in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA)) and in the Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA) with great success. IHSA riders may compete in hunt seat, reining, and Western horsemanship, while the IDA riders compete in the dressage discipline. The team programs at Cazenovia

CAZENOVIA COLLEGE EQUINE EDUCATION CENTER PHOTOS BY JOHN SEITER, AERIAL PHOTO COURTESY OF SEAN HAGAN.

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CAZENOVIA SENIOR KATIE BREWER AT COMMON WEALTH PARK WITH THE CULPEPER EQUITATION WINNER. PHOTO BY ESI PHOTOGRAPHY.

CAZENOVIA SENIOR ALEX BELTON DURING HER INTERNSHIP AT HILLTOP FARM

are robust with the 2016 rosters consisting of 50-60 members of the student body. To date, Cazenovia has won twelve individual National Championships as well as multiple national team placings. While the riding program is competitive at the highest IHSA/IDA level, it is also an inclusive community. Many freshman equestrians find transition to college is easier with the inherent commonality of a riding team. Love of horses is a language spoken by all of the students involved with the equine program.

Required for completion from the Equine Business Management Program is the experiential learning component of an internship. Application of learning through hands on experience is a significant part of the course work at Cazenovia College. The stellar reputation of this well established program opens many doors in the equine world for student internship.

Katie Brewer spent her summer

working in the show office at the HITS Horse Shows in Saugerties, NY. As a member of the marketing department, she was involved in projects ranging from logo re-design to the creation of a quick fact guide for show secretaries.

“I felt very involved and everyone was so nice to me the minute I got there.”

As testament to her talent and preparedness, Brewer was offered a permanent position at HITS, an opportunity that she is still evaluating. “I am not sure because I still want to build my resume and try everything under the sun with horses. With my Equine Reproduction Certification, I may dabble in that or possibly instruct or go in a business direction. With this degree, I can do anything!” Brewer exclaims.

Chittenango native Alex Belton echoes many of Brewer’s sentiments.

With a major in Equine Business Management and a minor in Pre-Law, Belton is considering her options after graduation in 2017. Leaning away from law school, she may take advantage of the articulation agreement between Cazenovia and nearby Le Moyne College. Under this cooperative plan, Cazenovia students may apply many of their upper level business course credits toward the MBA program requirements at Le Moyne, thereby allowing them to complete the Master’s degree in one year instead of two.

Belton had the fortunate opportunity to complete her internship at the renowned Hilltop Farm in Colora, MD. Her official title was Event Management Intern, although her duties frequently led her out of the office and literally into the field with mares and foals. “I worked on planning events, prepping the horses with a lot of hands on work, and helping with the mares and foals. I got a ton of experience from handling to office work.” The winner of the IDA National Quiz Challenge Championships, Belton was awarded a two week internship at Hilltop. Her request for an expansion to a twelve week experience was generously granted because of the long and successful relationship between Hilltop Farm and Cazenovia College.

Internships are an extremely important requisite to the Equine Business Management Program. As Carol Buckhout, an Assistant Professor in the program, explains, “All internships must have a management component. I work very closely with the students to make sure that the experience works. It is a credit-bearing course which puts a framework behind how the internship is set up.” The student’s performance is graded using the evaluations from their site supervisor, written submissions from the student, and a final presentation made by the student to the management division consisting of a portfolio and visual exhibition. Important to Buckhout is the valuable exposure that the internship program provides. “More often than not, the student is offered a job through the internship program. Sometimes they do not take it which is fine, because it is as valuable to learn what you do not want to do as what you want to do.”

Cazenovia College endeavors not only to educate students in their fields of interest, but to inspire them to broaden their intellectual and personal experiences. Barbara Lindberg explains the expansive process experienced by students in the Equine Business Management Program. “When the students arrive as freshmen, they only know what they have seen. They have seen the instructors and trainers, and we try to expose them to many other facets of the equine industry. Often times, their internships allow them to explore fields that they previously did not know were in existence.”

According to the American Horse Council, the equine industry has a direct economic effect on the U.S. of $39 billion annually and provides over 1.4 million full-time jobs. (horsecouncil.org). Young equestrians who dream of a career involving horses can realize that dream through education. Programs like Equine Business Management at Cazenovia College will educate and enlighten the collegiate equestrian to the many opportunities inside and outside of the barn. ◼ BY TPH EDITOR SISSY WICKES

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GUT MICROBES THE GOOD, THE BAD All horses have a resident population of microbes (microscopic “bugs”) living in their digestive system. This population includes hundreds of different types of bacteria, fungi and protozoa, some of which are good for the gut and some of which are bad for the gut. The majority of the microbes are found in a part of the digestive tract called the cecum, a pouch at the end of the stomach, and the large intestine. Collectively, the cecum and large intestine are often referred to as the “hindgut”. Undigested feed from the stomach and small intestine enters the cecum to undergo microbial digestion. A single drop of fluid from the hindgut contains nearly one billion microbes, each with a special function.

The good microbes are responsible for breaking down and digesting fiber from forages, breaking down protein, producing B vitamins and supplying the horse with energy. They are also an integral part of the horse’s immune system. In fact, 70% of the horse’s entire immune system is in the gut! Interestingly, research shows that the types of good bugs that inhabit a horse’s hindgut vary greatly from horse to horse. The unique composition of microbes found in each horse may help explain why some horses can eat anything while others are very sensitive and may colic from the slightest change in diet.

Some of the bad bugs found in the gut actually have important responsibilities too, such as digesting starch found in grains. Unfortunately, starch-digesting microbes release lactic acid that can lower the pH of the gut. Maintaining a healthy gut is all about microbial balance, keeping the population of good bugs large and bad bugs small. If the population of starch digesting microbes starts to grow and produce more lactic acid, the pH can be significantly altered such that the good microbes, which prefer a neutral pH, start to die off. The situation becomes critical when the bad bugs start to outnumber the good bugs. Not only does this prevent forages from being digested adequately, but it also allows the ugly, pathogenic bugs to colonize and wreak havoc on the gut.

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AND THE UGLY The symptoms of an unbalanced gut microbe population include an irritable horse that may have gas, diarrhea, colonic ulcers, chronic colic, or trouble maintaining adequate weight and body condition. Luckily, there are a few simple ways to make sure you maintain a good balance of microbes. First, it is important to provide the horse with adequate forage. Horses were naturally designed to be grazers, meaning that they are supposed to eat small quantities of forage often. Second, avoid feeding grain in large portions to keep lactic acid producing microbes at bay.

Lastly, make changes in the horse’s diet slowly and gradually to allow the population of microbes to adjust to the changes in substrate.

Even after following those simple guidelines, nearly all horses benefit from giving the good bugs an extra boost. Amaferm® is an all-natural prebiotic that supplies nutrients to the good microbes so they reproduce more quickly and become more efficient. This helps horses break down and absorb feeds and nutrients more completely. Research shows animals fed Amaferm daily have 2.5 times more good gut microbes than controls, which out compete the bad bugs and provide an ideal balance of microbes. This ensures maximum health and wellness and allows the horse to recover more quickly from stress, fight off disease and illness, and reduce suffering from digestive upset and colic. Give the good gut microbes that last laugh and choose Amaferm to maximize your horse’s performance from the inside out! ◼

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH PROVIDED BY BIOZYME, INC.

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Longines Masters Los Angeles, Long Beach Convention Center, CA, September 29-October 2, 2016.

Left page: 1. Chris Surbey. 2. Eduardo Menezes. 3. Enrique Gonzalez. 4, 12, 14, & 25. Kent Farrington. 5. Lucy Davis.

6. Cian O’Connor. 7. Richard Spooner.

8. Karen Polle. 9. Kent Farrington & Pedro Cebulka. 10. Daniel Duesser. 11. Oisin Reilly. 13. Margie Engle. 15. Georgina Bloomberg. 17. Santi Serra Campos.

19. Mavis Spencer. 20. Alberto Michan.

21. Tina Dilandri Yates. 24. Pedro Cebulka.

At right: Samuel Parot.

PHOTOS © BETHANY UNWIN PHOTOGRAPHY.

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PROGRESSIVE SHOW JUMPING PROACTIVE, PERSONABLE, PROFESSIONAL

Located in Aiken, SC, the heart of the Palmetto state’s horse country, Rick and Cathy Cram own and operate the 29 year-old show management company Progressive Show Jumping, Inc. (PSJ). PSJ are seasoned professionals who produce hunter/jumper horse shows at all levels throughout North and South Carolina. “We are thankful for the tremendous support of our exhibitors,” offers Rick. “The Southeast hunter/jumper industry has embraced our philosophy of continuing the growth cycle for young equestrians. Without the grass roots horse shows, the industry becomes stagnant. Development for both the horse and rider is accomplished by offering shows at cost-effective venues at all classifications of competition.”

As the name “Progressive” states, we are consistently promoting change or innovation, growing and developing our competition levels of shows, and enhancing the amenities offered at Highfields Event Center. The 65-acre facility’s ongoing evolution now offers seven competition rings, including an all-natural grass grand prix and derby fields with permanent banks, an announcer’s tower and pavilion, VIP club seating, permanent judges’ stations, permanent barns with raised space for additional portable stabling, ample areas for hand-grazing, turn-out paddocks, 30 & 50 amp RV hookups, a show office and PSJ’s corporate office with permanent bathrooms. There are a wide variety of economical overnight accommodations and restaurants less than five miles away for the exhibitors.

“Sure, it can be challenging at times to keep a wide range of exhibitors happy,” adds Cathy.

“We understand that everyone has different expectations and needs for their horse show experiences.” That being said, the Cram’s goal remains the same, always keeping their standard at an affordable level and continuing to make improvements to Highfields Event Center each and every year.

PSJ’s years of experience as authentic horsemen as well as their involvement in all facets of the equestrian industry and board seat participation on the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) has enabled them to produce nationally rated shows in addition to the regional ‘PSJ’ series. They believe their ability to create a diverse portfolio of shows effectively meets the needs of those participating in today’s sporting environment.

With that being said, several changes are being implemented for 2017 show season.

One of the most significant is hosting all the Mini-Prix’s on Highfields’ grass field. Its allnatural blend of Aiken’s sandy soil with the manicured Bermuda grass provide the necessary ingredients that are essential to jumping fast and big. PSJ believes this initiative will result in a more efficient transition from the jumper ring to the Grand Prix field; therefore, the event start times are more punctual. Not only will this venue change be an enhanced competition experience for exhibitors and their horses, their show dollars gain a better value.

Additionally, the management team makes a concerted effort to listen to its exhibitor’s feedback and implement changes whenever practical. Consequently, two significant changes impacting the jumpers will take effect in the beginning during Aiken Challenge Series Shows in January. First, the fence heights have been lowered for the Welcome Class and the Prix. The Welcome will not exceed 1.25 meters and the Prix will be 1.25 and 1.30.

Second, the $10,000 Prix will be offered with 10 entries to fill. Less than 10 entries will adhere to the Welcome Class payout format.

PSJ’s ultimate goal to produce cost effective horse shows that offer premier horse show course designs and class formats. Through making safety a priority and consistently recognizing accomplishments, their objective is to provide horses and riders the opportunity to gain the confidence they need to compete successfully. Recognizing the fact that there are numerous options in the area from which to choose for the horse showing experience, and PSJ appreciates the opportunity to ensure its exhibitors have the most enjoyable possible by Making Every Stride Count.

◼

BY SALLY KAY, KAYDENCE COMMUNICATIONS, LLC

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PHOTO © ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY.

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USHJA Horsemanship Quiz Challenge National Finals 2016 The USHJA Horsemanship Quiz Challenge (HQC) educates and recognizes young equestrians who have exceptional horsemanship knowledge. HQC Nationals is a multi-phase event that puts top scoring U.S. finalists to the ultimate horsemanship test.

Participants take two levels of online horsemanship quizzes that consist of multiple-choice and true/false testing. The highest scoring participant in each of the 12 USHJA zones is invited first, followed by the subsequent 12 highest nationally ranked finalists to compose the 20-24 contestants at HQC Nationals.

For her win, Morrison received a $5,000 scholarship to Lake Erie College, a $2,000 training and educational grant provided by the USHJA Foundation, a Charles Owen Helmet, and a special learning opportunity at Spy Coast Farm (Lexington, KY).

Gathering at Lake Erie College in Painesville, Ohio, HQC Finalists competed in three phases – the Written Test (30% of score), the Horsemanship/Identification Exam (30% of score), and the Practicum Exam (40% of score). The Written Test is composed of a two hour testing block drawn from the Horsemanship Quiz Study Guide available on the USHJA website (ushja.org). Questions may range from horse care to equine anatomy to training methods.

The Horsemanship/Identification Exam requires the participants to name a specific array of items, which may include tack, horse shoes, medicines, and a variety of other equine related objects.

The Practicum Exam comprises the largest part of the total score.

Contestants meet their testers in a barn setting and are required to demonstrate their mastery of practical horsemanship knowledge.

The USHJA Horsemanship Quiz Challenge is part of a collaborative effort by the hunter/jumper industry’s national organization, business leaders, and volunteers to promote good horsemanship through education and positive reinforcement.

Craig received a $3,000 scholarship to Lake Erie College, a $1,500 grant for training and education, and a Charles Owen helmet. Pratt received a $2,000 scholarship to Lake Erie College, a $500 grant for training and education, and a Charles Owen helmet.

USHJA Horsemanship Quiz Challenge is made possible through the tireless work of the committee and volunteers – Cricket Stone (chair), Elaine Schott, Lilli Biedermann, Terri Young, Brooke Mallin, Kirstie Dobbs, Elizabeth Evans, Erin Hickey, Anna O’Connor, Kristen Kelley, Paige Robbins and Amanda Schoenfeld – USHJA staff, official USHJA sponsors, the USHJA Foundation, Spy Coast Farm, Just Fur Fun, and USEF. The Plaid Horse is delighted to be the presenting sponsor of such an impactful program.

PHOTO COURTESY USHJA ARCHIVES.

KATHRYN CRAIG OVERALL SILVER MEDAL PRACTICUM EXAM HIGH SCORE WINNER

ALIX MORRISON OVERALL GOLD MEDAL HORSEMANSHIP/IDENTIFICATION EXAM WINNER

KIERSTEN PRATT OVERALL BRONZE MEDAL WRITTEN EXAM HIGH SCORE WINNER

CONTINUED ON PAGE 61

theplaidhorse.com • December 2016/January 2017 • 59

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theplaidhorse.com • December 2016/January 2017 • 61

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 58

Presented by

THE PLAID HORSE

PHOTO COURTESY USHJA ARCHIVES.

2016 HQC

PHOTO © PIPER KLEMM.

National Finalists

Toni Anderson, 16, Alamda, CA Tyler Anderson, 15, Novi, MI Maya Aryal, 13, Fairfax, VA Audrey Baker, 14, Tyler, TX Devyn Borden, 11, Purcellville, VA Maclay Bowers, 15, Murfreesboro, TN Kelsey Center, 16, Farmington Hills, MI Kylie Cohen, 14, West Bloomfield, MI Kathryn Craig, 20, Lacey, WA Kearra DeJack, 15, Brighton, MI Alexis DiPasqua, 17, West Chester, PA Celeste Fazioli, 15, Seabrook, TX Celia Hilden, 16, South Lyon, MI Rebecca Hopkins, 15, Northville, MI Nicole Lindquist, 17, Plymouth, MA Alix Morrison, 21, Ann Arbor, MI Lesley Newcome, 20, Renton, WA Lori Ohannessian, 15, Burke, VA Sabrina Ohlrogge, 13, Littleton, CO Kiersten Pratt, 18, Arlington, IL Julia Stone, 15, Santa Barbara, CA

PHOTO COURTESY USHJA ARCHIVES.

After four days of the USHJA Emerging Athletes Program (EAP) National Training Session at Lake Erie College in Painesville, Ohio, Gracie Marlowe, 20, emerged as the 2017 Champion. Trained by her mother Debi Marlowe and Leslie Steele, Marlowe, of Lake Balboa, CA, impressed clinicians Peter Wylde, Sally Ike, Mary Babick, Janus Marquis, Kip Rosenthal, and Anne Thornbury over the course of competition. Marlowe’s riding throughout the weekend culminated in two clear round efforts for her Nations Cup team and she effortlessly switched horses in the work-off.

From EAP, four riders will advance to the 2017 George H. Morris Horsemastership Clinic in Wellington in January: Marlowe and Reserve Champion Caroline Dance (West Chester, PA) as riders; and Hannah Bentz (Boca Raton, FL) and Matthew Drohan (Brooklyn, NY) as stable managers.

Look for up-to-the-moment coverage of the 2017 George H. Morris Horsemastership Clinic from Wellington, Florida on theplaidhorse.com in January.

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Aimee Schulz Wins ARP/TPH Higher Learning Scholarship When Washington, IL was hit with a devastating tornado, destroying the small town, Andrew Ryback decided to donate proceeds from the sale of Illinois Hunter Jumper Association Banquet photos to those who lost property in the storm.

Giving people checks to help pay off a mortgage, a destroyed home or car was a transformative experience for Ryback. The next year, he donated the banquet’s proceeds to the nephew of a local horse shipper who became a multiple amputee after a debilitating infection. In 2016, Ryback decided to pair with longtime friend and business associate, Piper Klemm, to create the Andrew Ryback Photography & The Plaid Horse Higher Learning Scholarship.

The scholarship of $2,500 is awarded to one student who is either in their senior year in high school, or currently enrolled in a college or university. Applicants were required to submit two written essays on specified topics, as well as two letters of recommendation, a high school transcript, and an acceptance letter from their college or university of choice. Topics for the essays were “A horse show photographer is important because...” and “What about being an equestrian has taught you about success and failure?”

After reading and analyzing dozens of applicants, Aimee Schulz was ultimately awarded the scholarship. Schulz, 19, is currently a sophomore at Iowa State University. The genetics major is an asset to her school and community. Schulz grew up riding in 4-H to start and then soon got her first horse, Bart. She did every discipline, from pleasure to hunter/jumper and reining. Later, when Schulz was 11 she met what she describes as her “heart horse”.

Lulu, a now twelve year old miniature horse mare, was found in a half-collapsed building with forty-five other minis. She was the most scared and damaged of the group, and Schulz took a liking to her. It took hours to touch her, and it was a long process for the little mare to accept human interaction. Six years later, Schulz got the crazy idea to take Lulu to the American Miniature Horse Registry Nationals, never having shown her before. Entered in two classes, the unheard of, oneeyed mini took home two National Championships. Skip To My Lulu was the 13-17 Youth Hunter Under Champion out of a class of 77 horses and the 13-17 Youth Jumper, Under Champion. Following the two wins, Lulu was awarded membership into the AMHR Hall of Fame and into the USEF/Equus Foundation Hall of Fame. Lulu has now taken on the role of a therapy horse, and helps local communities.

In Schulz’s essays, she talked passionately about all of these experiences, in addition to her experiences competing for and expanding the Iowa State Equestrian Program. Schulz has grown her school’s Western Riding Program exponentially since joining as a freshman, and plans to captain the team at IHSA Nationals in the spring of 2017. Additionally, her essay on the importance of the horse show photographer hit home for Ryback, as Shulz’s father is a photographer himself, and she has described over hearing competitors at a local fair talk about how excited they were to get their photos.

“She seemed like a really great kid and a perfect candidate for this scholarship,” said Ryback. “There were many great applicants, but hers really stood out. She is from humble backgrounds, and is an inspirational in her service to her community.”

In addition to her essays, Shulz’s letter of recommendation talked about the work she has done as a miniature horse foster parent for the Minnesota Hooved Animal Rescue. Another letter highlighted all of the work she has done in order to save the Equestrian Program at Iowa State.

“I loved her essays and she really came through as a humble girl,” Ryback stated. “Congratulations, Aimee!”

Although Schulz and Lulu are currently in Iowa at school, they can be seen through their social media. Lulu has her own Facebook page, Lulu The Mini Horse, as well as an Instagram, @lulutheminihorse

◼

BY TPH INTERN IRENE ELISE POWLICK

theplaidhorse.com • December 2016/January 2017 • 63

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64 โ ข THE PLAID HORSE

BRANDI CYRUS STYLE NATIVE

PHOTOS BY TAUSHA DICKINSON

This month I loved getting to try new outerwear from Konia Equestrian! The Mika vest is ideal for layering, and packs down into its own little zippered pocket.

I paired it here over my cozy TPH sweatshirt, with GhoDho breeches and Schockemรถhle paddock boots.

Konia Equestrian Mika Vest Shop online: Koniaequestrian.com Retail pick: She Rides I Pay, Milton VT The Plaid Horse Comfort Wear Shop online: theplaidhorse.com Retail pick: Awesome Artifacts, Wellington FL

theplaidhorse.com • December 2016/January 2017 • 65 GhoDho Breeches Shop online: GhoDho.com Retail pick: Exceptional Equestrian, Thermal CA Schockemöhle Paddock Boots schockemoehle-sports.com Retail pick: Chagrin Saddlery, Chagrin OH

66 • THE PLAID HORSE

The Konia Equestrian Taylor raincoat is unisex, seam sealed and completely waterproof.

There is a layer of down and Gortex on the torso area, and the hood is removable.

The sleeves roll up for mobility for riding and grooming, which I love! I especially love the look over these Equo breeches.

With these two Konia pieces, I’m prepared for all possible weather situations!

theplaidhorse.com • December 2016/January 2017 • 67

Konia Equestrian Taylor Raincoat Shop online: Koniaequestrian.com Retail pick: She Rides I Pay, Milton VT Equo Schooling Pants Shop online: Equo-us.com Retail pick: Exceptional Equestrian, Thermal CA

Custom Leather Purses & Tote Bags To ri@ To riAnnaDe signs. co m 207. 650.1268

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68 • THE PLAID HORSE

theplaidhorse.com • December 2016/January 2017 • 69

70 • THE PLAID HORSE TPH will be in Omaha for the World Cup Finals!

Stop by - we’ll be next to the restaurant!

Omaha Ready to Welcome World’s Jumping and Dressage Superstars for 2017 FEI World Cup™ Finals In just a few months, the best horses and riders from all over the world will be coming to the Midwest for the first time ever to compete at the biggest event of the year, the 2017 FEI World Cup™ Finals, featuring the Longines FEI World CupTM Jumping Final and the FEI World CupTM Dressage Final. The championship competition will be held at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha, Nebraska on March 29 - April 2.

the Jumping Grand Prix competition at 7:00 PM. On Sunday, April 2, the Final Jumping competition will begin at 2:00 PM, which ultimately decides who will be crowned the FEI World Cup™ Jumping Champion.

Qualifying competitions around the world are underway and the pressure is already building as the world’s top riders vie for the chance to compete for the coveted titles of FEI World Cup™ Champion. Omaha is ready to welcome the superstars of the sport — including World, European and Olympic Champions – who are expected to attend this ‘international showdown!’

The 2017 FEI World Cup™ Finals are being produced by the Omaha Equestrian Foundation, a certified 501c(3) not-for-profit foundation.

The OEF also runs the International Omaha, an annual top-level jumping and dressage competition also held at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha, Nebraska.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for fans to see the best equestrian athletes from all corners of the globe compete under one roof in the biggest event of the year,” said Lisa Roskens, Chairman of the Omaha Equestrian Foundation which is producing the 2017 FEI World Cup™ Finals. “We are expecting 60,000 people from all over the world and although tickets are selling quickly, we still have a great variety from which to choose, so don’t wait any longer – get yours today!”

A variety of ticket packages are still available, but the VIP Tickets are the best seats in the house. They include access to the VIP Hospitality Lounge throughout the event! Hospitality Packages are also available. The elegant Suites are spacious, comfortable and overlook the entire arena with seating for 20-25 people. Wait service, food, drink and access to the VIP Lounge are included throughout the event. Ringside tables gets you up close to the action in comfort and style with In-Arena seating for 8 people, complimentary wine and heavy hors d’oeuvres along with access to the VIP Lounge throughout the event. The Boutique Shopping Village will give spectators a chance to eat and browse the shops, all while watching the riders and horses warmup for the competition!

The 2017 FEI World Cup™ Finals in Omaha will run over five days. Wednesday, March 29, will feature the Jumping Warm-up at 9:30 AM and the Dressage Warm-up at 2:00 PM. Actual competition will begin on Thursday, March 30, with the Dressage Grand Prix starting at 1:00 PM and Jumping Speed Class at 7:00 PM. On Friday, March 31, the multi-faceted Dressage Showcase starts at 3:00 PM followed by the Jumping Grand Prix at 7:00 PM. On Saturday, April 1, the Dressage Freestyle Rehearsal will be held at 9:00 AM with the Dressage Freestyle to Music - the event determining the 2017 FEI World Cup™ Champion - will begin at 2:00 PM, and

For more information about the Omaha Equestrian Foundation, visit OmahaEquestrian.com or call 402-444-1630.

For more information about International Omaha, please visit InternationalOmaha.com For more information about the 2017 FEI World Cup™ Finals in Omaha, hotel information, and to purchase tickets, please go to OmahaWorldCup2017.com, charge by phone at 800-745-3000 or at the CenturyLink Center Omaha box office.

theplaidhorse.com • December 2016/January 2017 • 71

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72 • THE PLAID HORSE

Merry Christmas from Orion Farm!

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Claiborne Bishop and University of Virginia: Forty Years & Counting Claiborne Bishop and UVA Equestrian are celebrating their fortieth anniversary. In 1976, at their farm The Barracks in Charlottesville, VA, Bishop and her husband Tom welcomed the first Equestrian Club riders to their 196 acre spread. What began as a personal request from Sweet Briar College’s pioneer collegiate equestrian organizer, Paul Cronin, evolved into a robust, exemplary intercollegiate riding program.

ABOVE LEFT: CLAIBORNE BISHOP. THIS PAGE AND ABOVE RIGHT: THE BARRACKS.

theplaidhorse.com • December 2016/January 2017 • 77

The Barracks is a behemoth facility with 64 stalls, large indoor and outdoor rings, cross country courses, and a view that inspires poetry.

Surrounded by rolling hills and brilliant vistas of the Virginia countryside, it is nestled in what surely is God’s country. Only fifteen minutes from campus, UVA students, “Wahoos”, can avail themselves of many equestrian experiences: polo, equitation, showjumping, and foxhunting. The UVA Riding Team participates in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) which boasts more than 9000 riders in Hunter Seat Equitation, Western Horsemanship, and Reining divisions.

For Bishop, the UVA/IHSA experience fits well with her family and personal business. She is unique in her ability to coach a large intercollegiate team while maintaining a healthy, successful “A” circuit show barn. The Barracks is a family affair with the staff consisting mostly of family members. Husband Tom purchased The Barracks in 1972. In the early days of the business, Tom was fresh out of the Navy and did most of the teaching on the farm while Claiborne was the primary rider. As she said, “We did anything to fill stalls. We galloped thoroughbreds, stood stallions, foaled mares, made up foxhunters and show hunters. There wasn’t anything we couldn’t do.” Their skill and hard work paid off as the business grew and they became able to be more discerning about the work they accepted. Soon, their stalls were filled with both fox hunters and show hunters, Claiborne’s first love.

Now, the Bishop daughters, Maria and Marianna, are also integral to the business. Marianna works in the office three days per week and Maria is a professional rider and trainer for The Barracks. Three Bishop grandchildren are beginning to ride and will carry on the family tradition. The familial aspect of The Barracks gives it a solid, less commercial feel. The Bishops are in the business together and dedicated to each other’s success.

Given the strength of UVA Riding, Bishop is content that the University has no interest in changing the status of the UVA program from IHSA to NCAA. Her reasons have less to do with intricate programmatic and financial differences and more to do with simple fact: men. NCAA Equestrian is an allfemale sport. Bishop believes that equestrian sport should be available to both sexes. “Olympic level riding is a co-ed sport. Why should we change the game at the collegiate level? It is one of the few sports that men and women can compete in on an equal basis,” she asserts. Bishop does not believe that young men should be excluded from riding because of the Title IX requirements that brought collegiate equestrian to the doorsteps of many NCAA colleges needing financial compliance. Title IX is a law passed in 1972 that requires gender equity in every educational program that receives federal funding. For collegiate athletics, the law means that men and women must be offered similar participation opportunities, resulting in 21 schools offering NCAA equestrian programs.

Deeper than her commitment to coeducational riding is her covenant to the heritage of the University of Virginia. She hails from a long line of

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1. CLAIBORNE BISHOP’S DAUGHTER MARIA SHANNON ON UVA STUDENT MOHAMMED ATTAR’S BUBLE. 2. TOM BISHOP AND DAUGHTER MARIANNA WADE WINNING AMATEUR OWNER 3'3" ON CASTLETON AT DEVON. 3.

VIRGINIA RIDING AT UVA. 4. CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN AT KESWICK HORSE SHOW. 5. UVA WINNING IHSA NATIONALS IN 1992.

Virginians, many of whom attended UVA when it was all male. Established by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University waited 151 years to accept women. As Bishop acknowledges, “This school means a lot to me and to my family. My grandfather went there, my brother and my husband went there. Just because there are young ladies on campus doesn’t mean that we should exclude the young men. I am a traditionalist and always have been.”

Collegiate riding programs are dependent on donated horses for their students to ride. Unique to UVA and The Barracks are the number and quality of the horses offered to the program. Bishop estimates that she accepts one in ten horses offered to her, often referring the ones she does not accept into other collegiate programs. “We are thankful to be offered so many great horses. I think that our exposure to the “A” circuit gives us increased visibility.”

When Bishop accepts a horse into the UVA program, she has made a lifelong commitment to the well- being of that horse. The Barracks funds all of the care that the horses require. The horses benefit from Bishop’s decades of

hands on experience as well as the large fields and easy life at The Barracks. When they are no longer able to do their jobs, the horses are retired on the farm.

UVA Riding does not just involve riding. Bishop likens herself to “Attila the Hun” when it comes to horse care.

Students are required to not only care for their mounts, but to understand horse welfare. They are taught the logic and science behind good horsemanship as well as best practices. Bishop has stringent protocol and high standards for grooming, tack maintenance, and barn management.

Asked where she will be on the 50th anniversary of The Barracks and UVA, Bishop thought for a moment and responded, “Right here, I hope.” She explains, “I love it, that is the bottom line. I sit on the mountain top, show mostly in Virginia, and have my family with me. I love the kids and I love the horses. I won’t just sit around.” It is a lucky thing for UVA Riding, The Barracks, and horses looking for a new job that Claiborne Bishop is ready for the next forty years. ◼ BY TPH EDITOR SISSY WICKES

theplaidhorse.com • December 2016/January 2017 • 79

The 87th Annual Montpelier Hunt Races

In Virginia on the first Saturday in November each year since 1929, people gather at Montpelier, the historic presidential home of James and Dolley Madison, to take part in the time honored tradition of the Montpelier Hunt Races. Whether you spend your day tailgating, watching the races from a premium rail position, shopping at vendor alley, or wandering the beautiful park-like setting that is Montpelier, the excitement is palpable. Although much of the day is formal and steeped in tradition, (the day begins with the call to hounds, and a Master of the hunt rides the course before each race) there is also a lighthearted side to the event. There are hat competitions and an award for best tailgate display (you will see everything from folding chairs and coolers to fine silver, crystal champagne glasses and fully catered meals). The day begins with the Jack Russell Terrier races that are a great source of canine chaos and hilarity. Kids can enjoy the stick horse races to get into the spirit of the day. The racing card is always full and features some of the best steeplechasers in the country. The Montpelier Hunt Races are a great day to enjoy horse sport in the splendor of the Virginia countryside. ◼ BY BETSY KELLEY

LEARN MORE AT WWW.MONTPELIERRACES.ORG

80 • THE PLAID HORSE

C O N G R AT U L AT E S

Paige Dendiu

OCHSA Junior Masters Medal Final Champion • The Plaid Horse Magazine Subscribe at theplaidhorse.com

theplaidhorse.com • December 2016/January 2017 • 81 Bone Density, OCD’s, Bone Bruising, Osteoarthritis, Stiffness, Shoulder Soreness, and more!

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82 • THE PLAID HORSE

Crossword inspired by the

theplaidhorse.com • December 2016/January 2017 • 83 The Horsemanship Quiz Challenge encourages education and recognizes young equestrians who have exceptional horsemanship knowledge.

Learn more at ushja.org/HQC – and be sure to register for HQC 2017! Post your completed crosswords and tag @theplaidhorsemag on Instagram for a chance to win cool prizes!

CROSSWORD BY SISSY WICKES

ACROSS

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1. wide facial marking extending past inside corner of eyes 2. head and neck are softly bent to the inside with horse looking away from direction of travel 3. one of two types of shoeing 5. channel that runs down the length of the underside of saddle 8. type of release 10. one of four natural aids 12. type of martingale 13. test for equine infectious anemia 17. breed originated in mountains of Wales

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official hunter/jumper affiliate of USEF one of four gaits number one priority around horses hoof with angle greater than 61 degrees gives horse energy to perform number of feet recommended between feed tubs in a group situation essential nutrient required for growth, repair, and maintenance of body bit with a mouthpiece with a hump in the middle to sway from side to side in stall type of boot that covers leg from knee or hock to ground California winner of WCHR Pro Challenge 2016 allergic reaction as seen on skin

See page 90 for answers!

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LEGACY RIVER EQUESTRIAN CENTER: Building the Next Generation of Riders Outside Chicago Just 42 miles outside of the bustling, urban streets of Chicago sits the bucolic haven of Legacy River Equestrian Center. Located in Sugar Grove, IL, the gently curving driveway leads to a beautiful modern equestrian facility. On nine verdant acres, Legacy River offers 24 appointed stalls, a heated indoor ring, and a large outdoor ring. Contiguous to the impeccable grounds are eighteen acres of maintained trails, allowing horses and riders the luxury of riding through a beautiful swathe of countryside along Kane County’s Legacy River.

Owner Dorothy “Dolly” Flisk purchased the property in May, 2016, after planning to buy an empty parcel of land to build a barn. Hearing that this facility was available, she decided to look at it while she continued her search for land. As she drove into the property, she was immediately drawn to it. “There is a peace when you come onto this land,” she explains. Flisk was enamored of the quiet atmosphere, spacious feel, and splendor of the setting. Within a few months, she had the facility in top shape, including the addition of an eight stall annex.

Flisk is a lifelong horse enthusiast who rode one day per week beginning at five years old and continuing through college. She did not have the opportunity to more fully immerse herself in horses until adulthood, but always had a passion for them.

As Flisk began her post-graduate education to eventually obtain two Master’s Degrees, she also ramped up her riding commitment. The scale of involvement grew from a half-lease on a horse, to a full lease, to full ownership. She began to compete A DAY AT THE BARN FOR (LEFT TO RIGHT) TRACY BERKOS, HANA ARNOLD, DOLLY FLISK, AND JOHN BERKOS.

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her horses on a local level. The more that Flisk became involved with her horses, the more she educated herself about horse care and welfare. “I worried about their care and wanted to be in control of their welfare. I wanted a place where I know the horse comes first. So, I decided to buy a farm.”

Having bought the idyllic farm, she then set out to staff it with professional horsemen that shared her priority of horses first. After an extensive interview process, Flisk custom built the Legacy River staff which is comprised of Hana Arnold, John Berkos, and Tracy Berkos. Described by Flisk as “dedicated, hard-working, and honest,” the staff operates under the ethos of teamwork. Each trainer brings years of experience to the operation and a dedication to the success of the whole. Hana Arnold is a graduate of the acclaimed University of Findlay program in Equine Business Management and Equine Studies.

She grew up riding in the Chicago area and brings experience in the hunter and jumper arenas. Arnold is passionate about teaching and committed to “providing each student their own experience. I like to accommodate riders of all levels and really teach them how to ride.” To meet the needs of a top lesson program, Hana sought out the best school horse string that she could find. She describes them as “top lesson horses. They have great brains and personalities, but are not too push button. They don’t just go around by rote. They teach people to ride correctly at a lower level so that they have the skills needed to transition to upper levels.” Legacy River avails riders of its own lesson string as well as certain client horses for a half lease situation. The program is open to all riders, from youngsters just starting to ride to high level competitors.

Originally from the St. Charles area, John Berkos is a rider and trainer on staff at Legacy River. John has decades of experience from both inside and outside of the ring. His position as an “R” rated hunter and jumper judge brings an added perspective to the job. John was an accomplished junior rider and represented the US in international competition for young riders and amateurs. As a junior and a young professional, he was coached by the accomplished Alex Jayne at Our Day Farm. John has travelled

the show circuit throughout the United States, including one year as a working student for Anne Kursinski’s Market Street. There, John “learned as much about barn management and horse care as I did about riding.” Recently, John was the home base rider and trainer for Matt Cyphert in Texas. When John heard about the opening of the Legacy River Equestrian Center, he jumped at the chance to interview the job. “I had always loved that facility. It is a beautiful place. The chance to work at a place like that and be close to my family was a great opportunity. It is a win win for me.” He is a seasoned, respected professional who brings a learned tapestry woven of many rounds and many miles at horse shows. A dedicated teacher and trainer, he looks forward to growing the business at Legacy River to include horses to show himself. “I would love to get back into the big jumper ring eventually.” He and his wife Tracy look forward to “building the business up and running with it as far as we can.”

Tracy Berkos is employed at Legacy River in a consulting capacity.

Having worked for years developing and selling high performance young horses, Tracy brings many contacts to the enterprise. As with any new venture, establishing a solid and durable framework is essential to success. Tracy assists in planning and executing the fulfillment of Legacy River Equestrian’s mission: to provide the best quality horse care, training, and lessons. She hopes to establish a robust sales business and to develop quality green prospects.

The professionals at Legacy River are committed to quality in every aspect. Not only do they endeavor to perform their jobs at the highest level, but they seek top professionals in all fields. As Tracy explains, “We have hired top farriers and veterinarians so that our horses get the best care. Whether it is a lameness issue or a maintenance issue, we want to do what is right for the horse. We are very confident in the team that we have chosen.”

“Legacy River offers something for everyone,” John Berkos states.

From a rider’s first step on a horse to elite competition, Legacy River can provide training, riding, and horse care for the journey. The staff provides an individualized program for horse and rider and caters to the needs of their clients. Most importantly, they want to promote a sense of community and fun. Dolly Flisk loves that the families whose children lesson once a week come out for a daily visit to the farm.

“People love being here and they love the sense of community. They feel comfortable and at home. That is important to me.” ◼ BY TPH EDITOR SISSY WICKES, PHOTOS BY ANDREW RYBACK

Visit Legacy River at legacyriverequestriancenter.com to view the beautiful facility and meet the staff.

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A SERENE FALL DAY IN HORSE HEAVEN.

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1.

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The 71st Pennsylvania National Horse Show Presented by the Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Trust, October 2016. 1. Lindsay Maxwell and Kingston in the 3'6" A/O 18-35. 2. Patricia Griffith. 3. John French. 4. John Bragg and Early August were High Performance Champions. 5. Larry Glefke.

6. Daniel Geitner and Lynn Seithel’s Walk the Moon were Pre-Green Champions. 7. Sissy Wickes and Katie Cooper.

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Rated December 16-18 “A” December 21-23 “A” January 13-15 “A” February 10-12 “A” Morganville, NJ 07751 •732-591-9600 www.BayMarFarms.com

2016 Rated Regional II Shows: All USEF, M&S, NJPHA, NJHSA December 10 2016-2017 Schooling Shows, Banquet Series: All M&S, NJPHA, NJHSA December 18, 2016 January 22, 2017 • February 26, 2017 March 18, 2017

Hunters • Jumpers • Equitation

March 17-19 “A”

For more information call:

(845) 564-6658 GARDNERTOWN FARM EST. 1979

822 Gardnertown Farm Rd. Newburgh, New York 12550 Two indoor arenas, lessons, and indoor arena polo

VISIT US AT:

www.gardnertownfarm.com

April 1 “B” April 30 “C”

Schooling January 7 Hunter Derby April 2 Hunter Derby

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THE CHOICE OF CHAMPIONS. Ranch, Farm & Equine Contact: Stacey Cinquini Direct/Text: (949) 289-4722 Email: stacey@cinquiniins.net Facebook: Cinquini Insurance Services LLC Twitter & Instagram: @CinquiniIns Lic #0G96286 / 0I72676 Jessica Speranza & Klarisse M'Aurea Z.

NOW FEATURING XL CATLIN

Photo © Captured Moment Photography.

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The Plaid Horse $1000 Hunter Derby at St. Lawrence University

KATHARINE HANKIN AND ARAM.

CANTON, NY, OCTOBER 5, 2016 • 24 ENTRIES 1st Aram – Katharine Hankin 2nd KT Commentary – Casey Zuraitis Mountain Dancer – Sabrina Osuch 3rd 4th Coriano – Serena Thorn 5th Miss Ellie Z – Isabel Hall 6th Locatelli – Abby Crowell

7th Forecast Sunny – Mercy Paine 8th Midnight – Amanda Hall 9th D’Artagnan – Amanda Hall 10th Tavanah – Lily Barnard 11th Jailbreak – Macy Huckle 12th Footloose – Lyndsay Frazer

The Plaid Horse Sponsors the First OCHSA Junior Masters Medal The Plaid Horse Junior Masters Medal Final was held at the Orange County Championship Show on October 16, 2016, in San Juan Capistrano, CA. This competitive class consisted of a written exam which comprised 60% of the total score, an equitation course set at 3-3'3" for 40%, and an additional work off of the top 4 riders. Paige Dendiu, of San Juan Capistrano California, had a stellar performance on Cortador, a borrowed mount from David Bustillos.

Dendiu has been riding for 14 years and took first place with the help of trainers Nathalie Cooper from Acorn Farm and her mother Lauren Dendiu. Leading up to the written test, Dendiu studied the USHJA Study Guide and took numerous practice tests. When asked about her strategy, Dendiu said “My plan was just to be consistent, especially on hearing that I was leading after the horsemanship test.”

Dendiu went into the riding portion of the class in first place with an impressive score of 99 from the written test.

The top four riders, without the assistance of any trainers, were given a new course to walk and were then judged in the warm up ring as they prepared for round three. Holding the lead through all three phases and earning bonus points for her strategic warm up, Paige was announced the Champion and awarded a beautiful tack trunk, a gift bag full of generous donations including a ManeJane belt, sessions from Sports Psychologist Mario Soto, Cold Laser Therapy treatments from Kim Harries, a new book from writer Mary Pagones, socks from Dreamers and Schemers, a custom grooming brush from Ride Every Stride, sunglasses from EquiFit, and a bridle from Dynasty Equisports.

“I would like to thank my mom Lauren Dendiu, David Bustillos, Kristy Miller and Nathalie Cooper. And the biggest thanks to Cortador, he’s truly a one of a kind”. ◼ BY LAUREN O’NEILL

PHOTO © SYDNEY LOWE.

ORANGE COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIPS HORSE SHOWS • SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA OCTOBER 12-16, 2016 • 14 ENTRIES 1st Corador - Paige Dendiu 2nd Serendipity - Sydney McManus 3rd Titan - Sarah Matzinger 4th Optimus Prime - Mckinna Morris 5th Carlton - McKenna Roe 6th Bookmaker - Ruby Danell 7th Mr. Nice Guy - Gillian Penna 8th Quentin - Nicole Brennan 9th Sunday Douglas - Lauren Vigneron 10th Sovereign Ruler - Devynn Sibley 11th Tetley - Taylor Coker 12th Piquet - Isabella Regis

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