The Standardbred Connection Promoting the Pleasure Standardbred
INSIDE THIS EDITION: - OLD FRIENDS - POLOCROSSE - SADDLESEAT - COLD BLOODED TROTTERS - MEDIEVAL STANDARDBREDS
September 2015 Edition Table of Contents Just A Number by Joyce Newbury
Page 3
Peacocks of the Showring: Saddle Seat by Jane Lutz
Page 8
Polocrosse with Lace N Ribbons by Trina Clouser
Page 12
$2,000 in Additional Prizes by Standardbreds Australia Unharnessed
Page 15
A Squire’s Horse by B.J. Hobbsen
Page 16
Tattler’s Jet by Susan Schroeder
Page 18
The Cold Blooded Trotter by Marie Pettersson
Page 20
RUS Success by Michelle Miller
Page 26
The Standaredbred Connection is a free online magazine dedicated to pleasure Standardbreds who are trotting, pacing or racking their way through the public eye. We can be found online at www.TheStandardbredConnection.com or on Facebook. Have an idea of an article? Submit your article idea via our website at www.TheStandardbredConnection. com. Cover Image: Berto Adalina and Michelle MacDougall sport their Reserve Championship sash from the National Standardbred Show. Photo by Vicki Wright.
Just A Number A Look At Aged Horses By Joyce Newbury
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wenty nine year old “Royal Bargain” Above: 19-year old Kristal was bred to race but flips his tail over his back and strides never made it to the track. Now she races the away. Head up in the air, twenty-three clock on long distance rides. Together with rider year old “Draken” proudly trots across Jocelyn Broadhurst, Kristal recently competed in the field. These two senior Standard- the Man vs Horse Marathon. Sometimes know breds have quality of live and are pain free. As as “the world’s largest horse race,” this annual owners how can we achieve that in our 20+ year event takes place over 21 miles in the Welsh old horses? Nutrition, dental work, de-worming, town of Llanwrtyd Wells every June. farrier and veterinarian support all come into play to develop a plan to keep our elder horses living longer. Older horses tend to eat slower so watch for that horse bully that may eat more than their own share In their younger years our senior Standardbreds of feed. Aged horses may need some protection would have had been seen by a equine dentist at against those aggressive horses out in the field. least once a year. We need to continue that plan or as often as a equine dentist suggests. If you Consult with your vet regarding a deworming prosee hay or grain dropping from their mouth while gram. Routine deworming is a must to maintain chewing they need to be checked by a equine den- your horse’s health and longevity. Parasitism is tist. As horses age several things happen to their the most common equine disease. A deworming teeth. They have been consistently worn down in program is determined by the age of the horse, the some spots while sharp points can develop along season, pasture load, other pasture animals and the edges in other areas causeing ulcers and cuts the location of the horse. Vet’s like to start with a inside their cheeks. Routine floating can keep the fecal exam, depending on the resulting egg count teeth in good shape.
that number determines the best dewormer for the horse. A post fecal egg count tells them whether or not the horse has a resistance to that particular wormer. You have to adjust your de-worming program accordingly. Nutrition varies from summer to winter, horse to horse. Draken holds his weight evenly with only grass during the summer months, but receives grain twice a day along with 2nd cutting hay during the winter. While year round Royal Bargain is given a sweet feed and pellets three times a day along with alfalfa cubes and a good timothy hay. Some geriatric horses may need the easily chewable senior horse feed. Having a softer pellet grain and hay will help the older horse from choking on their feeds. Remember not all senior horse feeds are a complete feed; some only met the horses minimum nutritional needs. Check the label on the bag to make sure what you are feeding. Keeping your senior from being overweight can be tough but being too heavy can cause difficulties in their aging joints. Laminitis, heart disease, arthritis, and navicular syndrome are just some of the problems that can occur with an overweight horse. Check on the internet under horse weight calculators, by using them you should be able to determine the best weight for your horse. When
Draken spent his racing career at Morrisville College teaching students how to drive. He went on to win three National SPHO pleasure driving titles and represented the breed at the World Equestrian Games. Today, at 23, Draken spends much of his time grazing but occasionally goes out for a drive or acts as a mounted archery mount. a geratric horse starts to lose weight and a special feeding program does not help it’s time to consult your vet for additional help. Talk to your veterinarian also about the metabolic changes that might occur as your horse ages. Hormonal unbalances like Cushing’s disease, metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance are common in senior horses. Cataracts show up slowly, have your vet check your horses eyes when you have that yearly Coggins test, Potomac Fever and other vaccinations done. Many owners feel older horses need less exercise. Not so. Light riding or driving is a good way to keep those muscles toned and joints flexing. Local horse shows offering leadline, walk or walk/trot classes are a great way to give your horse a job while not overtaxing them. If your horse isn’t able to do a little riding or driving make sure he has ample exercise in a pasture. Being outside grazing 24/7, with a shelter, keeps joints from stiffening up and it’s also good for their mental well-being.
Royal Bargain raced in the 90’s at Pocono Downs (pacer) and won $58,636. He has always received quality feed, plenty of fresh water, regular vet work and foot care. At 29, he is still a winner in Aged horses still need to have routine farrier work the eyes of the Radiant Standardbred Stable. performed. Proper trimming can help arthritic conditions and other joint diseases. Depending on
As owners we need to make sure the quality of life is good and the horse can handle the lameness comfortably. Salt blocks are a must all year long. Numerous types of salt blocks are on the market, decide which is best for your situation and continue to have them available for your horse. Water, whether it is in a stall bucket, outside water tank or from an automatic waterer should be clear and fresh. Stagnate water is an invitation for mosquitoes and Cutie’s Hope is a 32 year old chestnut pacing stan- other bugs to infect your horse with diseases. dardbred. Owner, Sharon Miner, has known Cutie since he was 3 years old. A friend was his owner/ In the winter a lukewarm bucket of water helps the trainer and so Sharon was his groom for most of digestive system digest feed much better, keeping Cutie’s race life. When he was 10, Cutie became the risk of colic down. Our senior horses don’t a very reliable riding horse. Now, as primarily a take to the cold very well so a winter blanket may companion horse, Cutie keeps warm in the winter be necessary. Take the blanket off at times to aswith a waterproof blanket. sess his weight. Add or subtract hay or grain from his diet according to what you see. the horses feet, ground that they are on, and their jobs; the farrier and you can determine whether they need to have shoes on or not. Senior horses sometimes have that chronic limp that just doesn’t go away. After consulting with your veterinarian as to the cause perhaps they can recommend medications to improve your horse’s soundness. Pin firing is seen on many of our former racing Standardbreds legs. The scars are still very visible but the healing has been completed long ago. Bowed tendons are another injury to the tendons that are hard to look at but have healed. Each horse must be analyzed individually.
There are Retirement Farms that will take over the proper care of your horse for you should you not be able to do it yourself. They will take the time to consult with their local veterinarian, farrier and equine dentist, together they’ll make a long term plan on how to make sure your senior horse has good quality of life and is as pain free as possible. Caring for your senior horse is challenging but very rewarding. With the proper plan we can obtain the standard of life that any 20+ horse deserves. Watching senior horses like “Royal Bargain” and “Draken” trot proudly around their fields makes us realize we can accomplished that goal. Companionship can be important to quality of life for a horse. HayKaye, a 29 year old Standardbred, is fast friends with Keystone Sheen (Keyzer) and Becky (Bertha). HayKaye and Becky have been together for 24 years. They recently suffered a change of fortune and were separated for a short while. When they were re-united at Last Stop Horse Rescue in Maine, their emotional reunion touched all involved.
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eet Awaiten Maten, a 1993 gelding and life changer for Ronda Markle and her family.
“I owned his mother and bred her to Brisco Hanover. My plan was to sell Mate in a yearling sale but I fell in love with his gigantic personality so he could never leave. “ says Markle. Mate did eventually leave to have a successful racing career but returned to Markle upon retirement. Mate is about 17 hands, dark bay with darker dapples, and dotted (pin fired) legs that look as though he has been thru a war.
Markle says “He has one of the most important jobs on my farm. He is a babysitter and teacher. When the foals get weaned Mate becomes their surrogate. He teaches the weanlings how to behave, where to go in storms, where the water is. He teaches them manners.” Mate is also the babysitter for Markle’s one and only granddaughter, Lilly. When Lilly was about two she began sitting on him in the crossties. When she was about five, Mate and Lilly began their riding partnership. In addition to winning ribbons at a variety of shows, Mate “taught my granddaughter patience, given her cofidence. He has gone above and beyond what a person expects from their four-legged buddy,” according to Markle.
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sborne's Shy Cam, Ozzy (d.o.b. April 29,1991). He is a very young 24! The Keyton’s adopted Ozzy through the Standardbred Retirement Foundation 10 years ago for their daughter, Amanda, who was 11 at the time. Ozy was primarily a trail horse at the time. Amanda then trained Ozzy to canter, and yes, gallop when asked. She then went on to compete in the New Jersey Showdeo Association and in 4-H doing Speed/Gymkhana events. The farm where Ozzy was boarded also ran Friday Night Team Penning. This horse LOVES to Team Pen!! He then went on to become the 1st Place Barrel Racer at the National Standardbred Show in 2010. He competes at the National Show every year, and is always in the ribbons.
Amanda left for college in September of 2014 and her mother, Terry, now rides Ozzy. Terry loves to trail ride and could not ask for a better mount. The pair have started doing parades, appearing in the Memorial Day Parade in Freehold, NJ and the annual Open Space Pace Parade. Terry and Ozzy have also completed their first hunter pace!
Congratulations to Barbara Livingston and Ellen Harvey on the success of “Standardbred Old Friends.” The book, which captures 43 aged Standardbreds in their retirement, recently placed 2nd in the challenging American Horse Publications Awards. This year’s competition was judged by 27 professionals and included over 60 classes, 837 entries, and 115 contestants, of which 72 were finalists. There were 53 entries in Equine Related Book with Sgt. Reckless: America’s War Horse taking home first place.
Peacocks of the Showring:
Saddle Seat by Jane Lutz
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addle seat, the name conjures images of high stepping trotting horses, riders in vintage riding attire, and high energy crowds at shows. While the American Saddlebred, Morgans, and Arabs are typical in saddle seat, the Standardbred is making it's presence felt at both breed and open shows. Saddle seat is different from other English disciplines. The sport got its start in the Antebellum South, as opposed to European/British roots. In the South a flashy yet smooth horse was in demand by plantation owners and their overseers. Saddle seat became popular in more urban settings as well, with city dwellers wanting a flashier horse to show off in parks and roadways. Saddle seat is gaining in popularity and in this article, we will talk to two different riders to gain more perspective on saddle seat and how Standardbreds are being presented. Stacey Volkman was given her first Standardbred “C Me Shine” in 2008. After training the mare herself, she started competing in 2013 when she won “Multiple World Champion” at the Breed Show, including 2014's Saddle Seat 2 Gait World Champion as well as 2014 High Point World Champion Adult and Horse in the same show. Stacey actively competes in open and Standardbred Breed shows and trains and teaches in Lebanon, Ohio. She is a graduate with a B.S. In Agriculture and Equine Sciences from Wilmington College in Wilmington, Ohio. Mandi Cool is the Founder and Executive Director of Starting Gait: Standardbred Transitioning Program in Xenia, Ohio. Mandi competes with Standardbreds and Friesans in saddle seat and other disciplines.
Photo on left: Stacey Volkman on C Me Shine at the KYHP. Photographer: Debbie Guiles Schiff Photo on right: Haylie Harshbarger with Lookslike Jet and Mandi Cool on Falco demonstrate saddle seat at Equine Affair.
What got you started in saddle seat? SV: I started to ride saddle seat after successfully showing my Standardbred mare in western events. I was looking to expand into another discipline in order to participate in more classes at shows. MC: I first started riding saddle seat when I adopted my first Standardbred from New Vocations 6 years ago. He is gaited, so saddle seat is the discipline for showing in English Pleasure classes.
Can you describe the classes STBs fit into? SV: Standardbreds can fit into nearly any division. Standardbred breed specific shows are becoming increasingly popular around the east coast and Midwest. Here in Ohio, shows are hosted that offer a multitude of disciplines in which the Standardbred is showcased. Most forget that the Standardbred is just like any other horse and is not only for racing. I know of several individual Standardbreds who are "all-arounders" and compete in several disciplines within one show weekend, including my own horse. MC: A Standardbred can show saddle seat in any English Pleasure or Equitation class, unless it specifically calls for Hunter Under Saddle. A Standardbred could either be gaited or show at the trot for saddle seat. Easy gaited is the most common way of showing a Standardbred in saddle seat, however as we see in the Roadster horses that are primarily Standardbreds, they are very capable of the flashy, high-stepping trot with the right training.
While an English discipline, the saddles are different, can you explain the saddles and how they help with saddle seat? SV: In saddle seat, the horse is shown in a "cutback" saddle. The area at the front of the pommel is cut back- hence the nickname- to allow for the wither movement of a saddle type horse. Horses who are best suited to the discipline have higher head carriages which means that they are more vertical and need the room to allow for the bigger movement and action in the legs. The seat of the saddle is typically flat, which allows the rider to balance in the center of the horse's back, avoiding falling behind or ahead with the motion of the horse. Chris Glover demonstrates male saddle seat attire. Photo by Debbie Guiles Schiff tie and jod pants should also match and coordinate with the day coat and horse. Much like the traditional breeches worn in hunt seat classes, jod pants may have knee and seat patches sewn onto the fabric to give the rider more grip in the saddle. Exhibitors showing in the evening or championship rounds should wear formal attire. Formal coats are dark in color, usually a dark navy blue or black, with charcoal or white accents. Instead of a standard derby hat, most riders show in a top hat.
Would you be able to describe the shoeing Can you describe the various attire in sad- requirements in saddle seat? dle seat? Is there a difference between diMC: There really are no shoeing requirements visions?
specific to the discipline. You should work with your farrier to get the best combination of shoeing SV: The attire required in saddle seat is very difand angles depending on what kind of movement ferent from that required in the other English disyou’re looking for. Racking/Easy Gaited Standardciplines. A standard "riding habit" will include a breds are going to be shod differently than a Stanlong coat, vest, button up blouse or shirt, a tie, jod dardbred that just trots. It really is unique to the boots, jod pants, gloved hands and a derby hat. horse more so than the riding discipline. Helmets are becoming popular instead of the derby hat, but most riders prefer the traditional choice of hat. The color of the entire outfit depends on the Which divisions do Standardbreds show time of day in which the saddle seat class occurs. well in? Exhibitors that show in classes that occur during the daytime, or informal classes, may show in brightly colored "day coats,� which should coordinate with the coloring of the mount. The vest,
SV: Standardbreds that are trotting bred and pacing bred can both do well in many different divisions. Either can excel in three gaited classes if the horse can canter. Those that are pacing bred can
excel in the two gaited or "easy gaited" divisions. As with any breed exhibiting in the saddle seat discipline, the way of going is important- balance and consistency are key. Rated shows, such as those licensed with the United States Equestrian Federation, or USEF, will list exactly the type and movement required for their saddle seat classes. The breed also does extremely well in the Roadster Under Saddle classes. This class requires a lot of vertical action at speed while maintaining consistency. While not part of the traditional realm of the saddle seat discipline, roadster horses are usually shown in cutback saddles.
Do you see many Standardbreds in Open shows/classes? SV: Standardbreds are slowly becoming well known in the show pen against other breeds. They are like any other breed in regards to selecting suitability to the discipline. Here, in Ohio, the Standardbred is becoming a popular 4H mount and in the youth divisions. I personally show in open shows quite a bit with my Standardbred mare, and often have judges, show staff and spectators question what breed my mare is. Most take her for a saddlebred cross and never a Standardbred! It goes to show that the breed has the potential to compete with other traditional saddle seat breeds.
Bella Americana, a 6-year old pacing mare, being shown by Annah Parsons at the Ohio State Fair in the 4-H Easy Gaited Pleasure class. She placed 5th out of 14 and was the only STB. Photo from the Parsons’
Where would a rider look to find a Standardbred saddle seat trainer?
SV: A lot of traditional saddle seat trainers usually work with American Saddlebreds, Morgan's or similar breeds. I would suggest contacting a reputable Saddlebred trainer. Traditional gaited horse trainers are also a good place to start. The StanWhat do you look for in a Standardbred that dardbred under saddle is a relatively new concept to most of the horse industry; traditional saddle you are considering for saddle seat? seat trainers would more than likely be willing to SV: When assessing a Standardbred for saddle take on a client with a Standardbred as long as the seat, a preference for an individual who has a nat- client fits within their training program. ural vertical action should be given. I personally look for a horse that has a lot of high knee carriage MC: I would think any trainer that has worked with and is light on the forehand. I also look at the tem- gaited horses or Saddlebred/Morgan/Arab type perament of the horse under saddle. Horses that horses in Saddle Seat would be a good place to are willing to work and are energetic are appealing start looking. All of these breeds have the same overall presentation that you are looking for in the as saddle seat prospects. saddle seat discipline, and would lend well to workMC: You’re more looking for the size and headset ing with a Standardbred. Saddlebred trainers are of the horse in addition to the gait. The saddle seat the obvious front-runner when it comes to Saddle horse should be a more upright presented horse - seat - they have both 3 and 5-gaited divisions and long neck, and the ability to flex and have a nice would be able to work with both a gaited and trotpresented headset along with the gait (either trot- ting horse. ting or gaiting - whatever you’re going for)
Polocrosse with Lace N Ribbons
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By Trina Clouser
fun and fast paced sport, polocrosse is truly a sport for all ages and all breeds of horses. Created in 1938, polocrosse was originally used to improve young rider’s coordination while training at Britain’s National School of Equitation. Mr. and Mrs. Edward Hirst, who were visiting the school at the time, took an interest in the exercise and decided to bring it back to Australia. And thus the sport of Polocrosse was born.
As for the type of horse used, there are no rules. You will see many Thoroughbreds off the track, as well as Quarter Horses, Arabs, and some gaited breeds. Any horse that excels in agility, endurance, and stamina will make a great mount.
Unlike Polo, Polocrosse does not require multiple horses in order to compete. This is a one rider, one horse game from which it earned the name “King of the One Horse Sports”. Entire families play together and divisions are separated by experience. Divisions are divided A-E, A being the highest level and E being young and inexperienced riders. Tournaments are held in several countries, and here in the United States all over the nation.
Jamie and Lacy played C and D level throughout their stay in Alabama and continue to play in Ohio. Many times, Jamie was asked what breed Lacy was as she was often confused for other types of horses. It seemed that the Standardbred was not often used for polocrosse and so the breed’s many attributes had never been seen. Lacy used her amazing stamina and competitive nature to excel at the sport, opening the eyes of many of the longtime riders.
In 2007, Jamie Schenk was searching for a new sport to try with her Standardbred mare, Lace N Rbbons. Jamie and Lacy had previously showed in multiple events in Ohio, but after making a move to Huntsville, Alabama the pair needed to find a An outdoor sport where both men and women new pasttime. After making some new equine conplay equally, the game consists of 6 players. Us- nections, Jamie was invited to come try polocrosse ing a cane-like stick with a lacrosse style netting with the local Tennessee Valley Polocrosse club. and a soft sponge rubber ball, 3 players from each Jamie, along with another new barn friend went to team compete on the field for a chukka; a 6-8 min- a practice and found that Lacy was a natural at the ute game period. After the first chukka is over, the sport! The Standie seemed to enjoy the competinext set of 3 players rotate into play. This goes tion and didn’t mind the swinging racket or flying on for 4 total chukkas, at which time the match is ball. It wasn’t long before the pair was ready for called and a winner is announced. their first tournament in Pinehurst North Carolina.
An interested rider can go on the American Polocrosse Association website to find a team in their area. To get started you need a helmet, a racquet, a ball, and leg protection (usually wraps) for the horse.
Jamie Schenk and Lace N Ribbons at the KYHP. Photo by Kathryn Herriott Photography **Information from APA Central Zone Polocrosse
The polocrosse field can be grass or dirt and is 160 yards long and 60 yards wide. Teams score points by throwing the ball through their opponents goal posts. At the same time, they protect their goal from the other team. All players can catch, carry and throw the ball with their racquets.**
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une is “Month of the Horse” in New Jersey. Over 70 attendees came to meet retired harness racers on June 24 at the Monmouth County Library - Eastern Branch, in Shrewsbury, NJ
The horses stayed an hour to get brushed, fed carrots, and get photographed with attendees.
Representing Standardbreds at the event were Independent Act, a trotter owned by Suzanne D’Ambrose and Osborne’s Shy Cam, a 24-year old pacer adopted from Standardbred Retirement Foundation by Terry Keynton.
$2,000 in Additional Prizes Announced
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tandardbreds Australia Unharnessed is excited to announce some fabulous news for pleasure Standardbred enthusiasts Australia-wide.
Each year the nation’s six State Standardbred Pleasure Horse Associations (Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, New South Wales, Queensland and Tasmania) join together to offer a National High Point Competition. In 2015/16, the prestigious title will be more lucrative than ever before, thanks to a generous sponsorship agreement to the value of $2000 with proud new event partner Horze Australia. The sponsorship has been co-ordinated by Harness Racing Australia Operations Manager Gary Kairn who encouraged all pleasure Standardbred owners to consider participating. “It’s probably the easiest national competition you will ever enter,” Gary said, explaining that every member financial member of a State Standardbred Pleasure Horse Association who has a horse registered with the group is eligible to enter. “For a maximum fee of $40, the competition simply requires entrants to compete at four shows in their home State and submit their results via the NHPC performance card at the end of the show season,” he added. The National High Point competition comprises sections for juniors (mares and geldings) and seniors (stallions, mares and geldings) in led and ridden classes. Sashes are presented to the top five in each of the 10 sections as well as 10 Championship sashes and two National Performance Horse braided neck sashes and rosette. Horze Australia vouchers to the value of $500 will be presented to the two National Performance Horses and $100 vouchers to each of the 10 Champions. This will be in addition to $450 (minimum) in gift cards from another nationwide equine apparel provider. Sverre Risa from Horze Australia is delighted to be involved with the Standardbreds Australia Unharnessed National Highpoint Competition and looking forward to seeing increased participation in the 2015/16 series. “Standardbred horses are a core element of our business so to be involved in this initiative is very good for our brand,” he added.
A Squire’s Horse
by BJ Hobbsen
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y 12 year old mare, Faxmeister, is a Standardbred x Percheron, bred near Wagga Wagga NSW. Her sire was a Percheron (Hales Argo bloodline). Her dam was a standardbred. Faxmeister, or Fax, mustered cattle until she was nine. She was then sold to a total beginner and trucked to the Blue Mountains. The owner could rarely catch her and could not ride, so for three years Fax was a paddock ornament. I bought Fax in 2014 and paid $4500.00. Overpriced, but I didn’t care. I had promised Fax the first time I saw her that she would be mine! In December, I started Fax with liberty training based on Brandy Worley DVD’s. I ride bitless in a Dr Cook beta bridle. When I started with Fax she had no steering and went like a tank, and it took a 5 acre paddock to do a circle! Fax was strong and intelligent and wanted her own way. I started doing dressage on her in the arena and while her walk and trot were excellent, her canter was like
a motorbike turning corners on its side and unbalanced. I rode her in a round yard to try to balance her canter. However, it was not until I attended a historical equitation clinic in February with Arne Koets (German instructor), that we worked out how to balance Fax at the canter. Suddenly I was able to perform 10m canter circles coming off the hindquarter. Since January, Fax has attended a jousting clinic at Yetholme with Full Tilt Entertainment, Australia’s premier joust troupe. She also went to Rowany medieval festival at Easter at Mittagong where she had her first skill at arms training with a lance, a wooden sword and a spear, where I had to hit and spear items at human head height and items lying on the ground. All this was at the walk so that she was not scared. The last 6 months have been about desensitizing Fax to new experiences, and generally working her out. I ride her every second day, alternating
with my Thoroughbred who is part of the Dames du Cheval medieval dressage troupe run by Sarah Hay at Pheasant’s Nest. Fax trained at Sarah’s two weeks ago, being ridden near two horses training for jousting, to desensitize her to armour and barding and knight’s striking each other with lances. Fax was utterly unfazed by that. Fax only fears are mini-ponies, which apparently are DEMONS!
A closer look at the barding that Titan is wearing and Sarah Hay’s 14th century-styled armor.
Fax’s big event was the Blacktown Medieval fair at Nurragingy reserve in Sydney. This is a free event put on every year in May by Blacktown City Council. It attracts 80,000 visitors every year over one weekend. There are multiple medieval displays by the best re-enactment groups in Australia, many stall, pony rides, camel rides, music, animal farm, theatrical fencing, sword fighting, archery. The feature event is the jousting presented twice a day by Full Tilt Entertainment. Fax’s training was designed to make her a mounted squire’s horse. Her job is to keep the jousting horses company and help them get into the list if necessary. To be a basic all round horse, run messages, patrol the field, look good for the crowd, fill
in gaps in the jousting by giving the crowd something to watch. She had to cope with multiple banners, signage, thousands of applauding, cheering spectators, children waving, balloons, loud music, speakers, a grandstand full of people and eight fully barded horses with knights in armour galloping up and down trying to hit the crap out of each other. Fax performed immaculately. She was unfazed, and professional. Fax will be attending more medieval events this year and hopefully next year we will be competitive n skill at arms events. In these events you pick up rings with a sword, hit apples and cabbages, impale targets with the sword, hit a quintain with a lance (which is the first step to becoming a jousting horse), and spearing targets with a spear. And we will also start training in horse archery.
Sarah Hay, the top jouster in the world, demonstrates spear throwing using a fake boar as a target. Her trusty stead is Titan, a Standardbred.
Fax will hopefully become a trained jousting horse. She is good at the first steps in the training, such as galloping down the list while a horse is galloping toward her down the other side. Many horses will not tolerate that. Her temperament is superb. She is very laid back. A lot of that must come from her mother. Fax is a beautiful calm horse. A credit to her parents.
Tattler’s Jet
they also enjoy talking to the drivers one-on-one. Minnesota Harness Racing, Inc. gives many backstretch tours during the week so Tattler's Jet is also giving jog cart rides during the week and allowing people the opportunity to learn about Standardbreds and their care.
Susan Schroeder, Minnesota Harness Racing, Inc.
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fter 462 lifetime starts and 120 wins, a race horse certainly deserves to live out his life in leisure. But Tattler’s Jet, at age 17, is back at work, making new harness racing fans one jog cart ride at a time and enjoying his second career. Tattler’s Jet was the subject of a New York Times article in 2012, calling him the war horse for his longevity on the track. Tattler's Jet has been retired since then, living at his owner Dave Carter’s farm in Eau Claire, Wis., doing what retired horses do best -- eating lots of green grass. When approached this spring about Tattler's Jet becoming the Standardbred ambassador at Running Aces, Carter was all for it. One request that Carter had was that Tattler's Jet be stabled close to his long time trainer, Gene Miller, so Gene could keep an eye on him as he had for most of those 462 starts. Tattler's Jet has had a steady Sunday night job giving jog cart rides to four lucky fans who win a drawing at the track. He is paired up with one of Running Aces' leading drivers, so not only do the fans get the thrill of being behind Tattler's Jet but
Tattler's Jet was sponsored this year by MHRI, Xtreme Harness, Purina Feeds, Omega Alpha and horseshoer Jason Landers. He has his own Facebook page and everyone who jogs him gets their picture posted on Tattler's Jet’s page. Those fans also get a special Tattler’s Jet jersey with the large number 17 on the back in reference to his age. Tattler's Jet has had a very big impact on the racing fans here in Minnesota; people remember him racing here from 2008 through 2012 and to now get a chance to sit behind him is a dream come true for many.
Tattler's Jet may not be hearing the roar of the crowd as he is passing under the finish line these days, but he is feeling the gentle touch of a child who after petting Tattler's Jet declares, “Daddy, I am never going to wash this hand again.”
Catton Park Summer Horse Driving Trials 2015 Lorraine Davies Wins Open Single Horse
Photographer: Brian Lovatt
The Cold Blooded Trotter By: Marie Pettersson Translation: Anna Jansson
While we are a magazine dedicated to Standardbreds we recongize that the Cold Blooded Trotter is a ‘brother in spirit.� Also used for harness racing, these horses suffer from some of the same prejudes that plague Standardbreds as well as some of the same training challenges. Likewise, they are also know for having a great temperment and excellent minds. We can all take something away from Marie’s story.
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live in Uppsala, Sweden. I have been around and worked with horses for about 33 years now and have come in contact with many different races. The cold blooded trotter is one of them, as I have owned one for 10 years. It is a very nice and cooperative horse, and one should remember that they are bred to run fast forward just like the warm blooded trotter. I would like to tell you a little bit about my horse, but first some history about the cold blooded breeds.
The cold blooded trotter, as it is called, descend from the North Swedish horse which was used in forestry and farming. 1964 the race was divided into two: one heavier working horse called the Swedish Ardennes and one lighter and faster trotter, first named North Swedish trotter, but whose name was later changed to cold blooded trotter. The cold blooded trotter was a lighter type of horse with a longer step and quick trot, which made it suitable for horse race tracks. The concept cold blooded trotter also include the Norwegian Dole horses, the Finnish cold blooded as well as the Swedish cold blooded trotters. The Swedish, Finnish and Norwegian cold blooded trotters are the only cold blooded trotters in the world. The cold blooded trotter is a very much appreciated horse in educational areas due to its energy, stamina and reliability. It is suitable for the Academic art of riding, since the horse is flexible, sensitive and easily takes to a higher level of col-
lection, which is a central part of this philosophy. It can jump smaller fences and complete easier classes of dressage, but can rarely compete in the more difficult higher classes. The horse can be everything from very solid to light and flexible. The most usual colors are brown, dark brown, blackish brown and sometimes chestnut, but they can also be for, example, yellowish brown. The withers height is usually between 4 feet 9 inches and 5 feet 5 inches. They also have more feathering and thicker mane compared to the warm blooded trotter. The most famous cold blooded trotter to date is the stallion Järvsöfaks who, among other things, won 42 races in a row. So why did I choose this kind of horse? When I started to look for a horse I wanted one of a special race, look or color. I started out by searching through ads and dreamed of a black Friesian stallion with a long mane. I found a beautiful 2 year old Friesian horse in Denmark which I was very interested in and contacted the owner to ask if they wanted to sell. At the same time I kept looking at ads just in case I would not be able to buy it. Then I saw an ad for a brown horse, born in 2000, with a black mane, white socks on its legs and a big mass of white on its forehead. He was running on a snowy white field and I just fell in love.
(5 feet 3 inch high). His mother’s name was Pokervira, grandfather: Virmar (NO) and his father: Rigel Jo (NO). A lot of Norwegian horses in his family, which was why he was more of a lighter model. He was actually colored as a pinto on the belly, but since cold blooded trotters are not allowed to be registered as a pintos, he was described as a dark brown with white signs; a big white mass on the head, two blue eyes, spots on the stomach and 4 irregularly formed socks. A feature which in addition to his personality made an impression on everyone who met him. He was ridden and trained with a wagon during the fall of 2004, before he came to us, but he was not schooled, and I could just start riding him. As he had never started or trained for the racetrack before, it made everything so much easier.
Pirate was a very sensitive, perceptive and cooperative individual, and this made everything so much fun because he always thought ahead no matter what we did. As I was not really focused on a specific field, I felt that we should try out different areas and see what we were suited for. We tried, among other things, dressage, jumping, western riding etc. We did it more as a hobby the first couple of years. We started to look at the Academic Riding versus the Centered Riding styles. This When the sale had been closed I drove to meet seemed to suit us, or at least part of it. Finally I them half ways and brought my new friend home. felt that we should do our own style, so I picked He was 5 years old when he came home to me on some pieces from the Academic riding style and June 2, 2005, and his name was Stöcksjö Piraten some from the Classic riding style and it was per-
fect for us. I rode him lightly with my legs, hand and mind. This was a very clever horse and after doing something twice he knew exactly what to do. He could almost learn a dressage routine by heart, which was a problem sometimes when he was one step ahead of me. This meant that I could rarely ride a whole program, but had to train certain moments separate and trick him a little bit, so he couldn’t anticipate what was coming.
group is also performing shows containing fire, for example burning pillows and burning rings. We are one of a small number of jousting troupes around the world who perform man to man jousting with burning lances.
Jousting competitions was something I had always found interesting. It seemed so fun to put on a show, fight with weapons and all the excitement surrounding it. The knights and their horses in their armor, the people with their beautiful clothes, flags, music and more. About 8 years ago I got in contact with a girl who was looking to borrow a horse for a jousting competition. I thought that it sounded really fun and since then she has been borrowing Pirate one weekend every year to ride in a jousting competition. He was perfect in all of their games, and having flags hanging around his legs or weapons and lances being waved around him, did not bother him at all.
Working Equitation The field that I particularly like is Working Equitation. It felt like something that would suit us perfectly as it had some variation in its three parts; dressage, ease of handling and speed trials. This sounded perfect. So we started training and as we got accustomed to it, I knew that both Pirate and I felt the same way about it.
Now I wanted to try jousting competition too, but was not sure where to start. But one day during training I met Kerstin Axén from the jousting group Celeres Nordica of Uppsala, Sweden. I visited one of their trainings and it was great. I was approved as a knight and received the name Knight Löwencrona after I passed a final rehearsal test and a dressage trial and was invited to join their As he could easily collect himself, turn around on a dime and accelerate quickly, I thought that he show. would be perfect for this. In the group Celeres Nordica there are many knights who also compete internationally, for ex- This field includes three parts, or trials; dressage, ample in Australia, New Zealand, Denmark and ease of handling and speed. other countries. There they have had great success with very high and good results. One mem- The Dressage is exactly what is sounds like, a ber of the troupe is “Tjuren från Östra Aros“, who program where different obedience factors are won the European Championships in jousting 3 performed in a specific order. years in a row. They are the only Swedish jousting troupe which is a member of the IJA (International The Ease of Handling part on the other side reJousting Association) and IJL (International Joust- quires a obedient, soft and relaxed horse. That is ing League). They are very nice people and have because this is a course where different obstacles great harmony in the group We are also partici- should be executed in a specific order. pating in shows both in Sweden and abroad. The
As I mentioned in the beginning, the cold blooded trotter is bred to run fast straight ahead, but my Pirate must have been an exception. He always had easy learning, always on the go no matter what, and got great results. But now we faced the real challenge of training him properly for this field. With a trotter it is necessary to work more than you would have done with an ordinary horse, as for example a half blood. They use other muscles while pulling a wagon so they are bound to change quite a lot when you begin to ride. Therefore they need a little bit extra time and patience. Such a thing as to get a good buoyancy during the canter is a challenge. But we were fortunate to train with The Speed, is the third part, in which you ride the some of the best trainers; Ulrika Pernler and Paulo same course as for the Ease of Handling. Some- Bastos. They have helped me a lot. times an obstacle might be omitted or you might have to do it in a different order than before, but Pirate’s strongest pace turned out to be the canter now you need to ride as fast as possible with tight- and we could do galloping pirouettes and exchanger corners but still need to complete the obstacles es. He could do almost all the different schools in every pace. He was simply wonderful. correctly. The difficulty depends on which level you ride. There can be 1-18 obstacles in a course in the higher classes. In preparation for a competition you receive a map of the course which shows in which order the obstacles are to be taken, from which direction you need to come towards them and in what speed. So when you walk the course, as you would do on a jumping competition, it is important to think about how to approach the obstacles and how to do this in the best possible way. This is especially important while considering the ease of handling test, where you will be judged after the choice of path, transitions and obedience.
The difference is that in the Ease of Handling test it is more about dressage and obedience and now it is almost the opposite. You need to ride fast, but without failing the obstacles, and you don’t have to worry if it doesn’t look so good.
Often people asked me about his race, and they were all so surprised when told that he was a trotter. Many people don’t think that these horses can do it, but with the right rider, the right training, the right attitude, patience, time etc, they can evolve into a wonderfully all-round horse. So I started my training for our debut in Working Equitation. It is quite demanding of both horse and rider. As there are a lot of collection in all the paces it is necessary to practice strength and perseverance. I couldn’t complain about his stamina, he was like a Duracell-rabbit who just kept going… About strength, we worked a lot with walking backwards up hills, a lot of work with bars, to collect and extend his stride, etc. He became stronger and stronger. But because my competition nerves had kept me away, I did not start competing seriously until April 2014 in Working Equitation. We started in the medium class and also tried out a difficult class (one handed riding). Dressage was our weak spot, while technique and speed were our favorites. In the competitions we entered last year, I won the speed trial in all but one.
We qualified for the Championship in Working Equitation in August of 2014 with a 6th place, and winning the speed trial. In October of 2014 we applied for a place on the Swedish national team in Working Equitation and was admitted. This horse has done so much regardless who was riding him, as he really turned out to be an all-round horse. What we did together was pulling wagons as a hobby, Working Equitation on medium and difficult levels, medium dressage and jousting. Also two other girls competed with him in jumping and he reached 4th place in his second start in 3 feet 11 inches (120 cm) jumping.
Hitting the trails at the California University Judged Trail Ride Sept. 13, 2015
Last year Pirate became The Coldblooded Trotting Horse of the Year 2014, at the competition “Championship for Trottinghorses in Riding�. Thanks to my schooling as a Certified Riding Teacher in Integrated Riding Art, I had a greater view of the biomechanics of horses. How to train your horse for it to have more endurance. This was a great advantage for the different elements he had to complete. Also the use of the TTeam & TTouch exercises/ Linda Tellingtons Jones method to enhance the horses consciousness of their body. The Pirate has never been injured in 10 years, so an allround and varied training is a good recipe for this perseverance.
From Left to Right: Jana Rutkowske (in pink) on Smartiscape, Shaunna Morris (in blue) on Stormont O My, Julie Allison on Lyons Parkhaven Lake, and Brianna Seliga on Object of Art. All of the horses did well on their obstacles. This was the first judged trail ride for most of them.
Below: Julie Allison rides Lyons Parkhaven Lake (Parker) english while Brianna Seliga rides Object of Art (Artie) western.
All phoros provided by the author.
Stormont O My Prepares for a New Challenge “...a decisive seven and a half-length winner...” “...wire-to-wire winner...” “...track record holder...”
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learly Stormont O My has been a winner throughout her lfe. The Canadian bred trotter had 191 starts and lifetime earnings of $286,803 when she retired in the spring of 2015 as an 11 year-old. Now Stormont O My is becoming a winner in the next phase of her life, as a pleasure Standardbred.
Since July 11th, Stormy has been in training with Missy Rothfuss. When Missy isn’t training horses she is an outrider at The Meadows in Washinton, Pennsyvannia. Missy and Stormy started out with saddle training and speed control - walk/trot/canter/whoa. Since starting under saddle Stormy has gone team penning (sorting cattle), run barrels (placing in all of her classes) and gone on a judged trail ride (winning her division) all while being ridden by Missy’s teenage daughter, Shaunna. Needless to say, it has been a very busy 60 days for the mare.
Retired by the Monti family through New Vocations, the timing was perfect for Stormy to enter the Equine Comeback Challenge. The Equine Comeback Challenge features horse and trainer paired together for 90 days, this year the focus is on retired racehorses. Stormy In the next 30 days, Stormy and her trainer will work is the only Standardbred entered into the challenge. to fine-tune her skills. Getting ready for the event on Tuesday, October 13th at 7:30 in Harrisburg, PA. Last year the event was live streamed via www.usefnetwork. com but it is unclear if that service will be available again this year. Following the event Stormont O My will be available for adoption with half of her adoption fee going to New Vocations. Top Photo: Stormy’s trophys following the California University Judged Trail Ride. Photo by Missy Rothfuss. Left: Stormy and Shaunna presented the flag during The Meadow’s 9/11 Memorial. Photo by Chris Gooden
RUS Success
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By Michelle Miller
hings do not always click at the right time, but timing could not have been better for the winning horse and rider of this year’s RUS NY Fair Series Final.
Participants of the RUS NY Fair Final gather in the winner’s circle for a group photo. photo credit | Geri Schwarz ect.) and learned along the way. It means just that much more, to me, when it’s your efforts that put you on top.”
Andrea Pratt earned her first racing under saddle victory aboard My Friend Charlie at Monticello Raceway as the duo captured the championship title. It was not an easy journey for either of them, The 32-year-old rider said, “Strongbow and Striking Mystery were on home turf, Winner (Winner’s making the win even more gratifying. Star K) is good on the small tracks, Iron Will is “Winning the final was very fulfilling for me,” Pratt fast/big, but had been laid up for a while. I knew I said. “I feel that I had worked hard all summer with needed to get to the rail and try to follow someone, multiple horses and just couldn’t quite get to the which I did but then had to put Charlie on the front winner’s circle, whatever the reason might have because he wanted to go! As long as he stayed flat I knew he would do ok.” been.” “That day, for Charlie and I, it all worked out,” she added. Pratt did not acquire the horse until later in the season giving them both a delayed start at getting into the fair final. She did not begin training or riding Charlie until about half way through the series and found it hard to keep him flat on the small and narrow tracks. “As Charlie’s trainer I felt proud we won as a team, just us,” Pratt said. “He and I worked hard, made multiple changes (equipment, routine, shoeing
The 4-year-old New York bred brown gelding (RC Royalty – Sand Moxie – Muscles Yankee) is a large horse, which Pratt said hurt him on the small fair tracks. “I knew if he could stay flat and near the front, he would have a good chance,” she said. “I was very happy to be there and to enjoy the whole experience. I wasn’t actually thinking about winning.” “He was fairly easy to break and took to it immediately,” she said. “Charlie was able to qualify on his first try and has maintained a more relaxed attitude as a RUS horse.”
This was Pratt’s fourth year participating in racing under saddle. My Friend Charlie is the biggest and youngest horse she has ever ridden. She said she has ridden a wide range of horses, but most with more experience in RUS or on the track. “After watching Charlie race/taking care of him as a 3 year old, I felt his attitude was right,” Pratt said. “He is a very kind horse with plenty of gate speed and is athletic.” Charlie still has a lot to learn, according to his rider and trainer. However, Pratt said she feels he really responds to her laid-back training style and is improving as a racehorse (harness and RUS) every day. According to Pratt, Charlie gets turned out and trail ridden every day. “Charlie can be an insecure horse,” she said. “He needs a lot of positive reinforcement during certain situations. He has learned to listen to me, not only with voice commands, but with body language. He tries to please, and if he does screw up (make a break), he would start to get frantic! Through this I learned how to give him confidence, by being positive and using very little correction.”
Pratt said using Charlie for RUS has also helped her figure out what types of things he needs to race in the bike. For example, she said it helps her feel his movement/sore areas. Since being used for RUS, Pratt said she has seen improvement with Charlie racing in the bike. “He is more relaxed and shows to be more in control, easier to drive,” she said. Pratt said she would use his RUS fair races as training miles during the week and then he would race in harness on the weekends. “He only wears a harness to race, which has improved his attitude immensely,” she said. “As his trainer I try to focus on what keeps him happy and make adjustments as needed. So far it is working.” “When I first heard they were looking to start RUS up again in the U.S. I made sure to jump right in and get my license,” Pratt said. “I had been riding our racehorses for a while as a different way to exercise them, change some things up and have some fun for me.”
Andrea Pratt brings My Friend Charlie across the finish line at Monticello Raceway to capture the RUS NY Fair Final Championship Title on Sept. 2. photo credit|Geri Schwarz
Codie Smith (Strongbow), Heather Reese (Iron Will), Andrea Pratt (in the lead with My Friend Charlie), Michelle Miller (Winner’s Star K. ) and Jennifer Lowrey (Striking Mystery) make the turn for home during the RUS NY Fair Final Championships. the series to determine final entries. All participants received $650 for earning their way into the championship race. Monticello Raceway contributed $2,500 toward the final and the rest of the funds came from the series’ flagship sponsor the New York Sire Stakes. The NYSS generously donated $5,000 as Other disciplines of riding came way before racing for Pratt however. Before entering the “racing world” she showed hunter/jumpers, eventers and did a lot of endurance riding. “I feel that this has helped me to understand the conditioning and nutrition that is needed for my racehorses, as well as the ability to make quick decisions while racing,” she said. “I continue to ride RUS because I enjoy it so much. It is a rush of adrenaline,” Pratt said. Pratt added, “I feel RUS is a great way to showcase the versatility of the Standardbred. It gives fans something different to spark their interest and it also helps to get the horse ready for a possible career after racing.”
initial purse money. The winner also received a championship cooler donated by Peterson’s Harness Shop in Vernon, N.Y. and a lead line donated by Divine Equine Custom Equipment. Michelle Miller, of Milford N.Y., earned this year’s High Point Rider Award. She participated in every RUS fair event this year including getting three wins in a row aboard the 14-year-old American Winner gelding Winner’s Star K. She concluded the fair series with two victories in one day at Tompkins County Fair in Trumansburg. The Fair Series was made possible thanks to the following sponsors:
•Flagship Sponsor: New York Sire Stakes •Monticello Raceway •Divine Equine Custom Equipment The fair series is tailored just for that purpose. Al- •Peterson’s Harness Shop though participants can use horses from age 3 and •The Southern Tier Harness Horsemen’s older, the goal is to allow horses that are not as Association, Nichols NY competitive or no longer fitting harness classes at •Afton Driving Park, Afton, NY pari-mutual tracks a chance to race and perform. •Early Owego Antique Center Currently, the fairs are the only venues where •T&K Harrington LLC •Tammy King horses older than 14 can race under saddle. •Ashely Eldred The RUS NY Fair Series Final was a non-wagering •G A Brazee Trucking, New. Berlin, N.Y. event held on Sept. 2. It marked the second year •Prolifiq Sign Studio Edmeston, NY of the series, which included nine races at seven •Lavigne’s Construction fairs across the state. Horses earned points during