the upstate
HorsE
t r a i n i n g • h e a l t h • s a l e s • eve n t s Spring, 2016
Uniting the Upstate New York Horse Community
the upstate
HorsE CONTACT US: Publishers Donna Vild & Katrina Clay
Advertising Donna Vild Donna@TheUpstateHorse.com (302) 598-2495
Design & Production BeanTree Designs / Katrina Clay Katrina@TheUpstateHorse.com (518) 332-6581
Website www.TheUpstateHorse.com
Mailing Address P.O. Box 644 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Publisher’s Intro Beginning Again After a Mid Atlantic style winter that featured lots of ice, stall rest and bandaging, I am looking forward to Spring and all the new promises it brings…horse activities starting up, no ice in the paddocks, riding outside instead of around and around the indoor arena, and not having to play the daily blanketing game in a season that featured rollercoaster temperature swings! Thinking of beginnings led me to consider the start of some of our favorite horse sports: hounds fluidly pouring out of the hound truck as the fox hunt moves off; the butterfly-inducing countdown in the cross country start box; or the shrill bell or whistle that indicates you have only so many seconds to begin your dressage test or jumper round. “You’re next” is the tip-off most of us get to shorten our reins, take a deep breath and attempt to map out our courtesy circle at the start of a hunter round. These, of course, are the immediate physical signs. The mental preparations have extended back to all those laps, circles, and jumps in the indoor arena all winter. You hope the horse you are feeling underneath you is remembering all the cues and good work of the last few months or years. Breathe, check the girth, breathe, pat your horse on the neck, shorten the reins, and plan your immediate next few steps to the in-gate, dressage arena, start box, which ever flight you’re hunting with, or just out the door and down the trail. Let’s Go!! More Beginnings: we have some new advertisers joining in: Dr Stowe Burke, Finish Line Feeds NY, the Equine Medical Center, and Saratoga Oils. They join our familiar advertisers — Dover Saddlery, APF, Lisa Miller/the Foal Project, and Dick Forman/the Horse Tailor. When you call on these businesses, please let them know you saw their ad in the Upstate Horse! Be safe and have fun with your horse! Donna
The Upstate Horse is an independent free publication that is supported by its advertisers. These advertisers must be judged on their individual merits. The Upstate Horse is not responsible for their claims, conditions, products, or services. Our articles reflect the opinions of their authors and not necessarily those of our publisher. We reserve the right to refuse advertising and are not liable for any errors within the ads themselves.
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The Upstate Horse Community
10 ReRun Opens New Facility in East Greenbush
W E D E LI V E R
11 Salt 12 Camden In February 13 Old Chatham Hunt Report 15 Calendar
thefoalproject.org raising awareness and funding for equine assisted therapies
The Upstate Horse Mission: to create community among the many disciplines of horse people in Upstate New York by providing articles and advertisements that inform the reader of all that this community has to offer for horses and the humans that love them.
T h e U p s t at e
HORSE
Community Gently Retraining Off Track Thoroughbreds Providing Women Experiential Learning with Horses
ACTT Naturally’s founder, Valerie Buck, worked for 28 years at top stables in the racing industry, sitting aboard some of the best horses of her generation. Valerie now combines her experience on the track with her education in Natural Horsemanship to create well mannered, mentally and physically balanced horses. ACTT Naturally relies on donations.
Make your contribution by PayPal at:
www.acttnaturally.org or mail check to: P.O. Box 224 Greenwich NY 12834 ACTT Naturally is 501 (c) (3). The full amount of your contribution is deductible for federal income tax purposes.
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pstate Horsemen will miss Chris Swartzbaugh, a local dressage rider and instructor, who passed away in December 2015 from complications of MS. Her longtime friend Lisa Giordano called Swartzbaugh an “instructor of instructors”who “found a way to get her point across to improve her riders.” Swartzbaugh journeyed to Exmoor, England to earn her Associate Instructor certificate with the British Horse Society. She taught for years in the Schenectady and Saratoga Springs area, helping many students become better riders for the sake of their horses. Giordano said that Swartzbaugh credited her working around horses for lengthening her life, as she was diagnosed at age 40 with MS. “She fought very hard against the disease” going to great lengths to keep riding as long as possible. When riding was no longer safe, she continued imparting her wisdom, teaching as late as last summer. She created a close knit community of well educated horse people, all interested in the proper training and welfare of the horse. Swartzbaugh also enjoyed lifelong interests in painting, writing, and music. She is survived by her former husband, Alan Swartzbaugh and her son, Jason, two brothers, Philip and Stephen Black, numerous nieces and nephews, plus many local riders who are grateful for her wisdom and support. The venerable Dressage at Saratoga show previously held on the main track at the Saratoga Racecourse, then across the street at the Yaddo Showgrounds has moved one more time (and been renamed) as ENYDCTA Dressage Days to be held at the Stockade Polo and Show Grounds in Glenville, NY. The Memorial Day weekend timing is the same, however, May 2729, 2016 and classes will be offered at all levels from Training Level to Grand Prix. Regina Cristo, president of ENYDCTA cited the expense of renting the Yaddo Show Grounds plus renting stabling from NYRA as racehorses start to migrate in ahead of the racing season as deterring factors for keeping the show in Saratoga. The show management will remain the same. The footing and atmosphere at Stockade is much more conducive to producing the best possible dressage test. Please see ENYDCTA.com for further information or for volunteer information. ENYDCTA was happy to report that Margie Hutchinson is taking on the organizing of the Old Chatham Horse Trials, which have had a several year hiatus. The new Old Chatham HT will be held July 10, 2016 at Hutchinson’s Larkin Hill farm in North Chatham. The old site featured few permanent fences and need-
ed many portable cross country fences brought in and taken out which added many physical and financial complications to the organizing process. The Larkin Hill site is locally famous for it’s encouraging jumps, fair courses, and great management. More info at larkinhill.com.
BURKE EQUINE Veterinary Care & Rehabilitation www.burkeequinetherapy.com
Stan and Anita Horton, of the Stockade Polo and Show Grounds in Glenville are pleased to announce Thoroughbred Incentive Program classes at their dressage shows in 2016. More information on the TIP program is available through The Jockey Club’s TIP website, tjctip.com. Hortons also mentioned that western dressage classes have been added to the dressage schooling shows at Stockade this year. Info on show dates, opening dates for entries, and prize lists, etc. can be found at stockadepolo.com.
“A Spa at the Spa”
Bill Murauskas, a long time fixture in the Saratoga Springs horse feed business, has opened a new feed delivery service, Finish Line Feed NY. Finish Line Feed NY carries Purina and Hallway Feeds plus hay, straw, shavings. Bill’s delivery area covers Saratoga and Washington counties. The southern end of this concern is in Florida, where Bill supplies many of the racing operations that spend the warmer months in Saratoga. Bill can be reached at 518.376.2259 for more information. The National Museum of Racing presents “Horsing Around With the Arts,” their 22nd annual Student Art Show. Opening Reception for Grades 3-7 is March 30, 2016 from 6-7:30pm at the Museum. (The entry deadline for Grades 3-7 was Feb.10th.) Opening Reception for Grades 8-12 is April 27th from 6-7:30pm at the Museum. The entry deadline for Grades 8-12 is March 16th. Please go to racingmuseum.org for further details and entry forms. More good news on the Eventing front: the Essex Horse Trials, a three day event formerly held at the magnificent USET headquarters in Gladstone, New Jersey before most of the cross country course became a golf course, has found a new home just a short ways down the road at Moorland Farms in Far Hills, NJ. Moorland is the annual site of the richest day in American steeplechasing when it hosts the Far Hills Races in late October. A committee combined of steeplechase and eventing officials is working to get the Essex Horse Trials off the ground once again in this incredibly beautiful location, just 3 hours south of the Capital District. The committee is planning on the event being held on June 24, 2017, featuring beginner novice through preliminary and adding the intermediate and advanced courses in upcoming years.
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STOWE BURKE, DVM
www.burkeequinetherapy.com stowe.burke@gmail.com (518) 210-4322
ECB COLD SALTWATER SPA
Upstate Horse News Nipper Knolls Equine Center, Inc. Thanks Local Businesses for Their Support Nipper Knolls Equine Center, Inc. would like to thank Bouchey Financial Group, Price Chopper Golub Fund, Five Below, and Cooper’s Cave Ale Company for their support of our program.
AQUAPACER Burke Equine is a 104-acre facility in Saratoga Springs, located four miles from Saratoga Race Course.
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Nipper Knolls Equine Center is a 501 (c) 3 corporation whose mission is to improve lives by building confidence, strength, self-esteem, and improving social interactions through the use of equine assisted activities and therapies. Nipper Knolls Equine Center raises funds andaccepts donations to sponsor and subsidize equine assisted activities and therapies, and to bring these services to people regardless of their level of ability. Learn more about the program by visiting: www.nipperknolls.com or Facebook
National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame announces Scholarship for Saratoga County high school seniors The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame has initiated the Rodion Cantacuzene Scholarship, an annual award recognizing young leaders and volunteers throughout Saratoga County. The scholarship, awarded in a one-time amount of $1,000, will be presented each June to a high school senior from Saratoga County who has demonstrated a record of academic excellence and exemplary service to the community along with a strong interest in pursuing future studies in history and/or the arts. Mr. Cantacuzene served on the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame’s Board of Trustees for 30 years and contributed to the Museum in numerous capacities. Mr. Cantacuzene, a stalwart supporter of thoroughbred racing and the arts, retired from the Museum Board in 2015. “Rodion has always believed in public service and has been a strong advocate of the arts and historical studies along with his love for thoroughbred racing,” said Chris Dragone, the Museum’s director. “We are proud to honor Rodion’s many years of dedication to the Museum through this scholarship that will recognize and help foster like-minded individuals.” High school seniors interested in applying for the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame’s Rodion Cantacuzene Scholarship are asked to submit an essay of no more than 500 words detailing their community service and the rewarding aspects of the service. Applicants should also describe how the subjects of art and/or history have influenced their educational pursuits. More details and an application form can be found at www.racingmuseum.org under the education section. Questions pertaining to the scholarship should be directed to Karen Wheaton, the Museum’s education curator, at (518) 584-0400 ext. 118. High school seniors in Saratoga County applying for the Rodion Canatacuzene Scholarship should download the application from the Museum’s website and submit it along with the required essay to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, c/o Karen Wheaton, 191 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs, N.Y., 12866, by April 1 for consideration. The materials may also be
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emailed to nmredu2@racingmuseum.net. The scholarship recipient will be announced June 1. The mission of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame is to interpret the history and convey the excitement of thoroughbred racing in America to the broadest possible audience. The Museum fosters education and understanding of thoroughbred racing by providing public access to equine art, artifacts, memorabilia, photographs, video, books and historical archives. The Museum collects, preserves, researches, interprets and exhibits the entire spectrum of thoroughbred racing, enhanced by interactive displays. Further, the Museum is home to the Official National Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame, honoring horses, trainers, jockeys and Pillars of the Turf. Visit our website at www.racingmuseum.org
Carl Pollard Challenge Kicks off TRF Endowment Campaign The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) has announced a $1 million challenge pledge by Carl Pollard to launch its $20 million four year endowment campaign. Pollard, who breeds and races horses and formerly owned Hermitage Farm has supported the TRF for a number of years. “Carl Pollard’s challenge gift gives us confidence and credibility,” said TRF Director of External Affairs Diana Pikulski. “We are proud that someone of his stature believes in what we do and how we do it.” By making his pledge, Pollard has challenged the TRF to raise $19 million over a four-year period. If it does, he will contribute $1 million. The pledge is designed with interim milestones and incentives. Proceeds from the endowment will be used primarily for horse care expenses. Owner-breeder Robert Evans has also joined with a four year commitment of $250,000. “Basically, we all know the problem of retired thoroughbreds, and their aftercare is the responsibility of everyone involved in our sport,” Pollard said. “It seems to me the TRF and its program is a wonderful win-win solution for horse racing. The problem is always money and I wanted to come up with a new plan of attack to help raise the type of funds the TRF truly needs to improve upon its mission. My goal is fairly simple. It’s an attempt to ‘jump start’ an endowment campaign of at least $20 million. My giving is tiered to place an incentive on the TRF board, staff and donors to raise an endowment which will ease some pressure on the annual giving. I hope others will be inspired by this campaign, realize how important the work the TRF does and make significant donations of their own.” Pikulski realizes just how important it is for the TRF to achieve the goal of raising $20 million.
“This is about the financial security that retired racehorses deserve. Success in this campaign will cement our ability to steadily develop new retraining, vocational training and therapy programs putting more horses to work in second careers as riding horses and therapy horses.” Pikulski said. “Success in this campaign will greatly increase our capacity to service the racing industry by allowing us to accept more horses in need of homes when their racing careers have ended. Expansion of our work is critical for the business as the pressure to find homes for all Thoroughbreds increases.” Pikulski believes that a $20 million endowment could not only ease current financial pressures on the TRF but allow it to expand its mission and its goodwill efforts on behalf of the sport. More than 32 years ago, the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation created a place in racing for the many thousands of horses that need homes and/or second careers when their racing or breeding days are over. Currently, the TRF has 24 farms in 14 states and its programs continue to grow and develop. For 32 years, the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation has been a model, an inspiration and a pioneer in discovering new ways that the Thoroughbred racehorse can thrive and be a part of American society when its racing career is over. “The 32-year legacy of the TRF has been the antidote to the often negative news about equine abuse in racing,” Pikulski said. “The
TRF has exposed fans, horse lovers and the general public to the special and unique qualities of the Thoroughbred racehorse as companion, competitor and teacher. ABOUT THE TRF: The TRF was founded in 1983 to save Thoroughbred horses no longer able to compete on the racetrack from possible neglect, abuse and slaughter. The TRF is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit tax-exempt organization entirely dependent on public contributions and 100% of its budget comes from generous individuals, businesses, and foundations. For more information, please visit http://www.trfinc.org
Steuart Pittman Clinics Steuart is the founder and President of the Retired Racehorse Project and specializes in retraining Thoroughbred racehorses for second careers. He is a top event rider in his own right and experienced across multiple disciplines of dressage, H/J, eventing as well as fox hunting. While he is known to be a Thoroughbred expert, Steuart’s skills are solid with all horses. We are thrilled to have Steuart returning by popular demand and just in time to get ready for the 2016 riding season. Spring, 2016 I The Upstate Horse 7
In addition to having Steuart Pittman teaching, we are pleased to offer to riders and auditors: Friday: a young horse demo and box lunch with Steuart. Saturday: box lunch and an introduction to the horses at ReRun Thoroughbred Adoption. The two clinics will be held Fri., April 15th at Platinum Stables in Ballston Lake, NY and Sat., April 16th at the ReRun TB Adoption Center in East Greenbush, NY. All levels of flatwork and jumping are available at both locations. OTTBs and other breeds are welcome. For further info and entries: Suzanne Carreker-Voigt at voigtny@gmail.com. Refreshments will be available to all riders and auditors. Please be sure to sign up for auditing if you want to join us for the clinics
Rensselaer County 4-H Horse Program Year End Recognition Rensselaer County 4-H recently held their 4-H Horse Program Year End Recognition event hosted by the Jogging Juniors 4-H
Brigham Logue Jeanine Spierre Trail Champion Western Champion Spring, 2016 I The Upstate Horse 8
Club and held at the Poestenkill Fire House. Thank you to the Poestenkill Firehouse for lending their outstanding facility. Below are some special Year End Awards that were presented in addition to year end completion certificates to all members and appreciation favors sponsored by our 4-H Teen Council presented to all our 4-H Leaders. Honor Clubs: Barn Bums, Rensselaer County Trail Blazers and Stablemates 4-H County Horse Medal: Elyse Scott Year End 4-H Horse Show High Point Results: Novice Champion – Lily Czub Novice Res. Champion – Amanda Thrasher Junior Champion – Brigham Logue Junior Res. Champion – James Czub Senior Champion – Will Rowe Senior Res. Champion – Emma Woolley Horse Shoe Awards: Bronze – Jessica Brown, Kaelyn Eagan, Abigail Reeves, Teigan Catlin, Lindsey Oswald, Molly Czub, Lily Czub, James Czub, Amanda Thrasher, Olivia Harrington, Erin Goodermote, Kendra
Lindsey Oswald Showmanship Champion
Maive Corcoran Kimberwicke Novice Memorial
Taylor Hansen English Champion
Davis, Morgan Bechand, Taylor Hansen, Maeve Corcoran, Emily Sitori, Merrill Wrenn, Ella Mary Yonkers, Maddie Hoyt, Catherine Hoffman, Michaila O’Brien, Will Rowe and Christina Shupe Silver for Juniors – Grace Huffam Silver for Intermediates – Alyssa Jacon Silver for Seniors – Elyse Scott Gold for Juniors – Paige Spiess Gold for Intermediates – Brigham Logue Gold for Seniors - Emma Woolley Exceptional Horse Records: Madeline Bechand, Julia Neet, Alicia Minkler, Maille Maloney, Ava Severence, Amelia Fleischmann, Olivia Harrington, Lily Czub, Emily Bradley, Nikki Minkler, Axiana Sullivan, Lindsey Oswald, Nicole Tilley, Grace Huffam, Micayla Roberts, Taylor Hansen, Alyssa Jacon, Paige Spiess, Maeve Corcoran, Erin Goodermote, Kaelyn Eagan, Brigham Logue, Teigan Catlin, Jessica Brown, Elyse Scott, Ella Mary Yonkers, Olivia Logue, Michaila O’Brien, Emma Woolley, Christina Shupe and Jessica Malenfant Formal Presentation of Schaghticoke Fair Awards: Herdsmanship: Blue - Boots and Bridles, Jogging Juniors, Stablemates and Rensselaer County Trail Blazers First Blue – Barn Bums Reds – Cantering Cowpokes, Equitation Unlimited and Lazy Lopers Championships: Kimberwicke Memorial Champion Novice Rider – Maeve Corcoran Champion Western Rider – Jeanine Spierre Champion English Rider – Taylor Hansen Champion Trail – Brigham Logue Michael Gagliardi Memorial Showmanship Champion – Lindsey Oswald 4-H Youth Development programs are part of Cornell Cooperative Extension. Through participating in the many elements of 4-H project work, youth learn life skills that they carry with them beyond 4-H, which aids them in being successful and prepared for future life challenges. For more information about 4-H in your area please contact your respective Cornell Cooperative Extension office. CCE is an equal opportunity employer and programmer.
TAKE2 Thoroughbred Program Continues To Grow Last year, the TAKE2 Second Career Thoroughbred Program Inc. announced a preliminary schedule that included more than 120 affiliated horse shows nationwide. This year, there are already more than 240 horse shows in 23 states committed to hosting TAKE2 Thoroughbred Hunter and Jumper divisions, and that number is expected to increase. Two major Florida circuits, the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington and HITS in Ocala, have expanded their partnership and will offer TAKE2 classes every week of the 2016 12-week winter season. TAKE2 Thoroughbreds have also been in the spotlight in Illinois, Maryland, Missouri, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia this month. For the up-to-date schedule, go to http://www.take2tbreds.com/take2/take2-schedule/. The success of the TAKE2 program was given a huge boost by the introduction of the new USEF-approved C-rated
Thoroughbred Hunter and Jumper Divisions in 2015. Last year also marked the unveiling of the TAKE2 Thoroughbred League, a member-based initiative that rewards participating Hunters and Jumpers with the chance to win a total of $30,000 in year-end awards, with prize money paid out to 10th place in each division. More than 160 Thoroughbreds were enrolled in the League in its first season, and the award winners hailed from 13 different states. League members earn points in affiliated USEF Thoroughbred Hunter and Jumper Divisions. The membership fee for the 2016 season is $50 per registered Thoroughbred. To sign up, go to www.take2tbreds.com/become-a-member/. The deadline for enrollment is one week following the final day of the horse show where points are earned. The New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NYTHA) partnered with the New York Racing Association (NYRA) and the New York Thoroughbred Breeders Inc. (NYTB) in 2012 to establish TAKE2. The program highlights the success of Thoroughbreds as show horses, creating more opportunities for retiring racehorses in need of second careers. Now a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, it is co-funded by members of the Thoroughbred industry around the country, including New York Breeding and Development Fund; Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Associations in Illinois (through Galloping Out), Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania (through Turning for Home); Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company; and Florida Thoroughbred Farm Managers. “It’s hard to believe that just four years ago, TAKE2 was a fledgling program offered at just eight horse shows in three states,” TAKE2 President Rick Violette Jr. said. “The support from both the Thoroughbred industry and the hunter/jumper community has been overwhelming. More horse shows have signed on, more Thoroughbreds are competing. Most important, because the popularity of the Thoroughbred in the show ring is growing with professionals and amateurs alike, it’s becoming easier to find good homes for retired racehorses, and that has been our goal since day one.”
Have a press release? Send it to;
donna@theupstatehorse.com Spring, 2016 I The Upstate Horse
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ReRun Opens New Facility in East Greenbush
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pstate Horsemen will have more options finding their next Off Track Thoroughbred now that ReRun, the OTTB retirement/adoption organization, has opened their new facility in East Greenbush, NY, within sight of I-90. The new facility, being managed by ReRun’s Program Director, Lisa Molloy, includes 48 stalls in two well-designed stables, a 100’x200’outdoor riding arena, various-sized, well-fenced paddocks, and a 100’x200’ indoor riding arena. Just minutes off Exit 14, the ideal location provides easy access from all NY tracks and the racehorse rich North East Corridor. Established in 1996, ReRun has really found it’s stride with the recently increasing awareness of Thoroughbred retraining/rehoming. ReRun made the the decision to consolidate their Saratoga and Virginia Beach operations into this one facility to better manage the program financially, and provide better and more immediate marketing opportunities. ReRun takes in racehorses from NYTHA’s Take the Lead Program, and NYRA owners and trainers, such as Nick Zito. Horses deemed to be adoptable need to be under 12 years of age and at least trail riding sound. A typical stay for these horses has historically been about 68 weeks. Adoption fees range from $2500 down to “waived,” depending on the adoptability of the horse. “The big, sound, flatkneed, nice moving horse will be at the upper end of that range,” says Molloy. Most horses are in the $800-$1000 range. Horses not deemed adoptable owing to age, irreparable soundness issues/injuries, or temperament are directed to ReRun’s sanctuary in Adamstown, Maryland. This facility currently houses 8 horses.
Incoming horses are vaccinated, wormed, treated for ulcers, and evaluated by a veterinarian. Radiographs are taken if issues are suspected. (Horses arriving through NYTHA’s Take the Lead Program have already been seen by a vet and minor soundness issues have sometimes already been tended to.) The horses are turned out and acclimated to “regular” life on a non-racing farm. When they become accustomed to their new, much-slower-paced routine, Molloy starts re-educating them and loves to trail ride them around the farm. She finds they usually love going out and around the farm much more than going into the indoor arena. She feels some ex-racehorses “have a hard time making sense” of these new lessons with four walls around them. Molloy said that professional trainers usually want horses with no re-training that they can produce their own way. Amateur riders may appreciate a horse that has enjoyed a refresher course on how to walk, trot, and canter.
When a horse is chosen for adoption, a contract is established in which the adopter agrees not to sell the horse for one year. Potential adopters are screened to ensure a high probability of success for the horse and the new owner. Various horse keeping conditions must be met in terms of feeding, fencing, and shelter. First time horse owners and children are discouraged from adopting OTTBs and instead steered toward easier-to-handle, more user-friendly breeds for their first foray into horse keeping. In the first three months of operating the East Greenbush facility, Molloy has taken in 20 horses and adopted out 14 to preapproved homes, many of those going back to repeat adopters. ReRun will always take the horse back if things are not working out. Of the 65 horses adopted out by ReRun in 2015, only 4 or 5 were returned. This is partly due to the screening that happens ahead of the deal. Adoption information and forms can be found on ReRun’s website, rerunottb.com.
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Salt An Often Overlooked Necessity
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local horseman/ farrier (who wishes to remain anonymous) has contacted the Upstate Horse to remind horse owners to provide free choice salt to their horses and ponies, as per the feed tags on virtually all bags of horse feed. Salt plays a vital role in the horse’s diet and is not added to grain or hay prior to purchase by individual horse owners.
He mentioned several anecdotes of horses he’d worked on in different parts of the country. If he sees a horse in “not great condition” with poor or deteriorating feet and asks the owner if the horse has access to salt, invariably, the answer is “no.” Alternatively, the owners of horses with generally improving feet usually answer the same question with “yes, they have access to salt.” Years ago, he saw a lot of sand cracks in horses’ feet in Florida. The attending vet there mentioned the lack of salt as a likely factor. In the ensuing 25 years, he has often noticed the correlation between good feet and the presence of salt in the horses’ diet. There are several different ways to include salt in your horse’s diet. The easiest and cheapest is the white salt block or brick available at feed stores. Mineralized salt blocks have a reddish cast and should be labeled for horse use. Pink Himalayan salt rocks are newer and last a long time. Table salt can probably be found in your kitchen. Free choice is the easiest way to provide salt since it lets the horse regulate it’s own intake. Opinions vary on how much table salt to feed, which makes letting the horse decide the easiest in the long run.
Warm weather is here! Get your blankets cleaned & repaired! Home: 518-725-6354 Cell: 518-332-7691
TheEquineTailor@nycap.rr.com
Diane Mansmith
Be part of The Upstate Horse community while promoting your business. Contact; Donna Vild (302) 598-2495 Donna@TheUpstateHorse.com
Most horses regulate their own salt intake just fine. There are horses at each end of the salt-intake spectrum that either mostly ignore their salt block or eat the salt like candy. The farrier also reminded us that access to clean water is equally important. If you are concerned with your horse’s salt intake, please consult your veterinarian. If your salt block is outside, make sure that it survives the elements. If your horse is on a hay-only diet, you still need to provide access to salt.
to ask about our ad specials www.theupstatehorse.com It’s not often in the horse world that a cheap, widely available commodity can make such a positive difference in our horse’s most important body part, the feet. Please make sure your horse has free access to salt and clean water. Spring, 2016 I The Upstate Horse 11
CAMDEN in FEBRUARY A
t this time of year so many of our Northern States are still dealing with the winter weather, frozen ground and cold conditions. There is little one can do for outside activity other then enjoying the available winter sports. Camden at this time of year is full of all outside enjoyment due to the mild winter climate which is ideal for horse and family fun.
Arch Kingsley, Taylor Kingsley and Grace LaBarre
Turnout for horses is daily with great footing, lessons are outside year round, hiking trails are busy, The Camden Hunt does not miss days, boating is popular on Lake Wateree, training at Springdale Race Course and The Camden Training Center is busy, golfing and tennis are always an option, many events are in town such the Whippet races at the Polo Field and the South Carolina Equine Park is in full swing with the 2016 schedule. The seasonal changes with mild winters make Camden a very desirable town to call home either as a permanent or seasonal resident.
Schooling show hunters at Springdale Stables
Visit the South Carolina Equine Park website for the show schedule for 2016; scequinepark.com.
Shadwell set walking out to the track
Lake Wateree, Camden
Photo by Melissa King. Camden Hunt heading out
on Feb. 20, 2016.
Camden Country Club Outdoor Tennis in February 12 Spring, 2016 I The Upstate Horse
Golf in February
Old Chatham Hunt Reports 10/3/15
Photo credit; James Danahy
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pening Meet, Old Chatham Hunt Club, October 3, 2015. Often on Opening Meet with the fields swollen in ranks by cappers and every member out, braided, shined to a mirror polish, blessed, starting the meet a bit later to accommodate all the aforementioned, the hunting might be subpar. Not so for OCH this past Saturday. With Joaquin held up in the mid-Atlantic states, our day was overcast with intermittent sprinkles but no real rain. After a blessing by Jerry Bilinski, DVM, huntsman, Thomas Hopkins, carried the hounds north from the village, around the Shaker Museum, through the Old Chatham Sheepherding Company and caste hounds southward in Wiggy’s Woods. When nearly to county road voices were heard along a large swamp that lies there, all on and open, hounds ran circling westward in swamp and then due eastward to pastureland, back to the swamp and north back to Wiggy’s Woods, around again, back to first swamp, and again north some ways east of original caste, to high pasture above OldChatham Sheepherding behind their barns where huntsman held up and gathered hounds. Wonderful picture here by Miranda Bradley who captured our pilot heading further north. Hounds were carried back south across the county road into old apple orchard where the was another chase, hounds running south, southeast then turning north and loosing in thick growth. After drawing either side of old Rutland Railroad bed with no new opportunities arising and Jackson’s Old Chatham House awaiting our return for breakfast, it was called a day.
crossed and lost. Tommy brought them back and cast toward east in the 'jump' field where, again, hounds struck. I was on point to east on hill beyond wooded swamp, hounds seem to have split, some going southeast, some heading north. In my stealth mode I hugged the shadows of a hedgerow when silver coyote came loping toward me—I think he didn't see me—eventually heading north along east side of the wooded swamp and inexplicably took a game trail that from my vantage placed him at the back of the pack. The front runners followed the pilot and the mid-pack turned and piled on, the northern split rejoined and we were in for an epic run. Repeating myself from previous posts, this is glacial remains country and hounds were running north along the west side of a rock ridge, often coyotes pop over to the east, but this fellow stayed north, swung west and headed south through pastures along the county road, heading due east before the dirt, town road. Somewhere—I hope others who know will add the facts—coyotes played relay games and we were no longer following our silver pilot but following a big, brown and orange one. This fellow struck out east across my path, hounds following to another swamp where it spent some time—the fields were able to catch up—before heading again east and up over alfalfa field to a small woods on the hilltop. Tommy, whips Stephanie, Lisa,Edith and myself were there and we called hounds together, all on and home. Sunday is Old Chatham Hunt’s hunter pace. It looks like a nice turn out and perfect weather. Tommy and Ted will have the grills going, steaks afire. Hope those in our area come and enjoy our country, Jef has the trails in great shape. submitted by OCHC member Gail Day
Photo credit; James Danahy
10/10/15
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aturday, Columbus Day weekend, 2015. Old Chatham Hunt, NY. Well, That Was FUN. The meet was at Valley View Farm where only last Wednesday we traversed after a coyote pushed from Rosen's swamp headed north. Here we were again. A soaking rain had fallen Friday afternoon and spared the winds that stayed downstate, it was a crystal clear, perfect autumn day. Thomas caste hounds in his usual pattern, they picked up almost immediately but tentatively in a swamp that bordered the county road, fox, evidently. There was a good amount of figures being run, west to the road where hounds Spring, 2016 I The Upstate Horse
Huntsman Thomas Hopkins, MFH & OC hounds. Photo credit; James Danahy
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CALENDAR MARCH March 9 Back Country Horsemen’s Assoc. fundraiser, Cantina Restaurant, 430 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY, Lunch & Dinner, reservations: 518.587.5577 March 11-13 Chris Irwin Clinic, Demos, lessons, audit; Saratoga Co 4-H Training Ctr, Ballston Spa, NY, registration & more info at ccesaratoga.org or 518.885.8995 March 20 CDHJC H/J Show, Skidmore College Stables, Saratoga Springs, NY (cdhjc.org)
APRIL April 1-3 Eric Horgan Clinic at Larkin Hill, N. Chatham, NY (larkinhill.com) April 2 Client Education Seminar, Equine Clinic at Oakencroft, more info or RSVP:518.767.2906 April 9 25th Annual Saratoga Horse Symposium, Saratoga Co 4-H Training Ctr, Ballston Spa, NY, registration & more info atccesaratoga.org or 518.885.8995
April 15-16 Steuart Pittman OTTB Clinic, Location: Friday, Platinum Stables, Ballston, NY; Saturday, ReRun Thoroughbred Adoption facility, E. Greenbush, NY. Registration & more info at voigtny@gmail.com April 23 Cheshire Horse of Saratoga Used Tack Sale & Breyer Fun Day (cheshirehorse.com or facebook) April 23 Gary Rockwell Dressage Clinic, Aqueboge, NY (enydcta.org) April 24 Larkin Hill Schooling Show, Larkin Hill, N. Chatham, NY (larkinhill.com) April 30 “Raising a Quality Yearling” forum, Open to all breeders, Sponsored by the NY TB Breeding & Development Fund. Fasig Tipton Sales Pavilion, Saratoga Springs, NY RSVP by 4/27 518.587.0777
MAY May 4-8 Saratoga Springs Horse Show I (h/j, rated) Yaddo Show Grounds, Union Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY (saratogaspringshorseshow.com) May 8 Horse Show, Eng/West/Trail,
Club,
May 11-15 Saratoga Springs Horse Show II (h/j, rated) Yaddo Show Grounds, Union Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY (saratogaspringshorseshow.com) May 18-22 Saratoga Springs Horse Show III (h/j, rated) Yaddo Show Grounds, Union Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY (saratogaspringshorseshow.com) May 21 Gymkhana, Southern Duchess Horse & Pony Association showgrounds, Hopewell Junction, NY (sdhpa.com) May 22 English Horse Show, Western Pleasure Show, Southern Duchess Horse & Pony Association showgrounds, Hopewell Junction, NY (sdhpa.com) May 21-22 Centerline Events @ HITS I Dressage, HITS Showgrounds, Saugerties, NY (centerlineevents.com) May 22 Stockade Schooling Dressage & Combined Tests, Stockade Polo & Saddle Club, Glenville, NY (stockadepolo.com) May 27-29 ENYDCTA Dressage Days, (recognized, qualifying competition), Stockade Polo & Saddle Club, Glenville, NY (enydcta.org or stockadepolo.com)
Spring, 2016 I The Upstate Horse
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