the upstate
HorsE
training • health • sales • events 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
Editor’s Note Extraordinary Horsemen
In the space of two months, I was very fortunate to meet four extraordinary horsemen and see them in action. Two of the horsemen visited the Capital Region for clinics and seeing the other two involved trips to Pennsylvania. First up, Chris Irwin came to the area for a three day clinic at the 4H Training Center in Ballston Spa. All weekend he talked about how our energy and body language affects our horse from the horse’s point of view. His keen powers of observation combined with years of experience have led to a waaaay more refined method of working with sensitive horses. When you see/do things his way, the sensitive/“crazy” horses quickly settle and it makes you realize it’s the unrefined handling skills of the people around the horse making it “crazy”. I wished I’d met him (or somebody with his extraordinary skill) 30 years ago. Steuart Pittman of the Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) made an encore appearance in mid April at Platinum Stables and at the ReRun Adoption Center. Just like last year’s clinic, his quiet, positive methods helped all the riders get more out of their horses: a better canter, a truly forward trot, better turns which resulted in better jumping efforts, or riding positively forward to a fence. His extraordinary gift, besides getting all of us riding better, has been to organize the RRP and the TB Makeover that is resulting in a lot of positive press and creating demand for Off the Track Thoroughbreds. See our story on the local angle. The joining of local forces for this purpose has been extraordinary! When I lived in Pennsylvania I was lucky to learn to ride and show sidesaddle. So I made sure I was present to audit when the extraordinary Irish rider Susan Oakes conducted a sidesaddle clinic at Boyd and Silva Martin’s Windurra in Unionville, PA after winning two ladies sidesaddle races at point to points in Pennsylvania and Virginia. Loads of information was gleaned from Susan on how to best ride and jump cross country so that hacking and hunting aside become attainable skills. The most extraordinary part of the day was at the very end when Boyd Martin, just days away from riding multiple horses at the Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event and Badminton, just had to give the sidesaddle a go! Susan got him sitting correctly while all the auditors’ iPhones came out to record one of the world’s best three day riders riding aside! The huge smile never left Boyd’s face while he very capably walked, trotted, cantered and jumped one of his (smaller) cross country fences aside. This extraordinary horseman then managed to extricate himself and land on his feet with a “Wow! That’s harder than it looks!” to the delight of all. (The video is on our Upstate Horse Facebook page.) Have an extraordinary spring! Boyd Martin sidesaddle
DonnaVild
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.
Contents 4
The Upstate Horse Community
7
The Benefits of Ice Therapy
10 Better Show Braids 11 Real Estate Showcase 12 Saratoga Warhorse + TB Makeover = Win Win 14 Real Estate Showcase 14 Calendar
THE
WISHING WELL Since 1936
“CLASSIC ELEGANCE” in the foothills of the Adirondacks a few miles north of Saratoga Springs
Open Tues. - Sat. from 5pm Sundays Open at 4pm (Open 7 days a week during racing season) 745 Saratoga Road, Wilton, NY 518-584-7640 wishingwellrestaurant.com
LOCAL FAVORITE IN A HISTORIC SARATOGA NEIGHBORHOOD a short stroll from the track FEATURING SMALL & LARGE PLATES, HOMEMADE DESSERTS, SNACKS, KIDS MENU, BAR & LOUNGE, OUTDOOR PORCH 139 UNION AVENUE SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 518.871.1473 THEBROOKTAVERN.COM
Welcome to The Epitome of The Classic Equestrian Lifestyle • • • • • •
4 Bedrooms, 3 Full and 2 Half Bathrooms • Approximately 4000 square feet of living space 3 Car Garage • Master Suite on the First Floor Overlooking Pastures • 60’ X 150’ Pond Gourmet Kitchen w/Giant Island & Butler’s Pantry Room • 3 Wood Burning Fireplaces Comprehensive Renovation in 1999 • 14.74 acres• Central Air Conditioning • Barns with 19 Stalls Back Porch/Sunroom Heated with Hardwood Flooring • 18’ x 36’ Inground Pool Heated Pool 3 Season Room with beautiful floor to ceiling windows • 68’ x 168’ Indoor Arena This custom home and farm is situated on 14.74 acres in the picturesque Charlton countryside. Originally built in 1970, the home and property have been completely renovated, including the new horse barn, indoor riding arena, and swimming pool that were added from 2007-2010. The gorgeous home features masterful executive touches and the equine facility is unrivaled in layout, convenience, and safety for horses, riders, trainers, and staff. Your horses will live in picturesque green pastures and barn with 12x12 rubber floor stalls. Two 36x60 metal/wood horse barns offer 19 stalls, hot water wash stall, and tack room, and are connected to the brightly lit indoor riding arena. Includes a separate 30x30 hay barn, 3 wood-fenced dry paddocks adjacent to the barns, and ample parking for horse trailers and trucks. Heated lounge with tack room and much more to see.
Monika Patrycja Cronin Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
Cell: 518.577.1712 Office: 518.584.0743 Email: MCronin@RealtyUSA.com 505 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
If you have a brokerage relationship with another agency, this is not intended as a solicitation. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed by RealtyUSA or its agents.
T h e U p s t at e
HORSE
Community Skidmore College Riders
Good Luck to the Skidmore College riders and coach Cindy Ford who qualified for the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) National Finals to be held at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY over Kentucky Derby weekend, May 5-8, 2016! Abigail Thomas qualified to go in the Walk/Trot Equitation, Charlotte Cournoyer is riding for the blue in Novice Flat, while Caitlyn Fagan hopes for a perfect trip in the Novice Over Fences. Jessica Stoukides will carry Skidmore hopes in the very competitive Open Flat class. Skidmore senior Ursula Green has the honor of representing Skidmore as the Zone 2 Region 3 high point rider in the hotly contested USEF/Cacchione Cup, an enormous class consisting of each Region’s high point rider representing the IHSA’s 8 Zones nationwide. Skidmore alum Rebecca McCourt will be riding for Skidmore in the Alumni Flat class. Assistant Coach Amanda Wadsworth mentioned that the IHSA will be live streaming the Nationals on their website: ihsainc.org. Hunter Seat classes will be held Thursday, Friday and Saturday, while Western classes will be held Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Paige Faubel Relocating Dayspring Farm Well wishes to Paige Faubel who is relocating her Dayspring Farm hunter/jumper training program to the former Three Meadows Farm in Winhall, VT. The Crabtree family from CT has purchased the locally wellknown farm and are giving it some much needed attention. Faubel has stabling attached to an indoor arena, two outdoor riding rings, and several rolling grass fields. She is now accepting lesson students and boarders. She is also accepting show exhibitors looking for a relaxed, home-like setting while attending the rated Vermont H/J shows a few miles away. Faubel will continue to teach one day per week at Platinum Stables in Ballston Lake, NY. Contact Faubel at 518.495.8469.
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The Upstate Horse I Issue #9 Spring 2016
EZIce Introduces New Hoof Combo Boot Mary Lou Lombard and EZIce are pleased to introduce the new hoof combo boot which is designed to provide effective cooling of the hoof and lower leg at the same time. It may prevent or slow foundering or the pain associated with sore feet. Lombard can be reached through her website ezice.net or 386.478.3537. EZ ICE is manufactured locally and is available at all the local Tack and Feed Stores, including Dover Saddlery, Cheshire Horse of Saratoga, and Thorobred Feeds in Saratoga.
Eventers Take Note: The Larkin’ Hill/Old Chatham Series Championship has been announced. There will be a prize and entry refunds for the lowest average score at each level for the horse and rider that compete in all three events! The horse trials will be held June 12th at Larkin’ Hill HT, July 10th at Old Chatham HT, and September 25th at Larkin’ Hill. FMI email Margie (mhutch5100@aol.com) or enydcta.org.
Equine Advocates 15th Annual Awards Dinner and Charity Auction Equine Advocates 15th Annual Awards Dinner and Charity Auction is being held Friday, July 29, 2016 at the Canfield Casino in Saratoga Springs. Steve and Lisa Caporizzo are the honorees. There will be a cocktail hour, live and silent auctions, an Awards Presentation and sitdown gourmet meal. FMI 518.392.0175 or email events@equineadvocates.org. Correction: The March issue incorrectly stated the location of the July 10th Old Chatham Horse Trials. The correct location is the usual site of the Old Chatham Horse Trials on the picturesque Shaker Museum Rd, near Old Chatham. The Upstate Horse apologizes for the resulting confusion or consternation for area event riders and the affected organizers!
Do You Have A Thoroughbred Hunter Or Jumper? Are You A Member Of The TAKE2 Thoroughbred League? If you have not yet enrolled your Thoroughbred Hunter or Jumper in the TAKE2 Thoroughbred League, it’s not too late. Now in our second season, the TAKE2 Thoroughbred League offers a total of $30,000 in year-end High-Score Awards to the top 10 League Hunters and Jumpers, but you have to be a memberto earn points. Your $50 Membership Fee enrolls your registered Thoroughbred in the TAKE2 Thoroughbred League’s 2016 High-Score Awards Program. The deadline for enrollment is one week following the final day of the horse show where points are earned. SUPPORT SECOND CAREERS FOR RETIRED RACE HORESES. If you ride Thoroughbreds, you love Thoroughbreds, and if you love Thoroughbreds, the TAKE2 League is a natural fit. Not only can you compete for $30,000 in year-end awards (and often
for prize money) at nearly 300 TAKE2-affiliated horse shows nationwide, but, most important, your participation helps to ensure happy and healthy futures for retired race horses. The TAKE2 League is part of the TAKE2 Second Career Thoroughbred Program Inc., which was launched in 2012 to highlight the success of Thoroughbreds as show horses, creating more opportunities for retired racehorses in need of second careers. NOT A MEMBER, BUT HAVE ALREADY EARNED POINTES IN TAKE2 AFFILIATED HUNTER AND JUMPER CLASSES? Don't let those points go to waste. Late memberships accepted until May 31 - join now and receive half of the TAKE2 points accumulated prior to enrollment. ALREADY A MEMBER, BUT MISSED OUT ON POINTS EARNED BEFORE YOU SIGNED UP? If you are a TAKE2 Thoroughbred League member, but missed the deadline for any shows before you enrolled, you will automatically be credited with half of any points earned at those shows. The next update of the TAKE2 League Standings will reflect any added points. A 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, TAKE2 is co-funded by members of the Thoroughbred industry around the country, including the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (NYTHA) and the New York Thoroughbred Breeders Inc. (NYTB), as well as the New York Breeding and Development Fund; the 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. For more information, go to www.take2tbreds.com.
thefoalproject.org raising awareness and funding for equine assisted therapies
Old Chatham Hunt Intro to Foxhunting Clinics/Trail Rides Want to give fox hunting a try? The Old Chatham Hunt has made it easy to give it a whirl with their Introduction to Foxhunting Clinics and Trail Riding Series. English and Western riders welcome. Clinics will be limited to 20 riders and are on May 29 and June 26. Trail Riding Series will be May 15, June 5, and Sept. 11. RSVPs required for all. Check out the Old Chatham Hunt Club website: oldchathamhuntclub.com for complete details and calendar of events.
Regional 4-H Horse Bowl Congratulations and Thank You to all the members, leaders and volunteers who chipped in and assisted our Rensselaer County horse bowl teams throughout the season. For the past couple of months, 4-H members participated in equine educational meetings to increase their knowledge of horses as well as prepare for the Regional Horse Bowl Event. Thank you to CCE of Schoharie County for hosting the Regional Horse Bowl Contest. It was a very fun and educational day and we were lucky to have lots of outstanding helpers for the day! For the first time in recent history Rensselaer County had a clean sweep of 1st place for all divisions. Our Senior team coached by Charlene Winnicki and led by Captain Kendra Davis and members Erin Goodermote, Brigham Logue and Alyssa Jacon placed 1st.
The Upstate Horse Issue #9 Spring 2016 I The Upstate Horse
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Ice Therapy
New Hoof Combo Boot www.ezice.net
386-478-3537
Be part of The Upstate Horse Contact; Donna Vild (302) 598-2495 Donna@TheUpstateHorse.com
to ask about our ad specials www.theupstatehorse.com
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The Upstate Horse I Issue #9 Spring 2016
Kendra placed 1st, Erin 6th and Brigham 9th Individually. The Novice Team coached by Sue Goodermote placed 1st led by Captain Amanda Thrasher and members Kaelyn Eagan, Madison Bulan, and Teigan Catlin. Individually Kaelyn was 4th, Madison 6th and Amanda 8th. Our Junior Team coached by CharlieAnne Huffam and led by Captain Paige Spiess and members Olivia Harrington, Lindsey Oswald and Grace Huffam placed 1st. Individually, Paige and Olivia placed 1st and 4th respectively. The Junior Team will be representing the region and going on to compete at the New York State Horse Bowl Contest held at Cornell University later this spring as well as Kendra Davis as the Captain of the Senior Regional Team. Good luck to them as they move on to the next contest. Thanks again to all that made Horse Bowl Season possible. The regional contest was open to 9 counties across the Capital District. The event always allows a great venue for challenging youth to sharpen their teamwork skills as well as their Equine Industry knowledge. Another benefit to the event is providing an environment where youth from different counties can get to know each other and start developing life-long networks. To learn more about this and other 4-H Youth Development Programs, contact your respective county Cooperative Extension office. Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities.
Front left to right Kendra Davis and Teigan Catlin 2nd Row left to right Madison Bulan, Olivia Harrington, Grace Huffam, Kaelyn Eagan and Brigham Logue 3rd Row left to right Amanda Thrasher, Paige Spiess, Alyssa Jacon, Erin Goodermote and Lindsey Oswald Back Row Coaches left to right CharlieAnne Huffam, Charlene Winnicki and Sue Goodermote
To have your press release printed, please send it to; donna@theupstatehorse.com
THE
BENEFITS OF ICE THERAPY
C
old therapy has been around forever. It is the first thing that everyone tries when a sudden injury occurs. The same method applies for the horse. The first step is to relieve pain and inflammation. A cold stream or hose works but it is inefficient and very time-consuming. The easy option is to be prepared with a frozen ice wrap that can be strapped on. An ice wrap is much easier than using a bucket of ice or cold water to cool the hoof or leg down. When treating an active problem cooling is the preferred therapy for the first 72 hours. It is the best way to keep inflammation down. Icing your horse 30 to 60 minutes at least three times a day works the best according to “Horse Journal� who ran two field trials on the best way to cool down your horse. If you get to a problem area quickly, heat, swelling and pain can be reduced or eliminated. Ice therapy lowers the tissue temperature by moving the heat out of the tissue to an adjacent area that is cooler. This is called conduction. Cold does not go into the tissue, the heat is drawn out. EZ ICE offers a variety of wraps that can be frozen and strapped on. Look for an ice wrap that stays cold for 30 to 60 minutes. An exception to this rule would be a Hoof Founder situation. Icing for longer periods of time helps prevent Foundering. Make sure the wrap is adjustable and conforms well to the problem area. A hock can be hard to ice, make sure the wrap does not slip down and has been designed and tested for this problem area. Direct ice should be avoided. Having a thin barrier between the ice and skin works the best for cooling. Routine cooling after a tough work out can help to prevent inflammation. Cold therapy aids with arthritic joints or previous injuries and keeps swelling down after exercising. A reusable ice wrap is cost effective and saves time, make sure it is durable and has a good reputation. The bottom line is that icing your horse helps them feel better and heal faster. Mary Lou Lombard of EZICE.Net Issue #9 Spring 2016 I The Upstate Horse
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BETTER SHOW BRAIDS Preparation & Practice Are Key
T
he Grand Prix dressage horse piaffes, passages, and pirouettes with nary a wiggle out of the dozen substantial chestnut button braids down her brawny neck. The glamorous show hunter glides by at the rated show with at least a zillion teeny, incredibly even braids showcasing his graceful neck. We’ve all admired the beautiful braiding jobs at the upper level shows. At these shows, there is a small army of professional braiders working at night into the early morning prepping the manes and tails of show hunters, Sunday jumpers, and upper level dressage horses for their moment in the ring. They are recognizable by the tools they carry from stall to stall: step ladder, yarn in every available color of horses’ manes, and maybe a spray bottle hanging off an apron stocked with tools or scissors and such on long strings around their necks. They are amazingly good natured given the hours and repetitive nature of their work. Because they can vary the use the braids to visually lengthen or slim a heavy neck or hindquarters, the good braiders are craftsmen. OK, so how do we get our braids to look a little more like their braids? According to Anita Jaffe, who’s an experienced braider at rated and non-rated shows in the Capital region, preparation is the key to better braids, along with practice, practice, practice. Jaffe has braided for both dressage shows and hunter shows and notes that there is a big difference in the number and types of braids between the two disciplines. The hunter braids are much more numerous and smaller — about 25-40 braids depending on the thickness of the mane and the length of the neck. Dressage braids are fewer and farther between, usually 8-15 thicker “button” braids. Jaffe pointed out the elements that go into creating the right sized finished braid (besides lots of practice). The preparation of the mane before the braiding even starts is the key. The mane needs to be pulled and/or shortened several days beforehand, and clean from the show bath. Do NOT add any products like show sheen or conditioner before braiding as they cause the mane to be slippery, and very difficult to braid tightly. The length of the mane before braiding should be about 4” long for hunters, and 5-6” long for dressage horses. 10 The Upstate Horse I Issue #9 Spring 2016
Take a handful of mane in several spots along the crest and you should feel the same amount of mane. Most horses have naturally thick and thin spots so you will need to pull the mane in the thicker spots so each handful is the same. That will lead to samewidth braids. Making sure the length is the same along the entire mane will lead to same-length braids. Jaffe noted that the real eye-catching aspect of those professionally braided manes is not just the even top line of the braids, but especially that “the second line across the bottom of the line of braids is even.” The needed equipment is basically the same for all braiders, hunter or dressage, novice or professional. A stepladder and a braiding kit consisting of yarn (matching the color of the horse’s mane) cut to 18” pieces, scissors, a mane and/or pulling comb, a rug hook or wire pull through (a safety pin works in a pinch!), and a spray bottle of water (Anita appreciates warm water with liniment in it, Quic-Braid is another helpful product). Jaffe also keeps a sharp clipper blade handy for on-the-spot thinning. The easiest ways to get a bad braid job is to have an unevenly pulled mane, a mane that is longer than 4”, braids that aren’t tightly braided enough, and braids of uneven length and/or thickness. Many sources of “how” to braid exist on the internet and YouTube. Jaffe recommends luckybraids.com as a fantastic resource for braiding and good horsemanship tips. The site is the creation of Ruthann Smith, a top hunter jumper groom who generously shares her knowledge of all aspects of horse care and safety in addition to braiding. Looking at her website will give you a great idea of what a finished mane should look like (with practice!) and the little details that differentiate a great turnout from a good turnout. Braiding can be a lucrative skill to have to earn extra money through high school, college, and beyond. Braiders at rated shows earn around $55-65/mane and may braid 10-15 horses a night at the big shows. $30-35 covers the well braided show hunter tail. Braiding for local show exhibitors will bring in extra income, but at a lower price point than the rated shows. The biggest difference between decent braid jobs and fantastic braid jobs is mane preparation and practice.
Real Estate Showcase
Charlton Horse Country
Nestled along Maple Avenue north of the village of Charlton is the beautiful Sugar Maple Farm. Sitting on nearly 15 level acres, this completely renovated 4,000 sq ft home offers 4 BR, 3 full baths and 2 powder rooms. For the lucky owner of this property, a delightfully redone custom kitchen is designed to handle a crowd of cooks or guests with multiple sinks and refrigerators along with the commercial Wolf range with double ovens and enough burners to cook for an army! Pristine granite covers the counters and the bi-level island, which has a 2 drawer mini-fridge at one end, a prep sink at the other, and seating for four on the spectator side! A butler’s pantry with it’s own sink provides additional storage and underfoot are beautiful Chinese slate floors. The kitchen opens into the living area, where you can sit by the fireplace and look out over the heated in-ground
pool and horse pastures. Central air keeps the house comfortable through the summer. Also along the back of the house is the manywindowed sun room that also provides access to the back patio and pool area. The spacious master suite provides privacy and still more views of the horses enjoying the pastures. French doors provide access to the back yard and a fireplace keeps the room cozy on those colder days. The deep soaking tub is a fantastic way to thaw out after a cold day out with the horses! Double sinks and lots of storage round out this well thought out master suite. For the horses, two barns with 19 stalls in total, a wash stall, tack and feed rooms are all attached to a well lit 168’x68’ indoor arena. Large, well fenced pastures are designed for easy horsekeeping in mind as the run-in sheds line the long side of the barn. There is a separate building for hay located a few steps away from the main stables. In addition to all these fantastic amenities, there is also space for a very nice lounge or meeting facility attached to the stables and the kitchen and bathroom make long days at the barn biofriendly for anyone working there. This lovely listing is well designed for the horse lover as the house is centrally located on the property and has many windows, making it easy to keep an eye on the pastured horses. $859,900 is the asking price and interested parties should contact the listing agent Monika Cronin of Realty USA at (518)577-1712. Issue #9 Spring 2016 I The Upstate Horse 11
Contact Us Give us a call for more information about our products and services. Thorobred Feed Sales, LLC 259 East Avenue Saratoga Springs 12866 Ph: 518-584-4900 Email: thorobredfeed@gmail.com Visit us on the web: www.thorobredfeed.com Please like us on Facebook: https//www.facebook.com/ Thorobredfeed
Saratoga Warhorse
+
TB Makeover =
WIN WIN T he gangly 6yo bay TB gelding stood in the center of the round pen calmly eyeballing the small gaggle of his new best friends as they discussed their big upcoming plans with a visitor.
This group consisted of Melody Squier and David Cornell representing the nationally renowned Saratoga Warhorse program, Lael Dickinson, the owner of the farm out of which Saratoga Warhorse operates, and Cailin Sanford Rotkowitz who is helping get the horse started off on his Big Adventure. International event rider/trainer Marcia Kulak was still in Florida at the moment and will be joining this team in May. So what’s the plan? 12 The Upstate Horse I Issue #9 Spring 2016
Saratoga Warhorse is using a number of Capital Region connections to send the aforementioned gelding, Boss Daddy, to the Retired Racehorse Project’s $100,000 Thoroughbred Makeover contest in Kentucky in October. Rotkowitz has started working with the horse and Kulak will then join in for May, June, and July. Cornell will be taking over the training in August riding Boss Daddy, or “Bodie” as he is called, in the Eventing competition of the Makeover. At a fortuitous winter cocktail party, Rotkowitz met a former owner of Bodie’s who was a part of the syndicate that raced him. When he came off the track, this former owner, Helen James of Johnstown, became his “guardian angel” and happened to be looking for a “next job” for Bodie. According to Rotkowitz, “within four days, the stars aligned” and this incredible plan came together. She was able to go look at the horse with Cornell and together they liked what they saw. Bodie impressed them with his condition, soundness, movement, and temperament. Plus, this winner of 1 race in 16 starts and $46,000 had had a nice little vacation since his last race so was relaxed and ready for something new. But learning dressage, cross country, and show jumping skills isn’t the only thing on Bodie’s To Do list…he will also be helping veterans as part of the Saratoga Warhorse program along the way. That’s where Squier comes in as she is the Saratoga Warhorse Equine Development Director and Lead Instructor. She was very pleased that Bodie fit the basic parameters needed
David Cornell, Bodie, Cailin Rotkowitz Photo courtesy Fiona Farrell for helping veterans. He is “not super-tall” (15 -16hh is good), “not super-flighty” (has to be OK with lots of different people, chairs and things around the outside of the round pen) and has to “have some ‘go’”(not like a stuffed toy). He also must have a good “draw” which is “if the horse comes back to the handler after being sent away” in round pen work. Squier is a graduate of, and former teacher of the Monty Roberts program of horse training before coming on board with Saratoga Warhorse to develop the horse-related program that the veterans go through. Saratoga Warhorse was able to adopt Bodie, and trainers and riders were quickly sorted out according to the rules of the Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover. Local businesses, like Saratoga Horseworks and Saratoga Spring Water have jumped on board to provide dress sheets and funding, respectively, for this endeavor. If Bodie takes to eventing in a big way, the door is open for selling him on as a proper event horse as a way to fund the Saratoga Warhorse program. If eventing isn’t quite his thing, Saratoga Warhorse will have a very well trained new helper. Rotkowitz talked about Bodie’s educational timeline that will be necessarily shortened due to this Makeover in late October. She doesn’t usually train horses with such time constraints so will be adjusting her training accordingly. Rotkowitz and Cornell were able to take advantage of a riding clinic with the Retired Racehorse Project’s Steuart Pittman when he visited the area for two days of clinics in mid-April. Held at Platinum Stables in Ballston Lake, Pittman, an advanced level event rider, introduced Rotkowitz, Cornell, and Bodie to the small crowd and then hopped on Bodie for an educated spin around the outdoor arena. Bodie didn’t put a foot wrong as Pittman walked, trotted and cantered around — belying the fact he hadn’t been worked outdoors yet, or even outside a round pen! Rotkowitz then took over the reins, talked to Pittman about how to proceed and shortly was jogging Bodie calmly toward a line of cavaletti which then became a cross rail, then several unrelated cross rails. Bodie dealt with all of it very calmly and quietly. One could sense the excitement in Cornell, Rotkowitz, and Pittman that the horse had handled the new situation so well. Bodie, green but willing, seemed the least impressed of all!
W E D E LI V E R
Warm weather is here! Get your blankets cleaned & repaired! Home: 518-725-6354 Cell: 518-332-7691
TheEquineTailor@nycap.rr.com
Diane Mansmith The Upstate Horse will take you along on Bodie’s journey to the Thoroughbred Makeover in Kentucky in October. Each of our upcoming issues will have the latest installment chronicling this team’s progress. So far they are off to a great start! Best of Luck to the entire team involved in this extraordinary effort! Issue #9 Spring 2016 I The Upstate Horse 13
Real Estate Showcase Elegant Entertaining Awaits
Before the winner of the last race is cooled out, you could be having drinks on your lovely wraparound porch if you are the lucky buyer of this 10+ acre horse farm offered by Roohan Realty in Saratoga Springs. Billed as the closest farm to Saratoga race track, this listing boasts a custom 5 BR 3Ba house overlooking a 4 stall shed-row style barn, with well fenced, interconnected paddocks. Paddocks feature ample run-in sheds, each with electric and water available for ease of horsekeeping in all seasons. The barn comes with a storage area for hay or tack. This property is ideally located adjacent to the Saratoga Farms area and access to the horse trails in the area is a possibility. There is room for a larger barn and the level ground makes putting in a riding ring an easy option! The spacious home is a delightful mix of polished sophistication and rustic style throughout! According to the listing agent Jack Minehan, “every room has sliders to the [wraparound] porch” leading to a house that is as comfortable hosting a large get-together as it is for quiet relaxation. The long layout of this house provides gracious living area and the endless windows will enable you to keep an eye on your horses all day.
This all season home was built with upstate winters and Saratoga summers in mind. Minehan noted the “terrific heating system featuring radiant heat” (along with other forms of heat) and the resulting “commercial amount of domestic hot water.” A houseful of long, hot shower-takers won’t tax the hot water supply! During the nicer weather, life can be enjoyed in different areas of the porch, according to the breeze or light. There is plenty of room for porch furniture with elbow room to spare. When it’s too hot to be outside, central air will keep things comfortable inside. Minehan listed off just some of the luxuries you will have to make do with such as the sizable soaking tub in the master bath, granite and solid surface counters in the custom kitchen, and beautiful wood floors throughout. The lower level of the home is another entire living space featuring 2 BR 1 Ba and a complete kitchen and could be useful as an in-law suite or caretaker’s quarters. According to Minehan, the property is listed for $1,049,000 with house and 10.23 acres or the house and 5.23 acres sold separately from the other 5 acre parcel. For further information or a showing of this lovely farm, please contact the listing agents, Meg Minehan (518.366.3325 cell) or Jack Minehan (518.421.8662 cell) or the Roohan Realty office at 518.587.4500.
Calendar May 12 CCE Saratoga — Digestive Disorders w/Dr. Bill Vandergrift & Triple Crown May 11-15 Saratoga Springs Horse Show II (h/j, Feeds 7-9pm RSVP needed to Susan rated) Yaddo Show Grounds, Union Ave, Ripley (smr325@cornell.edu) May 14 Sara-toga Springs, NY (saratogaspringshorseshow.com) St Jude’s Saddle Up Trail Ride 14 The Upstate Horse I Issue #9 Spring 2016
MAY
Fundraiser, Hidden Spring Ranch, Gansevoort, NY 518.879.9057 or email Jen at (HiddenSpringRanch@live.com) May 15 Eventing Clinic Series, XC schooling w/Margie Hutchinson, CS&W Farm, Germantown, NY For info & entry forms (mhutch5100@aol.com) Old Chatham Hunt Club Trail Riding Series, Old Chatham hunt country, all welcome, for directions & times (oldchathamhuntclub.com) or Facebook May 18 Midweek trail ride @ “Homestead” in Galway, NY, Saratoga Back Country Horsemen (anntownsend41@gmail.com)
May 18-22 Saratoga Springs Horse Show III (h/j, rated) Yaddo Show Grounds, Union Ave, Sara-toga Springs, NY (saratogaspringshorseshow.com) May 21 Gymkhana, Southern Duchess Horse & Pony Association showgrounds, Hopewell Junction, NY (sdhpa.com) Trail clearing @ “Homestead” in Galway, NY, Saratoga Back Country Horsemen (anntownsend41@gmail.com) May 21-22 Centerline Events @ HITS I - Dressage, HITS Showgrounds, Saugerties, NY (centerlineevents.com) May 22 English Horse Show, Western Pleasure Show, Southern Duchess Horse & Pony Asso-ciation showgrounds, Hopewell Junction, NY (sdhpa.com) Stockade Schooling Dressage & Combined Tests, Stockade Polo & Saddle Club, Glenville, NY (stockadepolo.com) May 23 ACTT Naturally 3rd Anniversary Party at Fifty South Restaurant, Rt 50, Ballston Spa, RSVP needed by 5/16 FMI (acttnaturally.org) May 27-29 ENYDCTA Dressage Days, (recognized, qualifying competition), Stockade Polo & Saddle Club, Glenville, NY (enydcta.com or stockadepolo.com) May 29 Old Chatham Hunt Club Intro to Foxhunting Clinics, Old Chatham hunt country, Lim-ited to 20 riders, FMI (oldchathamhuntclub.com)
JUNE June 1-5 HITS Saugerties H/J Show II, A-rated, Saugerties, NY, Saugerties showgrounds, (hitsshows.com) June 4 Hoof Printz 4-H Club Hunter Pace & Trail Ride, Wethersfield, all welcome, fundraiser (CMM1220@aol.com) or 914.774.1236 for info & forms June 5 Old Chatham Hunt Club Trail Riding Series, Old Chatham hunt country, all welcome, for directions & times (oldchathamhuntclub.com) or Facebook
June 5 Open Championship Horse Show, 4H Training Ctr, Ballston Spa, NY, ages 8 and up, fundraiser for 4-H horse program, (co263@cornell.edu) June 12 Open Horse Show, Eng/West/Trail, Cambridge Saddle Club, Cambridge, NY (cambridgesaddleclub.org) June 12 Winter Glen H/J show, C-rated, Guilderland, NY, (cdhjc.org)
JULY
July 2-3 Jeremy Steinberg Dressage Clinic, Stockade Showgrounds, Glenville, NY (stockadepolo.com) July 10 Open Horse Show, Eng/West/Trail, Cambridge Saddle Club, Cambridge, NY (cambridgesaddleclub.org) July 12 Eventing Clinic Series, XC schooling Larkin’ Hill Horse Trials, USEF recogw/Margie Hutchinson, Old Chatham nized, Larkin’ Hill Farm, N. Chatham, Horse Trial site, Old Chatham, NY NY, (larkinhill.com) Register ahead (enydcta.com) June 15-19 July 20-21 Skidmore College Classic H/J Show I, Dressage at Stockade Summer Heat, A-rated, Saratoga Springs, NY, Yaddo show-grounds, USDF/USEF rated, Stockade Polo & Saddle (skidmore.edu/saratogaclassic) Club, Glenville, NY (stockadepolo.com) June 18 July 23 Pleasure trail ride @ “Homestead” in Open Horse Show, Eng/West/Trail, Galway, NY, Saratoga Back Country Cambridge Saddle Club, Cambridge, NY Horsemen (anntownsend41@gmail.com) (cambridgesaddleclub.org) June 19 July 24 Rearin’ To Go 13th Annual Open Horse & Pony Benefit Show, 4H Stockade Schooling Dressage & Training Ctr, Ball-ston Spa, NY, ages 8 & Combined Tests, Stockade Polo & Saddle Club, Glenville, NY (stockadepolo.com) up, FMI Ginger 518.796.1742 July 24 June 21-23 Eric Horgan Eventing Clinic, Larkin’ Winter Glen H/J show, C-rated, Hill, N. Chatham, NY Guilderland, NY, (cdhjc.org) (mhutch5100@aol.com) July 25 June 22-26 Hay, Oats, & Spaghetti @ Bravo! Skidmore College Classic H/J Show II, Fundraiser for Thoroughbred Retirement A-rated, Saratoga Springs, NY, Yaddo Foundation, 6-9pm, for more info or show-grounds, tickets (trfinc.org/mamamias) (skidmore.edu/saratogaclassic) July 29 June 24-26 Dressage at Stockade Welcome/June, Equine Advocates 15th Annual Awards USDF/USEF rated, Stockade Polo & Dinner & Charity Auction, Canfield Saddle Club, Glenville, NY Casino, Saratoga Springs, NY, for tickets (stockadepolo.com) or more info 518.392.0175 or June 26 equineadvocates.org) Eventing Clinic Series, XC schooling July 30 w/Margie Hutchinson, Larkin’ Hill, N. Old Chatham Hunt Club Mix & Match Chatham, NY Register ahead Three Phase Schooling Show, FMI (old(enydcta.com) chathamhuntclub.com) June 26 July 31 Old Chatham Hunt Club Intro to Ridge Brook H/J show, C-rated, Ridge Foxhunting Clinics, Old Chatham hunt Brook Farm, Argyle, NY country, Limited to 20 riders, FMI (oldchathamhuntclub.com) (ridgebrookfarms.com) Issue #9 Spring 2016 I The Upstate Horse 15