The Upstate Horse / Winter 2015-16 by The Upstate Horse

the upstate

HorsE Winter, 2015

Uniting the Upstate New York Horse Community

the upstate

Publisher’s Intro

Winter. Not an easy time of year to be a horse-care provider. There’s frozen water, deep snow, no grass, uncomfortably cold temperatures and the list could continue. Donna and I often discuss our desire to winter in Camden, which you can read more about in the article on page 8.

HorsE 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

Katrina Clay

But winter in Upstate New York....there are many choices to make; to clip or not to clip? To blanket or not to blanket? To ride or not to ride? And again this list could go on and on as well. I am someone who prefers most things to remain in their natural form. Seems if nature provided it, it is probably that way for the best. Such as the lofting ability of the horse’s coat which acts to increase the depth of hair and traps air next to their bodies creating an insulating layer. Some argue that blankets impede this ability. However, if you ride hard, clipping is a much better option than spending hours waiting for your horse to dry. If your horse is clipped, that creates a definite need for a blanket. Tom and I do not fit in that category. Even so, once the weather is consistently cold, Tom wears a blanket. Is it more for my peace of mind? Perhaps. Yet, my peace is important. How about you? What winter choices do you make? What exercises do you do to keep mentally and physically in shape? What tricks do you have to stay warm? Please share your answers on our Facebook page. Remember, we are an inclusive community of horse lovers. Unless it involves obvious cruelty or neglect, we accept everyone’s choice and appreciate that you do the same. See you on Facebook, Katrina

Website www.TheUpstateHorse.com

Mailing Address P.O. Box 644 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

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.

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 this community has to offer for horses and the humans that love them.

Contents Page 4 The Upstate Horse Community

Page 8 Rediscovering Camden, South Carolina

Page 9 Local Holiday Shopping Guide

Page 10 Winter Horse Care

Page 12 Retired Racehorse Summit

Page 14 Calendar & Directory About the Cover: Long time Standardbred racehorse owner Liz Grass makes these one-of-a-kind, reuseable horsehead wreaths for $65. She is donating $10 of from each wreath to Heading for Home, the Saratoga-based racehorse retraining/rehoming organization that also uses retired Standardbreds and Thoroughbreds for their equine assisted therapy program (more info at hfhrrc.org). Liz can be reached at 413.774.0914 to order.

T h e U p s t at e

HORSE

Community Dr. Bob Agne, Rood & Riddle, Saratoga Springs

On Monday, September 7th, the equine community lost a most valuable, skilled and compassionate veterinarian who specialized in equine podiatry. Dr. Robert Agne was a graduate of North Carolina State Veterinary School and the Cornell Farrier School. He was the first podiatry intern at Rood & Riddle’s Podiatry Center in 2003. He was then hired on afterwards as a podiatry clinician. Dr. Agne was a valued and much appreciated colleague, who was adored and respected by his clients, colleagues, and the Rood & Riddle staff. He cared for many cases with unyielding commitment, patience and integrity. Dr. Agne was a dear and true friend to all those who had the privilege to know him. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Statement from Dr. Scott Morrison, Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital. Even though Dr. Agne had just relocated from Rood & Riddle’s Lexington, KY base, he had already made his mark. According to hoofcare.blogspot.com, Agne specialized in the treatment and prevention of laminitis, following laminitis research and innovations closely. He was the podiatrist of choice to help the sensational race filly Lady Eli through her shocking case of laminitis this past summer, going to great lengths to see her at Belmont Park whenever needed. He is survived by his wife Carrie who also works at Rood & Riddle. The Upstate Horse joins Rood & Riddle and the entire Upstate Horse community in grieving the loss of such a fine person and horseman.

Local Riders Earn Certifications From The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. September 12, 2015 Old Chatham, NY – Old Chatham Pony Club announces the certification of Connelly Cashen D1, Evan Williams D1, Jaidev De D1, AnneMae Cashen D2, Louise

The Upstate Horse I Issue #7 Winter, 2015-’16

Morgan Palacios, Diba De, Savannah Shulkin, Bryony Walker, Louise Ackweiz, Evan Williams, Lael Cashen, Jayden Turner-Osbourne, AnneMae Cashen, Emily Abbati, Jaidev De, & Taylor Palacios Missing: Connelly Cashen, Amanda Bowman

Ackwietz D2, Diba De D2, Savannah Shulkin D2 & D3 HM, Emily Abbati D3, Amanda Bowman D3, Taylor Palacios D3, Lael Cashen C1, Morgan Palacios C1, and Jayden TurnerOsbourne C1, at a testing held on September 12th at Larkin’ Hill in Old Chatham, NY. Examiners included Amy Abbati of Schodack Landing, Dana Stanton of Malden Bridge and Maureen Pach of Moodus, CT. To earn these certifications, riders passed examinations that tested their horsemanship skills and equine knowledge. Each of the Pony Club certification levels is more difficult than the preceding one, and requires Pony Club members to learn more about horses and their care and to become increasingly accomplished riders and teachers to younger members. The top certification level is the A level and is reached by fewer than one in 300. It denotes throughout the international horse industry a highly competent and knowledgeable horseperson. The leader of the Old Chatham Pony Club is Katie Smith-Cashen of Hudson, NY. There are approximately 10,000 Pony Club members in 600 clubs and centers throughout the country. Along with an emphasis on helping its members learn to ride and care for horses, Pony Club promotes teamwork, a sense of responsibility, safety, good moral judgment and self-confidence. About Pony Club - The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. (Pony Club) was founded in 1954 as a nonprofit national youth organization to teach riding and horsemanship through a formal educational program. Many of the nation’s top equestrians, including many of our Olympic team members and many business professionals, government leaders and career military officers, have roots in Pony Club. Youth members range in age from as young as 4 through age 25, and include adult members of the Horsemasters Program. There are approximately 10,000 members in 600 clubs and riding centers in 43 regions throughout the country www.ponyclub.org.

A Wedding Aside! Congratulations to newlyweds Cailin Sanford and David Rotkowitz, married September 5, 2015 at the bride’s parents’ Winterwood Farm near Ballston Spa, NY. Cailin arrived at the ceremony riding her Spanish-Norman mare Rory in an antique sidesaddle. She dismounted and proceeded down the aisle on the arm of her father, Tom Sanford. The reception was held immediately after the ceremony in the Winterwood indoor arena. Good luck and best wishes to the happy couple!

Local Trainers Finish High in 2015 Take2 National Standings

Top Honors

Linda Orton and Top Honors taking well deserved break.

Congratulations are in order to two local trainers who finished high in the Take2 Thoroughbred League National standings. Linda Orton, of Manor Ridge, Hoosic Falls, NY, finished 7th nationally in the Take2 Thoroughbred League National Hunter Standings with her lovely bay gelding Top Honors. They were Take2 division champions at Saratoga, Skidmore, HITS Ocala and Saugerties, and the Vermont Summer Series, amongst others. Top Honors is an unraced 17yo NY-bred by Thunder Rumble out of Staple Queen (Talc).

Stephen Day Presented with 2015 Galbreath Award

Stephen Day receiving th Galbreath award fromTim Capps

Stephen L. Day, president and CEO of Dover Saddlery, has been honored with the 2015 John W.Galbreath Award for outstanding entrepreneurship in the equine industry. Day was presented with the award on September 24, at the University of Louisville.

The Galbreath Award, presented by the University of Louisville Equestrian Program, is named in honor of the late John W.

Betsy Joyce of Shadow Rock Farm in Ballston Spa finished 16th nationally in the Take2 Thoroughbred League National Jumper Standings with her OTTB Vala De Plata. They also enjoyed wins at Saratoga and were Take2 division champions at the Vermont Summer Series. Issue #7 Winter, 2015-â&#x20AC;&#x2122;16 I The Upstate Horse

Stephen Day riding Gallant Sort, an off the track thoroughbred he bought as a 3 year old and trained to be a successful event horse

Galbreath, who is known for his involvement with the Darby Dan Thoroughbred Farm and, most notably, as a longtime chairman of Churchill Downs.

“I am humbled and honored to have received this award and to have joined the ranks of such successful entrepreneurs as Tom Stuzzieri, D.Wayne Lukas. John Gaines and John Lyons to name but a few,” said Stephen L. Day, president and CEO of Dover Saddlery. “I inherited my love of both entrepreneurship and horses from my father who authored one of the first case books on entrepreneurship and taught at a riding school while at college.” Before the award ceremony Stephen Day presented to a class of students in the Louisville Equine Industry Program. Day discussed the typical characteristics of an entrepreneur and described his career from horse crazy child to Harvard MBA student to president and CEO of State Line Tack and then Dover Saddlery. “I was impressed by the quality of the questions from the students and was delighted to have the opportunity to present my enthusiasm for entrepreneurship within the equine industry to the future leaders in our field” commented Day. “I would like to express my thanks to Tim Capps, Director of the Equine Industry Program, for organizing this opportunity to speak to the students as well as for the very enjoyable award ceremony.” About Dover Saddlery, Inc; Dover Saddlery, Inc. (NASDAQ: DOVR) is the leading multichannel retailer of equestrian products in the United States. Founded in 1975 in Wellesley, Massachusetts, by United States Equestrian team members, Dover Saddlery has grown to become The Source® for equestrian products. Dover offers a broad and distinctive selection of competitively priced, brand-name products for horse and rider through catalogs, the Internet and company-owned retail stores. Dover Saddlery, Inc. serves the English rider and through Smith Brothers, the Western rider. The Source®, Dover Saddlery® and Smith Brothers® are registered marks of Dover Saddlery.

Yoicks! back to Maryland The Upstate Horse elves were saddened to find one of their favorite stores, Yoicks! darkened when they stopped by on their pre-holiday tour. According to Michael Finney, the proprietor of Yoicks!, Yoicksonline.com is continuing but he has moved his bricks and mortar store back to Maryland. The elves will miss the beautiful tweeds, the horse ties, and the genteel Englishness of Finney’s shop along with his foxhunting and polo stories! We wish him well in the land of the Maryland Hunt Cup!

Heading for Home Facility Update Heading for Home, the Saratoga Springs-based racehorse retraining and equine assisted therapy center is making progress on their new facility on Rt. 29 east of Saratoga Springs. Joe

The Upstate Horse I Issue #7 Winter, 2015-’16

Battaglia, president of Heading for Home, expressed excitement when talking about the indoor arena and other facilities that are currently being built. The construction crew is hoping to get the project under roof so it can be finished over the winter. Battaglia stressed that their equine assisted therapy is ongoing in their current facilities with no interruption. They are hoping for an Open House in the Spring. Hfhrrc.org.

Christmas Caroling on Horseback at Saratoga Hospital Saturday, December 5th is the 26th annual Caroling on Horseback at Saratoga Hospital. Organizer Pam Reppert, DVM coordinates with the hospital staff which results in many patients being situated by the front lobby windows so they can view the procession of horseback carolers which walk up and proceed to sing, introduce their horses, and add to the seasonal goodwill. Carolers are then encouraged to join Pam and her merry mounted group on their annual walk from the Saratoga Hospital, up Broadway and back to the hospital. This is a very fun morning and something way out of the ordinary! RSVPs are needed due to timing and trailer parking. Please call Pam Reppert at 518.584.3611.

What to Get the Person Who Has Everything During this season of giving, please remember the various large and small animal rescues around the Capital Region. Feed costs are constantly rising, along with other costs, and these rescues could use the gifts of your time, talent, and/or treasure to keep performing their Herculean tasks. Monetary donations can usually be made in another’s name as a gift. Check out the list of area equine assisted therapy programs, therapeutic riding programs, and OTTB organizations listed in our directory for ideas.

Dressage at Devon Survives Pope, Mother Nature Dressage at Devon was the destination for Cambridge’s Susan Castiglione of Moose Tail Farm. Castiglione was somewhat lucky to not be exhibiting this year since Mother Nature and the Pope combined forces to wreak havoc on this usually smooth running venerable dressage show. Three straight days of pouring rain and the pontiff’s visit to Philadelphia meant exhibitors needed multiple changes of show clothes and local hotel rooms could be difficult to come by. Other than that, she reported the “show went on although the turn-out was a little light.” The show management rose to the weather challenges by keeping the footing in the Dixon Oval “as good as it could be” given the sheer amount of rain that fell. Castiglione reports that the US warmblood

breeding programs are “beginning to see some results” with the Young Horse winners “starting to reflect back on foundation lines of Rubinstein and Donnerhall” among others. Castiglione noted that these bloodlines are the very same as in most of the recent German Olympic dressage team horses. She is hoping that Mother Nature is kinder when she takes her homebreds with these bloodlines to Dressage at Devon next year.

Dick (518) 222-7795 4919 Route 50 Gansevoort, NY Also ¥ Zipper Repair Nylon Halter Repair ¥ Feed Bags ¥ Chaps ¥ Fly Mask Show Curtains ¥ Travel Bags

Blockbuster Line-Up at EQUUS Film Festival NYC The talent is thoroughly thoroughbred as the first of a blockbuster line-up of guests is announced for the EQUUS Magazine Directors Panels to be featured daily during the third annual EQUUS Film Festival, November 20-21 at the home of the Tribeca Film Festival – the historic Village East Cinema in Manhattan, New York. Upstate New York ABC-TV show host Susan Kayne of Real Horse Rescues will join Richard 'Kudo' Couto, lead investigator and founder of Animal Recovery Mission, inspired by Couto's real-life rescue of Freedom's Flight, a former racehorse and descendant of Triple Crown champion, Secretariat, found tied to a tree and next in line to be butchered at an illegal slaughter farm in Florida. Allan J. Hamilton, MD, the Harvard-trained 'brain surgeon who listens to horses' and author of the 2012 Gold Nautilus Award for his book, Zen Mind, Zen Horse. Dr. Hamilton is professor of neurosurgery at University of Arizona, a medical script consultant for the hit TV series Grey’s Anatomy and raises Lipizzans on a small ranch outside of Tucson, Arizona. London-based Thomas Lloyd of Dreamtime Film, who chronicled his nine-month journey of a lifetime in 1995 across the UK with “a hand-cranked clockwork Russian super 8mm camera and pair of Fells ponies, Hades Hill Oscar and Hades Hill Fenella.” Broadcast journalist Katia Louise, founder and president of the Wild for Life Foundation and international award-winning director and screenwriter of 'Saving America's Horses: A Nation Betrayed.' About EQUUS Film Festival; As home to the storytellers of the horse world, the EQUUS Film Festival, November 20-22 at the Village East Cinema (home to the Tribeca Film Festival) is the first event of its kind presenting equestrian-themed film, fine art and authors, EQUUS Magazine Directors Panels anda pop-up art and literary gallery, Li'l Herc's Kids Fest sponsored by Suzanne Kopp-Moskow with free Saturday morning family films and fun events, Sunday tours of New York's Central Park Carriage Horses Stables, and Manhattan Saddlery-sponsored Thursday evening VIP Party and Sunday holiday shopping hours. Founded in 2013 as the world’s premier showcase for domestic and international feature films, documentaries and shorts, this year's EQUUS Film Festival will again present more than 100 selections and has doubled its Winnie Awards categories to 28, including Equestrian Art Film, Commercial, Director, Documentary, International, Music Video, Series, People’s Choice and Best of Festival. Find tickets and learn more about special activities at www.equusfilmfestival.net and join its nearly 10,000 Facebook fans on www.facebook.com/EquusFilmFestivalNYC.

Cold weather is here!

Get those blankets ready! Home: 518-725-6354 Cell: 518-332-7691

TheEquineTailor@nycap.rr.com

Diane Mansmith

To have your press release printed, please send it to; donna@theupstatehorse.com or katrina@theupstatehorse.com Issue #7 Winter, 2015-’16 I The Upstate Horse

Rediscovering Camden Part II..........More than horses

National Steeplechase Museum

Historic Camden Home

n Camden, SC, The Camden Hunt is well into their 2015-16 season, another Colonial Cup Steeplechase is in the books, and two-year old thoroughbreds are learning their way around the training facilities. But, Camden is much more than horses, with a history that pre-dates the Revolutionary War and a vibrant cultural and arts scene. The oldest inland city in South Carolina, Camden was first established in 1732 by decree of King George II. The town’s location helped it to quickly become an important crossroads and trading hub, for both European settlers and Native Americans. During the Revolutionary War, the towns of Saratoga and Camden were connected in a way for the first time. It was following their defeat at the Battle of Saratoga at the hands of General Horatio Gates that the British decided to take the war to the South. After the fall of Savannah and Charleston to the British, Patriot partisan militias harassed the British throughout much of South Carolina, and the British considered Camden a key to controlling the inland territory. It was there, in August of 1780, that the same “hero of Saratoga,” Horatio Gates faced Lord Cornwallis. Unfortunately, this battle ended much differently for Gates, as his Continentals were thoroughly routed in about one hour. Today, the Battlefield is recognized as a National Historic Landmark, and other sites in and around Camden also pay homage to the Revolutionary War. Re-enactment events are held regularly, and there are numerous opportunities for tours of many of the historic sites. The Camden Archives and Museum is recognized as having one of the best genealogical research facilities in South Carolina. The archives contain a diverse collection of books, microfilm, maps, files, periodicals and general reference materials which aid visitors in their research. We primarily collect material pertaining to the north-central section of South Carolina formerly recognized as the old Camden District. This area today encompasses several counties including Clarendon, Sumter, Lee, Kershaw, Lancaster, York, Chester, Fairfield and northern Richland County. The South Carolina

The Upstate Horse I Issue #7 Winter, 2015-’16

Historic Camden Home

Daughters of the American Revolution Library and the Colonial Dames XVII Century Library are also located at the archives. Visitors to the museum can view both permanent and rotating exhibits on Kershaw County and the City of Camden's rich history. Artifacts on display are as diverse as Native American items, china from Camden's great hotels, and Ruffian's halter. The Camden Historic District features more than 60 historic sites, this district is designated by the National Register and is the essence of Camden. From cottages to spacious mansions, the district is the reflection of Camden's 250-year-old history ranging from the Revolutionary War era to the antebellum South to the winter residences established in the early 1900s. Following the reconstruction period after the Civil War, Camden evolved into a tourist mecca for Northerners and mid-Westerners seeking a warmer winter climate. Camden had three large tourist hotels and many smaller boarding houses. The “Hotel Era” lasted from 1882 through the years of World War II. Camden developed as an equine center during these years Steeplechase races, polo, and horse shows became hallmarks of Camden's style. Today, Springdale Racecourse hosts two of the most prestigious American steeplechase races—The Carolina Cup and The Colonial Cup—and is also home to the National Steeplechase Museum. In addition to this rich history, the fine arts and cultural scene is alive and well. The Fine Arts Center of Kershaw County, plays hosts to numerous arts events and classes ranging from “Wine and Paint Parties” to pottery classes, to dance and music lessons. The Daniels Building is the home to 1,800 square feet of dance and music studio space, and the Wood Auditorium is a 284-seat performance venue. The Center also includes the Bassett Gallery, which hosts rotating exhibits of Contemporary, classic, folk art, sculptures and paintings. For more information on the Fine Arts Center and its offerings, visit fineartscenter.org/.

FEATURED PROPERTIES 1917 Screaming Eagle Road

MAKING

Real Estate

REAL EASY

USIE CARLSON 803-238-1719 SCARLSON@CBUNITED.COM

CBUnited.com/SusieCarlson

20 acre horse farm convenient to Camden and Columbia, SC with easy access to interstates. Nice pastures, fenced and cross fenced. 18-stall barn with covered exercise area. Additional hay barn, storage building, office and 2 separate living accommodations round out this beautiful property. $330.000

1186 Gary Road Lovely 40 acre setting near the town of Camden with a mixture of hardwood trees and grassy fields. A long driveway leads to this immaculate 4 bedroom home with open floorplan. The property is fenced and cross fenced and surrounded by a wide trail for riding, walking or ATVs. Huge garage-type outbuilding for equipment , etc. $229,000

Ye Merry Upstate

HO-HO-Horse Local Holiday Shopping Source!

he Upstate Horse elves have been busy scouring the Capital Region for horsey gifts so that loyal readers, like you, can stay in the saddle as long as possible this holiday season. The only way busy horsepeople can “do it all” and shop local during the busyness of the holidays is “tactical shopping.” Get your shopping shoes on, here we go!\ American Pie, 41 Main St., Chatham, NY — this store bills itself as “a contemporary General Store” but the elves see it as a fun place to pick up lots of different things – hostess gifts like horsehead soaps, lots of foxes on scarves, earrings, socks, cards, wrapping paper, and, (Hello Saratoga!) strings of outdoor lights in the shape of horses!!

Cheshire Horse of Saratoga, 402 Geyser Rd., Saratoga Springs, NY — The elves save this stop for last since they can gather up all the odds and ends they still need, plus feed and supplements and still get home by feeding time! This year, the Ariat Berwick Gtx Insulated Boots caught the elves attention. They are strikingly beautiful, tall, waterproof and warm. This boot does it all very smartly so you will need a coat – and the Noble Outfitters Girl Tough Canvas Jacket ensures your favorite horsegirl’s stylish Barn Goddess reputation stays intact! Hooved BFFs will appreciate the many different types of horse snacks and warm, waterproof winter blankets. Cheshire’s Holiday Sale Spectacular starts at 8 am Black Friday and continues through Thanksgiving weekend and Cyber Monday. Dover Saddlery, 231 Wade Rd. Extension, Latham, NY – the newcomer to the area and “the List,” the practical tactical elves loved the horse vacuums, heated water hoses, and winter riding necessities like insulated riding boots, breeches, and outerwear. The Joules scarves and shirts mix well with Dover’s house brand Riding Sport vests for a very coordinated equestrian look. An extensive line up of winter riding coats by Mountain Horse, Horseware, Ariat, and Riding Sport will fit every pocketbook and weather possibility. Dover is the place to find showring attire at all price points and they have an extensive array of horse blankets from fly sheets to heavy-duty hooded winter turnouts. Issue #7 Winter, 2015-’16 I The Upstate Horse

National Museum of Racing Gift Shop, 191 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY — A straight shot up Union Ave from Exit 14 off the Northway, Saratoga Silks, the Gift Shop inside the National Museum of Racing, is a goldmine for equine gifts that are a little out of the ordinary. The elves know all about the beautifully stitched locally-made Ploughman leather belts, and the fabulous range of books on racing and sporting art that are year round offerings. For the Holidays, the elves were very excited to find locally-made Razimus organic jewelry, and Swedish-made Dala Horse ceramic bowls and cups that would be perfect for Christmas breakfast or chili! American Pharoah, Saratoga’s most popular summer visitor, is featured in original prints and Christmas cards by Celeste Susany. For the Holiday Shopping Season, Saratoga Silks hours are 10am-4pm Wednesday through Sunday. Impressions of Saratoga, 368 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY – the elves had a lot to see here, especially the elves still trying to recover from Pharoahtoga. The Irish-made bronzes depicting racehorses, steeplechase horses, a mare and foal, and a farrier captured the eye first off. US-made bronze lamps had a similar feel but could cast light for reading when it’s too cold outside to ride. Racehorse, jockey or polo bookends could complete an equestrian library. The elves decided this is the place for stocking stuffers! Spa Fine Art, 376 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY — the elves always find themselves taking a deep breath and relaxing in this enclave of sporting art. The snow pony by new artist Shawn Faust made the elves shiver, but his dressage images got them thinking warmer thoughts. All the things we like to do – dressage, show hunters, foxhunting, and racing are represented here in very high quality artwork. Silverwood, 398 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY — the elves could imagine furnishing a cozy, high class Adirondak getaway with Silverwood’s new Pendleton wool blankets, beautiful Vagabond House equestrian-themed pewter trays and artwork on the walls by local artists Tom Myott and Tracy Buyce. Saratoga Saddlery, 506 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY — When it’s time for that Cinderella-like transformation from Barn Goddess to Glamour Girl, stop here for a long, beautifully cut Katherine Hooker coat in a superb wool tweed or solid. Rumoured to be worn by Kate, Duchess of Cambridge. There you have it, dear readers, a small sliver of available horse shopping around the Capital Region. Get up and get out there!! Leave the online ordering for the fine folks of Fargo. Here at the Upstate Horse, we hope your Holidays are warm, merry, and bright!

The Upstate Horse I Issue #7 Winter, 2015-’16

Winter Horse Care Nutrition The number one responsibility to your horse during winter is to provide enough quality feedstuffs to maintain his weight and enough drinkable water to maintain his hydration. Forage, or hay, should make up the largest portion of his diet, 1 – 2 % of his body weight per day. Horses burn calories to stay warm, fortified grain can be added to the diet to keep him at a body condition score of 5 on a scale of 1 (emaciated) to 9 (obese). If your horse is an easy keeper or should not have grain for medical reasons, then a ration balancer or complete multi-vitamin/mineral supplement is a better choice than grain. Increasing the amount of hay fed is the best way to keep weight on horses during the winter, as the fermentation process generates internal heat. University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine research showed that during cold weather if horses have only warm water available, they will drink more per day than if they only have icy cold water. However, if they have a choice between warm and icy water simultaneously, they drink almost exclusively from the icy and drink less volume than if they have only warm water available. Ultimately, the message is this: you can increase your horse’s water consumption by providing only warm water. This can be accomplished either by using any number of bucket or tank heaters or by adding hot water twice daily with feeding. Another method to encourage your horse to drink more is to topdress his/her feed with electrolytes or plain salt. As well, keep all buckets and water troughs clean and filled with fresh water.

Exercise It may be tempting to give your horse significant time off during winter, but studies have found that muscular strength, cardiovascular fitness and overall flexibility significantly decrease without work, even if daily turnout is provided. In addition, as horses grow older, it takes longer and becomes more difficult in the spring to return them to their previous level of work. Unfortunately, exercising your horse when it’s cold and slippery or frozen can be challenging without an indoor arena. Indoor arenas can become quite dusty in winter, so add a binding agent to hold moisture and try to water and drag as frequent-

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518-767-2906 ly as the temperature will permit. Also, warm up and cool down with care. It is a good idea to spend twice as much time on these aspects of the workout than you do in warm weather. In addition, make sure your horse is cool and dry before turning him back outside or blanketing. If you do not have access to an indoor and will be riding exclusivly outdoors, work with your farrier to determine what is best for your horse’s traction—barefoot, regular shoes, shoes with borium, shoes with “snowball” pads, or some other arrangement. Also, make sure the area you lunge, ride or drive is not slippery.

Blanketing A frequently asked question is: does my horse need a blanket? In general, horses with an adequate hair coat, in good flesh and with access to shelter probably do not need to be blanketed. However, horses that have been clipped, recently arrived to our cold climate, or are thin or sick may need the additional warmth and protection of outerwear. If the horse’s winter exercise routine causes him/her to sweat and the long hair hampers the drying and cooling down process, body clipping may be necessary. Blanketing is then a must.

Health There are some health conditions that seem to be made worse by the winter environment, such as impaction colic, respiratory conditions, GI conditions and joint diseases. Decrease the risk of impaction colic by stimulating your horse to drink more water as discussed earlier in article. More time spent inside barns and stalls

can exacerbate respiratory conditions like “heaves” (recurrent airway obstruction), GI conditions like ulcers, and musculoskeletal conditions like degenerative joint disease. These problems can be alleviated with appropriate management—such as increasing ventilation in the barn and increasing turnout time—and veterinary intervention in the form of medications and supplements. Freeze/thaw cycles and muddy or wet conditions can lead to thrush in the hooves and “scratches,” or, pastern dermatitis, on the legs. Your best protection against these diseases is keeping the horse’s surroundings as clean and dry as possible, picking his/her feet frequently, and keeping the lower limbs trimmed of hair. Another common winter skin condition is “rain rot,” caused by the organism Dermatophilus congolensis. Regular grooming and daily observation can usually prevent this problem, but consult your veterinarian if your horse’s back and rump develop painful, crusty lumps that turn into scabs. Issue #7 Winter, 2015-’16 I The Upstate Horse 11

Retired Racehorse Summit Still A Long Way to Go

he last dark Tuesday of the 2015 Saratoga Racing Season saw a hundred or so interested horsewomen and men attend the Retired Racehorse Summit at the Fasig-Tipton Sales Pavilion in Saratoga Springs on September 1st. The Summit was put on by the New York Gaming Commission and featured panels of Thoroughbred and Standardbred professionals from all over the U.S.

“There is a growing awareness of racehorse aftercare in New York and throughout the country. This comprehensive meeting was set up to examine the history of, and current status of retirement initiatives in NY, the various national level organizations, track-level aftercare and a dose of how the Standardbred industry has dealt with their retired racehorses. The daylong seminar concluded with a look at various accredited organizations in NY and what lies in store for them. A very interesting open floor discussion left all attendees with a lot of ideas to process on the drive home!”

There is a growing awareness of racehorse aftercare in New York and throughout the country. This comprehensive meeting was set up to examine the history of, and current status of retirement initiatives in NY, the various national level organizations, track-level aftercare and a dose of how the Standardbred industry has dealt with their retired racehorses. The day-long seminar concluded with a look at various accredited organizations in NY and what lies in store for them. A very interesting open floor discussion left all attendees with a lot of ideas to process on the drive home!

track. The cooperative effort resulted in the 2004 opening of the Purple Haze Center – a purpose-built 16 stall horse barn with attached indoor arena, equine rehabilitation area, paddocks, staffing and riders, all on the grounds of Finger Lakes Race Track. It houses the Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program (FLTAP). A side effect of this effort has been increased cooperation between management and horsemen in other areas of day-to-day life around Finger Lakes. If an examining vet deems the just retired TB adoptable, and there is an empty stall at the Purple Haze Center, the fortunate horse gets to transition into the next phase of life without leaving the racetrack property. A separate organization, Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds, is a volunteer-based group that lists available adoptees and facilitates adoption efforts for those horses not living at the Purple Haze Center.

The NY-based retirement programs represented NYRA tracks (Aqueduct, Belmont and Saratoga) and Finger Lakes Racetrack near Rochester.

Providing easier transitions and jobs in the hunter/jumper show ring is the focus of TB trainer and NY Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association president Richard A. Violette, Jr. Calling aftercare a “moving target,” Violette noted that things “are better than a few years ago, but there is still a long way to go.” “Kicking them (TBs) out in the paddock isn’t good enough” as the young horses coming off the track still have about twelve to twenty useful years in their future. A former show hunter/jumper rider, Violette knows first-hand that TBs “like to work and have a job.” He is trying to create a need for the TB showhorse at the A level through the establishment of the Take 2 program. Since not every horse is cut out to be a show horse, Violette and NYTHA also worked to establish the Take the Lead program amongst the NYRA tracks to make it easier for trainers to find their newly retired runners a way into the next phase of life.

David Brown, President of the Finger Lakes Horsemen’s Protective and Benevolent Association opened the NY portion with news of their efforts at Finger Lakes Racetrack. At some point prior to 2004, a couple dozen Finger Lakes castoffs had been discovered “in a dismal situation on a Southern Tier farm.” The resulting negative press galvanized the track’s horsemen and management (whose previous relationship Brown termed “hostile”) to work together to create a better solution for horses coming off the

NY trainer Rick Schosberg agreed to head up the new, comprehensive Take the Lead program that facilitates the placement of retiring NY runners into Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) accredited rehabilitation and retraining programs. These specific programs are: New Vocations, Re-Run, Akindale TB Rescue, Mid-Atlantic Horse Rescue and Second Chances Thoroughbreds. Schosberg outlined how the program works: the trainer contacts Take the Lead who will arrange for a third-party

The day began with the acknowledgement of the biggest problems facing aftercare – lack of funding and lack of data. In the past it has been impossible to quantify how many TBs are coming off the track, who has them, who wants them, who can take them immediately, and what medical problems they have had or currently have. Obviously with all these questions swirling around, figuring out and acquiring appropriate funding for aftercare is an impossible task. All too often financial responsibility for each racehorse comes down to the person “who is holding the leadshank last.”

The Upstate Horse I Issue #7 Winter, 2015-’16

Gently retraining off track thoroughbreds for new futures and placing them through thoughtful re-homing.

veterinarian to perform a complete wellness and lameness exam. If approved, Take the Lead will arrange rehabilitation and/or retraining through their accredited partner programs, arranging transport if needed. Schosberg cited a couple of veterinarians who donate their time and talents doing Xray evaluations, surgical procedures, and ultrasound exams in an effort to move these horses into suitable homes and second careers. Two of the major horse van companies, Brookledge and Morrissey’s, have also provided free rides or reduced fares enabling these athletes to get to their next phase of life. According to Schosberg, “it starts with the wellness of the horse – everything else will fall into place.” In three short years, the Take 2 Second Career Thoroughbred Program has expanded their Thoroughbred-only hunter or jumper divisions to 200 A rated hunter/jumper horseshows in 22 states and has given away $100,000 in prize money. According to Andy Belfiore, Executive Director of the Take 2 Second Career Thoroughbred Program, a “cooperative effort” between NYTBBreeders, the NY Development Fund, and other states’ horsemen’s groups has led to the funding and growing success of Take 2. New York has a relatively dynamic Thoroughbred retirement scene but more needs to be done. All of the NY groups had long range goals if more funding could be found. David Brown of Finger Lakes discussed their need for an off-site farm in which to do longer term lay-ups and rehabilitation, which would enable some less-adoptable horses to become sound enough to enter second careers. Rick Violette would like to “see more NY facilities accredited” and noted that while the accreditation program is thorough and lengthy, it does lead to trustworthy facilities. “Grass and a couple of trees don’t always make a suitable retirement place.” For further information on these NY based programs, please see the following websites: fltap.org, fingerlakesfinesttbs.com, and take2tbreds.com.

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 call (570) 578-6377 for mailing address ACTT Naturally is 501 (c) (3), the full amount of your contribution will be deductible for federal income tax purposes.

Issue #7 Winter, 2015-’16 I The Upstate Horse

JANUARY

Calendar NOVEMBER November – ongoing Wednesday/Saturday Foxhunting, Old Chatham Hunt, Old Chatham, NY (oldchathamhuntclub.com)

January 2 7th Annual Birthday Party for the Horses, Old Friends at Cabin Creek, Greenfield Ctr, NY 518.698.2377

November 27-29 Eric Horgan Clinic, Larkin Hill Farm, N. Chatham, NY (larkinhill.com)

FEBRUARY

November 27-30 Holiday Sale Spectacular, Cheshire Horse of Saratoga, see ad for details. 518.584.5566

November 17 CCE Equine social/educational evening 7-9pm, CCE Saratoga offices, 50 W High St, Ballston Spa, NY 518.885.8995 November 20 ENYDCTA Annual Mtg, 6pm, Stockade Inn, Schenectady, NY (enydcta.com)

January 27 CCE Equine social/educational evening 7-9pm, CCE Saratoga offices, 50 W High St, Ballston Spa, NY 518.885.8995

DECEMBER December 5 26th Annual Christmas Caroling on Horseback at Saratoga Hospital, Saratoga Springs, NY For more info or to RSVP: Pam Reppert DVM 518.584.3611