Elite Equestrian July August 2016 issue by Elite Equestrian LLC

lite E questrian

Celebrating The Equestrian Lifestyle

Volume 16 Issue 4 Complimentary

Riding in Paradise:

St Lucia

• Arena Design • IHSA Highlight • A Cushings Success Story

Virginia’s

Best Kept Secret Fashion From Across The Pond Sinead Halprin: Warrior www.EliteEquestrian.us

We ship to the world. SPECIAL OFFER RIGHT NOW LIMITED AVAILABILITY! Buy Our GGT Footing and get a FREE DRESSAGE ARENA! ARPOLITHIn Europe for many years. We are the EXCLUSIVE dealer for this product! One 44 lb bucket covers 1070 sqft.

Before ARPOLITH:

After ARPOLITH:

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• Non-toxic; biologically degradable. • Remains effective for at least 2 years. • Stores water at up to 30x’s its weight. • Made of volcanic flour in combination with Sand and mineral nutrients. • Can be used with Magnesium Chloride: Arpolith’s polymer structure binds the MgCl2, which helps it stay in the footing longer. Specifically, in outdoor arenas the MgCl2 won’t wash out so quickly. (It lasts approx. 30% longer). Product Benefits & Performance • GGT-Arpolith granules swell as they absorb the water. Water is released again as the surrounding soil gets dryer. At the same time the granules shrink. Excessive water runs through, thus avoids stagnant moisture • Easy to install. • Can be used with any type of sand. • Can be used on indoor or outdoor arenas. • Reduces dust- good for respiration! • Lengthens the time between watering. • Creates a non-slip, elastic footing.

Call Cynthia B Keating 864-804-0011 Call Catherine Trice 864-804-8664 Must mention this ad !! https//:www.facebook.com/ggtfootingeastcoast/?fref=ts

Order a groomer and get special pricing on our footing!! Limited quantities -applies to certain colors only!! Offer ends soon!! If you have seen any press about a company discontinuing the sale of our products, please know that we had terminated their contract and they are using slanderous tactics to attack our world class product approved by many FEI footing consultants!

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�� Must Have Home & Fashion Summer Fashion Noble Outﬁtters™ Fashion Highlights From Across The Pond Storing Your China Tips From Dr. Lori Meet Lil’ Herc Chisholm Gallery Rueben His & Hers: Richard Trayford

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�� 32 Virginia’a Best Kept Secret 38 Atlantic Shores Riding Stable St. Lucia �� 50 Modern Day Warriors Sinead Halprin 64 Rolex Behind The Scenes

�� 52 Cushings Sunny’s Story 56 Choke

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�� 62 Must Haves: Tack & Health 66 Palm Partnership A Beneﬁt For Any Horse 66 Saddle Causing Pain? 68 Saddle Cleaning Q & A 70 Monologue or Dialogue? �� 42 Arena Design Bella Rose Farm 46 IHSA College Highlight: SCAD

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lite E questrian�

Celebrating The Equestrian Lifestyle

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www.EliteEquestrian.us info@EliteEquestrian.us �� Publisher: Bill Vander Brink Editor in Chief: Noelle Vander Brink Advertising Director, Western Region: Steve Neuman Ph: 303-646-3005 Cell: 303-877-0686 eliteequestrian7@aol.com Advertising Sales, N.E.Region: Kathy Dress 610-420-9964 kathy@dressmedia.us Advertising Sales, National: Diane Holt 713-408-8114 diane@eliteequestrian.us Editor at Large: Rebecca Larkin Art & Antiques Editor: Dr. Lori Verderame Equine Art Editor: Jeanne Chisholm Health Editor: Marilyn Miller-Heath Fashion Editor: LA Pomeroy Legal Editor: Avery S., Chapman,Esquire Saddle Specialist Editor: Jochen Schleese

NEXT ISSUE: Sept/Oct 2016 Deadline: Aug. 12, 2016 Editorial Deadline: Aug. 1, 2016 National Shows Health: Senior Horse Care Fashion: Fall Looks

Contributing Writers Louisa Barton Chris Cook Alessandra Deerinck Laura Farrell Nina Frisby Ashley Henry Dr. Amy Hayek Dr. Bill Ormston Charity M. Paashaus Lynn Palm Manuela Stefan Teddy Zimmerman Contributing Photographers PicHaus© Social Media: Vanessa Ashton Photography: Steven Edward

EElitequestrian

Celebrating The Equestrian Lifestyle

On the cover... A girl walks horses on the beach at St. Lucia. Photo by Manuela Stefan

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Riding in Paradise:

St Lucia

• Arena Design • IHSA Highlight • A Cushings Success Story

Virginia’s

Best Kept Secret

Fashion From Across The Pond Sinead Halprin: ��

BONUS DISTRIBUTION: JULY/AUGUST 2016 HITS Culpeper & Saugerties, Vermont Summer Festival,Great Lakes Equestrian Festival, Charleston Summer Classic, Princeton Show Jumping BONUS DISTRIBUTION: SEPT/OCT 2016 American Gold Cup, Dressage at Devon, Princeton Show Jumping, HITS Culpeper, PA National, Washington International, Alltech National, Longines Masters, Capital Challenge, Progressive Show Jumping,

For Media Kit email: info@EliteEquestrian.us

Elite Equestrian is a registered trademark owned by Elite Equestrian LLC. No article, photo, or part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent. Management reserves the right to approve or refuse any advertiser or contribution for any reason. EE does not endorse any product or advertiser and is not responsible for accuracy of information provided by advertisers or article content. Photographs are submitted by writers of each article who assume responsibility for usage approval. ©2016

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Whoa Factor MUST HAVES 1

Ovation Euroweave DX™ Campania Full Seat Breech Based on the popular Ovation Celebrity breech ﬁt, the Campania breech has ornate decorative silver lurex embroidery on front and back pockets. Comfort waist, two button front zip, matching stretch suede and Dry-Tex™ stretch ankle. Machine washable. Available in Midnight Navy and Boysenberry, see our ad pg 15, MSRP $99.95 www.englishridingsupply.com

One-Of-A-Kind Glass I strive for designs in Stained Glass that are realistic. The artwork are my original designs, I then fabricate the design in Stained Glass making them unique.I also welcome the opportunity to discuss custom designs. -Gerard Phillip Work can be ordered on www.philippstudio.com, PayPal accepted. See our ad pg 27

Limited Edition Sculptures available from Mary Sand. Commissions and trophies available as well. See our ad on page 27 MarySand.com

Custom Saddle Dressage Pad hand made by ZIKY. Cut for high withers and made to your speciﬁcations to ﬁt your horse. Show pads and special occasion - choose from a variety of elegant fabrics and trims. A/P or Jumper Pads are available as well. Pricing starts at $ 119.98. www.ZIKYboutique.com Check out ZIKYboutique on FB, Twitter, Instagram & Pinterest. See our ad pg 23

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The Chloe Chloe Full Seat Breeches by USG. The Chloe Breeches have a fun, whimsical look featuring paisley a printed belt and pocket accents & contrast stitching. Made with a 4-way stretch they will become one of your favorite schooling breeches! See our ad pg 27 www.FabulousHorse.com

Dansko Professional Clog for Women in Blue Ombre Patent The Stapled Clog Collection features a breathable open-cell PU foam footbed for temperature control, PU inner frame reduces torque, a protective TPU heel counter allows the heel to move up and down freely while providing lateral stability, a natural leather socklining for long-wearing, breathable comfort, and a PU outsole with a rocker bottom to propel movement. Available in sizes 35-43. clogkingdom.com See our ad pg 75

Horses Playing Footsie style belt in indigo on grey from Mango Bay. 2” wide, one of 3 new designs that complement Mango Bay’s other lively designs in teal, Wedgewood Blue and tan, as well as their 1 ½” and 1 ¼” belts. Made of cotton webbing and they close with ﬂat rings (not the old fashioned D’s), so they lay ﬂat, never slip and won’t scratch your saddle. Girls sizes XS to Women’s 3X. Made by hand in the U.S.A. and priced from only $19 to $24. Find them, as well as charming equestrian scarves, shirts and more at mangobaydesign.com See our ad page 23

Show Shirts Now you can stay cool comfortable and stylish inside the ring with the new Equestrian Show Shirts from Kastel Denmark. www.kasteldenmark.com or at equestrian boutique near you! See our ad page 35

Outstanding Style Check out our blazing colors of the Mayans on saddle pads, purses, and totes! Hand-woven and organically dyed. Tribal fabrics come together in unique ways with heirloom quality and craftsmanship. Four Basic colors and patterns. English Pads start at $89.95 and totes/purses from $24.95 to $350.00. Call us today! See our ad page 49 The Tack Shack (303) 794-6741, or visit www.tackshackonline.com

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MUDS® Stay Cool Boots 100% waterproof with antimicrobial insole for sweat and odor-reduction, made from durable Ozone Resistant Industrial Grade Rubber for no more cracking, stretching or dry rotting. In 6” height, available in Black, Blackberry and Deep Turquoise (shown), sizes 6-11 www.nobleoutﬁtters.com

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ummer Show in Style By Nina Frisby

tyle in the show ring is an essential element of a successful season. But nothing is worse than a perfect routine performed in breeches that are too tight, a shirt that you can’t move in and gloves that stretch out.To enhance your impact, get products that perform for you. Each Noble Outﬁtters™ item is carefully designed in close collaboration with equestrian enthusiasts and professionals. The combination of performance fabrics, traditional show style and fashion forward colors found in each Noble Outﬁtters Spring 2016 apparel piece will help you succeed, in the ring and out.

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orse riding is a serious sport, and as a high performing athlete, you need fabrics that perform for you. That is why all Noble Outfitters™ apparel is designed to exceed the performance needs of the equestrian athlete. One of the most important features both professional and amateur riders want, is moisture wicking fabric. Both Noble Outfitters Madison Show Shirt and Allison Pull On Show Shirt are made with Opti-Dry Technology that wicks moisture away. A technology applied to the material that draws the moisture or sweat away from the skin to the outside surface. When moisture has moved from the skin onto the outer surface, it has more area to evaporate - this is called wicking. This allows you to feel dry and comfortable. Specially engineered fibers create these high-performance show shirts that are soft, breathable and moisture wicking. Allison Pull Keep your cool in any situation On Show Shirt with the Noble Outfitters Madison Show Shirt. On top of the Opti-Dry Technology to wick moisture away, the shirt features a stretch mesh back panel for added breathability and a power mesh derarm panel for stretch and vent-ilation. A traditional styling and elegant details accompany these technical features. An angled collar with Prym® snaps lies nicely to conceal the colorful print on the interior that also matches the cuffs. Stitch and button detail gives this piece a custom-made feel, but this show shirt will out-perform in and out of the ring.

Another feature riders will appreciate is Madison the anti-microbial finish. Anti-microbial Show Shirt technologies effectively control the growth of odor-causing bacteria, minimizing the frequency of laundering and keeping fabrics fresher longer. Found in the new Noble Outfitters Allison Pull On Show Shirt, you’ll appreciate this new feature on especially hot days. All good riders will tell you that their apparel has to meet the high demands of their sport. One of them is the need for quality sun protection. Since horse riding is an outdoor sport and you are most likely spending extended time in the sun, clothing that doesn’t allow harmful UV rays to pass through it’s a must. Both Noble Outfitters show shirts, the Signature Breech, Universal Riding Tight, Balance Riding Tight and other shirts like the Miley Polo come with the rating of UPF 50+. All products with the UPF designation provide built-in sun protection that won’t wear off. Any rider knows the secret to great show season is starting with the right equipment. A great pair of perfectly fitting riding breeches is crucial to effective riding. You can find the best fit on the market with Noble Outfitters Signature Breech. The Signature Breech has a fit second to none. These mid-rise breeches feature a Euro seat design and a flattering and comfortable fit. Crafted from technical, 4-way stretch material, lightweight enough to provide a personalized fit for effortless comfort, the lightweight stretch hem is engineered to reduce bulk inside your riding boot. The Signature Breech is shorter than a traditional breech, so there is no extra fabric where you don’t need it, and the elastic material will contour to your leg for a customized fit. Toray Ultra-Suede knee patches will keep you securely in the saddle and the front stash pocket will keep your small belongings like keys or lip balm close to you. With the Opti-Dry technology, you can be sure that moisture will be wicked away, even on the hottest days. UPF 50+ offers additional protection from the sun. 20

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More...

Signature Breech

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To stay cool

head to toe, don’t forget about details like gloves or socks. Noble Outfitters has created the perfect gloves for hot, sweaty days spent on horseback. You will understand why this glove is called the Perfect Fit™ Cool Mesh Glove the moment you try it on. The breathable stretch mesh for fit and ventilation and double layer SureGrip™ synthetic suede palm conforms to your hand and the fabric is so light, you’ll forget you are wearing gloves at all. Available in nine dazzling colors such as Aqua Sky, Lime Punch or Tropical Palm, these gloves will keep your hands protected from the reins and the sun. Big plus – you don’t even have to take them off to snap a picture or make a quick phone call since they are touchscreen friendly. The Perfect Fit™ Cool Mesh Glove coordinates perfectly with Noble Outfitters Over the Calf Peddies™. Ultra thin fabric at calf is combined with a lightweight and breathable panel at top of the foot and Opti-Dry technology wicks away moisture. Heel to toe padded protection and ankle shield protection for boot pinch points makes them the perfect summer riding socks. Available in more than 30 summer prints and colors, the Noble Outfitters Over the Calf Peddies™ will surely bring color to your equestrian wardrobe. One of the newest products from Noble Outfitters are the MUDS® Stay Cool Boots in 6” height. These innovative low boots are 100% waterproof and extremely comfortable. Designed with an anti-microbial insole with a sweat and odor-reducing treatment, nobody can tell you’ve been wearing them for hours while cleaning your barn or doing other chores. Your feet will feel like walking on a memory foam mattress because Over the Calf Peddies™

Perfect Fit™ Cool Mesh Glove

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the interior of the shoe is contoured to fit your foot. Soft on the inside, tough on the outside. The boot is made from a durable Ozone Resistant Industrial Grade Rubber. That means no more cracking, stretching or dry rotting. The new MUDS® Stay Cool Boots in 6” height are available in Black, Blackberry and Deep Turquoise and in sizes 6-10, 11, available now at 2,500 dealers nationwide or in July 2016 at nobleoutfitters.com. The ultimate goal of the Noble Outfitters is to create high-quality and high-performance products for equestrian enthusiasts. In an industry rich in tradition, Noble Outfitters products are all purpose-built with innovative designs and features. The combination of timeless style, performance features, and elegant details will help you look incredible and feel unbelievable in the show ring and out. From performance apparel to leather accessories, see the entire Spring 2016 Collection at www.nobleoutfitters.com or your local tack store.

MUDS® Stay Cool Boots

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Fashion Highlights

From Across The Pond

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The Spanish Boot Company have just released a series of images shot by fashion photographer Jon Szymanski for their new summer campaign featuring the brand’s ﬁrst sponsored rider, leading event rider Georgie Spence. The shoot features the rider with her horses in and around her Wiltshire yard and showcases the brand’s new clothing and footwear collection. You can watch the behind scenes video here: https://youtu.be/Sh-ANXO8uDs Georgie has continued to build her reputation for consistently performing at top level and in 2015 went double clear at Burghley Horse Trials for the second year running to ﬁnish in 12th place on Wii Limbo, the rider’s best result to date. www.thespanishbootcompany.co.uk ROMANCING THE STONE! Looking for the perfect summer boot? Then these beautiful Valverde Jodphur Boots from The Spanish Boot Company in a range of gorgeous summery shades have been imported from southern Spain just to tempt you. This season you can choose from Stone, Green and Camel, offering the perfect compliment to your new season wardrobe. Featuring a full suede upper, these boots are fully leather lined and feature an elasticated section allowing you to slip them on and off with ease. Kick back this summer in style! Valverde Jodphur Boots RRP: £155.00 Available in unisex sizing Sizes: UK 2.5 – 10 www.thespanishbootcompany.co.uk

HIGH STAKES FASHION Racing inspired fashion brand, Freddie Parker have teamed up with a top London fashion stylist to create a one off couture hat made entirely out of their shirt fabric! The British brand commissioned stylist and accessories designer Twinks Burnett to create a couture piece to embody the versatility of their shirts and the ﬁnal design doesn’t disappoint. Cleverly incorporating a shirt collar and ribbon styled from their shirt plankets and featuring their bold signature ‘Galloping horse and rider’ motif, the hat is ﬁnished with plumes of features and vintage Gold netting for a look which is a sure fast winner in the style stakes. www.freddieparker.com 24

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SHOW OFF THIS SUMMER! The new ‘Equetech Showing Collection’, combines a passion for heritage whilst combining 21st century design details across it’s latest ridden and lead rein collection. New for this season is a stunning new tweed ‘Stowe’, which embraces a ﬂattering Green herringbone tweed with a timeless triple Navy and Canary over check design. This beautiful new tweed is translated into single breasted riding jackets and for showing in-hand and lead rein competitors, the new collection offers tailored waistcoats, jackets, Baker Boy and Edwardian style showing hats. For further information on their new and expanding showing collection: Image shows Equetech Stowe Deluxe Tweed Riding Jacket (Sizes: 8 – 24) Prices start at RRP: £130.50 & Stowe Deluxe Tweed Lapel Waistcoat (Sizes: 8 – 24) RRP: £88.95 and matching Baker Boy Hat RRP: £36.50 www.equetech.com

X-TRA GRIP! These gorgeous breeches are available through premium retailer Dressage Deluxe combining fabulous style with clever fabric technology within their design. The Equiline Cedar Breeches are styled from a ‘Schoeller microfibre’ fabric featuring a revolutionary ‘X-Grip’ full seat with four way stretch silicon, which offers superior stability in the saddle, freedom of movement and total comfort. The waist-block system grants optimal fitting on the waist and the stretch cuff system on the bottom of the leg provides the perfect fit, without adding bulk in your riding boots. Get the e’X’tra factor in your breeches this spring/summer! RRP: £189.00 Sizes: 6 -16 Grey, Marsh, Navy, White & Dark Brown. www.dressagedeluxe.co.uk

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Art & Antiques

by Dr. Lori The Art of Storing China ��

If you have your heirloom china, crystal, porcelain, and nic nacs in a lighted china closet or display case with lamps inside, don’t position your collectibles too close to the lamps. Once, during an in-home appraisal service call, I had to break the news to a Waterford crystal collector who had her entire collection on display in just such a cabinet. She told me that every Sunday she turned on the lights inside that cabinet so her dinner guests could admire her lovely collection. Well, I found all of the damage that they were admiring. Every one of those Waterford pieces on the top shelf, the ones closest to the lights, was cracked from the heat trapped in that glass display cabinet. My client had been unknowingly damaging her crystal with a weekly dose of high intensity heat. And, like the hot china cabinet, another poor locale for storing your art or antiques is the attic where temperature and humidity changes take place as often as the seasons change. The basement has all the room in the world for the storage of your treasures like china and crystal yet it usually too damp to store those precious pieces. Now that you know where not to store your stuff, here’s a tip on how to store it. No cardboard boxes. That’s right, no cardboard boxes. They attract bugs, are high in acid content, and will stain your ceramics, photographs, and works on paper. Cardboard boxes will soak up any water like a sponge. Water means moisture, moisture means mold, and then we have a recipe for disaster. I have had clients and audience members ask me, “Dr. Lori, what if my antique or collectible (like my circa 1930s Mickey Mouse child’s tea set worth $500) came in a cardboard box originally? Should I keep that box?” Just because it came in a cardboard box, doesn’t mean it has to stay in a cardboard box when you store it. Of course, the original box should be kept and does have value, but to preserve the antique object long term, take

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it out of the cardboard box for long term storage. Depending on what your object is, store the object and the box separately wrapped in acid free paper or in a plastic tub. Remember bubble wrap is not for long term storage but instead it is for short term transport. You should wrap your heirlooms in white, acid free tissue paper or white cotton cloths, but never in bubble wrap for long term storage. Bubble wrap traps heat and it captures damaging moisture. You want to keep your art and antiques dry and in good shape even while you are storing them. �� E ��

A Li’l Herc™

Welcome

Howdy!

I’m Li’l Herc and you’ll be seeing me in the months ahead on the pages of Elite Equestrian. My owner, Suzanne Kopp-Moskow, and her friend, Beatrice Bulteau, think I’m a funny guy. Beatrice is an amazing artist and loves to draw pictures of me, along with my friends Marie and Frida (she’s a dog). I hope you get a laugh from my visit to the dentist …though I have to say ’bad teeth is no laughing matter.’

Suzanne and Beatrice have their ﬁrst book coming out in November. It is a true story about how I help Marie heal from a difﬁcult time in her life. Marie had a birth defect and had to have an operation to help her body. Marie had feelings of being different than other kids. Horses are good at helping people. I think that if people had the qualities of a horse, the world would be a merrier place. Marie and Frida agree, so we are making plans for the “Li’l Herc Merry-GoAround the World™” tour to spread kindness. Find us at www.lilhercworld.com or on Facebook: ‘Li’l Herc A Horse.’ Tell me if you like what you see, I’d love to hear from you.

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Pretties for Horses

MyBuddyBling.com

�� Pat Davis, Owner Pat@mybuddybling.com

Visit www.EliteEquestrian.us for more feature articlesnew additions added frequently! You can also read any of our previous issues on our web site for free!

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equine art featured artist

Ruben Ramonda, Represented By

Polo Argentino, etiqueta negra 36” x 60”, acrylic on canvas, 2016, $4.000

Taking The Lead, 40” x 60”, oil on canvas, 2007, $4,250 Signed on the back of the canvas

Polo Argentino 12” x 16”, acrylic on canvas, 2015, $1.500 Signed on the back of the canvas

Harness race, 30” x 60”, oil on canvas, $3.500, 2012 Signed on he back of the canvas

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Derby, 10” x 12”

Trece 12”x 12”

845-505-1147 • 561-557-3747 www.ChisholmGallery.com Wellington Place 13532 Fountain View Boulevard Wellington FL 33414, USA Please Visit: http://chisholmgallery.com

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His & Hers:

Richard Trayford Gets Equi-adventurous ��

isionary is a heavy word not to be lightly thrown.

But for Richard Trayford, CEO of Equiventures, LLC, if the horse shoe ﬁts then wear it. The Equiventures mission statement is to present high quality courses for international competitions and produce a progressive, educational series of annual events, thereby maintaining Ocala, Florida’s position as a regional competitive epicenter of US eventing. Much like the sport he loves, going forward means looking up and ahead, so next on his horizon line is an inaugural CIC3* for the Ocala Jockey Club, November 24-27, where $100,000 in prize money will make it the richest purse ever awarded at a recognized horse trials below four-star level in North America. Last summer Equiventures announced a signiﬁcant portion of the 950-acre Ocala Jockey Club would be developed into an eventing facility and, as host of a CIC3*, received an RFP (request for proposal) from the U.S. Equestrian Federation (USEF) to apply to host a CCI4* beginning in 2018.

That’s foresight. That’s vision. HERS: What brought you to the United States? HIS: Horse sports brought us here. Ocala and its great horse business makes it easy to stay.

HERS: And how do you convince the public to attend? HIS: To start, the best way to promote a horse show is to leave the word ‘horse’ out of it!

HERS: How so? HIS: We’ve seen forty percent growth annually. Partly because of an improving economy and partly because of a strong horse market. You have vast stretches of land eventers need, abundant farmland and a superior climate. Our last two festivals had 450 and 600 entries. In eventing, those are good numbers.

HERS: In other words, focus on what’s universally appealing about any sporting event. HIS: When people actually see horses, they love them. But if you don’t know anything about them, going to a show can be intimidating. I’ve taken a page or two from vintage car club rallies, which are great places for tailgating. I’d like to line our courses with tailgaters. Big sporting events like Rolex drew 100,000 spectators, Badminton boasted 250,000.

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HERS: In other words, don’t just ‘preach to the converted?’ HIS: Exactly! Let’s have rock bands. Let’s televise Florida Gators games in a vendor tent and give dads a football game to watch while the rest watch horses. Why not? It’s a win-win if we can attract a family, not just those who love horses. Let’s have really exciting vendor villages and arts-and-crafts fairs. Too often vendors are treated like an afterthought when they should be seen as equally important to the experience.

HERS: And thank those Badminton beginnings for this next venture turning Florida into the center of winter eventing. HIS: It wasn’t an original idea to escape the weather! The further north you are the more likely you want to escape to Florida. I want the region to be more than a practice place. It could become a really important place. Eventing hasn’t been a big money sport but the cost of flying three-day horses is the same as show jumpers. We’re bidding on a 4* that would make Florida only the second American event to achieve that and Ocala one of only six in the world. Top riders will come if it’s a proper tradition and we’ve got to draw international riders and offer larger purses. If we’re savvy about sponsorship, we’ll keep moving forward. Horse shows aren’t necessarily profitable but can at least get less expensive. �� HERS: Speaking of family, is this what you wanted to be when you grew up? HIS: I grew up five miles from Badminton, which was considered the center of eventing, and idolized riders like Mark Todd, Lucinda Green, or Richard Meade, who won back-toback (1968, 1972) Olympic Three-Day Team medals and never gave up his day job! I also grew up fox hunting and it was my business for ten years, selling horses into hunting sometimes for pro eventers like Clayton Fredericks, Ollie Tonned and Matt Ryan, so I’ve always been connected to horses.

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Richard Trayford and his wife, professional rider Daisy, are called one of eventing’s ‘super couples.’ Before moving to Florida from the UK, their Exmoor Eventing was one of the biggest sellers of eventing horses, with a keen eye for good Irish sport horses and celebrity clientele like Madonna. Two years after purchasing Equiventures, their Florida Horse Park events broke records for most entries ever at a USEA horse trials. A confessed product of ‘old school’ horsemanship and farming, Richard and Daisy’s clients include top international riders and British Masters of the hunt and they continue to export sport horses worldwide while growing Florida’s winter eventing series. Learn more at www. equiventures.com. Equinista (fashionista + equestrienne) L.A. Pomeroy is a 2016 AHP Equine Media Awards and 2016 Syracuse Press Club sports writing award winner committed to bringing readers the horse world’s most forward-thinking individuals and trends. Learn more at lapomeroy.com.

HERS: Were your parents horse people? HIS: I have a dad who is a ‘horse guy’ and a mom who thought they were a waste of money. Both their families were horse mad, and several trained at the legendary Molly Sivewright’s Talland yard in the UK. But Mum wasn’t necessarily wrong. Making a living in eventing is nigh on impossible. You can’t even pretend to make money. Since I’m of a practical nature, I found that running shows was a good middle ground. I suppose I can thank her for that.

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Maria Taylor, Realtor

Equestrian Property Specialist Providing quality real estate services to buyers and sellers “Let me put my real estate and equestrian experience to work for you!”

6319 Lower York Road New Hope, Pa 18938

215-862-3385 x 7674 Cell: 215-317-3062

Ottsville, Bucks County, PA

Chalfont, Bucks County, PA

Calling all equestrians, contractors or car/hobby enthusiasts! Spacious brick/ wood exterior house with curb appeal, professional landscaping, fenced pastures. Formal LR & DR w/ crown molding & hardwood ﬂoors. Lrg well appointed Kit, Atrium door to huge 2level deck spanning rear of house. Ofﬁce/library w/ built-in shelves, window seats, closet. 5 Bed, Main suite has dress room, bath w/granite topped, 2-sink vanity, whirlpool tub, separate shower. Finished lower level, bar w/cabinets, sink & full-size refrigerator. 36’ x 48’ pole barn: 3-stalls w/Dutch doors to 3 pastures, 12 x 12 heated tack room, hot/cold water, 100 amp electric. Just under 11 acres, close to Philly, NYC & Princeton. $925,000

Bring your horses! Idyllic property features comfortable, distinctive layout w/ rear fenced deck, water features & barn for horses or small animals.Eat-in kitchen has granite counters, mosaic backsplash, huge pantry closet, SS appliances, crown molding and desk area. Formal DR, great room w/ skylights & view of second ﬂoor bridge hallway with 14’ ceiling, beams and two high windows for additional light. Den, Sunroom, 3 Lrg Bed, hall bath, Master bed w/ spectacular private bath. Barn (24 x 66) w/ water, electric, 7 stalls, wide center aisle, hayloft, has overhang spaning length of barn providing extra shelter, riding ring/dry lot, 2 add’l grazing pastures, 2 sheds. Close to Bucks County Horse Park and Lake Nockamixon trails. $500,000

Fashion Farms, Solebury Twp, Bucks County, PA

Fashion Farms,Upper Makeﬁeld Twp, Bucks County, PA

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Exquisite, steeped in history dating to the original William Penn land grant, with three exceptional homes, this 193 acre working horse farm, located in Solebury Township in Bucks County, PA, is the epitome of a distinguished estate for gracious living and entertaining and for an equestrian or agricultural business. With spectacular, panoramic long views and surrounded by beautiful natural features, including two picturesque ponds, this is one of the area’s most prestigious estates. It is an extraordinary compound of homes and outbuildings in an incomparable setting. The epitome of a gracious country estate, the most discerning buyer will recognize its unique possibilities and the joys of its ownership.

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COVER

Story Atlantic Shores

The ‘

Riding Stables’:

a St Lucian

haven By Manuela Stefan

look for horses and their people in unique locations around the world. I uncover stories speaking of connection and I hope to inspire others through my images and words.

My photography work brought me to St Lucia this year and I used the opportunity to tap into the local equine world. To my delight, I found a place of great beauty and authenticity: the Atlantic Shores Riding Stables.

A few elements distinguish this horseback riding operation from others: its breathtaking, off-thebeaten-path location, the amount of land the horses freely roam on and the owners’ commitment to their well being. 38

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A breathtaking location, unlike any other The Atlantic Shores Riding Stables are located on the South side of the island, near Vieux-Fort, an area currently less developed than the North. Their riding trails meander on a vast, spectacular piece of private land with breathtaking views of the Atlantic ocean. Standing on the edge of the shoreline and looking down at the waves crashing against its rocks is an experience which remains engraved into the soul. “We always chuckle whenever our guests anxiously ride through the wooded areas, wondering if we will also take them to the ocean. And then, when they least expect it, the trail opens in front of their eyes and they see it - the beautiful Atlantic coastline, leaving them in total awe of this magical place”. The story behind the ‘Atlantic Shores Riding Stables’ in St Lucia My main point of contact at the Atlantic Shores Riding Stables has been an admirable man: Wayne Imbert, one of the three owners. Wayne’s passion, enthusiasm, desire to share the beauty of his island and his love for the horses were the deciding factors and a conﬁrmation that I was going to the right place. Wayne has ridden horses since his early teenage years. He met one of his current partners and admirable horseman, Max Dalphinis, while racing for him at the time. “Max is a gentle soul and he is totally against using whips on his horses, so that caught my attention at a very young age. I knew right then how special the horses were to him”, recalls Wayne. The idea of the riding stables was born in 2003, when Wayne crossed paths again with Max. “We decided to start our own riding stable and be the ﬁrst in Vieux-Fort to have a facility everyone could be proud of. We wanted to showcase our South and do something we both were very passionate about”, says Wayne. Even before meeting Max during my visit, I was already intrigued with Wayne’s soulful description of him. Max is a special human being whose gentle eyes read straight into your soul. He has a natural, caring and respectful way with the horses and they reciprocate the love and kindness. Max takes great pride in sharing the beauty of the land and visitors fall in love with the trails because of the freedom they experience while riding. Wayne’s childhood friend, Rhon Stephens, joined in and took over the business side of the operation, ensuring everything runs smoothly. The three friends are now a tight team with one common goal in mind: to offer their guests the ultimate adventure. 40

The horses at the Atlantic Shores Riding Stables The Atlantic Shores horses are a mix of Arabs, Thoroughbreds, Quarter horses and smaller local breeds, which makes them very well adapted to the terrain. These animals are supple, agile, well trained and mannered, making them a delight to ride and be around. “We provide them with everything they need to be happy and healthy. We are not a rescue organization but we have purchased horses that were pretty much skin and bones and provided them with a loving home where they could roam free and be horses again”, says Wayne. The horses are spirited and playful and watching them take a bath in the ocean is quite a spectacle. I have never seen horses have so much fun whenever a big wave splashed against them! They would completely disappear in the warm water for a couple of seconds and come right back up, shaking their beautiful bodies to rid of salty drops. www.EliteEquestrian.us

A socially conscious operation The stables employ a few young handlers who are very connected to the horses. “A lot of kids here in Vieux-Fort own a horse and love riding on the beach. We wanted to have a business that could employ some of them after they left high school. It’s hard to get a job here after graduation, so we wanted to offer them the opportunity to learn the trade of the business. It introduces them to the tourism product and hopefully one day they can start their own businesses” says Wayne. After having been the main farrier for a while, Max has passed his skills on to a few of the young handlers and they are now the ones shoeing the horses when needed. They provide this service to other horse owners on the island and everybody wins.

Visions for the future “Our goal is to provide a safe, fun and memorable riding adventure in St. Lucia. We want our guests to visit us and have the time of their lives. We love what we do and we love showing our trails. Horseback riding on a tropical beach is high on the bucket list of many travelers. We want our guests to leave here completely satisﬁed and exhilarated after touring with us”, says Wayne. Aside from unparalleled trail riding and (soon to come) sunset rides, there are plans for a jumping arena and classes in horsemanship, nutrition and hoof care.

Visit the Atlantic Shores Riding Stables’ website at www. atlanticridingstables.com and book your riding adventure ﬁrst time you are on St Lucia. You will be delighted!

Equine photographer Manuela Stefan’s work has been seen in Elite Equestrian, Horse Canada, Performance Horse Digest, The Rider, Equitrekking, Top50 Ranches, Equine VIP. She exhibits her large format equine images in art shows and galleries across Canada, US and Europe. Manuela is available for private and commercial equine photographic commissions in Canada and internationally. Visit her website, read her travel blog and shop for equine art at: www.gracefulhorses.com Follow her adventures on Facebook: www.facebook.com/GracefulHorsesPhotography

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Bella Rose Farm Morris, IL

Challenge – Bright and peaceful riding environment Solution – Hercules Truss Arch Building Size – 100’ wide x 180’ long Application – Indoor riding arena Pete and Tammy Baldine, along with their daughter, Professional Trainer Laura Reist, are the owners of Bella Rose Farm, a hunter/jumper show facility located in Morris, IL. The Baldines needed an indoor arena that would provide a bright and peaceful riding environment, and that would also be able to endure the harsh Illinois winters. A�er extensive research, they decided to purchase a ClearSpan Hercules Truss Arch Building.

The Baldines are extremely impressed with the atmosphere of their ClearSpan building. “The lighting is great. You really don’t need to turn on any lights during the day because it is so bright. Also, there are no spooky areas or dark corners to scare the horses, so they love it,” says Tammy. They also enjoy the peacefulness of the structure, and she says, “Even when there’s heavy wind or inclement weather, the building stays very quiet.” Pete admits that he was initially worried about the durability of a fabric structure, but now says, “The structure has proved to be extremely sturdy. We recently got two feet of snow in one night, and I was delighted to wake up the next morning to ﬁnd that the snow had slid right oﬀ the sides and le� the building completely unharmed.” 42

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Arena Irrigation Systems Benefits: • Easy To Use • Customized To Fit Any Size Arena • Easy Self Installation • No More Harmful Chemicals • Eliminate Need For Footing Material Additives • Runs Off Standard Wells • Requires Minimal Water Pressure • Designed To Prevent Freezing

Another aspect the Baldines liked about the ClearSpan experience was their interaction with the construction crew. “ClearSpan was very diligent in helping us understand exactly what we were ge�ing and how the installation process would work,” explains Pete. Pleased with their purchase, Pete states, “The ClearSpan building was lower in price than our other building options, but a�er the beneﬁts we have experienced, we would still choose a ClearSpan structure in the future, even if it wasn’t the least expensive option.”

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ow Savannah College of Art and Design Built its Back-to-Back

IHSA National Championship Winning Program ��

I’m looking back at our season, which began with me standing in front of our equestrian team and saying, “I have an end goal in sight and so should all of you.” It culminated in Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) winning our second consecutive IHSA National Championship.

The IHSA National Championships were held in May in the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. The top 18 teams in the country out of 500 are there at Nationals. So getting there is a huge accomplishment! In order to get there, we competed in nine shows and won the region as a team. This took us to zone finals where it became more challenging, competing against other teams we hadn’t seen. If you don’t finish first or second at zone, you don’t go to Nationals. We won our zone. Before Nationals, I pulled up livestreams online and showed my novice riders the stadium where they would be riding. Having been to National Finals myself as a freshman, I remember being shocked walking in – you forget about riding a bit. Most college competitors get nervous at national finals. So we take a deep breath, in the nose and out the mouth, and focus. Some riders need pressure: my upper-level riders want to know the specifics of how many points are on the board. I tell my younger riders that knowing points doesn’t matter, instead they have a checklist to go over. Discipline is a word I use a lot. Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard. In collegiate horseback riding you can always improve because you’re riding a different horse. A horse can change its mind quickly because the horse has its own opinion about things: the weather, the crowd, their physical state of mind. When my students come out to practice, discipline begins the moment the horse is at the mounting block. Riders begin assessing their horse from its ground manners, the way they feel when they get on. If you can’t feel it at the beginning, how can you effectively advance to the next tempo? Riders need to have incredible endurance and stamina. In competitions, judges assess your ability to continue to perform even after you’ve been in the ring a long time. You 46

get tired, and the horse gets tired too, which sometimes causes the horse to be more aggressive. Everything we do is judged on posture. As a team we practice power yoga, so our riders are aware of their bodies. I say, “Think about what we did in yoga when you’re on your horse.” In yoga you have to accept losing balance, but with it comes the realization you can regain it quickly. Outsiders are sometimes surprised to learn that SCAD has varsity athletics. In fact, SCAD is the ﬁrst art and design university in the U.S. to offer a comprehensive intercollegiate athletics program. Before I became SCAD equestrian coach, I was a SCAD student. I came to SCAD to ride. I know competition pressure, so I’m able to say to my riders, “I’ve been in your shoes.” I’m a hands-on person, an artistic person. I have a very close relationship with my students as developing artists. We’ll be sitting in the bus on the way to a horse show and they’ll show me their work. I was a studio major, studying jewelry design while at SCAD, and I know how time-consuming the academic work is. The equestrian team and facilities have come a long way since I was a student. At the time, SCAD rented a small facility off Dean Forest Road right outside Savannah. There were 16 of us on the team, and the majority of the horses were privately-owned, boarded horses. When I was team captain other athletes looked askance at our program, wondering how we ﬁt into varsity athletics. It drove me crazy, because I had a lot of respect for other sports. I played so many of them before focusing solely on being an equestrian. www.EliteEquestrian.us

We now have the gorgeous Ronald C. Waranch Equestrian Center in Hardeeville, South Carolina, just across the bridge from Savannah. In 2005, my ﬁrst year working at SCAD, Diane and Jerry Whitlow donated 100 acres speciﬁcally for the equestrian program. I remember driving out to the Telfair Plantation on the old trails and roads and envisioning what SCAD had planned out for our show arenas and paddocks. Of course it took resources, but it was imagined into being. As the program started doing well, we grew to 25 then 30 members and I said, “This is not a club team. I want it to run more like a college athletic team, with tryouts.” The program has continued to grow. In my 11th year coaching, we now have 65 artist-athletes on the equestrian team. Freshmen come into the team and are proud of their past accomplishments, but we go back to the basics: understanding your foundation, understanding your body. When prospective students visit the equestrian center, I talk to them about the history of the program. Maybe they like horses, but aren’t competitive and don’t want to jump. And that’s okay, it just means maybe the team isn’t the right avenue for them. SCAD has a B.A. degree program in equestrian studies, so they can still engage their passion for horses as an equestrian studies major without competing.

What’s next

for SCAD Equestrian? We are preparing to keep carrying on our championship legacy. Right now I’m nine months pregnant. I planned my family around the national ﬁnals. I had to tell my husband to hold his horses, our team has a national championship to win ﬁrst. We did it. ��

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MODERN DAY Warriors Rolex 2016 By Charity M. Paashaus Photos by PicHaus©

The powerhouse sport of eventing is unlike any other athletic endeavor, equine or otherwise. The Rolex Three-Day event held in Lexington Kentucky is the only 4-Star in the U.S., making it the crowning jewel of the sport this side of the pond. It is comprised of three unique phases that are meant to test the horse and rider pair’s bond, and more importantly, their communication. Throughout the dressage, Cross-Country, and Show Jumping, there is a common and implicit theme that will either make or break you, and THAT is balance. Balanced transitions, balance before, over and after the jumps, balanced emotions and competition nerves, balancing control and faith, is all in a day’s work for these talented riders. One wrong step, an incorrect stride count, a turn too early or too late, one too many half-halts can prove to be devastatingly costly.

Asking Sinead how she has recovered after completing Rolex in the TOP-TEN, driving her horses home to New Jersey, getting her training program up and running again, and so on, she said she was in “The Post Rolex Depression.” She explained it was much like the feeling after your wedding. All the planning, organizing, preparation, and in a few moments it is all over and you think to yourself, now what? She is excited for her spring and summer up north to train her students and her string of horses for what looks to be a very busy fall season for team SHE.

The breed of athletes that take on this demanding and dangerous sport are in a class all their own.The amount of dedication, sacrifice, early mornings, late evenings, broken hearts and bones, blood, sweat, and tears that go in to arriving at the Rolex 3-day event, is only understood by the riders themselves and the tireless support teams that stand beside them every step of the way. In order to be successful and safe in the upper levels, it is absolutely imperative that horse and rider both are one hundred percent confident in themselves, in each other, and making split second decisions… each and every moment in training, and in competition. The sport is growing in popularity by leaps and bounds as the massive crowds, even in the pouring rain, proved over the Rolex weekend. Fans from every walk of life cheering with their hearts in their throats for Cross-Country, with eyes of delicate and quiet admiration for the dressage, and hungry anticipation for the last and final phase of showjumping. Yes of course we have our favorite riders, but the

“Our sport is so hard that we aren’t competing against each other, we are competing against the sport.” thing I love most about eventing and the people involved in it, is the support for each and every competitor. It is almost as if we place our goals and wishes in the irons with them as these brave riders complete these super-human feats. Galloping off at speeds many cannot comprehend, to a course that horse has never seen, with pinpoint accuracy, truly makes these individuals modern day warriors. Riders like Buck Davidson Jr.,Sinead Halpin, Lainey Ashker and Michael Jung not only make their living by competing and teaching this sport, they make this outrageously difﬁcult task look easy! The poise they exude and down- toearth personas are what makes them fan favorites and premier competitors. 50

Eventing is not for everyone, not even for the few, but solely for those who can leave ego at the in-gate and lay their hopes and dreams at the feet of chance. I was lucky enough to be able to catch up with Sinead Halpin, International 4-Star rider, a week after Rolex to hear her thoughts on the event at her home base in Long Valley, New Jersey. I sat for about an hour before our interview and watched her teach an adult amateur like myself, with such enthusiasm and genuine interest in the pair’s success. We walked up to her barn and found a table and chairs outside her very busy barn aisle, and settled in to our interview space amidst the 50-degree northeastern spring temps.

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Knowing a little bit of the social dynamics within the competitor ﬁeld, I wanted to know what it was like to compete against riders that you are very close, and some, best friends with. Did that effect how you competed, and what did it look like behind the scenes? Sinead, as she always does, had the perfect answer. “Our sport is so hard that we aren’t competing against each other, we are competing against the sport.” Sinead made mention of the climate in the barns during the cross-country phase of the 3 days, and it was nothing but supportive. Riders that had just completed the challenging track came back and relayed how the course was riding, spots to look out for, and how to make the optimum time. It is an aspect of the sport that sets it apart, and makes its athletes so dear to our hearts. Sinead is known to have a ﬁerce game face while competing, so I was personally curious what thoughts were behind that stern, experienced look. She explained that there isn’t an ounce of free space in your mind when you are competing at that level, her constant thought is “it’s me against myself.” And “make something happen.” A lesson for all of us in the sport, even at the lower levels, let our focus be what motivates us, not what holds us back. Sinead has been a competitive event rider for over 20 years and has completed six 4-Star events so I wanted her perspective on how the sport has changed since her arrival on the scene. She expressed that she is grateful for having

Listen at 100.1FM 900AM in Ocala and 1230AM in Gainesville participated in many of the older “Long Format” events as it helped her have a very well rounded understanding of what it takes to achieve fitness for the horse and rider, and the importance of being involved in EVERY aspect of the sport from feeding, husbandry, grooming, and the seemingly small aspects of horse care that would otherwise be overlooked. “The sport has evolved and become far more technical in its evolution, I really love how all three phases have become of equal importance to your success in competition.” Generally speaking, surprises aren’t a positive thing in competition, however Sinead recounted that she was pleasantly surprised with how well her mount, Tate, came out and jumped in the stadium round on the Sunday. Despite the tiring struggle to find good ground cross country due to the driving rain for the entire day, he came out as a true and seasoned athlete and performed to exceed expectations. Sinead wrapped up her 2016 Rolex competition sitting in 10th place overall, a very coveted position to say the least. Now that she has had time to breath and settle a bit, Sinead turns her focus to coaching and bringing along the dedicated students that train under her. She has a passion for the young riders in our sport and loves helping them succeed. I asked her what council she gives the youth of the discipline that come to be working students for her and have high-level competition goals. “Don’t be in a hurry, give you and your horse the time you need to figure it all out. If you have something outside of horses that you are gifted at or enjoy doing, explore that too. Don’t wait until you don’t have the ability to, and try to keep your pursuits in balance.” She also spoke about the importance of being ok with yourself at your worst, “there will be far more downs than ups and more low times than highlights, you have to be ok with yourself at your worst.” She expressed the importance of her students having an open, positive mind and they HAVE to like their horses. “If you don’t like your horse, how am I supposed to?” Sinead admits her nerves get the better of her while watching her students compete, probably more

so than when she herself is competing. She invests so much in to her riders, but when it’s competition time, it is all on them. “They’ve got to trust me yes, but more importantly they need to trust themselves. For my adult amateur riders, I really encourage them to find the right horse that makes it fun for them, and definitely find the right coach. There is a lot of not-so-great information out there, if there is an upper-level professional in your area, invest and go train with them every chance you get.” One of my final questions for Sinead was pertaining to how she feels about her successes, what does it feel like to have done what you’ve done? “The internal struggle to be content is a hard one, I try to let myself sit still long enough to reflect on the triumphs, but there is this ever burning hunger that we upper-level riders seem to not be able to turn off. I am always thinking, how can this be better or that be better, how can I be better?”

All breeds and all disciplines, horse behavior, great interviews, up to date relevant horse news, we are media partners with HITS, the Eclipse Awards, the Kentucky Derby, the Breeders’ Cup and more. We do trivia questions, British banter, prizes and on-air giveaways for equestrians.

You have to be ok with yourself at your worst.

After spending that brief time with her and getting a deeper understanding of what makes her who she is, I have to believe that the “Burning hunger” that keeps her awake at night is the reason for her greatness and her success. I believe it is what drives them to push harder, jump higher, press the limits, it is what sets the upper-level riders apart from the pack. It is what drives them, to be them.

Louisa Barton Horse Talk Show Host and Executive Producer

Listen Every Saturday Morning!

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EQUINE HEALTH

Sunny’s Story: A Cure for Cushing’s ��

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Medicine Surgery Dentistry Hospitalization Ambulatory Digital Radiography In-House Laboratory

Dr. Suzanne J. Smith 72 Spring Mills Road Milford, NJ

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Results Recap/Timeline ACTH Levels Symptoms

Odd pattern of hair growth and length; Fat deposits; Cresty neck; Swollen sheath; Excessive urination

Diet

High sugar, concentrated

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Before 293 (High-normal is 35)

After 27 Hair coat and growth, body fat, neck crest, sheath, and urination normal Low sugar

Treatment Timeline: Cushing’s Diagnosis: end of 2014/ beginning of 2015 ACTH Levels: 293 (High-normal is 35) Prescription/ Duration - Prascend for 1 year – with no positive results Natural Herbal Approach/Probiotics & Digestive Enzymes et al./ Duration – Cushings Support Herbs for 4 months ACTH Levels March 2016: 27 Results: Normal, Cushing’s-free Cushing’s/ Metabolic Support Kit – Earth Song Ranch Earth Song Ranch’s natural herbal Cushing’s protocol is available as a kit and includes: • 2 lbs Cushing/IR/Metabolic Herbal Support • 2 lbs Kelp • 2 Qts Chaste Tree Berry Tea • 3.5 lbs Equine-Zyme Digestive Enzymes & Pre/Probiotics

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EQUINE HEALTH

CHOKE – CALL 911? ��

When anyone hears the word choke, visions arise of someone hunched over a tabletop unable to breathe because of a piece of food lodged in their windpipe. The Heimlich maneuver rushes to the forefront of our thoughts, the maneuver is performed and the problem is solved. In the horse, it is a different story. Choke in a horse is not an obstruction in the trachea (or windpipe), but it is an obstruction in the esophagus (or food pipe). Not considered to be the dire emergency that it is in the human; it is, however, a situation that must be taken care of quickly by your veterinarian. ESPOPHAGEAL ANATOMY The esophagus or food pipe is a muscular structure that starts in the back of the mouth and lies adjacent to the trachea or windpipe. When the horse chews food, it forms a bolus, which is pushed to the rear of the mouth and swallowed. It is here that the bolus enters the esophagus. At the same time, the epiglottis closes off the tracheal opening disallowing the food to enter the trachea. The food bolus begins its journey via the esophagus, through the chest cavity, through the diaphragm, and ﬁnally arriving at the stomach located in the abdominal cavity. Due to the basic construct of the esophagus, there are places along the way that narrow and can easily be obstructed by the bolus thus resulting in a choke condition.

CAUSES Generally speaking, the most common cause of choke is the swallowing of food or other material that is too dry or coarse, food not chewed correctly, or food that rapidly swells once chewed. A greedy horse, a food competitive horse, a foal too young to properly chew hay, and most any horse that strays from the normal eating pattern can trigger choke They can become choked from various substances, which include but not limited to grain and hay, corncobs, whole carrots and apples, fruit cores/pits, shavings, salt block chucks, and most any other non-food item that can be attracted to a horse’s curious mouth. Additionally, when some foods mix with saliva or water, they expand rapidly. This is not limited to only beet pulp but to pelleted grains as well. The end result is that the mass becomes lodged in the esophagus and cannot continue the pathway of the GI tract.

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Older horses can be predisposed to choke due to poor teeth. Missing teeth, wave mouth or loose teeth can cause a horse to hurry the chewing process or eliminate it entirely and just swallow the food whole. In these instances, the diet can be altered to lessen the chances of choking by dampening the food ﬁrst and eliminating treats that are hard to chew. SYMPTOMS When there is an esophageal obstruction, one of the more notable things to observe is a frothy or green/brown discharge coming from the mouth and nose. The head can be outstretched, lowered, or just held as though in an extended yawn. They can cough and appear to even be gagging. They may be trying to swallow and depending on the location of the obstruction, may be seen as a bulge in the neck area. As the horse continues to be unable to drink, it can become dehydrated. The continual drooling can also disrupt the electrolyte balance putting the entire equine system at risk. A simple choke can easily cascade into bigger problems. If you are suspecting choke…. CALL THE VETERINARIAN IMMEDIATELY and remove all foodstuffs. Additional eating may cause a greater blockage. TREATMENT The veterinarian will examine the horse and determine the diagnosis as well as the obstruction’s potential location. If caught early, sometimes simple sedation can cause the esophageal muscles to relax enough and the obstruction can pass along on its own. If not, a tube (Figure 1) will then be placed through the nostrils and cross over into the esophagus. If it doesn’t pass smoothly, there is an obstruction. Gentle pressure against the obstruction and some lavage (ﬂushing) can be performed to encourage passing of the obstruction (Figures 2 & 3). Do NOT attempt to do this yourself.

Figure 1 If the more simplistic methodology isn’t successful in dislodging the obstruction, the use of an endoscope and some radiographs may be utilized. This must all be done very carefully so as not to injure the esophageal tissues or even puncture it entirely. COMPLICATION POTENTIAL As the horse continues to choke, they take the chance of aspirating some of the food or water into the trachea and into the lungs, which can result in aspiration pneumonia. This could cause fever and lung involvement which would become apparent within about 24-48 hours, but can be simmering and not reveal itself for up to 7 days after the choke incident. Another consideration can be esophageal rupture. These both can be very dangerous outcomes of choke and will be considered by your veterinarian during a choke occurrence.

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Figure 2 SUMMARY Choking can occur at any time to any horse. It is not a panic 911 call as in a human situation. However, it does need to be addressed quickly by your veterinarian to resolve the obstruction and to prevent further complications. When resolved quickly, you and your horse will be back on schedule within a couple of days and enjoying life together once again.

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Whoa Factor MUST HAVES

Tack & Health

6 EquiBiotic™ Pre- and Probiotic for Equines: Prevent diarrhea, infection, colic and nutritional deﬁciencies. Protect immune function by replacing good bacteria damaged by worming and the use of antibiotics. For improved digestion and immune function, feed daily 10 days before all worming and antibiotic usage.For more information contact Tami George, Regional Nutritional Consultant: 800-231-0670, email: jeta@northlink.com, www.tamigeorge.com

Hutchison HW Brand Round Pen with Flex Strap Connectors. Round Pens are available in 40’ and 60’ six-rail and are made of 16 gauge oval tubing. Flex Strap Connectors are ideal for round pens and portable pasture panels. Flex Strap Connectors are safer, more versatile, reduce noise and absorb impact better than other connecting systems. See our ad on page 2 for more details. www.hutchison-inc.com

BENEGEST PRO Benegest PRO is a pre/ probiotic with yeast and enzymes helping maintain the whole of the gastrointestinal tract so it can cope with the vagaries of feeding, stress and traveling. See our ad pg 10 emeraldvalleyequine.com 1-888-638-8262

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Shine bright with our new Pony Saddle, Estrellita. The saddle allows the young rider’s leg to fall and hang naturally providing close contact. Our patented AdapTree®, a very soft, well balanced, seat and adjustable thigh blocks will provide optimal comfort. The inﬁnitely adjustable gullet plate accommodates the horse’s movement and development. Seat Sizes - 15.0”, 15.5”, 16.0”, 16.5”. Prize: $3,995 See our ad pg 71 Saddlesforwomen.com

CARETEX WATERPROOF PLUS Waterprooﬁng for Horse Turnouts Annual washing with Caretex Blanket Wash & treatment with Water-Guard Extreme maximizes performance and life of nylon, polyester, cotton and blend blankets and turnouts. Only Caretex Waterproof Plus can seal the fabric and keep your horse dry. One 10.5 oz covers any blanket up to 82”. $9.95 From Atsko, Inc., the makers of Sno-Seal 800-845-2728 See ad pg 48 www.caretex.info or Email caretex@atsko.com.

A Modern Look At … The Hoof by Monique Craig. A new look at the hoof, focusing on a detailed look at its morphology (shape) and function, and discussing implications for how the hoof should be trimmed and cared for. A must for anyone wishing to be well-versed in the hoof, readers will gain new insights from this book not found in other hoofrelated publications. Over 300 color images, an excellent addition to your hoof care resources. See our ad pg 55 Visit www.EponaBook.com to ﬁnd a source for your favorite format: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Nook, or Apple iBook.

Located in the heart of Tryon Horse Country, TRYON BUILDERS offers General Contracting of beautiful, functional Barns and Equestrian Facilities, ﬁne Custom Homes, Timber Framing, and Restoration & Adaptive Reuse. We are always seeking to serve with quality, integrity and creativity. Contact Reed McNutt, 828-777-5688, reedmcnutt@gmail.com See our ad pg 73

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The Hoof Jack support system eliminates the need to put the hoof between your knees or support the horse with your body. The Hoof Jack accommodates all horses, from minis to drafts. A “must have” for all farriers! $165 See our ad pg 45 oleoacresfarriersupply.com

Keep Your Horse Cooler Deluxe Cross Country Monoflap no-slip saddle pad, fits most Monoflap jumping saddles with more forward, longer flap. All-in-one noslip pad keeps saddle in place with extra 1.5cm of open cell foam. Breathable, just enough shock absorption w/o changing fit of your saddle. Less rubbing than regular cotton saddle pads, contoured to fit even the highest-withered horses; allows more ‘jumping’ room. For extra added comfort, a soft friction-free lining is used on the wither area. The antimicrobial air-flow grip is used only where you need it to keep your saddle and pad from slipping and prevent excess sweating. Available in white, one size. $114.95 See our ad pg 49 A portion of all proceeds is donated to The Equestrian Aid Foundation. www.successequestrian.com

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BEHIND THE SCENES

ROLEX

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ost people in the horse industry know about the event held in Kentucky known commonly as ‘Rolex’ . But, few know the organization behind the horse park and the host of many of the equestrian world’s top events.

The Kentucky Horse Park is the proud home of the Rolex Three Day Event or RD3K. The reason why so many great events can be held at the park is in large part due to the vision and commitment of two organizations: the Kentucky Horse Park Commission, dedicated to overseeing the park, and the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation, dedicated to rising funds and awareness to the park’s many programs and beneﬁts. The Kentucky Horse Park, a state run and funded park, and is the world’s only park dedicated to humankind’s relationship with and love for the horse - a very special place to visit and absorb just how much the Horse has contributed to our history and society. During the RD3K, I sat down with Founder of the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation, Nina Boone and with Executive Director, Laura Klumb for Elite Equestrain magazine to get a better understanding of the Kentucky Horse Park Commission and Kentucky Horse Park Foundation’s role in the Rolex Three Day Event and the vision for Kentucky Horse Park.

EE- How did you first get involved in fundraising and what inspired you to work for the Kentucky Horse Park? NB- I was the first head of Kentucky Horse Parks Commission in the early 80’s. We quickly realized that in order to execute our vision of dedicating the park to man’s relationship and history with the horse we would need more resources than the state could provide. So we agreed to start a foundation (501-C3) to raise private donations and funds to support the vision of the Kentucky Horse Park and preserve the history and bond of horse and man for future generations. Thus, we formed Kentucky Horse Park Foundation. Today we have raised over 30 million dollars for Kentucky Horse Park and now have 50 board members of varying backgrounds contributing to the foundation and vision of the park. So, the inspiration was the vision of the park and preserving a big part of mankind’s history, the horse. EE- How did you become Executive Director of Kentucky Horse Park Foundation? LK- I had been in development and fundraising for 20 years. I had grown up in Lexington and always loved coming to the Park even as a child. Accepting the position as Executive Director allowed me to raise money for a park and organization I have loved my whole life. EE- What were your mission and vision when you first came on board at KHPF and has it changed since then?

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NB- One of the ﬁrst thoughts of the mission of the foundation was to expand and rise the shell facilities of the horse park. Originally it only had one small rink and 200 stalls. Today we have 5 plus large barns, 15 rinks and arenas sized to host top tier events, stadium seating and a media center, 30 trade commissions-run head ofﬁces including the United Stated Dressage Federation, United States Equestrian Federation, United States Hunter Jumper Association, American Hanoverian Society, US Pony Club, United States Professional Horseman’s Association, American Farriers Association, and the American Association of Equine Practitioners, just to name a few. So, the mission to enhance and expand the park hasn’t changed. However we have grown our donor base, from national to international, as our message and mission have spread throughout the world. EE- What is the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation’s role the Rolex 3 Day Event? NB- The role of KHPF is to expand and grow new and existing relationships with donors by giving them the experience of a worldclass event, such as the Rolex Three Day Event. We host a hospitality tent that allows a fun relaxing experience to donors of the Foundation that may have not been exposed to an event such as the RD3K. It also allows us to reach out into the equestrian sport world and expand our mission of the horse park to a new audience. EE- What is the 10-20 year vision of the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation?

NB- To preserve the history of the horse and human relationship for future generations to enjoy and learn from. By the continued growth and expansion of the park. One of the ways KHPF is preserving that relationship and history is through the growth our endowment fund. EE- There are many new business’s entering the horse industry today, from for profit to nonprofit. What changes do you feel they will need to be aware of in the new market and what advise could you give them? NB- We need more nonprofits that can help people in general. But we also need more collaboration; it is key in business today. The best thing we can do is work together and build professional relationships that help more people. This way we can reach our goals and fulfill missions faster while working toward a higher purpose. EE- How do you feel the Equestrian Event Center industry has change in the last 20 yrs? NB- One of the things that has happened, and not all for the good, is that showing in the horse world is a like a pyramid and has gotten more expensive. The park can’t host shows that cater to small events. It has to have bigger shows that can produce more of a return because they can stay for a longer period of time versus one-day shows. But one of the ways Kentucky Horse Park is trying to bridge that gap is by providing organizational events that can reach more people. Such as our Pony Club events and Cross Country Schooling on the Rolex course. These events cater to new and young riders of all levels. And our museums are for everyone, of any age, to enjoy the contribution the horse has made to mankind.

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TACK & TRAINING ��

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If you would like to train with Lynn & Cyril at home with Western Dressage, take advantage of the following supportive training materials: Books: • Head To Toe Horsemanship • Western Dressage—A Guide to Take You to Your First Show • A Rider Guide to Real Collection DVDs: • “Dressage Principles for the Western Horse & Rider” Volume 1 Parts 1-5 • “Dressage Principles for the Western & English Horse & Rider” Volume 2,Parts 1-3 • “Let Your Horse Be Your Teacher” Parts 1&2 For more information on these training materials and more, as well as clinics, please visit www.lynnpalm.com or call us at 800-503-2824. 66

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Quilted Horse Designs

Ad Design By Elite EquestrianÂŽ

Creating unique quilted artwork from your treasured ribbons!

610-721-9027 www.QuiltedHorse.com

topothehillfarm@hotmail.com

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TACK & TRAINING SADDLE FIT Q & A

A How Should I Clean My Saddle and Tack

Taking proper care of your leather goods greatly enhances appearance and lifespan, no matter the brand. Nowadays, saddles are considered investments, with proper ‘tune ups’ extending lifespans to 15-20 years (for a good quality, adjustable saddle that fits the rider and can be re-fitted to the horse as necessary) One of the greatest misconceptions has been about saddle soaps. Saddle soaps are exactly what their names imply: soaps, and should be used for cleansing only. Soap and sweat are the two enemies of leather if not removed. Saddle soap rids accumulated sweat and grime which, if left on, will result in the leather becoming brittle and cracking. A clean saddle doesn’t irritate your horse’s hide. It is wrong to leave the soap on the saddle after cleaning. Soaps containing built-in moisturizers are beneficial only because they remove less natural lubricants of the leather during washing. But think after you wash your hair you rinse out the shampoo; after you wash your hands, you rinse off the soap. Then either a conditioner or a hand lotion is applied to return some of the moisture that the soap has removed. Soap eats the tan. Today’s leathers get destroyed by unremoved soap faster because of more chemicals. Leather is skin which has been treated (“tanned”). Skin is made of 70-80% water. After the skin has been tanned into leather, it retains about 25% moisture. Nowadays the tanning process takes only about six weeks. Every time you clean your saddle, the soap (even those with glycerine) should be rinsed off and moisturizer applied. Leather is no longer a living system and cannot replenish its moisture content itself. Use a leather cream without any cleaning ingredients on all leather items you have. Leather oil can be used once if you wish to darken the original colour. It should only be used thereafter on the saddle panel as a lubricant, since the wool will soak up any excess. On the seat it will soak through and into the laminated and glued layers of the tree, possibly resulting in eventual tree breakage. (This is true for most English saddles which still use this type of tree; not so much for saddles made with synthetic bases). Oil should not be used anywhere the leather comes into contact with your person (breeches, gloves) as it discolours these materials. Oil on the flaps can soften the leather and make them too flexible. Use products that are meant for leather. Olive oil for salads, baby oil for babies! Saddles and tack should be cleaned after every use, or at least given a quick wipe over. Clean thoroughly once a week. If you store your saddle or tack over a longer period of time, keep it at room temperature, but never cooler than 5 degrees C, with 30-40% humidity to retain leather suppleness. Mildew indicates that the leather is still alive with enough moisture content to attract mildew! Giving it a good wash and apply leather moisturizer to restore the original looks.

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Are you ready to step up your horsemanship? �� www.EliteEquestrian.us

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Bionic improves grip strength, without the need to grip harder, and reduces hand fatigue.

The Bionic Equine Glove Anatomical Relief Pad System Plus, friction causing blisters and calluses is virtually eliminated. Unlike conventional gloves, which are designed with a straight cut in the fingers, Bionic gloves feature a pre-rotated design that follows the natural motion of your fingers. Made of stretchable and breathable Lycra material, Motion Zones are added over the knuckles and Web Zones are added between the fingers.

For More Information And To Order, Visit

www.thebionicstore.com

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Promote your business to the desirable Ocala Show Circuit in our Ocala Show Season Guide. Call 352-304-8938 or email info@eliteequestrian.us for more info!

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We have been importing & breeding the top lines from Germany for over 30 years. Shipping worldwide or hand delivery available.

• 100% German Line Puppies • Belgian Malinois • Fully Trained Bodyguard K9’s • German Shepherds

717-309-9614 • MacesMalinois.com

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Dansko Professional Clog for Women in Blue Ombre Patent

Every Dansko style, every color Free Shipping 1-888-633-7463 �� www.EliteEquestrian.us

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Volunteers Needed �� Volunteers are needed to lead horses, sidewalk with disabled riders, care of horses, ofﬁce work and ground maintenance. Riding and carriage driving sessions are Tues., Wed., Thurs. & Sat. mornings and Tues. evenings. Volunteers need to be 14 or older, experience is not required.

For information call Lorraine Simon: 352-857-1421 or Betty Gray: 252-427-3569

J & W Equine, LLC

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PROFESSIONAL HORSEMAN PROVIDING QUALITY SERVICE

Greenﬁeld Stables Belgium

At Equine Express, we transport your horses from coast-to-coast with 98% Customer Satisfaction, Quality Equipment and Top Industry Personnel that provide professional care. One Call Does It All! 800-545-9098 www.EquineExpress.com Serving the industry since 1986

Internatinal Sales of Sporthorses Wouter Boonstoppel Sales • Coaching • Training • Showing www.greenﬁeldstables.com

�� 26446 Horseshoe Cirle Purcell, Ok 73080

Full Service Farrier Supply Store With Competitive Prices & Fast Friendly Service CALL OR WRITE FOR A FREE CATALOG! 855-254-4877 or 405-288-6958 www.purcellfarriersupply.com