Elite Equestrian Nov Dec 2014 Holiday issue by Elite Equestrian LLC

Elite Equestrian Celebrating The Equestrian Lifestyle

Volume 14 Issue 6 Complimentary

Holiday Gift Guide WINTER DESTINATION:

OCALA

Exclusive Interview Chester Weber Graceful Horses

www.EliteEquestrian.us

�

��

�� 16

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

GRACEFUL HORSES

WORKERS COMP INSURANCE

WEG HIGHLIGHTS

��

�� 16 20 24 25 26 28 32 33 34 36 45 44



Must Haves: Holiday Gift Guide Gift Giving Style: Noble Outﬁtters Holiday Style Great For Him: Concealed Carry Vests Foxy Christmas Equitech Gift Ideas Chisholm Gallery McFarland-Altshuler Chisholm Gallery Matt Rogers Polo Series Sculptures Dream Ride and Spring Crop Dr. Lori Thanksgiving Collectables His & Hers Chester C. Weber Catching Up With Robert Jolicoeur

�� 62 Scoop on Poop 66 Preparing For Winter 73 Grooming Tips Resource

�� 48 Destination Ocala, Florida 54 Stall EZ 92 Book Review Horses With Jobs

www.EliteEquestrian.us



�� 74 76 80 82 84 87 90

Western Dressage What’s It About? Human 2 Horse Maslogarth memories Saddle Fit Q & A Music To Ride By Portable Trail Obstacles Anky System Stirrups Jacksonville Winter Series

www.EliteEquestrian.us

��

�� www.EliteEquestrian.us

info@EliteEquestrian.us

�� Editor in Chief: Noelle Vander Brink Publisher: Bill 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 kdress@ptd.net 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 Contributing Writers Alessandra Deerinck Dr. Amy Hayek Alex Majtenyi Dr. Bill Ormston Lynn Palm A. Raleigh Contributing Photographers: Henry Moreigne Manuela Stefan For Media Kit email: info@EliteEquestrian.us

NEXT ISSUE: January/February 2015 Deadline: December 2, 2014 Editorial Deadline: December 1, 2014 Stallions/Breeding 2015 Fashion Trends �� Celebrating The Equestrian Lifestyle

��

�� WINTER DESTINATION:

OCALA

Exclusive Interview Chester Weber Graceful Horses

On the cover... A Romanian stallion photographed by Manuela Stefan.

��

A message from the editor ��

Cheers! Noelle

Congratulations! To Our Contest Winners!

First Prize: Michelle Hamel, Elizabeth CO Here’s what Michelle had to say about Elite Equestrian magazine:

��

Second Prize: Felice Kappler, Belvidere NJ �� 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. ©2009

Third Prize: Alyana Miller, Fayetteville NC �� www.EliteEquestrian.us

www.EliteEquestrian.us

MUST HAVESHoliday Gift Guide Luxury Footwear for wet days. Available at Equine Divine. Retailing for $110. 803-642-9772 www.equinedivineonline.com See our ad page 27

Hunter Necklace brass chains and horse heads necklace dipped in various colors of 24k gold. Available in solid gold upon request. www.suzanneweerson.com 917-213-8914 See our ad page 27

��

Crafted Snake Belts Exclusively at C. M. Hadﬁeld’s Saddlery: Leather-trimmed snake belts add a touch of class to any ensemble. Crafted at Hadﬁeld Bridleworks, UK. $189.95, 1-800-854-RIDE See our ad page 17

Holiday Red Tartan Saddle Cover

Holiday Red Tartan Saddle Cover While the merry bells ring, may your every wish come true . . . such as this perfect saddle cover in red tartan with optional embroidery for your initials. Made of non-pill, mildew-resistant ﬂeece, this cover will protect your saddle from dust and mildew not only during the holidays but throughout the year! $39.95 or $49.95 with customized embroidery of your initials or your horse’s name. www.zikyboutique.com See our ad page 25

Red/Chestnut Tweed Manor Tote The most popular shoulder bag in the Tucker Tweed stable, the Tweed Manor Tote embodies equestrian style and glamour. Completed in pebble grain leather with silver feet and hardware, the idyllic form ﬁts all riders beautifully. While the wide shoulder strap comfortably adjusts for different lengths, this stunner holds its shape on your shoulder or by your feet at a show. Available in 8 colors and 4 embossing options, this is the ultimate every day bag for horse lovers. Featured here in scarlet/chestnut with hunter/jumper embossing. www.TuckerTweed.com See our ad page 22

More...

www.EliteEquestrian.us

Love the View sweatshirt by Equestrianista One of the best views in the world for an equestrian is the one seen through the ears of her horse! This original artwork by Equestrianista is printed on a perfectly broken in feeling ﬂeece. Treasured for its charming statement, feminine ﬁt and chic comfort. Berry Pink, Vibrant Sky or Heather Gray at www.Equestrianista.com See our ad page 26

Eartec Co. Announces the Simultalk 24G Wireless Stop shouting across the ring at your students! The Simultalk 24G Cyber is a breakthrough full duplex wireless system that makes instructor-to-student communications efﬁcient and easy. Non-voice-activated, there are no “push to talk” buttons. Whether giving instruction to a student, or holding a conversation while trail riding, the Simultalk system can make the task more enjoyable and rewarding. www.eartec.com See our ad page 61

Warrior Dream Boot Aiken Dry Goods Warrior Dream boot exclusively sold at ADG $699 803-226-0100 www.aikendrygoods.com

Newmarket Square This blanket is great for so many things, from providing extra layers on your horse or pony in the winter to being used as a picnic blanket at summer shows. It is also great for keeping spectators warm at winter competitions. The Newmarket Blanket is made from 100% pure wool and is available in three different sizes. This blanket is a real old favorite and has been used for many years with racehorses and hunters. Size 64” x 72” $189.99 Size 72” x 84” $239.99 Size 80” x 84” $259.99 shop.shiresequestrian.com See our ad page 28

Intense EQ ™ INTENSE EQ™ The ﬁrst and only product line of its kind in the equine market place formulated speciﬁcally for both horses and people. A premium cross action line of products developed with the latest in “Green” formulation technology, using eco-friendly cold manufacturing processes, for a smaller carbon footprint. Contact us at IntenseEQ.com. See our ad page 71

s m s

Snafﬂe Bit Bracelet

Van Dell 18

14kt Yellow Gold Medium Ring snafﬂe bit bracelet. Bracelets are available in various lengths and weights. Pricing starts at $2450.00 Van Dell Jewelers Wellington: Publix Courtyard 561-753-7937 Royal Palm Beach: Costco Shopping Ctr 561-784-5220 www.vandell.com See our ad page 24 www.EliteEquestrian.us

Hoof Buckle

Depth to frog and white line. Fits a 1 1/4 inch leather belt. Available in White or Yellow Bronze. Retails $89. www.TempiDesignStudio.com See our ad 24

Lilo Collections Men’s Silk Ties A perfect gift idea for the Trainer, Coach, Dad, Colleague or Equestrian Enthusiast. Featuring Equestrian Designs that are elegant and attractive. 100% silk and are expertly tailored. Retail Price: $36.95 Available at TheStableDoorTack.com or email us at thestabledooratl@gmail.com See our ad page 26

Romfh Sarafina Breech The Sarafina breech is fit for royality. With a comfy mid-rise, flattering contoured waistband, strategically placed back yoke and wide non-binding fit allows your waist, hip and other assets to look their best! Featuring SoftTouch™ micro-PU fabric for the softest, most comfortable technical breech and our first breech with vertical stretch suede, making the Sarafina breech the most comfortable in the marketplace. Available in Full Seat and Euro Seat Knee. MSRP $169.95 - $179.95 www.englishridingsupply.com See our ad page 43

Mini Slow Bale Buddy The Mini SLOW BALE BUDDY holds a full small square bale and is perfect for the stall, trailer or paddock. Give the gift that saves your horse lover time and money. www.bigbalebuddy.com 866-389-9952 See our ad page 56

The Metron-Hoof software The Metron-Hoof software lets you record the conformation of the hoof using photos from a digital camera or radiographs supplied by your veterinarian. The easy-to-use software guides you to pick key points on the image, and then computes several important measurements which help deﬁne the state of the hoof. If you have a digital camera and an interest in keeping track of your horse’s hooves, this product is for you! Want to track progress (or lack of progress) correcting contracted heels? Broken-back pasterns? Low heels? Long toes? Metron software is in use by hundreds of owners, farriers, and veterinarians. Metron-Hoof, and the more powerful Metron-Hoof-Pro, are intended for farriers, trimmers, and owners. Metron software can be ordered from our web-site at www.eponatech.com See our ad page 63

‘Suffering in Silence - the Saddle Fit Link to Physical and Psychological Trauma in Horses’ Suffering in Silence by Certified Master Saddler and Saddle Ergonomist Jochen Schleese is a comprehensive guide to saddle fi t for both horses and riders. Learn why poor saddle fit can lead to common equine behavioral issues and back problems for horse and rider. 208 pages, Illustrations: 224 color photos, 41 color illustrations www.saddlefit4life.com See our ad page 80

HW Brand Round Pen 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

www.EliteEquestrian.us

Leather Tack Care Kit This stocking stuffer holds everything you need to care for your leather tack packed in a sturdy salt brick holder. Beet treats and peppermints complete the gift. The Horse Health gift and Hoof care gifts also available in salt brick holders online at www.horsebaskets. com $20 plus shipping anywhere in the continental US. See our ad page 33

� �

Light up smiles from all your equestrian loved ones! Great gift ideas from

Make your holidays

Merry and Bright

From stocking stuffers to luxury gifts, you should have no problem deciding on what to get that special equestrian in your life with Fall 2014 Collection from Noble Outﬁtters. Whether you are seeking a practical gift, something clever and unique, or just a gift that looks amazing, you can ﬁnd it all right here this season. Happy Shopping!

��

www.EliteEquestrian.us

More...

www.EliteEquestrian.us

��

C arolK

Unique, one of a kind jewelry pieces featuring sterling silver and semi-precious stones. Equestrian inspired or not, you certainly will be pleased. CarolK can also re-purpose your special pieces just lying in your jewelry box. Visit CarolK at her website: www.carolk.com Carolk • 29 Prescott Ct Suite 5 San Francisco, CA 94133

415-296-7865 22

www.EliteEquestrian.us

www.TuckerTweed.com 704-236-7061

� �

www.EliteEquestrian.us

��

Style

SHIRTS WITH STYLE! With their quintessential British heritage and passion for equestrianism, the Freddie Parker men’s shirt collection combines a Savile Row approach to tailoring and contemporary styling, with a nod to the countryside. A gorgeous shirt for this season which looks great whatever your occasion! Sizes S -XXL Available in Dark Blue, Light Blue and Lilac Freddie Parker Newmarket Shirt RRP: £79.00 �� CHRISTMAS GIFTS RACING AHEAD IN STYLE! Whether you love fashion, horses or both, Freddie Parker is one brand, which will capture your eye and heart this Christmas!

LOVELY LADITA! This stunning coat is new to Dressage Deluxe’s virtual shop ﬂoor and brings together one of fashion’s biggest trends ‘Metallic Sheen’ with a functional garment, which will see you through even the coldest months to come! The Pikeur Ladita Coat is a sumptuous down ﬁlled, quilted longer length coat in shimmer fabric from the Pikeur Premium Collection. This coat offers optimal heat insulation with design details, which continue the theme; quilted high collar, detachable faux fur trim hood with a zip for easy removal and knitted wind stoppers on the sleeves. A beautiful coat that no equestrian should be without! RRP: £259.00 Sizes: 36 (UK 6) - 44 (UK 14). Available in Dark Brown and Copper ��

From luxury home ware through to their collection of beautifully tailored shirting and bold graphic print scarves, the Freddie Parker collection features the Freddie Parker signature motif of multi-coloured horse and rider incorporated through design detailing on both fabrics, china and soft furnishings. With a Christmas wrapping service also available across their range, you can give the gift of great presents without the hassle of having to wrap them! ��

www.EliteEquestrian.us

Amazon Horse Concealed Carry Vest Today’s fashion dictates function coupled with aesthetics. Clothing items that serve a purpose while looking stylish are becoming more and more in demand. Amazon Horse, llc. has recently hit the scene with an array of equestrian products for both the rider and the barn. They are offer-ing high quality items at prices that can only be considered reasonable. Nestled in their sizable list of items is a line of clothing tailored for the consumer carrying concealed weapons. Cou-pling form and function, the vests allow the wearer to feel safe while being discrete and fashion-able. The vests are constructed in either oilskin or a rugged cotton canvas material and are available for both men and women. Each vest features a pocket on either side with built-in holsters to accommodate a .45 caliber weapon or smaller. Additionally, each pocket is equipped with a built-in clip holder which holds clips for weapons up the size of a .45 caliber handgun.

Unique to Amazon Horse’s concealed carry vest is the clever functional design of the clothing itself. Normally the pockets of concealed carrying vests make the weapon less than concealed by weighing the clothing down. Vests with bulging pockets that drag the clothing forward are not even close to ideal. The exclusive Amazon Horse design feature redirects the weight of the pockets allow-ing for even distribution which in turn provides for a smooth discrete silhouette. Brass zippers and smaller pockets also grace this sturdy outdoor piece of clothing. The canvas vest comes in chocolate brown, khaki green and light tan. The oilskin vests are offered in deep brown only. The vest has been used and approved by ex-Navy Seals. The concealed vests as well as the entire Amazon Horse product line may be bought directly through AmazonHorsellc. com. The product is also available for wholesale distribution. Please contact Bob Reyers at 215-688-2180 or at BReyers751@AOL.com.

� �

www.EliteEquestrian.us

Foxxy Christmas! When it comes to choosing gifts for friends, family & loved ones, fashion designer label Timothy Foxx has plenty of variety on offer! Suits You Sir ��

��

Teen Trends

��

www.EliteEquestrian.us

Fill Me With Fun

��

Isla Love This

��

www.timothyfoxx.co.uk

� �

www.EliteEquestrian.us

CHRISTMAS GIFTS WITH THE WOW FACTOR!

Looking for Christmas gift ideas, which stand out from the rest? Equetech have some great gift ideas to add the ‘wow’ factor come Christmas morning… The Equetech Bespoke Cross Country Shirt (next page) designed through the ‘Equetech Design Lab’ on-line offers a bespoke gift with a difference! Simple and easy to use, you can create the perfect shirt for your loved one or friend and with Equetech Custom Hat Silks also available, you can create a very personal and eye catching present, which will certainly stand out on Christmas morning! Cross Country Shirt: Prices start at RRP: £39.95 for Unisex (Men’s, Women’s & Junior sizing also available) Hat Silks: RRP: £9.50 For gents with style, Equetech have a range of riding wear to ensure that they look good in and out of the saddle! From breeches through to bespoke competition jackets, Equetech have a range of men’s Custom Stirling Jacket (above) starts at RRP from £199.95 and comes in over 18 fabric choices, 24 collar fabrics, 12 different lining and 5 different button choices!! 28

The Equetech Crystal Snafﬂe Belt will capture eyes and hearts with its stunning trio of crystals incorporated into an eye catching snafﬂe design. Perfect for competition wear or teamed with jeans. Colours: Black XS (70cm) S (80cm) M (90cm) L (100cm) RRP: £40.95

More... www.EliteEquestrian.us

www.EliteEquestrian.us

These adorable Equetech SugarLump Baby grows are bound to raise a smile with their witty slogans. Choose from ‘Don’t Wake Me, Mums Riding’ or ‘Born To Ride’ in Pink or Blue emblazoned across the cute cotton outﬁt featuring integrated mittens and nickel free press-stud. 0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-12 months RRP: £12.50

For young riders with style, the Equetech Junior Poneez Range brings together fun and function with their range of jackets, jods, ﬂeeces and accessories all featuring their cute cartoon pony ‘Poneez’. Machine washable and designed to keep little riders warm, dry and happy this winter, this adorable Junior Poneez Beanie features Poneez face, cute ears, a Hot Pink faux fur forelock with contrast pom pom tassels. A gorgeous present for any child this Christmas RRP: £10.75

With Equetech you have Christmas All Sewn Up! ��

� �

blue chip structures along with Rigidply Rafters Inc. ��

Pre-Engineered Post Frame Buildings to fit your needs: ��

701 E. Linden Street, Richland PA 17087 �� 30

www.EliteEquestrian.us

art equine featured artist

Jean Macfarland Altshuler American Contemporary Represented By

�� .Wellington Place

13532 Fountain View Boulevard, Court One Wellington FL 33414, USA

��

http://chisholmgallery.com/jean-macfarland-altshuler

��

�� www.EliteEquestrian.us ��

� �

THE POLO SERIES Matt Rogers

“All Out” Oil on canvas 72 x 84 inches Signed

“Bump & Strike” Oil on canvas 48 x 48 inches Signed

“First Chukker” Oil on canvas 60 x 72 inches Signed

www.poloart.ca

561-602-0410

“Grey Heart” Oil on canvas 48 x 72” Signed

http://chisholmgallery.com/matt-rogers ��

Sporting Art ��

� �

�� .Wellington Place

13532 Fountain View Boulevard, Court One Wellington FL 33414, USA

Tammy Bality American Contemporary

�� 14″ x 13″ Bronze Signed and numbered Jean Macfarland Altshuler American Contemporary

��

Bronze plexiglas/marble base Approx: 14” X 2.75” X 10.5”

The Bronze is a ring that can be placed over a ﬂower bowl or vase as a center piece or shown by itself in the round. I was inspired to create the mares and foals in the round from paintings by George Stubbs of mares and foals as well as photos of a colorful herd of horses owned by Shield H Quarter Horses in Riverton, Wyoming. Spring is the time of the year that new foals begin to appear like new buds on vines. The bottom of the bowl is covered in vines and ﬂowers. � �

www.EliteEquestrian.us

Maria Taylor, Realtor

Equestrian Property Specialist For your equine insurance solutions call or click and connect! www.bluebridle.com ��

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

Cell: 215-317-3062 215-862-3385 x 7674 Beautiful Bucks County, PA

��

Generic 3.6x4.9 1301.indd 4

��

1/16/13 12:14 PM

��

Licensed in New York and Florida

Revere, PA Adjacent to the Bucks County Horse Park...just tack up and go! No need for a riding ring or cross country jumps ...join the Horse Park to enjoy the many amenities. Authenic stone farmouse on 4.36 acres includes 2-story bank barn and pond. $470,000

��

Horse farms are our business... Our only business. ��

6319 Lower York Road New Hope, Pa 18938

Visit my website for more property info, photos and Virtual Tours! www.HomesByMariaTaylor.com

Need local equestrian resources? Maria can help with that too! Anything equestrian related... local barns, tack stores, trainers, vets, farriers, etc!

www.EliteEquestrian.us

Art & Antiques by Lori Verderame HOME FASHION

Top 10 Thanksgiving Collectibles In the autumn of 1621, the Plymouth colonists and the Wampanoag Indians celebrated the autumn or harvest feast together. The harvest feast was a longstanding event in Native American culture and it occurred long before the Pilgrims reached Plymouth, Massachusetts. Today, we call that celebration Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is one of the times when families reunite to take part in age-old family traditions. While most families enjoy a feast of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and the trimmings, we also enjoy the objects that remind us of coming home at holiday time. Kitchen collectibles are those items that stir memories like canister sets, mixing bowls, holiday china, hand painted tea sets, seasonal tablecloths and matching napkins, ceramic floral centerpieces, special crystal goblets, well-worn casserole dishes, etc. The antique and vintage kitchen objects that make holidays special can have collectible and monetary value, too. Here are the top 10 Thanksgiving holiday collectibles that you can find in your mother’s or grandmother’s kitchen and beyond : 1. Turkey platters of Staffordshire or Limoges china. These platters are typically of blue/white ceramic or full color featuring an image of a dressed turkey at the center. They date from the mid to late 19th Century to the present day and remain highly collectible. 2. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade memorabilia. Whatever I am doing on Thanksgiving morning and wherever I am spending Thanksgiving in any given year, I do not miss this fabulous American event. The long running parade is an American tradition with celebrity guests, decorated floats, marching bands, high flying character balloons and Santa Claus. The employee-organized parade debuted on November 27, 1924 and its long and diverse history offers collectors various types of parade memorabilia. 3. Steiff turkey toy. The German stuffed toy firm, Steiff is best known for its antique mohair teddy bears dating back to the late 19th and early 20th Centuries. The toy maker also produced many other types of stuffed animals from the mid 1900s. The 1950s era Steiff turkey toy named Tucky is a sought after Thanksgiving collectible toy. 4. Pilgrim Barbie doll. As you know, Barbie comes in many forms, but at holiday time, Mattel made sure Barbie was the hostess with the mostess. Collectible Barbie dolls exist in the Thanksgiving hostess style and the ever popular Pilgrim Barbie, too. 5. Authentic antique Native American baskets. These Thanksgiving collectibles are very pricey for those made in the Eastern, Southwestern, and Pacific Northwestern United States including Alaska. Ranging in value well into the several thousands of dollars for one good example, antique Native American basketry by the Haida tribe and others are quite collectible and valuable. 6. Thanksgiving related salt and pepper shakers. Turkey, Native Americans, and pilgrim salt and pepper shakers by various makers such as Napco, Spode, Goebel, etc. Holiday tables worldwide are enlivened by the addition of small scale collectible salt and pepper shakers in the form of various Thanksgiving-related figures. 36

7. Presidential Turkey pardon memorabilia. Paper announcements, TV news footage, and newspaper reports from the White House regarding the annual pardoning of a Thanksgiving turkey remain a holiday collectible favorite. 8. Toleware holiday trays. Metal trays with images of turkeys, teepees, and all the trimmings are popular offerings at antique shops and ﬂea markets in the autumn. They range in value from $25 to $75 depending on size, image, and condition. 9. Table Talk pumpkin pie tins. While Table Talk pie tins have a strong collectibles interest in the New England states, the rest of the global collecting market gets into the act at Thanksgiving time. These tin pie plates dating back into the 1900s are not going to bust your wallet and they make fun holiday collectibles for the Thanksgiving buffet table. 10. Norman Rockwell’s Freedom from Want (Thanksgiving Day) color poster, circa 1941-45. This famous image features a family sitting down to Thanksgiving dinner. Rockwell’s image was based on President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s Four Freedoms speech and has become synonymous with the American Thanksgiving feast since World War II. The reproduction poster in good condition from This Thanksgiving as you collect new memories and give thanks for family and friends, remember that your favorite antiques will remind you of crisp autumn days with loved ones. Have a Happy Thanksgiving! ��

www.EliteEquestrian.us

��

� �

www.EliteEquestrian.us

The equine art of Manuela Stefan, the photographer behind

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;

Graceful Horses’

‘

EE: You live in Toronto, Canada…a big city. Yet, your equine imagery comes from so many places around the world. Where do you look for horses? MS: I have traveled all over to find horses: France, Romania, Western US, Mexico, Jamaica and of course, Canada. Each story has its own significance, enhancing my reality and pushing my creativity. EE: How do you choose your destinations? Any favorite places? MS: I just go with what excites my spirit and usually things flow from there. Three years ago I had a dream about a white horse. I woke up and felt like I had to find him. This turned into an obsessive vision of a white herd. One thing led to another and I read a story about the magical horses of Camargue, France. I knew right then and there that I had to go. Three month later, there I was! It happened fast and I had no doubts. I will always be particularly fond of this unique experience. I owe it to the Camargue horses for having helped me create my first significant body of work.

Emotion, Power, Grace and Mystical Beauty

“White, Power and Grace” is an almost surreal image collection I plan to keep on taking around the world as it speaks of emotion, power, grace and mystical beauty. My home country, Romania, is also a very special place for me. Whenever I visit my family, I love traveling to the Northern highlands, with their magnificent mountain horses and soulful people. A cradle of pure magic where my experiences seem to be enhanced by an almost supernatural component. EE: Many times you seem to get quite close to running horses. Isn’t that dangerous? MS: While in Camargue France, I was standing at the tip of a small peninsula. The horses started to run towards me. I could hear the sound of their hooves and almost feel the ground vibrating in synch with their tremendous energy. I wondered, for a second… I looked at the French guide accompanying me and asked whether I was going to be OK standing right in the horses’ way… he told me not to worry, they would split around us. I simply trusted him…and them. They rushed and did exactly that, carefully avoiding us. They came really close, so I got splashed with mud from head to toe. I returned to the hotel and the receptionist asked me: “what happened to you”? EE: You have been photographing people professionally for 10 years. How did the horses come into your life? 40

MS: My dad was born in a small Romanian mountain village. He grew up around horses, riding bareback through forests and creeks. I was privileged to spend my childhood summers in this magical place, surrounded by nature and animals. I watched calves and foals being born, making their fragile way into the world. I recall an overwhelming feeling of magic as I was connecting with something ever so gentle yet more powerful than I could comprehend. The experience remained engraved in my soul, despite the disconnect from this miraculous world once my grandparents had passed.

www.EliteEquestrian.us

Many years later I came to Canada. I switched careers and started on my photographic path, which led to rediscovering the horses through a creative farm project outside of Toronto. All those wonderful childhood feelings came back and simply inundated my heart, leaving me in a state of deep joy and peace. I just knew ‘this was it’.

EE: What are your plans for the future?

My creative work is fueled by a deep desire to reveal these animals’ majestic beauty. In a way, it is also a tribute to my ancestors whose physical and spiritual connection with their horses runs in my blood.

I will keep on creating equine art which is ultimately my personal homage to these gracious beings and what they represent.

MS: I want to continue on with my travel projects, tell stories and make them available through my blog and of course, all other blogs and publications sharing them.

www.EliteEquestrian.us

Continued... 41

I am currently volunteering with a couple of rescues and help with their adoptions by photographing horses looking for loving homes. The list of such places is growing and I aim to take this work internationally. EE: Aside from gallery exhibitions and art shows, where can our readers find your work? MS: I invite them to visit the ‘Graceful Horses’ online store where prints can be purchased, with percentages of the art sales going towards supporting horse rescues.

��

www.EliteEquestrian.us

HIS & HERS with Chester C. Weber, Four-in-Hand Maestro and L.A. Pomeroy, Equinista

�� His pair’s immaculate turnout, and the dexterity with which he could execute a Dressage test in front of a record-setting international field and audience, were evident. He kept the best of driving company in James Fairclough and S. Tucker Johnson, and among the first horses to impart their lessons in front of him were Clydesdales. History has only continued to welcome Chester within its pages. Now 39, he closes 2014 on the top of the world as much as any horseman, or man for that matter, could ask for: Ranked first in the world on the FEI Four-in-Hand standings and welcoming, with his beloved wife My, their firstborn son, Douglas. With the support of the exemplary Team Weber/Clark pit crew and synchronicity of the matched bay KWPN geldings owned with Jane Forbes Clark, his Year of the Horse began honored by USEF as one of its 2013 Equestrians of Honor. He went on to become the first American to win the Four–inHand at CAIO4* Aachen, personally accept the victor’s trophy and congratulations at CAI3* Windsor from HRH Queen Elizabeth, defend an 11th USEF National Four-in-Hand Driving Championship and, true to his moniker, Mr. Dressage, set an unprecedented record score (30.89) in that phase at Kingdom of the Sun CDE. His 2014 Individual Silver medal earned in Normandy at the World Equestrian Games (WEG) joins 2008, 2012 Individual Silvers, 2002 US Team Silver and 2012 US Team Bronze medals on his mantle, and his commitment to his community runs as deep as his competitive drive. Also in January, following a streamlining of membership from 54 to 19 individuals, he accepted USEF President Chrystine Tauber’s appointment to her new Board of Directors. This HIS guest will also be the Grand Marshall, on December 13, for the largest night-time parade in the State of Florida, the Ocala/ Marion County Christmas Parade. HERS: First of all, congratulations on the Weber family becoming a ‘troika.’ I understand My is already back in the saddle? HIS: Yes, she started riding again, one month after the birth of our handsome son, Douglas! 44

HERS: What does it feel like to be a dad for the first time, and first in the four-in-hand world? HIS: I am over the moon with the amount of fortune we have been blessed with... from the birth of our son at the end of August, to winning an Individual Silver medal at WEG, to remaining number one on the FEI World Rankings. HERS: How did you and My arrive on the name, Douglas? HIS: The name spoke to us. It was a suggestion from some dear friends and is easily pronounced and spelled in both the States and Sweden. HERS: Where does this WEG’s Silver medal compare to your others? HIS: I never met a Silver Medal I didn’t like! We’ve earned three Individual and two Team Silver medals, and each one represents something a little different. They are all special in their own right. HERS: How has continuing to be ranked best in the world feel? HIS: I think being the best in the world in anything is commendable. But to be the best, in what you are passionate about, is merely accolade. It is the result of countless hours of hard training, strategic thought and the willingness to keep trying. HERS: I understand you take your own training – mentally and physically – as seriously as that of the horses? HIS: I was 16 when I represented the US for the first time at World Pairs. It definitely reminded me how level a field athletes in equestrian sport compete upon. Here I was, a teenager, driving against men and women many, many years my senior. There aren’t many athletes who can say that. HERS: To the uninitiated, riding can look like ‘just sitting’ on a horse, so how does athleticism translate into driving, when that sitting www.EliteEquestrian.us

t was 1992, and the World Pair Driving Championships were coming to the U.S. for the ﬁrst time, hosted at then-USET headquarters, Hamilton Farm of Gladstone, NJ. It was probably among the most signiﬁcant events in American combined driving history and if there was a ‘hometown favorite,’ it was a 16 year-old whip from Ocala, FL, named Chester C. Weber.

is behind the horse? HIS: Make no mistake – driving demands athleticism. Upper body strength is essential, as is a really strong core and sense of balance. You learn that on your first marathon. I don’t rely on just driving for the strength and conditioning I need when four horses are in front of me. HERS: What’s your fitness routine generally like? HIS: I go to the gym six days a week. Each session includes targeted training for chest and arm muscle groups (lots of bicep and tricep work), followed by stamina- and leg-building exercises on a stationary bike. I usually do 10 minutes on the bike and an hour in the gym daily, plus a warm-up and cool-down. I know there are days when I leave the gym and definitely feel that I’m not 16 anymore! HERS: There’s enormous mental acuity that comes with driving a team. How important is getting into the right frame of mind to compete and what works for you? HIS: Conditioning the brain for competition is as important as training a horse. Proper rest is part of fitness. I’m a big believer in getting enough sleep and leading up to a big show, I listen to self-hypnosis or subliminal audio recordings by Laura King. They clear out the negative “chatter” so I can approach a show with positive confidence. HERS: You’ve had a year of epic achievement. Did it ever get daunting? HIS: I’ve found the best way to approach something “big” is to break it down to manageable details. I very much wanted to do well at Aachen, but the thought of the event as a whole... its history, its place as one of the greatest titles a driver can win, yes, that was daunting.

��

www.EliteEquestrian.us

HERS: So what did you do? HIS: I broke it down to the details... how were the horses working? Were we bringing enough timothy hay and Horse Quencher™ for their water buckets? Was the new bit ﬁtting correctly on the brown bridle or should it go on the black? Was that harness rubbing? We found where things went wrong or could have worked better, and focused on turning them into lessons where we could improve. HERS: Does anything ever happen to throw a monkey wrench into the details? HIS: Accidents that could have been avoided can turn plans upside down. For instance, I used to be one of those drivers who, when I got to a show, helped unload the horses, tack trunks, you name it. Until I saw accidents that could stop a driver from competing. Crushed ﬁngers. Pulled backs. Injuries that weren’t just painful: they cost you time, training and standings. It’s just not worth hurting yourself before a show. That’s why you have a team. To help you get to the winner’s circle. Then the best way to say, ‘Thank You,’ is to pitch in and help. Afterwards. HERS: We say thank you, too, for all you do and bring to Ocala, and look forward to seeing you in the Christmas Parade. Here’s hoping you and your family have a very special holiday!

��

� �

www.EliteEquestrian.us

Planning to winter in Florida? Make the most of your stay in

cala

��

Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company PO Box 99, Ocala FL 34478 352-237-2154 www.obssales.com The 2015 OBS Day of Champions Tuesday, January 27th, 1:00 p.m. For 3 year old Colts, Geldings & Fillies.

Winter Mixed Sale: January 28-29th (including horses of racing age) Several sales of two-year-olds scheduled for 2015, and more. Please visit our web site for details. Bonkerz Comedy Club Laugh to the nation’s top comedians every Saturday evening, 8:00 p.m.

Admission $10, food and beverages available for purchase. Call 352-237-4144 for reservations and information 48

OCALA

Christmas Parade Saturday, December 13th Starting at 5:30 p.m. This year’s theme is Home for the Holidays!

2014 Parade Marshall: Chester Weber! For a map of the parade route and information on purchasing bleacher seats, visit www.ocalamarionchristmasparade.com

2015 4 Star 6 Horse Head to Head The Ultimite in a Head to Head

• • • • •

Converts to 4, 5 or 6 horse Converts into 3 box stalls Fully insulated roof Dressing room Large windows for max air ﬂow

• • • • •

Saddle racks, bridle hooks Hydralic Jack Side ramp Rear ramp Extra tall and extra wide

Drop by or call and let us tell you the 4Star Diﬀerence! www.coas�ocoas�railer.com www.EliteEquestrian.us

cala O

Florida Agricultural Center and

STRIDE

Horse Park

Striving Toward Rider Improvement and Dressage Education

Stride is an active riding and driving Dressage Club located in Ocala, Florida. Stride hosts ﬁve schooling shows each year, and also sponsors many clinics and work shops with classes and activities for ALL dressage enthusiasts, including beginning riders and drivers and beginning horses.

... is the venue for a multitude of events, and not all equestrian! There is always something fun to do!

Their most recent clinic, which was held October 3-5, 2014, was made possible by a generous donation from the Dressage Foundation. It included a multitude of clinicians, guest speakers, demonstratinos, as well as individual and group lessons. See photos below.

However, the Horse Park is on the grow- they already have an awesome cross country course and host polo and driving events. A fabulous covered arena has just been completed with stadium bleachers planned. Construction on the ﬁrst of several 200 stall barns will commence soon! ��

�� ����

Upcoming events include a Driving Clinic at Cranewood South Farm in Ocala on November 15 & 16, 2014. There are also monthly meetings and an annual Awards Banquet. For updated information and dates for shows and other events, please visit our web site:

www.ﬂhorsepark.com

www.STRIDEDRESSAGE.org

The Villages Polo Club 703 N. Buena Vista Blvd. The Villages, FL 32162 352-750-POLO

Florida Horse Park, 11008 S Highway 475, Ocala, FL 34480

POP

Events organized by P.O.P. generate funds which are funneled back into the Park’s infrastructure to build a better park for the future. Part of the proﬁts go directly to the Florida Horse Park to cover near-term operational expenses. The rest are spent on really cool stuff we hope you’ll appreciate, like new cross country obstacles, a water truck, show jumps and much more. contact us at info@fhp-pop.com www.ocoos.com/me/partners-of-the-park-pop





Check back for information about the spring season!

 Art Walk 

First Friday Art Walk September thru May, 6-9pm Visit www.ocalafl.org/artwalk for more information

 

FALL POLO SEASON Games Fridays at 4pm and Sundays at 2pm throughout November until December 14th. Visit our web site at www.thevillagespoloclub.com for more information.

Partners Of the Park

www.EliteEquestrian.us

More...

Read this, and any previous issue of Elite Equestrian magazine online for FREE at www.EliteEquestrian.us

Frolicking Fox Farm, LLC Training, Instruction, Sales, Boarding, Young Horse Backing, Customized Domestic & European Horse Shopping Grace Lee & Abigail Lee 5393 NW 75th Ave Ocala FL 34482 203-837-7374 352-547-5116

www.FrolickingFoxFarm.com

frolickingfox@gmail.com

��

A Taste of Everywhere ��

�� • • • •

��

Business Meetings • Luncheons Gluten Free Bread, Cakes & Desserts Vegetarian, Vegan & Meat Dishes Wedding & Special Occasion Cakes

Best Reubens and Cubans in town!

�� Open Mon-Fri 10:30 - 3, Sat. 9:30-3:30, Sun. Closed 128 S.W. Broadway, Ocala Late pick-ups by appointment www.EliteEquestrian.us

352-622-3121

www.ATasteOfEverywhere.com 51

cala O

GOOD APPLE EQUINE CONSIGNMENT

FLORIDA’S GREATEST EQUINE CONSIGNMENT STORE!

Palm Partnership Training®

What better place to have an equine consignment store than Ocala, the horse capital of the world?

Lynn Palm, white shirt, above, gives instruction to a rider on the Trail Challenge Course on her farm, Fox Grove Farm. The course is open to the public on Wednesdays for a small fee. It’s a great way to test you skills as well as your horse’s, and also to practice if you plan to compete. Fox Grove Farm hosts Trail Challenge Competitions, Western Dressage Clinics and competitions, Ride Well Clinics, Customized Clinics and more.

This amazing little store is like an equine Aladdin’s cave. With the small storefront, first impressions are that surely they cannot carry very much inventory, but go inside and you are transported from the welcoming storefront, through the English bridle and bit room, through to a large saddle room which carries literally hundreds of used English and Western saddles of every description. And it doesn’t finish there … carry on through and you reach the equine library with gifts, toys, house ware and craft collectibles. After this is another room which carries horse boots, general horse stuff, English head collars, Paso and Western headstalls and bits. Then, the piece de resistance … the equine riders apparel room, groaning with Western outfits, chaps, English tall boots, paddock boots, Western fashion boots, shirts, jackets, and Western tack!! It is amazing and who would have though it from such a small storefront?

The next AQHA Trail Challenge Competition is on November 9th, 2014- it’s open to all breeds.

Palm Partnership Training® at Fox Grove Farm 9445 NW 60th Avenue, Ocala FL 34482 352-629-3310 800-503-2824 generalinfo@lynnpalm.com

For More Information, Visit LynnPalm.com

Sat

Good Apple Equine Consignment has just reached its ﬁfth birthday and was opened in Ocala by a very switched-on Brit, Georgia Hattan-Bennett. She started the store with nothing but her daughter’s paddock boots and a pair of breeches! And now, Georgia is thrilled that her regular customers often come from as far as Canada, when the snowbirds make Good Apple Equine their ﬁrst stop as soon as they land in Florida. Georgia’s mom, Debbie Hattan-NazarShah has now joined her permanently, and together they are growing the company, having just launched a complementary online store www.goodappleequine.com, which is already showing & Sun December 6 & 7th, 2014 great results. They now send saddles all over the Tack Shack of Ocala USA for trial and sale.

Tack Swap

481 SW 60th Avenue, Ocala FL 34474 All of the equine inventory is gently used and cared for For vendor info or more information and this is why they can offer great prices. Consignors come from far and wide because they have great conﬁdence call 352-873-3599 in Good Apple Equine, and know they will always get a fair deal. For further information, take a look at their website, www.goodappleequine.com or just call Georgia, Debbie or Miss Cathy, and they will do everything they can to help. Oh, and by the way, they prefer to take items for consignment by appointment please, as they get so busy! Just call 352 789 6544 any time.

Stirrups ‘n Strides “Jammin’ at Jumbolair” And Themed Basket Auction December 6, 2014 from 5PM-10PM A charity beneﬁt for Stirrups ‘n Strides Therapeutic Riding Center will be held at Jumbolair at 1201 NE 77th St. Ocala which is just North of Ocala not far from Anthony. Jumbolair is known around the world as the premier aviation community with its magniﬁcent 9,000 square ft. ballroom!

Every Saturday on the Green

Stirrups n Strides provides horseback riding and carriage driving to children & adults who have physical, mental or emotional challenges. Stirrups ‘n Strides is a 501(c)3 non-proﬁt organization. Come join us for an evening of great music, southern dinner, and lots of themed baskets to try & win & a 50/50 rafﬂe. Music by: Catherine & Bobby Sears, Shane Wooten Band, Rock and Roll Rhythm Review & Deby Kelley. Our MC is Mr. Shane Wooten. Tickets are $30 for adults, $20 for children under 12 (suggested Donation) or you could Sponsor a table for 8 for $500. Your sponsorship will provide you with Theme decorations, Beer & Wine. 52

Farmer’s Market

Ocala, FL For more info and to purchase tickets please contact: Betty Gray at 352-427-3569 or Elaine Richter at 352-620-5236 www.EliteEquestrian.us

� �

www.EliteEquestrian.us

Frenchtown ad biz card.qxp

Stall EZ

5/17/2012

Your Perfect Partner... on both sides of the Delaware

HEARTHSIDE REALTORS ALWAYS OPEN WWW.CBHEARTHSIDE.COM

Serving both New Jersey and Pennsylvania! Hunterdon & Warren Counties in NJ, Bucks County and beyond in Pennsylvania! Visit us online at www.CBHearthside.com/Frenchtown or stop by at 57 Bridge Street Frenchtown, NJ 08825

908-996-7151

providing legal solutions and strategies for you, your horses and horse business in new jersey new york and fﬂlorida What is GGT Stall-EZ? A Stall-EZ is an extremely durable one piece, seamless mat made of carpet-like permeable non-woven polypropylene material. It greatly reduces bedding requirements by allowing the urine to run through it.

EquiLaw, LLC Steven M. Tarshis 908 713 9229 steven @ smtesq.com www.equilawllc.com

What makes Stall-EZ different? The Stall-EZ will reduce your costs on bedding and the expenses involved with the removal of waste. The Stall-EZ will reduce the ammonia build up associated with traditional barn management practices. With the Stall-EZ your investment will pay for itself in one year alone - then over and over after that. Why is Stall-EZ better than rubber mats? 1. Unlike conventional rubber mats, a Stall-EZ will not allow urine to puddle on the surface. When urine puddles on the surface (as on any flooring that does not drain properly) it is absorbed by expensive bedding - bedding that must be removed. With Stall-EZ the urine does not puddle on the surface, but easily flows through so your bedding does not absorb it. Consequently, much less bedding is removed when the stall is cleaned. It is a simple equation: Less bedding to remove = savings on bedding and the time required to clean the stall. Stall-EZ are heavy-duty in durability but very lightweight, about 40 pounds for a one-piece 12’ x12’ stall unit. For the same size stall, six rubber mats are needed, each weighting ~ 90 pounds. When those 540 pounds is placed on an earthen surface, it will shift and at some point require adjusting. 2. Stall-EZ can be easily removed, transported and reinstalled elsewhere. 3. Having a one piece Stall-EZ means no seams will rise up, thus keeping manure and bedding from wedging underneath creating a haven for bacteria and thrush-like organisms. The smooth surface also eliminates incidences of: pulled shoes, lameness issues, a horse getting his leg twisted under one of these 90-pound mats 4. Stall-EZ never becomes slick or slippery. Newborn foals and the disabled, older animals have no issues getting up or down. No struggling at all and no foals being admitted to veterinary hospitals for treatment of open raw-flesh-spots caused by flailing about in an effort to stand. Stall-EZ can be used with little to no bedding during foaling, thus avoiding any risk of inhalation of particles into the foals lungs. 5. There will never be a time when your Stall-EZ will get packed solid with waste as can happen even with interlocking honey comb mats. No stopped-up drainage or associated costs of correcting drainage issues every 3 years. If you ever need to work on your Stall-EZ or the drainage bed underneath, it is a simple one-day task. All you have to do is roll or fold up the 40 pound one piece mat.

Ship Your Horse By Air With Confidence DAILY INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS We are the oldest, fully licensed & insured shipping company in the U.S.A. Call our competitor ﬁrst, then call us. You won’t regret it!

516-678-9100

Continued... 54

www.EliteEquestrian.us

WWW.ANAHT.COM info@ANAHT.COM

8:55 A

www.RockyRidgeConstruction.net

Pennsylvania Equestrian_PPB_8 W x 5 H.indd 1

www.EliteEquestrian.us

7/15/2014 12:31:23 PM

6. For what is it worth, Stall-EZ is literally a no-brainer. Purchase a Stall-EZ and get started. Test it yourself. You have nothing to lose and absolutely everything to gain. Then, when you are ready, ﬁnish out your remaining stalls with Stall-EZ. What is my savings if I purchase Stall-EZ? First: Your savings is by buying the material only. Second: The thrifty local purchase or acquisition of the molding/base board for attaching Stall-EZ. Third: Your savings on bedding! PLUS labor! As this mat has the best performing drainage mat on the market, which means that you will save, save, SAVE on bedding, starting the DAY you install your Stall-EZ. Fourth is the life of your Stall-EZ, as this material has proven durability with over 15+ years of use. The bare necessity needed for Maximum Performance. So what are you waiting for? Call 864-804-0212 or email now rex.gosnell@polysols.com for sample, with questions or to place an order! Stall-EZ comes 1 foot wider than stall, which allows for 6 inches to be folded up on each side of the stall wall. The table below is how many feet you will need for your stall size. 12 x 12 Stall order 15x13 feet 12 x 14 Stall order 15x15 feet 12 x 16 Stall order 15x17 feet 12 x 18 Stall order 15x19 feet 12 x 20 Stall order 15x21 feet 12 x 24 Stall order 15x25 feet Custom Sizes Can Be Cut As Well.

For More Information call Rex Gosnell at 864-804-0212 or email rex.gosnell@polysols.com Visit http://www.polysols.com/

Save Your Hay. Save Your Money. BIG BALE BUDDY Round Bale Feeder Keep your hay contained until your horses eat it. Available in 3 sizes. One year warranty Starting at $99.95

� �

 A ome Bec ibutor. tr Dis ntact Co Stall ma Per day! To

SLOW BALE BUDDY Mimics grazing. Eliminates waste. Controls gluttony, calms nervous and anxious horses. Available in all bale sizes.

Also Available In Bulk Loose.

866-389-9952 www.bigbalebuddy.com 56

$4.20 per 6 cu ft 50 lb bag, plus freight.

www.EliteEquestrian.us

Grooms and Workers Compensation Insurance: To Have or Not to Have, That is the Question. By Avery S. Chapman, Esq ��

��

Marks of an Employee

� �� Marks of an Independent Contractor ��

Is my groom and employee or independent contractor?

www.EliteEquestrian.us

What happens if the misclassified employee is hurt? ��

Continued...

www.EliteEquestrian.us

��

Can an employer avoid a lawsuit with workers compensation insurance?

��

Does workers compensation protect the horse owner who is not the employer? ��

��

Recommendation ��

www.EliteEquestrian.us

� �

Quilted Horse Designs

Turning memories into masterpieces...

...one stitch at a time! 610-721-9027

www.QuiltedHorse.com

topothehillfarm@hotmail.com www.EliteEquestrian.us

Equine Health

The Scoop Poop on ��

��

Much about the horse’s health can be determined by close observation of the manure produced. It should be considered one of the normal things to observe along with temperature, pulse and respiration. It should be well formed fecal balls that contain no noticeable chucks of feedstuff, consistent color, slight odor and have a slightly moist appearance but no mucous. The size and shape of the balls are somewhat individualized with each horse but should be consistent for that horse.

��

Impaction is generally the term used rather than constipation. This is considered to be a colic situation and requires veterinary attention immediately. Although sometimes the manure is just abit drier than usual, attention should be given to adequate water intake.

��

Check Our Web Site For This Year’s Date!

www.EliteEquestrian.us

SMALL ANIMAL & EQUINE • • • • • • •

Medicine Surgery Dentistry Hospitalization Ambulatory Digital Radiography In-House Laboratory

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

908-995-4959

www.EliteEquestrian.us

The normal horse drinks between 5-10 gallons of water per day but that amount also varies with temperature, humidity, and even horse habit. Access to water as well as shipping, pain, distress and stress, change in exercise amount, and local water taste differences can also lead to less water intake and drier than normal manure. Proper water intake is necessary and should be high on the list of critical observations.

��

Diarrhea in horses can be a result of many factors including inﬂammatory bowel diseases, infectious diseases, cancer, stress, and barn related issues. Infections caused by bacteria such as salmonella, intestinal cancer such as lymphoma, as well as sudden changes to the diet or excessive stress can cause diarrhea. Since it can be life threatening, the cause should be found as soon as possible to avert potential dehydration and other complications.

��

�� Sand colic and or impactions are commonly found in sandy terrain paddocks. While grazing or eating off of sandy soils, the horse inadvertently picks up the sand or small gravel. To test for this, place 5-6 fecal balls into a glass container and ﬁll with water until it covers the manure by several inches. Shake and let it stand for 20 minutes. The sand will separate out in the jar. If present, ask you veterinarian for veriﬁcation and management options so as to prevent emergency issues later.

��

Heavy doses of alfalfa can produce green colored fecal balls. Feeding beet pulp can tint it redder or darker than a normal coloration. Vegetable oil can make it gray colored as well as greasy. These colorations do not represent a vet call.

��

However, should a blackened feces occur (in a non foal meconium instance), this could indicate bleeding somewhere in the intestinal tract higher up thus resulting in a partially digested blood content. Should red coloration occur, this is also intestinal bleeding but from a lower origin and is undigested blood. Either case warrants an immediate veterinary visit to determine the reason.

��

Dental problems can drastically alter the manure. If not chewing food properly, feed particles of whole grains can pass through undigested. In the event of aged senior horses that have lost teeth or worn them down to plates, this is a common occurrence. A veterinary dentist can determine the source of the problem and make suggestions as to dental care or food changes (e.g. Senior feeds) to accommodate the needs of the horse.

Exclusively Devoted To The Quality Care Of Retired Horses

Ocala, Florida

• Owner On Premises 24/7 • Secure Pastures With No Road Frontage • Quality Care In A Secure, Relaxed Environment • Conveniently located 2 minutes from HITS, Ocala Show Grounds

$650/Month All Inclusive

www.HorseRetirementHomeFarm.com 64

www.EliteEquestrian.us

352-622-9558

�� As a ﬁnal note, any changes in consistency can also be due to parasite burden with internal parasites. Have your veterinarian run routine fecal exams to determine the type of worm burden your horse has and the proper wormer to use. Because the parasites are developing resistance to marketed wormers, the traditional routine every month or two worming should be reconsidered and performed as necessary and to speciﬁc parasite needs. In summary, don’t think of your horses manure as a yucky mess to clean up and discard. Rather, think of it as to a look inside your horse’s gut and the overall health status both for that particular day as well as long term. Indeed, poop can be a good thing if you take the time to look at it. ��

��

Phantom Brook Farm offers assisted veterinary care/convalescent services as directed by your own veterinarian and performed by a certiﬁed veterinary technician. Those services include but are not limited to: • • • • •

Wound care Foaling and mare care Hand walking Leg injuries Clinical lab test performed on site

• • • • • •

Medication dosing Ice water system therapy Postoperative care Lay-ups Eye treatments In-stall camera monitoring

Owner operated, we offer 24-hour coverage of your horse in a secure and safe environment. We also offer retirement plans for elderly or compromised horses.

Let us make a difference with your horse. Joe and Marilyn Heath, CVT, MS 203 Washburn Ave. Washington, NJ 07882 (908) 689-4428 www.phantombrookfarm.com pbfarm@comcast.net www.EliteEquestrian.us

Equine Health

�� Prepare Your Horse For Winter NOW!

�

��

Your horse has a calendar and a watch. It knows what time it is. Your horse knows that the days are getting shorter. The fall is not the time of year to be trying to shed unwanted pounds. This is the time of year to store as much as possible for the coming winter, because “time” is running out ALREADY. Your horse can tell that June 21st is past.

The symptoms we see in animals and people in the fall and spring are induced by the change in sunlight. This decrease in light affects vitamin and mineral uptake and use. Vitamin D, naturally occurring in mammals and formed by UV radiation contact with the skin, is one example of a vitamin that is becoming a problem for horses as we give them more shelter and clothing. It affects calcium use and storage, along with many other minerals that are typically bonded into skeletal muscle and bone. The sunlight part of the year allows the horse to store minerals for future use. Make use of the sunlight days to help your horse store and replenish supplies of minerals lost over the previous winter. Exercise and exposure to sunlight are ways to help your horse drive mineral intake into bone storage. As the seasonal changes occur, we often see problems in previously compromised animals first, as they are already mineral and vitamin deficient. They are unable to efficiently and correctly pro-

cess the chemical reactions that the body needs every day to live. Kidney function, muscle function, heart function, liver function, G.I. tract motility and absorption rates, learning and behavior expression may all be affected. So even though it is still fall, we can anticipate the possible problems that will be arising come December and begin to take steps to avert them. Many horse owners have elected to cut back on feeding concentrate feeds during the summer, leaving the grass pasture “lunch room” to make up for what they aren’t getting in home cooked meals. This is the mentality of the grasshopper of Espops Fable; but this is a mistake. During this time of plenty, it is important to not focus on adding pounds of glistening ﬂesh so much as adding appropriate, bone density increasing vitamins and minerals – the kind of poundage that you can’t easily measure with the girth of the saddle. It is better measured with blood and hair analysis.

Equine Hospital 24/7 Emergency Care

Our large animal doctors are also available Mon-Fri for routine on-site or in hospital calls.

215-536-2726

2250 N. Old Bethlehem Pike, Quakertown, PA 18951

www.quakertownvetclinic.com 66

��

www.EliteEquestrian.us

Lethargy is a sign that your horse is responding to a poor metabolism. When you give them stuff to help their metabolism, they act normal. When you take it away, they immediately act lethargic. They have not accumulated enough of the right “leftovers” in the back of the fridge to get them through the dark days. They can’t eat enough during the winter to make up for it, and they can’t process what they have stored without leaving them more at a loss the next year. During the warm months horses do very well on seed meal diets that contain the protein and vital elements needed to make muscle, and process bodily functions. They need grass/hay to make glycogen. They don’t have a need for sugar (grain and excess calories) because they just store them in the back of the fridge as fat. They look like easy keepers but generally they don’t have screwed up thyroids. These horses just need better food resources. In the darker part of the year, all horse breeds are beginning to show symptoms once attributed only to the breeds that genetically have slower metabolisms.

�� Glycogen is used by slow twitch muscles as an energy source. It is stored in the muscle cell and is very efﬁciently used. Fast twitch muscles are fed by glucose, which is stored outside the muscle, must be transported in and when depleted the muscle converts to using ketones temporarily. After the activity, the muscle must remove the lactic acid. The whole process of using glucose as fuel is energy spending. Any horse that doesn’t stand up straight, with cannon bones perpendicular to the earth has to incorporate fast twitch muscles to stand. This leads to muscle fatigue because he is using his fast twitch muscles to do the job of his slow twitch muscles. Any horse with poor foot balance or hind gut irritation which cause faulty posture will be fatigued before they ever begin to move. Fatigue is the number one cause of injury. If they cannot stand up against gravity straight, they develop problems of lethargy, weakness, and stress on joints, muscles, and organs. And we are seeing it in younger and younger horses.

��

A FULL SERVICE EQUINE PRACTICE “Serving the equine community in northeastern PA and northern NJ” • Reproductive Services • Dentistry • Preventive Care • Lameness Evaluation • Digital Radiography & Ultrasound • IRAP & Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) • Acupuncture • Chiropractic Care

Emergency Service Provided 24/7

(610)-588-9467 www.crossrivervetservice.com www.EliteEquestrian.us

�� These mineral deficits expose themselves as symptoms of colic, muscle tetany, spasm, weakness, and can even evolve into skin disorders such as pruritis. The horses most compromised have heavy fat pads in unattractive places (cottage cheese thighs as it were) and those horses with weight gain problems due to G.I. irritation (hard keepers who may or may not also become non-sweaters), are the ones who will begin to have symptoms of lowered metabolism sooner in the season each year. Each year, closer and closer to June 21st (the longest day of the year), these horses will begin “seasonal” symptoms such as heaves, founder, COPD, anhydrosis, allergic reactions and gas colics. The impaction colics often are clustered in the fall, when smooth muscle fibers have become more sluggish, but can occur during any time of year if the horse is not getting enough sunlight due to daytime stabling, blanketing, and lack of turnout. Low pressure systems can precipitate the episodes of symptoms because of the effects on the baroreceptors, rennin-angiotensin system, and to put it simply, gravitational forces on water weight. From December 18 to December 25 the sunlight hours are the shortest of the year. This means that animals will have the least absorption of calcium of the year during these days, as their vitamin D levels will be lowest. This will precipitate all kinds of reactions in response to decreased calcium, including muscle weakness, spasm, and tetany and includes smooth muscle function as well as striated muscle. Organ tissue will also show spasm and dysfunction more during this time. Horses not previously showing overt signs of problems will have the opportunity to respond to these environmental influences, but as the daylight increases, as little as 1 minute on December 25th, they will also show improvement quickly. Rather than wait until December 25th to see if you have been able to dodge the possible, sudden, emergency situations brought on by unforeseen elements (that we observe annually and for which we hold rituals and holidays and for which we address with changes in fashion and style) take charge of it NOW. If your horse has been compromised for several years, such as the horse who “has always had problems gaining/losing weight” or “has always had bug allergies, so much so that we bought him his own boutique clothing in which to hide from the bugs”, beginning now won’t fix the problems this year, but will be a good start at giving your horse a chance at a more comfortable year next year, and the year after that, and after that. Reduce the legumes (alfalfa, soy, clover) that increase calcium excretion by causing acid balance in the blood, thus causing increased calcium excretion at the nephon tubules. Allowing for more sun time this summer will thus increase G.I. absorption of Calcium and you can help to reduce its loss by 68

www.EliteEquestrian.us

buffering the gut with grass hay. Oxygen therapies like hyperbarics, and 0.977778 ozone can also help to reduce the acidic state of the body. By increasing the buffering agents and reducing acid producing agents in the diet we can increase appropriate mineral uptake. Other daily beneﬁts occur with reducing environmental elements that block the correct use of minerals, such as giving ﬁltered water through a drinking water hose only, and adding buffering agents such as grass, grass hays and balanced phosphorous, calcium/ magnesium and zinc agents. Many of these horses also need additional iodine to raise their metabolic rates to a normal level so that the chemical reactions that take place inside their bodies can use and store the minerals correctly. Monitor metabolism by simply taking morning temperatures. This simple record of what is your horse’s lowest temperature of the day can help you to address the underlying cause of low metabolism. Any temperature under 100 degrees is an indication that your horse doesn’t process his groceries correctly; he can’t correctly turn his food into mineralized bone, into muscle and into neural processing; he/she can’t protect herself from the changes in the environment that she recognizes as early as June 24th, just seconds less of sunlight than on the longest day of the year and she can’t prepare for the shortest day of the year, when he/she needs to have enough stores put away to make it until Christmas.

(For information on how to interpret body temperatures, consultation on how to help your horse improve body stores for vital minerals and other questions or to contact Dr. Amy Hayek or Dr. Bill Ormston, visit our website at www.HYHH.TV.)

��

You’ll find additional articles on our web site at: www.EliteEquestrian.us

www.EliteEquestrian.us

��

� �

www.EliteEquestrian.us

TACK & TRAINING

��

�� What’s It All About? ��

��

It is our responsibility to bring out the best in our horses.

��

www.EliteEquestrian.us

��

� �

www.EliteEquestrian.us

TACK & TRAINING

Human to Horse

Maslogarth

A Champion Who Won Hearts ��

On opening day, at the S. Siro racetrack in Milan, Italy, an extra ordinary race was named Premio Maslogarth, titled to a racehorse that recently died at the age of thirty. Maslogarth was a racehorse famous not for his winnings, but for his great mind. Naming the race after him was the last act that the Società Milanese Corse Cavalli, carried out to recognize this horse and his owner. In fact, after Maslogarth stopped racing, they gave Maslogarth free lifetime room and board. Stories like this are quite rare in the racing world! A big dark bay colt, born in 1984, by Hogarth and Maslowskaja, he raced from 2 to 11 years old, and won the heart of everyone who met him, mine included. Many jockeys rode Maslogarth in the 70 races he ran, some were famous, some just beginning their career. His owner Angelo Garbati, well in his sixties, wore once again the jockey silks, and won one last race with Maslogarth. I too, had the pleasure to win and place with this horse, but my best luck was to learn about horsemanship from this very special racehorse. I am not “born with horses”, but my biggest childhood dream was to be able to talk with them like I do with a friend. The thrill of a race is for me as exciting as watching a foal being born, or teaching a horse to keep it’s eyes and ears on me. My parents let me ride for a few years, but later decided that it was too dangerous. Having no money, to be able to follow my passion, I resorted to spend the early hours riding racehorses before going to school. I was not able to afford my own horse, like other amateur riders, and didn’t have the 76

time to become a professional jockey while I was studying to become a veterinarian. The paycheck for my work at the track was the chance to compete in some races opened to amateurs, which gave me the thrill and the strong emotions that appeal so much to young kids. I am also very thankful to my parents for insisting that I ﬁnished the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Milano. The time I spent at the racetrack taught me lifelong lessons. Aside from Maslogarth and Angelo, I met some great horsemen, like Enrico Camici, the jockey of Ribot and many other famous horses, who taught me how to ride racehorses. I was also very fortunate to meet Alain Kerbiriou, a French trainer who showed me some standards for the racehorse’s mind that were very unusual and have stayed with me for the rest of my life. His horses were so well minded that they could live with a bunny as a stall companion, like Caburrum with whom I won my ﬁrst race. The bunny use to sleep next to him and the horse would not get up until the bunny moved in a safe position. When I met Maslogarth I applied those standards to www.EliteEquestrian.us

our horsemanship. He arrived at the track as a yearling from the Fall Sales of 1985. His owner, Angelo Garbati, was a retired horseman who liked to keep a horse or two just to occupy his days. Angelo had spent a lifetime working at the track, with many different trainers, and in some of the famous Italian old-time stables, like the Razza Dormello Olgiata. He broke and rode, training generations of Italian racehorses, including Hogarth, who sired Maslogarth. When we met, Angelo was in his sixties and I started helping him by riding his horses during the morning workout. Maslogarth was pretty big as a yearling, but very gentle, so he ended up becoming everybody’s favorite. After the daily workout I used to turn him loose while giving him a bath or simply walking him to dry, and he would stay with me shoulder-to-shoulder like a friend. I also rode him bareback with a bridle, or just a halter and rope around the racetrack stables. He learned to drink from a hose pointed at his muzzle, and to fetch carrots and treats that I threw from being on his back. All of this was happening around other horses that behaved in a much

different fashion, more like the stereotypical racehorse does. Because of Maslogarth’s attitude, one day Angelo was asked to use him for ﬁlming a commercial for the track. I was the one that rode him bareback, on the racetrack for a short canter at dawn, and will never forget that early morning experience. After that day Maslogarth helped the track on several other occasions and later became the track’s mascot. In 1996 I moved permanently to the U.S., and one year, during a visit to my family, I learned from a mutual friend that Maslogarth still lived in the same stall and was still with Angelo. The horse was 26 years old and still a big, dark bay, nice minded stallion. When I went to see him and Angelo, after nearly 15 years, he still remembered me, and our days together. That day I lived some unforgettable moments, feeling again twenty-something years old. I rode Maslogarth like I used to do in the old days, bareback and bridleless. During my visit Angelo told me the story of the years that we spent apart. It is a story of acts of kindness, smiles and many young riders that learned how to ride a racehorse on the track for the ﬁrst time. There were school children that brought him carrots during visits with their teachers, petting him everywhere and walking between his legs, while he patiently waited like an experienced master. And that is what he was! When I was young, I was very proud of my way of riding and used to attribute my success with the horses to my skills, but I was not able to explain in detail to anyone how I was able to communicate so clearly with a horse. I knew it was not a matter of trick training but rather it was spontaneous and

beautiful. The best explanation I could give was that I loved them and they loved me back, which was certainly true, but of no help to anyone else other than me. What I learned from Maslogarth and the other racehorses became the base of how I communicate with horses. H2H Sensing is an approach to horsemanship where human being and horse communicate spontaneously, not through conditioned cues. In this kind of dialogue that H2H Sensing aims to establish, each individual can be a leader and a follower. A horse can execute without being submissive and the leader can be a leader of leaders. That is what I learned from Maslogarth and the racehorses. One more thing I had learned was that, if properly cared for, even racehorses could be trusted to be ridden like Maslogarth, bareback and bridleless. I always secretly hoped that one day I would have my very own special racehorse, and this happened with Downtown Rosalie, the mare I now share most of my time with. (Youtube: Dancing with the Racehorse, Downtown Rosalie having fun at Equine Affaire and many others)

Continued... www.EliteEquestrian.us

I competed in ﬂat races between 1980 and 1992, until a very serious accident ended my racing career. It happened because I rode an unknown horse, with bad habits and training issues, of which I was not aware before the race. I broke my back and was at risk to become paralyzed. Sadly this is something that didn’t just happen to me. Very little thought is still given to the soundness of the racehorse’s mind. Jockeys sometimes risk their lives to ride because it is a common belief, even between many professionals, that racehorses can be tolerated to be wild and out of control. History teaches us that the true champions were rarely horses with an unsound mind. Most of the greatest horse breeders care to select the breeding of their best horses, keeping in mind all aspects of a healthy horse, and not just their racing performance. The rest of the work is in horsemanship, a very important issue!

Email your equine behavioral and training questions! alessandrad@me.com

� �

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 78

www.EliteEquestrian.us

Busy Primary Care Health Center is seeking Family Medicine Physicians in Ocala, Florida

The Family Practice Physician delivers preventive, chronic disease maintenance and episodic health care to our patients within the identified scope of primary care practice. Family Practice Physicians support the health center mission and goals, utilizing professional skills consistent with medical best practices to diagnose and treat patients who present with both acute and chronic health problems. Requires Florida license, board certified or board eligible. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package. Loan repayment may be available.

Forward your resume and cover le�er to judydevine@mrhs.org

EQUISSAGE tm (

)

taught by Mary Schreiber

The Leader in Animal Massage Certiﬁcation since 1991 www.equissage.com info@equissage.com 1.800.843.0224

�� 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

www.EliteEquestrian.us

TACK & TRAINING

Saddle Fit Q&A By Jochen Schleese, Certiﬁed Master Saddler, Equine and Saddle Ergonomist. Question: ��

ANSWER:

If you have ever had to stop in the middle of your ride to reset your saddle because it has moved forward onto your horse’s shoulders, this may be caused by improper billet alignment. Unless the billets on your saddle are positioned correctly, your saddle will not stay in its proper place on your horse’s back. No matter how many times you stop and reset the saddle, or what kind of saddle pad you use, or what shape girth you use, your saddle will continue to slide forward. How do you know if the billets on your saddle are aligned properly for your horse? Place your saddle on your horse’s back, making sure that it is correctly situated behind his shoulder. The billets should hang perpendicular to the ground, and also should hang in the girth area. If the billets hang too far back, gravity will pull the billets forward into the girth area. The billets will, of course, pull the girth and the entire saddle along with them. The girth will always ﬁnd its position at the narrowest point of the rib cage behind your horse’s elbow, and the unfortunate result is that the saddle either gets driven forward into or onto your horse’s shoulders. The horse’s shoulder blade (scapula) consists of both bone and cartilage. A saddle that is pulled forward onto his shoulders acts

like a straitjacket: your horse will be unable to move freely through his shoulders and his movement will be compromised, sometimes severely. At worst, a saddle that constantly drives into your horse’s shoulders ﬁrst will produce a buildup of scar tissue on his scapula. If the problem persists over the long-term, the tree points of the saddle will begin to actually chip away the bone and cartilage. Horses with this kind of irreversible damage often have telltale “holes,” particularly on their left shoulder blade, and may show persistent unsoundness. If the billets hang too far forward into your horse’s elbow area, they may make him sore in the elbows. And once again, gravity will drag them (and the girth and saddle along with them) back into the girth area. You might think that this is not a problem because at least your horse’s shoulders are free. However, there will be too much pressure on the panels at the rear of the saddle. Too much of the rider’s weight will be on the horse’s lumbar and kidney area. In the case of a mare,

www.EliteEquestrian.us

there will be excessive pressure on her ovaries. This is especially problematic when the mare is in season, and during these times she may show extreme discomfort or resistance when being saddled and ridden. Watch the video about billet alignment here: http://www. schleese.com/Schleese-Saddle-Fitting-Tip-Five-Billet-Alignment Jochen is the author of The Silent Killer (2012) and Suffering in Silence: The Saddle Fit Link to Physical and Psychological Trauma in Horses (2013).

Discover optimal saddle fit for you and your horse in a Saddlefit 4 Life 80 point diagnostic evaluation. www.saddlefit4life.com www.saddlesforwomen.com (and guys too!) 800-225-2242. � �

��

Dressage

��

FOR SALE Equestrian Media Company with Broadcast TV, Internet, Print and Social Media This is a great opportunity to acquire successful media company with reach into all disciplines of horse riding, available to the right buyer. If you have a passion for horses and want to live the life of on-camera TV personality, this is the company for you. www.EquineVIP.com has a stable of shows for future release and the founder, and onscreen personality, is willing to train the buyer as part of the transaction.

Serious enquires only contact BroadbandGroupe@gmail.com www.EliteEquestrian.us

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE MUSIC ��

The crowd is breathless as a magnificent mare, polished to a patent-leather sheen carries her ramrod-straight rider into the arena. Their exquisite turn out blends beautifully into the strains of a melody so strident and commanding that every heart in the venue thumps in time with the transporting tones; surging and supporting the matchless perfection of the horse and rider’s dance. The horse, the rider, the music. AH, the music! On and on they dance, whirling, stepping high and flashing ever forward on that beat. Onward and outward, ever graceful, confident and precise. Oh that music!

��

overs of Musical Kur out there are resonating with me right now, aren’t you? For who can doubt the fact that “music hath charms”. Certainly the horse and rider are paramount, but all would be simply routine without the glorious support and embellishment of MUSIC—customized to perfection for a speciﬁc horse and a speciﬁc rider.

Composer, Stan Wietrzychowski ( photo above) knows how to pluck the heartstrings of a judge and a crowd. Rider and beast alike are enfolded in the strains of his melodic chiffon as they are urged and then driven to ever higher levels of artistic joy. 40+ years on the stages and concert halls of America have developed this virtuoso of all things musical into a rare talent of our times. Stan smiless when he relates tales of his musical assignments everywhere from gothic cathedrals to supermarket openings, from dance and ice-rink competitions to Carnagie Hall, Broadway and university theaters. Anywhere music lifts the level of artistic performance, Stan has been found. 82

At present, he and his wife, Anastasia, a vocalist, director, writer and actor in her own right, now operate their musical enterprises from the Mimosa and Crepe Myrtle ﬁlled lands of South Carolina. Having been seduced away from the frantic NYC/CT hustle and hassle, they wanted to concentrate more on Stan’s own compositional legacy, while partaking of the kind of lifestyle people work for all their livess. A slower-paced life of serenity, music and letters was the goal. They’ve achieved their dream, and now they say it is their privilege to share in helping the dreams of others come true.

www.EliteEquestrian.us

While the blessings of the Internet have allowed Stan to have write for and consult with clients worldwide, he seems genuinely delighted to be able to offer to fill the musical needs of those who normally would not have access to someone of his caliber and vast range of experience. The musical souls of the upstate in South Carolina. In his Inman SC studio, an aspiring singer, musician or composer of any age or experience level can schedule a time with the maestro to get some professional “THE VOICE” style coaching. Perhaps not surprisingly, the very first winner of that TV sensation was Javier Colon, one of Stan’s students. And there’s good news for those who have scribbled their songs on napkins for years. Now they can get their music put into professional notation. They can have chord symbols, accompaniments, full band charts, lyrics, anything they want put into professional format and printed out for them. They can us this to submit to competitions, agents, to take to an audition (it’ll be in their own key!), or present to Grandma for her 50th wedding anniversary. They can even get their creations recorded onto a CD for a custom birthday gift, or use their CD to accompany them at the local Open Mic night. Now there’s a resource for hungry musical artists to utilize wherever their location, and whatever their need. Stan’s studio even has facilities to do small runs of CD’s. He told me his motto is, “All Music, all the time”. Interestingly, the name of their home, where QuikScore Music is located, is Place des Etoiles. The name is a play on the “star” idea. The music studio works with would-be stars, and the magnificent view of stars over-arching their hillside lakesite evokes the perfect name. It translates: “place of stars”. Lovers of classical music will recognize the name Alexander Markov, the world-famous violinist. Stan and he have refined the art of composition via internet and telephone. “Distance is simply no barrier to creativity these days”, Stan exults. From far-flung concert halls to the Quik-Score studio, conference calls take place day or night, ideas are captured and refined, scores and recordings are created, mp3 files are sent, and beautiful music blesses the ears of people all over the world. When pressed for comment about what message he would like to leave with the Elite Equestrian readership, Stan smiles saying: “Music, horses and me. What could be more right? ” Interested readers can reach Stan at Quik-Score � � Music at 864-504-4347. www.EliteEquestrian.us

The Latest In Training Tools:

Portable Trail Obstacles

The Golden Cross Ranch meets a real need in the horse world: portable trail obstacles. The small family-owned business in Carrollton, Texas got their start in 2009 with the goal of providing ways for people to have fun with their horses while improving the horse-rider bond. The unique staking system they designed allows their obstacles to be set up almost anywhere. They have recently gone in a new direction and while the company no longer sells physical trail obstacles as shown on their web site, they have created plans for each obstacle so that horse owners can build their own.

For anyone interested in building a trail obstacle course that is affordable and easy to build, their portable trail obstacle plans are a great solution and are modeled after the exact same trail obstacles that were created and sold by Golden Cross Ranch for years without a single return or customer complaint. These plans are very affordable and easy to use, making any of their obstacles a fun weekend project that will provide hours of enjoyment and can also help improve safety for both horse and rider. Each obstacle plan is comprehensive so that building their obstacles is very straightforward. Golden Cross Ranch even provides suggested suppliers, making gathering parts for each obstacle as easy as possible. Each trail obstacle plan comes with a materials list, a numbered exploded view of the obstacle to aid assembly, and simple step-by-step instructions with pictures, in addition to a section on how to use the obstacle, and safety information. Training with trail obstacles teaches conﬁdence and increases safety when encountering the unexpected while providing owners and their horses hours of fun and interesting things to do. The owner of Golden Cross Ranch, Nancy Golden, notes the usefulness of their trail obstacles, “I believe that desensitizing horses is a critical and often overlooked part of their training. Introducing “scary” objects to horses in a systematic way teaches them to control their prey animal instincts and to trust their human partner, resulting in a safer horse which is always an important consideration when engaged in any riding activity.”

Continued...

www.EliteEquestrian.us

The mailbox obstacle provides a great way to practice one of the most widely used obstacles in the horse world, found in many different competitions. The vine simulator, also known as the cowboy curtain, is the company’s best-selling obstacle and was used a great deal during the Extreme Cowboy Association’s 2010 World Show hosted by Craig Cameron. Learning to open and close the portable gate obstacle is a great skill for every horse and rider to know and shows true partnership as horse and rider work together to accomplish the task. The tent obstacle, affectionately known as “The Cavern,” is the most challenging obstacle at 7 feet long and 8 feet adjustable up to just under 9 feet high - it takes a brave horse to calmly walk through this scary looking beast. Golden Cross Ranch portable trail obstacle plans are available at www.goldencrossranch.com and are very affordable, ranging from $10-$15 each. If purchased separately they total $51, but are also available at a special package price of only $28 if all four are purchased at the same time. The company also has a strong commitment to giving back to the community: 10% of their proﬁts go to a different charity each month.

www.goldencrossranch.com

� �

www.EliteEquestrian.us

��

CarouselWorkshop.com

� ��

�

��

Creating, Restoring, Buying, Selling Horses since 1987

The Anky Air System Stirrups available through premium retailer Dressage Deluxe are endorsed by top dressage name Anky Van Grunsven and show-jumper John Whitaker and offer riders an extra dimension in rider comfort. This ﬂexible, air cushioned stirrup not only takes care of your ankle and knee joints, but they also have a shock absorbing and non-slip, metal and rubber tread which is neatly set into the stirrup. The rubber at the sides not only surrounds the ﬂexible security joints, but also protects your precious riding boots - genius! In contrast to conventional stirrups, the Air System assures perfect shock absorption, so whether you are planning on long lazy hacks or turning the heat up in the competition arena - ride with air this season!

��

RRP: £99.00

www.dressagedeluxe.co.uk

Dressage Deluxe Free Phone: 0800 321 3001

352-669-6449

��

Deland, Florida (Just East of Ocala) � �

www.EliteEquestrian.us

Highlights from WEG

��

�� 88

www.EliteEquestrian.us

“ESSENTIAL PRINCIPLES OF HORSESHOEING” The perfect companion to our NEW Online Course!

An award-winning interactive farrier skills book that serves as a foundation guide to trimming and shoeing horses. • A cutting-edge “how-to” manual written by trusted authorities • Color photos, drawings, and QR codes that take you to video demonstrations online • Perfect for farriers, equine professionals, and any owner who cares about their horse’s health and well-being

www.essentialhorseshoeingbook.com • 800-728-3826

www.ButlerProfessionalFarrierSchool.com

��

EQUINE DENTISTRY

��

James J. Edwards IAED/C ��

Graduate American School of Equine Dentistry

��

908-237-0204

��

PO Box 517, Ringoes, NJ 08551 89

The Classic Company is proud to announce that it has added the Jacksonville Winter Series to its 2015 tour of show jumping events.

The USEF Premier Rated, 2015 Jacksonville Winter Classic is set for Jan. 21 through 25 at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center located in Jacksonville, Florida. The Equestrian Center is conveniently located off of the interstate and close to the Jacksonville International Airport as well as Cecil Field. The world-class facility offers newly resurfaced arenas, a grand prix enclosed stadium, a world class Grand Prix Turf Field, perfect for Hunter Derbies and Classics, as well as additional rings and warm up pads. More than 500 permanent stalls, plenty of RV pads complete with electric and water, permanent rest rooms, ample parking and just 10 minutes from hotels, there is every reason to make this show your first stop on your winter showing tour. A class for every level rider and horse will be offered as well as the $25,000 International Hunter Derby on Friday, the $25,000 Grand Prix offered Saturday night and a whole array of hunter and jumper classes. Don’t miss the Wild West Show following Saturday night’s Grand Prix! And, the Classic Company has partnered with Unbridled Warriors not for profit charity as the recipient of the parking fees Saturday night. The Classic Company’s philosophy is to offer an event for every level of rider and horse. From Leadline to Olympic level grand prix competition, from seasoned veteran horse and rider team to a first time horse show experience, Classic Company offers competition that provides the competitor substantial prize money, awardwinning facilities and courses, quality competition and the best customer service in the industry. Top competition with an emphasis on southern hospitality is a hallmark of The Classic Company. For more information, visit www.classiccompany.com

www.EliteEquestrian.us

Horses With Special Jobs Subject of New Children’s Book Series Enslow Publishers, a children’s school and library book publishing house, has released a new series, Horses That Help with the American Humane Association. Geared toward third and fourth graders, there are four titles in the series: Draft Horses: Horses That Help, Performing Horses: Horses That Entertain, Police Horses: Horses That Protect and Therapy Horses: Horses That Heal. The nonﬁction books were written by long-time animal book author and horse owner, Loren Spiotta-DiMare of Tewksbury, NJ. “When I discovered Enslow had a nice series about dogs with special jobs I offered to write similar books about horses,” the author says. “I was delighted when my proposal was accepted.” All of the books open with a true story and close with a retirement section. Interior chapters cover history, horse breeds, training, and horses on the job. The strong emotional bond that develops between working horses and their people resonates throughout. Many New Jersey equestrians and their horses are featured in the series. Now retired, Lt. Robert Marelli was the director of the Newark Mounted Police Department for many years. He graces the cover of Police Horses. Dick and Dolly, the Belgian Draft Horses featured on the cover of Draft Horses belong to the Gonglaves family of Pittstown. And the author’s Quarter Horse, Elwood and his young friend, Michelle Purri of Clinton Township appear on the cover of Therapy Horses.

� � www.EliteEquestrian.us

Horse Park of New Jersey at Stone Tavern, Inc.



 Photo by Claire Lelli

The Horse Park of New Jersey Wishes Everyone A Wonderful Holiday Season, And A Happy, Healthy And Safe New Year!