Elite Equestrian magazine July August 2022

ELITE

EQUESTRIAN

®

Celebrating The Equestrian Lifestyle

Mangalarga Marchadors A Pleasure To Ride

FREESTYLES Crafting Visual Stories

BIOmechanics BARN Design

SPORTY

Equestrian Style Volume 22 Issue 4 Complimentary

TRAILERS Hitches

www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

Dealing With

SUMMER HEAT

EQUINE Health

TRAINING & Showing EQUINE Fashion

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W O O EN

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ELITE

Ranked 7 out of 15 WORLDWIDE Equine Magazines To Watch

EQUESTRIAN

®

Celebrating The Equestrian Lifestyle

Published since 2008 Riding a horse is not a gentle hobby, to be picked up and laid down like a game of solitaire.

It is a grand passion.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

According To Feedspot blog 2 Years In A Row!

For Media Kit including Print & Social Media Packages email: info@EliteEquestrian.us View current and all previous issues on our web site: www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com info@EliteEquestrian.us Main Office, Ocala, Florida: 352-304-8938 PUBLISHER Bill Vander Brink Bill@EliteEquestrian.us EDITORIAL STAFF Editor-in-Chief: Noelle Vander Brink Creative Editor: RSD Media Group, Raymond S. Di Maria Art & Antiques Editor: Dr. Lori Verderame Equine Art Editor: Jeanne Chisholm Fashion Editor: LA Sokolowski Legal Editor: Avery S. Chapman,Esquire CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Tom Scheve Alessandra Deerinck Pie Truono Kat Fuqua Collier Wimmer Lynn Palm GRAPHICS Fran Sherman

ADVERTISING Advertising Sales, N.E.Region: Kathy Dress 610-420-9964 kdress@ptd.net Advertising Sales, S.E. Region Karen Eagle 352-812-1142 Advertising Sales, National: Diane Holt 713-408-8114 diane@eliteequestrian.us CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Charles Joseph Berry Carrie Sigglin at CLS photos Robyn Shafer of Robyn Shafer Photography Pie Truono The Book LLC Kind Media LLC

ELITE

On the cover...

Alessandra Deerinck riding a Mangalarga Marchador on an endurance ride in the Mojave Dessert.

EQUESTRIAN

®

Celebrating The Equestrian Lifestyle

Mangalarga Marchadors A Pleasure To Ride

FREESTYLES Crafting Visual Stories

BIOmechanics BARN Design

SPORTY

Equestrian Style Volume 22 Issue 4 Complimentary

TRAILERS

Dealing With

SUMMER HEAT

Hitches

www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

There is no secret so close as that between a rider and horse. – Robert S. Surtees

Copyright © 2022 Elite Equestrian is a registered trademark owned by Elite Equestrian LLC. No article, photo, or part of this publication may be reproduced wholly or in part without written permission of the publisher. 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 info/opinions provided by advertisers or article content. Photographs are submitted by writers of each article who assume responsibility for usage approval.

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CONTENTS

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July/August 2022

COVER STORY

Margalarga Marchadors

Fashion • Home • Art 18 MUST HAVES For you, your horse and farm 20 Equestrian Style With A Sporty Edge 24 Superior Show Shirts 26 EQUINE ART Weathely Stroh 28 Gallop New York 32 Art & An�ques with Dr. Lori What is an an�que?

34 HIS & HERS Keith Dane

Equine Health

48 HOT WEATHER and Horses

Rio de Los Cielos in Marcha Picada, during the phase of double lateral support.

52 Biomechanics

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54 Equine Hanna Soma�cs Part 2 Stretches For Your Horse

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Training, Tack & Showing 58 FREESTYLES Crea�ng A Visual Story 58 BACK UP Training with Lynn Palm 62 KAT’S KORNER

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64 SIDESADDLE Goes To Idaho 66 RIGHT MATCH For Horse & Rider Training with Lynn Palm 70 FOX GROVE FARM Bids Farewell

More 44 DESIGNING YOUR DREAM BARN 68 TRAILERS Hitch Awareness 74 TACK BOX Your source for services & great retail finds!

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MUST

Haves EZ SIGNS Free shipping!

1-800-640-8180 See our ad on page 33 www.EZSignsOnline.com

LAY-FLAT HOSE QUICKREEL mounts to a cart or vehicle.

ATV trailer cart assembly available.Proudly Made in the USA by our team of cra�smen!

See our ad page 47 BigSprinkler.com

SADDLER’S TLC See our ad page 31 www.jmsaddler.com

Pyranha® Equine Spray & Wipe® See our ad on page 7 www.pyranhainc.com

FOCUS WT (WEIGHT) Nutrients for a sound hoof, and more great supplements.

See our ad page 53 800-232-2365 www.4source.com 18

GUMBITS 100% FEI legal.

See our ad page 75 www.GumBits.com

BEST ON-THE-GO Hay Feeding System!

See our ad page 43 www.NibbleNet.com

EQUINE HEALTH PRODUCTS Liniment, Hoof Care, Hoof Soak See our ad page 51 www.Vetericyn.com

PROTECTING SENSITIVE SKIN See our ad on page 49 www.soxforhorses.com

See our ad on page 55 www.SavvyFeeder.com www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

FOR YOU, YOUR FARM, AND YOUR HORSE Half Pass Horse on Plaited Reins Stock PIn An new stock pin for 2022!

A very stunning addi�on to secure your stock �e in a show se�ng.

Hand finished by the ar�st.

See our ad page 74 www.tempidesignstudio.com A Piece Of Your Favorite Horse Can Go With You Everywhere Quality fashionable jewerly made with your horse’s hair.

See our ad pg 25 ponylocks.com

Anni Lyn Sportswear Spirited F/S Denim Breech.

MSRP is $69.95 for kids and $89.95 for Adult. www.anni-lyn.com See our ad on page 23

Bullet Blues “Lady Slim” high-waist skinny jeans made in the USA.made in America See our ad on page 25 BulletBluesCa.com

STYLE FOR YOUR DOG Great selec�on of collars and leashes!

Available at AuburnDirect.com.

See our ad on page 25

DS Champagne is a bou�que champagne house specializing in blanc de blancs vintage champagne. www.ds-champagne.com (US orders only).

PASTURE VACUUMS Collect manure, sawdust, wood shavings, leaves and rubbish. Also used for stalls, and cleaning out water troughs- just suck out the water, scrub and refill.

See our ad page 31 www.pasturevacuums.com www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

EQUINE CONSIGNMENTS! Great selec�on ofsaddles, tack, boots, home items and more.Free trial on saddles.See our ad on page 74 www.GoodAppleEquine

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Equestrian Style With A

Sports Luxe Edge

For an equestrian brand that started as a small sideline hustle with just two boxes of riding leggings in the autumn of 2020, the British equestrian fashion brand, Eqcouture, is a brand on everyone’s lips.

Having grown this small business from strength to strength, this exciting brand has already sold in excess of 15,000 pairs of their riding leggings, which continues to grow.

W

e spoke exclusively to Eqcouture’s Founder and Designer, Sophie Mercer, about the brand, her horses and equestrian life in the UK.

EQUINE Fashion

Sophie, great to chat with you. Eqcouture has grown rapidly in a very short time. Were you surprised at the speed at which the business evolved?

“Yes, lovely to chat to you too! From my personal experience searching for quality, affordable, stylish riding clothing, I knew that these were difficult to find. I couldn’t find many garments that combined quality with stylish design at a price I was prepared to pay. The equestrian riding leggings market is saturated in the UK, but there didn’t seem to be THAT one brand which combined all three elements.

From initial customer feedback on my first production run, I knew that I was onto something and the brand just snow-

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balled from those early days. In fact, we have a huge 50% of returning customers month on month, which is incredible!”

“Going from starting a brand during lockdown alongside my ‘proper job’ to now concentrating solely on Eqcouture as my full-time job and career is something I never imagined. I feel so lucky.”

How has running your own business changed you as a person?

“I’m much happier now - I’m doing a job I love, and I’m my own boss! I have developed a thicker skin. If I faced a problem in the past, I would get upset and disheartened.

These days, I’ve learnt that this is just business and to sort out the issue and move on.”

www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

Sophie with Zeus and Lissy

Your unique styles have a distinct sports luxe wear feel to them. Where do you get your inspiration?

“I love mainstream designer sportswear brands, and my husband heads up a global streetwear brand that sells through major retailers, so I think our influences are very similar as a couple. Translating that sports luxe ethos into riding wear just comes naturally to me because as a rider myself, I know what riders like and desire from their clothing, and fortunately, other riders love it!”

What inspired you to set up your own equestrian clothing brand?

“The bottom line was that I just couldn’t find what I loved at the price point I liked! I continue to strive to add new additions to the collection all the time to keep it fresh and on-trend.”

Since its launch, Eqcouture has built a loyal following from kids through to the 60+ age group, a testament to its design ethos, as Sophie explains; “I believe that women of all ages can feel confident and stylish in what they wear, and why shouldn’t they? Modern clothing isn’t just for the younger generation! Our children’s range came about through the mums who loved ‘matchy matchy’ and children who loved their mum’s Eqcouture style, so we listened to our customers and launched the ‘Mini Eqcouture’ collection.”

You’re a keen equestrian. Tell us about your horses; “So I have Lissy, a thirteen-year-old 16.2 Mare (She’s the gorgeous bay in the model pics). I’ve had her since she was three years old. I broke her in and produced her myself. Lissy is the most versatile horse you could wish for. She’s a hunter, a team chaser and has showjumped, evented, dressage, done fun rides, hunter trials, you name it, she’s done it!

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Continued...

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She absolutely loves to jump and is very talented and careful, so she’s happy as long as jumping is involved! She’s definitely a horse of a lifetime. Also, she is an exceedingly good horse model, and the photographers and videographers love working with her as she always has her ears pricked!”

“IZeus is five years old (the grey in some model shots). I bought him just before the big first lockdown as I thought I’d work on something whilst we were all locked down! I broke him in myself again, and it quickly became apparent that he was one of the nicest horses I’ve ever ridden and would probably be something quite special, so he stayed! He will be brought on to the event.”

“Then there is Otto. He was born and raised on our family farm.

He has exceeded all expectations as his dad was small, but at three years old, he is already 15.3hh! He is a very cheeky character and basically a charming companion for the other two at the moment! They are a lovely trio!”

What do you think your secret to your success has been, apart from the elements you have already mentioned; “I think because I am a true horse person, I already felt like I had industry experience. I knew the market as I am one of Eqcouture’s target customers! I also don’t accept failure easily!”

Sophie Mercer with her young horse, Zeus.

The Eqcouture competition collection is hugely popular with style conscious competitors.

EQUINE Fashion

Eqcouture by name and by design!

Talk Us Through The Latest Additions; “Our new Deluxe Lightweight Coach Jackets are perfect for those cooler early summer show mornings and autumn days ahead and are inspired by a classic tailored shirt style with a slim faux fur lining. Our competition full seat riding leggings in platinum continue to fly off the shelves since their launch this year! Finalising our white and lighter coloured competition riding tights was an actual labour of love! We had to ensure that the fabric was quality enough to offer optimum support and stretch and retain its non-see-through properties to protect dignity, even when bending over and adjusting your horses’ boots!

After many sample runs, we achieved the perfect combination! We also have developed a horse wear range that we hope to be launching in late summer. “

https://www.eqcouture.co.uk

Editor’s Pick

Sophie with Lissy 22

I LOVE the Eqcouture collection! The fit is fabulous and the material is SO soft and comfortable. Very durable as well. And the sticky seat is a must have! You will definitely not be disappointed when you wear the Eqcouture collection! -Noelle Vander Brink, Elite Equestrian editor.

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����������� for

SUMMER

Everleigh Collec�on Show Shirts are 50+ Sun protec�on, stain resistance and odor Resistance. When we designed our show shirts we had the shirt be a li�le bit longer than most show shirts are. When you are compe�ng or just riding your horse other show shirts come untucked when you’re in the ring and then it doesn’t look so nice. So we designed our shirts to be a li�le bit longer so you don’t have that problem. Any�me someone wears our shirts they do not come untucked when compe�ng. The material is much so�er than any other show shirt. We wanted our show shirts to be comfortable and make people want to wear them, not only wear them when you show. We also added a li�le feature to the collar. Most show shirts when you bu�on your collar it is too �ght and you feel like you’re being choked. In our show shirts we added a li�le elas�c to the collar. So when you go to bu�on your collar you’re not being choked. It gives you more room in the neck and feels a lot more comfortable. The stain resistance in the shirts are amazing. It doesn’t ma�er what you have on your shirt, it will come off.

EQUINE Fashion

www.everleighcollec�on.com

Visit us at our store at the World Equestrian Center, Ocala Florida, Arena 3 24

www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

I love these shirts! The fit and feel are just amazing! The off-set snap neck line is comfortable and innovative.

I love that the long sleeve shirt has snaps for rolling up the sleeves.

Noelle Vander Brink Editor, Elite Equestrian magazine

Editor’s Pick EE

Keep a piece of your beloved friend with you always with a custom piece of horse hair jewelry made from your own horse’s tail. There are many styles and price ranges to choose from including pieces adorned with silver engraveable tubing.

www.ponylocks.com

Call 919-961-1841 for a brochure Gift Certificates Available Inquiries welcome at ponylocks@yahoo.com

www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

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Weatherly Stroh

 Between Chukkers 4’ x 6’, oil on linen  Landing 48” x 48”, oil on aluminum

EQUINE Art

Lower Le�: Swing #2 24” x 24”, oil on aluminum

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Dripping Grey #3 36” x 36”, oil on linen Wheels Up 24” x 24”, oil on linen

 Perspec�ve 5’ x 7’, oil on linen

 In Flight 36” x 36”, oil on canvas

Wellington Place, 13532 Fountain View Boulevard Wellington FL 33414, USA 845-505-1147 www.ChisholmGallery.com www.WeatherlyStroh.com www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

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G A ���������� ��������� L L O P

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GallopNYC Promenade riders included U.S. Army (retired) Commanding Sergeant Major Sa’eed Mustafa, author of Resilient Transition: Combatting Stress & Anxiety

GallopNYC friends, volunteers and riders walked the Central Park Promenade together.

“Once you get involved you can’t leave,” GallopNYC Senior Director of Development, Jean Smith, told Commissioner Kerri Neifel, of the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities, referring to the rewarding work and life-enhancing services provided to 400 riders weekly by New York City’s premier therapeutic riding organization and its dedicated volunteers.

On Sunday, May 22, Manhattan celebrated the achievements of GallopNYC children, adults, families, volunteers and horses with a mounted Central Park Promenade on the Bridle Path accompanied by Friends of GallopNYC and NYC armed Dunoyer de Segonzac put the “champ” in GallopNYC forces veterans.

A champagne reception, sponsored by Dunoyer de Segonazac, followed, including red carpet-worthy attention by photographer Gonzalo Chavez of CrimMedia.com before each guest’s grand entrance beneath the arched doorway onto the patio courtyard of The Museum of the City of New York, on Fifth Avenue’s ‘Museum Mile.’

N Y C 28

Commissioner Neifel, a former Western rider, welcomed guests: “Horses and people find their best lives together.

It’s not just learning to ride. It’s about improving quality of life, and supporting programs that lead to employment and measurable benefits for people with disabilities. On behalf of Governor Kathy Hochul, congratulations to all of you.”

“Supporting GallopNYC is a real pleasure. It is actually the first event we have supported in the United States, as we just started to import DS Champagne,” Arnaud Brachet, president of the boutique house specializing in blanc de blanc vintage champagne, told Elite Equestrian’s L.A. Sokolowski.

champions with a champagne reception at the museum after the Promenade.

James M. Wilson, Executive Director GallopNYC, supporting the horses and riders on the Central Park Promenade.

Commissioner Kerri Neifeld, New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities, who appeared on behalf of Governor Kathy Hochul. Gallop NYC Champagne Reception.

(l-r) Friends of GallopNYC Eddy Kellett and Bruce Friedman charmed guests (and much of Manhattan) with equine ambassadors Priscilla and Joy outside the museum on Fifth Avenue.

“The work done by James [M. Wilson, executive director] and the team to help children and others is outstanding. I am glad we had the opportunity and the feedback from everyone who tried our champagne was very encouraging. Hopefully, this is just the beginning of our partnership with GallopNYC.” GallopNYC.org offers therapeutic equine-assisted activities to help children and adults with disabilities to walk, talk and learn, inspiring them to live their lives as fully, independently and productively as possible. Donations help provide scholarships to New Yorkers who would not otherwise be able to ride.

Elite Equestrian magazine’s LA Sokolowski, right, and Charles Joseph Berry, were happy to support this great cause.

(l-r) Arlyn Blake, James Beard Foundation; EY’s Hannah Rivas-Hanna; graphic designer Anna Kindred.

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Contact David Frey 440.339.6049 davidfieldspecialties@gmail.com

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& ANTIQUES

By Dr. Lori

ART

What’s ANTIQUE In 2022?

By Dr. Lori Verderame

One of the most common ques�ons that I field is: “What’s an An�que?” The word an�que has a simple defini�on. While many people confuse the word and its defini�on with other related words like vintage, classic, an�quity, or ancient, the word an�que refers to an object that has reached 100 years of age. For an object to be called an�que, it must be 100 years of age.

So, in 2022, many objects become an�ques. For collectors and resellers, objects that reach this enviable status are worth more than they were last year.

In In 1922, 1922,

many major achievements took place in science, culture, and the arts. What’s collectible from 100 years ago is trending now.

EQUINE Lifestyle

On July 11, 1922, the Hollywood Bowl opens. It will become a major open-air music venue in California. Nearby, For collectors, the Eskimo Pie ice cream bar debuted in the the famed Rose Bowl sports US with a patent for Christian K. Nelson. Eskimo Pie packstadium opens in Pasadena, aging and related advertising memorabilia is of interest to CA that same year. Collectcollectors of the delicious ice cream treat and command ibles from both the Hollywood high prices in 2022.

Bowl and the Rose Bowl including brochures and proOn James Joyce’s 40th birthday, February 2, 1922, the nov- grams from games will inel Ulysses was published in Paris, France. For bibliophiles and crease in value this year. other book collectors, first editions of the book will bring big bucks at auction and online. A special first edition copy Probably the most famous of Ulysses, numbered 478/750 on handmade paper with event of 1922 is the discovery a provenance that includes artists Marsden Hartley and of King Tut’s tomb. On NovGeorgia O’Keeffe sold at Sotheby’s auction for $62,500. ember 4, in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings, a group of English Another publication impressed readers worldwide in a archaeologists led by Howard different way when DeWitt and Lila Wallace published the Carter found the entrance to first issue of Reader’s Digest. Today, the magazine itself the Pharaoh Tutankhamun’s and other publications under the Reader’s Digest publishtomb. On November 26, 1922, King Tut Sculpture ing umbrella have introduced everyman to major events, Photo credit: Staff of www.DrLoriV.com after more than 3,000 years great books, and happenings around the world. Another undisturbed, Howard Carter magazine makes its debut in 1922 when author and poet, and Lord Carnarvon become the first people to look inside T. S. Eliot establishes The Criterion magazine which contains KV62, the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun. the first publication of The Waste Land.

This historic event sparked a fashion, art, and cultural rebirth On February 8, 1922, President Warren G. Harding introof all things ancient Egyptian. Objects of Egyptomania apduced the first radio in the White House. Radios are a major peared in architectural buildings such as theatres, hotels, collecting field and remains of interest with many collecand civic buildings, jewelry design of brooches, necklaces, tors. Radios and their parts are regularly traded online. and earrings, fine art paintings and sculpture took on President Harding will make his first speech on radio on an Egyptian look and the list goes on. Culture looked to June 14, 1922 (Flag Day) however, it is candidate and later Egyptian culture and the early 1920s saw a great interest President Calvin Coolidge that uses radio to help secure his in all things surrounding King Tut and the life of the ancient bid for the White House in 1924.

Egyptians.

On May 5, 1922, in the Bronx borough of New York City, construction begins on Yankee Stadium. Today, people may purchase objects from the original Yankee stadium including bleacher seats, bases, dugout wood, and even dirt from the field. Milestones like 100 years of age make such items desirable.

The Lincoln Memorial is a major American landmark that was erected in 1922 in Washington, DC. Dedicated on May 30, 1922, related objects, souvenirs of our nation’s capital and Lincoln collectibles show prices on the rise with history buffs and collectors.

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On December, 20, 1922, the play Antigone by Jean Cocteau based on the Greek myth took to the Paris stage with sets designed by Cubist master, Pablo Picasso (1881-1973).

The play’s music was by Arthur Honegger with costumes

by Gabrielle Bonheur “Coco” Chanel (1883-1971). Picasso prints, paintings, ceramics as well as Chanel’s clothing designs, jewelry, and accessories remain important collectibles to this day. �������������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������������ EE ��������������������

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HIS

& HERS

Keith Dane: Equine Protection Visionary with L.A. Sokolowski, equinista As Senior Director of Equine Protec�on at The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), Keith Dane oversees domes�c horse welfare programs for the na�on’s largest animal welfare organiza�on, and has helmed some of its most sensi�ve issues, including the na�onwide campaign to end the slaughter of America’s horses in the United States and abroad. He directs the HSUS’ horse owners’ educa�on program; and manages programs to both secure horse welfare in sport, work and racing, and to rehome at-risk horses.

Prior to joining HSUS 15 years ago, he was execu�ve director of Friends of Sound Horses (FOSH), working to eliminate cruel�es in (L-R) Randy Ripley, L.A. Sokolowski and guest speaker Keith Dane at the Horse, the Tennessee Walking Horse industry and serving as FOSH liaison and Nature Conference & Equus International Film Festival last September to the US Department of Agriculture for the organiza�on’s cer�fied Human at the University of Montana Western in Dillon. Photo by: Charles Joseph Berry inspec�on program under the Horse Protec�on Act. But don’t let the modest demeanor of this 2020 AHP Equine Vision Award finalist fool you. He may get to call Hawaii home sweet home when not on the advocacy beat, but this rider, trainer, licensed gaited breeds judge, and cofounder (as an alterna�ve to notorious ‘Big Lick’ shows) of one of the first circuits for the sound gaited horse community, remains as relentless as a rat terrier when it comes to chasing down jus�ce for the animals who cannot speak for themselves. There’s an iron fist inside that velvet glove or (as this equinista can a�est, xo) inside a spiffy sequin dinner jacket.

HERS: What do you remember about your first horse?

HIS: She was a sweet Tennessee Walking Horse mare.

My mom agreed to buy a horse for the family but insisted it be a TWH since that’s the breed she fell in love with as a kid. Living in western New York State she probably thought it would be awhile before we found one but we found Polly two months later, and had three more by year’s end!

EQUINE Lifestyle

HERS: What do you like best in a horse? Like best in a person?

HIS: What I like best in a person is also what I like best in a horse: honesty. With a horse, there’s no hidden agenda. What you see is what you get. With people, honesty is harder to come by, so when you find someone truly honest, it’s a treasured trait.

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HERS: What was your first job?

HIS: I worked as a teen grooming horses and mucking stalls at a Standardbred training farm in upstate New York.

HERS: If you worked outside the horse world what would you be doing?

HIS: Writing stories and reviews about travel, around the U.S. and abroad.

HERS: What is your favorite quote?

HIS: “When someone shows you who they are, believe them.” (Maya Angelou).

HERS: Are there horsemen or advocates, past or present, whom you admire?

HIS: Yes. Ray Hunt, for laying the foundation of the natural horsemanship movement and bringing it to mass appeal. Cleveland Amory, for establishing Black Beauty Ranch as a sanctuary and rescuing hundreds of Grand Canyon burros otherwise slated for destruction by the National Park Service. Priscilla Presley, for her undying commitment to end the soring of Tennessee Walking Horses. Pat and Linda Parelli, for giving owners the tools and knowledge to resolve challenges in their relationships with their horses and keep them in their lives.

HERS: What makes you happy?

HIS: Making a difference for animals. Travel. Sharing good food, wine, and experiences with friends and family.

HERS: What is the most critical issue(s) facing equine advocacy in the next decade?

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Trailers 2022

HIS: Ending horse slaughter – the time has come to end this betrayal of our companions. There is no reason any horse in America should be at risk of slaughter. Our industry can take care of the animals that provide so much enjoyment to us, and keep them safe. We owe it to them. Also, ending abuses in competition. Whether it’s soring Tennessee Walking Horses or the doping and breakdowns of racehorses, the public will no longer tolerate practices that endanger horses’ lives or welfare in sport. These cruelties are existential threats to industries that, unless eradicated, will go the way of greyhound racing.

Learn more about the issues facing today’s horses and how you can help, donate or volunteer with The HSUS at humanesociety.org. Have a His & Hers guest suggestion? Share it with award-winning journalist L.A. Sokolowski at latheequinista@gmail.com.

Have a His & Hers suggestion for our award-winning equinista?

Send it to latheequinista@gmail.com.

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Mangalarga Marchador or M&M? Story and Photos By Alessandra Deerinck Horses are living animals that do not change their surroundings to suit their needs, but thanks to their behavioral traits can adapt to survive anywhere they find food, water and their keen. Because of the strength of the equine genetics, even after thousands of years spent in the domestic environment, when given the chance, horses are still able to revert to their original natural way of living, and nowadays, the existing herds of wild horses are the demonstration of it.

On the opposite side of the behavioral spectrum, human beings adapt everything to their own needs, and actually modified the original equine species, purposefully creating breeds that have genetic traits able to suit the human needs and wants. When equine breeds can meet the needs of different human cultures, they can actually be introduced successfully anywhere.

Aria de Los Cielos ridden in an endurance ride in the Mojave desert.

Indeed, sociality, which is a very important part of animal behavior, is a trait that human beings and horses have in common. Cars replaced horses as our way of transportation, but the connection between human beings and horses has always been strong and universally apparent.

Have you ever thought why some horses can just walk, trot or gallop, while others have a different gait? Horses are a species of mammals that can have some variation in the pattern of locomotion. The coordination in their locomotion is determined by anatomy and physiology, but can also be influenced by external factors, like human intervention in the form of management of breeding, shoeing and training.

The equine anatomy and physiology are influenced by a combination of specific genes and their alleles, and scientists are actively investigating this matter. Current genetic studies aim to identify markers for genes associated with the characteristic gaits of horse breeds, with the purpose of creating a genetic diagnostic tool that will add an innovative approach to genetic breeding selection. Such tool will allow owners to manage their breeding by making genetic improvements.

It was after many years of training horses between jumping, dressage, endurance and horse racing that I experienced for the first time what it is to ride a horse that gaits: the Mangalarga Marchador. Aside from the apparent difficulty people have with the breed’s name, being surprised is the normal reaction of anyone, since in the US the breed is still represented by only about 330 horses. Everything changes when I say that, to make it easy, we can call them “M&M”, and people laugh, and relax because they think they know what we are talking about. The name of the popular candy fits the breed, which is sweet, extremely versatile and always a pleasure to ride. Perfect, just like an M&M® candy!

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The Mangalarga Marchador is the national saddle horse in Brazil, and the selection of the breed has specific traits in terms of conformation and gait, but also strict standards for the mind of the horse, that to be admitted in the registry has to be friendly. This is a very desirable and rare instance, that very few breeds have as a mandatory trait.

Working with the Mangalarga Marchador horses, aside from the incredibly smooth ride, I found that their mind is the aspect I like best, they are naturally “in sync” with people. Rio de los Cielos was the first Mangalarga Marchador horse I worked with at Rancho de Los Cielos in Riverside - California. I will always remember the very beginning of it! The two of us were in the arena with no restraints of any kind. We were both standing still. His big eyes seemed to be asking me to start moving. I was hesitating because I did not know him at all. As soon as I started to walk, he moved with me like my shadow, even following me when I leaped in the air. When I went from working on the ground to riding Rio, I realized the reason why we all fall in love with Mangalarga Marchadors. Rio was very light in the hand, attentive, relaxed; he moved effortlessly at each gait. He always seemed to be asking me what I wanted to do. More than anything else, he was responsive. I felt like I was with a friend. And this has never stopped with all of the MM horses I met!

As of today, the Marchador horses I trained have participated in dressage events, cowboy dressage, competitive trail riding, polo, mounted archery, fox hunting and won in endurance. I definitely enjoyed the comfortable gait of the Mangalarga Marchador horse in the endurance competitions, and even with as few horses as we have in the US, in 2017 two horses won and placed against the many Arabian horses in the Limited Distance competition. My mare Aria de Los Cielos was the first to win a 30 miles ride in the

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Aria de Los Cielos during a polo event.

Two Mangalarga Marchador gaiting in phase triple hoof support.

Daniel Pulliam on stallion, Batuque, do Miami.

USA, but also was the first MM to complete a true endurance event, on the distance of 50 miles placing 12th when she was only five years old. The breed has participated in several parades and the world renown Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. In 2012 the ABCCMM, which is the Brazilian official breed registry, has published in their magazine an article about the story of how I started to work with the breed. All of the MM horses I worked with were very easy to train, and I think this is related to their mind and the criteria that the horse’s disposition needs to meet to be accepted in the official ABCCMM registry While carefully working with these horses, I focused on making them fit into the American equestrian reality so other people could actually see and appreciate their pure traits that made me like them so much in the first place.

The beautiful look and kind attitude of the Mangalarga Marchador horse can definitely be appealing for anybody.

Another strength I see in the breed is its very confirmed genetics, carefully developed in Brazil and maintained pure. The solid genes that make up for the wonderful gaits of the Mangalarga Marchador breed are definitely something sought for in the USA, where there are a lot of different gaited breeds. In the Mangalarga Marchador the gait is the result of genetic traits that were developed to have a horse that could be smooth and stable going up and down mountains with a difficult terrain, which is a very different reason than just having a horse that moves smoothly but can only do so for a short time, and needs a perfectly flat ground to do so, or that raises the legs to look like he is dancing.

The DMRT3 gene is described as the main gene involved in the determination of gait phenotypes in horses, and the allele A has been reported as a causal variant of this trait. In the Mangalarga Marchador breed, which exhibits two gait patterns with well-defined characteristics, genotypes AA and CA are associated with marcha Picada and genotype CC with marcha Batida. In this breed, allele A of the DMRT3 gene is only related to the marcha Picada gait, while there are ongoing studies aimed to identify the type of control of the marcha Batida gait in Mangalarga Marchador horses.

Unlike many other gaited horses the Mangalarga Marchadors can have the ability to jump. A possibility for this ability is that the way the genetics works in the MM gait is a little different, since the MM has more than just one gait along with walk trot and canter, and the breed has been developed in a pure blood line, in Brazil, secluded from all of the other gaited breeds. In my experience, I appreciated the smoothness of the Picada gait horses, but really love the power of the Batida, and the stability and the centered gait. Those three gaits have a diagonal hoof support phase that gives more balance to the movement, which allows for changing direction easily and even for jumping higher obstacles.

One more great trait is that the Mangalarga Marchador can thrive on a simple and nutritionally complete hay regime. Brazilian ABCCMM inspectors and clinicians that have inspected, and approved the American born horses have found them much bigger than the most common size for the breed in Brazil. In regard to the horse’s ability to gait, this can be considered a problem, but because of the fact that the size of riders in the US is much larger than in Brazil, I think that having horses that are taller is a good thing that has happened without being planned for. The Brazilian inspectors attributed this fact to the hay-based diet, which has a higher nutritional content than the grass-based diet typical of the Brazilian horses, and have recommended keeping the American horses on a hay regime without additional concentrate feed.

On a different note, in regards to feeding habits I had a really special experience with the MM horse, and in particular with the ones from Rancho de los Cielos. One day I saw the mare Allegria de Los Cielos carefully lifting a flake of hay and dipping it into the drinking water container in her stall, then she pushed it down and started to chew on it. At first this made me smile and think of a kid that was dipping cookies in milk, then I realized that it was a fact related to a real need she felt, and that Allegria was able to fulfill her need in a smart manner. She was a first-generation American born horse, and never was able to eat a grass diet, while her sire and dam that were imported still showed the same behavior of dipping their hay in water. I have

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been observing the other horses from the same ranch showing this behavior and think that it could be related to the need that they felt, for more humidity in their food, and to the fact that they found that dipping the hay added humidity to it.

The MM’s hooves that were developed for riding in the Brazilian mountains are extremely suitable for barefoot riding on any terrain. Furthermore, after riding a fifty-mile competition, many horses develop edema in the limbs, but Aria de Los Cielos had none of that. I attribute it to having trained her properly, to her proper nutrition and great metabolism, but also to the barefoot state, which allows for a proper function of the anatomic structures of the limbs. The great substance of the Mangalarga Marchador hooves definitely meets the needs of trail and endurance riding! It is not by accident that the Brazilians cherish the perfection of this horse’s gait In Brazil, the birt hplace of the Mangalarga Marchadores, ranches are as big as an entire state and distances are very long, so finding yourself in the saddle for hoursis not unusual when the horseback is the way to travel around. Worldwide, the breed has encountered the favor of anyone that has approached it.

Before the comfortable gait, it is the smart personality and social nature that fascinates anyone who meets this breed of horses.

BREED HISTORY

The Mangalarga Marchador is still unknown in many parts of the world, but it is the national horse in Brazil. The number of horses registered in the Brazilian studbook is comparable to the Quarter Horse population in the USA. The Mangalarga Marchador breed is the result of a careful genetic selection that can be traced to the age of Napoleon and the war against Portugal. Feeling the threat, the royal Portuguese family escaped to Brazil, where they remained and founded another kingdom. Along with the members of the royal family went some of their best horses from the Alter Real Farm. Between them was the stallion Sublime, that was gifted to the Baron of Alfenas in the wealthy state of Minas Gerais. Sublime, crossed with Jennets and Barb mares from the Hacienda Campo Alegre, became the originator of the Mangalarga Marchador horse. The Jennets were known for their comfortable gait and were famous for being the horses of the Conquistadores. The Mangalarga Marchador breed has been maintained pure throughout time, and in order to better its standards only pure-bred individuals were used, The name came from the word “wide sleeve”, or “mangalarga”, term used to describe the movement in their gait, that make it look like they are wearing a wide sleeve. The second part of their name comes from the name of their gait, the Marcha. The registry of the breed was created in 1949, in Belo Horizonte, along with the ABCCMM, which has the control of it and is under the direct supervision of the government of Brazil.

The Marcha

Speaking with other American and European breeders I heard interes�ng stories: USA An interes�ng story is the one of Susan and Holm Newman, MM breeders from Bend Oregon. They first learned about this horse at Equine Affaire 2002 in Pomona, where they decided to buy a gelding, Quevedo FAD, and almost immediately a�er they bought the stallion Oxum de Valle Prata, and imported some mares and younger stock from Brazil. This was the beginning for the Newmans, who traveled with their horses across all the western states, taking part in numerous events. In 2005 Holm became passionate about mounted archery, that he did with his Mangalarga Marchador. In 2010 the Neumann hosted in Oregon the first interna�onal mounted archery compe��on where nine countries with 27 athletes par�cipated.

The Mangalarga traits make it the ideal mount for this discipline. In fact, the best horses for this sport are the most sensi�ve, given that here the rider rides without using the reins, relying on his seat and balance to direct the horse. It was not by accident that six of the athletes that took part in the Interna�onal Championship were riding Mangalarga Marchadores and between them was the winner of the golden medal Master Lee from South Korea and Michael Sapchenko from Poland.

GERMANY Robert Schmi� (Gestut Kreiswald, the largest MM farm in Europe) I was always fascinated by gaited horses, and as it was costume between people interested in gaited horses in Germany 35 years ago, I started with the Icelandic horses. At the same �me I was always looking over the fence, to the other breeds as the Peruvian Paso or the Saddlebred for example. One day I had the chance to ride Apache de Tukunduva, the day a�er he arrived in Germany from Brazil, it was 1988. This stallion touched my heart. A�er six months of sleepless nights, I had the chance to buy this horse and started to breed him. The MM are horses suitable for any purpose the have a special awareness about life, they are an exo�c breeze! At this �me Apache is 36 years old and s�ll lives at my farm, with 15 other stallion and he is as happy as he can be, …because he is the boss! robert.schmi�@gestuet-kreiswald.de The Associations Worldwide: The MM has encountered the favor of the public in different parts of the world. These are the different breeder associations: ABCCMM ((Associação Brasileira dos Criadores do Cavalo Mangalarga Marchador) www.abccmm.org.br USMMA (United States Mangalarga Marchadores Association) www.namarchador.org EAMM (European Association of Mangalarga Marchadores) www.eamm.de AIAMM (Associazione Italiana Allevatori di Mangalarga Marchadores) www.aiamm.it ����������������

The typical Mangalarga Marchador gait is called Marcha.

There are two kinds of Marcha: the “Picada” and the “Batida”, that can be described in a simple way as a modified walk and trot. Both of them have times of triple support alternate with double support. In Brazil, these horse’s gait has been studied in detail, breaking up the movement of each limb in: lift, dislocation and support, measuring every step for each limb and analyzing them in relation to the others.

From this it emerged that the Mangalarga Marchador gait is so comfortable because of the almost complete lack of 42

the phase of lift and because of the long phase of triple support. In between the two most common gaits there is the MTAD (Marcha of Defined Triple Support), a gait of moderate speed that, to the contrary of the trot, which is the conventional middle gait, gives the rider extreme comfort in medium and long-distance rides. The MTAD has a genetic base, but it is also the result of the environment, on the steep and rocky trails of the mountainous state of origin, where to negotiate the rough terrain, the horses were forced to assume a non-symmetrical gait. The MTAD is explained with eight phases of support that repeat. The most important element is the regularity and the definition of the moments of triple support. In the Mangalarga Marchador the gait is natural and the horse manifests it from the very beginning of its life. The same individual horse could have a preference for one gait, or show all of them, if relaxed and helped by regulating his speed.

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BARN

Design

Orange, VA

King Construction has been designing, building, and renovating horse barns, indoor arenas, living quarters and farm outbuildings since 1978. We have designed facilities for a wide range of equestrian disciplines and pursuits, and for farms of all sizes, from those with a single horse to those with more than 70. We are experts in designing and organizing your space for the health and safety of the horses.

Maximizing storage and convenience while reducing workload is the key component of each building.

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Horse barns are created so owners can bring their horses home and, since most have a sole caretaker, labor saving design considerations are imperative. It’s important to utilize every square foot for its best purpose.

Some things to think about would include hinged feed doors on stall fronts, automatic waterers and a loft with drops for hay and bedding for starters. There are many components that need to work well to have an efficient barn that operates within your budget.

Roofing choices include architectural shingles, cedar shakes, painted steel in several profiles, steel standing seam, metal shingles, faux slate or any other roofing that is available in the market. Appearance aside, you should consider the weather where your barn will be located when making a final roofing decision. The amount of ice, snow, wind, rain, and heat are all factors that can affect the longevity of your roof. We are experienced in all types of roofing materials and can help you make a decision that will best suit your plans.

Site the barn with consideration to prevailing winds, sun exposure and proximity to turn-out. When excavating the site, elevate the barn pad so it will not flood during heavy rains and install curtain drain to take water away from the building. The drain system will also take run off from the roof gutters with little planning, this resource can be reclaimed and used for a variety of needs.

When thinking about building any barn, a primary design factor must always be the comfort and safety for the horses. Stalls should be very solidly built and provide good floor space. Stall cameras allow monitoring from anywhere, and a fire detection system provides early warning in case of emergency. Windowed Dutch doors provide more natural light and ventilation and, in an emergency, will allow the horses to be quickly evacuated without entering the barn.

The exterior of a barn can vary from wood, cement based, steel, vinyl, composite, or any other siding that is available on the market. Pine or cedar siding is commonly used in a variety of styles. Hardie siding is a cement-based product that will not burn, Hardi does not rot and does not attract insects. It is low maintenance and can be ordered prepainted from the factory with a finish that will last for approximately 15 years. Other siding options are stucco, and painted steel which is available in many colors and profiles.

Stone is also commonly used on many barns. Our skilled masons can ensure your stone walls are both beautiful and durable.

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Few things are more important to a horse’s well-being than good lighting and ventilation. How the barn is constructed will determine whether it will have adequate air movement and air exchange and the overall design will control the amount of natural light. Large aisle doors with windows, stall fans and a venting cupola will all contribute to a healthier environment. Our windows are weather-tight insulated glass, and all the windows in our Dutch doors and aisle doors are tempered glass, which is much safer for horses. The custom cupolas we create are usually made of cedar as it is more weather resistant and durable.

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Good lighting and ventilation are the most important considerations.

Stahlstown, PA

The electrical system is central to safely because nearly all barn fires are electrical in origin. The installation should be sized properly to prevent overloading, include GFI receptacles and arc fault protection. Electrical wiring needs to be horse and rodent proof and all fans and fixtures must be rated for agricultural use because those intended for residential or commercial climate-controlled areas can be a fire hazard.

If you love barns with historic design elements, using reclaimed bricks or one of the newer tumbled concrete cobblestones, bricks or pavers in the entry, aisle, or tack room can help achieve that look. Rubber brick pavers are virtually slip free, even when wet. The premium quality pavers we commonly use have antibacterial properties, are anti-shock, permeable and very durable, making them ideal for wash and grooming stalls. Another thing to consider would be the use of stall mattresses (because they greatly reduce bedding needs) are tremendous labor savers and provide cushioned comfort for the horses. These aid in stalls being cleaned out quickly and the waste disposal volume is greatly reduced.

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Frenchtown, NJ

The Tack Room

Mount Pleasant, PA

is the working hub of a horse barn. Ideally, it’s spacious enough to house all your tack and grooming supplies, with fittings to keep everything neat and well organized. The space should also be fully insulated so it can be climate-controlled, which is essential for the protection of your expensive saddles and leather goods. Tack rooms are all about your personal style, and even a small tack room can make a big statement. We offer a variety of woods and other materials that can be mixed or matched, painted or stained to showcase your tack and your creativity Whether your horses are for pleasure riding, showing, breeding, companionship, or a combination, their living environment plays an important role in their well-being, their performance, and their longevity. The decisions you make when planning and building their new home will determine how well it functions for all of you, so King provides complete design services and has its own shops for standard and custom stalls, doors, fitting and components.

King of Prussia, PA

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Over the past 44 years King Construction has completed over 2,000 projects throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.

Our building territory encompasses Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. Visit us at www.kingbarn.com or give us EE a call at 1-800-354-4740.

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HOT WEATHER HOTHorses WEATHER and

Story and Photos By Alessandra Deerinck

When horses live in their natural state they are always outdoors, and are able to make choices that suit their physiological needs according to the surroundings and the weather. Horses grow a different coat of hair according to the season, and in the hot times they have a much thinner coat that still protect them from the sun, but allows them to dissipate the heat. While horses are able to naturally adapt to any environmental factors, temperature and humidity are two very important things to keep in mind, because they can subject the horses to dehydration, fatigue and heat stress that can cause dangerous consequences.

In order to keep a horse healthy and exercise him, especially in hot and humid weather, we should learn the physiological way their body dissipates heat and plan accordingly, but most importantly we should always observe carefully how he acts, and promptly respond to any sign of discomfort.

The body of equines has a large mass of muscles and not enough surface to dissipate the heat without sweating when their muscles workout, and this is even more difficult when we overexercise them. Heat stress in horses is dangerous, and is often coupled with emotional stress, deriving from the situation and the interaction with the rider. In order to avoid heat stress in hot and humid weather horses should be exercised in the coolest hours and forshorter times, and we should monitor their breathing. If their nostrils are flaring and they are breathing hard we should walk them slowly to help them cool down. Another way to cool a horse is by hosing him with cool water, but we also need to scrape the water off of the horse, because if water stays on the coat, it can impair the release of the heat from the horse’s body.

EQUINE Health

Some horses can have a condition called anhidrosis, that causes inability to sweat. Because sweating is how the equine body cools naturally, a horse that can’t sweat might develop severe internal damage and should not be subjected to be ridden and have to work hard in high temperature times.

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When we keep horses in a domestic environment, we should provide them with adequate space, forages and fresh water, which is critical for hydration, especially in hot weather. Some horses develop the habit to dip their hay or drop grain into their water, which can pollute it, so we need to dump and clean their water sources regularly.

Always be sure to offer a proper supplement or free choice white salt as part of the normal feeding program. In hot weather, horses that workout in the heat are losing electrolytes through sweat at a higher rate, and definitely need to be given supplements with a salt-based electrolyte that is formulated to supply the correct amount and proportion of minerals that have been sweated out. To be truly a benefit, the supplements should be given before the horse exercises in the heat to allow him to absorb it and have enough of it, or after he is done working out. Providing salt in the drinking water or as a supplement while the horse is working

out can actually impair his body from absorbing the water through the digestive tract because of the higher content of salts in the gut.

Another important element of giving horses a proper environment, where they can manage heat and humidity, is to provide them with some type of shade, with trees, sheds or open stalls that they can use to suit their needs in terms of temperature and sun exposure. In climates with strong solar radiation, horses that have light colored hair and skin, or that have been shaved can get sunburned, and may need sunscreen or light-colored mesh flysheets.

Horses can compete for space in relation to food, water, and shade. If we keep single horses in stalls or paddocks there is no problem in terms of competition, but when horses are turned out in a group having one more water source, pile of forage and shady area than the number of horses in a pasture is a good way to avoid competition.

In barn stalls, just as in open spaces such as paddocks and pastures, horses need adequate space for movement, proper feeding, and constant access to clean and fresh water, especially before and after exercise. Horse stables can often have moisture, odor, mold, ammonia and dust being added to the air. For horses that are kept in a barn, in hot weather we should make sure to keep the air moving so that fresh air can enter and stale air will exit, because not proper ventilation can develop condensation and moisture buildup. A good way to achieve this goal is Installing windows and fans securely mounted in a way that can’t be reached by the horses. Correct ventilation is a crucial aspect in keeping horses healthy, free from aller-

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Horses can get used to any climate if given the necessary time, but if we take them somewhere for an event we need to prepare them for the kind of climate in which they are going to be performing before we take them to the event.

gies, infectious respiratory diseases, hoof problems and in minimizing your horse’s exposure to environmental irritants.

The airflow within a closed barn has an important role for the temperature, but also for insect control, because the air moving impairs the flies from being able to fly around and land on the horses.

When the weather is hot and humid, we should try to ride in the early morning or evening when the sun is not out, and always making sure both horse and rider are fully hydrated before exercising. While riding we should still remain aware of how the horse feels, watching his breathing and the way he dissipates the heat by sweating.

Before we ride, a simple way to decide whether we can exercise a horse is by calculating the temperature-humidity index (THI), by adding the air temperature in degrees Fahrenheit to the percentage of humidity. When the THI is about 150, a horse may have difficulty cooling off. At a THI of 180, we should not exercise a horse and we definitely should provide him with a way to keep from overheating.

Measuring a horse’s body temperature is another good way to know if he is getting too hot during humid weather.

For equines, the normal temperature range is between 99.5 and 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit, and can rise to 103 and 104 during exercise. When a horse’s body temperature goes to 105 he is in danger of becoming overheated and suffering chronic or permanent consequences.

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To check horses for dehydration we can take a pinch of the horse’s skin and observe how it goes back when we let it go. If the fold of pinched skin snaps back quickly the horse is normally hydrated, if the skin unfolds slowly when released the horse may be dehydrated. Looking at the gums, when a horse is hydrated, we should see a healthy pink color and if we touch the gums, they should be wet. If the gums are pale and tacky the horse is dehydrated.

Another indication for dehydration can be the frequency of respiration, and a normal adult horse at rest can have a respiratory rate from eight to 12 breaths per minute, while a horse that isn’t dissipating heat adequately by sweating will breathe faster, trying to cool down by exhaling.

Urination and droppings change if a horse is dehydrated.

The urine will be less in quantity and darker in color, while the droppings will be drier and can become more difficult to expel. When we see a horse showing any signs of dehydration, we should shelter him from the heat until he becomes comfortable and even call the veterinarian while we help the horse cool down, if the signs of dehydration are alarming.

Some horses have learned to dip their hay in the water bucket and in order to provide them proper hydration we need to clean their water daily or give them an additonal water bucket close to where we put their hay.

Showering is an effective way to cool a horse, but we need to scrape the water off because the film of water between the hair will be an obstacle for the heat to leave the body of the horse.

Horses can get used to any climate if given the necessary time, which can be two to three weeks, and when we quickly move them to participate to events in a hot and humid place, we should get them used to it before we move them. In order to acclimatize horses to a more hot and humid weather we need to train them harder and longer than normal at home. We should plan to do it in about two weeks, exercising them every other day, during the hottest times of the day, so they can get their body used to reach a higher temperature and reduce the risk of heat related injuries.

If we are going to travel to an event and go back on the same day, we should also bring enough water for the horse, to avoid him not drinking because he is not familiar with the water of the new location.

EQUINE Health

When we trailer horses, they are often in an enclosed space, without good air circulation, which can be very hard on them in hot weather. If we trailer when temperature and humidity are high, we should travel at night or in the early morning, make sure that the horses are hydrated and make stops every couple of hours to offer them water if we are traveling for long distances.

The effects of high temperature and humidity on horses are connected to the workload, the length of the time spent in the heat, the state of hydration, the amount of activity, being in the sun or shade and to the individual’s tolerance of heat. As we already stated, the good way to manage our horse’s wellbeing in hot and humid weather is never deprive them from access to shade, water, proper feed and be considerate about riding them.

The way the measures we take work will be apparent from the behavioral response of the horses, which we can evaluate by observing them about food and water intake,

frequency and consistency of droppings, and body parameters (temperature, heart and respiratory rate). Most importantly, we should immediately respond to any sign of heat related stress before the horse suffers permanent consequences from it.

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RIDER Biomechanics

By Stephany Fish Crossman

Think of the rider’s body as a series of levers and pulleys, They are effected by habits, occupations, and training, and they all play into how we sit on our horse.

Rider Biomechanics was originally the brainchild of Mary Wanless, creator of the Ride With Your Mind system and author of many books on the subject. Others have utilized the phrase, but I feel that Mary’s system is the most in depth, dynamic and integrative approach around. As a RWYM coach, I use the rider biomechanics as a spring board in my teaching and training. Without the rider being aligned, balanced and stable in the saddle, it is hit or miss if any other teachings will really stick.

Most trainers want their riders to learn how to make the horse do stuff, as we all do. What is missing in this approach is how the rider accomplishes that - are they working from a balanced aligned position or are they unattached, unequal in the saddle, or using the wrong body parts to accomplish the task? With the biomechanics, I teach the rider to look first at themselves - where am I in the tack, am I even, am I straight, am I going with or against the horse?

Through a systematic approach we teach the rider what correct alignment feels like (which is often a very surprising, different feel than they expect!), we agree on a common language to help them remember that feel, we give them guidelines to know when they have accomplished it, and THEN we add in the horse. The amazing thing about working from this approach is how much the horse changes under the rider because of the better balance - horses start to “seek” the bit instead of having to be “put on” the bit, they start to lift their backs because of the rider’s greater attachment in the saddle, and they go forward in a more engaged way! From my standpoint, it is the only way to really help riders accomplish their goals - we go slowly at first, but we gain speed and traction with their expanded knowledge, and they become unstoppable with their understanding! If things go wrong, we can usually go back to an errant body part to see the beginning of the “wrongness”, which is also encouraging for riders - how often do things go badly, and the rider doesn’t really know why?

Stephany Fish Crossman conducts a Rider Biomechanics clinic. Her first rider is Emma on Chili.

Stephany adjusted each rider’s legs to rotate the thigh so the inside of the femur is against the saddle. Sade and Beau

Jackie and Blaine learn the benfits of correct stirrup length in Western Dressage.

Videos from this clinic will air on OnDemand.DressageToday.com in the near future.

TRAINING & Showing

Stephany is one of only NINE Accredited RWYM coaches in the US. She is available for clinics around the country. She currently, has clinics in Montana and Hawaii. www.SerendipityDressage.net

After Stephany’s consultation, every horse at the clinic moved better and with more suspension.

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Equine Hanna Somatics® Part 2 Lateral Flexion of The Neck

As a follow up to the May/June issue introducing Equine Hanna Somatics®(EHS), this article offers a second movement you can do with your horse. There are four foundational exercises I find beneficial to do while preparing the horse to go to work. These can be accomplished successfully within a short amount of time and the benefits are far reaching! The second movement is Lateral Flexion of the Neck.

By Patricia Hechter Photos By Stephen Gorospe Gently place the palms of your hands flat on the cheeks of the horse, as you stand to his left side in front of the shoulder.

Invite your horse to bend his neck around your body. Step slightly back towards his shoulder. As the horse’s head and neck return to neutral, follow along with the horse by moving your feet and opening your elbows as needed. Maintain a deep and slow breathing as you assist your horse. Move with your horse as slowly as possible; it is within this slow facilitated pace that healing has the potential to happen.

It is important to guide the horse’s head gently around toward his side; there is no pushing, pulling or stretching involved. In EHS® we invite the horse to participate in the work we do with him to learn about his abilities and locations of potential issues.

Allow the horse to move only as far as he is comfortable by reading and honoring his cues. Resist the urge to ask for more. Be sure his head is as vertical as possible. The horse’s ears ought to be pointing to the sky equally on both sides.

This Gypsy Vanner demonstrates a bit of resistance when asked for a Lateral Neck Flexion to the left. I remain connected to him, waiting for him to relax. I am not pushing, pulling or stretching his neck.

If there is a tilt, gently encourage the head back to the last position where his ears are upright. Do not ask the horse to bend his neck beyond this point, as it is counterproductive.

EQUINE Health

You will repeat the movement three times in each direction. Each movement may look and feel different from the previous or the following. The horse may make a large free motion one time, then hardly move his neck or head the remaining times when asked to participate. This is an important part of the process for success.

EHS takes the actual movement from the limbic system, where volunteering and habit live, to the motor cortex of the brain, where choice of movement lives. (This is simplified for the purpose of this article.) This is one of the reasons EHS educators do not use treats, clickers or key words to accomplish their work.

The horse may experience difficulty in bending or returning to neutral in his neck, he may quiver, shake or make larger moves such as pulling his head out of your hands. Much of this is known as “Motor Sensory Amnesia”. MSA can happen when there are chronically contracted muscles.

Continued...

Elite Equestrian does not endorse or confirm content suggestions in any articles. See credit page for disclaimer.

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He let go of his resistance and is beginning to bend his neck maintaining a level head in the beginning of Lateral neck flexion to the left. This was as far as he was going to bend his neck.

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EHS teaches muscles experiencing MSA how to relax and release their tension by increasing feedback between the muscles and the brain.

When your horse experiences these involuntary movements it is important to remain calm, breathing slowly, and to remain gently connected the horse, in this instance the head. If contact is lost, gently reconnect with the horse. Sometimes it may be easier to hold the cheek pieces of the halter rather than placing the hands on the cheeks of your horse’s head.

Take 4 photos of your horse standing naturally, not posed: front, back and each side prior to teaching him his new EHS movements. To observe what shifts may have happened repeat the photos of your horse after his EHS session of initial pick-ups and Lateral Neck Flexion.

A fun exercise for you, the human, is to be on your hands and knees on the floor. Lift your left hand and arm from the floor as if you are your horse participating in the initial pick-up exercise. Return your arm to the neutral position back on the floor, slowly.

Repeat three times with all four of your limbs. Then move your head and neck in a lateral flexion, three times slowly in both directions.

EQUINE Health

This will allow you to feel what your horse is experiencing as you work with him. And, as a side benefit you may pick up a few places where your body may be experiencing some MSA! Stay tuned for more EHS with your horse!

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Moving to the right is more comfortable. We are not going to ask for more than is offered to limit the head tilt. Notice how soft his eye is.

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If you missed Part 1, you can read it on our web site for free- May/June 2022 www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

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How Musical Freestyles Are Made 12 years ago, Collier Wimmer decided to combine her background and passions for dance, music, dressage and created Three Wishes Freestyles. Three Wishes has numerous Regionals, Finals, CDI, and CPEDI, champion and top three freestyles; along with Nations Cups and World Cup showings. Three Wishes Freestyles is a place where immersive stories are crafted.

Story and Photos By Collier Wimmer

When I think about dressage freestyles, I think of stories. It’s a visual story built by taking two of your base senses (seeing and hearing) and combining them into one. It’s an immersive story that you (as a rider, a judge, a spectator) can be a part of.

I’m inspired by stories, I’m inspired by music that moves, I’m inspired by the horses that partner with us, and I’m inspired by taking risks and constantly learning. As a freestyle designer I’ve been very fortunate over the years to have mul�ple accolades – and mistakes! (but I’ve lived to tell the tale) - so I’m here to take what I’ve learned and guide you through the freestyle storytelling process; but know that this is a process that is crea�vely rooted, and because of that, it doesn’t lend itself to absolutes, there are many ways to work through this; but you will know when something is absolutely right or absolutely wrong.

There’s a lot of work and thought that goes into every element, and keeping this in the back of your mind is extremely vital to cra�ing a musical freestyle.

In this series I will break the process down, and work through music theory, selec�on and build, how to gamify the choreography, and what considera�ons you need to have when showing your musical freestyle.

Music: small word that encompasses a lot

TRAINING & Showing

So, what is a great freestyle? Great freestyles can bring an audience to silence, judges to tears. You get chills down your spine, and at the end…are you speechless? You are combining two of your inherent senses: visual and audial to cra� something that, when it goes right, creates an immersive story. Music is an integral part of telling a story that resonates — and there is a powerful psychological connec�on behind those reac�ons. Understanding this connec�on will help us understand WHY freestyles impact us more than a regular dressage test.

Collier Wimmer and client Caroline Cadorette in Wellington, FL

a�en�on. We biophysically mimic what the music is doing. When the rhythm of a piece of music changes, heart rate and breathing change in accordance.

So, finding that right selec�on of music is a vital ingredient to cra�ing your freestyle story; it is the founda�on, the doorway for invi�ng us in to that immersive state. With this founda�on, there are two key points to remember during the music selec�on:

1. Be more strategic than you think you need to be What do I mean by this? We understand that your brain is reac�ng to music and helping you emo�onally and subconsciously slip into an So, listening to music can result in “absorp�on” or “engagement,” an absorp�on state. So, we have to be selec�ve and strategically think intense focus on something that can alter emo�ons or ways of thinkabout music that will help the freestyle complete that illusion build; ing. Absorp�on results in a loss of self-consciousness - to the extent that we feel immersed in whatever we’re watching or doing. Music can one that draws the judges and audience in to, one that you as a rider are effortlessly apart of – and you don’t want to break that mirage; so either intensify, dampen, or maintain our emo�onal experience. The musical score can be used to add to a visual’s intensity, create pathos, really consider the music op�ons and think which would provide the or serve as a cue to the audience that something is coming. Varia�ons best basis to build that illusion on. in the instruments used and the �mbre and tempo of the music create Now this may not always be music you have your heart set on going different emo�ons in the listener. For example, descending notes are into the process with. I recently had a client that had her heart set on mostly perceived as sad and ascending notes as happy, but changing the instrumenta�on changes the feel of the music. Higher-pitched and more modern pop music. However, because the way her mare moved, we needed something with an audial trampoline the mare could more staccato instruments like the marimba evoke joy, whereas cello “bounce” off of, so I pulled the gypsy-like Sherlock Holmes soundtrack and saxophone can convey sadness and fear. that Hans Zimmer created. Not only did it have an infec�ous theme, but it was also played on a range of plinky-plonk instruments including Where does this absorp�on happen in the brain? If you have ever Cimbalon, Zither and Banjo. Ini�ally this instrumenta�on seems crazy, experienced music that “gave you chills,” that dis�nc�ve sensa�on is associated with the limbic system, one of the oldest parts of our brain, like Holmes himself, but its foot-tapping good humor carried the mare while provided that bounce she needed to visually make her more where reac�ons occur subconsciously. Studies show that the brain airborne than she was. interprets certain aspects of music as a signal that we need to pay Continued...

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GRIP

Special Leather Treatment

CONFIDENCE IN A JAR

So what is the most important thing you need for a great ride?

Confidence, of course! So here you go... Confidence in a Jar! GRIP removes any slipperiness from your tack, giving you just a bit more confidence! Apply GRIP liberally to your saddle immediately before you ride. It isn’t sticky-its grippy. You’ll see what we mean when you try it!

You might not even realize that you need GRIP, until you use it for the first time! By the time your ride is over, GRIP will have absorbed completely into your tack.

It is a great conditioner. It will not harm your leather or your clothing.

Once you ride with it, you won’t ride without it!

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National Level

Bring balance to the freestyle; more variations in the musical score are great for a steady floorplan, and a steadier musical score helps provide under and overarching support for FEI freestyles.

2. Find music that you want to ride to 1000 �mes over again You want to find “THE ONE”. The song you can’t get out of your head, the one where the visual piece and the music, align and connect perfectly. This may take �me! But generally, it’s a gut feeling and when you know, you know. Years ago, I had client that went through 7 rounds of music demos (roughly 20 op�ons) before we found her music, and then she went on to win finals. So it’s a normal part of the process, one that some�mes asks us for a lot of pa�ence.

Now, under these two key points there are some addi�onal considera�ons to always be mindful of: Theme: there should be a singular theme throughout the freestyle.

Not only do I mean a theme song – you absolutely should aim for a core song or two to weave through the freestyle, one that has repe��on built into it (and good scores will). But I also mean a broader theme; s�ck with one album, or ar�st, or genre – you need find enough songs that are of a similar build. If you jump from one theme to another you’re going to break that illusion and kick people out of their absorp�on state.

speedy gaits, find music that is the opposite to balance out the image and visually speed up or slow down the horse as needed. Some�mes a horse that has a powerful gait or movement may not need much musically and can in fact be visually enhanced by less music. This is called nega�ve space, and when well executed, can be quite powerful.

Balance: think of a straight line. And then think of a wavy line running through that straight line. In na�onal technical levels, the straight line represents the technical component of the freestyle. While there is less variability technically, the floorplan provides stability to the freestyle so that the music (the wavy line) has more freedom to be crea�ve and bring variability.

In the FEI levels, the lines are reversed. So the wavy line is now your technical component, harder more fluid movements and combina�ons provide the variability while the straight line is your musical element.

The music now steadies that harder technical component; it builds in that under and overarching support.

TRAINING & Showing

Music is a small word...but it encompasses a lot. There’s much to consider when picking music, but to start, go listen to all kinds of music. Go listen to new music that’s released weekly...put on a new This “theme” should also match the picture the horse and rider project. You do not want to create a disconnect between the visual and the soundtrack as you study or do chores and see if anything catches your ear. If a song shi�s you out of your le� side of your brain, the more audial, or you can kiss that illusion build goodbye. analy�cal part of it, and into your right side, your more crea�ve side, Enhance: find music that will enhance the horse. If the horse has more then it may be a good op�on for a freestyle. grounded gaits, find music that will visibly li�. If the horse has slow or

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KATS

KORNER

DEVON 2022

Since I was eight years old it has always been a goal for me to win Devon. I competed at Devon in 2017, 2018 and 2019. The past two years, 2020 and 2021 were canceled due to COVID. This year in 2022 my horse, Grand Remo and I are Grand Champion. I also earned Best Child Rider on a Horse, which I had never received before at a Championship. Devon for me in the past has always been an “unlucky” show. For instance, I would do well the first day but not the second day or vice versa. It took me three years of showing at Devon plus the two years it got canceled... to win. It just goes to show keep working hard and figh�ng for your goal, even though it may take some �me.

Calvaro 3rd in the Small JR Hunter 15 and Under Devon 2019 Photo by The Book LLC

Believe in your self, you can do it!

Chic In Time Large Pony Hunter Devon 2018 Photo by The Book LLC

Cap�n America Winner Medium Pony Hunter Confirma�on Devon 2017

TRAINING & Showing

Photo by The Book LLC

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Finesse RF Winner of the Medium Pony Hunter Stake Devon 2018 Photo by The Book LLC

Gold Hills Arres�ng Charm 4th in the Small Pony Hunter Conforma�on Devon 2017 Photo by The Book LLC

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Chic in Time 5th in the Large Pony Hunt Team Devon2019 Photo by The Book LLC

Grand Remo Grand Champion JR Hunter Devon 2022 Photo by Kind Media LLC

RS Levita�on 7th in the Small JR Hunter 15 and Under Handy Devon 2019 Photo by The Book LLC

Cupido Z Large JR Hunter 15U 7th Undersaddle Devon 2019 Photo by The Book LLC

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The International Side Saddle Organization To kick things off

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Mid May 2022 The Interna�onal Side Saddle Organiza�on teamed up with the Idaho Sidesaddle Associa�on and offered a learning opportunity about all things riding aside. ISSO sponsored two of their cer�fied clinicians, Laureen Bar�ield, DVM and Heidi Opdyke to make the cross country trip. These experienced ladies were greeted by enthusias�c side saddle students and their extremely well behaved mounts for a 2 day intensive side saddle clinic. The Idaho Sidesaddle Associa�on also pre-planned 2 addi�onal side saddle themed fun days of camaraderie. A lot was learned by all, but the fondness of friendships was probably the biggest take away. Being together always seems a more personal way of bonding and in the sideways world, that can make a big difference.

The Interna�onal Side Saddle Organiza�on is dedicated to preserving the history behind this elegant way of riding, while inspiring others to join in on the fun! We are a non-profit organiza�on that offers year-end awards, online and in person clinics, training, shows, and a quarterly publica�on of Aside World. Membership and dona�ons allow ISSO the opportunity to con�nue with our mission of educa�ng all things aside. If you would like to learn more about our organiza�on, please find us at www.sidesaddle.com

TRAINING & Showing

Clinic participant Lois Murphy learns how to tighten her side saddle girth while mounted as Laureen Bartfield supervises.

Photo by Robyn Shafer of Robyn Shafer Photography

ISSO and ISA ladies came together to enjoy each others company in style with a beautiful and relaxing tea held at Château Des Fleurs in Eagle, Idaho. Photo by Pie Truono

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Instructor Heidi Opdyke, seen in the background, examines Jacquelynn’s seat and leg position to ensure she will have proper balance while riding aside.

Photo by Robyn Shafer of Robyn Shafer Photography

... side saddle clinic participants were welcome to attend a fun photo shoot at Eagle Island State Park where Idaho Sidesaddle Association was happy to share their period habits with others.

Photo by Carrie Sigglin at CLS photos Each participant received individualized attention during the clinic. Here side saddle instructor Heidi Opdyke directs Geisha Elsea and Boo to perform a practice exercise, while sideways.

Photo by Robyn Shafer of Robyn Shafer Photography

Snips Impresiv Joker patiently awaits and looks on, as Heidi and Sam Chamberlain have a discussion on the proper leg position in the side saddle. Photo by Robyn Shafer of Robyn Shafer Photography

Heidi Opdyke with over 30 years experience, demonstrates the the function of the right leg and how it secures the lady aside. Heidi is an advanced instructor, examiner and equitation judge in the field of the side saddle. She has competed in the USA and the United Kingdom, in various disciplines.

Photo by Robyn Shafer of Robyn Shafer Photography

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ISSO’s youngest member, Savannah Holly, gets a private lesson with Heidi Opdyke during the Idaho Side Saddle Association Clinic that was held mid-May in Boise, Idaho.

Four year old Savannah Holly’s smile says it all, as she masters the art of riding side saddle on the trusty spotted mule Maya.

Photos by Robyn Shafer of Robyn Shafer Photography

This gorgeous team of Escaramuza Reinas Del Valle riders showing off their perfectly matched outfits while riding synchronized, choreographed maneuvers side saddle to music as they finish off a fun filled informative clinic weekend for participants. Escaramuza charra is a female only equestrian event held at the Mexican charrería(rodeo).

Photo by Carrie Sigglin at CLS Photos Montana resident Elaine Rice and Thoroughbred Mt Miss are picture perfect in this clinic snapshot.

Photo by Robyn Shafer of Robyn Shafer Photography

Geisha Elsea and her black Missouri Fox Trotter Boo! along with Jacquelynn and her Mule Rosy, warm up in their western side saddles before the start of the ISA/ISSO 2 day clinic.

Photo by Robyn Shafer of Robyn Shafer Photography

Rita Porter discusses the fit of her side saddle with side saddle instructor Laureen Bartfield. Saddle fit is a challenging aspect of side saddle riding, as most side saddles were custom made for prior ladies.

Photo by Robyn Shafer of Robyn Shafer Photography

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Right Match of Horse and Rider Palm Partnership Training™ Building a Partnership with your Horse Story and Photos By Lynn Palm

If you’ve been following my articles, you know how strongly I believe in the importance of finding the right match of horse and rider can be to meet your riding goals, personality and lifestyle, and skills. Many of you have e-mailed me at “ASK LYNN”, with questions about how to choose a horse among several equine individuals who might meet these criteria.

Consider the horse’s size and age when looking for a new horse.

A horse’s size should be in proportion to the rider’s size.

This is especially important for woman riders. Ask a friend help you evaluate how well you and your potential new equine partner measure up together. Have your friend stand a minimum of 50 feet away from you while you are mounted on the horse. You can ask the friend to video you, so you can participate in the evaluation process, too.

The “picture” of you together should show a rider in proportion to the body size of the horse. You should not appear to be “too short” for the horse, nor should your legs appear too long for the horse’s barrel. A horse that is light or long backed or one that has a narrow frame is not a good match for a heavier rider. These riders are better proportioned for a wider built, short backed horse, with more width across the loins for strength and a more substantial frame.

Riders with short arms may be uncomfortable with a long necked horse and could have more difficulty connecting the balance with their hands and the horse’s mouth.

Use your common sense when evaluating a horse’s size in proportion to the rider.

A common question I get is how important the age of the horse is for rider. Many of you are novice riders with a busy lifestyle. Your best match will be an older, experienced horse who will require less training from you. This partner will allow you to focus on improving your riding skills, rather than facing the frustration of spending time training an inexperienced horse that should receive 6 days training time per week! Young, inexperienced horses are best left to the experienced rider!

This Week…

TRAINING & Showing

I observed an athletic woman rider, with a strong personality, schooling her “laid back” horse. Even though he was very quiet, he always found things to be insecure about.

He would spook, and then buck, with this rider.

The bottom line with this partnership is that this horse knew just when to take control and intimidate his rider. His laid back personality wasn’t mean; he was just trying to get out of work! The rider’s mistake was to make her first reaction to praise and baby her horse hoping to give him security around the “spooky” object.

Any horse that bucks has excess energy. This horse was letting it out through spooking and bucking.

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I taught this rider how to properly longe her horse to the point of achieving a light sweat before she rode. This gently “humbled” him and defused the excess energy.

After this pre-ride preparation, she had the best schooling session with him in the 5 years she owned him.

Your Next Step…

Ask a friend to help you evaluate how you and your horse “match up”. Start with a profile shot. You should see a balanced, pretty picture. If not, perhaps you and your horse may be mismatched in size!

Lynn’s Training Tip...

Longeing can be a very valuable tool in your horse’s training. When properly executed, a structured longeing session can further your horse’s fitness and conditioning as well as solidify his response to your body position and verbal commands. It allows you to evaluate your horse’s attitude, responsiveness and movement before you begin any work under saddle.

Let me teach you how instrumental the longe line and the longe whip are in achieving the utmost control and responsiveness in my video “The Art of Longeing”, one of the videos in my 6-part Longevity Series. It will strengthen the bond between you and your horse. as you achieve a good balance and clear communication. Longeing adds wonderful variety to your training and working with your horse, especially for those days when you don’t feel like riding. Just go to my website www.lynnpalm.com and click on “Boutique” for more details.

Until then, follow your dreams, Lynn

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TRAILERS Hitch Awareness

GOOSENECK

• Ensure the coupler covers the ball when lowering the trailer onto the truck hitch.

• Check that the coupler latching mechanism is secured.

Attach the safety chains and the brake-away brake cord to the hitch plate.

Story and Photos By Tom Scheve The sun had risen well over the Pines of the Sandhills, painting the longleaf needles with a splash of silver. Joe hadn’t noticed; he had planned to be on the road an hour ago. Actually, he had planned to be on the road next week, but the owners decided they needed their horses brought back the next day.

He had little time to prepare for the twelve-hour trip and was a bit worried about the trailer. It was old and needed some work, but he figured it got both horses down here in the fall for winter training; it will probably get them back.

With no one around to guide him, it took four tries to get the ball directly underneath the coupler. As he cranked the trailer onto the ball, he suddenly remembered he had forgotten to load his toolbox.

He thought what else he may have forgotten as he hurried to the barn. When he came back, he pitched the toolbox into the truck and then finished hooking up. He attached the safety chains, break-away brake cord, and seeing that the coupler lever was latched, he hopped into the truck and hit the road.

What he didn’t realize is that he never opened the coupler, so he had cranked it down on top of the ball.

TRAINING & Showing

Less than four miles down the road, he hit a small bump. The trailer jumped off the ball, both safety chains snapped, and the trailer lurched towards the side of the road and toppled over into a ditch.

He jumped from the truck and ran in horror to the trailer. One horse was on top of the other, and though they were still alive, he couldn’t get them out.

• Jack the trailer up until it starts to raise the truck bed to ensure the trailer doesn’t release from the ball.

• Lower the trailer until the jack is off the ground. Raise the jack foot as high as it will go.

BUMPER PULL (TAG-ALONG) • Yank on the ball mount inserted into the frame-mounted hitch to ensure the pin is securing it in the frame-mounted hitch.

BALL MOUNT NOT SECURE  • Check the size of the coupler and the size of the ball Ball mount. The sizes are etched on the ball and the coupler.

Pin behind ball mount SEE ILLUSTRATION – DIFFERENT SIZE BALLS • Ensure that the Ball coupler is down on the ball, then close Pin inserted in ball mount. the latch.

SEE ILLUSTRATION – COUPLER ON TOP OF BALL AND ON BALL • Check the nut that holds the ball on the ball mount to make sure it’s snug.

SEE ILLUSTRATION – LOOSE NUT • Ensure that the coupler is directly over the ball or a touch behind it.

• Lower the trailer coupler onto the ball until it’s inside the coupler instead of on top of it.

• Close the coupler latch. If it doesn’t close, inch the tow vehicle and trailer slowly forward until it latches.

• Attach the safety chains and check that the safety chain hooks are secure to the frame-mounted hitch and crossed underneath, • Attach the break-away brake cord to the frame-mounted hitch, not to the ball or ball mount.

• If using a Weight Distribution System, follow the manufacturer or installer’s instructions.

Most horse owners’ nightmare is having their trailer come unhitched. The best way to ensure that it doesn’t is to be focused and aware when hooking up. If you have a lot going on the day of the trip, which is likely, it’s not hard to forget something or to make a mistake. The old axiom “haste makes waste” is prudent when hitching up your trailer, so The opening story is based on a true story told to me by a the first thing you need to do is give yourself plenty local horse rescue company. The trailer had to be pulled of time to prepare. You never know if something from the ditch before it was possible to remove the horses. unexpected might crop up, such as a problem loadOne horse was on top of the other for over two hours. The ing, a flat tire, or trying to find a missing piece of horses are both alive and expected to recover fully. Failing tack. Those problems are minuscule compared to to properly secure a trailer to a tow vehicle, will end up an improperly hitched trailer. So before hitching badly. Take the time to focus and be aware as you follow up, take a few moments to clear your mind, focus your checklist. on the task at hand, and recheck that you’ve done Your horses will thank you for it. everything right. Here are some guidelines to put on your checklist.

Elite Equestrian does not endorse or confirm content suggestions in any articles. See credit page for disclaimer.

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THE BEST WAY TO ENSURE SAFETY IS TO BE FOCUSED AND AWARE WHEN HOOKING UP. DIFFERENT SIZE BALLS

2” 2 5/16th

2”

2 5/16th

COUPLER ON TOP OF BALL AND ON BALL

Incorrect

WHY SHOULD YOU HAVE A PROFESSIONAL CERTIFIED EQUINE APPRAISAL?

FOR PEACE OF MIND WITH THE FOLLOWING MATTERS

Correct

• Pre-purchase or sale evaluation • Bankruptcy • Insurance Policies • Estate Planning • Divorce

LOOSE NUT

• Settlements • I.R.S.- Tax Donations • Tax Audit • Lending Institution (collateral) • Litigation Expert Witness

Loose nut

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The Leading Equine Appraisal Service Worldwide Since 1980 Christine Rolando,Certified Senior Equine Appraiser

Call 845-494-6257 For Free Consultation

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Palm Equestrian Academy Bids a Fond Farewell to

EQUINE Lifestyle

Fox Grove Farm

In 1997, Cyril and Lynn Pi�on-Rossillon along with Walter and Heidi Burkhalter had a vision for the development and future of Fox Grove Farm in Ocala, FL. Fast forward 25 years and every dream, wish, goal and then some, has been realized. Fox Grove Farm became a place where passions for horses and riding were ignited, lifelong rela�onships flourished and charmed visits were forever embossed on hearts. For this, Cyril, Lynn and Marie-Frances will be forever grateful to all who contributed to the appreciable success of Fox Grove.

With the sale of Fox Grove Farm, Palm Equestrian Academy embarks on its next chapter. Cyril, Lynn and Marie-Frances look ahead as they combine their interests in teaching, coaching, judging, wri�ng, event produc�on and travel. With their current as well as future projects, they will con�nue to make their mark on the equestrian world with clinics, teaching tours, European Journeys and Winning Ways with Western Dressage.

By streamlining business plans, the trio is allowed flexibility to travel for new ventures. This year alone Lynn will judge in five states plus conduct clinics in in five more with a summer trip to Italy.

Cyril’s teaching tours will take him throughout the Northeast and the Midwest this summer as well.

European Journeys will land them both in Ireland and two loca�ons in France this fall. Marie-Frances and Lynn will produce Winning Ways with Western Dressage in Florida and Wisconsin in addi�on to Dressage and Western Dressage compe��ons in Oklahoma.

Palm Equestrian Academy headquarters will remain in Ocala with a satellite loca�on in Sarasota, FL. Updated informa�on on all events will be shared at LynnPalm.com as well as through social outlets.

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Tack Box Business Showcase

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EQUINE Lifestyle

EQUINE Health

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TRAINING & Showing EQUINE Fashion

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TRAINING & Showing

EQUINE Health EQUINE Lifestyle

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EQUINE Fashion

EQUINE Lifestyle

EQUINE Health

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EQUINE Health

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EQUINE Fashion

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