Welcome to the largest home in Laurel Run. Step into a world of Spectacular Elegance, this exquisite and immaculately maintained 4 Bedroom 5 1/2 bath home which sits on 3 lots in Laurel Run showcases an array of remarkable features designed to elevate your living experience. As you enter the circular drive stop and admire the Koi Pond. Once you enter the majes�c entryway you’ll be greeted by a grand formal dining room that leads you into the kitchen. The spacious family room with fireplace and large brass bar is perfect for all your entertaining needs. The expansive primary suite with fireplace is a sanctuary of luxury. Right off the primary suite is a large study/office and game room which is large enough for family game nights. The spiral staircase leads you down to an open living area with fireplace, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, kitchene�e large laundry room and separate storage room. Step outside to discover your own private oasis with luxurious salt water pool with gro�o, There is also a separate in-law suite with separate entry for privacy. Home is light and bright with high ceilings and glass enclosed. 200 year old heart of pine floors have been installed in the dining room, entryway, bar area and breakfast area. Minutes from Historic downtown Ocala and the World Equestrian Center.
Contact Kimber Hoopengarner at 352-804-5872 or khoopengarner@gmail.com for more informa�on.
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Celebra�ng The Equestrian Lifestyle
Published since 2008
www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com
info@EliteEquestrian.us • Main Office, Ocala, Florida
PUBLISHER Bill Vander Brink Bill@EliteEquestrian.us
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
SOURCE micronutrients providing a unique spectrum of support vitamins and minerals plus, diges�ve enzymes, beneficial microbes, an�-oxidants and essen�al fa�y acids.
See our ad page 53 800-232-2365 www.4source.com
Saddler’s Preserva�ve
Protect and restore your valuable leather for years to come. See our ad page 39 www.jmsaddler.com
See our ad on page 31
EQUINE CONSIGNMENTS!
Great selec�on of saddles, tack, boots,home items and more.
Free trial on saddles.
See our ad on page 70 www.GoodAppleEquine.com
LAY-FLAT HOSE QUICKREEL
mounts to cart or vehicle. ATV trailer cart assembly available. Proudly made in the USA by our team of cra�smen!
See our ad page 37 BigSprinkler.com
MARTIMGALE COLLARS
Lake Country Adjustable Mar�ngale features bridle leather and solid brass hardware. For training, walking, and just “looking good!” $44 to $51 www.auburndirect.com
See our ad on page 29
CHILDREN’S COUNTING BOOK
Unique concept of repe��ve coun�ng with fun themes and colorful graphics to teach your child numbers like no other book! 8.5 x 11”. 168 pgs www.amazon.com search under NUMBERIFIC
A Piece Of Your Favorite HorseCan Go With You Everywhere!
Quality fashionable jewerly made with your horse’s hair.
See our ad page 29 ponylocks.com
GUMBITS
100% FEI legal. See our ad on inside back cover
www.GumBits.com
EQUINE HEALTH PRODUCTS Liniment, Hoof Care, Hoof Soak
See our ad page 18 www.Vetericyn.com
Great selec�on of saddles, tack, home items and more.Free trial on saddles.See our ad on page
WEEKLY �
WEEKLY PLANNERS
Appointments, important calls/emails. Shopping list. Note weekly priori�es, goals, & best memory of the week. General note pages included. Our beau�ful covers will be a joy to open every day! A handy 5 x 8” fits perfectly in your purse or backpack. 60 pages. See our ad on page 59 www.amazon.com/author/noelle-rose
Saddle Fi�ng For Kids! Now available on Amazon!
See our ad on page 5
Gi� Baskets Make The Perfect Gi�! Something for everyone! See our ad on page 70 www.horsebaskets.com
TASTY MASHES
Your horse will love them!
See our ad on page 19 www.emeraldvalleyequime.com
JUMP INTO THE WINTER SHOW SEASON! with Ruby Roo Saddles, LLC www.rubyroosaddles.com
“Derma��s Goes Away!” Vet Recommended, Owner Referred, Horse Approved Worldwide
See our ad on page 49
IRH: INTERNATIONAL RIDING HELMETS
Family owned for 3 genera�ons of Safety & Style! Gi� Cards available
See our ad page 14 www.IRHequestrian.com
BOMBSHELL
Bullet Blues jeans are made in the USA with American made material. Featured in this picture are the popular “Bombshell” bootcut jeans for ladies in the indigo and light washes. See our ad on page 29 BulletBluesCa.com See our ad for a coupon code!
HORSE RECORD BOOK
Record expenses/visits from vet, farrier, den�st. Keep lesson and show records, your goals and awards, all in one place Space for 3 horses, or 1 horse for 3 years. 6x9”, 60 pages, $7.99 See our ad on page 59 www.amazon.com/author/noelle-rose
ID FOR YOUR ANIMALS
A must have for traveling and evacua�ons. Available for dogs and farm animals. First Aid kits and more. See our ad on page 67 www.EquestriSafe.com
GET READY BLANKET
Light weight, rechargeable over 1600 LEDs
See our ad on page 47 www.revitavet.com
BEST ON-THE-GO Hay Feeding System! Less waste, be�er diges�on for your horse. See our ad page 37 www.NibbleNet.com
BECAUSE WINTER HAPPENS
The new A/W collection from British equestrian fashion brand Equetech is launched with an emphasis on clothes and accessories that marry function with equestrian style. Underlining their strapline of ‘Because Winter Happens’, the new collection, embraces the latest fabric technology with cosy, performance-led directional design, as Equetech Designer Liz Hayman explains:
“The long winter months coupled with challenging weather conditions and plummeting temperatures are all part of being an equestrian, so why, as horse riders, should you have to feel the cold and get soaked to the skin? As a rider and horse owner, I design clothes that make life in and out of the saddle warmer, drier and better - just because winter happens every year, you shouldn’t have to compromise on style and suffer in misery!”
Equetech Inferno Heated
Waterproof Riding Coat
Me�culously designed to enhance your winter riding experience with unrivalled warmth, comfort, and protec�on. This innova�ve heated riding coat champions equestrian style with the utmost a�en�on to detail - a testament to the perfect balance of equestrian func�onality and style. It boasts outstanding waterproof capabili�es to 16,000mm and a design that keeps you dry and comfortable in inclement weather. Other features include zip-to-back with gusset, zip pockets with Equetech signature zips, storm flap with two-way zip, taped seams and detachable hood with detachable faux fur trim. Heated panels are strategically placed on the thighs and lower back to protect riders against the cold successfully.
Three blissful heat se�ngs give riders between 2 and 6 hours of consistent heat, thanks to a 2.1a / 5,000mah USB power bank, offering a long-las�ng and reliable heat source.
RRP: £219.95 Sizes: XS - 3XL Navy (Ba�ery/ Power Bank can be purchased separately)
Stratus Padded Waterproof Jacket
Introducing the new contemporary waterproof padded jacket, created to fit in with your busy life and perfect for training, dog walking, and outdoor ac�vi�es. The Stratus Padded Waterproof Coat is made from a 16,000mm waterproof shell with taped seams, delivering superior protec�on against the elements. Regardless of the weather, this jacket will keep you dry and comfortable. This jacket is designed for superior style and func�onality, combining a fla�ering tailored fit with func�onality. Conveniently placed zip front pockets allow you to securely store your essen�als while on the move, while the double pillow collar provides added warmth and comfort, making it ideal for wear on colder days. For complete versa�lity, the detachable hood has detachable faux fur, allowing you to alternate your look depending on your preference or ac�vity.
RRP: £174.95 Sizes: XS - 3XL Graphite
Equetech Inferno Heated Waterproof Gloves
Inferno Heated Gilet
Introducing the ultra-warm yet incredibly lightweight, cruelty-free bio-down ethical insula�on gilet; the Equetech Inferno Heated Gilet. This excep�onal equestrian wardrobe staple boasts concealed heated panels strategically placed in three key areas, designed to keep you warm in even the coldest weather condi�ons. With three levels of desirable heat to choose from, you can customise your comfort and warmth.
The pillow collar adds a touch of elegance while keeping your neck cosy and providing addi�onal warmth against cold winds. The ver�cal quilted piping on this gilet is a fla�ering and stylish design feature, complemen�ng all size ranges without bulk. The scooped-back hem protects your lower back from chilly dra�s in the saddle and while undertaking yard du�es. Deep dual zip pockets featuring signature Equetech pullers keep your treats and keys safely stored, and thanks to the 2.1a / 5,000mah USB power bank, you can take your �me at the barn knowing that you have a long-las�ng and reliable source of heat from your gilet! With trans-seasonal appeal, wear it as a stand-alone outer garment for autumn and early spring or as a reliable base layer and stay comfortable all winter! (Ba�ery/ Power Bank can be purchased separately) An equestrian winter wardrobe winner!
RRP: £109.95 XS - 3XL Navy
When faced with freezing temperatures, the loss of sensa�on in your hands can pose significant challenges when handling and riding horses. That’s where our Inferno heated riding gloves come in. You can bid farewell to cold and numb hands while engaging in equestrian pursuits. These technical gloves also boast a wind-proof outer shell to shield you from bi�ng winds, a mid-layer waterproof membrane to keep your hands dry, a microfleece lining for enhanced warmth, and a faux leather palm grip for superior handling. Moreover, you can effortlessly use your smartphone with the touch screen finger feature, enabling easy access without removing your gloves. The gloves are powered by a small rechargeable ba�ery located in the cuff of each glove, which can be removed through a waterproof zip and is conveniently chargeablethrough a standard USB cable. (Ba�eries included)
RRP: £154.95 Sizes: XS - XL Black
Equetech Reversible Shield Waterproof Padded Coat
Equetech
Introducing the ul�mate winter reversible waterproof cruelty-free luxury bio-down fill coat, designed to deliver two stylish looks in one gorgeous garment! Shield by name and by virtue of its unwavering protec�on against the elements, this new season addi�on embodies all the design and performance you have come to expect from Equetech.
The Equetech Reversible Shield Waterproof Padded Coat, designed by Equetech’s mul�-award-winning team, is a versa�le, relaxed-fit coat created for riders by riders. It is the perfect choice for those seeking superior protec�on against the elements without compromising style. This hybrid coat embraces two ready-to-wear op�ons: a stylish waterproof with taped seams and an impressive 16,000mm waterproof level, ensuring you stay dry and comfortable even in the harshest weather condi�ons. Two roomy pockets with magne�c closures allow you to conveniently carry your essen�als while keeping them secure, while the oversized hood with adjustable toggles fits over your riding helmet with ease and helps to shield you from wind and driving rain, providing added protec�on.
Alterna�vely, switch your look in dry, cold weather with the luxury padded duvet quilt, with its fla�ering quilted design and high-fashion feel. Zip pockets offer a secure and stylish storage solu�on for your belongings and enhanced wearability that will effortlessly take you from equestrian chic to city.
Created to embrace the life you lead, the Equetech Shield Coat also features integrated side zips, a two-way front zip, and a magne�c storm flap, which allow freedom of movement in the saddle without compromise while doubling up as your everyday yard coat and beyond. Its durable construc�on and dual design deliver both comfort and style. It will quickly become your winter wardrobe essen�al, keeping you warm, dry, and looking fabulous.
RRP: £184.95 XS – 3XL Grey/Black
Equetech Luxe Crystal Winter Riding Tights
Based on Equetech’s sell-out riding �ghts design, the Equetech Luxe Crystal Winter Riding Tights bring sparkle to those dark winter days with crystal embellishment. Beau�fully designed to deliver comfort, performance, and freedom of movement, these excep�onal riding �ghts are cut from thermal compression fabric and lined with luxuriously so� fleece for incredible warmth. Designed by real riders for real riders, their high-waisted and seamless design effec�vely hugs, li�s, and contours the body to deliver a fla�ering fit. The contoured seat and leg grip ankle binding offer a snug, comfortable fit that riders love! Our unique silicone full-grip seat provides the perfect stability in the saddle without feeling stuck, and we’ve added a touch of elegance with sparkle, courtesy of crystal embellished thigh phone pockets, eleva�ng
your equestrian style to the next level. Prac�cality is not to be compromised, either. Deep, secure phone pockets on both outer leg panels allow you to keep your essen�als close at hand conveniently. Generous belt loops and an Equetech badge on the back add a touch of class and sophis�ca�on to Equetech’s most glamorous riding �ghts to date!
RRP: £61.95 Sizes: XS - 3XL Navy or Black
www.equetech.com
EQUESTRIAN REAL ESTATE SPECIALISTSS
Joan Pletcher
Real Estate Network
Ocala, FL
352-804-8989 • 352-266-9100
Joan@joanpletcher.com
Joanpletcher.com
See my ad on pages 26 & 27
Valerie Dailey
Showcase Proper�es of Central Florida Ocala, FL & Surrounding Areas
352.816.1080
Valerie@ShowcaseOcala.com www.ShowcaseOcala.com
See my ad on page 31
Alyssa Pascucci
Golden Ocala Real Estate Royal Shell Ocala, FL C: 310-926-8527
www.apascucci.GoldenOcalaRealEstate.com
Alyssa.Pascucci@GoldenOcalaRealEstate.com
Mary Sue Jacobs Des�ny Interna�onal Proper�es
Wellington, FL
561-758-5212
www.des�nyinter.com
See My Ad Back Cover
... and on the Front Cover and Centerfold- page 40
George DeBenedicty Pegasus Realty & Asso Ocala, FL 352-895-8900 ocalaranches@gmail.com
See my ad on page 21
Mary Crane
Licensed in MA, RI & NH 617-413-2879
www.MaryCraneProper�es.com
Mary@MaryCraneProper�es@.com
Cricket Bedford
Thomas & Talbot
Estate Proper�es Middleburg, VA
C: 540-229-3201
O: 540-687-6500 thomasandtalbot.com
Kristy Peixoto
Legacy Realty & Associates
Contra Costa & Alameda Coun�es, CA 925-621-1210 • 510-909-4286
kpeixoto@legacyrea.com
NUMBERIFIC is a truly unique presentation for teaching numbers. Each number has an interesting themeBugs, Birds, Flowers, Sports, Food, etc. Beautiful color graphics that engage your child and ingrain numbers and their values. Great for beginning readers too!
Mulberry Sport Quarter Zip by
Features mesh sleeves and inserts for a cool comfortable fit and feel.
THE
FLORAL COLLECTION
Fresh, fanciful hand illustrated designs on several styles of sun shirts! Experience the comfort and style of Espoir in or out of the saddle. www.espoirequestrian.com
Peony in Blue Sport Quarter Zip A beautiful soft stretch fabric with mesh arms and inserts keep you comfortable and stylish.
by
on Navy
Perfect for street to
Soft Comfortable fit and fabric for sun protection and style.
All profits benefit the Sanctuary at Lakota a 501 C 3 Animal Sanctuary in Central Florida
Flower Power Show shirt by Espoir
Espoir.
The Stirrups on Navy Western Style shirt by Espoir offers a wonderful street to stable look. $120.
Stirrups
Ladies Casual Shirt
Espoir.
Stable.
Lakota by Espoir Navy Western style Tweed. $100
THE LAKOTA COLLECTION
Western style Navy/Red
Kateryna Bielikova
Ukranian ar�st, Kateryna Bielikova is a self taught ar�st dealing ini�ally with the anatomy and unique features of an animal before pain�ng. Having first hand close up experience with animals through her work at the Olympic Equestrian Centre, a youth biologist study group at Nikolaev Zoo, and then with the Zoological Engineering facility at the Nikolaev State Agrarian University where she worked on the Horse Breeding program. Her pain�ngs are alive as well as well studied! Every pain�ng is produced from the heart and her passion - working in many mediums. Acrylic, pencils, ink, gouache and oil!
In these troubled �mes, we are proud to be able to offer her unique work at the Equis Art Gallery.
Nest (Thoroughbred race horse) by Kateryna Bielikova. Unframed 8×8″ acrylic and metallic collage on paper. $175.00
Galileo by Kateryna Bielikova. Unframed 8 1/2 x 12″ acrylic, pastel and colored pencil on paper. $195.00
Frederique Lavergne
One of three ar�sts from France with work at the gallery-
“From a rider father and mother fashion stylist, I was born into a world inhabited by horses and sketches of fashion ... Before speaking, and I drew the picture became my language. Horses taught me how to paint. I have tried to understand what �es our human soul to the horses’. If I hadn’t discovered my passion for horses, as much as the ques�on of what we are meant to do together, or what they are meaning to tell us, I would have never found the winding path leading me to learning to paint.”
SH #XXXXIII by Frederique Lavergne. 20×20″ oil on canvas. $1450.00
Seville by Frederique Lavergne. 29×24″ oil on canvas. $1200.00
Our Farm- Your Fun
Enjoy
USEA Horse Trials
Jan 10, 11, 12, 2025
March 21, 22, 23, 2025
May 10-11, 2025 (tentative) November 8-9, 2025
3-Phase Schooling Shows
Jan 29, 2025
Feb 18-19, 2025
April 12, 2025
August 9, 2025
September 13, 2025
October 18, 2025
December 13, 2025
Presented by Destiny International Properties
The Vineyard House is one of those stunning farms with a Zen like atmosphere that draws you to stay whenever you enter the gates of this amazing 14 acre estate.
The 4 bedroom main house feels like an Argen�na gentleman’s dream with fabulous views out every window of lush landscaping and birds crea�ng a peaceful spiritual effect on all that are fortunate enough to visit. The private pool area feels like a resort and the music from the wind chimes is mesmerizing as the breeze touches your skin.
The farm includes an addi�onal 2 bedroom guest house with an extra large 3 truck size garage , tons of trailer parking, RV hook ups, tons of paddock space and a 2 car garage in the main house.
One of the nicest features of this mul�- discipline equestrian estate are the 3 separate barns with 34 stalls which are appropriate for all facets of equestrian sports. Included in the package are a brand new Grand Prix ring for Hunter/Jumpers, a regula�on Dressage ring with Mirrors and a 5 plus acre POLO s�ck and ball field with a training track. The farm is also en�rely fenced and has a horse walker and round pen for training.
Hacking distance to POLO and located among the highest concentra�on of POLO Fields in the United States with just 3 short miles to trailer to Wellington Interna�onal Horse shows and Global Dressage. This grand estate is just 15 -20 minutes to a major airport, 30 minutes to Palm Beach and the ocean, and a li�le over an hour to Miami. It is offered for sale reasonably at $8,900,000.
For a tour or more informa�on call Marysue Jacobs, Broker Des�ny Interna�onal 561-758-5212 www.des�nyinter.com
TRAINING & Showing
Merrill Harvey, Sale agent – Merrill is also an experienced show jumper and has a beautiful professional farm in Saddle Trail Wellington, an expert in Riding Rings and arena construction, she knows and understands what is needed to have the perfect farm for any discipline. Call 631-988-7948
Jennie Stark Sales Agent – As a proud Wellington resident and active community member, Jennie Stark offers valuable insights into the neighborhood and school systems, both private and public, across Palm Beach County. She is an expert in relocation and specializes in single -family homes, condos, town homes and rentals. Call 347-268-5056
Developing Young Sport Horse Prospects, Training Sport Horses For Their Next Level
TRAINING FOR HORSES AND RIDERS
COME FOR A TRIAL WEEKEND EXPERIENCE
Equine Performance Partners is the perfect source, whether you are looking for a Hunter/Jumper or a Dressage star, to find your new equine partner, or have your horse’s training advanced. There are lush pastures for young horses to graze, socialize and exercise. Every prospect receives the developemental training that young horses need.
New prospects are imported from Germany several �mes each year. Horses are developed with an individualized program to build their strength, suppleness, and condfidence. You are welcome to come for a trial with one of our sale horses for several days to engage in a repoir building experience, allowing you to fully familiarize yourself with a prospect.
Located in Ocala, Florida, 5 minutes from World Equestrian Center. Email FalkPeter@me.com or call 352-409-6616 to find your perfect equine partner.
Rudi has a super personality and work ethic. He is amateur friendly with pro quality. Rudi is very sweet and cuddly, loads well, no vices, great family horse with poten�al for upper levels.
Price Range: Low Six Digits
10 year old 16.2 HH German Oldenburg Gelding Solid at Training,First and Second Level Dressage, Schooling Third Level. Price Range: under $50,000
www.equineperformancepartnership.com
ART ANTIQUES&
By Dr. Lori
Downsizing & Declu�ering
TIPS
From a Professional Appraiser
By Dr. Lori Verderame
There are many downsizing and declu�ering gurus out there. Some have �ps about labeling laundry baskets or tossing clothes you haven’t worn for a year or more, but few can spot the valuable items in your home or teach you how to sell them online before you unknowingly toss them or donate them. My channel, www.YouTube.com/DrLoriV, offers free videos and instruc�on about iden�fying valuable objects and reselling unwanted stuff for top dollar. Learning how to spot sought-a�er objects and gain the confidence and skills to resell them at a profit can be fun, exci�ng, and profitable.
Many of my YouTube followers are interested in downsizing to clear the clutter and cash in on unwanted stuff. If you want to find objects for resale within your home, here are some tips to get you started. In a follow up article, I’ll share the concepts I teach in my Selling Old Stuff for Profit online class. Many of my students have made tens of thousands using my selling strategies.
For nearly 25 years, I have helped people all over the U. S. downsize from expansive mansions to cozy townhouses. Some of these folks are super shoppers with a vast array of objects from many different eras. Others are seasoned collectors of a specific style or movement of art or collectible that they collect. Many people have objects passed down from generations of family members or previous owners of a family home. For those who are drowning in stuff, downsizing can be a very freeing experience.
Here are my tips to downsize your home and get unwanted objects ready for resale:
Don’t get paralyzed or overwhelmed by the task. Take it one room at a time. Start small. You could decide to just clean out a hutch filled with nic nacs or a desk of drawers. Some people declutter by taking on a small bedroom and tackling a guest room closet first. Once you decide where to begin, be ruthless. Be open to surprises. You will find stuff you haven’t thought about in years hiding in a desk drawer or in the back of a closet. Visualize the goal. In terms of keepsakes, keep what you just can’t part with. But, set a limit as to how many sentimental items you can keep. Let those keepsakes fill your heart with joy. Then, get ready to resell the other stuff.
Your emotions count. Don’t let others push you into decluttering something you cherish. Don’t get rid of objects that you love just in the name of getting rid of stuff. You’ll regret it. Clean out the unnecessary, unused, unwanted. Keep the keepsakes. That’s how they got their name.
Certain items should be kept and enjoyed for the future. Don’t forget that certain vintage objects should be retained because they may be of better quality than an object made more recently. Just because something is old, that doesn’t mean you must part with it. It might be of higher quality and you might be sorry you let it go.
China cabinets are good places to begin the decluttering process.
Photo by Staff of www.DrLoriV.com
Set an object budget. What is an object budget? It is the number of objects of a certain type that you allow yourself to keep. It you have 50 pairs of socks, but you only use 20, then choose the 20 best pairs and the rest go into the ready for donation or resale pile. Your object budget for socks is 20 and you may only keep 20 pairs. And not one more, 20 is the limit. This goes for everything else. Set the object budget and stick to it for your collections of fine art, antiques, and collectibles, too. When trying to decide what to keep and what to let go, look for the highest quality objects, the most valuable pieces, and the most personally important items.
Declutter with your friends and family in mind. As you review items that you are ready to part with, think of the people in your circle who might be interested in buying them from you, even if you give them a deep discount, focusing on a potential buyer who you know will make payment for an item is easier than hunting for an unknown buyer.
Give children and grandchildren the power to ask for items as you downsize. You’d be surprised at the items that they may want to keep as remembrances from your home. Most people don’t realize that their children or grandchildren have any interest in their stuff. Indeed, in my experience, they certainly want some things that remind them of time spent in your home. Kids and grandkids should be allowed to weigh in during the downsizing process.
Lastly, identify some pieces as “must haves” like a dining table, favorite comfy chair, or antique bed. These mainstays must be retained no matter what. You will need them as you move to the next phase of life and if they have sentimental value, you want to bring those good vibes to your new home.
HIS HERS &
Matthew Reichel
with L.A. Berry, Equinista
Ma� Reichel has been Museum Educator since 2022 for the Na�onal Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs, NY, and his excep�onal storytelling has led to an NMRHOF YouTube series called Collec�ons Connec�ons, (youtube.com/@nmrhof), where legendary exhibits take the bit between their teeth for rides through �me. Prior to joining the Museum, Ma� earned his Bachelor of Arts in History from Washington and Lee University, Master of Arts in Museum Studies from John Hopkins University, and worked in educa�on for five years in New York’s Capital Region, including teaching at Rensselaer Polytechnic Ins�tute, Saratoga Central Catholic, and Saratoga Film Academy. This long�me resident of the city known for its health, history, and horses enjoys theatre in his spare �me and is a member of the Drama�sts Guild of America, which may explain how he stages his stories so well. Whether it’s about U.S. President Andrew Jackson racing horses under a pseudonym, or the unusual history of the Sea Hero statue in the Saratoga paddock.
HERS: Do you remember your first horse/pony experience?
HIS: I remember being maybe 5 or 6 years old and Mom taking me for a pony ride where we buy Christmas trees. The day is a blur to me but according to her, I was bawling my eyes because I was scared to death of the pony. That must have left a lasting impression because I haven’t been on horseback since. While I don’t ride, I still admire our sport and all the work that goes into caring for Thoroughbreds. I just do it from a safe distance.
HERS: What did you learn from that pony that still applies?
HIS: First, that it’s okay to try new things. Second, a first impression doesn’t have to be a lasting impression!
HERS: What qualities do you like best in a horse?
HIS: I like when a horse can be a little bit silly. They’re ten times the size of my dog and still manage to act like goofs the same way he does.
HERS: What qualities do you like best in a person?
HIS: I like people with a good sense of humor, which I suppose is similar to what I said about horses! You need to be able to joke around, keep things light. My grandma used to say, if you don’t have a laugh, you don’t have anything.
HERS: What was your first job and how old were you?
HIS: When I was 14, I worked under the table at a hot sauce shop on Broadway called Saratoga Salsa and Spice. They’re defunct now, but back in the day I’d head there after school and fill bags of cumin for an hour in exchange for a bottle of root beer. My first paid job was with my campus radio station, WLUR 91.5 FM. My job was to sit in a nice chair and listen to music. If I heard a cuss word that couldn’t go on the radio, I made note of it and put that album in a separate pile. Got a lot of homework done during that job!
HERS: If you had to work outside our horse world what would you be doing?
HIS: I came from museums before the horse world. I used to work the front desk at the New York State Museum before the pandemic. I’m lucky that I get to combine the two at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. Preserving history for future generations is very appealing. Outside of museums, I’ve been a theater kid since 8th grade. If I couldn’t work in museums, I would be behind the curtain.
HERS: Favorite quote?
HIS: [On racehorses] “You can’t buy one, you can’t breed one, you can’t even steal one. You wake up one morning, and there’s one in your barn.” - Carl Nafzger.
HERS: What’s the best part of your job at the NMR?
HIS: My favorite part is when I get to interact with people who know absolutely nothing about our sport and I am their introduction as I take them through the museum. Of
course most guests are racing fans, but when I talk with people who have no idea we have all this history, it’s a very special moment.
HERS: What’s your favorite piece on exhibit?
HIS: We have close to 30,000 items in our collection but - by far - my favorite piece is the first item ever donated to our museum: a horseshoe worn by the Lexington. Lexington was active in the 1850s and was one of America’s first real celebrity racehorses. Fans followed him across the country just for a glimpse of the legendary racehorse. Lexington’s biggest claim to fame during his racing career was setting the 4-mile speed record in 1855. The horseshoe on our wall was the horseshoe Lexington wore during that race. It’s a fabulous piece of history and highlights the career of a real superstar. It’s also wild to think how a 30,000-item collection started with a single horseshoe.
HERS: You can spend a day with any horseman and/or racehorse in history. Who is it?
HIS: Mary Hirsch! What a fascinating person. Mary was the first woman (1938) to win the Travers Stakes, with a horse named Thanksgiving, 80 years before Jena Antonucci did the same with Arcangelo. Mary was a trailblazer during a very unique era in racing history and holds all kinds of firsts, including first woman to train a Kentucky Derby runner. That must’ve taken a lot of guts in those days, when the sport was dominated by old men. I would love the chance to hear her story.
HERS: Where would you like to see the ‘sport of kings’ evolve over the next decade?
HIS: There has always been a significant barrier to entry when it comes to our sport that has created a ‘disconnect’ between participants and fans. This isn’t the case for other sports. If you are a football fan, for instance, you can watch a game on TV and then play a game with friends at home. All you need is a ball, some friends, and a backyard. That’s the case for many of America’s most popular sports. They’re comparatively easy to pick up and play. With horse racing, that’s absolutely not the case. You need miles and miles of open ground, a 1,200-pound animal, a bunch of specialized equipment… That’s a huge barrier for most so, for 95% of spectators at a racetrack, it’s difficult to really understand what our athletes go through. On the other hand, you can watch a basketball game and immediately get the gist of what it takes and try it yourself. People can’t do that with horse racing. We need to find better ways to bridge this gap. At the Museum, we use our state-of-the-art Thoroughbred racing simulator to demonstrate how it feels to be a jockey. It allows casual fans to get the hands-on experience that is otherwise impossible without a massive up-front investment. I think, as the sport moves forward and evolves, we need to focus our efforts on increasing accessibility to the sport with these kinds of experiences.
HERS: You can invite 3 guests (past or present, real or fictional) to dinner. Who joins you and what’s served?
HIS: Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, and Charles Dance, all in the same room, over a stack of Domino’s pizza. Wouldn’t you love to hear what goes on?
Learn more about the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, where the history of Thoroughbred racing comes to life, at racingmuseum.org. Suggest a His & Hers guest to L.A. Berry, latheequinista@gmail.com
The Golden
Horse
is a mythical animal ...
that has various descriptions and characteristics in several cultures and religions. In Chinese mythology, the golden horse is a symbol of good luck, prosperity and wealth, while in Japanese culture it is associated with the deity of the sun and light. Also, the golden horse can be a symbol of royalty and power.
In particular, first golden coins depicting a war horse silhouette, were minted in the 4th century B.C. in ancient Carthage and Mesopotamia. It was a symbol of military power.
The gilded bronze quadriga in St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, which dates to the third or fourth century B.C., is another example of ancient equestrian art that continues to impress spectators to this day. The actual creation date of the quartet of bronze horses sculptured in St. Mark’s Basilica is still a mystery. There’s an opinion that they were first used to embellish Constantinople’s hippodrome. However, the horses were taken as a victory trophy by the Venetian army in 1254.
Whistlejacket, George Stubb’s masterpiece is probably the most well-known portrait of a horse. It’s also unique because Stubbs places a glorious chestnut stallion on a neutral background of pale gold on the first plan. There’s no rider or detailed location, just a graceful creature in all its natural beauty. The horse has remained the main protagonist in masterpieces across a variety of genres and styles since those times.
We are going to offer to your attention a crafted selection of golden horses, created by the modern equestrian artists. They are represented by Katerina Morgan Horse Polo Art Gallery, a special place which brings together equestrian enthusiasts and gifted artists from across the globe.
Ollie Holman is a UK-based sculptor who started his creative journey at the age of thirteen. Ollie works with metal, which he finds to be both strong and delicate at the same time.
Ollie’s style is all about capturing the organic essence of a given being and feeling. Where he hopes his work invites viewers to explore the use of negative and positive space to describe a being or emotion. Inspired by nature and passionate to emulate the organic textures and forms, from such a manmade industrial material of steel.
A horse is an amazing creature but it’s also very challenging to be sculpted with all the precision of anatomical details, especially respecting the tiny dimensions.
Cast from the original car panel-based Carousel horse artwork, (next page) this item is a timeless and inspirational addition to many homes. The original piece’s shapes and textures transfer flawlessly into bronze and pop against the deep verdigris patinas.
Emma Tate creates one of a kind ceramic sculptures of horses. They might be very abstract at times or more realistic at others. From the very first look, all of her artworks uplift your spirits and nurture your soul.
How did this love start? Emma was first exposed to equestrian world at a very young age by her mother, who is a trainer and rider. Emma was always filled with compassion and awe for the horses’ capacity to build relationships and trust with humans whenever she spent time with them.
Her recent creations have been a medley of raw materials such as metal, gold leaf and rich natural toned clay.
Artur Baboev is an animal photographer from KarachayCherkessia, a picturesque place famous for its native horses. These images eventually became the main subject of his creative work.
On this photo we can admire a magnificent Akhal-Teke horse – one of the oldest breeds, dating back at least three thousand years. This horses have a very peculiar, distinctive
Akchal-Teke by Arthur Baboev
exterior, with a graceful neck like a swan and a slender, long body. Thin soft skin with silky hair, little mane and tail. The breed is characterized by a wide variety of colors of the most unusual shades, primarily golden. The dazzling jewelry in Artur’s picture highlights the metaphorical value of the Akhal-Teke horse, a priceless natural treasure.
Artur’s works were exhibited at such venues as the Central House of Artists, the Lumiere Brothers Gallery, the gallery on Tverskoy Boulevard in Moscow, Château de MaisonsLaffitte in Paris, as well as in New York, Verona, Vilnius, St. Petersburg, Yerevan, etc.
To check out the most recent information on the new equestrian artworks from all over the world, please visit: Katerina Morgan Horse Polo Art Gallery (https://katerinamorgan.art/).
Our team would be pleased to guide you in selecting the most desired piece of art or building a full collection.
Our large animal doctors are also available Mon-Fri for routine on-site or in hospital calls.
Carousel Wall Bronze by Ollie Holman
Contagious by Emma Tate
Alexander Solotzew
An Internationally Known Artist With A New Love For The Game Of Polo
Alexander Solotzew was born and raised by a celebrated artistic family in Kaliningrad, Russia. Both of his parents were avid artists and teachers of the trade. At an early age, Solotzew developed an interest and passion for horses and grew up riding during the summer time in Russia. While he studied at the Russian Academy of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg, Solotzew often visited the stables to observe and paint the horses in action. It is said that the horse is one of the most difficult animals to paint because of their intricate shapes and active behavior. Therefore, the mastership of the artist can often be proven by his or her work with the animal. Throughout his career, Solotzew has been sketching horses around the world and much of his work is featured in international museums and galleries.
The Legend, oil on canvas, 48” x 48”
Solotzew is categorized as an avant-
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Just over a year ago Solotzew first discovered the game of polo. As he was driving by the grounds of the Sarasota Polo Club, he noticed horses and players practicing on the field. Alexander immediately stopped his car and started sketching the scene. It captivated him so much that he became an avid fan of polo, attending matches each week. Solotzew has been fascinated with the exquisite game, as well as the unity of the keen horses and the athletic players. This discovery led to the creation of a new series of large format realistic paintings appropriately called “Polo Club.” In his artworks, Solotzew reflects the beauty and power of horses, while revealing the true identity of the players. He expresses the game of polo Europe and the United States stronger and long-lasting. At present, Solotzew
ects and conduct solo exhibitions. His artwork has been acquired by private collections around the world with some
Solotzew is categorized as an avantgarde artist, which is considered to be someone that is significantly ahead in its technique, subject matter, or application in art. Most commonly, he is an artist with experimental and unorthodox work. For over 40 years, Solotzew has been travelling throughout Europe, Latin America and the United States to find unique art subjects, open new studios and display his finished collections – many of which have involved horses.
In the beginning of the century Solotzew started following circus trains in Europe to sketch horses performing their incredible stunts to live audiences. Next, his unquenchable search for new subjects brought him to discover the Camargue horses, which are generally considered to be one of the oldest breeds in the world, indigenous to southern France. During his journey to Spain, Solotzew realized the beauty of Andalusian stallions and later, in Latin America, he enjoyed riding and sketching rodeo horses. Anywhere he went, Solotzew was fascinated with the beauty and freedom that these elegant creatures embodied. The artist is always in awe of how horses develop their stamina and agility, for which they are known for today.
Just over a year ago Solotzew first discovered the game of polo. As he was driving by the grounds of the Sarasota Polo Club, he noticed horses and players practicing on the field. Alexander immediately stopped his car and started sketching the scene. It captivated him so much that he became an avid fan of polo, attending matches each week. Solotzew has been fascinated with the exquisite game, as well as the unity of the keen horses and the athletic players. This discovery led to the creation of a new series of large format realistic paintings appropriately called “Polo Club.” In his artworks, Solotzew reflects the beauty and power of horses, while revealing the true identity of the players. He expresses the game of polo as the fusion of three vital elements: motion, emotion and devotion.
The evolving art of Solotzew is aimed to make the cultural bridge between Europe and the United States stronger and long-lasting. At present, Solotzew continues to work on various art projects and conduct solo exhibitions. His artwork has been acquired by private collections around the world with some of his paintings accepted by international museums.
Let The Season Begin- Polo Club, oil on canvas, 60” x 60”
The Game of Polo, oil on canvas, 48” x 60”
Purina Animal Nutri�on announces ambi�on for every horse in America to reach
OPTIMAL BODY CONDITION
Their new horse weight management challenge, Through Thick and Thin, seeks to empower owners to help their horses achieve and maintain healthy body condition and lifestyle
Purina Animal Nutrition announces the launch of its new challenge, Through Thick and Thin, which seeks to help every horse in America achieve and maintain an optimal body condition score (BCS). In a recent survey of horse owners, one in four said they were concerned about their horse’s weight,[1] so Purina is introducing the challenge to educate and empower horse owners around taking an active role in managing this critical component of overall health.
“A horse’s body condition affects multiple areas of their life, from their performance to their overall health,” said Mary Beth Gordon, PhD, Senior Director, Equine Technical Innovation. “And of all the health issues horses can face, their weight and their BCS is something horse owners can have a meaningful impact on with the right tools and information.”
BCS is a numerical system used to assess a horse’s physical condition based on its palpable fat and visual appearance. It is measured on a scale of 1-9, with 1 being severely underweight and 9 being severely overweight.
While the optimal BCS for each horse depends on their specific career, age and other factors, the average horse should target a BCS between 5 or 6. Broodmares may achieve a BCS of 7 throughout their pregnancy, while racehorses and endurance horses may be healthy at a BCS of 4. Horses that are at a higher BCS than their optimal score are at greater risk for metabolic issues, while horses with a lower BCS than optimal are at risk for malnourishment.
Veterinarians are an important resource to consult when managing a horse’s weight. They can identify what the optimal BCS for each specific horse should be and provide crucial medical support for issues that may be related to obesity, such as insulin resistance. A partnership between horse owners, veterinarians and nutritionists is an excellent approach to help horses reach their optimal body condition and support any health challenges horses are experiencing.
Horse owners can measure their horse’s BCS themselves by assessing their horse’s fat cover over specific areas of the body. For more detailed instructions on measuring and interpreting a horse’s BCS, review these tips from the Purina technical team.
“By providing horse owners with educational resources on weight management and the feed and nutrition solutions
that help optimize body condition, we’re taking steps to reach our goal of having more horses in the United States achieve and maintain their optimal BCS,” said Dr. Gordon.
Horse owners can par�cipate in the Through Thick and Thin Challenge by:
• Learning more about their horse’s weight
• Ge�ng a personalized feed recommenda�on for their horse
• Signing up for the Feed Greatness Challenge, a 30-day feeding trial exclusively from Purina Animal Nutri�on
• Sharing their horse’s weight management journey by tagging @purinafeedgreatness on Instagram and Purina Horse Feed on Facebook
Dr. Mary Beth Gordon, PhD, Senior Director, Equine Technical Innovation at Purina, demonstrates how to use a weight tape.
HORSES SLEEP PROPERLY
Story and Photos By Allessandra Deerinck
As human beings, we domesticated animals, creating breeds and the horse is one of the animals that served us in many ways, while at the present time they are a pleasure in our lives. Horses are able to adapt to any environment we provide, but we always need to keep in mind their welfare and knowing how they live in nature is definitely very important. In order to have a more natural kind of life condition, equines need adequate air and light, access to food and water, space to move and contact with other horses. A very often forgotten aspect of how we keep horses is their sleep, which provides rest and has a function in building memory.
All mammals sleep, according to their species behavior and the environmental factors that surround them. Horses are polyphasic sleepers, with several short periods of sleep that amount to about 3 to 4 hours. The levels of sleep vary between individual horses, and this is connected to age, sex, breed and emotional state. In all horses the sleep time is distributed throughout the 24 hours, in periods lasting a few minutes, and most of it happens at night.
Horses adapt to where they live and they do not build anything to protect themselves while sleeping. The natural behavior of a horse is free and flexible, and deeply rooted in its genetic code that even the most ingenious genetic selection only scratches its surface. The proof of this is in the populations of the “wild horses” spread all over the world, which actually came from domestic horses that broke free, and were able to readapt to live in the wild. Horses are prey animals, and whether domestic or wild, any horse is always alert and completely immersed in the surrounding. When they get to a new area, they explore it and then adapt to the situation, and they do so even when we move them to a new place, but we need always to keep in mind that a horse may not sleep well when traveling or arriving in a new place, and we need to help him to get comfortable and to rest.
Horses live in herds, and within each herd there is a “pecking order” based on the individual level of alertness that protects the entire herd. Since horses are prey animals, they cannot lay down and sleep for long periods of time, because that would make them vulnerable to predator attacks, but in a herd some individuals will be resting while others will be alert and watch out for the safety of the whole herd. Because of their anatomy horses can also sleep while standing, but the sleep phase with rapid eye movement (REM), that should amount to at least thirty minutes, cannot happen without recumbency because
The enclosure where a horse is kept in always has an impact on its comfort
during REM sleep the horses loose muscle tone. However, if comfortable and safe, horses will lay down to do this stage of sleep. Any disruption of their sleep will result in sleep deprivation which is not a sleep disorder, but causes nervousness or irritability and decreases physical performance. Horses affected by sleep deprivation may transition into REM sleep while standing and partially collapse before suddenly waking up.
Sleep deprivation for horses can be caused by several conditions and range from environmental to physical, but is possible to address them and make it possible for horses to sleep properly. The primary factors that affect the quantity and quality of sleep for the horse are: limited space, adverse weather conditions, risk of predation, gestation period in mares, animal body mass, encephalization, and basal metabolic rate.
Something necessary to improve the welfare of horses is ensuring adequate space to lay down comfortably for at least 30 minutes every day, along with addressing medical problems that can limit their ability to lay down to sleep. A limiting factor for REM sleep in horses is if they are overweight, and even healthy horses may also find it difficult to lay down and stand up. Horses will only lie down and allow themselves REM sleep if they are comfortable in their surroundings which is the reason why we should always ensure to create a quiet, safe environment where we keep horses. In a barn or outside in small paddocks or pastures, in single enclosures or in a herd, the instinctual behavior of a horse is always there and we should learn it and always keep it in mind. Most adult horses, other than very large size ones, can lay down in a 12’ x 12’ box stall, however they need to feel comfortable and able to get up. Horses have to learn to lay down not too close to a wall or fence, because in this case they will be cast and will need help to stand up.
We always need to keep in mind that the enclosure where a horse is kept always has an impact on its comfort, in a way that is related to how they can perceive the surrounding area. If they are cooped up in a stall or a paddock where they cannot see around, but they can hear noises that come from outside, they can become anxious and not sleep comfortably. A bare concrete floor is never adequate for a horse to lay down, unless we provide straw or shavings that need to be of adequate depth to let the horse rest and stand up comfortably. The bedding needs to be managed daily in order to eliminate the urine and manure that would not be inviting for a horse to lay down and sleep, and could even create a serious problem in terms of infection for the hoof.
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The presence of light or darkness is something that horses are very sensitive to and it regulates their sleep cycles, so we need to let them be able to perceive the light according to the time of the day. If we house horses in a barn, we should not keep lights turned on at night, because we can impair their sleep as well as affect a mare’s reproductive system. Foals are generally born during the dark hours in order to have some safe time to get on the ground and stand up, and keeping light on can cause mares to retain the foals in their womb for longer time.
When we keep horses in a pasture, they can easily have a good night’s sleep if they lay down on grass or dirt. Protection from the weather elements is an aspect to always consider for horses kept in a pasture, and providing them a covered dry area that they can access if needed is a way to safeguard their sleep.
Being aware of any situation at the moment it happens, and work to make horses comfortable is something we need to learn how to do and always do it, if we want to truly take care of the wellbeing of horses, domesticated or wild.
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When Equine Activity Statutes Will Not Protect You
Many equine professionals and amateurs know about their state’s equine ac�vity statute (“EAS”), which have been enacted in all states but California and Maryland. The typical EAS includes words to the effect that “an equine professional is not liable for the inherent risks of equine ac�vi�es.” What many overlook, however, is that an EAS does not protect the professional, and the injured party may proceed, in some cases where someone has negligently increased the inherent risk of an equine ac�vity. In other words, an EAS does not provide absolute immunity from harm occurring during equine ac�vi�es. This is something to ponder if you own or operate a facility, or if you have been injured at one.
Only inherent risk is assumed.
The concept here is that an EAS, and the accompanying liability waiver, and the posted sign with which we are all familiar, do not alter the type of known risk assumed by an equine ac�vity par�cipant. This means that an equine ac�vity par�cipant (i.e.: a rider, trainer, groom, etc.) only assumes the ordinary risks that are likely and known to occur (e.g: “inherent risk”) when around flight animals. Risks such as unexpected behavior, bol�ng, tripping, slipping, bucking, rearing, contact with objects, humans and horses, are all part of the ordinary and assumed risks of engaging with horses. Ok, fine, we can all understand and appreciate that we assume such risks when we are involved with horses.
Risk is not assumed for acts or omissions increasing inherent risk. Where folks get into trouble is when someone undertakes an act or creates a condi�on that increases or exacerbates those risks beyond those normally present, appreciated and assumed by an equine ac�vity par�cipant. Cases we have encountered include: goats in trees around riding arenas, blocked rodeo arena exit chutes, improperly stored equipment or material in ac�ve rings or training tracks, and others. These are the sort of condi�ons that the equine par�cipant simply did not sign up to assume, because those condi�ons unexpectedly increase the normal amount of risk inherent in ac�vi�es involving horses.
There are consequences for increasing inherent risk. The point here is that an equine ac�vity par�cipant does not assume the risk of unreasonable increase in the inherent risk of such ac�vity. This is not a novel concept in Florida even before there was an EAS in Florida. For example, in Ashcro� v. Calder Race Course, Inc., 492 So. 2d 1309, 1310-1311 (Fla. 1986), Ashcro�, a jockey racing a horse at Calder Race Course, was injured when his horse veered across the racetrack and toward an exit gap in the railing around the racetrack. The horse shot the gap in the outside rail le� by race track management, and Ashcro� lost control, fell to the ground, rendering him a quadriplegic. He sued respondent Calder Race Course, Inc. for damages, alleging that Calder’s negligent placement of the exit gap at the racetrack caused the accident and his resultant injury.
The trial court, over Ashcro�’s objec�on, instructed the jury on assump�on of risk. The jury rendered a verdict finding Calder negligent and Ashcro� not negligent, but finding that Ashcro� had assumed the risk of the danger of which he complained. Damages of $10M were assessed. The trial court denied Calder’s mo�on for judgment on the verdict in its favor and found Calder liable, but upon mo�on deemed the verdict excessive and granted Calder’s mo�on for remi�tur or, in the alterna�ve, a new trial. The award reduced to $5M was declined by Ashcro�, and the cause was therefore subject to a new trial. On appeal, the district court found found Ashcro� assumed the risk and reversed the trial court’s order in failing to enter judgment for Calder. Id. Ashcro� then pe��oned to the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court overturned the appeals court and reinstated the $ 10M trial verdict for Ashcro�. In doing so, the Supreme Court explained in detail that:
Riding on a track with a negligently placed exit gap is not an inherent risk in the sport of horse racing. We therefore find as a ma�er of law that there was no express assump�on of risk with respect to the negligent placement of the exit gap
Ashcro� was decided in 1986, before Florida’s 1995 enactment of its EAS. However, when the Florida EAS was enacted, it did not expand the immunity of equine sponsors under the implied assump�on of risk doctrine. Instead the EAS codified into law the common law immunity of assump�on of risk and the excep�ons thereto, as discussed in Ashcro�. Florida’s EAS may be found at F.S. § 773.02, and the excep�ons to immunity are located at F.S. § 773.03. Since the enactment of the EAS, Florida courts have specifically confirmed that the immunity of an equine sponsor may be lost by certain acts or omissions of the equine professional or sponsor. Your acts or omissions which increase inherent risk can push you outside the protec�on of an Equine Ac�vity Statute.
As a facility owner or operator, equine sponsor, or professional, the law requires that you pay a�en�on to what is going on at your loca�on and during your equine ac�vi�es. Remember, you immunity is not absolute, and there are excep�ons. For example, in McNichol v. South Florida Training Center, Inc., 44 So.3d 253, 256 (Fla. 4th DCA 2010), the court considered whether a mound of dirt le� for a period of �me on the inside of a racehorse training track by the defendant sponsor was an an unreasonable, willful or wanton act that would strip the harness track owner of EAS immunity. The appeals court found that “There is no immunity for equine ac�vity when the claim is based on ‘an act or omission that a reasonably prudent person would not have done or omi�ed under the same or similar circumstances.’ § 773.03(2)(d).” [emphasis added]. Continued...Con�nued on page 68
The Harvard of Horsemanship: Inside Parelli Landing
A Centralized Hub for Holis�c Learning
The decision to consolidate Parelli’s previous training centers into Parelli Landing was a deliberate move toward crea�ng a centralized learning hub. This academy offers students the chance to engage in a range of prac�cal, hands-on training, from basic horse psychology to advanced equine management. However, the focus isn’t just on technical skills; the academy also teaches business acumen, preparing students for the reali�es of a career in the equine industry.
“At this stage, it’s not just about what I’ve built but about crea�ng a sustainable system that will outlast me,” says Parelli. Parelli Landing isn’t only a physical campus—it’s a place where future genera�ons of horsemen will learn to lead, manage, and grow within an industry that’s always evolving.
Leadership and Global Impact
While Natural Horsemanship has become more familiar to the equestrian world over the past few decades, Parelli’s approach goes deeper by focusing on leadership—both with horses and within the broader industry.
At the core of Parelli Landing is the idea that leadership is about understanding, whether you’re working with a horse or building a career in the equine business.
The campus consolidates a global network of students, many of whom are already familiar with the principles of Natural Horsemanship but are eager to advance their skills, gain deeper insights, and prepare for professional roles. The curriculum is designed to equip students with everything they need to thrive, from mastering horsemanship techniques to understanding the business side of the equine world.
A Sustainable Future for Horsemanship
Parelli Landing is built not just as an educa�onal facility, but as a sustainable home for future genera�ons of horse lovers. The campus is designed to foster both learning and community—crea�ng an environment where students from around the world can connect, collaborate, and grow.
By bringing his work into this centralized, year-round facility, Pat Parelli is ensuring that the core values of respect, trust, and understanding will con�nue to be passed on, but adapted to meet the needs of today’s equine industry.
Opening in January 2025, Parelli Landing: The Horseman’s Academy in Johnsonville, South Carolina marks a significant new chapter in Pat Parelli’s decades-long commitment to horsemanship educa�on. This academy will serve as a global center of excellence for aspiring horsemen and women.
Parelli has spent over 40 years refining an approach that emphasizes the importance of understanding horses as individuals, focusing on communica�on and trust over force. What was once considered a radical shi� is now much more widely recognized and appreciated across the industry. Parelli Landing takes these principles and brings them into a comprehensive educa�onal se�ng comprising leadership and business as well as horsemanship.
Looking Ahead
With its first classes beginning in January 2025, Parelli Landing: The Horseman’s Academy will offer students an unparalleled opportunity to develop their skills in an immersive and suppor�ve environment. Though the principles of Natural Horsemanship are no longer new, they remain as relevant as ever. At Parelli Landing, students will find not only the tools to succeed with horses but also the guidance to lead the future of horsemanship.
Applica�ons for Parelli Landing are open now, and classes will begin in January 2025. To learn more or to apply, visit Parelli Natural Horsemanship.
Pat Parelli and Magics Mirror
Celebrating Over 40 Years with Yered Trailers
In November of 1976, Yered Trailers had but one philosophy. They vowed to perform top quality work at a reasonable price. Now, 45 years later, that pledge still rings true. George Yered and his staff have been in the automotive and trailer-related business since 1966. An avid horseman, George blended his passion and knowledge to create Yered Trailers, a full-service trailer sales and repair company. Yered Trailers has a continually updated inventory, including superior brands such as Sundowner, Featherlite, Cotner Trailers USA, and Bri- Mar among others, along with innumerable accessories. They offer full customization by professional welders who can work with both aluminum and steel products. Yered Trailer’s 15,000 square foot facility, located on an expanse of over three acres, has the capability to handle any job with any trailer.
The most necessary, and the most often overlooked, maintenance is seasonal service. There is nothing worse than being broken down on the side of the road, horses loaded and nervous, waiting for a tow truck! As a Massachusetts licensed DOT inspector, Yered Trailers can make sure a trailer is not only safe and roadworthy, but legal as well. Over forty years of sterling service and a love of all things horses have made Yered Trailers one of the largest trailer centers in the Northeast. Yered Trailers is proud to uphold its original
From New England to Florida, Yered Trailers services the entire East coast and beyond. Their reputation is in the name, and happy horse rides in a Yered Trailer. For more information or to check out their inventory on-line, visit www.yeredtrailers.com.
Palm Equestrian Academy™
Building a Partnership with your Horse
How to do a Figure Correctly
Let’s get ready to show & grow!
A Gentle Reminder . . .
For this next series on training, you’ll be your own trainer for 80 to 90 percent of the time. You will learn to find those remarkable feelings when both you and your horse come into balance, regardless of discipline. Being in the Dressage Court (arena) will help you attain that balance. We all want those feelings with a horse, regardless of what saddle you’re riding or what breed of horse you swing a leg over. We all dream of moments of being in synchronization with our horses. These moments keep us hungry to learn more and achieve more difficult tasks with our horses. Remember, this Western Dressage discipline will steal your heart and create a passion for riding in harmony with your horse. Remember, too, that dressage is simply the foundation to ride correctly, and for the horse to be confident and willing with whatever performance you choose!
I’m looking forward to the next several months, when I’ll share tips and guidelines for understanding the simplicity of learning (in written format, at least) Western Dressage training from Introductory Level to Level 5. Could be the start of my new book…..!
INTRODUCTORY LEVELS:
Here’s a reminder . . .
The horse should show smooth transitions and a willingness before, during and after the rider’s commands. The rider should show invisible, light aids during all transitions.
REQUIREMENTS:
Easiest to hardest task: Tips to understanding how to do a Figure correctly
*20 meter half circle at the working jog — E to B or B to E
The half circle is to be 10 meters from the line of E or B, in order to make the half size of 20 meters. I ride the half circle making two points. Point 1, first quarter of the circle on the center line, and Point 2 at E or B completing the 1/2 circle. Meeting the 10 meter at Point 1 in the half circle will get you positive, accurate points. The horse is to show balance and an inside bend on the half circle. He should demonstrate straightness, regularity, and quality of the jog.
*Halt: 4 seconds
Balanced in transition to a square, straight halt. Horse should demonstrate immobility, willing, smooth transitions. He should show regularity and quality of the walk, and a willing, smooth and straight transition to the halt.
*20 Meter circle at the working jog
The importance of the Balance and Bend: the size and shape of circle with inside bend; regularity and quality of the jog; straightness. Straightness is controlling the horse’s body alignment through the rider’s leg and rein aids. Straightness is absolutely necessary to achieve balance of the horse in order to show willingness, relaxation, consistent tempo in the gaits, and movement which will be free flowing.
*Change rein at working jog
Balance and bend in the turn and corners; straightness on the diagonal; regularity and quality of the jog.
*Free walk on 20 meter half circle
Horse willing to freely stretch his neck forward and down; relaxation; swing through the back; ground covering stride; straightness; willing, smooth transition; regularity and quality of the free and working walks.
*One loop 5 meters off the track
Importance of balance and correct changes of bend on loop; regularity and quality of the jog; balance and bend in the corners.
Con�nued on page 68
Story and Photos By Lynn Palm
Axle Failure
PREVENTION
Story and Photos By Tom Scheve
What can you do
if an axle fails on your trailer while you’re out somewhere with your horses? Most likely, you’ll call for help. But there’s no way around the fact that your trailer is heading to the shop, and you’re stuck.
The solution?
Spring & Shackle
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. In other words, it’s not what you can do, it’s what you could have done. You can’t carry an extra axle in your trailer or have the know-how to fix it. However, you can learn how to identify that something is awry before it happens. Having your trailer serviced regularly will undoubtedly lower the possibility of future problems. However, a routine service often includes only lubing the bearings and adjusting the brakes. With minimal learning about trailer axles and wheels, you can intelligently tell the service technician the other things you want checked. That knowledge will also help you identify problems out on the road.
The first thing to know is what type of axles (suspension) are on your trailer. They will either be Spring and Shackle or Rubber Torsion. By looking between the wheels, you can easily see the shackles that connect the leaf springs on a Spring and Shackle suspension. Only about one percent of new horse trailers have spring and shackle axles (leaf springs), but you may find them on older trailers. If so, you can quickly check for loose bolts, rust, and for separation within the leaf springs since they are clearly visible. If the trailer is not tracking well behind your tow vehicle, there is likely a problem.
Since 99% of all new horse trailers manufactured in the US have rubber torsion suspension, they are likely on your trailer. But to be sure, look between the front and rear wheels. If there is nothing visible between the wheels, then you have rubber torsion axles. Because the suspension results from rubber cords inside the axles rather than springs, there is no connection between the front and back wheels. The benefits of rubber torsion are many. The ride is smoother for the horses when the axles are matched to the loaded trailer weight and the right tow vehicle.
improper inflation so check the air pressure to ensure that it’s correct in relation to the air pressure of the other three tires. The psi (pounds per square inch) inflation information is on the tire. If the tire pressure is correct, the uneven wear is most likely caused by a bent axle or wheel. The same tire has had more than one blowout is an indication that there is something amiss such as a bent axle or damaged wheel.
To check for a bent axle or wheel, set a long straight board (preferably a level) on equal height stands located at the side of each tire one side of the trailer. The level will tell you if the stands are equal height. Push the level against the tires. If the level is touching the sides of both front and back tires, then the wheels are tracking correctly, and the problem could be a bad tire. If the level is not touching the sides of the front and back tires, the tire that it’s not touching is not tracking straight, meaning the axle is bent, or the wheel is damaged. It would be best if you did not use the trailer until correcting the problem.
Also, although rare, the spindle or the rubber cords can weaken over time, or the axle could be faulty from the factory. If this happens, one side of the axle with be lower than the other. (see above) When you are hooking up, look at the height of the trailer tires to the bottom of the fender. If one side looks lower than the other, measure to make sure. If it is, you’ll need to replace the axle.
In summary, you don’t have to know everything about your trailer, you just have to know enough to see a problem brewing. Working to stop something from happening is easier and more effective than trying to resolve or recover from it later.
A tire showing uneven wear, such as wearing around the edges, strongly indicates something is wrong. One cause is
RUBBER TORSION
SIDE VIEW TOP VIEW
The Court then overturned the trial court’s verdict for the defendant racetrack owner, finding that plain�ff McNichol did not assume the risk of the unusual dirt mound condi�on on the harness track. In making that determina�on, the McNichol court referred back to the pre-EAS reasoning in Ashcro�, and stated “[e]ven if harness racing is a contact sport, the defense of express assump�on of the risk only bars recovery for those risks inherent in the contact sport itself.” The McNichol court con�nued that unknown risks, such as from the crea�on of a dangerous racetrack condi�on, are only “implied risks”, which are not assumed by the par�cipant, because that type of risk is not known, and therefore are the type of risks not covered by the EAS.
If you read this far, where does that leave you?
If you are an equine professional or facility owner or operator, you must con�nually be mindful of the condi�ons of your facility and the various ac�vi�es that take place there. Landscapers, contractors, repair, maintenance, and so many other ac�vi�es and condi�ons must be constantly monitored and risks mi�gated and resolved. If you are a par�cipant, keep a lookout for such risks, take the �me and opportunity to avoid them, bring them to the a�en�on of the proper party, and seek guidance if some misadventure unfortunately ensues. Equine ac�vi�es are a lot of fun and rewarding on so many levels, but they do require diligence and a�en�on to detail. Stay safe. BE AWARE AND TAKE PROACTIVE STEPS
TIPS ABOUT BASIC LEVEL GAITS & DEFINITIONS:
Free jog —
This pace is two-beat of moderate lengthening of stride and frame compared to the Working Jog and is done without hurrying. The horse should stretch forward and down over the top line with relaxation maintaining balance, tempo, and regularity of the jog on a loose rein. There should be a smooth, willing retake of the reins in transition to the working jog. The free jog may be ridden posting or sitting.
From Lynn: I like to see the rider post to the jog here, it feels as though it allows a light rider on the horse’s back to allow an easier stretch of the horse’s back muscles.
Working lope:
The lope is a gait with three equal, regular beats with time of suspension after the third beat. While maintaining the three beat cadence, the horse must go forward with even and elastic steps. The back must be relaxed and the shoulders free; there is an obvious push from the hindquarters and the hind legs step actively up under the horse. The horse maintains light contact with the bit and his nose shall be on or slightly in front of the vertical in this level.
A note from Lynn:
For the quality of the lope the horse’s outline must have an uphill balance with the poll always level or higher than the wither at this level. The higher the levels, the poll will come higher for an uphill outline with correct collection. This is essential to have the quality of the lope in a 3-beat at all times.
