ELITE EQUESTRIAN
Meadowland Farm – One of the Landmark Kentucky Estates
This Landmark farm has one of the great Kentucky mansions, a 12,000 sq. �. neo-classical mansion, a 1885-circa historical restored guesthouse and a state-of-the-art equestrian facility with 48 custom stalls, 3 grooming bays, 3 wash stalls, an indoor walker and a 240’ indoor driving arena and a 270’ outdoor riding arena. Meadowland Farm embodies the quintessen�al Kentucky bluegrass farm, in the equestrian community of L’Esprit, offering direct access to 26 miles of trails. There are 6 bedrooms in the main home, including a complete guest suite with kitchen and private entry. Extensive upda�ng in the past years. The stone guesthouse has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and has been lovingly restored.
www.MeadowlandKentucky.com
ELITE
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
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
Health Editor: Dr. Jill Costello Chavers
Legal Editor: Avery S. Chapman,Esquire
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Dr. Amy Hayak
Alessandra Deerinck
Kat Fuqua
Abby Keegan M.S., PAS
Karin Matey
Dr. Bill Ormston
Lynn Palm
Tom Scheve
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
Andrea Johnson photography
Pat Michaels
Middleburg Photo Paws and Rewind LLC
Sharon Vanderlip Horsepower Vineyards GRAPHICS
Photo by Andrea Johnson
MUST HAVES FOR YOU
1. Enter at A...Dressage Horse and Arena Buckle. Fine detail in a statement buckle. One of the many originals from Tempi Design Studio New from TempiDesignStudio.com
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See our ad page 21
3. Horsehair Jewelry- keep a piece of your favorite horse with you always. www.ponylocks.com See our ad page 23
4. Bullet Blues “Lady Slim” high-waist skinny jeans made in the USA. BulletBluesCa.com See our ad on page 21
5. Pasture Vacuums collect manure, sawdust, wood shavings, leave, rubbish in wet or dry conditions, Suck water out of troughs www.pasturevacuums.com See our ad on page 35
6. Super Supplements
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8. Equine Consignment Store Saddle shopping made easy! Multiple brands to choose from, 5-day trial, Saddles arrive weekly.Good Apple Equine carries all other horse-related items from bridles to blankets to show clothes to books to art. www.GoodAppleEquine See our ad on page 74
9. Saddler’s TLC
removes dirt & grime from leather’s pores, replaces natural oils in one, fast, easy step. www.jmsaddler.com See our ad page 41
10. Every unique modular WOW saddle is made to order, to fit both horse and rider perfectly, and can be adjusted in many ways so it is truly a saddle for life. Contact leaann@wowsaddlesusa.com or 904 591 0540. See our ad on page 19
11. Lay-Flat Hose QuickReel, allows safe and constant rate of hose deployment. Mounts to a cart, vehicle, or ATV trailer. BigSprinkler.com See our ad page 33
12. Protec�ng Sensi�ve Skin from flies and harmful direct sunlight. Silver Whinnys® by Sox For Horses, Inc. Socks made specifically for equine legs. www.soxforhorses.com See our ad on page 55
13. Perfect Training Tool
GumBits’ all-natural, bite-sized pieces are the perfect blend of treat and training tool, promoting chewing activity, encouraging submission, activating salivation and eliminating teeth grind-ng. official training treat of the USEF, 100% FEI legal. www.GumBits.com See our ad pg 75
14. Best On-The-Go Hay Feeding System! The safest and most durable hay bag. Reduces risk of ulcers & vices, 25 different styles and sizes. www.NibbleNet.com See our ad page 51
15. Customized Farm Signs
Beautiful and affordable Website guides you through a unique step by step process. Free shipping! 1-800-640-8180 www.EZSignsOnline.com See our ad pg 33
16. FOCUS HF (HOOF)
Provides the most effective nutrient building blocks to help support superior hoof condition including biotin, zinc, methionine, lysine, organic iodine, chelated trace minerals and viable yeast culture. It contains a daily serving of the unique SOURCE micronutrients. 3.5 lb., 25 lb. 800-232-2365 www.4source.com See our ad pg 45
YOUR FARM FOR
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Jewelry SPOTLIGHT The On Stunning
Equine Entrepreneur Feature
We were thrilled to discover a stunning new Bri�sh handcra�ed jewellery brand called The Silver Stable recently. This emerging brand is successfully combining contemporary design with the allure of classic equestrian elegance. With a growing customer base here in the US, Elite Equestrian US spoke to their Founder & Designer, Camilla Co�le, about the brand and her first love, her horses.
Camilla, horses have always been a massive part of your life and in the world of showing in par�cular. Tell us about your first experiences in the show ring;
“My first ‘proper’ compe��on pony was called Bengad Gold Digger, Digger for short. I got him when I was seven years old, and I won lots all over the country, including taking the Champion �tle at the Winter and Summer Championships. He was a 12hh Sec�on B pony who loved to jump.”
Dancer (Comberton Come Dance With Me) with Camilla.
Do you have any favourite stand-out showing memories?
“My two favourite memories were winning the Supreme Amateur championship at the Bri�sh Show Horse Associa�on Championships in 2015 with our homebred Hack Forgeland Hyde Park (William). William was only a four year old at the �me, and in the same year, we qualified him for Horse Of The Year show and took 7th place against the professionals. It was such a fantas�c feeling to be on a horse we had bred and backed ourselves and do so well on him as just a four-year-old. It will be a season I will never forget!
A�ending Horse of The Year Show (HOYS) is probably the biggest accolade you can experience on the UK showing scene; tell us about your first HOYS experience:
“I first went to HOYS as a 16-year-old on my 14hh Show Hunter Pony Tamarind Fascina�on. We came 9th, and I was thrilled! It was the most fantas�c feeling. Just to qualify was a dream come true for me since I was a li�le girl! When I got there, I felt on top of the world and just enjoyed the experience of being there as there was no pressure.”
Fast-forwarding to today, you have some beautiful horses, tell us a little about them.
“I currently show my horses at the top level. However, I do so as an amateur as I do them all myself from home. The horses I have this year are both Novice Hacks, and this will be their first season out competing. Previously I have had Hacks and Riding Horses who have all qualified and competed at big shows such as the Royal Interna�onal Horse Show and HOYS. I haven’t won anything yet, but there is a first �me for everything! I have a very special Large hack this year, so it could hopefully be the one! I always look for good Confirma�on and a trainable personality. With both of those, you have an excellent baseline, to begin with, and it stands you in good stead to do well. “
What is it about showing that you love?
“I am very much a perfec�onist, and I love making sure everything is perfect from the training, my turnout, and to present the horse to the very best standard I can!”
What tips do you have for success in showing?
“Keep calm and smile! Always allow enough �me to warm your horse up correctly and allow enough �me for the horse to se�le at the show. Good training and giving your horses a varied life at home definitely helps too. Keeping the horse interested and wan�ng to learn is so important for keeping that spark and ‘look at me presence’. You want a horse that shows the judges that he or she really enjoys the job.”
Your horses are your inspiration behind your beautiful jewellery collection; tell us how you came about launching the business.
“I was working as a food research and development manager and on maternity leave, when I chanced across a local jewellery making workshop and thought that sounded interes�ng. I wanted to challenge myself and learn a new skill. On my first day, I realised I had found my passion. I instantly fell in love, and it just felt so natural to me.
“To begin with, I just made pieces for myself. However, soon family and friends were asking me to make pieces for them, then friends of friends and the business just evolved from there. A�er that, I just never looked back. I set up The Silver Stable in March ‘20 (just before the first wave of the Pandemic hit), and we have grown steadily ever since.”
What do you think is the secret to your success?
“I think it’s our quest to make beau�ful jewellery that will stand the test of �me and wear. During the lockdown, Clients were prac�sing self-care and looking for small comforts that would bring them infinite pleasure; wearing our jewellery does that. It brings joy to the wearer. We also found that customers were also buying jewellery for the loved ones that they were no longer able to visit to celebrate anniversaries or birthdays. We have personalisa�on op�ons on many of our pieces, and these have been really popular with clients all over the world.
Our jewellery is all handcra�ed in our small studio here in Lancashire in the North Of England from recycled quality solid gold and silver, which is something our interna�onal clients love. Every piece in our collec�on is made to order for our clients, so there really is no waste. We are passionate about sustainability and even our luxury gi� packaging is FSC cer�fied, meaning that we are protec�ng our forests for future genera�ons. As a business woman and a mother of a young toddler, these are all cri�cal considera�ons.”
“ For me, jewellery design is an exci�ng journey that I relish. To see clients all over the globe enjoying our jewellery, sharing their experiences with us through social media and sending us messages of thanks is so special and something I will never �re from.”
And the future for The Silver Stable?
“What the past year has shown me is that nothing is ever certain, you can never set plans in stone, but we have an exci�ng new collec�on we are working on currently with the view to launch later this year. We also hope to be able to book in some events here in the UK with our beau�ful trade stand that has been wai�ng for its premiere for nearly 12 months now!”
https://www.thesilverstable.co.uk
Camilla with Hilda (Grace & Favour)
Gated turnkey Equestrian Center located in the beautiful Tassajara Valley on 26+ acres all useable land. Covered arena (80 x 200 +/-), outdoor arena with new footing for year-round riding with dust control. Main barn has 65+/- stalls many with paddocks, 12+ paddocks and pastures for turnouts. Half mile dirt racetrack presently being used for galloping and conditioning of horses, inside of racetrack is a cross country course and a dressage course. Additional structures include modular home 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, bunkhouse and office, round corral, hay and shaving covered storage. Shown by appointment only.
My passion for our oceans and their sea-life is my inspira�on and the premise of my artwork. The Floral Seas collec�on is derived from a series of artworks I completed years ago. Since then, I have transformed them into elegant, wearable tex�les. The flowers represent the fragility, beauty, and vulnerability of our ecosystem.
In addi�on to my scarves, my new sarong collec�on will be available in stores and on my web site shortly.
“
Andrea DiFiore
White Ranucu. 66x44 in Co�on/Silk
https://difiorenewyork.com/ https://www.instagram.com/difioreny/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreadifiorenyc 917-345-3379
Here are some great summer looks for in and out of the show ring for this summer!
for Show Season
Lace Stretch Show Shirt
The ul�mate modern, technical stretch show shirt, with beau�ful floral corded lace design to shoulder panels and back. Machine washable. Up to size UK 24 as standard. £34.95
Mens Waffle Compe��on Shirt
A sporty compe��on shirt, suitable for all disciplines and accommodates a �e with a �e loop to keep secure.
£46.95
www.Equetech.com
Follow us on facebook.com/EliteEquestrian/ and Instagram: EliteEquestrianMagazine Read any issue on our web site for free at www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com Please tell our adver�sers you saw them in Elite Equestrian magazine! Ask about featuring your product in Excep�onally Equestrian at info@EliteEquestrian.us
www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com
Sunflower
Blue Palm
Polo Ponies
Maltese Cat 1
Maltese Cat 2
“The Maltese Cat knew that bamboo grew soley in order that Polo Balls might be turned from their roots.”
The Maltese Cat by Rudyard Kipling
Jock in Blue
Jock in Pink
VICTORIAN COUNTRY MANOR
DrivethroughthepineywoodsnorthofHoustonandescapeto42acresofheavenly countryside east of Lake Conroe and about 20 minutes north of The Woodlands. Approximately 10,000 SF Elegant Victorian Style Home in an extremely peaceful se�ng for a country getaway! House has been a Bed and Breakfast in the past and more recently a Wedding Venue with a 6,000 SF Recep�on Building next door. Wedding Sites abound! Event Venue comes furnished and ready to roll into ac�on! Some Commercial Ammeni�es. And if you need a change of scenery from the 5 acre stocked lake, it’s easy to take a short drive over to Lake Conroe. In addi�on, the adorable 970 SF Guest House with full bath and kitchen is adjacent to home and gameroom or apartment above 3 car. garage Gleaming wood floors, sells Beau�fully Furnished with Period An�ques!
Rides Away From It All (And You Can, Too) HIS HERS & John Rosica
with L.A. Sokolowski, equinista
As travel restrictions open, folks are ready to break out of the barn. Tourism trends were beginning to suggest that more travellers are rating unforgettable experiences as more important than souvenirs, so we’ve saddled up to talk horseback riding trips with seasoned horseman, John Rosica, of White Linen Wilderness in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. For over a decade he’s led guests on remote backcountry trips into Yosemite Park and the Sierra Nevada Mountains, using horses and mules to carry enough gear and food to stay for awhile and enjoy its grand vistas in grand style (hot showers, too).
HERS:What inspired you to be a trail guide?
HIS: I was inspired by a love of wilderness, of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and a love of horses and mules. I love being able to take them into remote backcountry trips and be able to carry enough gear and food to stay and enjoy a location in style.
HERS:How many guest horses do you have?
HIS: Our outfit has about 180-190 Horses/Mules that are well trained to ride on the Granite and Trails of Sierra Nevada Mountains as well as transport the gear and personal equipment of the guests safely to and from some very remote locations only accessible by foot or hoof.
HERS:Describe your herd in five words or less. HIS: Personality, good nature, and training.
HERS: What is the philosophy or ethos behind your horse riding experiences?
HIS: Safe, fun and gentle to the animals and they get to enjoy the destination as much as the guests because they get to run free in high open meadows with lush grass and plenty of running cool water.
HERS: What do you love most about being a guide?
HIS: The time I get to spend showing the guests some absolutely AWESOME wilderness locations they might NEVER have the opportunity to see any other way and the opportunity to share it with my Horses and Mules and Dogs too.
HERS: What is the most challenging part?
HIS: One needs to be in shape to ride a horse on wilderness type trails both mentally and physically but also know that they can TRUST the animal to get them there safely and back.
HERS: What has been the most memorable or significant moment of your guiding career?
HIS: Every time we leave on a trip riding horses sometimes all day to get there.
HERS: A tip every rider should know before a trip like yours. HIS: Trust the horse and mules, they do this all day long in the summer and they will lead you just fine, don’t be scared of the terrain these animals are used to it, relax and enjoy the ride.
HERS Finish this sentence – Don’t leave home without… HIS: Your camera.
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• Settlements
• I.R.S.- Tax Donations
• Tax Audit
• Lending Institution (collateral)
• Litigation Expert Witness
ART ANTIQUES&
By Dr. Lori
For your Thrifty
Products
Antiques
By Dr. Lori Verderame
You don’t need to invest in expensive products in order to protect, clean, or display your fine art or antiques.
Since we all have to watch our pennies in today’s economy, here are some money saving tips and little-known tricks to keep your antiques and artwork in tip top shape.
Many of my audience members at my nationwide appraisal events have complained that white cloths and acid free tissue paper, both staples for storing antiques and collectibles, are too expensive. Plain white towel paper and plain coffee filters can, in some cases, be a cheap substitute. One of the most time saving, useful, and inexpensive items on the market is the coffee filter. A generic, plain white coffee filter can be used in many ways and help antiques lovers preserve their heirlooms.
Sparkling Mirrors
When cleaning mirrors or chrome, a coffee filter will accept a mild cleaning solution (like one part white vinegar to two parts distilled water) and its lint free construction will leave the mirror shining. Always remember to dust your mirror’s surface first and then clean with a liquid solution. As with any cleaning process, be sure to remove all of the liquid from the surface of the antique mirror. I have often advised clients and audience members that those circa 1960s foam china separators are damaging your fine dinnerware. The old fashioned foam separators can become discolored over time, give off gas and acidity, and stain your good china. To protect a set of fine china, try placing a piece of plain white towel paper or a plain white coffee filter (which is already circular-cut) between each china plate while in storage.
Coffee filters are strong enough to use when applying silver or brass polish. The other benefit of using them is that they won’t leave lint on your antique silver serving tray like a cotton rag will. And when you are finished polishing, just throw it away.
Reinforce textiles with towel paper and decorate pillowcases with embroidery scenes.
Vintage Textiles Reinforced
I really like the look of vintage textiles, needlepoint, and quilts and I know many of you want to keep these aging treasures in good shape. I fondly remember my Aunt Dorothy’s post-war style kitchen with the red and white tiles, Blue Ridge china, and Formica table. She decorated cheerfully with brightly colored printed café curtains and cotton tablecloths. Instead of buying expensive bed sheets and pillowcases, she embroidered imagery onto plain cotton pillowcases in the mid 1900s. To pinch a penny, she used her sewing talent and her World War II era ingenuity to reinforce the back of the curtains, pillowcases, table covers, and kitchen hand towels. She used sheets of paper towel or thin cotton cloth. By reinforcing the backside of these textiles, she extended their life—allowing me to enjoy them, even today. I’m grateful she kept them in such good shape and it was easy to do with just some thrifty reinforcements.
For crafters, coffee filters and sheets of plain towel paper are cheap sources for cleaning and support backing. These materials are easy-to-tear for embroidery or appliqué of fabrics, too. Of course, this reinforcement solution should not be used on valuable antique quilts or historic samplers. When in doubt, consult a professional textile conservator. You don’t have to spend a fortune to clean, store, and protect your antiques, you just have to think outside the storage box.
• Reduce time spent cleaning pastures or paddocks
• Reduce risk of parasites
• Easily towed behind a golf cart, lawn tractor or utility vehicle
• Vacuum your bulk shavingsand dump them into the stalls
• Save money, shavings and labor!
• 101 uses for your Pasture Vac!
Learn more here: www.pasturevacuums.com Tel: (813) 390 - 6730 Email: Juliana95@yahoo.com
davidfieldspecialties@gmail.com
RIDE BIG
The Ultimate Guide to Building Equestrian Confidence
&READ GROW
Trafalgar Square Books is pleased to announce the release of Ride Big by John Haime.
Without confidence, achievement in compe��on is una�ainable. When confidence is lacking in any sport, equestrian included, chances are your career will be short. Renowned performance coach John Haime has wri�en the book to counter this challenge, providing the mental tools riders need to be be�er under pressure of all kinds and consistently succeed. Equestrian sport is a partnership: there’s an equine athlete, and there’s a human athlete. Haime notes that o�en, there is an investment in worldclass training for one partner (the horse), but not the other (the human). This compromises the poten�al effec�veness of the horse-and-rider team. It just makes sense for equestrians to develop their own skills—mental and physical—and bring more to the partnership.
Haime explains that there is what he believes is a crisis of confidence in modern equestrian sport. Addressing this crisis enables equestrians of all ages and abilities to communicate better with their horses, absorb more in valuable learning situations, and perform their best when the stakes are high. And the way riders develop confidence in their equestrian lives is transferable to everything they do: a confident rider can be a confident business person, confident worker, confident spouse, confident parent, and confident friend. In this way, Ride Big instills the skills to strengthen self-worth and personal promise in ways that extend far beyond the show ring.
JOHN HAIME is a former tournament professional golfer who left his life as a professional athlete to first produce workplace learning programs and eventually blend his areas of experience and knowledge into an innovative system of performance coaching. He has helped some of the world’s top performers in sports, business, and entertainment build mental and emotional muscle so they can maximize their abilities, creating a winning formula of sport psychology, emotional intelligence, performance psychology, neuroscience, and executive coaching. Haime is the author of You Are a Contender! Build Emotional Muscle to Perform* Better and Achieve More ... in Business, Sports, and Life and is based in Canada (johnhaime.com).
“Ride Big provides a great personalized introspec�on of the rider’s strengths and weaknesses to maximize growth.” - Noelle Vander Brink Editor, Elite Equestrian magazine
The INTERNATIONAL Side Saddle Organization
The noble art
of riding side saddle is alive and well, thanks to the dedication of the International Side Saddle Organization or ISSO. Founded in 1974, “ISSO” is a nonprofit organization with a mission “to create, stimulate, and maintain interest in the equine art of riding aside, by educating the public in this art, by providing information on riding aside, by supporting those who engage in aside activities and by formulation and coordinating the activities and interest of aside riders.” We welcome new members and help them get started with the resources, educational opportunities, and instruction to start this beautiful journey or continue along the path if already a seasoned aside rider.
Our members hail from all around the world and come from all walks of life--instilling diversity into our organization, not only by the riders represented, but also in the disciplines they choose, and the types of equines ridden. ALL are welcome to join us and we pride ourselves on being inclusive—united by the common theme of riding sideways. We ride side saddle in all disciplines: from competing in Grand Prix dressage, Western, Charra, Racing and English as well as recreational Trail riding, Reenacting, Fox Hunting, Parades and even Archery just to name a few. ISSO is not just an organization solely for horses. We have members that ride mules and even donkeys. Any equine is welcome to join our world. One of the most beautiful things about side saddle is that anything you can do astride you can do aside, the sky’s the limit, and our members prove it every day!
MaryBethWalker
Marybeth and Arthur Walker in a side saddle costume class at the USET. Photo by Paws and Rewind LLC
Mary Musheno, winner of the 2019 USEF Ladies Side Saddle Championship. Photo by Middleburg Photo
Our organization offers wonderful year end awards, a quarterly publication of “Aside World Magazine”, online and in person clinics, training, shows, and education. The events we offer allow for competition as well as socializing and making friends. Memberships and donations allow ISSO the opportunity to continue with our mission of educating the public about all things side saddle.
To find out more, visit our website www.sidesaddle.com Featured photos showcase ISSO’s diverse and amazing membership!
Angela Greer, a certified ISSO side saddle riding instructor, foxhunts her Cleveland Bay. Photo by Pat Michaels.
RosyJacquelynn Jacquelyn Holly does anything aside with her mules--including mounted shooting and recreational trial riding. Photo by Sharon Vanderlip.
Savannah Grace, the youngest member of the ISSO, started side saddle riding at just three years of age! Photo by Sharon Vanderlip.
PLANNING
Your Barn
A healthy barn will be free of excess moisture, well-lit with natural light, and have excellent air flow. These and other useful tips and tricks to building your dream barn will be addressed in this article by the team at Sterling Equine.
With over three decades and thousands of projects ranging in size from single stall barns designed specifically for your special equine partner to grand facilities focused on safety, function, and elegance; Sterling Equine has the experience and knowledge needed to help your dreams become a reality.
Site Selection and Layout
New builds will require some thought on site location. It is imperative to select a site with good soil drainage and important to think about utility and road accessibility. Before finalizing designs, make it a priority to identify the prevailing wind direction on the site and plan to build accordingly (preferably at a 45-degree angle if possible). This will prevent the center aisle of your barn from becoming a wind tunnel. When it comes to keeping your barn looking as beautiful as it is in your imagination, pay attention to placement of less attractive features, such as manure bins. Keeping them away from the main entrance, main roads, and residential houses will decrease eyesores and increase envy! Delivery entries and areas should also be in less visible locations and away from equine traffic to minimize potential hazards. Once you have found the perfect site you can start planning the perfect barn that fits your needs!
Planning for the Future
One of the most common regrets we hear when building a barn is not planning for the future size of the operation. Many plan their barn to accommodate what they currently have and do not take into account where they want to be in years to come. Critically assessing your goals and potential growth can help you save money in the long run. It is more cost effective to build a bigger barn now rather than add on to it later. Save costs instead by holding off on interior stalls that will sit dormant at first and add them as you grow.
Plan for your horses’ comfort and save on equine health and cost of repairs. We too often see barns with narrow aisles and small stalls that make everyday life in the barn a challenge. For best comfort build stalls a minimum of 12’ x 12’ for horses up to 16hh and 12’ x 14’ or 14’ x 14’ for large warmbloods and draft breeds. Aisles should be a minimum of 12’ wide, but 14’ is best for long aisles with lots of barn traffic and larger breeds. This will give you more clearance for equipment making it easier to navigate and potentially reducing cost of repairs from equipment damages. Larger horses will appreciate the extra space as well, making it easier for them to turn around and maneuver in the aisleway.
Design/Layout
Ventilation: The most important feature of your barn to think about is ventilation. It is crucial to install vents that will dispel hot air in the summer and remove moisture and ammonia in the winter. Eave vents will help bring in clean air and roof and ridge vents will help dispel unclean air. Installing vent-style windows above horse level will allow for natural light and added ventilation in each stall. Mounting exhaust fans near the peak of the roof will help pull stale air out and mounting exhaust fans at each end of the building with one facing in pulling fresh air into the barn and one facing out pushing stale air out will increase air circulation. Foregoing hay lofts and instead opting for a raised center aisle will allow for hot air and ammonia vapors to rise and be dispelled in the upper vents instead of being trapped and decreasing air flow. This will also increase safety by reducing fire hazard and allergens. If possible, we recommend a separate building to store hay. In warmer climates stall design can help with ventilation as well. Choosing Mesh stall fronts over wood fill can increase air flow and allow your horses to stay cooler.
Lighting: Windows will increase natural light and help with ventilation in stalls. Place them at least seven feet high to prevent damage from nosy inhabitants and persistent sun light. Fixtures should be chosen to withstand dust and moisture and keep wires protected in conduit to prevent rodent damage. Place fixtures along the front or side walls to decrease shadows in the stall and place them at least eight feet high.
Flooring: There are many options for flooring each with advantages and disadvantages. Concrete is easy to clean and long lasting but is slick and can create safety hazards for your equine partners. Asphalt is softer than concrete and has good traction but can be more difficult to clean due to its porous surface. Clay and soil provide good surfaces for horses but require a great deal of maintenance. Rubber mats and Rubber pavers are a beautiful, easy to clean, safe non-slip surface but are more of an investment upfront. Finding what is right for your barn is a balance between equine comfort, aesthetics, and maintenance capabilities.
Continued on page 72
Hoofbeat
The of TRADITION
At Horsepower Vineyards, draft horses help to create “perfect” 100-point wines in lock-step with nature
Story
By Gemma Zoe Price :
For French vigneron Christophe Baron, using draft horses in his Pacific Northwest vineyards isn’t a gimmick: it’s an Old World family tradition that’s also core to his wine crafting philosophy.
Moving slowly through the vines in lockstep with the seasons, Baron’s stable of four Belgian and two Percheron dra� horses, de�ly handled by Equine and Vineyard Manager Joel Sokoloff and their teamsters, work in synergy to cul�vate more than 18 acres of �ghtly spaced, early 20th century-style vineyards that only they can navigate.
Baron has eschewed machinery so that Horsepower Vineyards is equine powered, quite literally, and to great cri�cal acclaim. All Horsepower wines score highly, and the 2018 Horsepower Vineyards Grenache Fiddleneck Vineyard was awarded a perfect 100 Points by Owen Bargreen, a cer�fied sommelier and expert on Washington and Oregon wines.
I have yet to find a wine this year that offers this degree of flavor complexity, “ “ says Bargreen.
Baron’s approach—trea�ng the interrela�onship of earth, plants and animals as a closed, self-nourishing ecosystem—is labor-intensive and certainly not cheap. The “Bionic Frog”, as he is affec�onately known, o�en jokes that he could buy a new Ferrari every year for cost of producing 2000 cases of Horsepower.
“The Ferrari has a horse on it, but that’s not the horse I’m interested to have!” Baron declares, who can trace his passion for horses to his upbringing in France’s celebrated Champagne region, where his family has worked their estate since 1677.
Baron’s grandfather used dra� horses un�l 1957 when he invested in a tractor and re�red his last working horse Bijou (Jewel) for some well-earned rest. Baron, now aged 51 years, wasn’t around to see this change for himself, but heard thrilling tales from family members
about their desperate war�me efforts to conceal horses from the occupying German army, and remembers admiring the statuesque white Percheron grazing on sloping hillside pastures while cycling through the village as a li�le boy.
“There was a lady who used to ride one of them, a big white Percheron, and when you’re a kid, and you see that animal, right there… I was always very impressed,” he recalls. “From the beginning, I always knew, when I had my own vineyard, that I would have dra� horses.”
A�er leaving France determined to make his own mark on the wine world, Baron planted the first commercial vineyard in the ancient alluvial fan plain known as The Stones of the Walla Walla Valley in 1997, naming the venture Cayuse Vineyards a�er the local Na�ve American tribe dubbed “Les Cailloux” (“People of the Stones”) by the FrenchCanadian fur trappers passing through. (Cayuse Vineyards regularly receives 100-point scores and has a Mailing List of 3500 people, each of whom can choose to purchase an alloca�on, with 15,000 more waitlisted just to be offered a chance to buy.)
Looking at the open fields li�ered with basalt stones, layered hundreds of feet thick in places, I can’t help thinking that only a special kind of madman would try to farm here, but Baron has heard it all before.
“People said I was crazy, that I’d break my equipment and waste my �me and money,” Baron recalls. “But I knew that vines need to struggle in poor ground in order to provide their best.”
Baron emphasized closed-circle organic farming from his first plan�ngs, avoiding pes�cides—what he calls “forcess of death”. As he acquired more parcels of land in the area he cra�ed more wines under different labels, adop�ng biodynamic farming principles which consider the overall health of the ecosystem across all of his vineyards in 2002, subsequently incorpora�ng polyculture and animal husbandry into the vineyards.
Drone photo by Andrea Johnson photography
“I know it’s gonna sound kind of woowoo, but farming biodynamically is a rela�onship with the earth that is based on soil life, and soil integrity,” explains Horsepower’s Equine and Vineyard Manager Joel Sokoloff.
The result is an idyllic landscape beau�ful to look upon, especially in spring, when yellow, pink and purple flowers carpet the meadows around the vines almost overnight. Suckling lambs shake their tails as they bound around their grazing mothers. Long-horned Limousin cows nibble on shoots of grass turned iridescent gold by the morning sun as the shadows of clouds scudding by overhead dapple the surrounding undula�ng hillslopes of brilliant green vines.
Horsepower Vineyards is in many ways the zenith of Baron’s polyculture efforts, and the architecture of these vineyards was designed specifically for dra� horses from their 2008 incep�on. Baron planted grenache and syrah vines in tradi�onal, high density, 3.5 feet by 3.5 feet plan�ngs which resembles the approach of some of Christophe’s favorite vignerons—people who grow grapes for winemaking—in Champagne, Burgundy and Northern Rhône. These rows are too narrow for machines, but have enough room for horses to pass freely.
“There’s a point of no return there. Your back is against the wall!” says Baron, who alternates between ges�cula�ng exuberantly as he describes the landscape, his vineyards and wines before looking you straight in the eye from behind black-rimmed glasses to deliver deadpan punchlines.
Baron’s first horse, Zeppo, arrived at Horsepower Vineyards that first year, and Red followed shortly a�er. Sadly, Zeppo is no longer with
us, but 16-year-old Red is the patron of a herd which has grown to comprise five more geldings: sorrel Am Belgians Bayard and half-brothers Cielo and Fuego, plus full brothers Bill and Bob, both jet-black Percherons. While Red came out of northeast Oregon’s Pine Valley, all the other horses were born and bred on Amish farms in Iowa, Minnesota, or Wisconsin.
Sokoloff says they received a year’s training before arriving at Horsepower, although most had been working in hitches in pairs and then had to adapt to working independently. Some took to it right away; others took a li�le longer to build their confidence and collaborate with their teamster.
“We know them very well, their personali�es, how they work, how they respond to different cues. It’s that kind of knowledge that makes the work so different from jumping on a tractor, turning the key, and just going,” explains Sokoloff, an Illinois na�ve who studied enology and vi�culture at Walla Walla Community College before accep�ng a full-�me role with Baron in 2015.
A typical day at Horsepower is much like any other working stables. Sokoloff and the teamsters arrive around dawn and bring the horses in from pasture or pen for breakfast, curry comb them and pick their feet, and generally check each animal and their equipment is in good shape before star�ng work.
Photo courtesy of Horsepower Vineyards
Photo by Andrea Johnson photography
Vigneron Christophe Baron
Photo by Horsepower Vineyards
Photo by Andrea Johnson photography
F“ “
arming biodynamically is a relationship with the earth that is based on soil life, and soil integrity
Each horse pulls a cul�vator: a metal implement with �nes which �ll the soils as the animal-human team walks along the rows, creating an open soil structure beneficial to the vines. The stone-filled soils of Horsepower Vineyards must be cul�vated using strong, expertly forged metal, and fortunately there’s a co�age industry for modern horse-drawn tools. Christophe purchases his cul�vators from French manufacturer Equivinum—which is so under-the-radar it doesn’t have a website—while harnesses are made primarily by father-son shop Samson Harness in Gilbert, Minnesota.
It’s hard work that keeps the three teamsters and their animals in great shape. The horses are rotated so they don’t get too �red. They eat me�culously formulated feed, enjoy regular back care and massages, and wear heavy, custom-made size seven and eight dra� shoes, forged from half-inch flat bar and essen�al for naviga�ng the stony vineyards.
Baron and Sokoloff say working with horses in homage to the old farming arts is a visceral experience that’s hard to express in words: how the tension being transmi�ed from the horse and tools to their hands tells them if they’re caught on a stone or root; the scent of dirt and moist humus being turned over by plough and hoof carried by the breeze that s�rs the horse’s tail and forelock.
“There’s a singular sa�sfac�on to working the land with just the so� clink of trace chains and clank of stones, with the fumes of sweat, manure, and soil in lieu of diesel and soot,” says Sokoloff in his slow, soothing voice.
-Horsepower’s Equine and Vineyard Manager Joel Sokoloff.
“The style can be really polarizing, but it’s for real connoisseurs,” says Christophe of his tradi�onal, Old World approach to crea�ng wine.
Once the fruit has been brought in during harvest, the horses make more passes with their teamsters, banking dirt against the vines to protect them during the region’s harsh winters before enjoying their winter vaca�on.
In one year, the horses spend up to 140 days in the vineyard, comple�ng 13 full 44-mile passes of the vineyards to walk a staggering 570 miles under dra�, reins snapping across muscular flanks as hooves rhythmically clomp into the dirt.
Another benefit of working this way: unlike tractors and other heavy machinery, the horses’ hooves don’t cause soil compac�on—a huge problem that leads to poor root growth and soil degrada�on in intensively farmed, high commercial vineyards.
“There’s a reason why we call dra� horses gentle giants,” adds Christophe.
Farming biodynamically using horses is an approach that’s being readopted in the vineyards of some of the world’s most pres�gious producers, for instance at Burgundy’s Domaine de la Romanée-Con�, o�en abbreviated to DRC. A single bo�le of DRC Romanée-Con� Grand Cru can be priced upwards of $20,000; in 2019 a single bo�le of the 1945 vintage fetched a record-breaking $558,000 at auc�on by Sotheby’s.
While Horsepower doesn’t carry that eye-popping price tag, it is on the higher end priced at $121 a bo�le.
Baron’s low-impact approach in the vineyards con�nues into the wine studio, where he works alongside Assistant Vigneronne Elizabeth Bourcier, a Sea�le na�ve with French roots. The region’s long growing season means that grapes ripen here at lower sugar levels, which translates into lower alcohol wines. Baron also uses whole-cluster fermenta�on, which means the grapes aren’t destemmed, and the wine has very li�le connec�on with new oak barrels. All photos these pages by Andrea Johnson photography
Driven by the hoo�eat of tradi�on, Horsepower wines make the synergy of human, earth, vine, and animal new again, combining modern advances with ancient wisdom and tradi�ons of the past, star�ng with man and horse in the vineyard.
Equine and Vineyard Manager, Joel Sokoloff
When you’re communica�ng with your horse, and you know what each other is thinking, everything is going right. There are few pleasures greater than that, truly, says Sokoloff.
Horsepower Vineyards wines
Syrah, Sur Echalas Vineyard Syrah, High Contrast Vineyard Syrah, The Tribe Vineyard Grenache, Sur Echalas Vineyard Grenache, Fiddleneck Vineyard
Horsepower Vineyards,
by the numbers
• Total acreage farmed with horses: 18.2 acres
• Total vines farmed with horses: 68,384
• Total miles walked per pass to cul�vate all of Horsepower Vineyards: 44
• Typical number of passes per year: 13
• Total miles walked under dra�: 570
Exclusive offer for Elite Equestrian readers
Horsepower Vineyards wines are currently waitlisted, but Elite Equestrian Readers who are interested in purchasing Horsepower are invited to go to the Horsepower website, sign up for the wait list and add “ELITEEQUESTRIAN” at the top of the input field to be contacted to purchase three bo�les, each priced at $121.
https://horsepowervineyards.com
Gastric Ulcers Using NUTRITION to
Manage Horses with
Story and Photo Provided By Abby Keegan, M.S., PAS, Equine Nutri�onist at Cargill
A horse owner recently contacted us about changing her horse’s diet. She stated that they are ¾ of the way through show season and he is just “off his game”. It seems that the horse was showing a lack of appetite and not finishing his grain. In addition, his disposition became rather grumpy and his performance level was suffering. In addition, a few times he had shown signs of mild colic over the past two months.
WWe suggested the owner contact her veterinarian, as it sounded like the horse may have an ulcer. The percentage of horses with ulcers continues to increase, and higher intensity levels of training are correlated with an increase in ulcer incidence. The ulcers often occur in the upper third of the stomach, which does not have a mucus layer and does not secrete bicarbonate that helps to buffer stomach acid. In general, horses managed with 24-hour access to well-established, high-quality pasture are less likely to have gastric ulcers; however, studies have shown that the prevalence of squamous ulcers in horses exposed to pasture varies by regions of the U.S. and management. This is likely due to the fact that as a horse grazes, it produces large amounts of saliva, which contain the bicarbonate and amylase needed to provide a buffer for the stomach lining. Within the week she contacted me and said the horse had been diagnosed with a gastric ulcer. He was now on medication, but we needed to make dietary changes as well. I suggested the following “back to basic” steps to help manage her horse’s condition:
Allow the horse to be turned out or hand grazed.
If access to pasture is not possible, good quality hay is a must. Recent studies indicate that legume hay such as alfalfa is an excellent choice due to the high calcium content which may help to serve as a buffer.
Breaking the daily rations into smaller more frequent meals helps keep saliva production constant and protect the stomach lining – more like “grazers” instead of “meal eaters”. If possible, use a slow feed hay net (also called a nibble net) to allow the horse to consume hay more slowly and increase chewing time. Also, it’s a good idea to feed hay prior to grain.
High starch diets also tend to aggravate ulcers due to increased acid production. A high fat, high fiber feed is ideal.
Consider a digestive supplement such as Nutrena Empower Digestive Balance which contains marine sourced calcite. It is a highly porous form of calcium, includes other trace minerals such as magnesium, and has twice the buffering capacity of regular calcium carbonate.
4. 5. 6.
Take a look at the Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids in your horse’s diet.
A ratio around 2:1 is an acceptable Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio in a total diet. Dietary supplementation with Omega3 fatty acid sources has been shown to provide numerous benefits to horses and other animals including:
• Improved skin and hair coat quality
• Decreased joint pain in arthritic individuals
• Reproductive benefits
• Reduction in risk of gastric ulcers
• Anti-inflammatory effects
Flax seed, flax oil, soy oil and fish oil (limited use due to palatability) are some of the better sources of Omega-3. Chia seed and oil may also be a useful source and other sources are becoming available.
It’s important to remember that all horses are unique and respond differently to stressors. If you can minimize stressors as much as possible, provide your horse with access to pasture and light exercise, offer quality nutrition and forage, you are helping to limit the chance your horse will develop ulcers. 1. 2. 3.
CONNECTING
Story & Photos By Dr. Jill Costello Chavers
There is an often-ignored tissue that travels through, between and around every cell that makes up an animal’s body (yes, humans are animals too). It is called fascia, and it is a network of proteins, fat and water that connects everything in our bodies together. It allows our muscles and organs to slide past each other and stretch when we move around, connects our skin to our muscles to our tendons to our bones, and communicates what one part of the body is doing to the rest of our body and brain. It forms the channels that our nerves and blood vessels travel through. And most importantly for a sports medicine vet like me, it carries the force generated by muscles and converts it to movement.
Fascia’s
strength all the Pieces
comes from fibers of collagen woven together. The fibers surround each cell, coming together to bundle groups of cells together, then larger groups, eventually wrapping around en�re muscles and groups of muscles. Where the fibers all come together at the end of a muscle is the tendon. Each fiber is connected to the adjacent fibers on each side and in front and behind. There will be different amounts of elas�city depending on what the job of that sec�on of fascia does. It is loose and elas�c between our skin and muscles, and �ght and s�ffer in our tendons and ligaments. All these connec�ons allow the forces generated or experienced by the body to be shared. There is also no beginning or end to the connec�ons, each fiber can be followed as it travels on around and through the body, from the bo�om of your horse’s rear hoof to the �p of their nose. Water, hyaluronic acid, and fat make up the spaces between the layers of fascia, allowing them to slide past each other and stretch.
Layers and groups of fascia are organized based on what movement that group is responsible for, and those groups can be organized into “trains”, or fascial connec�ons grouping muscles together, coordina�ng and balancing movement. Movement can be up and down, side to side, or twis�ng, and that is how the fascial trains are described.
In horses, there are 11 fascial lines on each side (some start on one side and end on the other). There are 7 superficial lines running through the muscles just below the skin, and 4 deep lines that travel through the chest and abdomen. Each line has another line that counterbalances it. The balance between the superficial dorsal line and superficial ventral line is what as riders and trainers we focus on influencing the most, that is the frame, or through-ness, or self-carriage. The dorsal line starts at the jaw, travels up between the ears then through the upper muscles of the neck, underneath the top of the shoulder blades, along the dorsal back muscles, across the top of the pelvis, down the hamstrings, the back of the hindleg through the flexor tendons to the bo�om of the foot. It is balanced by the ventral line that also starts at the jaw but runs down through the low muscles of the neck, between the front legs, through the pectoral muscles onto the low muscles of the chest, through the abdominal muscles, up to the hip joint then down the front of the hind limb through the patellar ligament, down the extensor muscles and tendons of the hindlimb ending on the front of the coffin bone. The start and end of the lines are arbitrary because they are con�nuous with each other.
A jumper’s fascia lines: Teal is the superficial ventral line, orange is the superficial dorsal line.
When one line is shortened, its balancing complementary line must lengthen and vice versa. Injuries occur when the lines become chronically imbalanced, when one is contracted too �ghtly, or one holds more tension than the other. For example, horses ridden overly deep, where the poll is at or lower than the withers with the nose behind the ver�cal, experience severe tension along their dorsal lines, pulling their backs rigidly up, extending the pelvis out, and forcing the hind legs to push out farther behind. Their center of balance o�en shi�s further forward, loading more weight on the front legs. The ventral line muscles cannot shorten enough to balance out the tension across the back. Eventually the imbalances cause fa�gue injuries that show up as chronic neck, back and sacroiliac pain, contribute to arthri�s in the hocks and s�fles, and cause forelimb lameness. Thinking about balancing the length and tension of your horse’s fascial lines from top to bo�om and side to side will help them use their bodies correctly, developing less strain and pain (and fewer bills from me).
COLICKY Horse for the Chiropractic
Story By Dr. Bill Ormston and Dr. Amy Hayak
By definition colic is abdominal pain and in the horse that usually signifies a problem with the GI tract. There are many different types of colic; sand, gas, twisting, entrapment to name a few. The treatment will vary according to what type of colic it is.
Chiropractic care is geared at correcting musculoskeletal problems. It has been shown that horses with sore backs and those that are unable to turn correctly respond favorably to chiropractic care.
So how can these two be related?
First let us take a look at the GI system. It is comprised of smooth muscle that must contract appropriately to move ingesta through the tract. This coordinated movement is orchestrated by the central nervous system and is aided by the muscles of the back and abdomen. Poor coordina�on and improper communica�on between the brain and bowels leads to poor muscle tone and inappropriate movement, causing problems with diges�on. These problems lead to colic. The muscles of the abdomen and back are very important in suppor�ng the organs of the GI tract and also provide the abdominal press necessary for the proper expulsion that occurs during rou�ne urina�on and defeca�on. Weak or sore back muscles will hinder the ability of your horse to properly squat to aid in elimina�on. Weak or saggy abdominal muscles will hinder the amount of abdominal press that is applied to help move waste products towards the outside.
Basically, colic is caused by the inappropriate movement of waste through the GI tract.
Chiroprac�c care works well for musculoskeletal problems because if helps restore nerve flow to the target organ. When an area of the spine is not moving, it accumulates inflamma�on (fluid that can’t move out of the area). The equine chiropractor finds areas of the spine that are not moving correctly, applies a specific force to restore movement which aids in reducing inflamma�on in that area. This reduc�on of inflamma�on removes pressure from the nerves as they exit the spinal column. It has been proven that the weight of a feather on a nerve will decrease the rate at which impulses travel along that nerve by 50%. A decrease in communica�on between the brain and muscles results in improper func�on and weakening of the muscle. Jason Edwards, MD; “The quality of healing is directly propor�onal to the func�onal capability of the central nervous system to send and receive messages.”
Now that we can see how colic and chiroprac�c care are related, we can discuss adding chiroprac�c to the treatment plan. Chiroprac�c is a modality that allows the body’s own intelligence to aid in healing it. This is the same intelligence that enabled two cells (the egg and the sperm) to grow into the magnificent animal that is your horse. According to an ar�cle in the European Spine Journal “Proper spinal func�on can help balance a key component of the body, the autonomic nervous system, which regulates many aspects of the health from blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing to gut func�on, sexual arousal and controlling stress.”
This healing process may take �me; the muscles of the abdomen and GI tract didn’t become weak overnight, and they won’t become strong overnight either. If your horse is having symptoms of acute colic you may need to use some tradi�onal treatments along with a visit from your cer�fied equine chiropractor. In horses recovering from an acute case of colic or dealing with recurrent colic, a visit from your AVCA cer�fied equine chiropractor every couple of weeks will increase the rate of healing and aid in the preven�on of more bouts of uncomfortable and some�mes serious GI tract issues. In their book �tled The Healthy Brain, Drs. Ornstein and Sobel write that the central role of the brain and nervous system is maintaining the resistance of the body. Health maintenance is the primary func�on of the brain.
During a visit your equine chiropractor will examine and adjust your horse’s spine. In order to help your chronic colic case, the AVCA cer�fied equine chiropractor is trained to offer you sugges�ons for rehabilita�ng your horse to strengthen his abdominal muscles. Just like in humans, equine cross training will help in building even strength and flexibility and aid in increasing performance in the chosen discipline. Core training for the equine is not limited to bu� tucks. Hill climbing, trot poles and half halts are all part of building the core. In order to avoid the threat of colic in your horses, aligning their spines is the first line of defense. The muscle training can only be done once the signal from the brain is turned on. Think of it like reading a book in a dark room. It can be done but with difficulty. Once you turn on the light it can be done more easily and accurately. So too with the G.I. tract of your horse. Schedule an appointment with your cer�fied equine chiropractor for all of your horses, especially the ones that have been prone to colic.
CopperJoint Compression Gear
Delivers Pain Relief Without Medication
Copper-infused garments provide drug-free pain relief and support for joints and muscles
Muscle and joint pain can stop people from enjoying an ac�ve life.
The pain and discomfort can make performing jobs and hobbies difficult as well as everyday ac�vi�es like walking or wri�ng. People o�en turn to medica�ons or ointments for pain management, but those and many other pain solu�ons on the market only provide momentary relief. CopperJoint combines compression therapy with the healing power of copper to create premium copper-infused compression garments and supports that provide pain-relief directly to the sore joint or muscle and allows the injury to heal from within.
CopperJoint compression garments s�mulate oxygen delivery to the muscles and augment airflow, which researchers have shown aids with joint and muscle recovery and supports rejuvena�ng relief from pain and discomfort. The garments are also infused with genuine copper ions that are known to pull electricity from the damaged nerves in the body, giving the user pain relief and allowing them to perform at their best. CopperJoint products u�lize genuine copper ions rather than copper oxide, which many cheaper, less effec�ve products use.
As an added bonus, copper contains an�biofouling (or the preven�on of microorganisms accumula�ng on we�ed surfaces) and an�microbial proper�es. Embedding copper into the fabric of CopperJoint compression garments helps to keep them odor and germ-free.
CopperJoint garments not only provide op�mal ar�cula�on and muscle support but never lose compression or effec�veness over �me like similar products in the market. They are cra�ed from breathable and moisture wicking performance fabric for ul�mate comfort and feature an an�-slip design to help prevent the sleeve from rolling, sliding or slipping off during physical ac�vity.
Perfect for people of all ages and fitness levels, CopperJoint products enhance performance, speed, recovery and provide relief from injury, inflamma�on and arthri�s. The products are ideal for athletes, ac�ve parents and grandparents as well as workers suffering from chronic pain.
CopperJoint makes compression sleeves, braces, bands, insoles and socks. To learn more and to purchase visit: www.CopperJoint.com.
The HORSE that HELPED a Little Boy
W find his VOICE
Story and Photo By Karin Matey
Krizta was my first horse and the eldest of all the horses that live on our farm. She has taught me many lessons. One day we encountered our first snowmobiler bridge, and she completely refused to ride over the bridge. After many tries, we finally had to turn around and go back because she was too afraid to pass over it. It took us many tries on many days until one day she developed enough trust in me for us to ride over that bridge. From that day forward, we never encountered any situation where she did not trust me enough to master any obstacles we encountered. The lesson for me was ‘gentle persistence’.
hen Krizta came into my life she was a very ill horse and no one, not even my trainer, believed me when I told him that someday when Krizta was healed she and I would ride from my house over to his stable. He told me, you may ride some horse over there, but not this horse. It was exactly one year later that Krizta and I set out to ride over to his stable, a distance of several miles. Some said I was gypped on that horse, and I believe I was. But she was meant for me, and if I had sent her back just because she was ill, I would have missed one of the best experiences of my life. We proved what unconditional love and patience can accomplish. She became a strong, well and happy horse and the leader of all my horses.
Over the years I learned that Krizta loved kids. She was a very intelligent yet gentle horse that would of course never hurt or step on a child intentionally. She was such a good horse, understanding, and wise. Kids in the area called her ‘Snow White’, and many of them came to spend time with her. Krizta was invited to many neighborhood events. It always seemed to me that she enjoyed being the center of attention. Once Krizta was even invited to attend a Moose festival. A woman from a church group called me and told me that she had heard about Krizta’s wonderful disposition with children and invited her to come to be part of an upcoming festival to be held in the next town. I did not have to think long about it, knowing how much Krizta loved these types of events, and I accepted the invitation for her to attend the Moose festival right away. The Moose festival had been a tradition in Jefferson, NH and was held annually. The day before the festival, I bathed Krizta, and brushed her mane and beautiful tail. I made sure that Krizta’s traditional Arabian costume was freshly pressed and ready for her to wear in time for the festival. Krizta always took a lot of pride in wearing this traditional Arabian costume to different events. I could sense that she was proud of her Arabian heritage. She proudly held her head high as she stepped off the horse trailer the day of the Moose festival, and prepared to have a great time letting kids admire and pet her.
Over the years, Krizta had become very familiar with and comfortable being around a lot of children and adults that
might eagerly come rushing over to greet her. Krizta never grew tired of having children sit on her back or just wanting to be in her presence. She always had this very soothing and calming effect on everyone that came to be around her. I was so proud of her when even the big fire trucks in the parade did not scare her, given that she was scared of everything when she first came into my life. It took a year but she grew peaceful and calm, and more so as time went on. This was a horse a number of people said would never make it. When Krizta first came into my life she was a sick, frightened, and an agitated horse. I nursed her back to health!
Soon after, an acquaintance of mine asked if her nephew could come and meet Krizta. She told me that her nephew was five years old and he was not able to speak on account of being autistic. At that time, I was not familiar with autism and didn’t know what to expect. When the boy came to meet Krizta, he put his arms around her and hugged her lovingly. I was amazed to see my horse stand very still as the boy wrapped his hands around her face. It looked as if Krizta was instinctively feeling what the boy’s situation and needs were, and knew by allowing him to hug her, he would find love and comfort. After that introduction, the boy came to the farm on a regular basis just to see Krizta. He loved her and was able to express this through his actions. It was not long after that the little boy started to speak—words first and soon sentences. I believe my horse did her part in his progress for he had an animal to love.
A few months later, the boy invited Krizta to his seventh birthday party. He told all his friends that the birthday cake was for his horse Krizta. I didn’t mind that the boy called Krizta his horse, because in a spiritual way, she was. Today, the little boy is not so little anymore, and is well adjusted in school. Who would have known that a horse could play her part to help a boy find his voice?
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IT’S A WRAP!
This Equetech Bonner Ice Bandage is a tack room and First Aid essen�al with its easy to use design and cooling proper�es.
Created to be used on both horse and rider, this cold compression bandage brings fast and natural relief in the treatment of pain, swelling and inflamma�on of the muscles, tendons and ligaments.
Ideal for trea�ng sprains, strains, swellings, pulled muscles and bruising, the bandage is medica�on free and freezes within 20 minutes. Unlike other ice bandages on the market which can contain alcohol, the Bonner Bandage does not use chemicals to work, has a much lower temperature and keeps colder for longer. Applying the bandage for just 15 minutes gives penetra�ng residual cold for up to 30 minutes a�er the bandage has been removed. It can also be used as a preventa�ve aid for compe��on horses. Safe for repeated applica�ons. No risk of ice burn. The Bonner Ice Bandage has undergone and met stringent clinical trials world wide.
Suitable for Equines and Humans.
RRP: £66.95
Maintaining a CONSISTENT and RELIABLE impression
is a central communicative skill to be successful with horses.
Story & Photo By Alessandra Deerinck
Being successful with horses happens when we can truly cooperate, and our interaction has no delay. It is a relationship that enables human and horse to execute without being submissive and the leader can be a leader of leaders.
People and horses base their behavior on percep�on,
the process by which living individuals organize and interpret their sensory impressions to give meaning to what surrounds them. The selection, organization, and interpretation of perceptions can differ among individuals and definitely across animal species. The image of the world that is perceived is what is behaviorally important, and sometime can be different from reality because it is influenced by the individual, the target and the situation at the time it happens. Every individual, human or equine, has a different attitude, experience, expectations, reasons and interests for a situation that he perceives. The target of the perception can be new or known, moving, making sounds, having a scent or taste. The dynamics of the situation being perceived can be also new or known and have social implications.
When we are relating to horses, an important part is always being aware of the various parts of the interaction, because all of it will build memories that inevitably affect the future time we spend together. Equines never switch off their senses, or the consideration for other’s behavior. This awareness, that horses have consistently, causes us to always influence their behavior, even when we are not meaning to do so. Once horses perceive our behavior, we have no more power to change the communication we sent, but while we are with them, we have the possibility to influence their perception. What we can do is manage the situation and the target of the horse’s perception to allow him to get more positive sensory impressions that can make our interaction cooperative. The traits of an individual personality influence perceptive selection and we cannot change them instantaneously, but we can still work to have positive experiences together. Motivation drives the selection of objects that would fulfill a horse’s needs at the moment it happens, as well as past experiences also affect the perceptual selection. External factors such as size, intensity, contrast, motion and repetition would cause a horse to select a certain object and become attentive to it. When horses become attentive, they deepen their perception and we can help them do so and look like a desirable partner.
Traditionally, the interaction between man and horse happens through training, but the trained responses always coexist with other behavioral components such as instincts, experience, and emotions, that can originate dangerous behavior when the horse does not comply with our trained request, or we get in a conflictual interaction. This is the time when people as well as horses can experience insecurity and fear, which can lead to sad consequences and even bring the relationship to an end.
A very strong point became apparent to me when I saw that in the interaction with horses we can spontaneously, but purposefully modulate our behavior in terms of movement in order to communicate with a horse. This is the reason why I shifted from just training a horse for an action to deepening the details about the communication and interacting spontaneously through movement. Horses have a natural, instinctual response to movement, and people do too. If something approaches us, we tend to move away from it, and this is even more the case if we are surprised by it. If something goes away from us, we tend to follow it, whether just with our eyes, or our movement, and it is even more true when it is something of interest or concern. These are the rules about movement that we can apply when we work with horses to establish a silent dialogue, that has a social meaning natural for the equine species, and that people can learn in order to modulate the content of their spontaneous communication to the horse.
When horses are perceptually alerted, they would likely ignore a trained cue that still is a movement but most of the time it has no physical correlation to the momentary situation. What I observed is that even when they are alerted, horses could still choose to respond to a communication that they understood instinctually and, most importantly, that is relevant to the situation at the time it happens. What’s important for being successful in reaching the horse and sending a message he understands, is knowing the instinctual behavior of equines and focusing on the physics of behavior and communication (not verbal!).
Perception is a process that originates memories, and we all know that consistent positive experiences in relating to another individual build our consideration of him in a way that we will be more likely to trust him in a future interaction. This is true for horses too, but we need to keep in mind that how we behave at the time is also very important and will definitely influence our interaction. Horses are prey animals, and show to trust other individuals by letting them approach when they perceive the individual’s behavior is worth their trust. Their feelings are a combination between memories of the individual, if they had previous interactions and his behavior displayed at the time. This is where consistency of positive interactions can give us a chance to be trusted by a horse. When a horse moves away while we are going towards him, we need to stop approaching, so we are letting him know we understand that he is not trusting us, but we also need to keep pursuing our goal to approach him by giving him reasons to trust us in the immediate future. Stopping when the horse moves away can actually inspire the horse to want to come close to us, and if this happens, we would be telling the horse we are trusting him.
If we consistently behave in a way that horses immediately understand, while riding or on the ground, we are able to act as a team with them, and build a stronger relationship between us. Most importantly we leave coercion out of the interaction, in fact in any group of individuals a true leader (not a boss!) appears to be such from the way he behaves. When horses experience a pleasant interaction, they may seek social time with humans, even when it involves the practice of an equestrian discipline where the actions are often about things that horses do not naturally understand.
Horses relate to each other in terms of movement that is always relevant to the situation and time. Looking at the interaction in terms of the physics of motion, we can purposefully modulate our communication by the direction and the energy of our movements. Energy is not intended as a mental entity. We can physically modulate it by controlling the combination between our body mass,
direction and speed at which we move. The way a horse and a human being move under each other influence has implications in the values of the social relationship, but it is necessary to not humanize the communication and know how our movement physically influences the horse.
It is a known and accepted fact that the dimensions of the space, and the surrounding circumstances have an effect on the horse’s behavior. Both of these instances are very important when we interact with a horse. We also know that when horses go back to a situation or space where they displayed a certain behavior, are likely to display it again, because of their sensory perception of the surrounding causes them to behave in the same manner. When horses communicate between them, the meaning of their movement has a purpose that is related with the position of the individual they are addressing, and they use their gaze in a very expressive manner. Having experimented with modulating the communication through sight when interacting with a horse, I found differences in doing so side by side, or from where they can see me with both eyes. When we are asking a horse to execute a request, and the horse can see us with both eyes, we are the focus of his attention. Horses interpret behavior, including intent, mood, motivation, confidence, awareness, and when the horse is complying, he will move in the direction where we are orienting our body, and his actions will reflect the energy displayed in our movement that is expressing the request. When being side by side, human and horse are in each other’s field of vision, but not the object of each other’s attention. The action of human and horse side by side is in sync when the relationship between them is cooperative, and I think that even when we are riding the same can happen, but through touch instead of sight. Being conscious about how we use statics in horsemanship is of great help while riding and using the sense of touch when we are sitting on the horse’s back. The horse perceives us, and responds to how we move while we sit on his back. It happens by how the horse perceives the direction of any pressure we apply, the muscle tension, and how we orient our own body in relation to the surrounding area.
Motivation drives the selection of objects that would fulfill a horse’s needs at the moment it happens. The horse will choose to push the ball because we showed him that there was carrots in the box under the ball.
While riding and using the sense of touch, the horse perceives us, the direction of any pressure we apply, the muscle tension, and how we orient our own body in relation to the surrounding area.
For the horse, the communication through movement does not change when free to move, or under saddle, or confined in a stall, however, being tied, in a confined space or under saddle, would definitely put a physical constraint in his ability to express communication. Because of his prey animal nature, a horse that cannot move, and put distance between himself and other entities, often does not feel safe, and can become dangerous for people to be around. The same can happen when we ride and try to move a horse towards something that he is concerned about and is trying to avoid. When we are in the saddle a horse is trusting us to occupy part of his own space and if we insist and force the horse to approach something that concerns him, he can decide that we should no longer be trusted to be in the saddle.
Applying physics in horsemanship can be done efficiently, but only if we add the most important element, which is the fact that human beings and horses are live social creatures of different species, and each have control of their own actions.
When we relate to others, what we put into it, we get out of it. It becomes our social reputation.
It is important that when we are with horses, we can give them a positive perception by behaving consistently in all types of situations. Inconsistency leads to uncertainty and stress. Horses perform best when their environments are predictable. If our reactions are unpredictable or if we give conflicting directions, horses will not trust us and will become unwilling, or even afraid to approach us.
We ask for consistency in performance from horses and they should be able to expect consistent support from us as well. Flexible consistency is one of the best ways to support our horses. When you are consistent, horses see you as dependable and reliable. Likewise, success in reaching goals depends on remaining committed to a course of action, but always aware of the evolving situation. We can do so by looking for feedback from the horse’s behavior in response to our actions and remaining flexible, but never forceful about the method to achieve our goals.
When the horse is complying, he will move in the direction where we are orienting our body, and his actions will reflect the energy displayed in our movement that is expressing the request.
Buying in Trying Times
Story & Photos By Tom Scheve
If you are heading out to a dealer lot to look at new horse trailers, you are in for a big surprise. You won’t find any. Covid upset the natural interconnectedness of business, shutting down many trailer manufacturers for various periods, which reduced the income stream to suppliers, who reduced production to reduce cost, which laid-off workers, and so on.
Horse trailer manufacturers are struggling to get materials and products from their suppliers. Steel, wood, aluminum, fiberglass, axles, tires, wheels, lug nut bolts, door locks, safety chains, chain latches, breakaway switches, batteries, lights, windows, couplers, roof vents, electric wire, weatherstripping, vinyl padding (well, you get my drift) all go into the building of a trailer. If any one of those items is not available, it halts the completion of the trailer. Limited availability of aftermarket products, shortage of skilled workers, and high demand have created a vacuum that is just now rearing its ugly head.
So how does this affect you, the trailer buyer? Unless you get lucky or find a good used trailer, you will need to order and then expect and accept that waiting anywhere from four months to a year is the current norm. But there is a bright side. Ordering a trailer versus buying off a lot lets you choose what you want rather than take what you can get. Considering most horse owners keep their trailers for years, it is still worth the wait.
PROS AND CONS OF ORDERING
Before contacting a company or dealer, it is wise to research the brand you want and investigate the authorized company/dealer who sells it. Cruising the web for comments and endorsements is your best bet. Once you decide on the brand and company, spend some time sizing up the salesperson. Is he/she operating in your interest and your horses’ well-being or just pushing for a sale? A good clue is the questions the salesman asks (or doesn’t ask.) What breed and size are your current horses? What might be the size of your future horses? What are your plans for a tow vehicle? What is your primary use for the trailer? The more knowledgeable the salesperson, the better chance you will get what you need and want. Also, bear in mind that those who mostly do custom orders are more apt to
zero in on what you need and will be more proficient in following the order from beginning to end than those used to selling you something from their lot.
Once you’re comfortable with the brand, dealership/ company, and salesperson, divulge what options you are considering, then ask the salesperson what options he/she feel will benefit you in your general use of the trailer. Also, ask which options you might want to avoid. For instance, you might need an extra saddle rack, water tank, or additional bridle hooks, which are “no brainers.” However, something more complex such as air conditioning, may not be a sensible choice based on the model you are considering. Make sure you receive and review all the standard features and options you chose, along with the price and then question items on the specifications list that you don’t understand and ask for more information about those you do, such as tires and type of axels.
When you have reviewed and are satisfied with the specs, options, and pricing, ask the salesperson to explain the order-through-delivery process. A company that involves you throughout the sales process ensures that you will get what you ordered. Discuss a realistic timeframe while letting the salesperson know you don’t want to hear it will be three months if it’s going to take eight to ten. If you are okay with the wait, say so. Depending on the model, it may only take seven to fourteen days to build a trailer. It’s the processing, engineering drawings, and getting in line that takes up the time. In non-Covid times, the wait might be sixty to ninety days. But the lack of materials, products, and labor has more than tripled the amount of time.
TIP: If you are in dire need of a trailer, consider shopping for a used trailer to use until the new one arrives, then sell it or ask the dealer if you might trade against the new one.
Brio 2 Horse Bumper
rubber tor adjusting brakes ST225R751 mounted over rating of the tires? rating of the tires?
� What is the speed rating of the tires?
� What is the weight rating of the tires?
SPECIFICATIONS
2022 EquiSpirit Brio -- 2 Horse Bumper Pull with Dressing Room
Structural:
**17’ 10” overall trailer length – 15’ body length
**7' stall with 3' head area, 5’ dressing room to wedge nose
**7'6" interior height – 6' width
**Galvanized steel frame
**2’x 8’ pressure treated pine lifetime warranty floor
**16" and 24”on center steel Galvanized cross brackets supporting floor
**Seamless no leak molded one piece fiberglass roof
**Rubber lined stall walls to absorb impact
**Galvanized steel sheet wall & bulkhead wall W/bulkhead window
**Carpeted tack/dressing room floor raised 4” to eliminate lip at door
**Galvanized solid removable swinging horse/shoulder divider with no rear center post
**Removable center post w/solid removable swinging head divider
**Ditch side stall latch to hold center divider against wall
**EquiSpirit quick release butt& breast bars
**(2) dual opening aluminum roof vents – one over each horse head area
**1” Styrofoam insulation throughout trailer – dual wall construction
Jack/Coupler:
**Adjustable 2 5/16” coupler
**Side wind jack w/retractable extension for sand foot
**Rubber coated coiled safety break cable
Axle and Tire Info:
**(2) 3,500 lbs. rubber torsion axles w/brakes on both axles
**Self adjusting brakes
**Upgraded ST225/75R15 Goodyear trailer tires with aluminum rims
**Spare tire mounted over DS fender w/EquiSpirit mesh cover
Doors:
**Dress door with 20”x24” window
**Full height rear doors, (2) point latch w/tie backs & 20”x24” windows
**36" ramp over rear doors with special no rust rubber latches
**Rear ramp safety latch
**(2) 30” side escape doors w/exterior butterfly safety latches
For your peace of mind, ask for a series of photos of the finished trailer before it leaves the manufacturing plant. If something is critically wrong, such as a door or ramp is not where it should be, the problem solving should happen at the factory. If minor things need correction or are missing, it’s easier to fix at the factory rather than the dealership.
Tip: If you plan to buy a trailer next year, you will probably need to place your order now.
We live in a day and age where it is common to buy something from another part of the country. If the company from which you are ordering is states away, be sure they have experienced, bonded, and insured drivers, so if something happens to your trailer while on the road, you’re covered. If the trailer is not going to the dealership first, it should be dealer prepped at the factory and have a knowledgeable driver spend time going over the trailer with you when it arrives.
Trailer and Equine Emergencies on the Road (with Jim Hamilton DVM have been adopted by most National Horse organizations. Tom is also owner of EquiSpirit Trailer Company with corporate offices in Southern Pines, NC. For more information on horse trailer safety, visit their website equispirit.com or email Tom at tome @equispirit.com. Toll Free number is 1-877-575-1771.
Polo Club 961 River Road, Erwinna, PA Under 60 minutes from Philadephia
Visit Our Web Site For Season Dates And Special Events (Season Runs May Thru Early October) 908-996-3321 www.TinicumParkPoloClub.org Individual and Corporate Sponsorships Available
Games are held every Saturday at 2pm. Call the hotline at 908-996-3321 on the morning of the game due to possible cancelation for weather or field conditions. All games are open to the public with a $10/car parking fee for non-members. Leashed dogs are always welcome.
Western Dressage: Warm-up
Routine
Story & Photo By Lynn Palm
PALM PARTNERSHIP TRAINING™
Building a Partnership with your Horse
A good warm up routine is valuable, whether you are about to school your horse for your latest test in Western Dressage, or are just heading out for a trail ride. Your horse needs a pre-exercise warm-up routine to help loosen and limber up his muscles. A warm-up also prepares the horse’s mind for the work you will be asking him to do--whether it is schooling, trail riding, pleasure riding, or showing.
Start the warm-up by letting your horse walk on a loose rein. The warm-up pattern should include very large circles, large turns, and straight lines. The horse should be moving forward, but in a relaxed manner. After warming up at the walk, ask the horse for the trot or jog. The trot is the best gait to limber up the horse.
At this point, the rider should not be worried about the horse being “on the bit.” Instead, he should be allowed to move forward on a loose rein with the rider guiding him to stay on the circle, large turn, or the straight line. Spend equal time going in both directions. Change directions often to loosen up both sides and to keep the horse’s interest during the warm-up.
Post when trotting/jogging during the warm-up period, whether you are using an English or Western saddle. This gives the rider an opportunity to warm up and to use her own muscles. As the rider begins to loosen up, she will notice that her muscles respond better and her coordination improves while her thinking slows. The rider begins to relax as her warmed-up body allows her to better follow the horse’s movement.
As part of the warm-up, the rider may try taking her feet out of the stirrups to get down in the saddle and closer to her horse. As her body loosens up, she will find she is able to follow the horse’s movement and stay in balance even without stirrups.
There is no set amount of time for a warm-up routine. Usually, the colder the weather is, the longer and slower the warm-up should be to loosen up cold muscles and joints. It must be long enough to physically and mentally warm up the horse, but it is not intended to wear him out or bore him. Enough time should be spent in the warm-up so that both sides of the horse are equally loosened up.
A good gauge for the rider is that she should feel the same balance and relaxation without stirrups as she feels with them. She also should feel her mind slow down and focus, and she should feel positive about the upcoming riding session. Once this has been achieved, it’s time to proceed from warm up to the actual lesson, training period, or pleasure ride.
over the Years KORNER
USEF Pony Finals
Pony Finals is one of my favorite shows ever, but I have not always been successful there in the beginning. My first Pony Finals was seven years ago in 2014, where I competed a pony named “Penny Lane”. At the time I was moving up from short stirrup so I did the model and the hack, scratching from the over fence portion. Overall it was a really good and fun experience for me. It felt very special as I first walked into the huge ring divided into two for model and under saddle. There were so many kids and grooms painting the ponies’ hoofs, and brushing their manes and tails. It was so big and spectacular no words could ever describe the scene of hundreds of ponies everywhere and flags flapping in the wind. In 2015, I competed a pony named Powder Puff. Powder Puff is a sweet white mare. I showed her in the small pony division. In the over fences round I added in a line so it knocked me out of the top 20 for a ribbon. I remember being so disappointed in myself because I added in that line. 2016 Pony Finals was my first time showing more than one pony. I showed Goldhills Arresting Charm in the small division, and Hillcrest Leading Lady in the medium division. On Charm once again I added in a line which made me very angry at myself for doing that two years in a row. I actually had one of my best rounds on Hillcrest Leading Lady, with just one deep jump as I ended up 28th over fences. In 2017 I finally got my first Pony Finals’ ribbon, on my pony “Chic in time”, in the large greens. We were seventh in the model, second in the under saddle, 16th over fences, and eighth overall. It was a very big moment for me because after three years of getting no ribbons, it felt like a relief. Like finally I did it. It was a huge accomplishment of mine. 2018 was the most special year with my pony “Brighton”. We won the model and the hack.
On the day of over fences I remember being so nervous. I kept myself distracted by riding all my other ponies instead
of just sitting at the ring. Before I went in the ring my Mom played a Bruno Mars song to get me to loosen up and dance. We won the over fences ending up Champion in the large ponies and Grand Champion overall. Of all of my career pony/horse accomplishments this still stands as the most special to me, because it was my first big win ever! It really made me feel happy, because I didn’t give up even though I was disappointed from the previous years. My latest Pony Finals in 2019 I took Prestige. At the time he was a large green, but me, my trainer, and my mom came to agree we should just go for it. So we decided to show him in the regular larges. I remember feeling very nervous because I want to live up to my previous Pony Finals. “Prestige” and I ended up Champion in the large ponies, and went on to win the pony medal a few days later. It just goes to show, don’t give up and believe in yourself! At the moment I have “Chic in Times’” son “Notably Chic” aka “Ken”. He just turned five and it’s exciting to see all the similarities he has with his dad in trot, and really has a similar canter as Brighton! I am hoping to maybe even show him at Pony Finals in the large greens, 2022! In the end, Pony Finals is more than just a horse show, it is your childhood let downs and dreams growing up.
Penny Lane Pony Finals 2014
Powder Puff Pony Finals 2015
Kat with USEF CEO Bill Moroney and her mom, Shereen Fuqua Pony Finals 2016
Goldhills Arresting Charm Pony Finals 2016
Chic In Time Pony Finals 2017
Brighton Pony Finals 2018
Prestige Pony Finals 2019
Captain America Pony Finals 2017
Highlights From:
Arabian Horse Associa�on
Region 12 Championship Show
Feathered Horse Classic, Ocala
Florida Paint Horse FPHC/FP & HA4
All photos by Elite Equestrian magazine
Ocala, Florida
Silver Oak Jumper Tournament
Supports Kevin Babington
For the second season, or year in a row,
Babington Benefit Classic
The Silver Oak Jumper Tournament takes place September 8-12th, 2021
we at The Silver Oak Jumper Tournament will feature a very special class. The Babington Benefit Classic, sponsored at Silver Oak by Greenberg Taurig. This important class was won last year by the way, by fellow Irishman Paddy McNamara as cosmic fate would have it. The point here is to honor a lifetime of contribution to the sport of Show Jumping from the Olympics to the many students Kevin’s contributions have affected. By contributing the entry fees for this class, we also aide in the long road to Kevin’s recovery.
We at the Silver Oak Jumper Tournament and The Morrissey Management Group are proud of our involvement and prouder still that so many other icons of the summer circuit in other locations have agreed to follow our lead and continue this effort. If you’re watching this at any one of those great shows you can feel good being there.
The tenacity, patience, kindness, and passion Kevin, and for that matter, the entire Babington Family have poured into the hard, grueling physical work he has endured should come as no surprise to any-
body who knows the sport and knows Kevin. Never in all the hours, days and nights of struggle have any of us known Kevin to lose heart, to lose patience or to stop caring more about those around him, than himself. It’s not surprising because it’s always been Kevin’s way.
Through all this, the families continued involvement in the sport has been of great comfort to Kevin as have the extensive teaching and training regimen he and Dianna have kept up. That connection makes this class even more important. All of us are witnessing an iron will, and a heroic force that is emblematic of the best in us, the pinnacle of what our partnership with our great equine partners must be to succeed.
There is no better example, there is no better ambassador for our sport and there is nobody more deserving of our support. Ladies and gentlemen welcome to the “Babington Benefit Classic”, let’s really make some noise and get behind each rider that passes through these gates today. Thank You.
Utility Rooms: Additional features you may need in your barn include tack room, wash bay, feed room, storage room, and bathrooms. Small barns may only require a feed and tack room while larger facilities may require all of these and more. Feed rooms are generally required in most barns and are best placed close to stalls for easy access. Storage, hot and cold water, and a bucket filling tap are all things to consider. Tack rooms can be combined with feed rooms, but tack stays clear of feed dust and debris if kept separate. The tack room should be in a centralized location and more than one may be necessary for larger facilities. Wash bays are typically the same size as a stall and need a sloped floor with a drain. Concrete floors covered with rubber mats will help keep this area easy to clean and maintain a safe surface in wet conditions for your horses. Some facilities may require an additional storage area for mucking and cleaning tools. This can also serve as an area to keep laundry units. Offices and bathrooms are always a great addition especially in larger facilities.
Stalls
Invest in what matters most. Having a high-quality stall that combines function and elegance will cut down on stress for both man and horse. Stalls will be touched and used daily by both you and your horses. Having something that works flawlessly within your barn design will make daily chores and activities a breeze so be sure to get what you really want.
Stall Fronts: There are two types of stall fronts to consider; sliding door or hinged door. What works best will depend greatly on your barn and personal preferences. Hinged doors are attractive and allow for a more open style look. They can be elegant and beautiful with their ability to incorporate low fronts and sweeping European lines but need wide aisleways and minimal traffic to swing open without impeding barn flow. Sliding doors make tight aisleways and busier walkways easier to navigate. Sliding doors save valuable space and are considered safer because they are less of an obstacle. Sterling Equines tract system for sliding doors is the best on the market with a self-cleaning design for decades of worry-free operation. Once you decide on what type of door there are endless options to make the perfect look for your barn but keep safety in mind by partnering with a trusted manufacture that makes safety a priority.
Partitions: Partitions will depend greatly on your individual needs. If housing studs or boarding horses, full wood partitions may be best. For better ventilation consider a 2/3 side grill to maximize potential air flow while still maintaining a privacy partition for picky or aggressive eaters. For warmer climates where maximum ventilation is required, full grill partitions may be an option.
Dutch Doors: Dutch doors are a great option for a secondary equine exit. Whether you have paddock access from your barn or not, Dutch doors provide another avenue to access your horses (in case of emergency, this can be a life saver) and add ventilation. Sterling Equines Dutch door frames are made from rolled steel for added durability. Design the Dutch doors to match your personal barn style with an endless combination of options.
Barn End Doors: Finish off the look of your barn! Sterling Equine barn end doors are the declaration of the style of your total equine project. Our doors are beautiful, robust, and functional.
Here at Sterling Equine we understand the labor of love building or renovating a dream barn can be. We want to be your partners in this journey and help you through the decision-making process so your dream can become a reality.
Tack Box Business Showcase
