Elite Equestrian magazine July August 2023 summer issue

www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

info@EliteEquestrian.us

• Main Office, Ocala, Florida

PUBLISHER Bill Vander Brink Bill@EliteEquestrian.us

Riding a horse is not a gentle hobby, to be picked up and laid down like a game of solitaire. It is a grand passion.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

ADVERTISING

EDITORIAL STAFF

Editor-in-Chief: Noelle Vander Brink

Art & Antiques Editor: Dr. Lori Verderame

Equine Art Editor: Jeanne Chisholm

Fashion Editor: LA Sokolowski

Legal Editor: Avery S. Chapman,Esquire

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Alessandra Deerinck

Kat Fuqua

Patricia Hechter

Diane Holt

Dr. Bill Ormstrom

Lynn Palm

Steven Schachter

Neva Scheve

Collier Wimmer

GRAPHICS Fran

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

There’s a reason we’re #1

Jennifer Ohlson

Paws and Rewind

Staff of Dr. Lori Diane Holt

Elite Equestrian magazine has the best variety of editorial that readers find to be educa�onal as well as relevant.

Elite Equestrian’s hard copy distribu�on is na�onal and includes top rated shows and venues.

Elite Equestrian’s bi-monthly publica�on means YOUR AD IS CURRENT FOR 2 MONTHS, maximizing your investment.

Elite Equestrian offers discounts for mul�ple ad inser�ons.

Every issue is also produced as a digital on-line version, and every ad has a FREE HYPER LINK

Elite Equestrian’s Must Have feature gives adver�sers addi�onal promo�on and also hyper links to their web site. Ask for details.

Banner ads are available and browsers will find THOUSANDS of ar�cles on our web site to maximize viewing �me. Our web site averages 250,000 views/week.

Banner ads are FREE with an annual contract.

That’s why you should advertise with us.

Reach out to us and let us customize a custom adver�sing package that suits your budget & needs.

Elite Equestrian magazine ranked #5 equestrian magazine in the world, and so the #1 equestrian lifestyle magazine in the U.S. A. , by Feedspot Blog.

HAVESMust

EZ SIGNS

Free shipping!

1-800-640-8180

See our ad on page 45 www.EZSignsOnline.com

EQUINE CONSIGNMENTS!

Great selec�on of saddles, tack, boots,home items and more. Free trial on saddles.

See our ad on page 69 www.GoodAppleEquine.com

A Piece Of Your Favorite Horse Can Go With You Everywhere

Quality fashionable jewerly made with your horse’s hair.

See our ad pg 23 ponylocks.com

Fancy Jumper Squared Medallion

Reading for Riders

Great equestrian novels and books for all ages! Horse Books Plus

See our ad on page 71 horsebooksplus.com

EQUINE CONSIGNMENTS!

NATURAL COTTON

This design began as a Key Fob, and was so well received. I was asked to make it available in Sterling Silver and our Rose Bronze. The shape is a rectangle with open work allowing the jumper to jump through, and over two half round poles. The jumper has a snaffle bridle, and mar�ngale, buckled boots and a braided mane www.tempidesignstudio.com

Great selec�on of saddles, tack, boots, home items and more.Free trial on saddles.See our ad on page www.GoodAppleEquine

Comfortable for hot summer days. Find a huge variety of collars and leashes, all well constructed and durable. Classy, comfortable and strong. Leashes too!

Available at AuburnDirect.com.

See our ad on page 25

Anni Lyn Sportswear

Anni Lyn Sportswear Spirited F/S Denim Breech. Kids and Adult sizes. www.anni-lyn.com

See our ad on page 21

Hats With Equestrian Flair! Riata Designs, where performance meets style. See our ad on page 23 riatadesigns.com

Bullet Blues

“Lady Slim” eggplant skinny jeans.

“Bullet Blues “Lady Slim” are a trendy highwaist skinny jeans with a gorgeous light purple wash that’s fashionable and feminine for every season. They are Made in USA. See our ad on page 21 BulletBluesCa.com

Da Brim Helmet Visors DaBrim.com

See our ad on page 69

More

great finds to love!

SOURCE micronutrients providing a unique spectrum of support vitamins and minerals plus, diges�ve enzymes, beneficial microbes, an�-oxidants and essen�al fa�y acids.

See our ad page 35 800-232-2365

www.4source.com

Saddler’s Preserva�ve

Protect and restore your valuable leather for years to come.

See our ad page 23 www.jmsaddler.com

Hoof Pro

Protect and maintain your horse’s hooves in great condi�on!

Created by a Master Farrier and Veterinarian.

See our ad page 49 www.echoranchproducts.com

Pyranha® Wipe N’ Spray® BOV

Pyranha’s world famous oil-based and lanolin fly spray is now in a BOV, this new way to spray has a 360 degree con�nuous spray, does not contain any harmful propellants, has a 99% emptying rate and is 100% recyclable. All while containing the same great powerful pyrethrin formula�on that horse owners have come to know and trust.

See our ad on page 7 www.pyranhainc.com

GUMBITS

100% FEI legal.

See our ad on page 71

www.GumBits.com

Please tell our adver�sers you saw them in Elite Equestrian magazine!

PASTURE VACUUMS

CONSIGNMENTS!

Great selec�on of saddle boots, home items and more.Free trial on saddles.See our ad on page www.GoodAppleEquine

Collect manure, sawdust, wood shavings, leaves and rubbish. Also used for stalls, and cleaning out water troughs- just suck out the water, scrub and refill. See our ad page 49 www.pasturevacuums.com

www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

Superior Hydra�on!

Stainless steel construc�on, no float adjustment, rapid refill, easy to clean, easy to install.

See our ad page 33 281-346-8337

www.texassuperioranimalwaterer.com

ID FOR YOUR ANIMALS

A must have for traveling and evacua�ons. Available for dogs and farm animals. First Aid kits and more. See our ad on page31 www.EquestriSafe.com

StressLess™ Hot Horse Supplement

The #1 all-natural hot horse formula developed by a veterinarian. Helps promote calmness and focus in horses experiencing stress related to training, showing, racing, or travel. StressLess™ is non-herbal, all natural, and show safe. See our ad on page 2 HotHorseSupplement.com

mounts to cart or vehicle. ATV trailer cart assembly available. Proudly made in the USA by our team of cra�smen!

See our ad page 31 BigSprinkler.com

“Derma��s Goes Away!” Vet Recommended, Owner Referred, Horse Approved Worldwide

See our ad on page 51

www.soxforhorses.com

See our ad for a coupon code!

EQUINE HEALTH PRODUCTS

Liniment, Hoof Care, Hoof Soak

See our ad page 39 www.Vetericyn.com

BEST ON-THE-GO Hay Feeding System!

Less waste, be�er diges�on for your horse.

See our ad page 29 www.NibbleNet.com

LAY-FLAT HOSE QUICKREEL

Classic to Re-purposed

TRANSFORMING Chic

Sustainably sourced, locally made with a history and story to be told. Meet the hottest name in luxury - Vintage Luxe Up –a new brand that has created the world’s finest collection of vintage luxury scarves reimagined into one-of-a-kind gifts and home décor.

In just over 3 years,

luxury goods entrepreneur, David Altman has leveraged his deep passion for hand-crafted luxury and made a name for himself and his unique brand. He gives new life to forgotten scarves from brands including Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel, Cartier and Ralph Lauren.

One by one, David scours the global marketplace for the most sought-after vintage scarves to create a collection of home décor and gifts unlike any other. One-of-a-kind pillows, framed art and fashion accessories are handmade in family-owned ateliers in Lexington KY, the equestrian capital of the world.

David remarked “Leveraging my deep expertise in luxury goods coming off a decades-long career at Neiman Marcus, and Bloomingdale’s, this has become a passion project for me. I personally scout the global market look-

ing for unique, rare, and meaningful examples of the art of scarf-making. A global-citizen, I’ve spent my life traveling the near and far, discovering the world’s most unique treasures for the luxury client.”

Photo courtesy of KEIM Collective for The Scout Guide 

Each piece is unique and one-of-a-kind, handmade in our family-owned ateliers. As Chief Creative Officer, David also personally selects each scarf – “It’s a treasure hunt. I never know what I’ll find, I can search for a design for months or may never find it – which is part of the fun of it.” He works side-byside with local master craftsmen to select the coordinating fabric or frame molding that brings out the best of each design. Once created, the design will never be duplicated so the client is getting a true unique piece.

By using vintage scarves, Vintage Luxe Up gives these works of art a new life – conserving earth’s scarce resources, reducing waste and impact on the planet.

Hermès has been making scarves since 1937 – recognized worldwide as both coveted and collectible, unique in that each scarf has an individual designer behind it. They can trace the design back to a particular year and a designer. The scarves can take up to 18 months to develop from start to finish and can include more than 27 distinct colors. The artistry and craftsmanship are unmatched.

Vintage Luxe Up also believes in doing well by doing good. Creating local jobs in their hometown and giving back to charity are central to their DNA – 10% of all online sales are donated to charities including Ukraine Relief, Children’s, and Breast Cancer foundations.

“As human’s we’re less motivated by facts and figures than we are about real stories about real people. There’s a deep emotional attachment to these scarves – both on the creative side – with how and why they’re made, but also around how a customer came to acquire it – their 1st trip to Paris – their 1st big paycheck – gift on the birth of a child – there’s always a story” says David.

The answer is always “yes” at Vintage Luxe Up. In addition to the collection, they work hand-in-hand with clients and their interior designers to create bespoke pieces that complement individual lifestyle and home decor. From start to finish, they deliver in just a matter of weeks – not months.

Through their Private Reserve Collection program customers can give new life to a cherished heirloom while supporting their favorite charity. The client receives a free item made from their donated scarf and 10% of the proceeds from the rest of the items benefit the charity of their choice.

“This project for me is really a labor of love” says David. They acquire a great deal of scarves from customers who say, “I love it but I’m not using it.” They will make something out of it, and the client gets to choose which charity will receive a donation while keeping a memento that has been reimagined into a usable item.

The collec�on is available online at VintageLuxeUp.com and select specialty home décor shops na�onwide.

To celebrate their collabora�on with Elite Equestrian Magazine, Vintage Luxe Up has a free gi� exclusively for our readers! They’ve secured a limited supply of the Hermès Pop Up Coffee Table Book ($35 value) FREE with any purchase of $200 or more from VintageluxeUp.com.

Just add the book to your shopping cart and use offer code Elite at checkout to receive the free gi�. Offer ends August 31st or while supplies last.

There’s always a story

NewDesigner Drop To Delight

Equestrian luxe sports fashion brand, Eqcouture has just dropped a brand new designer piece inspired by heritage equestrian fashion with a fresh contemporary slant. The Eqcouture Elegance Technical Base Layer is available in a stunning chocolate brown colourway and features an exclusive geometric-inspired stirrup print incorporating the brand’s signature horse head logo in ecru.

The trans-seasonal base layer is styled in a quality, fast-drying technical fabric with exceptional moisture-wicking properties and stretch technology for performance and comfort, making it a wardrobe staple for all-year enjoyment.

The British brand has also launched riding tights in the same stunning chocolate hue to complement the new base layer addition.

Eqcouture Equestrian Technical Elegance Base Layer RRP: £45.99

Sizes: 6 - 18

Eqcouture Chocolate Riding Tights With Phone Pockets: RRP: £51.99

XXS - XL With Or Without Belt Loops

www.eqcouture.co.uk

One false accusation can destroy a lifetime of work. So, when your personal or professional reputation is at risk from an agenda-driven “investigation”, call us.

Our nationwide team of retired senior FBI and DoD investigators works for you (or your counsel) to uncover all of the facts, the agendas, and the truths behind any attack on your livelihood. We enjoy a national reputation for excellence.

We are BartlettJames, LLC. We understand the equestrian world.

Laura@BartlettJames.com

843.384.8160

www.BartlettJames.com

Summer BASICS

Equestrian Summer Basics With A Designer Touch

Equestrian sports luxe fashion brand, Eqcouture has a range of gorgeous summer basics to keep you cool and stylish in and out of the saddle this summer.

The Eqcouture Polo Shirts come in classic white, grey, so� pink, powder blue and sky blue, with a stylish version available within their EQC Team designer defuse range. Styled in a cool woven co�on fabric, each shirt embodies three embroidered Eqcouture logos alongside their exclusive Eqcouture drill co�on ribbon running down the sides. Available in short sleeve and sleeveless, partner with your favourite pair of jeans or riding wear for equestrian summer style you’ll love.

Eqcouture short sleeved and long sleeved Base Layers and riding �ghts.

The Eqcouture Technical Base Layers are perfect trans-seasonal pieces this summer. Featuring a quality three-quarter zip to the front, embroidered logo on the chest and a printed retro logo on the sleeve. With excep�onal wicking proper�es, this quick-drying, easy-to-care-for base layer will be your ‘go-to’ garment throughout the seasons. Available in long sleeves, short and sleeveless.

The Eqcouture Riding Leggings Collec�on includes quality summer-weight technical fabric with four-way stretch and superior moisture-wicking and fast-drying proper�es, making them perfect for everyday riding and compe��on wear.

The Eqcouture Ven�Grip Riding Gloves feature an integrated mesh panel to keep your hands cool on the move. With excellent grip and rein sensi�vity, this new genera�on glove combines good looks with performance.

Summer style, the Eqcouture way.

www.eqcouture.co.uk

Eqcouture Sleeveles Polo Shirt in Pink Eqcouture Sleeveles Polo Shirt in Grey

Joanna Zeller Quentin -

Armed with a long history in the horse world and a degree in illustration from Ringling College, her very contemporary equestrian artwork is filled with exuberant color and energy.

Peggy Judy -

www.equisart.com

“Rollback” by Joanna Zeller Quentin. Framed 16×20″ oil on board. $750

Former breeder and trainer. Living in Colorado and master of the Western art genre.

“Sky’s The Limit” by Joanna Zeller Quentin. 11×14″ oil and gesso on cradled board. $850

“Blue Shadows” by Peggy Judy. 14×18″ oil on canvas. $1200.

“Ranch Horse” by Peggy Judy. 16×16″ oil on canvas. $1200

HIS HERS &

Have Voice, Will Travel:

Show Jumping Hall of Fame Chairman (& Inductee), Peter Doubleday

with L.A. Sokolowski, equinista

His father’s hobby became a career for Peter Doubleday of Southern Pines, NC, “The Voice” to millions of spectators since he began announcing in 1975 at top shows like the Hampton Classic, Lake Placid Horse Shows and Winter Equestrian Fes�val, and such i nterna�onal compe��ons as the FEI World Cup™ Finals (seven �mes), Pan American Games (1999, 2015), 1996 Olympics, and 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games. He added show jumping telecasts to his resumé with ESPN, Outdoor Life Network, and Canada’s TSN; managed the Devon, Na�onal, Pennsylvania Na�onal, and Royal Horse Shows; served as a USEF and FEI-rated judge on USEF Jumper and Show Management Commi�ees; coordinated produc�on of Show Jumping World Championships at the 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games, and announced show jumping at the 2018 WEG at Tryon Interna�onal Equestrian Center. In 2011, he was elected chairman of the board of the Show Jumping Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc., to succeed late founder (1987) Gene Mische and in 2019, the “man behind the curtain” himself was inducted, and recognized in March 2022 alongside Olympic veterans and bulwarks of the community at an inaugural Induc�on Gala in Wellington at The Wanderers Club. We coaxed this mellifluous horseman and some�me-celebrity (look for Peter in the movie, Harry and Snowman) from behind the curtain to share his thoughts on the great show jumpers of yesterday and making a difference to the future of the sport.

HERS: What do you remember about your first horse or pony?

HIS: I never had a horse as a kid. But I was first successful in the Juniors with a black horse called Fine & Dandy. He was fairly difficult for me to ride but I will always remember his name. I got my first blue ribbon on him, in a fault-and-out class at summer camp in western New York. It was pouring rain and (ironically) the only one I had to share winning that ribbon with was the announcer.

HERS: What do you like best in a horse?

HIS: That they love what they do. Across all breeds, disciplines, when a horse is great they know it.

HERS: What do you like best in a person?

HIS: True honesty. Not just following along. I love those who aren’t afraid to speak up, speak out, and make a difference.

HERS: What was your first job and how old were you?

HIS: I was six, and delivered newspapers. The next year, I sold peanuts while my dad announced at horse shows. He’d tell me to go out and sell, and remember to bring back the money!

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

HIS: I’d be at a golf course, happily running a $100k lawn mower to the exact specifications of the greens-keeper. I love working outdoors.

HERS: Favorite quote?

HIS: Remember how Salada tea bags had sayings? ‘Nothing is obvious to the uninformed.’ It inspired me to learn, as an announcer, how to relate to spectators.

HERS: Who has inspired or mentored you?

HIS: Certainly my dad, who worked in radio and television in Syracuse, and announced for horse shows like Eastern States, Washington International, on the side. I didn’t realize I was going to do what I do. I took over what he had done as a hobby and made it a career. And I was inspired by the ‘big guns’ of sports announcing, like Marv Albert, Jim McKay, Lindsey Nelson.

HERS: You can invite 3 guests (past or present, real or fictional) to dinner.

Who joins you and what’s served?

HIS: I’m a sports and music guy, so I’d be inspired by the first two, and mesmerized by one of my all-time favorite rock singers: Mohammed Ali. Hank Aaron. Stevie Nicks. There’d be pasta, a giant salad, and a lot of beer.

HERS: What does the Show Jumping Hall of Fame mean to you?

HIS: Keeping alive a heritage of great names, like DeNemethy and Steinkraus. Did you know there are young riders with no idea who Rodney [Jenkins] is? The next generation needs to appreciate where we came from. The HOF has been near and dear to me since Jane Clark, Leonard King, and Gene Mische made it happen. I want to keep promoting who’s in there and what they stood for. Our first Hall of Fame Induction Gala (March 2022) was a home run! We (with course designer/2013 HOF inductee Steve Stephens) had blazers made by a company in Knoxville, TN. It got a lot of play and we’re enthusiastic about doing it again. We’re working on a line of trading cards, and exploring the next home where HOF can stay out in front of people. I haven’t stopped wanting to make a difference.

HERS: Where do you see show jumping evolving in the next 10 years?

HIS: Prize money is going to keep going off the charts. More riders will continue to better manage their super star horses, saving them for specific events. Breakaway cups are still the best invention ever. We’ll keep looking to balance courses between keeping horses safe and appealing to audiences. You’ll see better venues and organizations coming out on top. People will follow the money and facility, whether or not it’s recognized. If you build it, they will come.

The Show Jumping Hall of Fame is a 501(c)3 nonprofit charity that relies solely on contribu�ons for its opera�ons. Please support efforts to preserve American show jumping history and donate online at www.ShowJumpingHallofFame.net. Share His & Her guest sugges�ons with L.A. at latheequinista@gmail.com

Inductees group photo by Kind Media

ART ANTIQUES&

By Dr. Lori for your Collections

Cleaning Tips

By Dr. Lori Verderame

Spring cleaning has its drawbacks and its advantages. The drawbacks are many as no one really enjoys house cleaning all that much. But, once the house is clean, there are some obvious advantages like the discovery of more space, finding long lost items, and quick cash in the form of online sales of that unwanted stuff. For art and antiques collectors, spring cleaning offers a great opportunity to review the condition of art, collectibles, and vintage objects. Deciding to repurpose items can result from a good cleaning spree, too. Identifying what to keep and what to sell can be the benefit of spring cleaning and so can making new display areas within your home.

and antiques:

Don’t be too hasty to clean an oil on canvas painting. On my video call appraisals, I can’t tell you the vast number of collectors who want to clean their antique and vintage oil paintings. Many paintings don’t need to be cleaned. Paintings will darken over time but cleaning paintings may not be the solution. For instance, if a painting only has minor evidence of surface dirt or dust and it has no evidence of yellowing varnish, leave the painting alone. Never clean a painting using soap and water, an early 1900s technique, because this process will dry out the pigment and the canvas. It will lead to pigment flaking and serious damage over time. If you still want to clean a painting, contact a professional art restoration service.

Don’t be overzealous when cleaning sterling silver pieces like tea sets, trays, water pitchers, picture frames, and candlesticks. This goes for silver plated items, too. When cleaning silver or silver plate, you are basically rubbing off a layer of the metal’s sheen. So, don’t polish your silver too often. Try to polish sterling silver and silver plate items no more than twice a year, that is every six months. Use appropriate white cotton cloths and recommended silver or silver plate polish. They are different so don’t use silver polish to polish silver plate and vice versa. Be gentle when polishing silver plate so you don’t rub the silver off to the point where the under metal—usually copper—is showing through the silver plating. Flatware of sterling silver should be placed in a protective storage box when not in use.

Crystal and glass items require special care when cleaning. Crystal is supposed to be very clear and attractive when compared to glass items. For cloudy glass vases or bowls, use equal parts of white vinegar and distilled water and wash the crystal or glass object very gently. Try to avoid using any harsh chemicals or cleaning agents on any of your antique items. Do not submerge any glass or crystal item into standing water that is too cold or too hot as this “shock to the system” may result in cracking your antique or vintage glass or crystal item upon impact. Be sure to keep vintage and antique glass items away from other items that may damage them and never put them in the dishwasher.

The tools that you use during spring cleaning of your art or antiques are just as important as the cleaning supplies and techniques. Cloths that do not leave textile or cotton residue behind are the desirable cleaning choice when it comes to antiques and art. Q-tips or cotton swabs can be very helpful to get into those tight places. And, don’t forget to do your spring cleaning of fragile collectibles while seated at a table when you are well rested and have plenty of time for the task. Happy spring cleaning!

Photo by Staff of www.DrLoriV.com

Here are some tips when it comes to spring cleaning your art

W

hat If I Don’t Speak The Language?

Travel Advice from Active Riding Trips

Making a bucket list seems easy enough, but what if you really, really want to go somewhere that you know they speak a language different from what you are accustomed to? Will you be able to find your way around? Find a meal? Feel safe?

There are roughly 6,500 different spoken languages in our world and, while English is one of the three most spoken (behind Chinese and Spanish), only about a third of countries choose English as an official language.

Then consider a 2017 study by Hostelworld where 10% of adults said language barriers prevented them from travelling abroad.

“We are often asked about the language barrier. But, in fact, all of our trips have multi-lingual guides who love bringing a region to life, so you never have to worry,” Adams says about encountering clients who may feel intimidated by whether or not they need to speak the language of the country they are visiting.

The first thing she does to assure an aspiring adventure seeker is to tell them, “You can step out and trust us on this. We handle it all for you. You’ll never look back once your bucket list dreams start becoming truly real.”

But if you want to look down to check a translation app, that’s okay. Adams says, “We are big fans of Google Translate, though any of them seem to work great.

“Of all the trips we offer, three that are really unique (with regards to languages, though not difficult in translation) is the Quecha of Peru (which has its own dialect), the Swahili on safari rides, and the melodic Arabic of the people in Jordan.

“It’s not just the variation in languages. It’s the sincerity of every person, and their graciousness and willingness to really show you the customs and characteristic essentials that ‘make’ an area. Because, for a week, you will live with the hosts, in their homes and in their culture, and you become a family. And once you have a family in one place, it resonates in your heart wherever you are, so you want to do it again and again.

“Taking an equestrian vacation is addictive – be ready!” she says. Because everyone, everywhere, speaks one language when it comes to loving horses and riding.

Ready to saddle up for your bucket list? Discover 70+ getaways you can book now at www.activeridingtrips.com.

That’s a lot of unfulfilled bucket lists! But it doesn’t have to be that way, says Stacey Adams, President of Active Riding Trips, curator of horseback riding experiences to more than 20 countries and the United States since 2008.

Exceptionally EQUESTRIAN

Challenging RIDERS

Are You Si�ng Comfortably? Let The Adventure Begin!

Summer is here! It’s time for adventure and enjoying the great outdoors!

Bri�sh equestrian fashion brand, Equetech is delighted to be supplying its comfort underwear to eight inspira�onal riders a�emp�ng an extraordinary ‘Ride to Freedom’ (R2F) expedi�on across the Pyrenees on horseback this past June.

The riders tackling this incredible challenge are the Forces Wives Challenge Team, who will travel to France to tackle the challenging terrain surrounding the World War Two Freedom Trail (Le Chemin de la Liberté) across the Pyrenees Mountains on horseback. The team will follow remote mountain passes used as escape routes into Spain by around 33,000 refugees fleeing to safety, avoiding checkpoints and surveillance.

Kate Rutsch, Ride to Freedom team member, said: “Our comfort will play a vital role in the success of this challenge, and with a number of the team already wearing Equetech’s padded underwear, there was only going to be one manufacturer we’d turn to! We’re very grateful for Equetech’s support during our expedi�on.”

Equetech has been manufacturing equestrian underwear since 1992, and the range is s�ll proudly made at their Bri�sh factory, now based in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.

www.equetech.com

ADVENTUROUS Equestrian

A�er commi�ng herself to a new life as a rider in the Great Races of Rynar, Inesca embarks on a perilous journey to reclaim the truth about her father’s past. Her choices lead her to navigate a dangerous world of covetous lords and elusive mercenaries. Not to men�on, she has only a few tokens from her father to guide her. These include a medallion, a wooden figure of a knight, and a ring.

In addi�on, Inesca strives to balance her quest of seeking a knight known to her father with the challenge of compe�ng in the formidable races of Rynar. Although, she understands that if she fails, then she will lose her beloved stallion, Nycor.

During her prepara�on for the Great Races, Inesca’s trainer instructs her to distrust those who serve other lords. However, when mysterious enemies threaten the Six Realms of Rynar, Inesca seeks aid from riders in the service of Lord Edgerr. Caught up in the midst of a conflict that encompasses all of the realms, she must sway them or face peril alone.

h�ps://www.amazon.com/Legacy-Lost-Rider-Tokens-Rynar-ebook/dp/ B0BB695M46

For dog owners who enjoy the outdoors with a higher energy canine, the adjustable mar�ngale collar...

Read

...from Auburn Leather You’ll find a great variety of high quality collars and leashes for your pet, big or small. See our ad on page 23, or visit our web site-

AUBURNDIRECT.COM

Pure Madness? EQUESTRIAN HEAVEN An or

is it

Story and Photos

By Diane Holt

Canyon Madness Ranch in northeastern New Mexico is just five hours from Denver, two hours from Santa Fe and three hours from the airport in Albuquerque. This special ranch offers guests an exceptional time warp adventure to connect with nature and horses and to simply unplug. This is NOT a dude ranch. Dennis Law, a retired surgeon, built this extraordinary ranch oasis on 14,000 acres where the horses roam free and guests can savor a “back-in-time” vacation with 21st century luxuries.

As you step inside the 18,000 square foot modern guest house known as the Teepee Lodge, you are completely overwhelmed by the magnificent river canyon view. Two massive decks hover over the cliff edge above a steep descent to the Canadian River 800 feet below. The grandeur and majestic beauty will knock you to your knees. The crevices between the canyon walls are called arroyos. They were created by masses of water and are 20 to 100 feet wide and up to 20 or more feet deep. “You might think you are on Mars except for all the green in the landscape.” said Law. I have to say that I completely agree with him.

Canyon Madness Ranch offers two main bookend adventures. There is an equestrian paradise with outstanding horses and a firearm sports playground to please your heart. One day you’re riding a trail along the canyon edges all the way to the river bottom, passing old 19th century Native American homestead sites. The next day you’re shooting a Barretta M82-A1 (50 cal.) from a veteran’s Humvee that was used in the Iraq war

For the equine enthusiasts,

like myself, it made my heart warm just seeing the mix of well-bred and trained quarter horses, paints, gypsy vanners and gypsy crosses in one large herd roaming free over 14,000 acres. At CMR they are living life as nature intended, yet still being cared for by expert horsemen.

The ranch has a wonderful covered arena for focused training and lessons. The horses are schooled in different disciplines to ensure safe and secure mounts which cater to a variety of guest hobbies such as English cross-country trail riding, obstacle course training, jumping, western-style reigning, cutting cow herding and more. CMR offers a range of riding experiences to guests from beginner through expert level in any discipline.

A favorite for our group were the breathtaking trail rides along the canyon edges down to the river. Our adventures allowed us to explore in extraordinary proportions and take in the legendary views. This is NOT a “nose to tail” ride. You ride at your level of comfort but expert guides are there if needed. Regardless of what horse breed you prefer, I can promise that you will fall in love with CMR’s horses and want to bring your mount home with you. I am still trying to figure out how to get “Jughead”, a Percheron/quarter horse cross, home with me. This big gentle giant carried me on trails along the canyon with drops that were hundreds of feet below.

If you like shooting firearms or have never shot one before, this is the place to enjoy it. CMR has a state-of-the-art firearm playground. Kip Rahmig, the ranch certified professional instructor, took us all shooting. I have always been a bit nervous, well truthfully extremely nervous, around firearms. Kip brought out an astonishing array of pistols and rifles, some automatic, including a massive 375 Cheytec long range rifle. I could seriously feel my heart beating faster thinking I don’t want to do this. Well after some incredible guidance from Kip and his team, I found myself popping off targets left and right. My apprehension about handling firearms quickly disappeared.

The firearm program is designed to appeal to all. There is a full range of options with guided instruction and safety lessons for amateur hobby shooters to professional expert firearms enthusiasts. I have to say I haven’t forgotten the quote Kip used “Until you’re ready, keep your booger hook off the bang switch.” My husband had one of his best experiences shooting with a 375 Chey Tac and a (50 Cal) BMG snipper rifle with bullets 4” long. To my surprise, this firearm playground was one of my favorite parts of the trip.

When you search the internet for ranch vacations, you will find very few ranches that offer both horse and firearms sports. If both are offered, then you will find at least one side of it is rudimentary. I would say that NO vacation ranch anywhere comes close to the complete offerings CMR has in those 2 bookend adventures.

In person the scale of this magical place is overwhelming with incredible geological formations of countless deep fissures in the red-crusted ground which set the stage of New Mexico’s legendary kaleidoscopic sunrises and sunsets. This pristine landscape is a nature enthusiast’s dreamland. Pictures do not do it justice. It is definitely a “bucket list” trip!

The Canyon Madness Ranch is an all-inclusive destination. The kitchen puts an emphasis on a farm-to-table bounty and chefs focus on healthy, organic exotic meats like farm raised buffalo and ostrich, plus of course beef. The ranch also is home to an ostrich farm with two adults producing fresh eggs for the menu. I highly recommend requesting a homestyle meal cooked on a firepit either out on the range or on the back porch to truly enjoy the real ranch experience. The ranch staff was another one of the best parts of our visit. We loved gathering with them, listening to stories and learning from them. We left as friends, not as guests.

If you like shooting firearms or have never shot one before, this is the place to enjoy it.

The timeless saying “pictures are worth a thousand words” doesn’t hold true here. You have to experience it in person to fully grasp why Canyon Madness Ranch is that rare breed of madness!

Thank you, Canyon Madness Ranch, for a lifetime of memories and experiences never to be forgotten.

You can book the entire ranch (eight contemporary suites with living rooms) or book a few rooms by contacting Canyon Madness Ranch directly.

For inquiries and bookings, prospective guests are welcome to call Ashley at 720-878-9676 during office hours for inquiry or email awang@lawbrothersgroup.com.

Dennis Law on Vader

HABRONEMIASIS

and the Horse Eye

The same parasitic disease that causes summer sores, Habronemiasis, can also affect the horse eye. Although it may be described as “fly eggs” causing ocular irritation, this is a misnomer since it is a larval stage of the parasite that migrates into eyelid skin and conjunctival tissue. The presence and death of the larvae cause an immune response, which can lead to inflammation of the eyelids, third eyelid, bulbar and palpebral conjunctiva, and the nasolacrimal system. Secondary effects on the cornea can be even more serious.

Understanding the parasite, its life cycle and treatment is important in managing the infection. Habronema spp. (Habronema muscae, Habronema microstoma and Draschia megastoma) are stomach worms that adhere to the stomach wall of a horse and release eggs that pass in the feces. The normal life cycle is completed when larvae that develop from the eggs are ingested by horses and develop into adult stomach worms. Alternatively, the larvae may be ingested by an intermediate host – stable or house fly - that transports and deposits larvae onto the face. The larvae begin an aberrant migration into the tissues around the eyes and eventually die during their migration or exposure to parasiticide treatment.

Prevention of stomach worms, managing manure properly and controlling flies are important steps in minimizing summer sores and eye infections. Treatment with ivermectin and moxidectin dewormers will kill larvae and adult stomach worms. Disposing of manure in a timely and proper manner will help prevent the development of larvae in the manure. A multifaceted approach to fly control will help to decrease fly populations. Fly spray and fly masks are simple husbandry methods in compliant horses. A possible dilemma, however, is that nearby farms may also contribute to problems if Habronema spp., manure and fly populations are not properly managed.

Treatment of eye infection depends on the location and severity of the inflammation. It is important to note that if one horse on a farm is affected, then all horses on the farm have the potential for exposure and infection. The degree of inflammation can be highly variable between horses. This may reflect differences in individual immune responses and the fact that certain individuals will develop a more serious hypersensitivity reaction to the larvae. A common presentation is swelling or puffiness of the corner of the lower eyelids toward the nose, but some individuals will develop large open sores on the eyelids and hard, pebblelike granulomas. The white-yellow granulomatous lesions, mistakenly described as fly eggs, represent the immune reaction to the larvae and can be very rough and irritating. Granulomas in the palpebral conjunctiva and posterior aspect of the third eyelid can create corneal ulcers.

It is often beneficial to remove superficial granulomas and especially if they are causing or may cause corneal irritation. Removal of the granulomas may also decrease inflammation. Larvae developing or dying at different stages could cause new granulomas to develop even after initial removal of granulomas. If corneal ulcers are not present, topical corticosteroids are used to control inflammation and subconjunctival injections may be administered. For large eyelid lesions, intralesional corticosteroids can be very effective. Systemic anti-inflammatories, including corticosteroids or Banamine may also be used. Treatment with an ivermectin or moxidectin dewormer is also initiated and repeated in 2-4 weeks.

Deworming programs to target the stomach worms and larvae are one part of the control of ocular Habronemiasis. Management of horse manure will help reduce the populations of infective larvae. Stable and house flies are the intermediate host that result in deposition of larvae and aberrant migration into the ocular tissues. Therefore, seasonal increases in fly activity will naturally cause an increase in ocular Habronemiasis. Fly control is critical in reducing the transmission of larvae. Each case of ocular Habronemiasis will require different types of treatment depending on the severity, location, and degree of inflammation.

Fly masks are essential to combat parasites and diseases they cause.

Story and Photos By Dr. Brendan G. Mangan

Fly mask and halter from www.shiresequestrian.com

Dirk works to ac�vate and enhance the body’s own way of healing itself. Manual techniques are applied to help restore op�mal func�on of the musculoskeletal system. By the use of manipula�on and adjustments, stretches and releases, and mobiliza�on techniques, it is an extremely beneficial non-invasive therapy for horses.

• 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!

390 - 6730

Sizes: $3,290

HAY or Soup?

By Alessandra Deerinck

One of the many �mes that I used my cell phone as a camera was when I saw Allegria de Los Cielos li� a bundle of hay with her mouth, submerging it in the water bucket and ea�ng it slowly. The slowness and precision of her movements was impressive. She looked like a child who dunks biscuits in milk and eats them with gusto.

AAllegria’s behavior was certainly very interesting. In nature, the food of choice for a horse would be fresh grass and occasionally dry grass or some wood bark, while in the domestic environment, we mainly supply hay. The main advantages of hay are that we can store and handle it more easily than fresh grass, but the water content of hay is clearly different and affects the horse’s ability to digest. In a natural situation, the horse eats small amounts of food throughout the twenty-four hours while, in the domestic state, this happens at specific times dictated by our stable management needs. Feeding inadequate food and with unsuitable frequency is certainly one of the factors that cause stress to the domestic horse.

Providing for the nutrition of the domestic horse is our job, as are many of its other needs that we have taken on for having ‘tamed’ horses. Very often the horse consumes all the amount of hay that is given to him, but taste also plays an important role in the choice of food and making different types of hay available to him is a good idea. One of the criteria of the genetic selection operated by man at the level of domestic animal breeds is the ability to digest and maximize the use of food. Even in the horse, in which man has operated a vast genetic selection, there are breed differences regarding the ability to assimilate food. Certain horse breeds may feed on weeds and be ‘chubby’ while others have difficulty both gaining and maintaining weight. These characteristics are genetic and linked to the cellular structure and metabolism of the digestive system. Taking this into account certainly helps the animal and prevents problems that can also be very serious.

The fact that some horses put the hay in the drinking water is very often classified by us men as a problem, because it implies having to clean the drinking water every day. On the other hand, it struck me and made me think

about how I can favor the horse’s natural tendency to adapt to the environment in which we keep him. I had already observed Allegria de Los Cielos, a Mangalarga Marchador mare, perform the same action in Rancho de Los Cielos, where she was born and raised. Allegria is part of the first US-born generation of Mangalarga Marchador horses, who are native to Brazil, and the breeder told me that Allegria’s sire, actually had the same habit. Typically, giving a horse wet hay is a human choice. Scientific studies suggest administering wet hay to manage the feeding of horses with metabolic problems, laminitis, or respiratory system diseases. Of course, as the reasons are medical, this practice is always adopted without consulting the preferences of the individual horse. One reason Allegria and the other horses on the ranch wetted the hay was that in Brazil the breed was kept on pastures and ate grass and their digestive systems was accustomed to fresh grass. Brazilian mares live on pasture for most of their lives, and foals grow the same way, eating a food they choose themselves, and which grows in the environment where they live. Their digestive system has more functional ease when the feed has a higher water content than that of hay. To help the horse adapt to domestic life, it is good practice to make available different types of hay. In the case of Allegria, however, the problem was not the type of hay, but its water content. Allegria only wets the hardest hay, while consumes the grass hay without wetting it. With their behavior, Allegria and the other horses on the ranch clearly demonstrated that they had made a choice guided by a simple form of ‘reasoning’, dictated by physiological needs, in which they had deduced that by wetting it, the hay was a better food. Alongside this hypothesis, it is noteworthy that we have also had the opportunity to observe the hereditary and learned factors of behavior at work. In fact, in the case that I have had the opportunity to observe, there is a family history and the horses all live within view of each other.

Starting from this experience, we are trying to see if it is possible to ‘teach’ other subjects to wet their hay by themselves. It will certainly be interesting to see the results that could be of help in the management of some horses that are difficult to ‘maintain’ from a feeding point of view. The reason we have considered the fact that the horse has the possibility to soak the hay and eat it is that we have observed that when this happens the horse eats more and also gains weight in a very short time. The fact that the horse itself wets the hay has the obvious advantages that the hay does not have time to ferment and that it retains its nutritional value. How to do it? Following the principles of HH Sensing, in teaching the horse we always start from a situation where he has an interest in the action. In the case of food, this situation is certainly always easy to obtain. One of the ways used to teach horses actions that make immediate sense to them is to do it by imitation, so we showed a horse that we were wetting hay and we let the horse have it. By communicating with the horse through the sense of taste, we will teach him that if he immerses the hay in water, it will be more palatable. To overcome the problem that the horse gets into the habit of dirtying the drinking water, another water container can be placed at its disposal to immerse hay. The second container of water should be placed near the hay, so as not to create confusion, while the drinking water should be placed as far away as possible. The bucket into which the horse will dip the hay should not be too full, so that the horse does not have to submerge its nostrils to reach the bottom where the hay falls. Naturally, we must also be prepared for the fact that while eating, the horse may spill the water or even dirty the water container, but, after all, the benefits of giving him the opportunity to feed in a more physiological way are certainly greater than the problem of keeping the water clean.

ABOUT HUMAN HORSE SENSING

Human Horse Sensing is dedicated to enhance horsemanship potential to support the interaction between human and horse, keeping their wellbeing in mind. Our method can be taught through private sessions, workshops, online classes and clinics, at our location, or anywhere you desire. You can find our published book Human Horse Sensing Horsemanship on Amazon, videos on YouTube, and bimonthly articles in print or online at EliteEquestrian.us

With Human Horse Sensing solid horsemanship foundation you will have the chance to be successful in any equestrian discipline, and to take challenges that you would not imagine being possible even with good traditional training. With Human Horse Sensing, human being and horse work together freely with or without tack, through how they perceive the situations. Human and horse establish an active and dynamic dialogue, where you and your horse can exchange information or execute without being submissive, and you can become a leader of leaders.

www.hhsensing.com Email: hhsensing@icloud.com

Phone:+1(760)715-1554

www.AviniHealth.com/CleanCells

Providing for the nutrition of the domestic horse is our job

And Your Horse DENTISTRY

Story by Trish Hechter Illustra�ons by Judith Cockey, Equine Den�st

to visit for many horse owners.There are many (42+/-) large teeth, inserted into big jawbones that are connected to strong chewing muscles.

The teeth inside the mouth are not as visible as the hooves, making it difficult for some to remember to properly take care of them. Most equine dentists recommend that a horse have a dental appointment scheduled twice yearly. This does not matter the type of work he does or his size.

The equine wider upper jaw is fixed with the narrower lower jaw doing the work of grinding in a circular pattern, leading to sharp edges on the teeth over time. When the outside edges of the molars become sharp, sometimes horses will pack food between the teeth and the cheeks to help protect the sensitive skin from forming ulcers. The tongue is less likely to become injured by the inside tooth sharpness because it can move out of the way, more often than not.

Horses’ teeth are quite long and only a small portion is seen above the gum line; about 1/8th of an inch of each tooth erupts per year. The dentist has to be careful not to remove too much of the edges and rarely the surface of a tooth to maintain a properly functioning mouth. There are two options for tackling this job, rotary (motorized) or manual floats (files).

Rotary tools are very useful in specific instances, such as in an older horse whose teeth may be loose, though not ready to be removed. In this instance a manual float may require too much motion to maintain comfort for your horse.

There are natural formations in an equine mouth that can cause big problems if they are not properly cared for and corrected on a regular basis. They are created by uneven lengths of tooth drastically affecting the way a horse eats and behaves. The sharpness of teeth, hooks, ramps, waves (Figure 1) and stepped molars (Figure 2) are only a few examples of what happens in a horse’s mouth; many more can occur through genetics, natural wear and injury.

his nose”.

Here are three examples of what begins in the mouth and how it manifests in the body.

Because of an improper use of rotary tools for more than 10 years, a 21 year old gelding experienced ramps in his mouth, (Figure 3). They caused the molars to not meet correctly in his mouth, resulting in weight and nutrition loss,

with muscle weakness leading to uneven mobility. Using manual tools, his current dentist is making progress in correcting and eliminating the ramps. This is a slow process by the limitation of the small amount of new tooth presented annually. Over time, he was able to eat more correctly. He began gaining weight, benefiting from better nutrition his muscle structure strengthened, relieving tension through his body, with less discomfort throughout his body.

An eleven year old OTTB gelding demonstrated signs of discomfort before the end of his six month cycle between dental visits. It was determined this was due to the development of a hook on an upper and a lower molar on the left side of his mouth. Because of this problem his teeth did not wear evenly. He will began having his dental checks at five months hoping to eliminate his dental discomfort. The goal was for him to gain enough balance in his musculature that he will last the six month cycle with less pain and possibly without the hooks returning. (Figure 4)

Huge hooks on the pre-molars of the upper jaw and the last molars of the lower jaw, caused a 9 year old OTTB mare to become difficult to handle and impossible to ride, in spite of many other approaches to correct her behaviors. These hooks greatly limited the movement of her jaws from side to side, and the ability of opening her mouth fully was reduced. The mobility of her lower jaw sliding forward when her head was perpendicular was lessened. Once the hooks were properly addressed, she became a loving, ridable and an affectionate chestnut mare.

Muscle atrophy in the neck, shoulders and back create an imbalance in the horse’s body because the horse is not able to move his head correctly, creating the hooks between dental visits.

Equine Dentistry is a maintenance of your horse’s mouth allowing it to function properly. With a well-balanced mouth your horse continues to absorb nutrition from properly chewed food and lessens potential physical problems.

This article is a very rudimentary introduction to equine dentistry. If your horse is experiencing behavioral, eating or structural problems, consider having a well-trained, equine dentist check their teeth for any potential problems inside his mouth. It is all too easy to blame poor training, nutrition or manners, when the solution could simply be in your horse’s mouth.

The equine mouth can be a scary place

Figure 1, shows a mouth with a wave in the molars. This is often created by a dentist, though it can happen because of an injury.

There is a dental adage, “The mechanics of the horse follows

Figure 3, shows a ramp on the lower molars.

Figure 4, shows an upper hook on a pre-molar and a hook on the back of the last molar on the bottom.

Figure 2, shows a mouth with stepped molars. This occurs when the opposing tooth is broken or missing.

Sons of the Wind Riding School Vacations …

Classical Training on Amazing Lusitano Schoolmasters in the United States

Story and Photos By Johnny Robb

I have had the good fortune to travel to many countries in the world to ride and train on Lusitano horses, so when Elite Equestrian magazine offered me the opportunity to take a classical dressage lesson at Sons of the Wind School of Equestrian Arts, I was ready and willing to pack my bags and go. I had heard of the classical riding master, Vitor Silva and knew of the Sons of the Winds facility located in Merrimac, Massachuse�s. What I did know was that Sons of Winds also had a School of Equestrian Arts in Loxahatchee Florida…the town I live in! In fact, the facility was less than 4 miles from my own farm.

I arrived at the quaint Loxahatchee farm and greeted by Vitor Silva himself, a humble kind man with a knowing smile. Vitor did not boast about his impressive training in his native Portugal or his very successful background internationally with Lusitano horses. Vitor was about the horses. He introduced me to several horses on the farm, Including Ben Hur Da Broa, a very successful Grand Prix Lusitano who I remembered seeing in the World Equestrian Games. All the horses on the farm were accomplished or exciting works in progress.

Right on time, my partner for my lesson arrived ringside, tacked and ready to go. From the moment I put my foot in the stirrup, I had a good feeling about what was to come. Other riders were working in small areas designed to build confidence in amateur riders as they learn. I rode out to main outdoor arena and Vitor gave me a little time to settle on my new mount. In a few minutes Vitor was gently coaching me through the headphones in a tone that was encouraging and easy to follow. My horse was beautiful trained, but in no way dull or bored with the session. I wondered how many other amateurs he had carried around this ring as they learned their way through the classical movements.

It wasn’t long before we were trotting and cantering through the movements. Lots of renvers and tavers to get supple, with Vitor gently making small corrections on my position and my aids as I rode- it was almost as though he was inside my head. Three quarters of the way into the lesson we were doing lead changes and then tempi changes and then of a finale of collected work including pirouettes in the canter and piaffe and passage in the trot work.

I loved everything about the lesson. Vitor took us through the basics and suppling into the advanced work while always gently noting corrections to my position. I dismounted with a head full of great training and I can honestly say my position on my own horses later that day was vastly improved. I knew then and there that while this my first lesson at Sons of the Wind, it would not be my last.

Vitor Silva

Shadyside Stables, Concord MA.

Vitor established the Sons of the Wind Classical Dressage School of Equestrian arts back in 1977. He recognized how many people in the sport in the US were amateurs or didn’t have access to classical training. He also recognized that the temperament and rideability of Lusitano horses would make such a program a unique and successful. The opportunity to ride horses and train to this level and under a master trainer like Vitor might seem like something that’s not accessible, but Sons of the Winds has many program packages making it possible for horse owners and non-owners alike to participate in the program without totally interrupting their life. For me, the Loxahatchee facility is so close that next season I hope to sign up for a program at the beginning of the season that will include weekly lessons. Sons of Wind has many individual and group training sessions to help people understand the basics and gain proficiency at the highest levels including proper ground movements in classical dressage.

Out of area riders can stay at their facilities’ guesthouses both in Massachusetts and in Florida which serve as the home base for their vacation packages. These could be a week working with a school master or a month or longer depending on your schedule. You can immerse yourself in horses all day or go sit poolside and do some do some remote work with the Wi-Fi. When

the day wraps up, riders can enjoy the quaint seasonal charms of the New England town in Massachusetts or the equestrian whirlwind of Wellington, Florida during the height of the season.

There are many different opportunities for riders to learn on their highly trained schoolmasters- whether you are are seeking a foundation to classical dressage or a refresher on fundamentals or working on the Grand Prix. The programs are customized by Vitor himself for each rider.

Wherever you are on your dressage journey, I encourage you to take advantage of what the Sons of the Wind Classical Dressage School offers. To find access to this level of training on these amazing Lusitano school masters once seemed impossible, until I discovered Sons of the Wind. Vitor Silva offers a unique program, and I am happy to help spread the word to my fellow dressage enthusiasts. Visit www.sonsofthewind.com to learn more.

About the Author- Johnny Robb is an Adult Amateur dressage rider who has earned her USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold Medals and her Diamond Achievement Award . She owns Dance Hall Farm in Loxahatchee and owns a Lusitano and a Dutch Warmblood who she continues to hone her dressage skills!

Natural Obstacles OVERCOMING

Water

Palm Partnership Training™

Building a Partnership with your Horse

Story and Photos By Lynn Palm

Water is possibly the most difficult natural obstacle for any horse. Why? Because horses are smart and they want to take care of themselves! When they cannot see the bo�om of the water obstacle, they feel as though they can’t access their safety.

Whenever I see a rider trying to get their horse in water and the horse is resisting, oftentimes the rider becomes discouraged and they start kicking the horse to go forward. Anytime you start kicking a horse, they’ll go backward instead of forward. This becomes frustrating for the horse because he’s insecure about the water and the rider is giving him the wrong guidance.

To teach your horse confidence with water it’s best to start him on the ground. I also like using another horse’s presence who is confident with water. This gives confidence and trust to the horse who is hesitant about water obstacles, whether it’s a flowing creek or a calm lake.

I use a conventional halter, lunge line and lunge whip and constantly keep the horse moving away from me. The reason is clear: If the horse doesn’t want to go in the water, they’re going to walk over the top of you because they are not afraid of you. It’s also possible that they’ll jump on you because that spot where you are is safe.

I let the horse you’re leading in-hand follow the confident horse. Allow the confident horse to listen to the water, make splashes, and go in and out of the water beside my in-hand horse. When you can get one foot wet on the hesitant horse, you’re going to succeed. Don’t constantly keep the hesitant horse away from you by throwing your arms and wildly swinging your whip; simply do not allow him to come toward you. This will teach him to deal with the water on his own. Once he gets his foot wet and starts to step in, I follow him on horseback and stay parallel to him. I allow the horse to walk in and walk out of the water, which serves as a reward.

Once my horse is confident about the water obstacle while in-hand, I progress to approaching the water while under saddle. I still use another horse as a helper so mine will follow and build assurance and trust. Once I get the horse in the water, I do not let

him stop and paw; I keep him moving forward. The pawing is a good sign, however, demonstrating that he is building his confidence. But I keep him moving forward. Once I accomplish this, it’s enough of a lesson for that day.

In the next training lesson, I continue to build confidence by continuing to use another horse. I will use that other horse as much as possible until I’m assured that my horse now has confidence with water. When my once-hesitant horse is ready, I still have my other horse alongside as I go in and out of the water on my own. The final stage is to fall in behind the other horse, using natural herd instinct to follow another horse.

If a horse has had a bad experience in the past or has gotten scared with water, take your time and understand that a horse is smart and is simply trying to protect himself. He doesn’t know what’s under that water. With horses who never get comfortable with water, I always know they’ve had a bad experience in the past.

If you’re going on a trail where you may encounter water, make sure you have a halter and lead with you. If you need assistance you can return to basic ground work or somebody can help you — it’s easier with a halter and lead. Put your halter on over your bridle and either tie your lead over and around the horse’s neck or on the saddle horn.

There’s nothing more fun than a horse who is confident with water! I love to swim horses — it’s a blast! What’s even more fun is to ride horses on the beach! Take your time, invest in ground work, and make sure you have a good helper along with a confident horse. These are the keys to succeeding and building water confidence with your own horse.

Trailers 2023

I also have a DVD series, “Training on the Trail.” These give you successful training lessons for any natural obstacle you may encounter on a trail or compe��on.

Palm Equestrian Academy generalinfo@lynnpalm.com 352-362-7847

Cyril and Lynn offer clinics throughout the country and abroad as well as online coaching. Join them on their teaching tours or their Palm Equestrian Academy European Journeys.

EQUINE EMERGENCIES

On The Road

Story and Photos By Neva Scheve

Most people don’t want to think about it, but things happen when you are hauling horses. If you are new to trailering, you may be nervous about transporting your horse and feel unprepared for an accident or a sick horse while you are on the road. The more knowledge and experience you acquire, the more you will be prepared to handle those emergencies. Or you may be that person who says, “I’ve been hauling for years, and never had a problem.” If so, you may be overdue.

The potential for en route emergencies, even on short trips, is real, and if one adds the stress of human injury to the situation, common sense suggests that forethought may be critical.

Each time a horse is put into a trailer, he is at risk. He may receive minor bumps and bruises just from being loaded in the trailer, He may injure himself during the trip because he becomes frightened or loses balance. Illness or a trailer accident can create a life-threatening situation.

Smart pre-trip preparation can reduce the chance of serious consequences.

A well-trained horse is less likely to injure himself or suffer from stress. A safe trailer can make a minor incident out of a serious situation. The safer trailers will have interior dividers, butt and breast bars that can be removed quickly, and an exit door to get the horse out quickly. Quick-release trailer ties will make it easy to remove a horse from the trailer. You don’t want the horse to be able to break a halter or lead and get free from the trailer and run out on the road. If you absolutely must use a breakaway halter, put a second halter on the horse with a short lead so once you release the horse, you will still have something to hold on to him. Never get inside the trailer with a panicked horse. Use a proper hitch and tow vehicle.

Wrap all four legs with good shipping boots or bandages. A head bumper is never a bad idea.

Ventilation is crucial. To avoid shipping fever the horse should have enough headroom to be able to lower his head to cough out contaminants in the air from hay and shavings.

Carry an emergency first aid kit. One for the horses and one for humans. And learn how to use them. The kit should include a splint.

Learn how to monitor vital signs in the horse. Ask your vet to teach you to check for dehydration and overheating, stop bleeding, and use that splint if you ever need to do it. Know normal heart rate and GI motility sounds. Only carry tranquilizers if you know how and when to use them.

PINCH SKIN ON NECK

NEAR POINT OF SHOULDER

RETURNS TO NORMAL HYDRATION LEVELS

O -2 SECONDS HYDRATED

2-4 SECONDS MODERATE DEHYDRATION

4+ SECONDS SEVERELY DEHYDRATED

NORMAL VITAL SIGNS

Temperature: 99.5-101.5

Respiration: 8-16 breaths per minute

Heart Rate : 20-40 for adult horses

80-120 for new-born foals

60-80 for yearling

Skin Pinch Hydration: should return to normal position within 1-2 seconds

Capillary Refill Time: 1-2 seconds – pale, dark red, muddy, or slow refill time – needs immediate veterinary assistance

Assume that in an emergency EMTs and police will most likely not know how to help with the horses. Carry a durable visible medical ID that lists your doctor and contact person. If you are incapacitated in an accident, the EMTs/police will need to contact someone who knows you and your horses. On your phone, you can add the letter “ICE” (In Case of Emergency) to those contact people who should be called by emergency personnel.

Not all emergencies are caused by accidents. Horses can become ill on the trip, especially long ones. Dehydration is the main cause of colic and overheating. If your horse won’t drink on a long trip, you may have to schedule stops along the way where you can unload your horse in a safe place where he can drink. You may not realize your horse is sweating because the sweat can evaporate in the trailer and he won’t seem wet. Carry extra water for cooling off a horse in hot weather and for cleaning off wounds if necessary. Older horses, younger, or nervous horses may need extra care because of increased stress. Know how to look for symptoms of stress and check for vital signs along the way.

It sounds scary, but the better prepared you are, the more confident you will be to handle any situation. Plan for the worst, and hope for the best. You can do it!

SKIN PINCH TEST

INSERT PINCH TEST AND CRT

EMERGENCY FIRST AID KIT

COTTON 2 ROLLS

GAUZE 4 ROLL

CLEAN STANDING BANDAGES 2

-quilt or fleece with outer raps

ADHESIVE TAPE

24” SECTION OF 6” PVC PIPE

-length split in half for splinting

-diameter to fit horses leg

COHESIVE FLEXIBLE BANDAGE 2

STICKY ROLL BANDAGE

THERMOMETER

STETHOSCOPE

MOSQUITO FORCEPS

SCISSORS

TWITCH

ANTISEPTIC SOAP

HYDROGEN PEROXIDE

ANTI BACTERIAL OINTMENT

ANTIBACTERIAL SPRAY POWDER

OPHTHALMIC OINTMENT

SALINE EYE WASH

BUTAZOLIDIN PASTE

BANAMINE GRANULES OR PASTE

BUCKET WATER

-10 gallons or more drinking and emergencies

CAPILLARY REFILL TIME (CRT)

Press upper gum.

Pressure point will be a lighter color.

COLOR

Hydrated

Natural Balance:

Lope, English Trot, Jog

Palm Partnership Training™

Building a Partnership with your Horse

by Lynn Palm

What is Natural Balance?

Natural Balance is when your horse attains proper self-carriage according to his conformation. When the horse is balanced, the horse is straight. Straight means that the hind legs track on top of the footprints of the front steps, whether on a straight line or a curving line. When a horse is in Natural Balance and self-carriage, his movements will be relaxed and fluid. When a horse is strong and has a correct Natural Balance, he will be fit, has had play time, and is willing to do what you ask.

Natural Balance is the first foundation training that I want to get solid with my young horse, before I go on to more advanced training. I will spend considerable time for the horse to develop his Natural Balance. When I take that time, I am building the best solid foundation on my horse that he can achieve, and one that will last forever.

What do I look for? For true Natural Balance, I first want to see if the horse has Natural Balance at liberty with NO line or lead attachments. At each gait of walk, trot and canter, I study the horse’s self-carriage; that tells me what I want to achieve under saddle. I next want to observe the gaits by longeing the horse on circles of different sizes, and on a straight line. Does the horse keep himself relaxed? Does his movement get more defined with a steady tempo? What I see with my eyes, I want to achieve under saddle. This early training may take a year or more, depending on the horse. I wait to get this balance in all three gaits, especially the canter or lope, which takes the longest to achieve.

Natural Balance allows your horse to be balanced, move correctly, and be willing in performance.

What is Working Trot?

English Trot should be a “Working Trot”. This means a trot that has energy and is really covering ground. The trot should not be slow or sluggish. A trot that covers ground is what you want in a Hunter in order to have powerful strides for jumping. It is required for the horse to be in a Working Trot in all Dressage levels from Intro, Training, and First Level. The trot is active, the rider is in charge of the pace, and the horse is truly covering ground. This trot will get the highest marks in Dressage and is necessary for the horse to be “in gear” for any work over fences.

What is Jog?

Jog is a Western term for trot. The jog is a slower gait, with two definite beats to one stride. The jog is a relaxed, smooth trot, and can cover ground with smaller strides than an English trot. The jog is best known in Western Pleasure, What is Lope?

Lope is a Western term for the canter. It should have a definite three-beat to each stride. The horse should be relaxed in his overall look, especially in the neck. A horse that has a tight neck will have a tight back, thus shortening the engagement of the horse’s hind legs for energy or balance. The horse’s poll should always be level with or above the wither or top line; this helps with correct balance and to create three-beat strides. For the horse to be naturally balanced, he should display the same strides at liberty (on his own) as with the saddled rider.

Horsemanship, Trail, and Western Riding. The jog gait should be smooth and comfortable to ride. The jog should be ridden in a correct balance, with the horse’s poll level with or above the wither or top line.

Understanding Natural Balance May Save a Horse.

Natural Balance, or Natural Self Carriage is something all horse owners should understand, especially with Western Riders/horses. Natural Balance allows your horse to be

balanced, move correctly, and be willing in performance. Especially in the Western world, this is not appreciated and understood enough. Horses are being destroyed and disposed of because they are not staying sound in the mind or body, and they just don’t like the show ring anymore….. why? What you may be doing with your horse is not in the horse’s best interest. They will challenge you, they will break down mentally or physically and be a short-term horse, if not allowed to learn Natural Balance/ Self Carriage and encouraged to move correctly.

I will always strive for longevity for my horses whether I own them or not. The horse always comes first. Remember, horses only want to graze all day and night long. They don’t care about our goals in any way. Horses will participate with our goals if we understand them, treat them with respect, and always care about the horse’s wellness first. This is why I love to share my knowledge. Horses are magical. If you don’t know that, search for it! Start recognizing their language! They are always there for us, if we just understand them!

Palm Equestrian Academy

generalinfo@lynnpalm.com

352-362-7847

Cyril and Lynn offer clinics throughout the country and abroad as well as online coaching. Join them on their teaching tours or their Palm Equestrian Academy European Journeys.

I will always strive for longevity for my horses. The horse always comes first.

Should I bother with a

Chiropractor for my Horse?

Of course, I will say yes because that is what I do for a living. I have a gentleman that works for me that says if you go to a heart doctor it will be the heart, a surgeon will want to cut and a chiropractor will say adjust it. In order to answer that ques�on you must first understand what chiroprac�c is about. Chiroprac�c is a healthcare discipline that emphasizes the inherent recupera�ve power of the body to heal itself without the use of drugs or surgery. The prac�ce of chiroprac�c focuses on the rela�onship between structure (primarily the spine) and func�on (as coordinated by the nervous system) and how that rela�onship affects the preserva�on and restora�on of health. Chiroprac�c assumes that every living body has some innate intelligence. Animal chiroprac�c care is about total health and wellbeing. It’s about helping animals to feel great and get the most out of life by func�oning at their op�mum poten�al. The spine is there to protect the spinal cord, which is part of the central nervous system. The spine is like a set of armor made up of segments that can bend and move naturally with the body. A spinal segment consists of two vertebrae and the joints that connect them. There is a disc between each vertebra that acts as a cushion.

Underneath that armor, a whole lot is happening. Messages travel from around the body up the spinal cord and into the brain. The brain processes those messages and sends replies back down the spinal cord to tell the body how to respond. The central nervous system is one big informa�on highway and it carries vital messages to every part of the animal’s body.

Some�mes the wear and tear of everyday life can impact the spine and can cause spinal segments to move in a way that is different to normal, in a dysfunc�onal way. That wear and tear can happen gradually, such as from bad posture, or it can happen suddenly, which is common with sports injuries, and because of the close rela�onship between the spine and nervous system, everyday strains can actually impact the flow of informa�on and communica�on between the brain and the body.

Messages may not be delivered to the brain or they may be inaccurate. When that miscommunica�on occurs due to abnormal movement in the spine animal chiropractors call this ‘a vertebral subluxa�on’ or a chiroprac�c subluxa�on. By making fast gentle adjustments to the spine cer�fied animal chiropractors restore the natural movement of the spine.

If the central nervous system is like the engine of the body, a cer�fied animal chiropractor acts as a mechanic, tuning the spine and central nervous system, so that the body can run like a racecar. Just keep in mind that as your animal is adjusted you may hear a popping sound that can seem a bit strange. In fact, it’s completely harmless. It’s just a release of gas from between the spinal segments, and it’s no more significant that any other release of gas from the body.

Chiroprac�c is a process not a procedure. The adjustment and its immediate response are not the goal. The adjustment provides input into a system that uses the energy in the way that it is programmed and capable of. The goal is to allow the

By Dr. Bill Ormstrom

system to sustain EASE. Normal movement, normal physiology and normal development. The goal is to allow the system to op�mize and be able to handle the stresses of life. Animal Chiropractors don’t fix or heal animals. Each animal is already whole and has the intelligence to care for itself. The proper specific adjustment allows that intelligence to express itself as op�mally as possible.

The cer�fied Animal chiropractor will make only one diagnosis, vertebral subluxa�on. It is difficult to know without seeing the animal to know if these are present. It is impossible to know without adjus�ng the animal to know if removing the nerve inference that is present in the body will allow the animal’s innate wisdom to restore a homeosta�c condi�on that is health. So, what is a subluxa�on? The short answer is that a subluxa�on is a misalignment of the vertebrae of the spine. This can happen due to all sorts of reasons, and the side effects can vary from horse to horse. But one thing that all sufferers have in common is that these subluxa�ons definitely harm their health and should be corrected. These misalignments create pressure or irrita�on on the various nerves in the spine, and can cause a wide variety of symptoms throughout your horse’s body, such as localized pain, soreness, imbalance, and weakness. When pressure is applied on a nerve in the spine, the nerve energy is interrupted, which can profoundly affect the func�on of other systems or organs in the body. Dr. Chung Ha Suh of the University of Colorado showed that even a small pressure (about the weight of a dime) on a nerve can reduce the func�on of the nerve by 60 percent and that the nerve will start to degenerate if the pressure is sustained for three hours. No animal chiropractor anywhere ever cured anybody of anything. No doctor anywhere ever cured anybody of anything. Healing or curing very simply is the crea�on of new living �ssue. When you cut your finger, you destroy a billion cells. A simple li�le cut will destroy a billion cells and your body will create new cells to heal that cut. When all those new cells have been created that cut finger is healed. If your dog has a sore ear it’s because there’s billions of cells in there that are sick and dying. When all those sick and dying cells die off and are replaced by new healthy ones the ear is healed. If the cells are replaced by unhealthy cells the ear s�ll hurts. Healing takes place by one means only, the crea�on of new living �ssue. So, for a Doctor to say they healed something they would have to be able to create living �ssue. We are ge�ng closer all the �me but for now all the scien�sts, all the medical doctors, all the osteopaths, all the veterinary surgeons and all the chiropractors in the world can’t even create a blade of grass let alone living human �ssue. Only a living body can heal itself. Actually, the living body just replaces the damaged cells with healthy cells if it is given the correct informa�on and building blocks.

So the answer to the question is a resounding Yes!