Elite Equestrian magazine May/June 2021 spring issue. by Elite Equestrian LLC

ELITE

EQUESTRIAN

Celebrating The Equestrian Lifestyle

FOAL Care Is Your Horse showing

LEADERSHIP or DOMINANCE?

Shelly Francis

Winner Of The $12,000 CDI Grand Prix Freestyle

World Equestrian Center® Dressage III

Meet NEW FEI Jumping Director

Marco Fusté

Buying A USED TRAILER Volume 21 Issue 3 Complimentary

Spring Fashion SHOW RING READY

www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

FULL SERVICE FOR ALL MAKES & MODELS

2021 4 Star: The Ultimate In A 2 + 1 Straight Load • • • • •

Clear Coat Changes to 2 Box Stalls Hydralic Jack xxxx Fully insulated roof Escape door with drop window and drop bars • Rear and side ramps

• Extra tall • Large Dressing Room • WERM Floor • Fans in all corners • Aluminum wheels • LED lights inside and out • Plus lots more

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

COVER STORY

ontents

Foal Feeding & Health Watch

May/June 2021

Fashion • Home • Art

16 MUST HAVES For you and your farm 18 Spring Fashion Show Ring Ready EXCEPTIONALLY EQUESTRIAN 20 Jewelry 22 Home & Fashion 24 Equine Fashionista Tallulah EQUINE ART 26 Jorge E. Contreras Salcedo 30 Astrid Harrisson’s BLACKS 28 Art & An�ques with Dr. Lori Are you ruining your heirlooms? 32 HIS & HERS Marco Fuste

Thanks to Bob and Kathie Kennedy of Coast to Coast Trailer, owners of these lovely foals. Photo by Elite Equestrian magazine.

Equine Health

42 Signs of a Healthy Foal 44 Feeding The Foal Birth to Weaning 46 Hoof Cracks 48 Layers of Lameness 50 Can Your Horse Feel His Feet? 52 Pilates For Equestrians

Training, Tack & Showing 38 Kat’s Corner Balance 56 Leadership or Dominance Which Makes Sense For Your Horse? 60 Beat Fear With Proper Form and Balance

More 40 MUST HAVES For Your Horse 62 TRAILERS Buy Used OCALA HAPPENINGS 64 Great American $1Million Grand Prix 65 Grand Opening I Love My Horse 66 WEC Dressage Show III 68 Waivers 72 TACK BOX Your source for services & great ﬁnds!

Margie Engle and Dicas at the Great American $1 Million Grand Prix at HITS Post Time Farm, Ocala FL, photo by Elite Equestrian magazine.

ELITE

Ranked 7 out of 15 WORLDWIDE Equine Magazines To Watch

EQUESTRIAN

Celebrating The Equestrian Lifestyle

Published since 2008 Riding a horse is not a gentle hobby, to be picked up and laid down like a game of solitaire. It is a grand passion. Ralph Waldo Emerson

According To Feedspot blog

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

www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com info@EliteEquestrian.us Main Oﬃce, Ocala, Florida: 352-304-8938 PUBLISHER Bill Vander Brink Bill@EliteEquestrian.us EDITORIAL STAFF Editor-in-Chief: Noelle Vander Brink Creative Editor: RSD Media Group, Raymond S. Di Maria Art & Antiques Editor: Dr. Lori Verderame Equine Art Editor: Jeanne Chisholm Fashion Editor: LA Sokolowski Legal Editor: Avery S. Chapman,Esquire CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Marty Adams, PhD, PAS Alessandra Deerinck Kat Fuqua Kimbrell J. Hines, Esq Lynn Palm Tom Scheve Lindsay Walczak

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 Cassidy Brooke Photo Liz Crawley Photo Shelly Williams Photography

GRAPHICS Fran Sherman

ELITE

On the cover... Foal on the Kennedy’s Farm in Ocala, FL. Photo by Elite Equestrian magazine.

EQUESTRIAN

Celebrating The Equestrian Lifestyle

FOAL Care Is Your Horse showing

LEADERSHIP or DOMINANCE?

Shelly Francis

Winner Of The $12,000 CDI Grand Prix Freestyle

World Equestrian Center® Dressage III

Meet NEW FEI Jumping Director

Marco Fusté

Buying A USED TRAILER Volume 21 Issue 3 Complimentary

Spring Fashion SHOW RING READY

www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

A government big enough to give you everything you want is strong enough to take everything you have. - Thomas Jefferson

Copyright © 2020 Elite Equestrian is a registered trademark owned by Elite Equestrian LLC. No article, photo, or part of this publication may be reproduced wholly or in part without written permission of the publisher. Management reserves the right to approve or refuse any advertiser or contribution for any reason. EE does not endorse any product or advertiser and is not responsible for accuracy of info/opinions provided by advertisers or article content. Photographs are submitted by writers of each article who assume responsibility for usage approval.

www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

MUST

HAVES

FOR YOU

1. 3.

1. Classic Jumper Buckle sculpted relief with ﬁne detail. Fits a 1 1/2 inch wide belt. New from TempiDesignStudio.com See our ad on page 73 2. Horsehair jewelry- keep a piece of your favorite horse with you always. www.ponylocks.com See our ad page 23 3. It is our newest style, the Bullet Blues “Lady Slim” eggplant skinny jeans. A trendy high-waist skinny jean with a gorgeous light purple wash that’s fashionable and feminine for every season. They are Made in USA. BulletBluesCa.com See our ad on page 21

4. Our must have is HITS 40th Anniversary Merchandise! Can be purchased at our store, out at HITS Ocala Loca�on or on our website! tackshackofocala.com See our ad on page 4 5. Find a huge selec�on of quality collars, leashes and more! Shown- La�go Center Ring Collar, AuburnDirect.com See our ad page 21

6. 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

FOR

YOUR FARM

7. Beau�ful and aﬀordable customized farm signs. Website guides you through a unique step by step process. Free shipping! 1-800-640-8180 www.EZSignsOnline.com See our ad on page 33

8. 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 49

9. Pasture vacuums collect manure, sawdust, wood shavings, leave, rubbish in wet or dry condi�ons, Suck water out of troughs www.pasturevacuums.com See our ad on page 51

www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

MUST Haves for your horse on page 40 EE www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

HOW RING Fashion

FOR SPRING SEASON

Equetech Air Compe��on Shirt

EQUINE Fashion

A unique technical shirt long sleeve compe��on shirt with long mesh sleeves for compe��on freedom and ven�la�on. Perfect for compe��on and casual wear. Features a stock (ratcatcher) collar with zip access at neck and V-shape mesh panel to back. Sizes: 8 - 18, RRP: £39.95

Equetech Moonlight Compe��on Jacket Beau�fully tailored short compe��on jacket. Made from durable kni�ed ponte fabric with 6% Lycra Piping to collar, Equetech exclusive crystal bu�on, double back vents and darted contoured sleeves. Comes with garment bag. Machine washable. Sizes: 32 - 44, RRP: £124.95

Equetech Shaper Breeches These breeches are designed specifically to give you a fla�ering outline and to compliment your figure. Careful seam posi�oning, with a contoured higher waistband and hidden support, will help to help li�, slim and shape your body! Great for leisure riding and compe��ons. We are posi�ve these will become your favourite legwear! Features jean style pockets, ma� silicone hatching style grip seat, wide comfort waistband and lycra panel to hem. Machine washable. Sizes: 24 - 36, 5 colour ways, RRP: £89.50

www.equetech.com EE www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

Exceptionally EQUESTRIAN

Stunning jewelry is always in style! We’ve found a great selection to brighten your look this season!

LOVING Legacey

Editor’s Pick

Elegant jewelry made from your favorite horse’s hair is a wonderful way to remember them.

Pony Locks created these pieces for my to remember my wonderful companion AJ, whom we lost recently just shy of his 40th birthday. When people see the ring they thinkit’s Onxy! The quality and beauty is unsurpassed. Noelle Vander Brink Editor, Elite Equestrian magazine

It’s also a fabulous token to honor your faithful steed who is s�ll with you. High quality jewelry pieces are made with mane or tail hair. Pony Locks has a great selec�on of pieces to ﬁt your style, needs and budget. All hair is washed and unused por�ons are returned. Shown: ring, pin, bracelet and bookmark.

See Pony Locks ad on page 23

www.ponylocks.com

HUGGABLE

Hooves

You don’t have to be an equine or horse lover to rock these jewels. Karina Brez, a former Miss USA contestant knows what a woman loves... diamonds!

EQUINE Lifestyle

Her custom and unique designs are sure to blow you away! Pave diamond medium huggable hooves® bracelet. (available in rose gold, yellow gold or white gold) Karina Brez Jewelry (@karinabrezjewelry)

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

Exceptionally EQUESTRIAN FAB FINDS The Alessia

by Sarah

This Large size tote has been designed to hold all of your must-have essentials. Color: Black / Embossed Wild Green Python

Black / Embossed Black BOA

Golden Goose Gli�er Superstar in Purple Ice White Leather, Black Suede, Coco print shiny star, Fuchsia heel. The comfortable sneaker has a distressed appearance that makes the shoe prac�cal for every day wear.

This large size tote has been handcra�ed from exquisite Italian Embossed Leather combined with premium leather ﬂap over trim accented with our dis�nc�ve ‘etoile star’ brushed gold hardware branding. The tote’s handles have been expertly constructed from the highest standard of cra�smanship. Each tote comes with a genius insert a�ached to keep your essen�als + valuables. It is easily detachable and converts into the BEST CROSS BODY BAG you will ever have! BONUS: It is stadium size

Details• Black Italian nylon • Embossed Black Boa Leather • Tan suede lining • Etoile star brushed gold hardware • Separated Top zipper • Versa�le Magne�c Flap Closure • Includes custom cross body bag insert • Made in the USA • 14” width • 10.75” height • Shoulder strap: 38” • Handle drop: 7”

Refresh your wardrobe and your home this spring with these great new looks!

Fab Finds by Sarah offers the most fashionable and high-end items and all looks are hand-picked by Sarah Rowen, CEO and Founder of Fab Finds by Sarah.

fabﬁndsbysarah.com

The native Floridian and boutique owner carries top brands such as; FabFinds by Sarah carries the latest styles and top brands such as Golden Goose, Moussy, Zadig & Voltaire, 360 Cashmere, Skull Cashmere, AG, Jbrand, Majestic, Sundry, Monrow, Rails, Love Shack, and Eric Javits.

Forget Me Not and Ladybirds Boxed Scented Candle This pre�y boxed candle is perfect for sending to a loved one. Decorated in pre�y Forget Me Not ﬂowers and lady birds it is delicately scented with Wild Pear fragrance. The glass pot can then be reused as a tea light holder a�er the candle is ﬁnished.

EQUINE Lifestyle

It’s A Wrap

Taupe and natural chevron woven throw by Gisela Graham, perfect for snuggling up, throwing over a chair or the end of a bed. Ideal for a neutral, tranquil colour scheme. RRP: £19.95

The candle has a 40 hour burn �me, designed by Gisela Graham, London. RRP: £12.50 www.ladida-andover.com

�� Equestrian Boutique

Add Some Color To Your Life With Kastel Sun Shirts All The Latest Designs Available At

��

Cherries

arriving soon

��

www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

Mini Equestrian,

Tallulah

She might be the cutest rider you’ve ever seen; tiny Tallulah Walczak has been taking the equestrian world by storm since she was born, even though that wasn’t all that long ago.

By Lindsey Walczak Not even a year and a half old yet and little Tallulah has already competed in several online shows, as well as at Tryon International Equestrian Center, and has the blue ribbons to prove it. She’s currently an undefeated leadliner. What she really has a knack for though, is modeling the cutest baby equestrian outfits. Most adults wish they had a wardrobe this good. She’s definitely an equestrian fashionista influencer in the making. She lives with her Mom and Dad on their mini farm in Charlotte, North Carolina where taking care of her horses (the real ones and the toy ones) is one of her favorite parts of the day. Tallulah was first introduced to horses a few days after she was born and sitting on one at just a few months old. Atticus, her mom’s OTTB, has been curious about his tiny new human family member since day one. Porky, her Mom’s Haflinger/Fjord and potentially Tallulah’s future mount, has loved giving her some of her first rides in exchange for carrots. She also has a special relationship with Annie, who she competed on at Tryon and has taken some of her best photos with.

EQUINE Lifestyle

When she’s a bit older, Tallulah plans to take formal lessons and decide what discipline she would like to pursue. In the mean time, she plans to continue her modeling and lead line career in 2021 and spend as much time with ponies as she can between naps.

www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

www.queencityequestrian.com Instagram @queencityequestrian Riding Photo by Liz Crawley Photography Other Photos by Cassidy Brooke Photography

EE www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

Jorge E. Contreras Salcedo Sculptor

“

The love for the equestrian lifestyle has been embedded in me, and so this piece speaks about the transformation of rigidness into softness, upon which we base equitation, and sometimes our own lives.

“

All of my work is based on intuition, bringing back my childhood experiences and the profound connection with horses I put together in my mind’s eye the images and shapes.

“

Hammered Steel Polo Saddle Jorge follows the principle of a drop of water as he consistently hammers the steel surface un�l it starts giving the desired shape. It is important to men�on this process was done on a cold surface; apart from the actual welding, the piece was made by his own hands and hammer, blow by blow.

EQUINE Art 26

“

I took several walks around the Mediterranean rim with my son in 2020. A�er ﬁnding the This pain�ng was created for the Spanish Horse Breeders mainpiece of wood Associa�on in 2015. The watercolor and the calligraphy that resembles the together produce the shape of the subject, in this case, a shape of a horse’s Carthusian Horse. Ink, Watercolor, 100 H x 100 W cm. neck, my son, Lawrence, and I started collec�ng pieces of dri�wood. Several storms helped us with the quan�ty and quality of wood we found Wellington Place washed up on the 13532 Fountain View Boulevard beach. By the summer, we had almost all the pieces to Drifting Horse Wellington FL 33414, USA complete the horse head. With minimal fabrica�on, I was able to put the pieces of dri�wood together. I feel blessed to have found 845-505-1147 • 561-557-3747 an opportunity to make memories with my son, and materialize www.ChisholmGallery.com them into a beau�ful work of art. www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

ART

&Damaging ANTIQUES By Dr. Lori

Are you

your

Family Heirlooms? By Dr. Lori Verderame It’s easy to spot obvious damage on your art, antiques, and collectibles when you are considering spring cleaning. Evidence like mold growing on your antique prints, a tear in an oil painting that grandma left to you, or a huge crack in a 1950s ceramic cookie jar are easy to identify. The real question is: Can you stop it before it starts? Yes. When it comes to properly displaying your art or antiques, some of the most common mistakes are the easiest ones to fix.

The single most common way to ruin a work of art or damage an antique is to display it or store it in the wrong place. Here’s an example. Early in my career, I worked for a very, very prestigious private collector of fine art. He owned very valuable and very important, museum quality works of art by many of art history’s great masters. His art was regularly borrowed by major--I mean major--museums for exhibitions and scholarly study. There were works by the big names in the art world like Picasso, Monet, Rembrandt, Benton, Avery, etc. One day, a famous museum called and asked to borrow one of his stellar oil paintings. Of course, they wanted the one valued at over $2 million bucks. Doing my job, I asked my boss where I could find the painting in his extensive home or in his corporate offices so I could review the painting’s current condition and facilitate the loan request for the international museum. I couldn’t hide my shock when he told me, “That painting is hanging in the laundry room over the washing machine.” Suffice it to say, eek, not the best place for artwork to reside. When you are displaying your art, whether it’s worth $2 million or $200 dollars, there are certain parts of your home or office that you should avoid.

EQUINE Lifestyle

The Off Limit Rooms Don’t display art or antiques in the laundry room (duh!). Don’t display precious objects in the kitchen near the cooking surfaces where dirt and heat are typical guests at the dinner table. As for the bathroom, a nice dried floral wreath will work better than a framed oil painting, watercolor, print or pastel. The bathroom is the place where moisture and mold make regular appearances even if you are an immaculate housekeeper. You don’t want that mold to get into your fine art print or hand carved frame. Once mold takes hold, stopping its spread is very difficult. Try to avoid hanging paintings or prints on walls next to windows, heating vents, air conditioners, air purifiers, returns, wood burning stoves, or radiators. Also, don’t hang a work of art in direct sunlight or on a wall that gets full sun during the day. 28

Hang fine art prints out of direct sunlight and on interior walls away from doors and windows. Avoid the Foyer You probably wouldn’t think of it but the foyer is not a good place to display art or antiques. Why? because your front door opens and closes day in and day out, season after season. With this change in temperature that occurs in the foyer, the stability of the foyer’s environment changes, too. If your foyer is like my foyer, it is typically ﬂooded with sunlight and is cold when I open the door in the winter and hot when I open the door in the summer. Those sunrays can impact your work of art and or antique as the object tries to deal with the varying temperatures. Sun will fade your paintings, textiles and fabrics, and much of your antique wooden furniture too. Just as people like a stable room temperature, so do pieces of ﬁne art and antiques. A consistent environment is what you are aiming for when it comes to art, antiques and collectibles. In museums, that usually means a low relative humidity like 55% and a constant temperature of 68 to 72 degrees. You don’t like it when your living room feels cold or hot and that’s true for your antiques too. I’ve been known to say “Antiques like to live where you like to live—comfortably.” That means in a cool and comfy spot in summer and a warm and cozy in winter. ��

www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

Astrid Harrisson’s

BLACKS

EQUINE Art

Frederiksborg

Fresian Neckline 30

www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

Alﬁe

Quintus

Wellington Place 13532 Fountain View Boulevard Wellington FL 33414, USA 845-505-1147 • 561-557-3747 www.ChisholmGallery.com

Siglavi

www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

EE 31

HIS

& HERS NEW

Let’s Go: Meet

FEI Jumping Director, Marco Fusté with L.A. Sokolowski, equinista

On February 1, Marco Fusté began his appointment as the new Fédération Équestre Internationale Jumping Director. FEI Secretary Sabrina Ibáñez has called him “tailor-made for the role,” both bringing an “encyclopedic knowledge of the discipline” to his role and the respect and admiration of those within his sport. His journey as an athlete and leader began in the 1990s, first as General Manager of the Spanish Tennis Federation for two years and then as Director of Football Operations at the World League of American Football until 1999. During that time he was on CSI Organizing Committees and worked as a show jumping judge and commentator. In 2001, he founded his own equestrian events company, Barcelona Sports Consulting, and in 2006 was named Director of Jumping at the Royal Spanish Equestrian Federation. He has served as both its Chef d’Equipe for numerous teams, and as a rider for Spain, on the 1992 Barcelona Olympics show jumping squad, and on the 2002 FEI World Equestrian Games™ team in Jerez. “To be appointed as FEI Jumping Director is absolutely my dream job. I see this as the pinnacle of my career,” he says. “Horses and equestrian sport, particularly show jumping, have been a part of my life for so long. Jumping is already the FEI’s largest discipline and, while I know the challenges involved, I also see great opportunity for further expansion, particularly in South America, so that we can develop the sport more broadly. I can’t wait to get started.” So without further adieu, let’s meet Marco Fusté...

EQUINE Lifestyle

HERS: What do you remember about your first horse or pony? HIS: My first horse was called Sandokan. I was 10 when I got him as a birthday present, and I had him for a little over three years. At 155 cms, he was small and gentle and would jump up to 1.20m without a problem. But he would stop at 1.22m and there was no way that he would even go near the fence! He was never afraid of cars, people or other horses and would stand still anytime you would stop. He really looked after me and after he gave me the most perfect introduction to the equestrian world, he went on to do the same for other children. He did have one small defect: He could chew blankets and bandages like no other horse I have ever seen in my life! HERS: What do you like best in a horse and in a person? HIS: I like horses that are brave with a big heart. I also believe that, in a person, a good heart is extremely important. HERS: How old were you when you got your first paying job? What was it? HIS: I got my first paid job at my riding club when I was 15 years old. I had a lot of fun that July and August, riding horses belonging to people who were away on their summer vacation! 32

HERS: If you had to work outside the horse world what would you do? HIS: I would still be working in sports. I was fortunate to have been given the opportunity to build a full-time career in sports 20 years ago and have not looked back . Now I’m looking forward to starting my role with the FEI. HERS: What is your favorite quote and why? HIS: “Do things with class and everything will turn out well in the end,” summarizes my philosophy on life. I actively choose to conduct myself in this way each day, and in every circumstance that life throws my way. HERS: Among the people you’ve worked with, whom do you admire? HIS: Jim Steeg, my former boss at the NFL, taught me the importance of maintaining excellence in my work. He was a mentor and always available to help me ﬁnd ways to maximize my strengths and overcome my weaknesses. HERS: What makes you happy? HIS: The simple things in life, like a good day with my wife and family, give me a great deal of happiness.

www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

HERS: What sparks your outrage? HIS: Selfishness in professional actions and not respecting the team concept. I am not very tolerant of people who put their individual concerns ahead of the team, as this often leads to unprofessional behavior. HERS: Share an instance where you faced and solved a difficult problem. HIS: There was a show where the footing was not the required quality, due to an issue with the sand. The onsite team and I worked with the experts for 28 hours non-stop to fix the problem. The show started on time and with very good footing. It was a great team effort. If our sport is to be taken to the next level, teamwork is essential. Our community needs to pull together to make it happen.

A man

who appreciates class and a big heart.

HERS: Where do you see horse sport headed? HIS: Horse sport is headed to new heights. The growth in quantity and quality observed in the last 10 years is really important. We have to monitor that growth and continue to work towards globalization. HERS: What has this pandemic experience taught you? HIS: Enjoy every day. Don’t take anything for granted. Life is great. To be alive and well is a blessing, and we should all be aware there are millions not as lucky. Protecting yourself is the best way to protect your community.

Follow Fédéra�on Équestre Interna�onale (FEI) news and events at fei.org. Have a His & Hers guest sugges�on? Share it to latheequinista@gmail.com. L.A. Sokolowski is an award-winning, mul�pla�orm journalist and image consultant based in New York and covering equestrian sport, welfare, lifestyle and culture at its highest interna�onal levels since 1992. Connect on IG or LinkedIn @LA_Sokolowski, Twi�er @LAtheEquinista, and FB @latheequinista.

www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

KAT’S

KORNER

BALANCE By Kat Fuqua

I’ve taken up Dressage at a serious level with my Dream Girl, hoping to make the 2021 NAYC Junior Team Region 3.

Over the years I have realized one needs to have balance in your life..

EQUINE Lifestyle

For me, I’ve been riding ponies & horses all my life. While most of my friends go off to the beach or mountains during spring or summer break, I was always going to the barn or another horse show. I go to full time school with children who do not ride horses. I learn about other sports in PE and what my non-horse friends like to do. I get to touch on and play basketball, soccer, softball and run track. I like softball and basketball the best because you don’t have to run as much. I’m pretty good about aiming for the hoop, and I can hit the ball. I like playing on a team with my friends. It really feels fun and there’s no stress like my horse competitions. This year I’ve unfortunately been doing remote learning so I really miss my school friends. The upside is that I can be in Wellington during the week while in school remotely and then go to the barn to train. So I have to come up with another signiﬁcant balance to offset the same routine of training and showing my hunters with the same team of people. Don’t get me wrong, I love them and the stability and commitment of my team. It’s kind of like going to the ice cream parlor or Dunkin Donuts and getting a different ﬂavor. It just feels fun.

Grand Remo, 2020 USEF JR Horse of the Year & 2021 WEF JR Circuit Champion

A change for me in the horse world is the dressage. About a year ago we imported my dressage horse Dream Girl from Holland. Since then we’ve competed at the 2020 USEF Dressage Festival of Champions and earned third overall in the children’s division. Now we are competing at Prix Saint Georges, and I earned my USDF Silver Medal. I really feel this is a nice change and I think both the Hunter/Jumper and Dressage disciplines complement each other and help me improve my skills in both. My balance is between riding the Hunters & Jumpers and Dressage to mix it up for a change. Maybe one day I can ride a polo pony or a reigning horse...

www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

Karina R, WEF 10 3rd Low JR Jumper WEF 12 3rd Med JR Jumper Speed

Kat earns USDF Silver Medal showing Prix Saint Georges this past February in Atlanta between showing Hunters/ Jumpers at WEF in Wellington.

Kat Fuqua • 2021 USDF Dressage Silver Medalist/PSG • 2021 Circuit Champions Small/Large JR Consent & Grand Remo <15 • 2020 USEF Horse of the Year Grand Champion Junior Hunter, Consent • 2020 USEF Horse of the Year Reserve Grand Champion Junior Hunter, Grand Remo • 2020 USEF Horse of the Year Champion Small Junior Hunter <15, Consent • 2020 USEF Horse of the Year Champion Large Junior Hunter <15, Grand Remo • 2020 National Horse Show Grand Junior Champion, Large JR Champion <15 & Small JR Champion <15 • 2020 National Dressage Championships awarded KAT 3rd in the country with her DreamGirl for FEI Children’s Dressage. • 2020 Earned USDF Dressage Bronze medal • 2018-19 Four times USEF Pony Finals Champion, including Pony Medal • 2018 Washington International Horse Show Large Pony Hunter Champion • 2018 Five times USEF Horse of the Year awards www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

EE 39

MUST

HAVES FOR

YOUR HORSE

1. Celebra�ng 46 years of guaranteed, eﬀec�ve results because… IT WORKS! FOCUS HF (HOOF) A sound hoof requires a wide range of nutrients for op�mum growth, strength, text.ure and resilience. FOCUS HF provides the most eﬀec�ve nutrient building blocks to help support superior hoof condi�on HF. 3.5 lb., 25 lb. 800-232-2365 www.4source.com See our ad page 47

2. 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 3. Pyranha® Wipe N’ Spray® BOV -world famous oil-based & lanolin ﬂy spray now in a BOV, a 360 degree con�nuous spray, no harmful propellants, a 99% emptying rate and is 100% recyclable. www.pyranhainc.com See our ad pg 7

4. Super Supplements 877-357-7187 www.ThePerfectHorse.net See our ad page 55 5. 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 51

6. GumBits’ all-natural, bite-sized pieces are the perfect blend of treat and training tool, promoting chewing ac�vity, encouraging submission, ac�va�ng saliva�on and elimina�ng teeth grinding. Dubbed “chewing gum for horses,” they’re the oﬃcial training treat of the USEF, with a combina�on of sugar and beeswax that is 100% FEI legal. www.GumBits.com See our ad page 63 7. Equine Nebulizer $500 under retail! Everything needed to get started with your vet’s recommenda�ons! Many awesome ﬁnds at our consignment store! www.GoodAppleEquine.com See our ad page 72

8. 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

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

www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

SIGNS of a

Healthy Foal By Marty Adams, PhD, PAS Cargill Technical Services Equine Nutri�onist

Chances are your foal will sail through the baby stage with flying colors, especially if it’s normal at birth and good management practices are in place at your farm. However, even under the best circumstances, it’s possible that your youngster could fall prey to one or more problems that can affect foals. How does a healthy newborn foal appear?

EQUINE Health

Healthy newborn foals should: • Assume a sternal posi�on (be able to sit up on his chest) within minutes of delivery. • Breathe easily, slowing from an ini�al high of about 70 breaths per minute to 40 to 60 minutes within 15 minutes of birth. • Have red or at least pink mucous membranes, indica�ng adequate oxygen is reaching the �ssues. • Display a strong suckle reﬂex within two to 20 minutes of birth. • Appear alert and display an aﬃnity for the dam. • Be able to stand within two hours and nurse within three hours.

Please keep in mind this guide lists signs that are frequently observed with a certain disorder in a foal, but not all foals display the same signs or to the same degree. A foal’s condi�on can deteriorate very rapidly, so don’t wait un�l your sick baby shows all the signs before taking ac�on and calling your veterinarian.

If your foal fails to meet these criteria, he may already be suffering from a serious condi�on and needs the prompt a�en�on of a veterinarian.

Make every eﬀort to maximize the chances of your foal’s con�nued good health. These good management prac�ces can make the diﬀerence between a healthy foal and a sick one:

Over the long term, good observa�on coupled with prompt ac�on gives you the best opportunity to help your foal avoid a setback.

• A well-ven�lated, clean foaling environment. • Good farm and stable hygiene and parasite control. • Sound nutri�on, current vaccina�ons and regular deworming of all equine residents. • Plenty of fresh air and room to exercise for the foal as well as commencement of a regular vaccina�on and deworming program

Accompanying this ar�cle is a Foal Health Watch Guide that describes signs of a variety of common ailments that can occur during the first six months of a foal’s life. In most cases, even if the problem is not life-threatening, you will s�ll want your veterinarian to confirm the diagnosis and direct you in the most effec�ve treatment.

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

www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

Foal Health Watch Guide First Symptom

Labored, suppressed or noisy breathing

Loose stools

Colicky

Other Symptoms

Soreness, reluctance to move Reluctance to move or nurse, extended abdomen Yellow-stained amniotic fluid with delivery Depression, coughing, intermittent fever Mild diarrhea at time of dam's foal heat Dehydration, scalding of skin on buttocks, matting of tail Rapid dehydration, scalding, matting, fever, depression Colic after ingesting first milk, enema ineffective Rolling, thrashing, lying on back, fecal matter not passed

Profuse watery discharge from eyes

Lethargy, appetite loss, diarrhea, teeth grinding, lying on ground with feet in air Blinking, avoidance of light, scratched cornea

Navel stump dripping urine

Wet, soiled, warm, swollen navel stump

Straining

Tail switching, meconium (first feces) not passed Distended abdomen, little or no urine produced, toxicity, fever, jaundiced membranes, progressive weakness Less than 400 mg/dl

Low immunoglobulin (IgG) count

Weakness, incoordination

Swollen joints Mare cannot nurse

Greater than 400 mg/dl, low risk environment Less than 800 mg/dl, high risk environment Delivery between 300 and 320 days of gestation, low birthweight, little or no suckle strength, weak fetlocks and lax pasterns Intolerance to exercise Will not nurse, severe diarrhea, dehydration, subnormal temperature, bluish-white third eyelid Inflammation of umbilical vein, fever, depression Lameness, fever, depression, joints are hot and painful Mare dies, does not allow foal to nurse, or is unable to provide milk (agalactiae)

Probable Diagnosis

Broken ribs due to severe compression from delivery Ruptured diaphragm, often due to birth trauma Meconium-aspiration pneumonia Foal pneumonia Transient, "9-day scours" Noninfectious diarrhea (due to overeating, eating manure, etc.) Infectious diarrhea

Actions

Stall rest, gentle handling Immediate corrective surgery Antibiotics Antibiotic treatment based on bacterial culture Gently clean foal's tail and buttocks with soapy water to prevent scalding of skin Fluids, decreased rations, clean tail and buttocks as above Antibiotics, fluids, clean tail and buttocks regularly

Closed colon or rectum development error causes gut to end in blind pouch Severe constipation, fecal mass too large or too far forward for enema to be successful Ulcer

Surgery, success depends on length of missing part

Inversion of eyelid (entropion), dehydration, if uncorrected can lead to blindness "Leaky navel" (pervious urachus), failure of umbilicus to close Simple constipation, meconium not passed Ruptured bladder due to birth trauma or jerk on umbilical cord after delivery

Fluids, lubricate eye and lids gently, pull out eyelid as often as necessary, surgery may be needed Daily cauterization with silver nitrate or iodine, some require surgery Enema, fluids

Failure of passive transfer, foal did not receive adequate colostrum or was unable to absorb IgG Partial failure of passive transfer Partial failure of passive transfer Premature birth

Provide colostrum if foal less than 24 hours old, otherwise administer plasma IgG transfusion Foal probably adequately protected, but watch closely Administer plasma IgG transfusion, monitor IgG level Oxygen, humidity and temperature control, tube feeding, fluids

Congenital heart defect "Sleeper foal" caused by Actinobacillus equii bacteria

Cardiovascular exam, surgery Antibiotics, fluids

"Navel ill" (septicemia), systemic infection of bloodstream Joint ill (septic arthritis) or bone infection (osteomyelitis) Orphan or rejected foal, agalactic mare, early weaning

Antibiotics, fluids, intensive nursing care

www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

Laxatives, fluids

Confirm with endoscopy, treat with anti-ulcer medication

Surgery to repair hole in bladder, drain urine from bladder, fluids

Antibiotics, surgical draining Supply colostrum to newborn, provide foal milk replacer or nurse mare 43

FEEDING THE FOAL

From Birth to Weaning

By Marty Adams, PhD, PAS Cargill Technical Services Equine Nutri�onist

Your new foal arrives, and you want to provide for its proper growth and health. The first considera�on is to make sure that the foal receives an adequate amount of quality colostrum from the dam. Your mare’s first milk is called colostrum, and it contains an�bodies that provide immunity for the foal against infec�ous diseases. These an�bodies are absorbed directly into the foal’s bloodstream from the diges�ve tract. This direct absorp�on of an�bodies can only occur in the first two days of the foal’s life and is more efficient during the first 12 hours a�er the foal is born.

EQUINE Health

Normally, the foal will nurse o�en enough, and the mare’s colostrum will contain enough an�bodies or immunoglobulins (IgG) to provide suﬃcient immunity. Within 12 hours a�er birth, foals should have nursed colostrum from the dam, been fed a colostrum replacement, or had colostrum administered by nasogastric tube by a veterinarian. Colostrum can be frozen for up to two years, and sources of frozen colostrum are available and can be found locally at large breeding farms or through the internet (cyberfoal.com).

Foals can have the IgG concentra�on in the blood checked at 12 to 24 hours a�er birth to ensure that an adequate level has been achieved. If no colostrum has been provided to the foal by the third day or the IgG level is too low (<400 mg/dl), blood plasma can be administered intravenously by a veterinarian to provide a sufficient an�body concentra�on. An orphan foal can be the result of the dam’s death, rejec�on, illness or lack of milk produc�on. Alterna�ve sources of milk for a foal include a nurse mare and milk replacer. The use of a nurse mare, typically a dra� breed, would be the ideal situa�on for the foal, but the expense for leasing a nurse mare could exceed the value of the foal. If the use of a nurse mare is imprac�cal, the alterna�ve is to provide a milk replacer and hand-raise the foal. A high-quality milk replacer should have similar composi�on to mare’s milk and contain only milk-based protein sources. Progressive® Nutri�on Foals First® is a high-quality milk replacer that can be bucket fed, even in a free-choice manner (prognutriton.com). The easiest and safest method to feed milk replacer to foals is by bucket. To train a foal to drink from a bucket, start with a pan that is so shallow the foal’s mouth can touch the bo�om of the pan without submerging its nostrils. Place your fingers in the foal’s mouth to s�mulate a suckle reflex. Change to a bucket with larger capacity as the foal learns to drink and the amount of milk replacer fed is increased. Foals are normally weaned at 4.5 to six months. Milk produc�on by the mare is usually sufficient to provide a desired growth rate for the first two to three months and then declines to a level that will not allow a desirable growth rate.

Creep feeding allows the foal to consume feed on its own without having to compete with the dam. Creep feeding not only allows the foal supplemental nutrients to con�nue an op�mum growth rate un�l weaning, but also provides a balanced diet to prevent developmental orthopedic disease (DOD) during the first three months by supplying nutrients deficient in mare’s milk. A desired creep feed for foals should be very palatable and contain high quality protein sources (i.e. soybean meal and milk protein), guaranteed amino acids (lysine, threonine, methionine and tryptophan), and high levels of major and trace minerals as well as vitamins A, D and E. An example of a high-quality creep feed is Progressive® Nutri�on Starter & Creep Feed (prognutri�on.com). Start creep feeding the foal at one month of age and provide access to good quality hay at this �me also. The foal’s diges�ve system does not produce enzymes in sufficient quan�ty to digest sugars and starches un�l at least three weeks of age and should be provided only a milk-based diet un�l then. Feed one pound of creep feed per month of age for the first three months if the mare produces a normal amount of milk for light horse breeds. Then increase the amount of feed to 1.25% to 1.5% of body weight daily un�l weaning, and adjust the amount of feed according to the desired growth rate and hay or pasture quality. A�er weaning, the growing foal can be transi�oned from a creep feed to a quality feed for growing horses, such as ProElite® Growth (proelitehorsefeed.com), SafeChoice® Mare & Foal (nutrenaworld.com) or Legends® Growth (legendhorsefeed.com). Con�nue to feed at the rate of 1% to 1.5% body weight per day according to desired growth rate and hay or pasture quality. Following these steps will help to ensure that you have a properly growing and healthy foal.

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

www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

FormaHoof

Tackling HOOF CRACKS From The Ground Up As horse owners, we’ve probably all had a horse with a hoof crack at some time or another. Usually, the cracks, chips and dings you find on your horse’s hoof walls will be harmless blemishes. However, sometimes a hoof crack may be a serious problem and can lead to lameness. Other times a persistent crack may be a sign of chronic trouble and in a worst-case scenario, a deep crack may provide an entryway for potentially life-threatening infections inside the horse’s foot.

Russian Roulette sustained a severe hoof injury during turnout that caused immense pain and could have been extremely slow and difﬁcult to heal.

FormaHoof is a liquid fit, reusable mould process that is giving owners, vets, farriers and equine podiatrists a highly effec�ve way to halt cracks in their tracks. FormaHoof offers instant comfort and relief to the horse, immediately protects and prevents further damage, while also providing a stable pla�orm for support, allowing healing to commence.

Russian Roulette – a cracking case with a successful outcome. Hoof cracks can have a wide range of causes - from dry, bri�le feet to chronic condi�ons such as lamini�s, to bacterial infec�on. Injury and trauma are another common cause and in severe cases can cause extreme pain that may require a long rehab and recovery period.

EQUINE Health

Russian Roule�e, AKA Win, is a horse in Queensland, Australia who sustained a severe hoof injury when he stood on a stump while galloping around his paddock in a thunderstorm. Win was in severe pain as the crack travelled up into his coronary band and the internal sensi�ve �ssues were exposed, posing a great threat for bacterial a�ack and infec�on.

Fortunately for Win, FormaHoof offers a highly effec�ve solu�on to serious hoof injuries such as these. Firstly, ge�ng a horse protected by a FormaHoof applica�on is quick and easy, providing instant support, protec�on and stability to the injured hoof and keeping it protected while healing and recovery takes place. Secondly, FormaHoof allows medica�on to be applied over the injured area, keeps it in place for the life of the applica�on, while also keeping the hoof clean and preven�ng the entry of dirt, bacteria or other poten�ally harmful material. These benefits, combined with the fact that FormaHoof gives the perfect, tailored fit every �me, are exactly why FormaHoof is emerging as the With FormaHoof, the missing hoof area can be filled completely, preferred solu�on for serious hoof medication affixed securely in place (under the application) and problems. the horse can now can move around naturally with its rebuilt hoof.

With a hoof crack such as this, the first priority is to tackle the structural damage to the hoof caused by the injury and to apply support. As horses are large, heavy animals that are standing or moving most of the day, preven�ng further damage is crucial. However, un�l now this has been an enormous challenge. Not only is a tradi�onal shoe extremely difficult to apply for severe cracks because of the extensive damage to the hoof, custom fabrica�on of a device that would offer the required support could delay treatment drama�cally. In the interim, the horse would have to be kept largely immobile to prevent 46

further structural damage, while the risk of bacterial infec�on would remain a great threat.

For Russian Roule�e, and other horses that may have suffered serious hoof injury, using FormaHoof reduces pain, results in far lower stress levels, allows for a faster recovery process and ul�mately a reduc�on in total treatment cost because only 4-5 visits should be required and the FormaHoof Mould is reusable �me and again, with only the FormaHoof Mould is reusable �me and again, with only the FormaHoof AP resin material to consider as an overhead. It is also important to note that the FormaHoof AP material is specifically designed to flex and move

www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

in much the same way as a natural hoof, so the horse feels no rigidity with the applica�on on.

AFTER using FormaHoof

This ﬁnal image shows Win after a 5-week cycle in FormaHoof. You can see good growth and overall shape as the FormaHoof application has protected the hoof from any wear or damage during the cycle. FormaHoof experts estimate that this case may require a total of 4-5 applications for the hoof to stabalise and grow back to normal, bringing the total recovery time signiﬁcantly down compared to a traditional treatment.

What is FormaHoof? FormaHoof is a liquid fit, reusable mould process. The reusable FormaHoof Mould is shaped internally with all the features of a healthy, strong, balanced hoof, including a concave sole, reinforced support for the heels and heel bulb region and an op�mal hoof pastern axis. The FormaHoof Mould is placed onto the horse’s hoof and an adaptable polyurethane resin applied into it. Once the FormaHoof AP resin has set, the mould is removed and the resul�ng hardened resin applica�on then mimics a perfectly healthy hoof, offering protec�on, support and a fully balanced foot. In addi�on to hoof cracks and severe hoof damage, FormaHoof is the most effec�ve solu�on to a wide range of hoof problems the equine world faces on a daily basis. From lamini�s, thin soles and white line disease, to conforma�on, developmental and poor performance issues, FormaHoof offers immediate pain relief whilst giving stability and support to allow the hoof to regenerate, naturally. For more informa�on and to get expert advice on any hoof issues your horse may be facing, see www.FormaHoof.com or reach out to the FormaHoof Team on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok. Elite Equestrian does not endorse or confirm content suggestions in any articles. See credit page for disclaimer.

www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

Can Your Horse FEEL his FEET By Dr. Bill Ormston and Dr. Amy Hayak

EQUINE Health

No matter whether your horse’s scores and times are World Champion, Best of the Best, or just “Good enough for us” and “Better than We’ve Ever Done”, competition is rough. For an equine athlete to achieve top accolades at any level and to have a lengthy career, injury prevention is a must. Injury prevention includes strength building, training and optimal interaction with the environment. Proprioception describes your horse’s ability to know where it is in the environment and how to react appropriately. Nerves transmit data from the environment via the body to the brain and spinal column where decisions are processed and then sent to the rest of the body.

This system of data transfer is very complex. The input from your horse’s feet tell your horse which muscles to contract and which ones to relax to stand. When a horse is standing it is using very few muscles and very li�le energy. This allows the animal to be ready to move in any direc�on at a moment’s no�ce. In the wild this is important because it allows the horse to keep away from the lion. A horse that is receiving altered data into or out of the nervous system will stand with legs in posi�ons that require ac�ve muscle contrac�on to maintain. Abnormal posture means the horse first must relax the ac�ve muscles before being able to move. This slight hesita�on may be the difference between ge�ng away from the lion and ending up as lunch. I know very few of us have lions in our pastures but this abnormal posture also requires more energy to maintain. Horses with this situa�on become �red easily and one of the major causes of sports injuries is fa�gue. Many of us have experienced temporary propriocep�on problems when we try and walk on a foot that has fallen asleep. It is very difficult to place that foot in a normal posi�on when it is �ngling but as it wakes up it becomes easier. We are able to walk even though we aren’t able to truly feel where the foot is. A horse that has a tendency to stumble for no apparent reason may be having propriocep�on problems like this. The problem could be located any place between the foot and the brain. A common site for a problem is where the nerve exits the spinal canal between two vertebra. If these nerves are under pressure due to a chiroprac�c subluxa�on then there will be an altera�on in the transmission. Scien�st Chung Ha Suh at Colorado University has discovered that the weight of a feather can decrease nerve transmission by up to 50%. This decrease in transmission will cause faulty input and output from the brain and spinal column to the rest of the body. Remember this data has to travel both ways. If your horse doesn’t really know where his legs are, how can he safely transport you on your ride? An op�mal stance is one that allows minimal energy expenditure to keep the body in a sta�onary upright posi�on. In most horses the front legs will be situated so that they are perpendicular to the ground and the body. This allows the stabilizing muscles to hold the horse up. These muscles have short muscle fibers, use a local energy source and have lots of connec�ve �ssue. When your horse has long toes and under run heels she is ge�ng sensory input which may be causing her considerable problems. The horse’s hoof should only bear weight in the correct way or else the horse’s brain will think it is walking up a hill. When the brain receives this data, it responds by telling the body to lean forward. This allows the body to u�lize grav-

ity to help maintain a stable stance, just like this sorrel that is leaning forward to maintain balance on the slight incline outside the barn. Remove the slope and your horse must either straighten out or bring his bu� up underneath to keep from falling on his nose. The black horse below is leaning forward on level ground because of improperly trimmed feet. This stance causes the body to use mobilizing muscles to stabilize. These muscles have long muscle ﬁbers, use an energy source that must be transported into the muscle and have almost no connec�ve �ssue. When this stance is taken for any length of �me there will be a lac�c acid buildup in the muscles. It is a very ineﬃcient interac�on with gravity and causes the muscles to become fa�gued. Fa�gue is the primary cause of sports injury in any species. Not only is standing like this �ring, it also has some health indica�ons. This stance causes your horse to have a sway back. This causes the abdominal muscle to work abnormally and can lead to altered diges�on and respira�on along with a sore back, riding and movement issues.

�� Propriocep�on isn’t just about standing s�ll. When the horse moves, its hoof is built to land heel first. This landing allows tendons and ligaments to absorb and convert energy, it allows the bony column to provide support and it decreases the amount of degenera�ve forces exerted on the leg with every movement. An examina�on and adjustment by an AVCA cer�fied equine chiropractor is a good way to ensure that your horse knows where its legs are and is on its way to an appropriate interac�on with the environment in which you are compe�ng. Swinging leg lameness or altera�ons in movement almost always precede a standing leg lameness, the lameness that will sideline you and your horse. Rou�ne chiroprac�c adjustments by a qualified equine chiropractor will help iden�fy problems early. If these problems can’t be corrected by the adjustment, at least they have been iden�fied before they lead to injury. If the adjustment eliminates the problem for a short �me, we know the issue is impingement of a nerve that responds well to adjustment and can heal. Human athletes get adjusted as o�en as every day when compe��on is extreme. If you think that your horse is having a problem with propriocep�on, you may wish to contact a cer�fied animal chiropractor in your area.

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

www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

PASTURE PASTURE VACUUMS VACUUMS Managing Manure The Easy Way!

PR SSP RII

ALLEE SSA

• 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 shavingsCLEANING and dump them into G the stalls N Two Sizes: • Save money, shavings Paddock Vac and labor! $2,990 • 101 uses for your Maxi Vac Pasture Vac! $3,990 Plus Plus FREE FREE SHIPPING! SHIPPING!

Learn more here: www.pasturevacuums.com Tel: (813) 390 - 6730 Email: Juliana95@yahoo.com www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

3 Pilates Moves Every Equestrian Needs to Try

All equestrians know that horse-back riding is physically demanding and requires a considerable degree of fitness, especially core strength, in order to be performed safely and effectively.

��

Pilates is the perfect complement to any equestrian’s fitness program as it strengthens and lengthens the entire body, targeting core strength and stability. Here are three classic Pilates mat exercises you might see in one of my classes at Club Pilates (or that can be done at home) that really focus on that all important core strength and stability:

LEG PULL FRONT

This plank variation is a whole-body exercise targeting the abdominals, back muscles, hamstrings, glutes, shoulder girdle and bonus – it gets the heart rate up!

• Start in a plank position from the hands and balls of the feet. Check your plank position to ensure your navel is continuously pulling in towards your spine, shoulders are out of the ears, hands in line with the shoulders and pelvis is a neutral (think of tucking the tailbone slightly to help maintain that neutral pelvis).

EQUINE Health

• Lift one leg off the mat to hip height keeping the leg straight and pelvis stable, pointing the toe then rock forward a few inches ﬂex the foot then rock back to the start position placing the foot back on the mat keeping that perfect plank position! • Repeat on the other side. 8 reps of each set. Feel your whole body working here!

Continued... 52

www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

KNEELING SIDE KICK SERIES

This series really targets glutes, core and hip ﬂexors.

• Start kneeling on the center of your mat hands at the forehead. Extend your right hand to the side now tip you torso to the right side reaching your hand to the mat in line with the shoulder. • Lift your left leg to hip height and fully extend the leg and point the toe. Keeping your core engaged by drawing your navel in, kick your leg forward, ﬂexing your foot then kick the leg back behind the pelvis pointing your toe. Try to keep the torso level and naval pulled in. No arching of the back here! • Now keep the leg lifted point the toe and lower the straight leg to the mat and back to hip height. • Keep the leg lifted now circle the leg 5 times, repeat in the other direction. • 8 reps of each variation. Repeat on the other side. Glutes on ﬁre!

TEASER

Another classic that really develops core strength and has an added balance challenge. • Start lying on your back on the mat arms legs fully extended. • Initiate by reaching the arms forward lifting head then simultaneously lifting the torso and legs simultaneously off the mat into a “V” position on the sit bones. • Roll down by flexing the spine as you articulate each vertebra back to the mat while lowering the legs in unison. • Modify this exercise by starting with the legs in table top, then extending the legs out to 45° as the torso lifts off the mat. • Variations to up the challenge include maintaining the torso in teaser while the legs lower and lift. Now try maintaining the legs in teaser while the torso lowers the lifts. These variations not only require tremendous core strength but also target balance and coordination. 8 reps. Now you’ve really discovered your deep abdominals! Regularly incorporating Pilates into your fitness program can make a big difference in the quality of your riding by helping to achieve a more correct, secure, and effective position. Along with these mat exercises, you could try a Reformer Pilates class to reap even more benefits. See and feel the difference in your body and your riding! Elite Equestrian does not endorse or confirm content suggestions in any articles. See credit page for disclaimer.

www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

THE PERFECT HORSE®

“The Hoof Mirrors The Total Health Of The Horse”

MICRO-NUTRIENTS FOR HORSES

EQUESTRIAN SURFACES Specializing In All Your Equestrian Surface Needs

• Design • Construction • Maintenance • Renovation • Irrigation • Drags & Groomers

• May encourage the regeneration of damaged hoof tissues as they relate to hoof problems • May strengthen the immune system and act as an anti-inﬂammatory • May enhance energy, vitality and endurance • May improve attention, alertness and brain function

Field Specialties provides personalized solutions for each individual surface. Family owned company for 30 years Utilizing laser grading systems for precision

(877) 357 - 7187 www.ThePerfectHorse.net

Contact David Frey 440.339.6049 davidfieldspecialties@gmail.com

www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

Does LEADERSHIP or DOMINANCE make sense for a

HORSE? Story & Photo By Alessandra Deerinck

Any episode where during a competition a rider harshly whips his horse in public can raise a lot of attention, but unfortunately it is just the latest and more apparent instance of what normally the situation for the human to horse relationship is about. With horses, traditionally, human beings always want to obtain obedience, and when they do not succeed, they punish the horse with the goal of achieving it in the following interactions.

TRAINING & Showing

Punishment is a human concept,

and instead of not doing the action that caused them to be punished, horses that experience it learn to avoid the interaction with the individual that inflicted it. Timewise, horses act according to how they perceive a situation when it happens, and could display the same behavior if the situation they perceive is the same, but they do not do so because they consciously agree to a fixed rule. The fact that people want horses to just always comply with their request shows how they seek leadership in terms of dominance, and not through a real relationship. The interaction that people want to establish with horses does not include all the possibilities for the equine behavioral response to their own action. Furthermore, it is all about control, likewise in most instances of humans interacting with animals. Much of the performance work with horses today happens in areas that are set up in a way that there are no distractions for the horse. We even have tack or substances that allow us to control the horse. Safety is a good and legitimate reason, but should not be an excuse for excluding the horse’s input in the interaction. The horse is a living being and does not have switches that we can turn on or off when we like. During our interaction the horse always perceives our behavior, whether we want it or not. The traditional interaction with horses is based on training by conditioning, and methods of horsemanship are often based on repetitive exercises, or interactions with fixed directions based on personal subjective experience. There are several problems with this scenario, but once again, the underlying issue is that human beings desire that horses always obey their requests. Even when research on horse training is science based, the result (which is supposed to be evidence based), is flawed because it does not take in to consideration the fact that horses make choices based on the equine sensory perception of the surrounding situation. I work outside the traditional parameters because my experience has led me to never assume that a horse will behave in a fixed manner. Instead, I observe moment by moment how my actions and the real-life situation affect the horse’s behavioral choice, so I can appropriately interact with the horse, to have him cooperate with me, but not in a forceful manner. If the horse does not follow my train of thought, I assume that he did not perceive or understand my lead, and that I need to change my behavior so he can grasp my communication.

The gray horse is displaying dominance over food and the chestnut is moving away from the space.

Horses definitely follow an individual that displays a leaderlike behavior, but the status of leader is not carved in stone. A horse will consider another individual a leader to follow if his behavior makes sense at a certain time in equine natural terms such as safety, food, and water. It can be easy for us to confuse dominance and leadership, but horses never do so. Lead horses do not force others, because horses naturally avoid an individual that is dominant, and do not follow him voluntarily, unless they have no choice in terms of movement or were conditioned to follow, which can even be an unconscious act, not a voluntary choice. Fear can influence horse behavior in a very deep and permanent manner, causing horses to consistently display dangerous behavior if put in the same situation. If an individual displays a behavior that a horse fears, that horse will raise his awareness when the individual is in the surrounding area. This kind of behavior is displaying anxiety, not showing respect as some people seem to think, and other horses that are present in the same area can be influenced by this anxious behavior.

So, how can you send to a horse a communication that he truly understands? Horses do not use spoken articulated dialogue for detailed communication, instead they use movement and have also an instinctual response to movement, by distancing from something that goes towards them, and by approaching something that goes away from them and has their interest, like a foal always follows his mare. The cues used in training, which often can seem to work like “magic” are movements, but are not really immediately meaningful to horses, and work because of the conditioning, which is not always following a conscious track of response. The very apparent difference between a conditioned stimulus and the meaningful communication through movement is that the cue is a ﬁxed act (word or gesture) and seldom has physical correlation with the movement that we are requesting the horse to perform at the moment in the actual situation. Horses will also move away by unconscious reaction through a reﬂex from a perception that surprises them. We all have experienced horses spooking, which can become source of anxiety for people when riding. Instead of letting this equine behavior (that they cannot control!) become a problem, it is a better idea to learn how to be more aware

www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

The horse is focusing her attention by sight and sound on the line of garbage containers.

The horse is attentive to a situation, by standing still, but keeping her eyes and ears on the moving objects. As soon as the yellow truck passed by us she started walking forward again while the garbage truck was completing its task.

of what surrounds us, and be in balance with our horse. By doing so we can perceive the same stimulus and we will move with the horse even when they move abruptly. What I consistently find is that if I purposefully move in a way that has a social meaning that is natural or instinctual to a horse, considering which sense the horse will perceive my movement, he always gets my communication. Most actions we ask from horses do not have a meaning or interest that is natural for them, so it is always a good idea to add an interest in the action for the horse. I have found that it is possible and easy to use food, and create the interest for the horse not in terms of rewards, but instead of goals to achieve that are meaningful in equine terms, such as food or social interactions as targets, not bribes or distractions. The social behavior of the horses includes learned behavior that varies between individuals, but is based on instincts and is so strong that it did not get erased even after the species has been genetically manipulated by human beings, and has been living in isolation in a domestic environment for thousands of years. Horses that get released from the domestic state are able to readapt to life in nature, if they find food, water and other horses. In fact, nowadays almost all of the so-called wild horses are derived from domesticated horses that escaped the domestic state and readapted to live in a natural state. In order to feel safe if they do not find other horses, they join groups of animals like deer. This shows how strong the equine social instincts are, and how adaptable the species is. Instinctual behavior is innate and does not need to be trained to be present, however even innate behavior can be influenced by the individual personality and by the learning experience, especially if fear based. Equine personality has a spectrum that varies from dominant to submissive and has a balanced state in between that is often typical of high-ranking horses which are the individuals that are more consistently initiating movement in a group.

The horse is being visually attentive to the surrounding and moving her ears to perceive the sounds coming from the area. When we ride we should always try to be aware of the same area our horse is perceiving.

The fact that they move comes from the perception of an instance in the surrounding and the higher frequency of this happening can be related to those individuals having a higher awareness for the surrounding, which can be related to their sensory perception ability. Yet, no lead horse will turn around and punish the other individuals if they do not follow his lead. Using an innate behavior in interactions is possible with any individual horse and does not require a previous interaction or the knowledge of that horse’s past experience. We need to know how horses behave instinctually and to switch our communication from spoken expression to movement based, targeted to the sense the horse will use to perceive our motion, and with a content that is a meaningful act for the horse instead of being a fixed cue. In my experience I have consistently found that when a horse becomes attentive and we help him perceive our interaction he becomes cooperative. It happens in situations that are new or known, and I am always investigating how to make this happen because it can help people understand how to look like a leader in the horse’s eyes. It is a modality of interaction that is not based on fixed rules, and can allow everyone to make choices that are appropriate to the situation they find themselves and their horse. I formulated my findings in Human Horse Sensing Horsemanship, a book that is published in English and Italian, and continue to apply those principles that work consistently in any interaction with horses. Continued...

www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

��

Hay placed on a tarp gives a horse the reason to step on it when we ask them to do so.

All of the difﬁculties and not natural situations that we create for horses did not affect their AWARENESS for the surroundings and their instinctual behavior. Leadership in terms of being followed when initiating a movement is not a consistent status for horses and it depends upon the behavior of the individual, which needs to ﬁt the needs of the rest of the situation at the time. This implies awareness about the surrounding and a senseful goal from the individual that is leading a situation, which is a state that some horses display continuously and others can display in a certain occasion and be followed by the rest of the group because of (the perception of) the momentary situation. There is also evidence that collective movements happen by individuals synchronizing their motion in a way that is above consciousness, like when a herd of prey animals under attack by a predator moves fast, and in perfect synchronicity. Leadership does make sense for horses, while dominance causes them to avoid a situation. When we talk about leadership across species boundaries, just like anything else, in order to work it needs to be in terms that both species consciously understand positively and naturally and most importantly without fear.

��

�� 58

www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

Do you have an ANIMAL that you’re ready to

GIVE UP ON? Let us be your First Stop on the road to

recovery !

We have rejuvenated many horses that were thought past all hope, even scheduled for euthanasia, in just 30 days. Natural Food • No Meds • Regular Chiropractic Horses, Dogs, And More. Call us before it’s too late! You’ll be glad you did! Visit Our Web Site To Schedule A Consultation

www.allcreatureseveryspine.com

Equine Hospital 24/7 Emergency Care

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

215-536-2726

2250 N. Old Bethlehem Pike, Quakertown, PA 18951

www.quakertownvetclinic.com

www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

BEAT FEAR with

Proper Form and Balance

Story & Photo By Lynn Palm

PALM PARTNERSHIP TRAINING™ Building a Partnership with your Horse

It is only natural for a rider to feel fear at some point in her riding years. Usually that fear is based on the concern for being out of control of the horse and coming out of the saddle. If this has ever been an issue for you while pursuing Western Dressage, or at any time during your riding endeavors, you’ll be encouraged to know that one of the best ways to stay in control of the horse and stay in the saddle is through proper rider form and balance

roper form is how the rider positions her body to follow her horse’s movement at all times without interfering with the horse’s movements and reactions. It is important for the rider to learn proper form and balance, and proper function of her form.

Proper form lets the rider:

Achieve a state of balance that allows her to feel relaxed and in command of her body. Only when she feels in command of her own body can she feel in command of her horse.

2. Use the parts of her body to communicate at will

with her horse. This is critical to riding because without the ability to clearly communicate with the horse, the rider cannot transmit her orders to him. Also, the horse cannot understand the rider’s requests and respond well to them.

TRAINING & Showing

To achieve proper form, a rider must understand the proper positioning and function of each part of her body. I see many riding problems rooted in incorrect rider form. Even experienced, conﬁdent riders can beneﬁt from improving the basics.

The Importance of the Rider’s Upper Body Position

Picture yourself mounted on a horse. The position of your head and eyes, and your thoughts and facial expression are all important to how well you function as a rider. Your head should be relaxed and coming straight out of your neck. Your chin should be level and not tipped up or dropped to the chest. 60

Your eyes and your “eye contact” are one of the most important elements of riding. Your eyes should be looking straight ahead at least 10 to 12 feet beyond the horse. This helps keep your head aligned. More importantly, this type of eye contact opens up your peripheral vision to 180 degrees, letting you see from the front of the horse to his sides. Because you are looking up, you see where you are going. You have control and time to think about possible upcoming problems. You can react and properly time the application of your aids to ask your horse to do something. It is instinctive to want to look at your horse to control him. However, if you do this, your horse will have control of you; and that will only add to your fear. When you are in control, you can overcome your fear! The key to improving your riding form is looking up and ahead with your eyes. If you are looking ahead, with a conﬁdent look and relaxed face, you will align your back straight with your shoulders square and down. This enables you to stay straight and better absorb the horse’s movement which keeps you more

www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

secure in the saddle. In return, your horse will move more freely and responsively because you are moving with him. If you look down, you will cause your back to round and shoulder to hunch up and yours arms to tighten up. Your horse will feel this, and he may stiffen his back and his gait in reaction to your incorrect form. It will be harder for you to follow his movement, and you will feel less secure in the saddle.

The hardest thing to teach a rider is not to look down.

It is the easiest way, however, to get yourself out of balance! Start today to ride with your eyes looking up and in front of your horse to stay in control, and you will be on your way to conquering your fear! For more information about Lynn Palm, her trainings in Florida and other parts of the U.S., DVDs and more, visit www.lynnpalm.com or call 800.503.2824.

www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

Eliminate the STRESS of Buying a USED TRAILER

Story & Photo By Tom Scheve

Horse trailer shopping should be fun, but far too often, it’s stressful. When buying a used trailer, stress can rear its ugly head for various reasons, which all center around fear. Fear of loading, fear of unloading, fear of the floor failing, fear of horses acting up in the trailer, fear of a flat tire… But you can do something about it.

TRAINING & Showing

nowing your horses are safe and happy while traveling is a great stress reducer. The way to reduce fear is to research before you start looking. It stands to reason that the more information you collect and compare, the better. And the good news is that the knowledge is out there on the internet. The bad news is that it’s not all correct, so you need to sort through it to determine what rings true. Using doubt and determination, you can confidently arrive at what is accurate and what it is not. Then when you believe you have collected enough information, run it through your intuition and see what makes sense and what doesn’t. Once you have all the data, try searching for the brands that best fit your data and scour the internet for problems that may have plagued others who have had those models. The big difference between buying used versus new is compromise. You will often have to settle between what you want and what you get. If you’re lucky enough to find something close to what you need, you can knock fear down a few more notches by knowing what to look for in the design, construction, and running gear.

easy access into the trailer for you and your helpers. Safely entering the trailer to assist your horses enhances safety when loading and attending to your horses. A trailer with an easy-to-lift ramp and full entrance/exit doors on each side of the trailer will far outshine trailers with mangers and half-height doors.

CONSTRUCTION:

DESIGN:

A common fear for horse owners is a horse falling through the floor. For used trailers with wood floors, check for soft spots, rot, and adequate steel bracing underneath. Wood can rot if it is not pressure treated, but even some pressure treated wood can deteriorate without periodic maintenance. Look underneath the floor – the more steel cross members there are supporting the floor from underneath, the stronger the floor. Wood boards should run from front to back rather than side to side to avoid the horses’ front and rear legs standing on one board.

Once you feel good about the size, view the stall area for light and ventilation, a deﬁnite stress reducer for your horses. The more windows and vents there are in the trailer, the better the light and airﬂow. Another great stress reducer is

Aluminum floors will corrode from lack of cleaning. The alkaline in the urine and manure is the culprit, but it’s easy to spot; thw floor will be uneven and flaky. A permanent coating on the aluminum floor, such as Rhino Lining, hides the floor’s condition, so inspecting underneath for deterioration is a must. Ask why the lining was installed since the reason might have been to cover up some damage. Also, the overall construction has to withstand your horses’ capability to do damage, so if you are unsure of the construction material, ask. Dividers and walls should be strong enough to withstand a panicking horse or an accident. Be awared that steel dividers and walls, pound for pound, are

Knowing your horses will ﬁt comfortably in the trailer is a great stress reducer for both you and your horses. Too small of a stall area is a disaster; too large is better but giving horses too much room can get them into trouble, especially if butt and breast bars are too high (or too low), so know the size you need for your breed. No matter how nice the used trailer, if your horses don’t ﬁt in it, they will not be happy. And if they are not happy, you won’t be happy.

www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

Wood boards should run from front to back stronger than aluminum. Windows, vents, doors, and ramps that don’t operate efﬁciently will be a huge aggravation, so walk around the trailer and try them out. Before driving it away, be sure the coupler is in good shape, that you have the correct size ball, that the tires are properly inﬂated, and that the trailer is level.

Ms. Day Spiritual Reader & Advisor Energy cleansing, renewal, replenishment... Mind, Body and Spirit readings for you or your animal... reading on all matters of life.

Steel Construction

RUNNING GEAR:

If you trust the seller, ask when the trailer had its last service. Ask to see the last service invoice. If it’s been over a year, the bearings will need to be inspected and greased (if necessary). The brakes may also need service and possible adjustment. If the wheel rims are steel, inspect for rust. If they are aluminum, check for corrosion or pitting. Uneven wear on the tire tread may indicate a bent axle, but it’s more likely caused by under-inﬂation. Either way, the tires need replacing which is a four-ﬁfty to six-hundred-dollar expense – a good bargaining tool. The age of the tires is also critical. Tires over six years old are past their expiration. The break-away battery should be in good working condition. If it has a testing device on the battery encasement, check the voltage.

It all starts on the inside

It all comes down to is this: When shopping for a used trailer, know what keeps your horses happy and safe before you start shopping. An unhappy horse in a conﬁned space is a danger to himself, to you, and everyone else out on the road, so do your homework. You’ll also discover that it’s a lot more fun to be smiling as you head out with your horses rather than driving with white knuckles.

Tom Scheve, with wife Neva have been advocating horse trailer safety since 1984. Both have given safety clinics at many hose expos around the country and have written numerous articles for articles for national magazines, bout horse trailer safety. Their nationally acclaimed textbook, The Complete Guide to Buying, Maintaining and Servicing a Horse 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. Elite Equestrian does not endorse or conﬁrm content suggestions in any articles. See credit page for disclaimer.

Energy Assessment... past, present & future. Chakra Alignment. Aura reading & cleansing. (horses, dogs, cats)

Call for free consultation for you and your furry loved ones! (561) 729 - 1979

Visit our web site at www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com Read any issue for FREE! Hundreds of articles posted on our web site as well!

www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

WHAT’S HAPPENING

cala, FL

Snowbirds as well as residents have enjoyed a fun winter season in the sunshine state, despite Covid restric�ons. Everyone is looking forward to much more this summer and fall.

The Great American $1 Million Grand Prix held at the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit on March 28, 2021 was a huge success with 63 riders from around the world. Course designer Bernardo Cabral of Portugal created the course to be more technically challenging than overly big for the diversiﬁed group of compe�tors. Margie Engle and Dicas placed 13th.

Paul O’Shea and Skara Glen’s Chancelloress

Peter Leone and Donner

Top Ten Placings

EQUINE Lifestyle

1 Andre Thieme & Chakaria [34.393] 2 Eduardo Menezes & H5 Chaganus [35.696] 3 Darragh Kerins & Lissino [40.661] 4 McLain Ward & HH Azur 5 Jordan Coyle & Ariso 6 Schuyler Riley & Robin De Ponthual 7 Coyle & Eristov 8 Kristen VanderVeen & Bull Run’s Prince Of Peace 9 Thieme & Cellisto 10 Vanessa Mannix & Ca�nka 25 64

Winner AndreThieme and Thomas G. Struzzieri, President and Chief Executive Ofﬁcer of HITS

www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

I Love My Horse

Grand Opening and Ribbon Cu�ing

Owners Penny and Terry hosted a lively celebra�on for the opening of their new store, I Love My Horse, located in Arena 3 at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, FL. Ocala Mayor, Kent Guinn gave a brief speech and cut the ribbon. Patrons browsed the well appointed shop while enjoying refreshments, and vendors added to the fes�vi�es. Cara Van Leuven, whose paintings are sold in the shop, worked on a new crea�on.

727-871-5729�

Arena 3, 1390 NW 80th Court Road, Ocala FL 34482

EE www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

��

DRESSAGE SHOW III April 15 - 18, 2021

The first FEI-rated Dressage Show, held at the recently opened World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida, was a huge success, featuring over $40,000 in prize money. Due to Covid restrictions, spectators were not permitted, however the competitors were very pleased with the facility and the competition. Many riders who compete at venues all over the world stated that this facility surppasses any venue that they have shown in.

Catherine Haddad Staller and Frankie, 2nd place in the $12,000 CDI Grand Prix Freestyle with a score of 73.530.

Catherine was especially happy to be here with Frankie because she bred her. “She has gone from understudy to leading lady. I’m very excited about the future with her.” Catherine said she has competed all over the world and this is the best venue she has ever competed in. “The ligh�ng, the foo�ng, the climate control, is all great for horses, just fantas�c!”

TRAINING & Showing

“This was my second freestyle with a very green CDI horse.” Mikala rode to Frank Sinatra music. “He is my dad’s favorite!”

Mikala Munter and Salsa Hit, 3rd place in the $12,000 CDI Grand Prix Freestyle with a score of 71.945.

Across from the stadium seating, each Arena has a luxury viewing area.

Kevin Kohmann of Germany, and Five Star, winner of the $5000 CDI Intermediate I Freestyle with a score of 75.350. 66

www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

er n d a 0.

Stacey Parvey-Larsson and Benidetto.

Shelly Francis and Danilo, 1st place in the $12,000 CDI Grand Prix Freestyle with a score of 75.065

For First Place, Shelly also won a salt water ﬁshing trip for 4 on a 62’ luxury yacht, presented by CaptiveOne Advisors.

At 17, Danilo returned to the ring a�er taking a year oﬀ for recovery from an injury. Shelly said he was much be�er and she was really happy with him.

Cynthia Davila and Fayvel, 1st place in $2000 CDI Intermediate I Freestyle Amateur with a score of 67.917. ◄Jill Irving and Degas 12, 4th place in the $12,000 CDI Grand Prix Freestyle with a score of 71.890.

Main walkway to enter WEC, between Arenas 1 and 2.

Press Conference for the $12,000 CDI Grand Prix Freestyle World Equestrian Center Dressage III 1st: Shelly Francis and Danilo 2nd: Catherine Haddad Staller and Frankie 3rd: Mikala Munter and Salsa Hit

Anna Marek and Felissirana, 2nd place in the $5000 CDI Intermediate I Freestyle with a score of 74.975.

◄Nora Batchelder and Faro SQF placed 5th in the $12,000 CDI Grand Prix Freestyle.

www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

EE 67

Stop Horsing Around And Use A Waiver Wri�en By Kimbrell J. Hines, Esq. Photo By Shelly Williams Photography shellywilliamsphotography.com

Although frequently used, many horse owners and professionals remain unaware their liability waivers would not protect them from a lawsuit. O�en horse persons and professionals treat waivers as a mere formality and remain unsure of their effec�veness. Since not all waivers are useful, you may be wondering whether your program needs one. And the answer is yes, all horse programs should use a properly dra�ed waiver to protect against liability in the event of an accident. As many of us know, horses—even the most gentle and well-trained—involve some risk, and accidents do happen. And because a horse-related accident can result in severe injury, it is important for clients, guests, and spectators to sign a waiver before engaging in any horse-related ac�vity. Waivers benefit equine professionals in two significant ways. First, waivers provide a defense if there is a lawsuit. When adequately dra�ed in compliance with state law, signed waivers can result in complete dismissal of a lawsuit. Second, waivers discourage people from filing lawsuits in the first place. It is important to note that waivers do not en�rely prevent a lawsuit—a person can s�ll file a lawsuit, even if they signed an enforceable waiver. However, once the lawsuit begins, the waiver can be used as a defense. Addi�onally, reading and signing a document causes a person to think twice before engaging in risky horse-related ac�vi�es. Furthermore, lawyers who represent plain�ffs (the person bringing the lawsuit) may be reluctant to represent someone who signed a waiver. Plain�ff lawyers o�en work off con�ngency agreements, meaning the lawyer only gets paid if their client wins. Lawyers are less likely to take cases where the person sued has a strong defense. For a court to uphold a waiver, the person signing must understand the risks of the ac�vity and what rights they are giving up. A waiver will not be enforced if it is unclear or misleading. To ensure a waiver’s success, horse persons should have a signed waiver wri�en in clear and specific language that complies with state law.

Use Clear Language The ﬁrst element of a good waiver is clarity. A reader should be able to pick up the document and quickly determine its purpose. The �tle should be in a large bold font and include 68

something similar to “Release and Waiver of Liability.” The �tle should indicate that the document could affect the reader’s legal rights, even if the reader does not finish reading the rest of the document. It would also be useful to include either near the �tle or by the signature por�on, a statement such as, “Note: by signing this waiver, you give up your right to sue.” Such language makes it difficult for the signer to later argue they did not understand what rights they were giving up. It is best to keep a waiver to a single page and have the terms typed in standard-sized print. Waivers should avoid complicated and unclear language. It is preferable to have the terms of the waiver in plain language that can be understood by all readers. A well-wri�en waiver makes it more difficult for someone to argue they did not understand what they were signing.

Be Specific Waivers must have clear and unambiguous terms; generally, with a waiver’s language, the more specific, the better. A waiver should inform the par�cipant of the inherent risks related to equine ac�vi�es. A vague statement such as “horseback riding can be dangerous” does not adequately tell the risks. The waiver should also include an explana�on of why horseback riding can be dangerous. A good star�ng point for coming up with this language could be your state’s equine ac�vity statute, which likely defines equine-related ac�vi�es’ inherent risks. An equine ac�vity statute is a state law designed to limit liability for injuries and deaths connected with horse-related ac�vi�es. The idea behind these laws is that people dealing with horses “assume the risk” inherent in horse-related ac�vi�es. Some horse persons and organiza�ons believe that because they posted a sign with their state’s equine law, they are immune from liability. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Waivers and equine laws offer different protec�ons. Even though pos�ng a sign with the state’s equine law is a great prac�ce, horse professionals should s�ll require people who use their services or enter their property to sign a waiver.

www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

Continued on page

Continued from page Generally, waivers only protect the par�es speciﬁcally named. This issue of naming each party comes up in situa�ons where mul�ple horse persons are working at the same loca�on. For example, a riding instructor may have a student sign a waiver releasing the instructor from liability if they get hurt. But if an accident occurred, caused par�ally by the riding instructor’s fault and partly by the fault of the property owner, the property owner could s�ll be liable if he or she is not named in the waiver. The waiver should clearly state the name of each person or en�ty exempted from liability, so there is no uncertainty about who is covered. Each party should read the waiver to ensure they are speciﬁcally men�oned.

Comply with State Law

To be enforceable, a waiver must comply state law. The legal requirements of a waiver vary from state to state, and failure to comply with state law can make the waiver unenforceable. It is crucial to keep state law in mind, as many professionals use liability releases obtained from a friend or downloaded from the Internet. These generic documents typically contain broad language not in compliance with state law or speciﬁc to the equine program. A court may ﬁnd such generic forms unenforceable.

Get a Signature

It is important for a waiver to be signed. A signature demonstrates the person signing read and understood the agreement. Before having a person sign, ensure the person has adequate �me to read the en�re document. It is also a good prac�ce to ask the person signing if they read and understood the waiver. Addi�onally, a person can only sign away his or her rights. It is important to have family members, guests, and spectators on the property sign their own liability releases. If the par�cipant is a minor, the minor’s parent or guardian should also sign the waiver. In conclusion, horse persons should protect themselves and their programs from liability by using an adequately dra�ed signed waiver. While it may take a li�le �me and money to use a proper waiver, it will undoubtedly be less expensive and less �me consuming than a lawsuit. �� Elite Equestrian does not endorse or conﬁrm content suggestions in any articles. See credit page for disclaimer.

EE www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

Tack Box Business Showcase

Algae control for Water Troughs Save Water And Time!

WHY SHOULD YOU HAVE A PROFESSIONAL CERTIFIED EQUINE APPRAISAL? • Pre-purchase or sale evaluation • Bankruptcy • Insurance Policies • Estate Planning • Divorce

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

The Leading Equine Appraisal Service Worldwide Since 1980

www.equineappraiser.net Christine Rolando,Certiﬁed Senior Equine Appraiser

Call 845-494-6257 For Free Consultation

www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

Just $130 per issue OR $594 for the year (6 issues), or...BEST VALUE... Prepay $500 for the year... it’s like getting one issue FREE!

Founder?

��

• Stops the pain quickly • Painless application • Realigns the hoof wall to the coffin bone • Works with or without shoeing • Easy to apply

855-44CINCH www.hoofcinch.com

�� Offering Horse and Horse - Rider Portraits Serving NJ / PA

Special for May 3 free 1 hour photography sessions. Call for details

609-731-4029

denise.sherman@comcast.net Website: https://deniseshermanphotography.smugmug.com/browse

Equine Identification & Safety Products IDEAL FOR: - Transporting Horses - ID For Foals In Mixed Turnout - Emergency ID Stabled At Horse Shows - Feeding & Medical Instructions Every collar is a 100 lb BREAK AWAY Identiﬁcation and Reﬂective Bands & Collars First Aid Kits • Trailer Decals & More!

www.EquestriSafe.com

www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

(877) 600-1375

www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

lassical

Training

Tinicum Park 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

Rene Gasser

of Gala of the Royal Horses, is accep�ng a limited number of horses for training in Dressage in Ocala, Florida. Limited spaces are available for riding students as well.

Rene will bring out the best in your horse! Training for 3rd Level and above. Full board is included with training package. www.galaoftheroyalhorses.com 321-402-1472

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 Individual and Corporate Sponsorships Available $10/car parking fee for non-members. Leashed dogs are always welcome. www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

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