18 minute read
DEDICATED & DIVERSE
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Equestrians who refuse to be pigeon-holed by a single discipline. Story & Photos by Kirk Prescott, BAR XP PHOTO
Fast, fierce, and friendly are three terms that loosely describe adventurous equestrians. Regardless of discipline, most thrill-seeking horsemen enjoy activities with an element of speed and an appreciation for quality horsemanship. Often surrounded by a band of likeminded individuals, these upbeat athletes are equally attracted to unique and invigorating experiences. Undoubtedly, diversified horsemen and horsewomen have a voracious thirst for knowledge and a keen eye for the perfect team. Loosen your cinch and sit-deep, as we interview four multi-disciplined equestrians who enjoy various equine pursuits.
Wendy Williams
(Stony Plain, AB)
A horse woman with an enchanting personality, Wendy Williams is an accomplished equestrian with a passion for competition and cool little horses. Williams is a gifted hand in the show ring who has a new-found love of driving Welsh Ponies. To date, she has National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Lifetime Earnings (LTE) that exceeds $35,000. Williams’ list of titles strings back to her childhood and her passion for equine pursuits has only grown with experience. Most recently, Williams became hitched to a passion for combined driving. She was the 2021 Overall High Point Champion of the Alberta Carriage Driving Association. Her Welsh Pony mare, Alvesta Mona Lisa stands 12.2 hands high and boasts a smart, sassy personality with a desire to perform. Williams enjoys all aspects of horsemanship and revels in the fact that she has her “unhorse” husband, of 33 years, now involved with horses. Williams enjoys riding at home, hauling to trail rides, and competing in both reining and combined driving events. She prefers to raise her own horses, but remains thankful for those that she has purchased, along the way. This Lego-loving fan of West Highland Terriers is ultimately drawn to horses of all sizes.
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Submitted by participant taken by Kevin Flynn
A. “Always put the well-being of the animal first, and patience – always have patience.”
A. “There are many similarities in reining and driving. I think my years reining have helped me understand the precision of combined driving, especially the dressage element. I also believe that both disciplines require great focus and that has made me a better rider and driver.”
Q. How do you decide what to do with your horse?
A. “I love to learn. So, I am always interested in taking my horse and trying something new. That is how I got into reining when I was young, and now, with the driving. I had a pony I felt would be fun to try driving. Her physical attributes and her disposition seemed to make it a match for her. I believe as a horse person, you need to help your horse find its job. I don’t force one to become something it isn’t suited for.”
to do. Physically, I make sure they are fit for the task. I work with them 12 months of the year, and if they have had time off, I take time to bring them back into condition before I ask them to perform at a competitive level.”
A. “I think reining is a great challenge. It looks so easy from the grandstand. Yet, when you are sitting on that horse in the middle of the arena, there are so many things that can happen. I think that is why I was drawn to combined driving. It has the dressage element, which is precise like reining. Then, you add the cones course which combines speed with precision. Lastly, the marathon combines speed, precision and conditioning. Combined driving demands a great deal from the equine and the driver.”
Q. As an equestrian, what brings you joy?
A. “Being with horses every day and the people they have brought into my life.”
Submitted by participant taken by Rick Kroll
Lucas Garret
(Calgary, AB)
From the show ring to the Stampede grounds, Lucas Garret has a passion for winning that keeps him active in several equine disciplines. At an early age, Garret’s mom nurtured his love of horses and even started the Golden Pony Club at their family farm in Golden, BC. Garret took a small break from the horse scene, while attending college in Kelowna, BC, but always had a growing itch to get back in the saddle. Settling in Calgary, AB, Garret continues to enjoy cattle penning, roping, ranchriding, skijoring, sorting, and show jumping. He noted, “A significant achievement for me this past summer was being part of a cattle penning team that won a buckle at Calgary Stampede. It was a long-term goal that came together so much sooner than I had anticipated, and I’ll never forget that.” His main mounts include Pipes, Delilah, and Luna who are chosen for their mindset and talents in penning, show jumping and skijoring/roping respectively. Out of the saddle, Garret can often be found on a sled, in the mountains, or travelling. He’s no stranger to riding horses abroad and enjoys meeting new people and exploring new places, often linked to equine encounters.
Submitted by Amanda Ubell
Submitted by Lucas Garret Submitted by particiant taken by MDS
A. “The horses come first.”
A. “There are a lot of crossover skills – horsemanship and good balance being two that come to mind. My competitive horses also go into the mountains for trail rides. I find that keeps the mind fit, as well as the physical body, for both horse and rider.”
Q. How do you decide what to do with your horse?
A. “I look for the three T’s – talent, type and temperament. You may have more strength in two of these categories, but you must have a minimum, in the third, as well. For example, penning horses should be naturally ‘cowy’ (talent). They need to be correct in conformation, to handle the pressure of quick turns and instant stops/starts (type). They benefit from a mind that can deal with different situations and repetitive activities (temperament). In a show jumper, I look for a different horse, conformationally, but still evaluate the three T’s.”
A. “Practice and Feed. While practicing, your horse is getting prepared both mentally and physically for your activity of choice. Having a good trainer, who can help you with practices and drills, can do wonders. Determining the correct diet for each horse is also extremely important. Not all horses and not all feeds are created equal so it can be a bit of a challenge to create the optimum feed type and schedule for everyone.”
A. “Lately, it has been getting back into show jumping. Since I don’t have a seasoned horse, who has been there and done that, trying to learn and train, at the same time, has been a challenge.”
Q. As an equestrian, what brings you joy?
A. “It’s universal across all of the disciplines, for me… Winning. When it all comes together, with your horse, your teammates, and a little bit of luck, and you take home that buckle, ribbon, and/or prize money, it feels like you are on top of the world! Having said that, just being around horses brings me joy, all on its own – I trail ride for the sheer love of being out on a horse, in the outdoors, either alone or with friends.”
Jill Barron
(Sunnynook, AB)
A charismatic coach and cowgirl from hardgrass country, Jill Barron has tried her hand in various equine pursuits. From the ranching lifestyle that she loves, to bright-lights and busy arenas, this equestrian has competed, coached, and performed on stages of all kinds. Her vast portfolio includes dressage, working equitation, team-roping, breakaway-roping, working cow horse, colt-starting and ranching. While Barron, loves to rope, her schedule doesn’t always allow the time. Barron competed in the 2021, Heart of the Horse, Colt Starting Competition, and notes that she keeps few mounts long-term. She describes herself as extremely fortunate to have swung a leg over numerous, amazing horses, but one steed remains her tried, tested and true. Steveo, a blaze faced, bay mare is Barron’s right-hand, goto mount. She’s literally done everything. Barron has a keen list of criteria when choosing horses and pays close attention to their structure, movement, and mind. When considering build, the list is also intricate, but Barron prefers horses that are easy movers, handy with their feet and smooth. This cowgirl can move, herself, and even played post-secondary basketball. A natural with children, Barron enjoys coaching and hosting equestrian-based camps. She taught grade seven for five years and was spotted, more than once, riding her street bike to work. From Sunnynook to Portugal, Barron has showcased her equestrian skills worldwide.
Submitted by Billie Jean Duff
A. “The elements of horsemanship do not change. People really try and make things confusing for themselves and their horse. Good horsemanship is good horsemanship, no matter the tack you are in or the breed of horse you are riding. I don’t change my riding whether I am in dressage tack doing a pirouette or in a western saddle roping a steer. Timing, feel, and balance are the three most important factors when training a horse. You have to be able to think like a horse and stay one step ahead of them, at all times.”
A. “Keeping things fresh. Exercising the mind and body in different ways. I have always believed the horse was built, and is happier, doing many different jobs. I like that when I halter my horse, they don’t know what their job might be that day. They meet me at the gate every day, eager to tackle the task ahead of them. I enjoy doing many different jobs just like my horses. I get to figure out a plan as to best prepare my horse. Every experience I can give them, that is positive, will build their confidence. That’s a huge goal in my training program. Positive experiences that gently push them out of their comfort zone yet build confidence. Confident horses will go into battle for their riders.”
Q. How do you decide what to do with your horse?
A. “I try and do everything I can with all my horses. Some are better than others at certain jobs, but I want them to have that experience on their resume. I haven’t ridden many that didn’t rise to the challenge ahead of them. I am lucky to have a handful of horses to pick from. I choose the horse that best fits the experience. I am diligent with my young horses and am careful in choosing when they get to do certain jobs.”
A. “Me: Physically – fitness. Strength. Most people aren’t physically fit enough to get their horse to do the things they are asking or to outlast them. I made a commitment to getting stronger and noticed a notable improvement in my training. Fitness has been an addiction, ever since. We are our horse’s greatest roadblocks. GET FIT!
Mentally – I prepare my horses and am realistic about their skill set. This allows me to have a plan for the activity. Realize there are elements with horses you can’t control. Have a clear plan but also be able to deviate from the plan. Train your mind. Our thoughts are our own worst enemy. Have ice water running through your veins. From playing elite sports, I have a competitive edge. I thrive under pressure.”
“Horse: Physically – Fitness and gymnastic activities. Lots of outside miles accompany my horse’s arena work. My training program works on teaching a horse to be balanced and engage proper muscles. My belief is that when a horse is balanced and using themselves properly, they will last longer. I like my horses to be very physically fit. Hence the importance of good horsemanship, to ensure the longevity of your equine partner. Also, helps to have a good team behind your horse. A good farrier and vet are crucial for your horse’s success. Nutrition is also key. Horses are fine-tuned athletes and need to be treated as such. I make sure they are well versed in their training, confident and are physically fit. That horse will do any job you ask it to do.
Mentally – I do a lot to prepare my horses mentally. Most of the times this is harder to develop than the physical aspect and is greatly overlooked. I believe this work needs to start at a young age. Horses are thinkers by nature, and it is important we exercise that part of them as much as their body.
Submitted by Rod Sinclair
A. ““Dressage and working equitation. When I first laid eyes on a Portuguese rider competing in working equitation, I was enamoured by the high level of horsemanship needed to compete at the highest level. To me it is the holy grail of horsemanship. It was what made me fall in love with the Lusitano breed as well.
Q. As an equestrian, what brings you joy?
A. “I honestly experience the most joy when I swing a leg over a horse. It’s in my blood. I feel lost without horses. I really enjoy starting colts. Spending that time laying the foundation for the rest of their life is so important and rewarding. As a coach, it’s seeing my students succeed and helping them understand and enjoy their horses. As a trainer, it’s having my horses succeed and strive to be better every ride.
Sam Mitchell
(Millarville, AB)
Skill, style, and speed all come to mind when summarizing accomplished horsewoman, Sam Mitchell. Trying her hand in anything equine related, Mitchell continually adds to her profile of achievements. Training colts, cutting, cross country jumping, trail-riding, side-saddle racing, skijoring, and playing polo all add to her diverse portfolio. Mitchell’s innate desire to mingle fashion and festivity blends creatively with her love of all things equine. From Halloween hunts to stunning skijor sessions, this talented artisan and cordial competitor is no stranger to diverse equine pursuits. Mitchell approaches each discipline with a blend of patience and perfection. She is keen on choosing the appropriate mount for each task and ensures that her horse is well prepared, both mentally and physically. When speaking to qualities sought in equine teammates, Mitchell noted, “First and foremost, I look for heart. Try counts more than talent for me. Of course I’m looking for basic soundness and sanity but I’ll adjust a program to a horse’s physical capacity if he’s got the heart to show up and try for us.” Founder of Skijor Canada, Mitchell is drawn to anything adrenaline infused, especially when delectable eats and sartorial creativity are included. Mitchell is a culinary creative who also expresses her artistic talents by repurposing tack into fashionable accessories. This worldly traveler has backed horses around the globe and has hosted many travelling equine enthusiasts, in return.
Submitted by Amanda Ubell
Submitted by Danny Hagen
A. “First, the importance of soundness. It sounds obvious, but I’ve had horses that were so tough they wouldn’t show me they were hurting. Paying attention to their herd dynamics, how they stand at rest, how they hold their ears and tails and whether they’re scrunching up their chins or noses, can give you insight into how they’re feeling. The first thing I do with a horse who’s new to me is a basic vet, dental and chiropractic check. He’s got to feel 100% to be happy in work.
Second, the value of a solid foundation. I think of a foundation like a language we both need to speak so we can communicate effectively. The better we understand that language, the more subtle and nuanced we can be with our cues. Regardless of the horse’s age/experience when I get him, I start with groundwork which helps me understand what’s easy for him and what’s challenging, both physically and mentally.
Third, play to your strengths! I look for what the horse enjoys and has natural ability for, then decide whether I’m the best person to help him do that, and if not, who is.
Fourth, quit when it’s good. If you can’t find good, go back to something you know your horse can do well and quit there. Especially with talented, willing horses, it’s tempting to ask more and more of them. It’s our responsibility not to push them hard.
Finally, don’t micromanage. Letting a horse make mistakes gives me an opportunity to teach him what’s right so he can make that choice independently, which helps him trust himself.” A. “Learning new disciplines keeps things fresh and fun for both of us. It motivates me to spend more time with my horses and search out mentors to help me, which always yields new training tools that I can apply across the board. My horses love their jobs. They’re interested in what they’re doing and so responsive to positive feedback. I think they enjoy success over a big jump or a blisteringly fast run, just as much as I do.”
Q. How do you decide what to do with your horse?
A. “The first thing I’ll look at is his conformation/movement and whether he’s built for the job. Next, I’ll get him fit and assess whether he’s got the temperament for it and determine what aspects I might need to help him with. Then I’ll try the thing and see if he likes it. If it’s not enjoyable for both of us, I’ll try something else. Jumping cross country fences or barreling down a polo field on a horse who doesn’t really want to do it, is not my idea of fun.”
A. “Physically, having a good vet, farrier, dentist and chiropractor is essential. Also, quality feed, ideally grass, and a good fitness program is key. I do a lot of walking, trotting and hill work to build muscle, then loping/breezing to build wind. It’s my job to set the horse up for success. If he never learns to fail, he doesn’t know he can. I break the goal down into components and ensure he can handle them separately before I combine them. When I have that foundation laid, I can make a big ask if I need to. Sometimes, we’re in a situation that requires it, and the horse will step-up because he trusts me. Maybe also because he knows he’ll get a big bunch of carrots! Mentally, I think turnout is so important. Horses need to socialize. I’ll utilize herd dynamics to sort an issue out. For example, I’ll pair a solid, old ranch-horse with a nervous, offtrack Thoroughbred to help him settle. I may even put one of the boss mares in with a gelding who thinks he’s a big deal, so she can take him down a peg or two.”
A. “Polo is definitely the biggest challenge for me. Correct swing mechanics/form are crucial yet so counterintuitive. The harder/faster you try to hit the ball, the more velocity/power you bleed. I’ve never played a racket or team sport before and I’m not naturally athletic, so it’s a steep learning curve. Then you’ve got your game strategy, trying not to let your teammates down. Everything happens at a flat gallop which is, at once, exhilarating, and chaotic. I struggle to slow my mind down and think my way through plays, rather than panic and flail ineffectually. Oh yeah, and you need a smart, broke, fit horse. That takes a bit of work too!”
