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2019
CANADA’S HORSE INDUSTRY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS A SPECIAL ISSUE OF
CONTENTS
INSIDE 8
Editor’s Desk
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Horse Council BC News
103,105,107 The Marketplace
Your comprehensive source for products, services, breeds, stallions, and more.
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SPECIAL FEATURES 10 Research Roundup The latest horse industry research from around the globe:
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• A revolutionary treatment for OCD in horses. • Hope for horses with laminitis.
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• Intense exercise can be hazardous to horses. • Are we training our horses more than necessary? • Why donkeys feel the cold. • Do horses have ancient, hidden toes? • Equine vision research to influence jump colour. • A new approach to worm control.
72 Reviving Ancient Skills
7 Burgeoning Horse Sports That Stoke Riders’ Passions
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72 CANADA’S HORSE INDUSTRY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
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22 PHOTO: CANSTOCK/DRAGONIKA • 72 LEFT PHOTO: DREAMSTIME/PRIPIR • 72 RIGHT PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA/KAMIL GRZEBYTA
Index to Advertisers
2019
CANADA’S HORSE INDUSTRY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS A SPECIAL ISSUE OF
CONTENTS
HORSE INDUSTRY 30 Winds of Change Are Blowing Through Canada’s Horse Industry
Our industry contributes to Canada’s economy and quality of life – but are we prepared for the future?
48 Southlands Riding Club
A visit to Vancouver’s unique equestrian community just 15 minutes from downtown.
62 Ya Ha Tinda
The Canadian Government’s only working horse ranch celebrates 100 years on the mountain prairie.
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86 How To Keep Horses Affordable 90 How to Budget Horse Expenses
98 How to Set Poles for Flatwork
104 How to Define Attainable Goals
On The Cover Chloe Graham, riding Stormy, was 10 years old when this photo was taken at Fallowfield Farm in Trenton, ON. Chloe went on to event at Dreamcrest Farm with Kelly Plitz and Ian Roberts, and represented Canada at the NAJYRC at the CCI1* level. Now 21 years old, she is working with young horses and hoping to ride her way up the ranks as an eventer. Photo: Clix Photography
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30 PHOTO: ISTOCK/GROOMEE • 48 PHOTO: INGO NEUFELD • 62 PHOTO: ALAMY/DESIGN PICS INC.
94 How to Fit a Bit
RESEARCH ROUNDUP
Latest horse industry research from around the globe.
A Revolutionary Treatment for OCD in Horses By Margaret Evans Beyoncé, a bay Thoroughbred filly owned by Patricia and Will Lalor, whose barn is based in Clonmel, Ireland, was destined for a show jumping career. But at 16 months of age she was diagnosed with a condition known as osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), which had developed in both of her knees. It is a common orthopaedic developmental disease in many species including humans, and results in separation of the articular cartilage from the underlying bone in the joints. Depending on the breed, it can affect 10 to 30 percent of the equine population. But then Beyoncé became the recipient of an exciting
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new procedure which could prove to be a game-changer, not only for equines, but for humans with similar orthopaedic issues. “Signs of OCD can be seen as early as five months of age, but it can be detected at any age,” says Dr. Tanya Levingstone, honorary research lecturer at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI). “It commonly affects both knee joints in horses. The horse in this case study was affected particularly badly and had very large OCD lesions in both knee joints. Thus, in this case, the prognosis from conventional treatment methods was poor.” OCD usually starts before a
foal is a yearling and, without intervention, can lead to several bone and joint problems later in life. Normally, the soft cartilage cells of a young horse convert naturally to solid bone and the process is known as endochondral ossification. But with OCD horses, this normal progression doesn’t happen as it should, and small areas of damaged cartilage occur within the joint causing the cartilage and the bone beneath it to become irregular in thickness and weaker than in normal, healthy joints. The interesting thing about OCD is that, in many cases, it can be a self-healing disease. For foals, some defects may heal naturally and the bone
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continues with normal growth. But once they reach yearling age that progression from cartilage to bone slows and stops, and there is less likelihood of natural healing and a greater possibility of OCD developing. It can lead to the development of bone flaps and fragments of cartilage that might remain partially attached or break away and float around the joint, causing irritation and inflammation leading to swelling. Over time, these abnormal growths may lead to arthritis. The syndrome is called osteochondritis and the loose flaps and fragments are referred to as dissecans. The most common sign of a horse with OCD is an enlarged
RESEARCH ROUNDUP
The characteristic stance of a pony with laminitis.
A Medication for Laminitis Now there is hope for thousands of horses and ponies suffering with laminitis. By Margaret Evans
When my half-Arab mare, Fari, was first diagnosed with laminitis at age five, it was the start of an agonizing seven years of painful episodic laminitic flare-ups, treatments, specialized farrier management, dietary changes, and constant monitoring of her weight. But in the end the equine metabolic syndrome that she was finally diagnosed with took her life when, in 2007, the devastating condition forced her euthanasia at age 12. At Queensland University of Technology in Australia, Prof. Martin Sillence with the School of Earth, Environmental and Biological Sciences has been researching laminitis for over a decade. He says that Velagliflozin, a new veterinary drug related to one used to treat human metabolic syndrome, has
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been found to prevent laminitis in ponies with high levels of insulin and the equine version of metabolic syndrome.
What is laminitis and why is it so painful and crippling? Laminitis is a complicated and ancient disease. Over
2,000 years ago Aristotle called it the “barley disease.” Today, we associate it with increasing sugar levels in spring grass. The symptoms include a shortened stride, a strong digital pulse, warm hooves with distinctive rings, stretching or bleeding of the laminae detected by the farrier, and the horse
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frequently lying down to relieve pressure on the hooves. The trigger is insulin. In humans, metabolic syndrome is a condition in which too much glucose enters the blood and the pancreas produces more insulin to cope with it. When the pancreas fails, diabetes develops. “Our team discovered that in ponies something quite different occurs, which led to the breakthrough finding that this common but mystifying disease was triggered by high concentrations of insulin,” says Sillence. “We discovered that when some ponies overeat energy-rich pasture or grains which release a lot of glucose,
PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK/FOTOKOSTIC
RESEARCH ROUNDUP
Comparing Training Schedules Are we training our horses more than necessary?
If the horse is performing a strenuous physical task, allow time off between training sessions for the muscles to rest and repair.
Source: International Society for Equitation Science If you are repeatedly training your horse to do the same task every day, a recent study suggests that you could well be spending your time more productively. The research, by equine scientists from Germany and Australia, found that allowing horses breaks of two days between training sessions rather than training daily results in similar learning progress over a period of 28 days. The researchers suggest that such a training schedule might be considered to make more efficient use of trainers’ — and horses’ — time. Uta König von Borstel, head
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of the Animal Husbandry, Behaviour and Welfare section at the Justus-Liebig University of Giessen, Germany and her team of researchers set out to find the optimal time interval between training repetitions of a learning task. She presented her findings at the 14th International Society of Equitation Science (ISES) conference in Rome in September, 2018. The aim of the study was to assess the speed a horse learns novel tasks when trained at different time intervals using negative reinforcement, and then compare the results. Negative reinforcement
training, often referred to as “pressure-release,” involves the removal of pressure in order to increase the likelihood of a horse repeating the desired behaviour. While there is some scientific information available on the use of negative reinforcement training, little objective data currently exists regarding the optimal time interval between training sessions. The researchers trained 39 horses ranging in age from two to 24 years to perform three different, unfamiliar tasks. One group of 20 horses was trained once daily and the second group of 19 were
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trained once every third day. The horses were trained using negative reinforcement to lower the head on poll pressure (HL), back up from neck pressure (BU), and to step forward upon pressure at the fetlock (SF). Training sessions lasted one minute, allowing for three to five repetitions per task and session. Training success was scored using the following sixpoint scale: 0 – no response; 1 – moving slightly (less than 1 cm) using strong pressure; 6 – the horse moving well using light pressure.
PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA/DAVID STARNER
RESEARCH ROUNDUP
Do Horses Have Hidden, Ancient Toes? By Margaret Evans
Do horses have just one toe — the complex hoof — or do they, in fact, still have remnants of all of their original five toes with four of them hidden from view? Horses evolved some 55 million years ago in North America as small, dog-size mammals with five toes. The climate was warm, wet, and subtropical, and having toes that spread out to pad around the forest floor was ideal. But as the climate changed, so did the little horses. Over an immense amount of time the horses adapted to cooling climates and changing landscapes that replaced forest with grassland. They became flight animals, which required them to grow bigger and run faster. Their cardiovascular system expanded and their limbs lengthened to end in a single
hardened hoof capsule capable of supporting the greater weight and speed. It was assumed in scientific circles that the redundant side toes shrank and eventually disappeared. But did those ancient toes, or digits, disappear altogether? Now, researchers at the New York Institute of Technology, College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYITCOM) are suggesting that, in fact, the four side toes did not completely disappear but remain even today as remnants still present within the horse’s modern lower leg and hoof. Scientists widely accept that the essentially redundant
splint bones — the small bones found along the outer sides of the metacarpal or cannon bone — are remnants of the second and fourth toes. The upper two-thirds of the bones are connected to the cannon bone by dense ligament, while the lower parts of the bones flare slightly but remain connected and stabilized by soft tissue. But according to the NYITCOM researchers, there’s a bigger picture that traces the remnants of digits one and five. Rather than being lost to evolution, these digits appear to be found along the ridges of the splint bones, demonstrating that they have possibly fused with digits two and four. “It’s not surprising,” says Nikos Solounias, paleontologist and anatomy professor with the College of Osteopathic CONNECT TO THE HORSE INDUSTRY
Medicine. “Overall, evolution is creative and yet very conservative, so the other digits remain but are not fully expressed. In many new structures you can see how the old anatomy is not lost but preserved in some way. The new structures are built upon the old by using new combinations. It’s rare to find a structure that is totally new material.” For many years Solounias thought that the dominant digit three — the hoof — included within it the other digits. But persistence and hard work revealed a simple theory. He explains that the splint bones contain their own elevated surfaces that hold the evolutionary clues. “I think the splint bones are doubled two digits per splint bone. Others thought it
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Winds of Change Are Blowing Through Canada’s Horse Industry
By Margaret Evans
I
t’s a familiar story. A horse-crazy child gets her first pony. She takes riding lessons, excels at local shows, finds the discipline of her dreams, and goes on to compete at Regionals. Then she gets her off-the-track Thoroughbred and continues with lessons and clinics while she trains her gelding, hoping to earn a place on the provincial team and eventually compete at Nationals. But along comes high school graduation, university, career choices. Soon, life’s busy demands derail her riding dreams as with more choices, more costs, and hard decisions she realizes the equestrian lifestyle is out of her financial reach.
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With a heartache, she turns away. It’s no secret that sports industries go through periodic changes, suffering the ebb and flow of lost participants, members, and supporters. The organizers recognize the signs and the need for the sport to reinvent itself, to invigorate its appeal, and draw in new people. And so it goes for the horse industry.
Hidden Figures In some regions of Canada, equine association membership numbers are slipping, show registrations are dropping, training barns are struggling, and horse
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ownership is shrinking. The reasons are many, complex, and readily apparent. “The number of Canadians participating in equestrianism certainly appears to have declined over the past five years,” says Akaash Maharaj, CEO of the Mosaic Institute in Toronto and CEO of Equine Canada from 2008-2012. “Unfortunately, the official national figures are out of date, as Equestrian Canada has not published an annual report since 2016. In 2012, there were 21,715 equestrian sport license holders in Canada. By 2016, the figure had fallen to 17,925. A 17 percent drop in participation in only four years is dire.”
When younger riders go off to university, they may not return to riding until they have graduated, or much later after careers are established and children grown. Some never come back. “The growth of our show industry is in the hands of lesson barns and the riders they are producing,” says Nicholas Hoyles, NEA secretary.
Many horse owners enjoy their horses recreationally and are actively participating in the industry, but do not join an equine association, so are not counted in membership figures. “I believe there continues to be a lot of activity, but do we know where it is happening and who is doing it? No.” – Deanna Phelan, NBEA president.
The drop is reflected provincially in some regions. “Unfortunately, we have seen a drop in our membership over the last five years,” says Nicholas Hoyles, secretary, Newfoundland Equestrian Association. “Due to the closing of a major show facility, we have also seen a decrease in the number of shows. Despite this drop, however, we do have a competent team of individuals working tirelessly to rebuild and further growth in the Newfoundland equestrian community.” Typically, a drop in membership and equestrian activities is a reflection of the
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PHOTO: ISTOCK/GROOMEE
PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK/SKUMER
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Southlands RIDING CLUB
By Emily Penn
W
hen we think about horses and equestrian sport, most
What started three-quarters of a century ago with a vision of a
of us conjure up images of the rural countryside: wide
shared community facility has evolved into one of North
open spaces, lush green grazing fields, remote country
America’s most unique and beautiful equestrian communities. But this historical, idyllic setting is not immune to the threat
roads. Rarely does horseback riding come to be associated with
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busy traffic thoroughfares, public transportation systems, and
of urban sprawl and influx of foreign money into the Vancouver
walkability to urban conveniences such as coffee shops, grocery
real estate market. Southlands Riding Club, the facility that is
stores, and retail shopping. But in Vancouver, British Columbia,
very much the heart of this community, and those charged with
there exists what is commonly referred to as a horse lover’s
securing its future, are working to ensure horses remain a part of
paradise, an urban oasis, and one of the city’s last hidden gems.
Vancouver’s landscape for generations to come.
Canada’s Equine Guide 2019
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Celebrating 75 Years of Horses
in the City
The 75th Anniversary Community photo. There are group photos from Southlands dating back to over 60 years ago. Many in this photo can find themselves in the 50th anniversary photo as well. PHOTO: INGO NEUFELD
Southlands Riding Club (the Club) is located 15 minutes from the downtown core of Vancouver, British Columbia, nestled between golf courses with the Fraser River to the south and the community of Kerrisdale to the north. The Club encompasses 16 acres of Vancouver’s last remaining agricultural land reserve, offering members and competitors access to seven riding rings — including one indoor arena and one covered arena with open sides — a half-mile track, large grass event field, covered and open lunging rings, small cross-country course, event stabling, and a clubhouse. In a city where space is at a premium and housing prices continue to skyrocket, the fact that horses are still able to find a place within the city limits is remarkable.
Founded 75 years ago and originally referred to as the Southlands Riding and Driving Club, the Club was the product of a group of equestrian enthusiasts living along what is now South West Marine Drive. The Club founders had a vision to create a shared equestrian facility easily accessible to the numerous local barns and stables in the neighbourhood; they felt it made good economic sense for horse enthusiasts to pool their assets to create and maintain a single large equestrian complex for daily use, and for hosting riding competitions. A conscious decision was made to not keep horses stabled on Club property as this allowed the space to serve the maximum number of riders; there was no need to give up a large part of the footprint of the property to permanent CONNECT TO THE HORSE INDUSTRY
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Ya Ha Tinda THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT’S ONLY WORKING HORSE RANCH
100 Years
on the Mountain Prairie By Tania Millen It’s hard to believe that the Government of Canada would own a spectacular horse ranch adjacent to the Rocky Mountains, where trail riders are welcome to camp and ride. But it exists. Ya Ha Tinda Ranch — owned by Parks Canada and the only federally operated working horse ranch in the country — turned 100 years old in 2017. Located approximately 150 kilometres northwest of Calgary along the north bank of the Red Deer River immediately east of Banff National Park, the ranch covers almost 4,000 hectares of high elevation natural grasslands and mixed forests. The main purpose of the ranch has been to develop and maintain a herd of stalwart mountain horses for Parks Canada staff to ride and pack while patrolling and caring for Canada’s national parks. From clearing trails to preventing poaching and assisting
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hikers, horseback wardens continue to need sound, sane mounts to do their varied jobs. The ranch used to run a breeding operation to produce these horses, but it doesn’t any more for financial reasons, instead choosing to buy six or seven Quarter Horse weanlings each year. Only solid-colour geldings are purchased, from bloodlines that are known to produce good minds and quiet temperaments. Rick Smith has been the Ranch Foreman at Ya Ha Tinda Ranch for the past 15 years and is responsible for everyday ranch operations and management. “There are bloodlines that we like because they’re quieter, sounder, more stable horses,” he explains. “We like some of the Hancock and Foundation Quarter Horses as they have a little bigger bone, straighter legs, plus have a bit of a wither. They tend to be a
CANADA’S HORSE INDUSTRY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
little harder when we start them but they quiet down and learn fast.” Smith continues, “We want something that thinks, rather than balls up when something goes wrong, because our people [Parks Canada staff] aren’t born horseman. We want the horse to stop so there’s time for the rider to react. It takes a really special kind of horse to tolerate that.” The ranch young stock grow up in natural herds on the rich fescue grasslands that Ya Ha Tinda is known for, and are started in the round pen as two-year-olds. After that, they’re turned out to pasture again until age three when they get some more riding time. The horses get additional mileage at four, then become warden horses at age five. Two horse trainers live and work at the ranch year-round, and Tom McKenzie is one of them. Every year for the last 10
PHOTO: TANIA MILLEN
PHOTO: ALAMY/DESIGN PICS INC.
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PHOTO: WIKIPEDIA/DAVID BALL
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Reviving
Ancient Skills 7 Burgeoning Horse Sports That Stoke Riders’ Passions By Tania Millen
H
staying alive during battle. So if you’re looking for fresh ways to horse around or watch thrilling horseback action, check out these sports. You just might find a new passion.
Flinging Arrows Mounted archery combines high speed horsemanship with accurate bow and arrow skills. Although bows and arrows were first invented over 10,000 years ago, mounted archery only appeared in horse
cultures about 3,000 years ago. The speed and stealth of skilled horseback archers were important for survival and defence, dramatically altering the success of hunting and warring parties. But once firearms were invented in the 16th century, archery became obsolete in much of the world. North America was an exception, and Indigenous horseback archers hunted and defended their lands into the 19th century.
PHOTO: ISTOCK/KATIEKK2
orsemen and women around the world are enjoying horses in more unique ways than ever, especially here in Canada. From mounted archery to combat and tent pegging, cowboy mounted shooting to working equitation, and Indian relay racing to skijoring, there are challenging horse sports for everyone. Many of the seven sports described are relatively new, but the skills these sports require originated hundreds of years ago when good horsemanship meant
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HOW TO HorseKeeping Have you ever wondered how to perfectly fit your horse’s bit, set poles for fabulous flatwork, define attainable goals for your equine pursuits, keep your horse habit affordable, and create a horse expense budget that won’t break your pocketbook? Then read on… the guidelines and step-bystep instructions in this collection of How To articles are designed to help improve your horsekeeping skills and confidence, and help you sleep better at night. 86
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HOW TO AFFORD TO RIDE 11 Tips & Tricks Nearly everything to do with horses seems to be continually rising in cost. Yet cutting corners in any way that might compromise your horse’s health and welfare is never the solution to saving money. So how can we add higher costs to what is already a tight budget, and how much further will our finances stretch? Fortunately, we’re here to help with some horsekeeping tips and tricks that will help you stay in the saddle without breaking the bank. Basic accounting tells us if we have money worries we need to spend less and make more, which can be hard when horses are involved. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, and some of the suggestions in this article may not work for you and your individual situation. But sometimes just being creative and thinking outside the box will help you find a way to maintain your horse habit and lower your stress. CANADA’S HORSE INDUSTRY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
By April Ray-Peterson
1
Do-It-Yourself and Co-Op Board
If full board is proving to be too expensive, consider part or co-op board. Some barns offer this affordable option, which takes the some of the workload off the barn owner/manager and puts some responsibility on the horse owner. There are many different setups for boarding from simply renting the stall and paddock, to full board with all the bells and whistles, and everything in between. Finding the right situation that works for you, your horse, and your bank account without sacrificing the care and safety of your horse can be challenging, but getting creative and working with the barn owner and other boarders can help you figure it out. 2
Share Your Horse
If you own your own horse and find the bills are piling up quicker than you can pay them, consider a part-lease. While this might
PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK/HORSEMEN
How to BUDGET HORSE EXPENSES
Creating and keeping a budget for your horse-related expenses can be a daunting exercise, but once you break it down it’s not so scary, and it’s part of responsible horse ownership. Without a budget, it’s difficult to manage your money and balance your expenses. Creating one will help you set a realistic limit on spending for your horse and horse-related activities, and may even help you find a way to reduce costs. When it feels as if you’re hemorrhaging money from the last stall on the left, taking a good hard look at exactly where all your money is going can be incredibly helpful, even if a little depressing. Although worth every single penny, you might be shocked to find out just how much your horse habit is costing.
By April Ray-Peterson
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Plan well ahead for larger purchases such as a new saddle or horse trailer.
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Getting Started There are many budgeting apps and templates available, but a simple Excel spreadsheet can also be used to create your budget and track expenses. I have provided an example of
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my current budget, which can easily be adapted to your situation, and includes both monthly and annual costs since many expenses aren’t monthly. Simply divide the annual costs by 12 to get a monthly number. My horse has a separate bank account and each month I deposit money for future expenses according to my budget. That way, when it’s time to buy supplements for example, the money is available and I don’t have to scramble. I also keep diligent track of actual monthly expenditures, so I can tell if I’m sticking to the budget. This can be set up to autocalculate in Excel, and if you need to brush up on your Excel skills there are plenty of online tutorials available.
Basic Expenses To start, break down your basic monthly expenses. Depending on your personal situation this might be as simple as your boarding costs, but if you keep your own horses be sure to include all costs including feed, bedding, labour, waste removal, repairs, etc.
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LOOSE RING SNAFFLE
HOW TO
Measuring Up
FIT A BIT
By April Ray-Peterson There are many different factors to consider when selecting and fitting a bit for your horse. The type of bit, the shape of the individual horse’s mouth, and other influential factors will affect the fit and bitting preferences. It may take some trial and error to find out what these preferences are, but knowledge and research can help. For the horse’s comfort and the bit’s effectiveness, the right type of bit is just as important as the right fit. The length, width, and position of the bit in the horse’s mouth are all key factors. Too narrow and it may pinch; too wide and it will slide around, becoming ineffective and possibly causing pain. The age-old rule of one to two wrinkles at the sides of the mouth isn’t hard and fast, and only considers one factor of fit. For example, a horse that tries to get the tongue over the top of the bit may need it positioned slightly higher, while some people think that when starting babies, a bit that is a little lower in the mouth will encourage acceptance and mouthing of the bit.
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You can get a simple and effective device called a Bit Sizer from your local or online tack shop to determine the length of the bit you need. All you need to do is slide it into the horse’s mouth and take a reading as you would on a ruler. If you can’t find a bit sizer, use a piece of string or baling twine, if your horse is cooperative. Just mark the spots of the string that meet the corners of the horse’s mouth and then lay the string against a ruler to obtain your measurement. Depending on the type of bit, you may need to add 1/4 to 1/2 an inch to this measurement. As a guideline, here are typical sizes: • Horses and ponies with small muzzles or jaws usually wear a 4 1/2 to 5-inch mouthpiece; • Horses with larger muzzles or jaws usually take a 5 1/2 to 6-inch mouthpiece.
CANADA’S HORSE INDUSTRY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
We typically focus mainly on bit length, usually measured in 1/4-inch increments, but bit width is also important, typically measured in millimeters, with the thinner bits being more severe and thicker bits being gentler. Again, consider the anatomy of the horse’s mouth when determining the right width of bit, as too thick a mouthpiece in relation to the space in the mouth will cause constant pressure and can even make swallowing difficult. Another crucial piece of the puzzle is where the bit sits in the mouth. The bit should sit comfortably on the bars of the mouth, or the space behind the front incisors and in front of the back molars. Achieve this by adjusting the cheekpieces of the bridle and be sure to check the position both with and without contact on the reins.
HOW TO
SET POLES FOR FLATWORK
By April Ray-Peterson No matter what discipline you ride, adding pole work to your program can be beneficial for both you and your horse. Poles make regular flatwork more interesting, and can help your horse become more balanced and rhythmical. They can be used during warm-up, to improve rideability, and they are particularly valuable for strengthening a horse’s hind end. Pole work can also assist with rehabbing or correcting training issues. If it’s possible to find a place in your ring where you can leave the poles set up, you’ll be more likely to continue with these exercises rather than having to reset the poles each time you ride. Here are a few of my favourite pole exercises and some basic guidelines.
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CANADA’S HORSE INDUSTRY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
SPACING: • Walk poles: 2.5 - 3 feet apart • Trot poles: 4.5 - 5 feet apart • Canter poles: 9 - 10 feet apart If set properly, your horse’s footfall should land in the middle of the poles. If not, adjust accordingly, or you might find that instead of changing the poles, you need more impulsion if landing short or more collection if landing too far.
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How to
SET ATTAINABLE GOALS
By April Ray-Peterson
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direction and effort you’ll need to reach your targets. Although you can set goals at any time, the start of a new year seems the perfect time. First, reflect on the year gone by, your accomplishments, your disappointments, and think about what motivated you and why. Goals can be short-term, long-term and anything inbetween. The important thing is to determine what they should be, and then put a plan in place to achieve them.
Decide Think about what you want to accomplish by the end of the year, or by another milepost that has meaning to you. Goals should be specific, measurable objectives that will help you and your horse grow from where you are now. They should be relevant and in your own best interests, not designed to please someone else. Your goals involve an animal with a mind of its own, whose health and welfare must always be top of mind.
CANADA’S HORSE INDUSTRY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
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Have you considered what you want to be doing with your horse in five years’ time? Or settled on your primary goals for the coming year? Or thought about the progress you want to make before your next riding lesson? The horse world can be a very goal-orientated place, and achieving your goals starts with defining them. How can you reach your goals if you don’t know what they are? Goals help you focus on your path and determine the
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