November 2014 Features:
Driving Standardbreds Championships! Four Good Legs Smooth Operators
Inside this edition: The Drive to Succeed..........................................................................page 3 Ontario Standardbred Awards............................................................page 6 A Pleasure to Show..............................................................................page 8 Four Good Legs...................................................................................page 10 Roadster................................................................................................page 12 Promoting the Standardbred..............................................................page 14 Taking the Mystery Out of Tattoos and Freeze Brands....................page 15 Standardbred Horse Association of Australia Award......................page 16 Smooth Operators...............................................................................page 18 Standardbred Performance Society Awards.....................................page 20 National Standardbred Show Winners...............................................page 22 Caparisoned Horse..............................................................................page 24 Brag Page.............................................................................................page 25 On The Cover Draken, a champion driving horse, being presented by Kathleen Haak at the 2010 World Equestrian Games. Photo by Shutter Savy Images. If you would like to contribute an original article for consideration to The Standardbred Connection, please contact us at KathleenHaak@Ymail.com. We reserve the right to refuse any article. Have club news? Hosting a STB friendly event? Share the news on our Facebook page or drop us an email at KathleenHaak@Ymail.com.
The Drive ....
.....to Succeed By Kathleen Haak
T
he name “Standardbred” originated because the early trotters were required to reach a certain time standard for the mile distance in order to be qualify as part of the new breed. The athletic Standardbred brought racing to the common man, first between neighbors and later at racetracks. That doesn’t mean however that they can only be used for racing. Looking through back issues of The Carriage Journal, The Whip and newspapers and you’ll find many mentions of Standardbreds. The New York Times covered Alfred G. Vanderbilt’s decision in 1908 to take 60-80 (accounts differ) American Standardbred horses to England to horse his Venture Road Coach on the London-to Brighton Road. Today, Standardbreds are still used for coaching and can even be found doing commercial work.
foundation in eventing but never having driven before. After taking lessons, buying a new carriage, changing bits, and gaining driving hours, Muskiemar and Chuck had the beginnings of a solid relationship.
Draken and Kathleen Haak competing in the cones phase of the Saratoga Driving Trial.
Early 2013 found them at Black Prong training with So where are all of the carriage driving Standard- Fred Mirriam and they hit the Driving Trials ready breds? Some people, hoping to avoid any stig- to go. With two training HDT wins and one prelimimas, have their horse re-registered as a sport nary CDE placing, Chuck and Muskiemar were the horse and dye their neck tattoo; others quietly inaugural winners of the USTA sponsored HDT/ drive their Standardbreds without fanfare and yet CDE award. At the 2013 National Drive, Chuck others put themselves out in the public eye. and his partner, Meghan Richey, debuted their new pair – Muskiemar and Cmebatrotter – and hope to compete at HDT/CDEs with them.
Combined Driving Events
The most visible in the American Driving Society‘s Combined Driving arena is Pierre Guillemette, whose 18-wheel horse transport features a picture of Pierre and his Standardbred mares. From his farm in Quebec, Pierre and his mares, M C Suzy Rail and Filtre D’amour, travel Canada and the East Coast of the US competing in CDEs, driving trials and sleighing derbies. They have competed up to the Preliminary Pair FEI level. Turned out in russet harness, these two bay mares (pictured on the previous page) present a very pleasing picture of teamwork and helped Guillemette’s Canadian team win the first Can-Am CDE Challenge.
Should you see a black and white Standardbred competing at advanced level competition, that is Canadian Tina Sully and her Pinto-Standardbred cross, Deer Park Phoenix. Together they have been extremely competitive at major events like the Bromont CAI International CDE, the Southern Pines CDE and Live Oak.
Working to give Pierre a run for his money in a few years is Chuck McGrath from Oklahoma. He adopted his first driving horse, Muskiemar I, from Racer Placers Inc, located in Wisconsin, in 2012. Shortly thereafter he headed to The National Drive Against the Best navigating a marathon hazard at hoping to pick up some pointers, having a solid the Susquehanna Valley Whips & Wheels Horse Driving Trial
George (Frolic) Weymouth’s four-in-hand of Standardbreds graced the August 1975 cover of The Whip, a publication of the American Driving Society. They are preparing for driven dressage at the first Myopia Driving Competition. Photo by Chris Sparrow.
What is Combined Driving? Combined driving is the driving equivalent of eventing. Drivers compete in driven dressage, marathon and obstacles (aka cones). These events take place over three days and test the training, endurance and agility of the horses. Competitors may drive a single horse, a pair of horses (2), tandem (2), or a four-in-hand of horses. Competition is monitored in the United States by the American Driving Society and the FEI. Not quite ready for a CDE (Combined Driving Event)? You might try the horse trial equivalent, an HDT (Horse Driving Trial) or an ADT (Arena Driving Trial). These trials often take place over the course of a day and feature the same elements as a CDE but the marathon portion is much shorter. HDTs typically take place during the summer and ADTs take place during the winter months as they are held indoors.
English Performance Champion: Meaghan Melchers / RU PULLIN MY LEG Silver Champion: Jaci Payne / CRIMSON JIFFY Bronze Champion: Jessica Allen / CLEAR XAMPLE
Walk/Trot Dressage Champion: Meaghan Melchers / DREAM A LITTLE DREAM Silver Champion: Jaci Payne / CRIMSON JIFFY Bronze Champion: Mary Mark / GRIN AND BOO IT
English Under Saddle Champion: Breanna Houben / BLUERIDGE CAMOTION Silver Champion: Jackie Panko / DOUBLE A VICTORY Bronze Champion: Michelle Bohrer / DOMINANT KEMP
Training Dressage Champion: Meaghan Melchers / DREAM
English in Hand Champion: Silver Champion: LIN MY LEG Bronze Champion: VICTORY
Jaci Payne / CRIMSON JIFFY Meaghan Melchers / RU PULJackie Panko / DOUBLE A
Over Fences Champion: Meaghan Melchers / RU PULLIN MY LEG Silver Champion: Breanna Houben / BLUERIDGE CAMOTION Bronze Champion: Amanda Clark / TRINOMOLLY Novice Over Fences **Tie** Champion: Amanda Clark / TRINOMOLLY Champion: Meaghan Melchers / RU PULLIN MY LEG Bronze Champion: Emma Christoforou / THE PAINTED PONY Open Over Fences **Tie** Champion: Breanna Houben/ BLUERIDGE CAMOTION Silver Champion: Julia Clark / CHELEMARK CAM Silver Champion: Meaghan Melchers / RU PULLIN MY LEG
A LITTLE DREAM Silver Champion: MY LEG
Meaghan Melchers / RU PULLIN
Western Performance Champion: Meaghan Melchers / DREAM A LITTLE DREAM Silver Champion: Jaci Payne / CRIMSON JIFFY Bronze Champion: Jennifer Graham / IONA SUCCESS Western Under Saddle Champion: Shawn Jenkinson / CRIMSON JIFFY Silver Champion: Meaghan Melchers / DREAM A LITTLE DREAM Bronze Champion: Jackie Imeson / MATTS WARRIOR Western In Hand Champion: Silver Champion: LITTLE DREAM Bronze Champion: Western Games Champion: Silver Champion: LITTLE DREAM Bronze Champion: RIOR
Jaci Payne / CRIMSON JIFFY Meaghan Melchers / DREAM A Tia Biro / FIT FOR ACTION Tracy Coomber / HUGO Meaghan Melchers / DREAM A Jackie Imeson / MATTS WAR-
Western Dressage Champion: Meaghan Melchers / DREAM A LITTLE DREAM Silver Champion: Jaci Payne / CRIMSON JIFFY Bronze Champion: Tracy Coomber / HUGO
Mounted Obstacle Champion: Meaghan Melchers / DREAM A LITTLE DREAM Silver Champion: Julia Clark / CHELEMARK CAM Bronze Champion: Bonnie Holland/ YOUNG POINTER N
Silver Champion: Bronze Champion: MY LEG
Jaci Payne / CRIMSON JIFFY Meaghan Melchers/ RU PULLIN
High Point Junior Champion: Emma Christoforou /THE PAINTED PONY Silver Champion: Lita Curran/ YOUNG POINTER N Bronze Champion: Amanda Clark / TRINOMOLLY
Driving Champion Champion: Michelle Bohrer / JUST JATE Silver Champion: Jackie Imeson/ MATTS WARHigh Point Youth RIOR Emma Christoforou /THE PAINTBronze Champion: Shawn Jenkinson/ CRIMSON Champion: ED PONY JIFFY Silver Champion: Lita Curran/ YOUNG POINTER N Bronze Champion: Amanda Clark / TRINOMOLLY Rookie Horse Of The Year TRINOMOLLY Rookie Rider Of The Year Lita Curran Versatility CRIMSON JIFFY
Jackie Imeson and Matt’s Warrior Youth English **Tie** Champion: Emma Christoforou /THE PAINTED PONY Silver Champion: Amanda Clark / TRINOMOLLY Bronze Champion: Lita Curran / YOUNG POINTER N Bronze Champion: Julia Clark / CHELEMARK CAM Youth Western Champion: POINTER N Silver Champion: PAINTED PONY High Point Adult Champion: A LITTLE DREAM
Lita Curran/ YOUNG Emma Christoforou /THE
Meaghan Melchers / DREAM
Versatility Horse of the Year Crimson Jiffy with Shawn Jenkinson
A Pure Pleasure to Show
S
tandardbreds are often found in the show ring, competing at pleasure driving. The basic pleasure classes are:
Reinsmanship - judged primarily on the ability of the driver to drive the horse Pleasure - judged primarily on the horse’s way of going and behavior Cones or obstacles - a timed event judged on the speed and accuracy while going through a set of cone markers.
In Canada, Lisa Foster and her gelding, Jif, have been making a splash on the Ontario Standardbred Show Series circuit, winning High-Point Year End Champion several times. Lisa is most often recognized in the US for showing her pinto pony at top level ADS pleasure shows but in Canada she is more well-known in the Standardbred world. Lisa shows Jif in dressage as well as pleasure driving and combined driving events with the Tri-County Carriage Association. Lisa and Jif made the long haul to Ohio for the inaugural World Standardbred Show where they won Pleasure Driving Champions in 2013.
Other common classes are Ride and Drive, Driv- Another Canadian, Diana Trafford and her Stanen Dressage, Super Reinsmanship, and pleasure dardbred, JD’s Abigail, have also successfully marathons. crossed the border. Among their accomplishments they have won training and preliminary level driven While tradition is very important at upper level dressage classes as well as the prestigious Metashows, local shows are often more relaxed. There mora Silver Whips class in 2011 at the Metamora are a few universal requirements - brown gloves Driving Competition. Dianne has also won at the and an apron or lap robe. Drivers are also re- largest pleasure driving competition, Walnut Hill, quired to carry a whip, which acts as your ‘ridding on more than one occasion with a Standardbred. legs’ when driving. The type of carriage used in pleasure driving varies but some venues require Header Photo: Rob Pennington driving wooden wheels and/or steel wheels. Bikes are Valiant Legacy at a Central Jersey Horseman’s acceptable at Standardbred specific events but Association show. Photo by Vicki Wright frowned on at open shows unless specified.
While the Canadians are racking up the awards at American Driving Society events, the Americans are bringing home the Standardbred Pleasure Horse Organization National Awards. Wendy Flowers, of Maine, has driven/ridden Panzo Two to several National Championship awards. One of her favorite activities is being a Standardbred ambassador at events like Equine Affaire Massachusetts. Flowers and Panzo Two demonstrate ride and drive skills. This class replicates the days in which a fox hunter drove his horse to a meet and then participated in the hunt. True to tradition, the pair demonstrate driving first and then switch to riding. Panzo Two showcases the best in Maine Standardbred pleasure driving. Moving over to New Jersey, the pleasure driving competition is always very stiff. Rob Pennington, Helene Gregory, and Don Yurga are just a few of the names you’ll hear from the announcers stand. In the case of Don Yurga, you may be surprised to find him at the reins of a Standardbred as he has a well-established reputation in the miniature horse world. Yurga is know for his turnout, complete with russet harness and the equine equivalent to a sports car, a gig cart. All very appropriate for a gentleman driver. Whether you’re showing on the national level or at the local level, a Standardbred is capable of turning heads and demonstrating why they are such a pleasure to drive.
Above: Wendy Flowers with just a few of the awards that Panzo Two has won through the Standardbred Pleasure Horse Organization.
Below: Don Yurga competing with his Standardbred at a Delaware Valley Horsemens Association show. Photo by Tony Vecchiolla, AAF Images
T
here is one thing that we can all agree Standardbreds do, and do well, they can trot. With a slight shift in focus and training they can keep on trotting for many, many miles.
When you add in their tendency toward good bone, strong feet and steadfast nature, it is easy to see why many are successfully turning their hooves to the rapidly growing sport of Endurance Riding. Personally however, it was never a sport I would have considered when I first encountered my own steadfast Standardbred, Lyon’s Daz (aka Leo) for either of us. I was physically fit and active until eight years ago, when my left knee finally gave up the ghost, the legacy of a motorcycle accident many years earlier. Complicated by nerve damage, the injury left me unable to walk without crutches and in a great deal of pain.
work, both with poles and a variety of other tools and techniques, through early ridden work to establish a preference for a diagonal trot over the lateral pace, to grid-work, jumping and even dressage to improve balance and co-ordination; each activity seemed to build a base for a horse always looking for the next thing he could try.
Four Good Legs By Kerys Knight United Kingdom
About the same time, across the other side of the United Kingdom, Leo survived his own accident leaving him with a fractured pelvis, broken ribs and severed ligaments. Unsurprisingly, this put an end to his harness racing career. Fate brought us together at a rescue centre shortly afterwards and, even though we both limp to the same side, we’ve been rehabilitating each other and going from strength to strength ever since. Combined we have four good legs, all we really need. It rapidly became apparent that simply rehabilitating Leo to walk with a measure of comfort and normality would not be enough. From ground
stethoscope and a map.
The regular schooling and attention to flatwork slowly built Leo a musculature that allowed him to carry himself more easily and therefore move more economically than he did as a racing pacer, whilst still retaining that ground eating Standardbred trot. Eventually a move in stable yards to our current location at Salcey Forest Ridings granted us access to a fantastic hub of off-road bridleways, in addition to the forest itself, for hacking; something he soon showed he was eager to take advantage of. The switch from simply hacking further to actively training for endurance began with three simple tools: a stopwatch, a
Whilst it is good management to be aware of your horses resting heart rate, one of the foundation criteria for endurance as a sport is fitness as gauged by heart rate recovery. Once our regular routes were mapped it became a case of recording exactly how far we were going, the time/ speed it was achieved in and how long it took to recover to a resting heart rate post ride. Those three statistics (distance, speed and recovery time) became our guide. Gradual increasPhoto by West End Photography
es in distance were alternated with increases in speed, building up the percentage of time spent in trot over walk each week. When the ground allowed, canter stretches were introduced, primarily to push the heart’s workload and further its fitness rather than for over-all speed improvement. At the entry level of the sport it is not a race per se; the competition is against a set of standards rather than against your fellow riders. I soon discovered that Leo’s adaptability to this new sport was far outstripping mine as my needs began to dictate the chosen gait. My weaker leg was simply not capable of sustaining the long periods at the easy rolling canter that is the hallmark of Endurance’s prime breed, the Arabian. However, the big Standardbred trot came to my rescue. Leo is a big lad at 17hh and those long legs lead to an equally long stride that practically launches you up out of the saddle, making rising for twenty five kilometres far less exhausting than it sounds. It also means he averages around sixteen kilometres an hour, which at novice level in the U.K. is actually going too fast! As far as long distance riding is concerned this is also perfect for me, as it means I can intersperse our trotting with plenty of shorter walk stretches to allow for my weaker knee to recover. There have been a number of occasions, both during training and on Graded Rides, where we have been calmly trotting down the track whilst our companions have been cantering alongside.
Leo and Kate jumping, April 2009. ed Rides successfully. In our final ride in September - a fifty kilometre, the longest we had attempted in one ride - he romped home with a final heart rate of 47bpm. This netted him a well-deserved Grade 2 and allowed us to both upgrade to the next level for next year’s season. He sailed through the finish and settled by the lorry for a wash off like it was just another day. I however, was sponging cold water over my knees and shins after he’d finished with it! Pottering over to the final vetting he walked better than me!
And that’s the proudest thing for me, the reason why I’m now so enamored with this sport. My boy, We began our first official season this year and with his history, previous injuries, pacing/racing passed through every one of our qualifying Grad- past and somewhat unique action - he is holding his own and competing on equal terms against ‘normal’ horses, balanced horses and those whose conformation grants them a perfect stance and straight action. Not only that, he’s doing well and nothing, no judge’s subjective preferences or viewpoint or lofty ideal for movement and looks stand in his way. A few weeks rest and then it’s back to the schooling, and then the training all starts again. A little bit farther and a little bit faster, but I foresee this being no issue for a forward-going, hard-work-loving Standardbred. I just hope I can keep up! Leo sporting his trademark clip.
W
Roadster: The Jewel of Standardbred Driving
illiam and Elizabeth Shatner’s 12x World Champion Roadster gelding, All Glory, is probably the most well-know Standardbred driving horse. All Glory has won World Grand Championships “under saddle” with Elizabeth and “to bike” with William. In addition to having a Breyer model in All Glory’s likeness, they also had the honor of participating in the opening ceremonies at the World Equestrian Games in 2010 with William at the reins. Roadster show horses are shown in three ways: under saddle, hitched to a “bike” (a small two-
wheeled vehicle), and hitched to a wagon (a small four-wheeled vehicle) while the rider/driver wear colorful silks. The horses demonstrate trotting gaits that include a slow jog, a medium speed “road gait,” and a rapid and long-strided but controlled trot referred to as showing “at speed.” Horses should demonstrate action features folding of the knees, flexing of hocks, with straight true action of front legs and with hocks carried close together and with motions coordinated, is executing a balanced trot, according to the United States Equestrian Federation. Their harness is referred to as fine harness and is a lighter version than their CDE and Pleasure Driving relatives wear. An interview for the National Horse Show highlights the pride that drivers, in this case Raymond Shively, have to their horses. “This will be my 60th year doing Roadsters,” said Shivley, who is a respected judge in the saddle horse industry. “A friend of mine had seen this horse in Ohio about six years ago and called me about him. He thought I’d really be interested in him. The fellow’s name was Emerson Walfers and I named this horse after him, I named him Emerson. He raced on the track up in Canada. I’ve been showing him for the last five years. We’ve never been beaten. He’s a three-time World Grand Champion. He’s a full brother to a horse I had called Big Red. Red won the World Championship five times in a row. They both are laid back horses at home. Their two favorite things to do are to eat and sleep.” Roadsters traditionally show on the same show circuit as Saddlebreds. Allision Gallery showed
her standardbred J.A.K.’s Kaizan (aka Apple) in Kentucky, before moving to Iowa. After the track Apple was trained to show as a Roadster to Bike and Road Horse Under Saddle. After taking some time off from the ring to enjoy the Iowa trails, Gallery and Apple are back in the show ring! They are currently showing in roadster classes as well as Saddleseat classes. This style of driving isn’t limited just to the United States. The Royal Horse Show in Toronto, Canada, which takes place as part of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, also highlights roadsters. The 2013 show saw over 30 Standardbreds competing, including O’Brien Award winner, Latest Chapter. You can watch this years Royal Horse Show via live stream November 7-16th.
Allison Gallery and J.A.K.’s Kaizan compete at the Iowa Fall Classic. Photo by Terry Young.
The Roadster classes are a throwback to the days of yesteryear, when a horse needed to be fancy enough for going to town and yet provide a comfortable ride under saddle. These Standardbreds Below: Raymond Shivley driving Emerson to a show again and again why they set the American win in the $25,000 Equine Services Roadster Cup standard as driving horses. (2012) Brooke Jacobs with Jacobs Photography
phy submissions from readers. Just snap a photo of your kid giving a smooch on the nose of his favorite harness horse and email it in with the details. Weekly newspapers are always looking for material about local peeps. 5) BE A CHATTY CATHY OR CHATTY CHARLIE! Tell everyone you know how passionate you are about sport! You don’t have to start with the history of Dan Patch, but at least be willing to share and show your enHere are just a few simple ideas you can do to promote thusiasm. Bring it up when you’re getting a mani/pedi or mention how excited you are at the cash register when the sport of harness racing and the Standardbred! you buy that perfect scarf/jacket for Breeders Crown! 1) GYM, TAN, LAUNDRY, RACES. In addition to posting about going to the gym and 6) GET TYPING...OR DIALING! doing your laundry on Facebook or Twitter, why not You’ve heard this one a million times, and now you get say something about a major race featuring a popular to hear it a million and one times. E-mail or call the four-legged superstar or share an interesting racing sto- sport editor at the local newspaper or the sportscaster ry you just read?! I know many people do post about at the local TV station! Tell them you want to see more their favorite horses but it would be great if everyone harness racing covered OR tell them about a human inwould promote that major upcoming stakes event, as terest story in the area OR just tell them "Thanks" for well. Everyone on Facebook has “friends” who are not covering the sport! A note from a fan goes a looong way, in the business and by publicizing a big race or a stellar and, as you can imagine, a note from a bunch of fans celebrity Standardbred, it helps keep the sport on peo- goes even further! ple’s minds. Get them to wonder how a particular superstar finished AND when that horse is going to race An example of one of Heather’s most popular again...You can continue to keep them updated by post- FaceBook posts: ing something on your Facebook or Twitter news feed each week! 2) RECYCLING IS THE COOL THING TO DO! After you read your recent harness racing magazine, drop it off in the waiting area when you get your car serviced or at the doctor's office or even hand it off to a person who isn’t familiar with the Standardbred sport. 3) ONE OF THE CHEAPEST DATES IN TOWN! Why go to dinner and a movie at TWO locations...when you can have dinner and the excitement of horse racing at ONE location? And have you been to the movies lately? It’s so expensive! That money you were going to spend paying Matthew McConaughey’s salary (although, I do love that man) and paying for popcorn that has been marked up 700% (I’m not making that figure up) can go toward 'picking the ponies' and perhaps even winning a few bucks at track. 4) BE A SHUTTERBUG! While major newspapers already have professional photographers covering stories, there are so many local weekly papers out there that LOVE to print photogra-
I spent the morning at Gaitway Farm in New Jersey working on a feature for the CBS Sports Network broadcast of this Saturday’s Meadowlands Pace! Plus, I talked Ken Weingartner (from The United States Trotting Association) into handing over his camera & being on the other side of the shutter for once! Here we are with He’s Watching, last year’s Dan Patch winner for freshman pacing colts and a main contender in The Meadowlands Racetrack signature race! Thanks to Sarah Murphy, caretaker of world champions, for this awesome shot! #Pace14
Taking the Mystery Out of Tattoos and Freeze Brands By Laura Burnside ___________________________
K
eith Hamilton has worked with the USTA (United States Trotting Association) for 40 years. He is the person who does the freeze branding (tattooing) of all Standardbreds born in the CNY area. He also does all the major Standardbred racing events in the northeast to verify the identification of horses in sales,etc. He was kind enough to answer the following questions about Standardbred Identification.
Q. At what age are most Standardbreds tattooed? Is an animal ever too old to be branded/tattooed? A. Older horses can be freeze branded, they are never too old. Lip tattooing is acceptable by rule but in excess of 99% of registered Standardbreds foaled after 1997 will be freeze branded.
Q. If someone were to acquire a horse with a brand or tattoo but is unfamiliar with StandardQ. How long have you been involved with Stan- breds how do they go about tracing the backdardbred identification? ground of the horse? A. I have been working with the USTA for 40 years. A. If they can read the tattoo or freeze brand they can call the USTA at 877-800-8782 to get the hisQ. Older Standardbreds carry a lip tattoo while tory of the horse. The information can also be younger horses have a freeze brand, what year accessed online at http://pathway.ustrotting.com/ did the USTA begin using freeze brand? search/. A. If the brand/tattoo is hard to read are there any tricks to determine what the symbols origQ. How old are most Standardbreds when they inally were? receive their freeze brand? Q. Clipping the hair short over the brand site will A. The majority of freeze brands are placed on sometimes help to make out the symbols. foals 2 weeks of age to 6 months of age. ************* Q. Is DNA testing used in concert with the How does the actual branding process work? The branding? branding iron is submerged in liquid nitrogen for several minute until it reaches the temperature of A. At the time of freeze branding, the ID tech will minus -320째F. The iron is then touched to the skin collect a DNA sample (mane hair with root folli- for up to a minute. Over the course of a few weeks cle) and send it to our contracted lab for parentage the branded area will turn white as new hair grows verification. in. A. Freeze branding began with foals of 1997.
E
lyse Thompson is one of Victoria’s most widely travelled and hardest working pleasure Standardbred competitors. Her dedication and commitment over the past 12 months was richly rewarded when she received the Standardbred Horse Association of Australia Inc.’s 2013-14 National High Point Competition – National Performance Horse (Senior Section) Sash. The award acknowledges Elyse’s outstanding achievements with Liberty Valence NZ (aka Nippa), a striking 12YO black gelding by Badlands Hanover whose brief racing career produced just one win from 11 starts. Elyse has owned Nippa for the past two years and together they have become a dominant force on the Victorian show circuit. His National Award came in just his second competition season under saddle which is a remarkable result.
National Showing Award for Liberty Valence NZ & Elyse Thompson Liberty Valence was bred in New Zealand and qualified to race under the name Top Chance before being exported to Australia as a two-year-old in March, 2004. He was trained by Don Lock at Gisborne in Victoria and soon became a favourite of Erin White, who assisted at the racing stables. “He was taken along fairly slowly as far as his racing career went, because he was always big and gangly,” Erin recalled. “He showed a lot of promise but couldn’t keep his legs out of the way of each other and had a rather immature 16.2hh stature.” Liberty Valence made his racing debut as an early four-year-old, but it proved to be a tragic outcome – he fractured the P1/P2 in his left fore leg and underwent surgery to insert two metal plates. Fortunately with box rest, and appropriate rehabilitation, he made a complete recovery, returning to the racetrack just one day short of a year after the accident. Fast forward six days, and he recorded his only career win in a C0 class event at Bendigo; four months later, Liberty Valence was officially retired, a lack of co-ordination and ill-gait making him unviable as an ongoing racing proposition. “I had staked a claim for him when he finished racing from the time he was a two-year-old,” Erin admitted.
“He was very cheeky and loved to stomp on your feet. He was also great fun to jog every day and super powerful in fast work – I often drove him because he was my favourite,” she said. Upon retirement, Liberty Valence was let down in the paddock for well over a year before commencing his re-education under saddle. Erin was just two weeks into her own recovery after knee surgery when she rode the big fella for the first time. “Again, it was a slow and steady approach, to ensure that the injuries he had suffered while racing would hold up to arena work,” she explained.
Liberty Valence aka Nippa with Elyse Thompson riding.
“He retired sound from the track, but it was six months before I even attempted to canter on him.” Liberty Valence made his showing debut at the 2010 Standardbred Pleasure and Performance Horse Association of Victoria State Championships and excelled, winning the Novice Led Division and placing under saddle, even in the absence of an established canter. When Erin subsequently suffered a serious spinal injury, she made the heart-breaking decision to sell “Nip” – and that’s when he joined forces with Elyse Thompson. “Elyse has done a fantastic job to get him to where he is now, and I could not have hoped for a better show home for him,” Erin enthused. “I always knew he had enormous potential, that’s why I took my time and made sure he was ready both physically and mentally to take the next step. “They are a great combination and I’m so proud of everything he has achieved.” Novice Led Champion at the 2010 SPPHAV State Championships with Erin White.
Article and photos provided by Standardbreds Unharnessed Australia http://www.standardbredsaustraliaunharnessed.org.au/
Smooth Operators: Intermediate Smooth Gaits By Jane Lutz
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o matter which gait your horse is prone to do, all of the Smooth Saddle Gaits start with a foundation of Walking. Depending on how much conditioning your horse has, this stage may take only a few days, or as long as a few weeks if you are starting with a horse who has been out of work for a while.
to explore the next gear in the Intermediate Gaits. I N T E R M E D I AT E SMOOTH SADDLE GAITS Once your Standardbred has a solid foundation of a 4-beat square walk, you can ask the horse to move up to the Intermediate Smooth Saddle Gaits. If you are riding for pleasure, your horse's choice of gait is primarily about comfort. If you are looking into the show ring, then your horse's choice of gait is much more important. The show ring requires an entirely different type of training to conform to show standards and will require a trainer to help you and your horse achieve those standards. Friends of Sound Horses (http://www.fosh.info/) is a fantastic website on the wonderful world of gaited sport horses. For more information on the Gaited Sport Horse, Gaited Distance, and/or Gaited Agility check out: http://www.foshgaitedsporthorse.com/
The Walk is the mother of all gaits, and without a good swinging 4-beat Walk, the rest of the gaits will not be as smooth or can put the horse in an inverted position, which can cause soundness and soreness issues. To begin, ask the horse for a forward and energetic Walk. You should hear and feel a distinct 4-beat rhythmic sound (use a hard surface for a few strides to hear the footfalls if necessary). Let the horse Walk for a few strides then ask for a transition to the dog walk (normal walk). Let the horse dog walk for a few strides, then ask again for a more energetic Flat Walk. There should The show ring gaits are normally much more flashy be impulsion, as the Flat Walk is faster and more and require much more energy from the horse rhythmic than the dog walk. than the typical gaits seen on the trail. The following discussion will explain gaits typically used on Keep asking the horse for longer and longer times the trail. at the Flat Walk until the horse can comfortably Flat Walk for several laps around the arena (or the CUEING THE INTERMEDIATE SMOOTH GAITS length of 2 football fields or so if riding out of an arena setting) without losing purity of gait. Once The cues for the Intermediate Smooth Gaits are all you and the horse have this foundation (this can fairly similar - the difference comes down to which be as easy as a few rides on a fit horse to several Intermediate Smooth Gait comes naturally to your weeks for the out-of-shape horse), you are ready horse. To reduce confusion with cues for the hard
trot, instead of cuing the Fox Trot or Rack with the calves near the girth, use your calves in front of the hard trot cue. Also, since you are in a centered seat instead of a forward seat, the weight is a cue to the horse that you are asking for a different gait.
● The feel of the Rack is different from the Fox Trot. The Rack will have a climbing feeling in the front with an up and down feeling in the back. When riding in the Rack, it is very important to always have a Centered Seat.
As a general rule, Pacing bred Standardbreds will have an easier time with the Rack, while the Trotting breds will have an easier time with the Fox Trot. Although both varieties are capable of performing all the Intermediate Smooth Saddle gaits, most horses have a preferred gait. All Standardbreds are capable of the forward Flat Walk and for a leisurely trail ride, many riders will not need to go any faster than the Flat Walk. But for those looking at more speed on the trails, or looking into Gaited Distance Riding, the Intermediate Saddle Gaits will be the gaits of choice.
● Be prepared to adjust to a heavier seat if the horse tries to break into a too fast of a gait or into the hard trot. Also, if the horse is trying to fall back into the Walk, lightly squeeze with the calves while releasing and squeezing with your fingers to keep encouraging the intermediate gait.
The steps to develop the Intermediate Smooth Gaits are fairly simple:
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● Ride into a forward Flat Walk; use two hands (one rein in each hand) and have a light feel of the bit/noseband for bitless riders. ● Always ride in a Centered Seat, with weight on the tailbones and spine straight. ● Ask for more speed with a light squeeze and release from your calves; relax and squeeze your fingers (when squeezing with legs, release your fingers, when releasing your legs squeeze your fingers); keep asking until you feel the break from the Flat Walk into the faster Intermediate Smooth Gait.
● Ride for a short distance at the gait of choice, then transition down to the Flat Walk. Do this by using a light squeeze and release with the reins while exhaling into a deeper seat. Praise your horse!! After walking for a few strides, return to the Smooth Intermediate Gait for a slightly further distance. Keep alternating between the Smooth Intermediate Gait and the Walk to slowly build up muscles and coordination. Always alternate between the Smooth Intermediate Gait, Flat Walk, and the ordinary Walk until you are riding each gait about 1/3rd of the time. This will build stamina and conditioning.
Continue to teach your horse to balance at the intermediate gait by practicing exercises that will encourage bending and suppleness. Practice large figure 8's, serpentines, and cloverleaf patterns. Do a lot of upward and downward transitions and until the horse develops better balance and coordination, try to limit rides to fairly smooth ground. Once ● The feel of the Fox Trot is different from the the horse is “set” in gait, then the horse has the feel of the hard trot. Where the hard trot is 2 beats ability to balance over uneven ground. with a moment of suspension, the Fox Trot is a uneven 4-beat diagonal gait that has no suspen- In future issues we will delve into problem solving sion. The Fox Trot will feel like a push of energy with the Fox Trot, Saddle Rack, and Pacing. from the back and a pulling, rolling motion from the front. There may or may not be a head nod Photos provided by Sue Laney and Robin Lawson. depending upon the individual horse.
Equine Affaire Massachusetts
Meet these Standardbred stars from Nov 13-16th Magic Merls - Jumping Treacherous Cat -Dressage Dreamy Starlet - Side saddle Gone to Caroline - Pleasure Panzo Two - Driving
Standardbred Performance Society The SPS was established in 2009 and developed from a need for recognition and support for performance Standardbreds in America. The Standardbred Performance Society promotes the breed as an athlete. The Society, which is based in Maine but is open to Standardbreds around the country, is pleased to announce this years champions. Overall Champion - Art by Keene owned and showed by Stephanie Gray Reserve Champion - Bruizer’s L’il Star owned by Nonni Daly and showed by Kathleen Harvey Art by Keene romped to the championship with a total of 229 points! Bruizer’s L’il Star, is a 14 year old gelding, who does dressage and eventing in his second life! He’s also been know to charm the young ladies. Photo of Dreamy Starlet by Shutter Savvy Images
National Champion Halter Horse The Life Boat Shown by Veronica Toth
Investor shown by Julie Allison National Champion Fresh Off the Track division, Reserve National War Horse and Novice Horse divisions
The National Standardbred Show Results Photos by Vicki Wright
Big Bikkies shown by Maria Anderson - National Champion Driving and War Horse divisions, and Reserve National Champion Western division.
WV Mountain Mama shown by Stephanie Jacobs Champion Barrel Race and Down and Back
Always On Guard shown by Molly Goldberg Champion Two Gait Jr. - Advanced
The 2015 National Standardbred Show will be held August 8-9th at The Horsepark of New Jersey
Slip N Slide shown by Denelle Stratton National Champion Hunter and Reserve National Champion Senior Horse
Jambalayabar Man shown by Helene Gregory National Champion Dressage
A
llaboard Jules was not a particularly successful racehorse, with just 5 wins in 3 years during the mid 1990’s. He was however a very likable horse whose trainer, Dave Brandwin, wanted to find a good home for the little gelding. He spoke with Marie Dobrisky, a New Jersey racing official, who immediately thought of her son, a staff sergeant with the Caisson Unit of the 3rd Infantry Division. The Caisson Unit of the 3rd Infantry Division provides full military honor funerals within Arlington National Park. Any Army or Marine Corps commissioned officer holding the rank of Colonel or above are eligible for a full military funeral. This includes the Commander in Chief, the President of the United States.
an equine emergency. The animals are exposed to gunfire, crowds, and road hazards. In addition to meeting the color requirements, each horse must have the temperament to successfully deal with these challenges. Allaboard Jules just barely made the height requirement but fit the behavior factors. And thus he became a part of the U.S. Army. He was renamed Sgt. York, for the famed WWI hero, and attached to the United States Army, Caisson Platoon, 3rd United States Infantry (“the Old Guard”), of Ft. Myer, Va.,
Caparisoned Horse
Full military honors include a caisson and a riderless, caparisoned horse. Caissons were originally designed to carry cannons but have been modified with a flat deck for the casket to rest on. The caisson is then pulled by six horses, either gray or black, to the officer’s final resting place. Traditionally all six animals are saddles, but only those on the left have mounted riders. The riders guide the horses, there is no driver.
Sgt. York established his reputation following training exercises that simulated battle in a third world country. Machine guns and grenades sounded and yet he remained calm. This reaction garnered him the understudy position as a caparison horse.
In 1998, Sgt. York moved into the number one caparison spot. Since then the small black gelding has participated in an average of 1,000 funerals a year. In 2004. he provided this service for Ronald Reagan’s funeral procession. As the first full military funeral for a President in the nations capital since the death of John F. Kennedy. It is only fitting that Sgt. York followed in the footsteps Following the caisson is a riderless horse. The of Black Jack, the caparison horse from J.F.K.’s horse wears an empty saddle to indicate a fallen funeral. There was one notable difference, Reawarrior, the reversed boots in the stirrups signal gan’s actual boots replaced the boots customarily that the rider will never ride again. Some feel that used. this also allows the fallen officer one last chance to see their troops. Sgt. York, aka Allaboard Jules, is still active with his Army unit at age 23. His life story has been The horses that pull the caisson and act as the documented by Animal Planet. For an unassumcaparisoned horse are very special. They under- ing little black gelding he has quietly become one go training to assure that funerals go off without of the most famous Standardbreds in the world.