The Standardbred e Connection e Focusing on Pleasure Standardbreds March 2017
e Sky! h t o t i uba From D eet Jet M
Canada Rules! Meet two Canadian riders and their Standardbreds
The Standardbred Connection March 2017 Inside this edition: A Very Special Charlie Horse By Alexandria Tiffinger
Page 3
From Dubai to the Sky With Holly Coward
Page 8
SPHO Special Award Winners
Page 10
Handling the Ribbons By Michael Rider
Page 13
Story of a Standardbred Saddle Horse By Chris Morrison
Page 14
Mid Atlantic Regional Year End Awards
Page 16
Hypercementosis: A Pain in the Mouth By Kathleen Haak
Page 18
New Jersey SPHO High Point Winners
Page 21
Cover Image: JB, a big winner at the New Jersey Standardbred Pleasure Horse Organization's year end awards, shown here at the 2016 Jersey Classic. Photographer: Vicki Wright Charlie's photo on right provided by Tom von Kapherr Photography. Comments, questions or story ideas can be sent to The Standardbred Connection, Kathleen Haak, editor, at STBConnection@Gmail.com or via our website, www.TheStandardbredConnection.com.
A V ERY S PEC IA L
C H AR LI E H O RS E
BY ALEXANDRIA TIFFINGER
I
t was the first week of March three years ago when I first saw Charlie. In that moment, I didn’t think much of it – he was just a face I scrolled past on my Facebook newsfeed, with the caption “meet last night’s save”. In the following weeks, however, I often found myself thinking of that face; for some reason, I could not seem to get those sad, yet soft and hopeful eyes out of my mind. I had already decided within the previous year that I wanted to start casually looking for a second horse, as my first horse was approaching twenty, so – telling myself I just needed to get it out of my system – I inquired about the horse who was then known as Robby. As the story goes, “Robby” (from his race name, Robert T), a 2011 pace-bred Standardbred, had apparently been started for racing but was determined to be too slow, and had no starts on the track. They – J&M Acres Horse Rescue in Maple Ridge, British Columbia – had picked him up at a local stockyard a month before his third birthday, and described him as a complete puppy dog; green and inexperienced, but kind and willing. The more I learned about him, the more I thought that he might just be worth a shot – yet still, I had my doubts.
First of all, he was located 1200km away in another province. At the time, I was also relatively unfamiliar with Standardbreds, and in my attempt to learn more about them, I was bombarded with the many “myths” surrounding the breed. Unsure of what to believe, I contacted a friend of a friend who I knew had a Standardbred – who turned out to be a 2010 gelding by the same sire as “Robby”. When she could not say enough good things about her own horse, as well as the many other Standardbreds she had encountered and worked with, my mind was made up: despite the undeniable complexity of the situation, in my infamous leap of faith, “Robby” was on a trailer to Edmonton, Alberta two weeks later. Charlie began his training with me in spring 2014 and towards the end of summer, we started taking dressage lessons. In March 2015, we entered our first dressage show – and it was a disaster. Charlie was convinced there were horse-eating monsters at the judge’s table; in our first test, we spent more time on two feet than four, and we were eliminated. Each test got better, though, and we rode our way to a fourth-place ribbon in our last test of the weekend. That first show proved to be a very
Above: Charlie at his first event. Photo by Marie-Michaela Longval Left: Charlie at the "Star" jump during his first combined show at Bromont in May 2016. Provided by Tom von Kapherr Photography. accurate summary of how Charlie handles challenges: he always has questions, but he will give his 100% effort in return for patience and clear explanations. Throughout the 2015 season, we continued to compete on the local Bronze Level dressage circuit in Walk-Trot and Training Level, and with each new experience, and as our training progressed, Charlie improved remarkably. In fall of 2015, I was set to begin graduate school – 4000 km away in Sherbrooke, QuÊbec. To me, of course, there was no question: Charlie was coming with me.
we placed eighth and fourth. In September, we took home Regional Champion and Reserve Champion at the AERE Regional Finals in Combined Pre-Entry and Entry, respectively. The Charlie that I have now is absolutely not the same Charlie that I left Alberta with, and though he is still young with much more experience yet to gain, I am unbelievably proud of how far he has come in "But what I do know, his mere three years with me. Now, Charlie and I are preparing for the now, is that Charlie is 2017 season, our third show season one of the best things to and our first full season as eventers. I happen to me in my life." could not be more excited to see what the year has in store for us.
Since our move, Charlie has had a world of new experiences. Once we were settled into our new home, I started Charlie over fences in early 2016. That spring, we went on our first (of what would become many) trail ride. And, finally, in May, we entered our first jumping show, in the Combined Tests at Bromont Equestrian Centre, where we placed third in pre-entry. In June we did our first jumper show at 0.75m, and finally, in July and August, we completed our first two Horse Trials at the pre-entry level, where
I realized very early on in our partnership that Charlie is a special horse, and he has made this clear time and time again. Because of Charlie, I have some incredible people in my life: the friend of a friend with the Standardbred that I contacted before I got Charlie is now one of my own dearest friends, and I have a wonderful coach and barn family who are as supportive of my adventures with Charlie as I could have imagined. For
2016 and 2017, Charlie and I have been fortunate enough to be selected as Standardbred Ambassadors for Go and Play Stables in Peterborough, Ontario, giving us the chance to try and help to change the stigma against Standardbreds as sport horses off the track. Charlie himself has more heart than any other horse I have worked with, and I could not ask for a more willing and honest equine partner. As much as I am teaching him to be an event horse, he is teaching me, too – he has taught me patience, determination, and how to believe in myself when it seems that no one else does. Most importantly, though, Charlie is absolutely my best friend, and he alone has helped me through some of my darkest moments. People ask me why I got Charlie; why I got a Standardbred; why I spent several times what I paid for him to move him across the country with me. And why, nearly three years ago, I decided to buy a horse a province away from a few pictures off Facebook, I could not have answered then, and I don’t have a definitive answer now. But what I do know, now, is that Charlie is one of the best things to happen to me in my life.
Top Right Photo: Charlie and Alexandria by Tom von Kapherr Photography. Bottom Right Photo: Marie-Michaela Longva snapped this shot of Charlie as he boldly crosses the water at his first event.
From Dubai to the Sky
A
With Holly Coward
n English girl meets a French native in Dubai, it is love at first sight. It might sound like the latest romantic comedy unless you know how easy it is to fall in love with a Standardbred.
When Holly Coward first met Stolen Kyss (aka Jet) she was already an established rider of jumpers, he was not an established riding horse, let alone a jumper. Born in France, Jet had made his way to an Arabian stud farm in Dubai. When Holly found him, Jet had been lightly started under saddle but been found spooky and ‘sharp.’ Holly knew his owner and was persuaded to take a look at him...it was love at first sight.
Although full of potential, Jet lacked the balance and mindset he would need to suceed. “He is the most hard working and trying horse I have ever trained,” Holly reports, “within weeks he had learnt to school consistently in a frame and canter when asked.” Holly perfers a Dr. Cooks bitless bridle and Jet worked well in it. He also took to the desert sands barefoot with few issues. Within six months Jet and Holly were hitting the show ring - dressage, show jumping, eventing...the sky was the limit! “He has an incredible jump and lovely paces. He has never broken into the ‘pacing’ that I know he was bred for and it’s not clear from his trotting records how successful he was at racing however the normal 4
beat canter just came naturally to him thankfully which made my job a lot easier!,” says Holly. The pair have competed at the prestigous Emirates Equestrian Center in Dubai, the only British Horse Society approved training facility in the United Arab Emirates. They competed in the Show Jumping 60-70 cm class at EEC last October - they came home the winners. In December they showed at the same facility but in the Hunter Trails class; finishing second in the 60m division. “Due to the nature of my business I unfortunately had to find Jet a new home however he has stayed on under our care and I regularly teach him and his new rider,” Holly explains. “My experience with retraining Standardbreds so far has been overwhelmingly positive and I have a new appreciation for this breed.” Photos provided by Holly Coward.
Standardbred Pleasur Special Awa NIATROSS MEMORIAL IN HAND CHAMPION CHAMPION - TICK TOK TAG RESERVE CHAMPION - JR GRIN BACK ON TRACK HIGH POINT ROOKIE HORSE CHAMPION - -XING THE DELAWARE RESERVE CHAMPION - STINKY HOGAN EQUINE HIGH POINT GREEN HORSE CHAMPION - XING THE DELAWARE RESERVE CHAMPION - JR GRIN ARDEN HOMESTEAD HIGH POINT NOVICE HORSE CHAMPION - SEIZE THE DAY RESERVE CHAMPION - INDEPENDENT ACT SBOA OF NJ HIGH POINT SENIOR HORSE CHAMPION - JB RESERVE CHAMPION - BIG BIKKIES MERRYLEGS MEMORIAL HIGH POINT HUNTER SPONSORED BY NANCY FRENICK CHAMPION - JR GRIN RESERVE CHAMPION - PARADE VALLEY HIGH STABLE VERSATILITY AWARD CHAMPION - JB RESERVE CHAMPION - XING THE DELAWARE LEO McNAMARA MEMORIAL HIGH POINT JUNIOR CHAMPION - JOANNA RICCI RESERVE CHAMPION - NICOLE BURSAC BILL WEAVER MEMORIAL SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD MADISON LOFGREN & KIM GORSHE
re Horse Organization ard Winners STAR LANTERN MEMORIAL HIGH POINT JUNIOR JOANNA RICCI CHAI MISTER MEMORIAL AWARD HIGH POINT HORSE 20 YEARS OLD OR OLDER OSBORNE’S SHY CAM TREACHEROUS CAT WORK ETHIC AWARD MARTY KEYNTON SUPERIOR ACHIEVEMENT AWARD – JERSEY BRED STYLED N MISTY
Standardbred-only horse shows offering youth and open classes: in hand, english & western pleasure/equitation, over fences, games, english & western dressage, pleasure driving, and more‌ Six Shows in 2017 Standardrama June 18 Orono Showcase Summer Classic July 2 Rockton OSAS July 16 Campbellville
Year End Awards Banquet
Showcase Summer Classic August 6 Ancaster
Fall 2017 Date TBA
SWOSHS August 19&20 Ridgetown
OSAS September 3 www.standardrama.com * www.osas.ca * www.standardbredshowcase.com * www.swostandardbred.ca
Handling the Ribbons
by Michael Rider
I
n the United States, the blue ribbon is the most beloved at horse shows. The cost and labor to construct all of the colored ribbons, however, is identical. Burt Trophy and Awards in Marshfield, Wisconsin, creates awards for many horse shows in the Midwest and throughout the United States. The company was started in 1962 by Bob Burt and is currently owned and managed by Jill Giese Heier. Jill and her staff members, Jeannine Dukes and Vicki Plank, manufacture the ribbons for many sporting events using a few machines, a plethora of silk ribbon, gold foil, staples and their cardboard patterns for the designs that have been featured in their catalog for over 50 years. The process for ribbon making includes multiple steps depending upon the intricacy of the design. Rosette designs can feature pleated ribbon, folded ribbon, printed button components or combinations thereof, all requiring several steps to both ensure accuracy and quality. The printing of the ribbons is done via a heat foil printing press which uses metal linotype design dies and lettering to transfer the reverse image onto the ribbons. Assembling the ribbons at Burt Trophy and Awards is done by hand with templates that have been around for decades. Each step along the way requires precision work and hand-counting of materials. The ladies at Marshfield work through the winter and have extra staff and family help as needed when their business demands are high. The “off-season� is usually the winter months in Wisconsin; during this time, the staff work ahead on making ribbon stock to be used for rosettes and other extra components of the ribbons. Besides the fact that the Burt ribbons are made by hand, they also feature staples holding the components together, whereas some manufacturers use chemical compounds like glue to secure the pieces. The ladies at Burt report that the staples seem to have better longevity than the glued products. Whilst receiving a sixth-place green ribbon may not be the dream of most show ring participants; knowing that the same care and craftsmanship went into manufacturing all of the trophies can offer some solace.
Story of a Standardbred Saddle Horse by Chris Morrison
T
uffy was abandoned at a vet clinic after being left for “hock fusion” surgery. The owner never paid the bill, so he ended up in the hands of our friend Susan. We looked at him shortly after, when he was not saddle broke, 5 or six years old, and didn’t buy him. By the following summer he’d had more training and we took another look. On the test ride he shied when Rosalee’s shirt flapped and she came off, but the good impression had already been made. Tuffy turned out to be a sensitive, somewhat reactive horse with a basic wish to please and cooperate. Rosalee worked with Tuffy for quite a few years as a trail horse, and from time to time competing in Competitive Trail shorter distance classes (25 miles.) He mostly did very well for her, but she was unable to do a lot because of back pain issues on longer rides. This became worse in 2014, and by early summer 2015 she decided not to compete until her back improved.
at the start of an event but not unruly, and very well behaved at the surprise vet checks on the trail. He has a naturally low pulse rate and the ability to calm himself quickly, so his scores were excellent. He has an excellent smooth gallop to make up time when we needed it (after getting lost, for example…) On the September long weekend we entered a two day competition in the Battle River valley near Ponoka. This was officially two separate events, and we did Intermediate on both days for a total of 50 miles. He achieved a first and a second in the two events, and was awarded the prize for the best score in both Heavyweight and Lightweight classes for both days combined. I considered this a test as to whether we should move to Open class (50 miles at the faster speed) in the future. The weather was pretty bad for this ride, rainy with lots of muddy sections, which clearly didn’t bother him much! The final ride for the 2015 season was Writing on Stone, a difficult ride in deep coulees and high prairie near the Montana border. We enjoyed the river crossings, steep climbs and amazing scenery, and came in with another first place, including high points for the event. At the awards ceremony it was suggested that we move to Open in 2016 to give someone else a chance!
I had retired my previous horse in 2014 and hadn’t replaced him, so we made the decision that I would compete with Tuffy. I began conditioning him in July 2015, and entered the Wild Timber ride in mid August in the Intermediate class (25 miles at the faster “open” class speed.) We placed first with an almost perfect score. He was also a great pleasure to ride compared to my With the excellent (from a riding point of view) spring two previous (Standardbred and Arab) horses: excited conditions in 2016, we were able to train in later March
and April, and entered an Endurance event near Okotoks in April. I considered this a training ride and didn’t push to win, and while the first and second place horses were well ahead of us, we managed a third place by pulsing down quickly at the finish line. Again with a “training ride” in mind, we entered his first 50 mile event in July, the Grandview Cabin event near Innisfail. The rain had been intense (and was again at times during the ride) so trail conditions were wet and poor, with some very steep and slippery hills. I decided to work for a completion only, so we were among the slowest horses, and he finished the day in excellent
condition. So, back to the Wild Timber ride in July, in Open class this year! 50 miles in 7 hours of actual riding, with lots of hills: 1400 meters (over 4600 feet) of elevation change over the ride, enough to climb Mount Rundle at Banff, for example. He not only won the Open Heavyweight class, but a nearly perfect score of 298 gave him Grand Champion of the day. Three weeks later on Labour Day Weekend, back to the Battle River Ride, this time to try two 50 mile days for a total of 100 miles. I registered just for the first day to start, with the idea that if he seemed at all down at the end of the first day we could sit out the second, or do a 25 mile ride. Conditions on Saturday were pretty wet, but better than much we’d seen this year. He appeared sound and energetic one hour after arrival (the final vet check) and was given the go-ahead to do it again, so we did! I was up several times during the night to give him food and water, and he rewarded me by consuming plenty of both. Sunday began with a temperature of 4 degrees and foggy drizzle when we started at 7am, but eventually dried out and warmed a bit. Only a few of us went for the second 50 mile day. Instead of taking the brisk pace of the leader, two of us decided to keep things moderate and steady, and we rode that way together for the whole day. The horses got energy from each other, as did the riders through conversation and tall tales. My riding companion won Open Lightweight, and Grand Champion; I took Open Heavyweight, and reserve champion. Faster riders lost enough points to finish behind us. At the final vet check trot-out I received plenty of comments from onlookers on how energetic Tuffy’s movements still were. There was one more event to go: Writing on Stone on September 17, the most beautiful and challenging ride of the year. In short, we had a great time, enjoyed the best weather of the year, avoided the rattlesnakes and quicksand, and once more won our class and took Grand Champion for the event! So, from July 2015 to the present, Tuffy and I started 8 Competitive Trail events, bringing in 7 firsts, 1 second, two Grand Champion awards and one Reserve Champion. Not bad for an old Standardbred sulky horse!
MID ATLANTIC YEAR END DRESSAGE DIVISION CHAMPION XING THE DELAWARE & KELLY CONN
SHOWMANSHIP DIVISION CHAMPION LARRY & ROB PENNINGTON
VERSATILITY CHAMPION INDEPENDENT ACT & SUZANNE D’AMBROSE
WORKING HORSE CHAMPION
SPEED RESERVE CHAMPION
STINKY & ROB PENNINGTON
WV MOUNTAIN MOMMA & STEPHANIE JACOBS
HUNTER PACE RESERVE CHAMPION OSBORNE’S SHY CAM & TERRY LEE KEYNTON
C REGIONAL D AWARDS ENGLISH PLEASURE DIVISION CHAMPION JR GRIN & JOANNA RICCI
JUMPER DIVISION CHAMPION BIG BIKKIES & MARIA BUCHANAN
CLARKSVILLE AWARD CHAMPION BLAKE & LELLA MONTGOMERY
HIGH POINT ROOKIE HORSE CHAMPION
OVERALL HIGH POINT STANDARDBRED CHAMPION
STINKY
JR GRIN
HIGH POINT SENIOR HORSE CHAMPION BIG BIKKIES
Hypercementosis:
Y
A Pain in the Mouth
ou may remember Another Tino for all the wrong reasons - he was in the slaughter pipeline, fundraising was done to get him to the Standardbred Retirement Foundation, and then there were his teeth. There was some spectulation that the then eleven-yearold gelding had been kicked in the mouth. Whatever the reason, if you saw the pictures you would remember them.
routine dental care could have caught the situation early on.
Hypercementosis is characterized by the excessive buildup of normal cementum (calcified tissue) on the roots of one or more teeth. It often occurs at the apex of the tooth and gives the tooth an enlarged appearance. Humans with the condition often complain of a throbbing pain. In Tino’s case the condition was accompanied by an ulcer on his lip and foodstuff becomBorn in Canada, Tino eventually made his way to ing compacted within the affected tissue, resulting in an New Jersey and the Standardbred Retirement Founda- infection. Given the condition of Tino’s mouth and lip tion. Upon his arrival he was evaluated by Dr. Amelie it is impossible to imagine that he wasn’t in pain. McAndrews of Garden State Equine Veterinary Dentist. X-rays were consulted, he was evaluated to insure Tino was sedated, the excess cementosis removed, and that the mass wasn’t cancerous, and eventually the di- the area in general was cleaned. Despite losing three agnosis of hypercementosis was made. Dr. McAndrews teeth, Another Tino has an excellent prognosis; he can believes that it is possible that Tino has been dealing eat a normal diet and as with all horses will need once with this condition, in some form, his entire life. Sadly, or twice a year to be examined by a veterinarian who does dentistry.
It has been roughly six months since Tino arrived at SRF. His mouth has healed up nicely. He has gained weight and is now ready for adoption into a leadline or walk/trot family. Photo Right - Tino’s mouth when he arrived at SRF; his hay and grain packed in. The solid white mass (easiest to see on the right side of the photo) is the cementurn that goes back into the roof of the mouth. Top Left: Tino’s mouth once cleaned out but before Dr. McAndrews treated him. Top Right: The infection is gone and the healing is well underway. Right: Another Tino is a very well mannered, 12 year-old, black gelding who is putting on weight. He is available for adoption through the Standardbred Retirement Foundation. With normal maintenence, Tino should not suffer further complications from his teeth. Thank you to SRF and Dr. McAndrews for sharing the story behind Tino’s teeth.
www.CarriageFestival.com
SPHO-NJ YEAR END AWARDS Overall High Point Standardbred Champion: JR Grin (bottom right) Reserve Champion: Independent Act (with flag) Third: Stinky (right) Fourth: Big Bikkies (bottom left) Fifth: Rush N Storm (not pictured) Sixth: Syenite (with ribbons) Photos by Vicki Wright
Happy Spring Trail Pace
Sponsored by the Standardbred Pleasure Horse Organization of NJ
Sunday, May 7th (rain date, Sunday, May 14th) ~ Open to all breeds First riders out at 10am ~ Last riders out at 1pm Whispering Winds Equestrian Center, 222 Easy Street, Howell Twp, NJ. Just south of Route 195, near Allaire State Park Trail pace is between 6 and 7 miles, flat with some water puddles to cross. SPHO-NJ Members - $20 per rider / Non-Members - $30 per rider ~ Lunch included! Lunch Sponsor- The Leo McNamara Family Teams are 2-3 riders and the divisions are: Pleasure Pace – Open Pleasure Pace – Junior (team must have at least one junior rider) Hunter Pace – Open Hunter Pace – Junior (team must have at least one junior rider) Register the day of the pace. Easy in & out trailer parking. Water available for horses. Proof of negative Coggins required (within 2 years, NJ residents / within 1 year out-of-State) Helmets are required for all minors / Suggested for adults
For more information, contact Suzanne at sphonjnews@aol.com Contact day of pace: 732-567-8318
Website: www.sphonj.org
SPHO-NJ is a non-profit 501(c) organization