RIDING INSTRUCTOR magazine - Winter 2020

www.riding-instructor.com

Official Publication of The American Riding Instructors Association

Winter 2020/21

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riding-instructor.com | Summer 2020

31

Official Publication of The American Riding Instructors Association

6 Feature

Sprout Therapeutic Riding and Education Center 9 One Special Student

by Lydia Fairchok

10 Choreography Basics

An excerpt from the recently published book Freestyle: The Ultimate Guide to Riding, Training, and Competing to Music

by Sandra Beaulieu

12 Sponsor Spotlight

By Donna Hartshorn

13 Holiday Gift Guide 14 A Pony’s Wish List

By Lydia Fairchok

16 Business matters

The 20% Who Read This Article Will Improve Their Business Profit - The 80% Who Don’t, Won’t

By Doug Emerson

18 Business matters

Key Performance Indicators

By Carol Gordon, CPA

20 Business matters

Home, Sweet Home (Office Deduction)

By Carol Gordon, CPA

21 My Journey Through a Fog Bank

By Didi Arias

24 Legal focus

What’s the Problem With Verbal Contracts?

Julie I. Fershtman, Attorney at Law

26 Sport psychology

Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence To Bring Out the Best in You and Your Students

By Laura King, CHt, NLP & Life Coach

29 Small-Scale Teaching

By Lydia Fairchok

32 Revisiting Enrichment

By Christine Olsen

34 Susan Bellinger joins the Century Club

By Holly Clanahan

36 Cameo’s Cauldron

STONE SOUP

By Cameo Miller Photo from the recently published book Freestyle: The Ultimate Guide to Riding, Training, and Competing to Music, by Sandra Beaulieu.

Reprinted with permission of Trafalgar Square Books. Freestyle is available to order publisher direct at www.HorseandRiderBooks.com

38 Scnobia Stewart:

‘A Dedication to Inclusivity’

By Scnobia Stewart

ARIA Official Suppliers and Sponsors Winter 2020/21 Published by: American Riding Instructors Association 28801 Trenton Court Bonita Springs, FL 34134-3337 Tel: 239-948-3232 Fax: 239-948-5053 E-mail: aria@riding-instructor.com Website: www.riding-instructor.com Editor: Charlotte Brailey Kneeland aria@riding-instructor.com

These companies, whose commitment to quality reflects our own, are official suppliers and sponsors of the American Riding Instructors Association. We thank them for their support, which helps us to continue our work.

www.wellpride.com ARIA’s Official Fish Oil Supplier

www.wintec-saddles.com ARIA’s Official Saddle Supplier

www.ceecoach-us.com ARIA’s Official Communications Supplier

www.ggtfooting.com ARIA’s Official Footing Supplier

www.horseinsurance.com ARIA’s Official Insurance Supplier

www.onekhelmets.com ARIA’s Official Helmet Supplier

www.cazenovia.edu/caz-equine ARIA Official Sponsor

www.williamwoods.edu/eqs ARIA Official Sponsor

Manager of Corporate Sponsorship and Advertising: Donna Hartshorn Tel 407-927-3578; Donna@riding-instructor.com Art Director: Ferenc Rozumberski franzz@gmail.com Illustrator: Susan E. Harris

Member ARIA recognizes that equestrian headgear that does not meet the current ASTM standard is not safe, although certain equestrian activities pictured in this magazine may not adhere to these requirements.

Riding Instructor is the Official Publication of the American Riding Instructors Association.

For Advertising Rates & Data, please contact the publisher.

The editor of Riding Instructor reserves the right to edit reasonably all copy submitted, and all contributions become the property of Riding Instructor. The Editor does not hold herself responsible for, nor does she necessarily agree with, the opinions expressed in Riding Instructor.

Riding Instructor assumes no responsibility for loss or damage to unsolicited photographs or manuscripts.

Reproductions without permission are strictly prohibited by copyright laws. While endeavoring to accept only reliable advertising, Riding Instructor will not be responsible to the public for advertisements, and the right to decline or discontinue any advertisement is reserved.

ARICP Advisory Board Debi DeTurk Peloso Denny Emerson Julie I. Fershtman, Esq. Susan E. Harris Gayle Lampe Jane Savoie Sarah Sliva, MD Linda Tellington-Jones

To learn the benefits of becoming an ARIA Official Supplier or Sponsor, please contact ARIA at 239-948-3232 or aria@riding-instructor.com Cover Artwork by Anna K. Hodsdon Anna was born and raised in Sweden, surrounded by a family of art lovers. The walls of her childhood home, decorated in Scandinavian paintings and prints, inspired her early start with graphite.

Later, her parents passed down to her a box containing paint, brushes and linseed oil which originally belonged to her great-grandmother. With these, as well as her parents unwavering support, she began a love affair with oil paint. Her early technique blossomed with her dedication and devotion to her most favoured subject: horses.

Now living in Canada on a small farm in rural Ontario with her family, dog and horses, she dedicates the majority of her time to painting in acrylic and oils, although she is also skilled in graphite, pastel and charcoal. She is also a photographer, dabbling mainly in portraits but also enjoys photographing horses.

She is an internationally-selling artist who is looking forward to creating an educational video series on her YouTube channel Magnolianna Art. In 2020 she was awarded Ottawa’s Favorite Painter by Faces Magazine.

Anna. K. Hodsdon Magnolianna.weebly.com Facebook.com/magnoliannaart Instagram.com/hodsdon_k

Winter 2020/21 | Riding Instructor

5

Feature

Sprout Riding Instructor Nancy Davidson posing with students

Sprout Therapeutic Riding and Education Center Nestled in the heart of Virginia horse

to meet the needs of individuals with phys-

Professional Association of Therapeutic

country, Sprout Therapeutic Riding and

ical, cognitive, social, and emotional needs.

Horsemanship (PATH International).

Education Center in Aldie, Virginia is the

The center has 15 staff (7 instructors), 18

“happy place” for hundreds of people in the

horses, 135 weekly students, and hundreds

When COVID-19 hit – causing Sprout to close

Northern Virginia community with differing

of big-hearted volunteers who make up a

to students for the spring, the instructors

ABILITIES. It’s a place where all individuals

community of POSS-ABILITARIANS (peo-

decided to see the opportunity amidst the

are accepted for who they are and empow-

ple who see others for their abilities and

challenge - an opportunity for growth!

ered to live without limitations… with the

focus on the positive). The organization re-

Through the spring and summer, Sprout’s

help of horses.

sides on the first ADA-accessible barn built

instructors worked as a collaborative team

for clients with disABILITIES in Northern

to earn teaching certifications through

Sprout has served its community faithfully

Virginia and all staff are certified to teach

ARIA in hunt seat, fox hunting, dressage,

since 2011 – using hands, hearts, and horses

adaptive riding and/or driving through the

carriage driving and recreational riding.

6

Winter 2020/21 | Riding Instructor

Sprout students and horses at an annual horse show (at Sprout Center).

Sprout’s Founder and Executive Director, Brooke Waldron, is proud of her team’s commitment to continual growth and learning. “As an organization, we choose to focus on embracing growth, challenging ourselves to continually refine and improve our knowledge, horsemanship, riding and teaching - because our students are worth it”, she says. “Pursuing ARIA certifications gave us a wonderful opportunity to hone our skills and find ways to embrace the equestrian disciplines we love while keeping an eye on the bigger picture - creating a broad and diverse barn that has the

Sprout Driving Instructor Anna Koopman instructs student Caroline during a driving lesson.

ability to meet the needs of a spectrum of equestrians.”

The newly-certified instructors at Sprout Center are: Brooke Waldron who earned Level 2 Dressage and Stable Management, Anna Koopman who earned Level 2 Driving and Stable Management and Level 1 Recreational Riding, Kayla Elias who earned Level 2 Dressage and Recreational Riding, Heather Henken who earned Level 2 Dressage and Hunt Seat on the Flat, Pam McAfee who earned Level 2 Dressage, and Lacy Warner who earned Level 2 Hunt Seat

Newly certified ARIA instructors (pictured left to right) Heather Henken, Anna Koopman, Brooke Waldron, Pam McAfee, Lacy Warner, Kayla Elias

Winter 2020/21 | Riding Instructor

7

Feature

Sprout Riding Instructor Heather Henken, teaching a group of students about horse senses and behavior (with the help of Jack the pony).

and Riding to Hounds. These instructors join Nancy Davidson, a Sprout instructor who is already ARIA certified, making Sprout the first barn in Virginia to have instructors hold dual certifications to teach traditional and adaptive riding.

This fall, the Sprout staff have been busy, serving over 125 students weekly through riding, driving and ground work lessons (both adaptive and traditional). Sprout has also expanded its program offerings to offer more opportunities for those looking for activities outside of the home -- including “Little Sprouts” -- an equine education program for young equine enthusiasts, an inclusive 4H Club, and an enhanced equine-employment program for young adults.

Sprout’s instructing team is proud to be part of the ARIA community, and to promote the key values of Safety, Knowledge, and Integrity that are at the heart of the ARIA philosophy!

8

Winter 2020/21 | Riding Instructor

Sprout student Kate mounting her horse using the wheelchair lift, supported by Founder and Executive Director Brooke Waldron.

Com pl Only ete Set $350

Revolutionary Coach to Rider Communication

All of our students are special, and we’d like to hear about some of yours!

Here’s one special young lady to start us off:

One Special Student Madelyn Evans is 14 years old. She’s the oldest of three, and while her parents work hard to help her with riding opportunities as often as they can,

www.eartec.com 800.399.5994

Madelyn largely – and often entirely – takes on the responsibility of her own lessons. She is a faithful worker in whatever job she is given!

Both this year and last, Madelyn was one of two students who participated in a teen mentorship program that I created for them at the barn. The girls built character in and out of the saddle by caring for the barn one morning a week with greater independence, spending time rehabilitating an injured horse, assisting with younger riders, traveling with me to off-site teaching and growing through a weekly Bible study.

Story submitted by Madelyn’s instructor, Lydia Fairchok of Westfield, Indiana.

Winter 2020/21 | Riding Instructor

9

Book Excerpt

Amy Jordan and I discuss potential movements we might use in her Freestyle. Creating your choreography first allows you to create the best routine for you and your horse.

Photo by Kimberly Chason

An excerpt from the recently published book Freestyle: The Ultimate Guide to Riding, Training, and Competing to Music by Sandra Beaulieu

Choreography Basics Choreography requires as much creative

focus on your horse’s strengths such as

You have a choice to enter the arena at the

thinking as does your music choices. This

gaits, straightness, ride-ability, etc. Use the

walk or trot/jog through Third Level and

part can be a lot of fun for those who enjoy

movements to prepare your horse for success

Level 3. When you reach Fourth Level or Level

drawing floorplans and piecing together

and give you confidence as a rider.

4 you may also choose to canter/lope up the

puzzles. If you start to get overwhelmed at

centerline. Most riders choose to trot/jog to

the thought of creating a routine, there are

Put Your Best Foot Forward

a few ways to make the process a lot easier.

When you plan your opening centerline,

cus. However, you can also choose the walk if

begin by entering the arena from your

that would help your horse stay relaxed and

Routine First

begin with energy and to help the horse fo-

horse’s “better side.” Most horses have a

balanced. A walk entrance can be dramatic if

I recommend that riders new to Freestyle

shoulder they tend to lean toward, and they

it matches the music. I sometimes include

design create a routine first, and then add the

may drift that way on the centerline. Practice

transitions on my centerline, for example,

music to it. This allows you to concentrate on

entering the ring from both directions, and

by starting at the walk to the music and then

the routine without getting overwhelmed.

choose the direction that is easier for you to

trotting when the music changes. A transi-

Starting with choreography helps you

maintain balance and straightness.

tion can help the horse settle and balance.

10

Winter 2020/21 | Riding Instructor

Make a Good First Impression

General Tips for Choreography:

When you begin your choreography, you can

• Enter the arena from your good side or

choose to mix up the order of the gaits to bet-

your best lead (when entering at the can-

ter suit your horse. I recommend starting and

ter/lope is allowed).

ending your Freestyle with a movement of

• Highlight your best movements at the be-

strength for a good first and last impression.

ginning and the end for a strong first and

Try to sandwich your horse’s weaker move-

last impression.

ments in the middle of the test so that you

• Showcase your most difficult transitions

can leave the judge with a good feeling. For

and movements closer to the judge to

example, if your horse has a strong trot/jog,

demonstrate confidence.

begin your Freestyle with a movement like the

• Choose whether you want to begin your

lengthened trot/jog and immediately transi-

canter/lope work on your horse’s good

tion to the canter/lope. Ride the rest of your

lead to gain confidence or start with the

trot work at the end so that is what the judge

more difficult lead to get it over with!

remembers. This also bodes well for your

Reprinted with permission of Trafalgar Square

Choreography score, since it does not follow

Books. Freestyle is available to order publisher

the same trot, walk, canter sequence as a test.

direct at www.HorseandRiderBooks.com

I work with a client on some choreography, using my Blank Arena Diagram Sheets to draw out the movements. You can download this page from the Freestyle book resources page at beginthedance.com. Photo by Kimberly Chason

Winter 2020/21 | Riding Instructor

11

Sponsor Spotlight

By Donna Hartshorn

Wintec Saddles

Wellpride

WintecLite All Purpose D’Lux

At Wellpride®, we focus on making the best

You will feel supported for riding

equine fish oil so that you and your horse

any discipline in this top-of-the-

get results!

range super-soft and grippy saddle – a saddle so light, tacking-up is

We start with a carefully purified fish oil that

simply a breeze! Allow your per-

meets even the standards for human con-

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sumption. We focus on freshness, which is

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important for both the palatability and effi-

fun selection of cantles you can

cacy of any omega-3 product. And we ensure

change to suit your mood. Your

that every serving of Wellpride delivers effec-

leg will easily find a natural groove

tive doses of undiluted EPA + DHA omega-3s.

and your contact and communication will become effortless. For your horse, they will enjoy the super-soft panels which mold in and

The result? Potent anti-inflammatory benefits that support excel-

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horses to Wellpride, visit wellpride.com/wellpride-success-stories/ or call 866.414.0188.

12

Winter 2020/21 | Riding Instructor

Holiday Gift Guide HandsOn Gloves

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Winter 2020/21 | Riding Instructor

13

A Pony’s Wish List

By Lydia Fairchok Every young riding student knows that horses and ponies have Christmas wishes, too...why not let them help fill in the lists? We have a December tradition of hanging a blank list on each horse’s door. At our Christmas barn gettogether, I fill a paper lunch sack with slips that include all manner of things that a horse might want, plus some truly silly suggestions. Students take turns drawing out a slip and attaching it to a horse’s wish list. As part of the fun, they must explain to the group why they think that horse would choose that thing. You will learn a lot about your students’ perception of your horses as you listen! For example: “Orion would ask for 100 carrots because he is always hungry!”

“Sadie would ask for a day at the spa because she likes mud.”

“Maggie would ask for another pony so she wouldn’t be the only one small enough to get picked on.”

After the pre-made slips have been doled out, students can fill in extra blanks with their own ideas. This leads to even more merriment as the peerless logic of children is applied to the purported desires of horsekind. When one of my students added “Port-a-potty” to the pony’s wish-list, I could not wait to hear what her reasoning was. She explained that Maggie would appreciate a private place to use the bathroom while outside--a thought process that was based on the fact that every time we bring the pony in for a lesson, the first thing she does is urinate in her stall.

Below is a wish-list template and a ready-to-print sheet of items.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

14

Reindeer Antlers

100 Carrots

New Horseshoes

Trip To The Ocean

New Bridle

Day At The Spa

Horse Trailer

Flyswatter

Glitter

Warm Blanket

Trail Ride

Another Horse/Pony

Telescope

Bag Of Sugar

Blue Ribbons

Fancy Halter

Sleigh

Giant Candy Cane

Back Scratcher

Big Screen Tv

Grass

Winter 2020/21 | Riding Instructor

2021 Tuesday, April 6 Conroe, Texas Saturday, April 10 Columbus, Ohio Monday, May 3 Cairo, Georgia Saturday, May 8 Aiken, South Carolina Private testing may be arranged in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, Vermont, Virginia and Washington state.

Please contact ARIA for further information. Call 239.948.3232 or e-mail aria@riding-instructor.com

Winter 2020/21 | Riding Instructor

15

Business matters

The 20% Who Read This Article Will Improve Their Business Profit - The 80% Who Don’t, Won’t

By Doug Emerson

Most likely the 80% of your students, boarders and training clients who only contribute 20% of your profit are poor listeners, question your knowledge and experience and are slow to pay.

Identify and list the traits of the 20% of students and clients who help produce 80% of your profit. Ask yourself where you can find more prospects with these traits.

Do the same with the 80% of your students, boarders and training clients who contribute 20% of your profit. Ask yourself how

This story is about an Italian engineer,

What’s important to understand about the

they can contribute more to the profit of

economist and philosopher who discov-

Pareto Principle is that most often, a small

your business as well as determine if that

ered one of the most important rules of

number produces the greatest results.

is even a possibility. Most agreements in the horse business world are short term

business over one hundred years ago. His discovery happened as he studied his vege-

Pareto, and others after him, confirmed the

table garden one day and observed 20 % of

relationship between inputs and outputs is

the pea pods in his garden produced 80% of

not balanced, proving once again that life

If a customer is not a good fit for your busi-

the peas he harvested.

is not fair.

ness model, then help the customer find a

contracts.

more suitable arrangement with another Being an economist, his observation of his

Here are just a few examples of what the

pea pods led him to research and make

Pareto Principle means to you and your

observations about the distribution of

horse business:

horse business.

Evaluate the individual team members you

wealth in Italy. He concluded through his

supervise. Which ones are the 20% who

research that 80 % of the wealth in the

crank out 80% of the work? Identify the

country was controlled by just 20% of the population. He was astounded that 80% of the population had only a fractional share of the remaining 20% of the national wealth.

The talented economist was Vilfredo Pareto.

The concept became known as the 80/20 rule and is also referred to as the Pareto Principle.

• 8 0% of your profits are earned from 20% of your customers • 8 0% of your profit comes from 20% of your time • 8 0% of complaints come from 20% of your customers • 8 0% of work is completed by 20% of employees

personal qualities demonstrated by the productive 20% group. Review the 80% of the remaining team and judge whether they should remain with you or move on to a job more suited to their skill set.

Applying the 80/20 to your business analytically is not difficult. You’ll know on paper what you should do. And if you want a more successful and profitable business, you’ll easily see that without change for the better, your business will remain stuck where it is.

Pareto went on to explore other mathematical relationships of 80% and 20% as they applied to both people and wealth. Pareto’s

Think about the 20% of your students,

The difficult part is taking action on what

80/20 observation is not always exact as it’s

boarders and training clients who contrib-

you have discovered through your analysis.

not a mathematical formula. It’s a gener-

ute to 80% of your profit. They typically

alization that gives amazing insight to hu-

listen to what you say and put it to use,

The horse business is relationship based.

man nature. Sometimes the ratio is 70/30

respect your professionalism and pay you

Your students, customers and employees

or 90/10, but the observation holds true.

on time.

think of you as a friend and rely on you.

16

Winter 2020/21 | Riding Instructor

whom they’ll learn to care for properly. Meals are served family style in our dining room and can cater to a variety of nutritionserved comes directly from our educational farm, just down the road! When not in the saddle or at the barn, our campers enjoy

Helpful tip(s) to share with other instructors on running a successful camp: While it’s crucial to build an equestrian curriculum that emphasizes skill and safety, it’s also vital not to lose sight of the young person in the saddle. At East Valley Ranch, all programs are guidhonesty, inclusiveness, respect, responsibility and stewardship, as well as a mission to serve all. ➢

Photo courtesy Red Pine Camp for Girls.

Red Pine Camp for Girls Riding instructors needed for summer 2021. Pre-camp training provided. English balance seat riding, beginner through advanced.

Campers learn horsemanship, riding skills and horse care. Riding in the ring and on the trails; some jumping as well. Competitive salary based on experience, plus room & board.

Making changes in how you conduct your business involves

Check out our website http://www.redpinecamp.com Questions? Email Connie at rpc@redpinecamp.com

dealing with emotions and potentially hurt feelings. Often, a business relationship of several years with an employee or client will cause anticipation of a stressful decision for you.

In anticipation, stressful imaginary conversations play out in the business owner’s head of how an employee dismissal or client relationship termination will go. These imaginary conversations are likely to cause decision procrastination. Delay in action is understandable. After all, no one likes to add more stress to life.

However, most of the time, the actual conversation goes far better than the imagined conversation does.

If better profitability, less daily work and reduced stress are among the goals of your business, the sooner you take advantage of the 80/20 rule, the happier you’ll be with your business growth.

About the author: Doug Emerson, writes, speaks and consults about running a profitable horse business. His favorite method of helping professional horsemen is through one day workshops focusing on the business half of the horse business.

You can find out more at www.ProfitableHorseman.com

Winter 2020/21 | Riding Instructor

Photo courtesy Camp Nashoba North.

building games, and more. Contact us about applying for a position at East Valley Ranch today!

17

Business matters

Key Performance Indicators

By Carol Gordon, CPA What’s Normal?

If I asked you for the “normal” TPR for your

and key performance indicators (KPIs),

How many times in the last six months have

horse, you either know them off the top of

you’ll be able to make better informed

you heard people talking about things “go-

your head or can get them in a heartbeat

decisions for your business.

ing back to normal? In order to recognize

(pun intended!). TPR gives you a good,

when things are back to normal, you need

quick indication of the health of the horse.

Four critical KPIs:

to know what normal was in the first place.

But what about your business? Whether

A. Cash Balance/Cash Flow:

you are an instructor, have a boarding barn,

Your cash balance is the cash received

I met a barn owner who, when new boarders

are a judge or some other equine-related

minus the cash paid out during the time

arrive at her barn, asks them to provide

business, you need to periodically take your

period – to arrive at these numbers, you

current

business’s TPR.

should be reconciling your bank account

TPR

(Temperature,

Pulse

and

on a monthly basis. Cash flow measures

Respiration) readings for their horse. And if they don’t know how to get those readings,

The business equivalent of TPR is KPI – Key

the ability of the company to pay its bills.

she teaches them. The readings are included

Performance Indicators. Keeping close tabs

A low cash balance can serve as a red flag

on the horse’s stall card and are updated

on your business’s financial performance

that your business is spending more than

semi-annually. She does this for several

is essential to long-term success. Many

it’s earning OR that you aren’t collecting

reasons. If the owner is not present and the

business owners will simply check their

what’s due to you on a timely basis. It is

horse is in distress, she can take the readings

income statement or tax return at the

crucial for businesses to keep a healthy

herself and has a “normal” to compare them

end of the year to assess their company’s

cash balance in the bank to address any

with in her conversations with the vet. And

bottom line. However, it is important to

unexpected expenses or situations or in

if the owner is present and calls her because

look beyond these basic measurements

cases of businesses subject to seasonality.

her horse “just doesn’t look right”, she can ask

to ensure you are getting the full picture

According to a U.S. Bank study, 82 percent

them to provide the current and the “normal”

of

of business failures are due to poor cash

readings to her before rushing out to the barn.

understanding additional financial metrics

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Winter 2020/21 | Riding Instructor

your

company’s

well-being.

By

management.

You can improve cash flow by using the following strategies:

™

1. Having customers pay you faster (offering discounted terms for early payment).

2. Having customers pay upfront (offering a package of lessons).

3. Paying bills slowly.

OFFICIAL FOOTING SUPPLIER OF THE The secret is in the sand

4. Reduce any discretionary spending.

AMERICAN RIDING INSTRUCTORS ASSOCIATION! www.ggt-footing.com

B. Accounts Payable: Accounts Payable are bills that you owe to your suppliers/vendors but haven’t yet paid. It’s important to keep track of everything that you owe so you can manage cash flow. Just because you haven’t received the bill from the vet yet for that emergency visit doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t consider it when you are determining Accounts Payable. You may not know the exact amount but you should use a reasonable estimate for purposes of determining future cash requirements.

C. Accounts Receivable: Accounts Receivable is money owed to your business by customers for business products and services. Even if you haven’t emailed your monthly bills to customers, you should be able to guess-ti-

BARB at 864-804-8664 AMANDA at 864-415-2526

Call

mate what’s due to you. (Another way to improve cash flow is to

or

send your bills to clients more quickly or more often).

www.ggtfooting.com

D. Net Profit: Net Profit is the “bottom line” for your business – how much profit or loss did your business produce in a specified period. Net profit is usu-

AD Amanda ARIA.indd 1

27.01.2020 12:05:50

ally calculated on a yearly basis for tax purposes. But in order to be able

to make timely decisions, it’s much more helpful to calculate net profit on a quarterly or monthly basis.

It’s really useful to calculate the bottom line as both a dollar value and as a percentage. For example, for 2019, Smith Riding Academy had income of $250,000 and expenses of $225,000. The net profit was $25,000 and the profit percentage was 10% ($25,000 divided by $250,000).

If your business records are kept current on an accounting software program such as QuickBooks, running reports to provide you with

Reviewing KPIs on a regular basis is a good way for you to evaluate your business. You can try out different options before actually implementing them to see if they make sense for your business (e.g. – you want to add coaching at shows but to do so, you need to hire an additional groom to do the grooming that you usually do yourself).

Just like reviewing your horses’ TPR on a regular basis, reviewing

ructor.com www.riding-inst

these KPIs are just a few clicks away. ion Official Publicatn Riding of The America Association Instructors

Winter 2020

Moving?

Don’t miss a single issue…

Phone or e-mail us with your new address.

(239) 948-3232 aria@riding-instructor.com

your business KPIs helps to keep your informed and prepared.

Winter 2020/21 | Riding Instructor

19

Business matters

• As a place to meet or deal with clients in the normal course of your business, or in the case of a separate structure which is not attached to your home, it must be used in connection with your trade or business.

2.

Generally, the amount you can deduct depends on the percentage of your home that you use for business. A common method of allocating percentage is based on square footage but any reasonable method is usually acceptable. Your deduction may be limited if the gross income from your business is less than your total business expenses.

3. If you sell your house, the depreciation taken for your home office will be subject to taxation.

4. If you are self-employed and file using Schedule F, use the worksheet in Publication 587 to calculate the deduction and report the deduction on Schedule F. If you use Schedule C, use Form 8829, Expenses for Business Use

Home, Sweet Home (Office Deduction)

By Carol Gordon, CPA

of your Home, to calculate the deduction and report the deduction on Schedule C. 5. The home office deduction is also available to renters.

6. If you are an employee and work from home, you are no longer eligible to claim the home office deduction.

People don’t always understand what’s available and especially that selling your house generally results in paying taxes on the depreciation you’ve claimed over the years.

Many of you use a home office as the home

taking the deduction would be beneficial to

base for your business. You make appoint-

your business.

ments, pay bills and make bank deposits at home. The IRS offers qualified taxpayers

Here are six important things to know about

the opportunity to deduct the expenses of

claiming the home office deduction.

maintaining a home office from your taxable income. I’ve included some very basic infor-

1. Generally, in order to claim a business de-

mation on this topic here. Please review IRS

duction for your home, you must use part

Publication 587 and discuss this option with

of your home “exclusively and regularly”:

your financial advisor in order to decide if

20

Winter 2020/21 | Riding Instructor

• As your principal place of business, or

For more information, see IRS Publication 587, Business Use of your Home.

About the author: Carol Gordon is a CPA with an MBA from Boston College and the owner of Carol Gordon, CPA, which provides consulting services to equine-based businesses. You can contact her at cgordoncpa@gmail.com. If you have any questions that you’d like covered here, please email her with your suggestions.

“This can´t be good”, I told myself.

I felt distracted and had difficulty concentrating on one task at a time, starting something only to get up and leave it and take on something else, only to leave that.

I was chasing squirrels, with lots of starts and no finishes – and that wasn´t really me.

Interestingly, a friend called one evening and asked if I too was experiencing “mush head”, as she called it, noticing that she was going nowhere fast (Yay, I had company!). A bit concerned, we Googled the “symptoms” to make sure that we didn´t have brain worms or anything, and were relieved to find that probably was not the case. Wanting to exclude any further medical possibilities for my fogginess, I tootled off to my doctor and after discussion, exam and bloodwork, the diagnosis was “it´s just stress - you and everyone else”. Relieved that my missing time was most likely not due to alien abduction, I embarked on finding how to get myself better, to “just relax” as the doctor told me, and stop my self-sabotaging, worrying ways. Now that there was an explanation of what was wrong it was time to explore the “Why”, and the culprit was glaringly obvious.

By all counts, the year 2020 was a stinker,

My Journey Through a Fog Bank

and without having to make that in to any more of a moan fest than it already has been, we can all admit that it has effected everyone, everywhere, in some way or another. I thought I was handling it all well, until the focus thing, which made me realize that I had allowed a “bug” to bypass the op-

By Didi Arias

erating system security and enter my moth-

Illustration by the author

erboard, messing up my circuitry with overwhelm and distraction. Of course fear, worry and uncertainty can all cause anxiety, and in

Midway through 2020 there was the first

It also seemed that very little progress was

my case, that was topped off by experienc-

giveaway that something was off when I

being made on my “To Do” list: day after day

ing several personal life issues that added to

noticed that my days seemed to be ending

it was sneering at me, growing longer. Not

the stress with the recent loss of my mother,

sooner than they should have, with evening

only was there the feeling of getting little ac-

not being able to teach (due to my country,

chores, dinner, and bedtime rolling around

complished, I was also forgetful, frequently

Spain, having one of the strictest in-home

before I felt I even got started. That was

walking in to rooms without remembering

lockdowns on the planet), and being physi-

odd because it was summer and our day-

why; my cell phone even had a brief stay in

cally limited due to recent injury. So it was

light hours here in southern Spain are long.

the fridge.

no mom, no work and no exercise - a three

Winter 2020/21 | Riding Instructor

21

My personal environment got an overhaul

it is I wasn´t going to let any old virus get

I yearned for a comfortable and relaxing

taking care of this body for a long time and

Having received good emotional support

home environment, for as with a cluttered

I work at it, because at my age, honey, if you

from my mother´s care team, they helped

mind, a cluttered environment puts me in

knew how tough it was to keep it this way,

me realize something very important: that

to overwhelm overload. Because we had

you´d know I´m never going to quit because

I was unable to control a lot of what was

always been too busy to tackle all those

I don´t know how long it would take to ever

going on around me, so I needed to single

many “when I get round tuit” chores, my

get it back. Now say that in your best Mae

out the things that I could control. With

husband and I decided that we would both

West voice!

this sage advice in mind, I knew this was

feel a whole lot better to finally give them

the key to get my focus back on track, and

our attention and organization. We have

Keeping up a personal appearance routine

the following is the “How” in how I did it.

lots and lots of stuff and it was starting to

was actually helpful, if not a little odd,

feel like we were weighted down like those

because keeping up appearances is about

on the hoarder shows, so it has been a work

keeping up attitude. Though tempting as it

A routine seemed paramount, so I started

in progress. While I have not been able

was, the novelty of staying in pyjamas all

by dusting off my shelved 2020 agenda

to go through each and every possession

day quickly wore off. Despite the fact that

despite having no lesson appointments or

(yet) to see if I loved it, as recommended by

we endured home confinement for months,

show dates to put in it. “Worm the dogs”,

some declutter gurus, I have been tossing

I still wore my usual clothes, accessorized,

“order feed”, “clear out kitchen cabinets”

and rearranging like a champ, with enough

did my hair and pretended that all was

were the insipid entries, but pathetic as it

passion to make the minimalist experts

normal as I went about my daily routine,

seemed, keeping up some sort of a regular

proud.

all dressed up with no place to go. I think

handed wallop; it was heavy and I was starting to feel the effects.

By writing everything down

the better of me without a fight. I´ve been

back to a photo a friend sent to me in a

referral of my day planner, as I previously had, was important to me. Separating tasks

It was recommended that I surround

WhatsApp message: she was mid-spin in

into categories kept the annotations from

myself with only good and positive things;

her living room wearing a dress, heels and

being chaotic, and this small organization

to me that is family, my animals, hobbies,

full makeup.

made everything more structured and less

books, seasonal decorating – we even

easy to be overlooked.

rescued and adopted two new dogs. As

“What are you doing?” I wrote back.

much as I could, I needed to avoid things A racing mind is common when you are

that gave off bad vibes. I identified two

“I´m practicing my salsa dancing”, she

having trouble focusing, so I resorted to

negative practices that needed reassessing:

replied.

carrying around a small notebook to catch

too much television (especially the news)

those numerous 100mph thoughts. By

and social media; an excess of the former

“But you are by yourself, why are you all

writing them down I could get them out

leaves me zombie-like, and the latter

dressed up?” I asked her.

of my head, knowing that they wouldn´t

leaves me feeling that I need to put on

get lost, to be dealt with at a later time.

protective armour to just go online as there

“It is all about attitude”. That lady will

Note I recommend a book as opposed to

can be that much exposure to toxicity. So

definitely not let her brains go foggy!

pieces of paper – which are too much like

I was happy to spend a lot less time doing

scattered thoughts that just end up getting

both, besides, all that looking at the screen

I got acquainted with meditation during

left all over the house – use a book. All of

and sitting idle just isn´t good for you and

our home confinement, though I am

this head uncluttering helps free up room

makes your butt flat.

hopeless at sitting still without physically

in the mind so that focus can be directed to

or mentally squirming. As I find my solace

specific thoughts. I found that a good pre-

My body, my temple

bedtime practice was to get whatever day´s

The mantra “Nourish the brain by taking

told me about the walking meditations that

end residual thoughts removed and jotted

care of the body” perfectly aligns with

she used to do with the Vietnamese monk

down so that they wouldn´t run around in

what the scientists tell us when they

Thich Nhat Hahn, and that appealed to me.

my head all night, railroading my attempts

say that executive function is helped by

I made up my own version, which included

to sleep. For the same reason, I would

eating healthy food, drinking plenty of

bringing my camera in case I saw the

write down a streamlined list of what I had

water and participating in 15-20 minutes

most perfect sunrise or butterfly. Perhaps

to do the next day, best setting me up for

of daily aerobic exercise. It just all makes

not traditional, but it works for me as the

enjoying my Dreamtime.

such perfect sense and the way I look at

important thing is to lower the monkey

22

Winter 2020/21 | Riding Instructor

in Nature, I remember that my mother had

Business matters

customer seems to be pretty well ingrained in our business processes. But donors and volunteers are two groups that can sometimes be overlooked. experience. Difficult timesCharities have their talk down to silence level, and sunrises and as I paid and attention to mythehome have theJust responsibility (sometimes) Donors are a pretty diverse group. The size and the frequency benefits as one learns from them and I am that butterflies do just that. surroundings, alsowith work to create a IRS requirement they provideI can donors a receipt of the donation vary considerably so there isn’t a one size fits all for their donation.

The requirements on now more aware that low motivation, lack learning atmosphere vary usingbased my personal approach to expressing gratitude. But the statistics show that many the amount of thecreativity donation and and by whether themore donation of urgency, difficulty or confusion with I would have loved to learn yoga during putting effort in was made in cash or as an item(s). IRS Publication 1771 not-for-profits don’t succeed in thanking their adonors successfully. task can be signs of stress or anxiety in these times, but the injuries kept me out to pre-planning and setting up lessons. I (Charitable Contributions- Substantiation and Disclosure Seven out of ten first time donors never donate again.

Over 50% students´ lives. Just as I found a way to of action. But I was kept entertained and can even embellish the environment with Requirements) provides the details but generally: of not-for-profits stop sending thank you acknowledgements after smooth it out for myself, perhaps I could in touch by another one of my friends who music (leads to musical rides!) and changes theirme first year in existence. the average is only try to find ways to help my friends, family sent regular photos of herAnd struggling for not-for-profit of scenery, as in getting out of the arena A donor must have either a bank record or some written retaining 40% of supporters.

I couldn’t any surveys andfind students struggling with these same enlightenment byrecurring learning to stand on her and on to a field or trail. communication for any donation before claiming the that demonstrated the improved retention rate of sending a thank issues, or at least guide them towards head. We each make it work in our own ways. donation on their tax return. If the donation is $250 or you, but I can’t imagine that there wouldn’t be those some improvement. that can. is such amazing outlet for more, the donor isRiding responsible for an obtaining a written It would certainly be worth investigating, given the cost of acquirAnd now for the biggie – sleep, or lack people, especially in very communication from the charity.

(If someone hastrying donatedtimes, ing first time donors retainingthat donors.

I will stop and think next time thereof.

I have the vs suspicion this andorganization, now more than I want to make it $250aorstudent more to your whyever would you make THEMand be responsible obtaining the receipt?!?)

Volunteers areroot much like employees.

They keep yourtoorganizaappears be defiant or lazy, “pay was one of the causes of my blurry as for good an experience as possible for my tion functioning are the of the organization to your attention” will cusdrop from my vocabulary, mind – I was tooand worried to face sleep.

I read riders. I know that my students may have tomers.

But subject they don’t get paid.

Over the course a year, and advising unless I amofpinching myself. up on the andeven followed all the their families may be: If the donation been is as struggling, an item(s) or (tack, show awards, instructions on what avoid, from what to people. One of the top just got very different.

But all of ifus are etc.), the charity islife required to provide a written receipt volunteer attrition is to one out of every three themake donor states that the value theto donation is solve greater Considering things eat bedtime, to avoiding TV before resilient andof able problem and to waysbefore to improve volunteer retention is to say thank you. what I can do to than $75.

But the receipt should never include a value of all the better for my students when I bed, no devices, no reading.

Then I tried be honest, we have to give ourselves credit Saying thank you doesn’t have to be expensive or time consumthe items. That is the donor’s responsibility. The charity can getsuperstars back to teaching, I think two key everything legal Post to deal withof the problem: for even getting this far in life. ing. Be creative. photos these organizational on should only provide a description of what was donated— elements essential for successful outcomes ayour set bedtime, relaxing CDs and meditation website. Host an Appreciation Day at your barn and invite e.g., 3 Passier Apollo Snaffle Bridles. having an open tapes, melatonin, counting sheep, lavenderAsk will everyone associated with your business. howbe people want to communication line And I shall never forget the wisdom handed and structuring classes with consistency pillow, lavender diffusor, lavender body down to me by a great friend and mentor: be thanked.

Donation acknowledgements should include: the donor’s and routine, much of which has been lotion and the world´s most comfortable “This too shall pass”.

Establishing and maintaining good business relationships with name, the date of the donation, the amount of a monetary interrupted in their lives. bed. even triedultimately sex, but that gave into me success theseIkey players translates for your orga-everydaydonation and/or a description of any items donated. Also an appetite.

To date I´m still working on include a statement, if that is the case, that “no goods or nization.

About the author:

I can re-analyse how I teach the lessons services were provided by the charity in Didi exchange for the Arias is a Level 3 ARIA and look at where I can simplify and reduce weighted anxiety blanket About the author: so I´m going to donation.

And never, ever include a statement that the and Certified Instructor Carol Gordon is a CPA with an MBA from Boston donation is tax deductible. Whether or not that is the case elements down to more do-able and easier give one of those a try next. national dressage judge College and the owner of Carol Gordon, CPA, depends on each donor’s individual tax situation. and teacher, who resides tasks, in shorter time periods.

Focus needs which provides consulting services to equinethe sleep issue; a friend recommended a

In conclusion

I end this as I started year, yet there were

based businesses. You contact her and at good outcomes, to can be on benefits cgordoncpa@gmail.com. If you have any quesI can create situations of rewards it: 2020 was a stinky tions that you’d like covered here, please email incentives. also her with your suggestions. upsides to this

and

in Almeria, Spain.

and

Find your strengths and pursue your passions riding-instructor.com |

Summer 2020

Winter 2020/21 | Riding Instructor

27

23

Legal focus

What’s the Problem With Verbal Contracts?

Julie I. Fershtman, Attorney at Law www.equinelaw.net For decades, this author has written articles on the importance of getting equine-related agreements in writing. Some of the articles even shared common characteristics of effective contracts. Still, people in the horse industry continue doing business with nothing in writing, and disputes have occurred. This article explores what can potentially happen when verbal contract disputes become the subject of a legal battle.

Equine Industry Statutes That Can Make Contracts Important Aside from general state laws referenced in the cases described above, that can apply to a wide variety of industries, many states have laws unique to the equine industry. These laws sometimes make written contracts important,

Real Cases Where Verbal Contracts Failed

an agreement existed, however, and no

Over the years, verbal contract disputes have

alleged verbal agreement should not be

Equine Activity Liability Statutes

generated legal battles. Here are three exam-

enforced, the seller cited a different state

Currently, 48 states (all but California and

ples of cases where verbal agreements failed in

law [New York’s Uniform Commercial

Maryland) have some type of equine activity

court challenges because of state laws:

Code, Article 2-201], which required con-

liability

if not necessary. For example:

written contract existed. Arguing that the

statute.

Some

require

written

tracts for the sale of goods priced at $500

contracts. Arizona’s law, for example, provides

• In a 2003 case from Maine, a verbal agree-

or more to be in writing. Based on the law,

no protection unless the equine activity

ment regarding ownership, care, training

and taking into account circumstances of

participant has signed a “written waiver” that

and racing of thoroughbred racehorses

the dispute, the court ruled that no en-

includes specific language supplied in the

was found to be void and unenforceable

forceable agreement existed.

law. Similarly, West Virginia’s law requires

based on a state law [Maine Statute of

participants to sign a written statement using

Frauds, 33 M.R.S.A Sec. 51(5)] that re-

language that the law provides. Under the laws

quired certain types of contracts to be in

in a small number of states, “equine activity

writing. The verbal arrangement in that

professionals” or “equine activity sponsors”

case, the court found, violated the law.

will lose any benefits in their equine activity liability statute unless their written contracts

• In a 2000 New York case, the court refused to enforce a verbal contract involving the boarding, breeding and care of mares

include the law’s “warning” language or other language as the law specifies.

and resulting foals. In doing so, the court

Equine Sale Disclosure Laws

relied on a state law [New York General

California, Florida, and Kentucky have equine

Obligations Law Section 5-701] that re-

seller disclosure laws, which can impact the

quired certain types of contracts to be in

language of certain equine sales contracts

writing to be enforceable.

in those states. Kentucky’s law requires, among other things, written bills of sale and

• In a 1972 New York case, the plaintiff

disclosure of agency relationships in sales

was a horse buyer who claimed to have a

transactions involving race horses. Florida

verbal agreement to buy the defendant’s

has an equine sales statute that requires, in

racehorse for $60,000. The seller denied

part, that sellers and agents in Florida horse

24

Winter 2020/21 | Riding Instructor

Schools, Colleges and Universities with Equine Programs

sales use written disclosures and consent agreements. California’s Business and Professional Code can impact sales contracts involving racehorses in that state as it requires written bills of sale, disclosures of commissions, and more.

Name of school:

What Happens in a Verbal Contract Dispute?

Averett University

When legal disputes involve a verbal agreement, resolving them is never

What degree or certificate programs are offered? quick, easy, or cheap. Why? With nothing in writing, each party to the

Bachelor of usually Sciencewill Degree Equestrian transaction have ain totally differentStudies. understanding of what it involved. As a result, the outcome of lawsuits can be uncertain, but what

There are 5 concentrations to choose from within the degree. All is certain is that legal fees could be very expensive. majors take a core of about 30 hours in ES courses and then specialize afterwards.

This article is not meant to suggest that written contracts will prevent

1 allDressage students develop and asophisticated base of clasdisputes Instruction: from occurring.

Sometimes evenskills the most sical theory for eventing, training, competing, teaching, and contracts can generate legal disputes. To their credit, however, written writing can about Dressage. contracts help narrow the grounds of a dispute, which can save 2time, Eventing teaches classical theory and practice for money,Instruction: and aggravation. competing, training, and teaching eventing.

This articlecan doesearn not constitute legal advice. When questions arise based Students their ARIA certification while in school through

onanspecific situations, direct them to a knowledgeable instructor certification course.

They also haveattorney. the opportunity

to go through USDF and USEA instructor training programs.

3 Equine Assisted Psychotherapy: Students take courses in

psychology as well as participate in practicums learning EAP equine specialist skills.

4 Equine Science: Students take a variety of science course to prepare them for graduate studies in veterinary medicine, nutrition, About the author: equine reproduction and more.

5 Julie Equine Management: take additional courses in the Fershtman, one of Students the business department to compliment the equine courses, and nation’s most experienced prepare students for a variety Equine Law practitioners, is of business and marketing careers in the equine sector. a Shareholder with Foster Swift Collins & Smith, PC, in What riding disciplines are available?

Michigan. She has success-

Classes in dressage, hunt seat and eventing are offered at a varifully litigated equine cases ety of skill levels. in 18 jurisdictions nation-

wide and has tried cases in Are the horses owned by the school, students or others?

4 states. in The The horsesShe areisalllisted owned by or leased to the University.

Best Lawyers in America

What equestrian-related extracurricular activities (clubs, teams, and received the American etc.) are available?

Bar

Association

(ABA)

We participate the Intercollegiate Dressage “Excellence in theinAdvancement of Animal Law Award.” Association, Her speaking Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (hunt seat), compete engagements span 29 states. The ABA recently published her new regionally eventing and combined training shows, with a 372-page in book called “Equine Law & Horse Sense,” and itwork is available local thoroughbred rescue, and have a pre-vet club. for purchase on Amazon and through the ABA. For more information, please visit www.equinelaw.net Are there pre-qualifying criteria for students wishing to enter your program?

There are no pre-qualifications for our program. Because our

WORLD-CLASS EQUINE AT CAZENOVIA COLLEGE

• Nationally ranked team competing in Hunter Seat,Western Horsemanship, Reining and Dressage • Nationally recognized equine business management program • Ranked one of America’s Best Colleges and a top Best Value in the north by U.S. News

OUR 240-ACRE EQUINE EDUCATION CENTER

Cazenovia College, Cazenovia, N.Y. 13035 www.cazenovia.edu 1.800.654.3210 16

Fall 2019

|

Riding Instructor

Winter 2020/21 | Riding Instructor

25

Sport psychology

Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence To Bring Out the Best in You and Your Students

by Laura King, CHt, NLP & Life Coach Your role as a riding instructor places you

The Fear Zone

The Growth Zone

in a unique leadership position to demon-

Those working within this zone hoard all

Thinking of and helping others are key com-

strate emotional intelligence and mainte-

the food, toilet paper, Clorox wipes and

ponents of the Growth Zone. Considering

nance of a balanced life. You and your stu-

Lysol they can without thinking of others.

and thanking them helps spread happiness

dents may face difficulty in accepting a lack

They complain frequently and anger easily.

and hope. Practicing patience and creativ-

of control over your lives right now. You

They spread emotions related to their anger

ity sparks empathy for others while living in

have the power to become a role model.

and fear and pass on information without

the present and focusing on the future.

You can be the vehicle for positive change

thoughtfully considering the source.

in today’s uncertain world by helping your

The Action Zone

students, boarders and employees over-

The Learning Zone

come challenges. Now is the time to take

Those within the Learning Zone have begun

and bodies empowers them. Helping others

a moment to ask yourself what you want

to identify their emotions and are letting go of

through teaching, or donations of time or

your legacy to be. Who do you want to be?

anger and fear over the lack of control in their

money, helps create a positive force in the

How do you want to handle the curve balls

lives. They recognize their compulsive con-

world. Reminding those near you of the ten-

in life? Do you want to live within the fear

sumption of food, alcohol and news and begin

ants of the Natural Laws of the Mind helps

zone, the learning zone, the growth zone or

to curb harmful behaviors. They thoughtfully

bring about change in you and them by cre-

the action zone?

evaluate information before passing it on.

ating emotional intelligence.

26

Winter 2020/21 | Riding Instructor

Teaching students to stretch their minds

What are the Natural Laws of the Mind?

• What you think is what you get

Sixteen Techniques for Handling and Increasing Emotional Intelligence

playlist of your favorite songs ahead of time will make it easy to use music to lift your spirits.

• Every thought causes a physical reaction • Imagination is more powerful than knowledge

What is Emotional Intelligence?

Emotional intelligence (EI) is often de-

1. Recognize Your Feelings

7. Avoid Reacting Right Away

Become mindful of, and identify, your

Take a moment to breathe, calm your

own emotions and reactions.

mind and reflect.

2. Be Observant

8. Blow the Emotion Away

scribed as a set of competencies that indi-

Be aware of your own emotional state

Find a quiet place to disconnect for a

viduals use to manage their emotions and

and self-reflect. It may help you to

moment and breathe deeply, slowly

their performance. Many describe emo-

write down what you have learned

and completely. Visualize the emotion.

tional intelligence as the successful balance

about yourself.

Then…shrink it. Imagine the emotion becoming smaller and smaller.

of emotions, and some consider it a factor in determining performance success.

The Path to Emotional Intelligence

3. Explore the “Why”

Continue to shrink the picture in your

Ask yourself why you are reacting in a

mind until it is so small that when you

certain way. Why are things different

hold it in the palm of your hand, you

EI is critical in today’s world. Anger, stress,

now? What are you dealing with that

can barely see, feel, smell or hear it.

exhaustion, mental and physical pain can

you haven’t recognized or consid-

Then, blow on it, sending it off into

cause a reaction, an in-action or an over-re-

ered? Why are you having this specific

oblivion, never to return.

action. Emotions including anxiety, frustra-

reaction?

9. Stay Cool to Manage Stress

tion, anger, sadness and disillusionment can lead to headaches, sleeplessness, muscle tension and ineffective communication.

The journey to emotional intelligence begins with self-awareness.

4. Stop Negative Personalization

won’t always be perfect. Remember,

For example, you conclude the judge

you cannot control everything, but you

ranks you low at the show because she

can control how you react.

doesn’t like you or your horse. Realize that this negativity is not helpful, and resolve to change your thoughts.

10. Practice a Breathing Technique for Stress, Anger or Anxiety Find a quiet place and try to empty

• Self-awareness is your ability to accurately recognize your emotions as they

Go easy on yourself. Accept that things

Avoid personalizing others’ behaviors.

5. Select Your Situation

your mind. Breathe in deeply for five

happen and to understand your general

Avoid circumstances that trigger un-

counts, hold your breath for five counts

tendencies in responding to different

wanted emotions. For example, if there

and then exhale for five counts. Repeat

people and situations.

is a fellow trainer you find annoying,

five times. Paying attention to your

instead of spending your time fuming

breath helps block negative triggers.

• Use your emotional awareness to choose

about her, figure out how to have the

what you say and do to positively direct

least amount of contact. Just avoid a

behavior. This is Self-Management.

potentially negative situation. Another

When you catch yourself thinking neg-

example, if running late causes you

ative thoughts, stop and say the words

11. Try the Cancel Technique

anxiety, leave 15 minutes early so that

“cancel”, “erase” or “delete.” Then,

they are coping with stress and uncer-

traffic, pedestrians or disobedient

replace that negative thought with

tainty. Recognize their reactions for what

horses don’t anger you.

a positive one. Or, think of a purple

• Become empathetic to others and how

elephant. You can’t think of a negative

they are and why they happen. This is Social Awareness.

6. Change Your Response Direct your thoughts to something

• Then, use your Self-Awareness, Self-

thought if you are thinking about a purple elephant!

that will calm you: the ocean, the 12. Be Proactive, Not Reactive

Management and Social Awareness as

mountains or spending time with your

tools to guide you in how you relate to

friends and family. You are in control

Consider that you have options when it

others.

of you. Play music that relaxes you

comes to handling the situation.

or brightens your mood. Creating a

Winter 2020/21 | Riding Instructor

27

15. Bounce Back from Your Mistakes

We are all handling situations in new, uncharted

Reflect on the situation and how you

Take a step back and realize you are

territory and, with these techniques, you can

handled it. Determine your strengths

only human. Forgive yourself. Consider

create positive ways to handle the stress to real-

and weaknesses in your response. How

why the mistake happened and, if pos-

ize your own emotional intelligence, and bring

can you improve?

sible, make it right. If you are unkind

out the best in you and your students.

13. Learn From Your Mistakes

to yourself, apologize to yourself. Learn 14. Maintain a Positive Viewpoint

how to avoid making the mistake again.

Visualize and think about how

Create a positive habit on how you

to respond positively instead of

want to change your behavior.

negatively. Embrace change instead of resisting it. Remind yourself of all the

16. Look for a Positive Outcome

positive things you have accomplished.

How could you have behaved differently

Give yourself credit for handling

to realize a positive outcome? Practice

situations in a calm and professional

in your mind.

manner.

About the author: Laura King is the Director and Founder of Summit Hypnosis and Wellness and is a Certified Hypnotist, NLP Practitioner, Life Coach, and Sports Performance Coach. Laura has written and published several books and workbooks, including ”Power To Win” for equestrians and “Perfect Enough,” a guide to help you evaluate your perceptions and experiences around vital areas of your life.

I attached a few photos just for fun and to show you what we have been up to...a watermelon picnic at the barn, a workday painting jumps (note the "Sistine Chapel" approach by one enterprising soul...haha!), one of my students showing off her original sculpture of a trusty lesson horse, a friend's little one meeting his very first horse, and me with two of my riders. If you recall the very first photo I ever sent you, it featured a teeny tiny rider, Izzy Lawson.

Believe it or not, she is 13 this year and is the one who is up to my shoulder in the last photo!

by Lydia Fairchok

28

Winter 2020/21 | Riding Instructor

Elsie Lawson helping the author select horses at Narrowgate Youth Ranch in Kokomo, Indiana. Photo courtesy of the author

Small-Scale Teaching

By Lydia Fairchok Sometimes the kids stand at the gate

taller riders. Once upon a time, I did have

Small-scale lesson programs exist for a

debating their choice of horse for so long

twenty-plus lesson horses at my disposal

variety of reasons. You might have just a

I end up picking for them. You would think

through various teaching partnerships.

few horses and clients right now, but you’re

they have an entire herd from which to

After I downsized in 2014, I only had

angling towards growth. You might have

make their selection. Nope - we have three,

my personal horses to work with, plus

downsized due to financial concerns or a

and one of those is a pony, which really

any horses that my clients provided for

reduction in riders. You might spend most

ought to narrow down the options for the

themselves.

of your time coaching clients on their own

Winter 2020/21 | Riding Instructor

29

horses, or perhaps, like me, you maintain

opportunities to hang out with the horses as

Separate Versatility from Variety

another career simultaneously and small is

possible to encourage independence and a

No instructor aims to produce one-horse

simply the right size for your program right

feeling of inclusion. Riders who long to have

riders. An extensive string of lesson mounts

now. My transition to part-time instruction

their own horse thrive on the sense of own-

is the most obvious way to keep such lim-

came with many blessings, but variety in

ership that comes with being part of stable

itations at bay—and variety is a necessary

lesson mounts was not one of them. Six years

management, training plans, and the vicis-

component of versatility at some point--

down the road, I’ve found ways to adapt to

situdes of their favorite horses’ lives.

but don’t assume that your students cannot

the smaller scope. It requires forethought, creativity, and honesty, but it works.

Capitalize Your Variables

learn the mindset of versatile horsemen When one of my mares sustained a soft-tis-

and women without dozens of horses to

sue injury this summer, her students

ride. Intentional emphasis on your horses’

became her rehabilitation team. Hand-

unique personalities, strengths, and pitfalls

Making the most of your available options

makes each one a valuable study in rider

means controlling the variables that allow

adaptation.

the maximum number of horse-rider combinations. In a perfect world, all of your horses

Feature the differences between horses

would be useful for all experience levels and

early and often in your teaching discourse.

all types of riders. In reality, the pony has a height/weight limit, the gelding with navicular disease is only sound for walk-trot work, this mare is too fast for beginners, that one is fine with little kids but she has the withers of a rhinoceros and the only saddle on hand that fits her is a seventeen-inch seat…the list of limitations stacks up quickly.

Equipment and property improvement are expensive variables, but properly seating a small rider on a well-mannered large horse, or light adult/teen riders on a stocky pony instantly opens up new matches.

Investing in a round pen might make

Feature the differences between horses early and often in your teaching discourse, and cultivate an attitude in your barn that each horse has something to offer all riders at all levels.

Walk riders through multiple approaches and ask them to decide for themselves what was effective. Discuss scenarios during rest periods, and take opportunities to compare horses. “When Jack was excited on that windy day last week, he responded well to your firm, confident aids. A brisk trot allowed him to put his energy to work and get focused on his job, which then made him willing to listen to you at the walk. Smokey also needs your confident leadership, but we know that strong aids are overwhelming to her. Let’s take her away from her source of stress and get her listening to simple tasks at the walk with soft aids before we ask her

a naturally forward horse accessible to

to trot today.” Not every rider can work ev-

less experienced or timid riders. Creating

ery skill with every horse on every given day,

obstacle course elements gives experienced

but that’s okay—part of being an adjustable

riders a challenging lesson while keeping

rider means adapting to the horse of the

the horse’s physical workload light. Even

moment.

if you don’t have the finances, space, or

walking and (eventually) light ridden work,

desire to sustain another lesson horse, one-

plus all of the grooming and hand-grazing

Celebrate and Rotate

time expenses by way of equipment and

she could withstand, tangibly demonstrated

Some riders are eager to progress to “excit-

property modifications can pay dividends

to her devoted riders that horse ownership

ing” horses and become disinterested in the

in the long run.

is much more than galloping into the sun-

humble “beginner” horses with whom they

set. They strengthened their relationships

started. Fight this stigma early on by cul-

with the mare and with each other while

tivating an attitude in your barn that each

Social bonds make everyone feel like a part

saving me from time-consuming tasks,

horse has something to offer all riders at

of the barn, which motivates students to

often while I taught other lessons. Even

all levels. Moving up to a new horse should

stick with you even if the grass might occa-

though my teaching capacity was temporar-

always be a celebrated milestone, but the

sionally seem a little greener in some other

ily reduced and I did lose some income, I did

emphasis should be on adding an available

pasture. The bond between horse and rider

not lose any clients. The relationships and

horse, not replacing.

is an equally mighty glue that keeps clients

investment they felt in their barn and their

on your roster. Give your students as many

beloved mare were well worth the interlude.

Emphasize Relationship

30

Winter 2020/21 | Riding Instructor

Rotation doesn’t look the same from sea-

son to season or session to session. I have

true of any sized program, but it is felt even

the ability to connect deeply with individual

had riders change horses each week or stick

more acutely when resources are limited.

horses and to feel a strong sense of inclusion

with the same one for months at a time.

Being a small barn doesn’t mean you don’t

and ownership. Instructors are challenged

Sometimes they pick; sometimes I pick.

have anything worthwhile to offer your stu-

to make creative use of their resources and

Sometimes we work with different horses in

dents, but it does mean that sometimes you

to face their limitations in a way that does

back-to-back lessons, or students in a group

won’t have everything they need.

not hold their students back. Fewer clients

setting switch during the ride. The emphasis

mean more opportunities for direct mento-

is on achieving goals both as a rider individ-

Recognize when you do not have (and have

ring. Fewer horses mean less time and less

ually and as a team with each specific horse;

no plans to acquire) the time, equipment,

money channeled into upkeep. Time spent

then translating those skills to every other

skill, or horses to help a client reach their

in other careers and experiences pours into

horse they touch.

goals. There is no shame in admitting that

our teaching toolbox and keeps us fresh.

Think Outside Your Barn

you don’t have time to give an additional lesson in a week, you’re not familiar with

Sometimes I miss having all the horses I

Just because you only have a few horses

that discipline, you don’t have any horses

could possibly want available for my stu-

to offer on a regular basis doesn’t mean

that can jump that high, or you’re not build-

dents. Most days, however, I honestly just

that there will never be temporary ways

ing a cross country course in your pastures.

enjoy seeing my riders love all three of their

to expand your options. At various times,

Tell the students who are at the edge of your

options so much that they can hardly bear to

I have had short-term additions such as a

capabilities that you understand their needs

choose between them. Sometimes, “small”

friend’s horse while she was gone for several

are transitioning and you will remain sup-

is every bit of enough.

months, a pony whose owner was recovering

portive of them if they move their business

from an injury, and other privately owned

elsewhere, either in whole or in part.

horses who just needed a little work for a week, a month, or more. As I write this, I am

Being the first to address these deficits with

preparing to foster a few beginner-friendly

honesty and humility establishes you as an

horses for a youth ministry that is without a

instructor who cares deeply and genuinely

facility over the winter. Situations like these

about the progress of your students. It is

give my students new experiences while also

the only way to be truly fair to your clients,

providing a benefit to others, which means I

your horses, and yourself. You may also be

have had minimal or no cost in order to ac-

surprised at how often clients prefer to stick

cess the opportunities.

with you, either exclusively or while also

About the author: Lydia Fairchok is certified in Recreational Riding Level 1, and lives and teaches with her three horses in Central Indiana. Lydia segued from a full time instruction career to the field of public safety in 2014 and continues to teach a small number of students while working as a police officer and 9-1-1 dispatcher.

riding elsewhere, even if it means pursuing It should be noted that it is not always necessary to house extra horses in order to make

different goals.

them available to your students. In almost

Love What You Have

all of the scenarios listed above, the “bonus

Operating on a reduced scale is a choice for

horses” remained at their usual barn and the

some and a challenge for others. Whether

owner agreed to having the lesson on-prem-

you are small because you want to be or be-

ises. Keeping proof of insurance handy and

cause you aren’t where you want to be yet,

complying with all the rules of the hosting

remember to love what you already have.

barn makes you a welcome guest. Your stu-

I would be lying if I said I never have days

dents will appreciate the change of pace and

where I wish I had more options for my stu-

the sense of importance at being selected

dents. Sometimes I miss the fun and flexi-

for the experience—plus it demonstrates

bility of large group activities, and I miss

that just because you don’t plan to add more

giving my clients a broader horse experi-

horses to your barn doesn’t mean that they

ence. Sometimes I miss the days when my

will never have the chance to branch out.

client count wasn’t quite so closely tied to

Be Honest

my horse count, and when a single lame horse didn’t train-wreck my entire teaching

Perhaps the most critical strength you can

calendar. But the joys of small-scale teach-

bring to your students is honesty. This is

ing have their own appeal: Riders are given

Lydia and Orion. Photo by Hope Anne Photography

Winter 2020/21 | Riding Instructor

31

Christine Olsen and friend. Photo courtesy of the author.

Revisiting Enrichment

By Christine Olsen

I’m confident we can all agree this has been one heck of a year.

Burnout is real, and this is not unique for

visit the topic of enrichment, but this time

stricted, and our budgets have been hit hard

riding instructors. We are all subject to it,

with the emphasis on students.

for life’s ‘extras’. The removal of these en-

including our students. When lessons re-

richments will eventually affect our mental

was easy to see their initial excitement, but

What Types of Enrichment Can You Provide for Your Students?

over time this excitement may have seemed

As covered before, enrichment is the im-

where are discovering ways to continue to

to fade. This left me scratching my head.

provement of something. We enrich our

connect and enrich our lives in a safe way.

What I came to discover was even though

lives by social interactions, such as decorat-

they were happy to be back in the saddle,

ing our house, going out to dinner for a nice

Guidelines and restrictions vary state to

there was still so much they were missing.

meal, going to concerts, and taking vaca-

state. Some stables may have little to no re-

tions. The Covid pandemic has put many of

strictions while others may still be on total

I took a look back at what I wrote last

us on lock down (or maybe we like the term

shutdown to students as I write this. Keep

year for the Fall issue of Riding Instructor

‘stall rest’) which prevents us from many

in mind the core needs of your students ha-

magazine, Avoiding Burnout with Equine

enrichment opportunities. Our social inter-

ven’t changed, just because the times have.

Enrichment. I thought it would be fun to re-

actions have been limited, traveling is re-

While it may have been unavoidable to take

sumed and riders returned to the barn, it

32

Winter 2020/21 | Riding Instructor

and physical health. Luckily we have found ways to connect virtually, and people every-

some activities away such as grooming,

Physical Enrichment

they would get bored very quickly. I was re-

student helpers, camps, group lessons and

Another one of our many needs is the need

lieved to see many organizations stepped up

social barn events, creative enrichment can

to move. Addressing physical enrichment is

to the plate offering online learning oppor-

help fill the gaps.

especially important while we are spending

tunities during the shutdown. I can’t think

more time at home and being less active.

of a better way to make lemonade out of

Forms of enrichment can be broken down

Movement is not only good for our body

lemons.

in many ways. I will break it down to three

(“Motion is lotion”, say many physical ther-

main categories for simplicity: social, physi-

apists), but it is also good for our brain.

cal, and cognitive.

The safety and sanitation of tools and areas, as well as compliance with local guidelines,

Horseback riding is physically enriching.

can be more of a challenge in some areas.

The initial shutdown removed this activ-

Several barn activities and grooming expe-

Just like our horses, we are social and have

ity for many and it may still be limited to

riences have changed to keep our riders and

social needs. For many, time at the barn is

some riders. A student who was once used

staff safe. For some this may look like lim-

not only horse time but it is time with ‘our

to riding a few days a week, and is now lim-

ited time in the barn or complete removal

people’. Individual appointments and lim-

ited to riding once a week or less, may feel

from barn time. The question becomes: How

ited number of people at the barn means a

weaker, out of balance, and discouraged. Not

can we teach when our tools are off limits?

disruption in the social structure that does

to mention, many of us have gained ‘covid

not fill the social need.

weight’ due to lack of movement and stress

Don’t lose track that learning is learning.

eating. This new body can take some time

Keep your lessons thought provoking and

This may be especially important for rid-

to get used to. These reasons may shake a

engaging. Add math and problem solving

ers in group lessons or members of a rid-

rider’s confidence. While more saddle time

to your patterns. While time in the saddle

ing team. Without diving into detail about

still might not be an option, outside physical

is often focusing on the physical rider, we

group communication and social structure

activity can be supplemented.

must also develop the mental rider - a rider

Social Enrichment

who can concentrate, stay focused, and

(a textbook of information and theory), as

multitask.

we form groups we also assume roles. Think

Luckily there are several cross-training ac-

about your own role in your social groups

tivities that not only provide great overall

(your family, friends in high school, at work,

exercise, but can help improve time in the

Try this: The internet is full of coloring pages

other activities). That role gives you enrich-

saddle. Many rider-specific exercises have

and worksheets. Use these worksheets to help

ment, giving you a task to do that is unique.

been shared online during the lockdown,

your riders learn colors, breeds, and markings.

This can also be viewed as identity, and the

as well as a number of excellent books that

You can test them by asking them to describe

loss of barn identity can be crushing.

go into great detail about rider specific

the color and markings on your lesson horses.

programs.

Not all hope is lost! Social enrichment can

Don’t Forget

be provided. Old school message boards and

Try this: Assign your riders to track their ac-

While working on your students and their

letters in the tack room can be a fun way for

tivities. Write them in a journal to share with

needs, don’t forget your own. How can you

friends to communicate. A message left at

you, to show that you will help to keep them

find enrichment in your daily life? Connect

the farm keeps it a farm, just like their social

accountable. Next to each activity they should

with your people outside of work, increase

interaction would be. The world is on Zoom,

write how it helps their riding. Allow them to

your activity, and learn something new. Find

and so can you! Have your groups or teams

be creative. For example, a rider could say a

the time, find the ways, and share them with

meet up on Zoom or another virtual plat-

walk around her neighborhood helps with her

your friends. We are in challenging times,

form to catch up together.

endurance, while another might say that when

but together we will prevail.

she went grocery shopping she carried her bags Try this: Assign a pattern for your riders to

to the car evenly in either hand to work on bal-

work on in their individual lessons, with a test

ance and symmetry.

date set for each of them to have the pattern completed. On the test date, video each rid-

Cognitive Enrichment

er's pattern. Schedule a virtual group lesson

The last form of enrichment for riders I will

and play each rider's pattern. Allow each stu-

cover is cognitive, which essentially means

dent to comment on the rides, assisting in the

learning new things. If our riders always

feedback.

rode the same lesson, over and over again,

About the author: Christine Olsen has 15 years of experience in the industry as a rider, trainer, clinician and instructor. She provides mobile coaching services through Northern Illinois and enjoys sharing her passion for horses with her students.

Winter 2020/21 | Riding Instructor

33

Susan Bellinger joins the Century Club

By Holly Clanahan Reprinted with permission from the Quarter Horse Journal

34

Winter 2020/21 | Riding Instructor

Photo by Nancy McCallum Photography.

For 20-plus years, Susan Bellinger has en-

“He’s just such a fabulous Quarter Horse,”

sons in Metamora for three ladies who are

joyed the company of her American Quarter

Susan says. “People, I think, don’t realize how

riding sidesaddle now, and it’s fun to teach

Horse gelding Bona Fide Beau, aka “Charlie.”

versatile they are.”

the traditions. I think Downton Abbey probably helped spark the renewed interest in

They’ve fox hunted sidesaddle, done threeday eventing and competed in dressage.

The sorrel gelding has been semi-retired

sidesaddle.”

since 2016, when he helped another rider And now, at ages 71 and 30, they have

(Myra Wagener) enter the Century Club. To

Susan began learning about horses in England

become

Dressage

prepare for her own ride, Susan slowly got him

at age 11, when she started mucking stalls in

Foundation’s Century Club. The Century

in shape over eight weeks, and he was happy

exchange for ride time. “I never owned a horse

Club

to comply. “He’s just a great horse,” she says.

until I came to the United States many, many

members

recognizes

of North

The

American dres-

years ago,” she says. “And from then on, I just

sage or western dressage riders and horses

had one or two, and then four or five.”

whose combined ages total 100 years or more

For their qualifying ride, the longtime pair

and who perform a test of any level, scored by

rode a Training-Level dressage test in a side-

a dressage judge or professional.

saddle. “I just wanted to show him off,” Susan

She has taught her own kids and grandkids

says. “He was pretty special that day. He is

how to ride and once coached the equestrian

gorgeous sidesaddle.”

team at Central Michigan University in Mount

“I was just so happy that we could do that at

Pleasant.

the end of his career,” Susan says. “There are a lot of older horses competing, and I think it’s

Susan is a certified instructor with the

wonderful that they showcase that.”

American Riding Instructors Association, and

“It has been a life of horses, really,” she says.

she gives lessons in English and sidesaddle

“My life has revolved around horses, and I’ve

Over the course of his life, Charlie has been

and boards horses at her facility in Shepherd,

been very lucky at getting really good horses.

ridden in both English and western events,

Michigan.

I’m always thankful for that.”

4-H, Pony Club and the Metamora (Michigan)

“There is resurgence in sidesaddle,” she says.

And Charlie, who’s now fully retired, was cer-

Hunt Club.

“I just went down and did three private les-

tainly one of those good ones.

has gone trail riding and has been used in

Winter 2020/21 | Riding Instructor

35

Cameo’s cauldron … in which Cameo Miller stirs her thoughts and ideas to see what rises to the top.

cauldron over the hearth fire, asked the

change, the many stresses of the past

children to bring buckets of water to fill it

year, or just the cold of winter (here in the

up, and to bring any found wood to build

northern hemisphere—or the heat of sum-

up the fire. She also then went outside and

mer in the southern one), so many people

picked up a large, hand-sized rock which

feel helpless and hopeless because we feel

she carefully scrubbed clean and put into

so small against such great misfortune.

the bottom of the pot.

And we are. But if we all come together, and each add our little bit, great change

“What are you doing” inquired the house-

can occur.

wife. “Making stone soup” replied the old woman. “You told me you do not have

We can add our bit to “the soup” in two

enough food to share, or even enough for

venues—our personal “bubble” and our

your family. I may be able to help us all.”

She asked the children, who had all returned with the water and the wood to invite the neighbors in to hear the story too.

As they arrived, the old woman showed them the huge pot of water with the stone in the bottom, and invited them to hear her tell them a story. Soon the house was full of cold, hungry people huddled near the hearth, or sitting on the floor, or lean-

STONE SOUP

By Cameo Miller Illustration by Bethany Caskey

ing against a wall. As the old woman began her story, the housewife, feeling pressed to show she was not destitute, found a couple of shriveled potatoes that she cut into little pieces and put into the cauldron.

To be told correctly, this story is long, but the point is that, as the old woman continues to tell her tale, other people remember a couple of carrots or an onion still in the ground, some people contribute a

“

Let there be an opening into the quiet that lies beneath the chaos, where you find the peace you did not think possible and see what shimmers within the storm.

– John O’Donohue

”

I’d like to tell you a story. It’s about an old

handful of rice or barley or beans, or an-

woman who walked into a poor village one

other potato, or some wizened peas. The

cold winter day. She stopped at a house

old woman nods and smiles at each person

near the center of the village, knocked on

as they contribute their gift to her story

the door, and asked if they had any tiny

telling. By the time she has finished her

profession. With those closest to us, we

bit of food to give her. “I’m sorry” said the

long tale, there is a huge cauldron of soup

need to remember to give hugs and re-

housewife. “We do not even have enough to

that is enough to feed them all and the old

mind them that we can get through this

feed ourselves because of all the troubles

woman too.

together. Call friends on the phone or

over this cold time.” “I understand” replied

FaceTime video chats to let them know the

the old woman. “But perhaps I could share

The moral of the story is, of course, that

same. Air hugs and kisses may not be the

a story with you and things might improve

each of us may not have enough or be

same as the close contact of the real thing,

for all of us.” “You are welcome to come in,

enough by ourselves to survive truly hard

but the implied connection will be felt just

warm yourself by the fire and share your

times. But if we all come together, and

the same. And it is adding your bit to the

story” said the housewife, “but I do not see

each contribute a little bit, it will add up

comfort, unity, and caring among those

how that will help.” “You will see” replied

and will be more than enough. This is what

closest to you. In our profession, we are

the old woman. She entered the house,

needs to happen now, during our current

very much needed to play a critical role. As

directed the housewife to put her biggest

hard times. Whether it is covid, climate

I wrote in previous articles, things will not

36

Winter 2020/21 | Riding Instructor

possibly the lessee, from liability as the applicable state law allows.

Liability waivers/releases are complicated just go backthat to require normal—that hapdocuments specialcan’t attention. pen major, world-wide, prolonged Overbecause the years, my books and articles have events leave lasting effects for months or explained how these documents work and years. Effects that may not even be known what makes them fail. Because states differ or recognized for quite a while. Businesses on requirements for these documents, avoid of all sizes all over are having to adjust “one size fits all” forms. their practices. We must do the same.

Contracts that protect lessors can also These will probably be major changes, not include carefully worded indemnification little tweaks. But if we all work together, clauses (where allowed by law) that would each adding in our bit of knowledge, our provide, with proper language in which ideas, our support, or whatever tiny bit we the lessee agrees to create protectsomething the lessorthat and have to offer, we can possibly others, hold them harmless, and can support all of us in this profession. pay legal expenses and costs if the lessor is sued because of injuries damages lesEveryone is getting veryorburned outthe from seethe caused.

Indemnification canit’s be all stresses over this pastclauses year. And complex; discuss them with your attorney. going to take patience and a lot of hard work to fix all the many things that have Contracts become so very broken or to create some-

Contracts for “half -lease” arrangements can include, at a minimum:

thing entirely new from what has failed.

But this is something horse people are es• When the arrangement begins and ends pecially good at. We do it all the time with

(and methods of terminating it)

• Uses of the horse and restrictions

➢ Cameo’s Cauldron cont’d from page 30 into your curriculum. Trail rides are one way you can do this as well as being great learnstudents and horses training.

We use an ing experiences, but in there are many others abundance of Are patience the ability try activities too. thereand people in yourtoarea a multitude of different tactics with nearly that do yoga or meditation classes, who are everything we do. We are uniquely qualivery knowledgeable herbalists or gardeners? fied to provide the knowledge and skills You might offer them a natural space to hold of how to do this that others will need as some sessions. Since you and your people are they provide the specifics needed to solve already present, there can be an easy flow into each problem. These skills can help those something that may help all. Perhaps others outside of our profession as well as within in the area will join these classes, and become it. And we need to utilize these skills for interested in lessons. ourselves as we get burned out over trying shouldn’t a crisis for usIfto realize to Itsurvive suchtake times as these. you find what’s important, but it usually does.

Let’s parts of your life outside of our profession not ignore or forget what we patience have suffered overwhelming you, practice and to learn.

Let’s use it to improve our lives, try many different tactics until you find the lives thosetoaround us, sane and to beable betwhat youofneed stay safe, and ter people.

We have all been in this together, to continue on until this is finally over and and, gone.if we continue to work together, we will all be fine when it’s well and truly over.

So now this old woman has told you her

you worship, or to any place you feel drawn to give a little bit to, and especially to our profession. Don’t worry that it is so little, that it is not enough, because someone else will see your gift and be inspired to do their little bit too. Each little act of kindness, each tiny bit of ‘pay it forward’, each show of gratitude or consideration, each idea for change will start to add up into something much more than we could do by ourselves, and eventually we will all have enough to sustain us through these difficult times.

About the author: Cameo Miller is a Masters-level clinical psychologist and a Level IV ARIA Certified Instructor based in Michigan. She is a member of the ARIA Evaluation Panel and an ARIA National Test Center Administrator.

About the author: tale. I encourage each of you to add your bit Cameo Miller is a Masters-level clinical psychologist and a Level IV ARIA community, Certified Instructor based to your family, your the place in Michigan. She is a member of the ARIA Evaluation Panel and National Riding Instructors Convention Staff.

• Payment of routine and non-routine

expenses • Liability waiver/release and indemnifica-

tion language (where allowed by law) • Equine Activity Liability Act language

(depending on state law) With careful planning and properly drafted contracts, parties to “half-lease”/share boarding arrangements, and the horse, could be happy for a long time.

This article does not constitute legal advice.

When questions arise based on specific situations, direct them to a knowledgeable attorney.

About the Author: Julie Fershtman, one of the nation’s most experienced Equine Law practitioners, is a Shareholder with Foster Swift Collins & Smith, PC, in Michigan.

She has successfully litigated equine cases in 18 jurisdictions nationwide and has tried equine cases in 4 states. She is listed in The Best Lawyers in America and received the American Bar Association (ABA) “Excellence in the Advancement of Animal Law Award.” Her speaking engagements span 29 states.

Her new 372-page book, Equine Law & Horse Sense, has just been published by the ABA and is available for purchase! For more information, please visit www.equinelaw.net.

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Liability • Mortality • Farm owners • Care, custody & control • Umbrella liability riding-instructor.com | Summer 2020

Winter 2020/21 | Riding Instructor

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Photo by High Time Photography

Photo opposite by Heidi Bee Photography

Scnobia Stewart: ‘A Dedication to Inclusivity’

By Scnobia Stewart Reprinted by permission from Eventing Nation magazine My name is Scnobia Stewart. I am a 26 year

Over the years, I have witnessed various

are sometimes treated. In my experience as

old black female equestrian from Cedar

forms

and

a black dressage competitor, my encounters

Grove, North Carolina. I have been riding

institutional racism within the equestrian

with racism have mostly been subtle micro-

since I was 6 years old. I hold a Bachelor’s

industry. Equestrianism as a whole has

aggressions and racial indignities.

Degree in Equestrian Studies and I have

always had a predominance of Caucasian

ridden overseas in Germany. Currently, I

participants. Even in 2020, minorities are

In most cases, racists within the dressage

am an adult amateur dressage competitor.

far and few between across all disciplines.

discipline want to maintain their status

I also serve on the Board of Directors for

Often times, minorities feel that they do not

quo and not draw too much negative

the NC Therapeutic Riding Center.

belong in the sport because of the way they

attention to themselves. However, they

38

Winter 2020/21 | Riding Instructor

of

systemic

oppression

Winter 2020/21 | Riding Instructor

39

traveling to new farms and venues without the anxiety of possibly experiencing a bigoted encounter. I hope that minority equestrians never feel that their performance results are based on the color of their skin or any other unique attribute that classifies them as a minority. Last but not least, I hope that minority equestrian newcomers are welcomed to the sport with open arms and never discouraged from participating.

Get Involved: Scnobia Stewart is working toward her USDF Bronze Medal. Photo by High Time Photography.

tend to express their prejudiced and discriminatory comments in a witty and covert manner. These forms of subtle racism are extraordinarily disheartening to individuals who are just trying to have fun participating in a sport they are passionate about. It is even more disheartening when racism is expressed in a blatant manner.

Most racist equestrians are not bold enough to freely express their bigoted thoughts aloud. However, when a minority equestrian comes across a bold racist equestrian, it can be highly unnerving.

My hope is that one day the equestrian sport as a whole can move past its stagnant history of being exclusively a “white sport” and strive towards having a heavier presence of minority competitors alongside Caucasian counterparts.

I think that in order for the sport of equestrian to become more diverse, our white counterparts will have to be dedicated to inclusivity. This dedication to inclusivity should involve making minorities feel welcome and accepted. It also would involve trainers/ coaches/stable owners making a concerted effort to advertise their services through a multitude of channels so that it reaches a broader and more diverse group of people.

Additionally, trainers/coaches/stable owners will need to be cognizant that most minorities in equestrian do not have “connections.” Oftentimes, minorities jump head first into the sport without any prior experience or friends that share their common interest. This can be a disadvantage because minorities usually do not know about helpful resources and programs that may be available to them unless they learn about them from fellow equestrians. Luckily, I have acquired many helpful mentors along my journey as an equestrian.

My hope is that the current and future generations of minority equestrians will be able to enjoy the sport without feeling inferior or out of place. I hope that these generations will feel comfortable

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Winter 2020/21 | Riding Instructor

Scnobia Stewart mentions that she serves on the Board of Directors for the NC Therapeutic Riding Center. Based in Mebane, North Carolina, the Center’s mission statement is to “empower children and adults with physical, mental, emotional and social challenges to create more active, healthy and fulfilling lives through equine assisted activities and therapies.”

As equestrians, we are all intimately familiar with the power of horses to strengthen and heal. We’ve been given so much by these animals; how can we pay it forward? Getting involved with a therapeutic riding center is a way to share the gifts we’ve been given, as most depend heavily on volunteer support and donations to keep their programs going. You can make a donation to NC Therapeutic Riding Center here, or reach out to your local center to find out how you can get involved.

Disabled persons also face barriers, both invisible in the form of attitudes or assumptions held by others, and physical, as when steps or staircases literally prevent access. Are we as a sport doing enough to support and include disabled equestrians? As we move forward on our path toward a more diverse and inclusive sport, let’s make sure that our disabled friends always have a seat at the table as well.

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Summer 2020 | Riding Instructor

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