Riding Instructor magazine Winter 2023

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Official Publication of The American Riding Instructors Association

Winter 2023

Five Liability Tips for Equine Professionals

By Julie I. Fershtman

Tax Preparation 101

By Carol Gordon

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Winter 2023 | Riding Instructor

3

5 Contentment

By Lydia Fairchok

8

Sport psychology

Roadmap to Success:Actionable Steps for You and Your Students to Achieve Your 2024 Goals Laura King CHt, NLP & Performance Coach

11

Legal focus

Five Liability Tips for Equine Professionals Julie I. Fershtman

13 B usiness matters Tax Preparation 101:Setting the Stage for Smooth Returns and Maximized Savings

By Carol Gordon, CPA

15 Ho-Ho-Hold Your Horses: The Seasonal Dilemma of Gifting a Horse to Your Child

By Didi Arias

17

Business matters

What Makes A Great Riding Instructor, & Why? Written By Shya Beth

19 C ameo’s cauldron A PLEA

By Cameo Miller

21 Make the Most of Your Intern Hire

By Nikki Alvin-Smith

23 T ravel Guide Off The Beaten Track: Top Australian Riding Adventures

By Janet Forster

25 The Gossipmonger and How to Deal with Negative Publicity

By Nikki Alvin-Smith

Contentment

By Lydia Fairchok I remember the sense of alertness I felt when

the morning and prior to 2014 I had mainly

and a police officer, a transfer to a different

I worked my first night shift in 2014. Despite

worked within the horse industry. My foray

law enforcement agency found me assigned

warnings that the convoluted schedule

into public safety came with many adven-

to the only available vacancy—dayshift.

would take its toll on my body, mind, and

tures and adjustments, but none felt quite

To say it was a difficult transition is an

spirit, I found myself thinking night after

so natural as indulging my inner night owl

understatement. I missed my nightshift

night, “This is awesome! Why have I never

with nocturnal work hours.

friends, I missed my nightshift sleep, and

done this before?” Of course, the reason I had

I missed the exciting nightshift calls. My

never done it before was that no one takes

Fast forward to 2021: After seven years of

social circle outside of work encouraged

horseback riding lessons at one o’clock in

working nights as both a 911 dispatcher

me to see it as a good thing. “Lucky you!”

Winter 2023 | Riding Instructor

5

they said. “You can finally live like a normal

Now, much to my relief, it looks like I’ll be

Knowing that these factors were beyond my

person again!” I had my doubts—and felt

able to continue working by moonlight for

control meant I didn’t have to spend mental

them keenly every morning when my alarm

the foreseeable future. Even though I don’t

energy spinning my wheels about problems

clock went off at the ungodly hour of four

plan on returning to dayshift any time soon,

I couldn’t solve. This freed me up to focus

a.m.—but I was determined to give the

I will always be grateful for a few important

on the parts I could change. I could improve

sunlight a chance. To my surprise, I did find

lessons about contentment that I gained

my sleep discipline to make early mornings

things to enjoy. I got to know people I had

while stuck in the sun.

less painful. I could provide excellent cus-

never worked with before. I got to really

tomer service everywhere I was dispatched,

events. Even as I found opportunities for

Contentment acknowledges the difference between things we can change and things we cannot change.

positivity, though, I never stopped missing

The popular Serenity Prayer begins with the

me power over the small pieces I could con-

nightshift.

powerful line, “God, grant me the serenity to

trol, and that power allowed me to become

accept the things I cannot change, the courage

content.

see more of my jurisdiction. Winter days were not quite as cold as winter nights, and I liked being around more community

no matter how petty or dull the problem was. I could avoid certain roads during rush hour. None of these “solutions” made the underlying issues go away, but they did give

Finally, three months ago, the captain

to change the things I can, and the wisdom

pulled me aside to ask the question I longed

to know the difference.” “Wisdom to know

to hear: “Do you really want to go back to

the difference” is the basis of contentment.

Being content isn’t the same as being happy. It’s actually better.

nightshift?” An early retirement had made

Outside of quitting my job, there was noth-

Although

room for me to return if I wanted to make

ing I could do to alter my shift assignment.

do conflate the two terms, I found

the switch. I did, and it took less than twen-

I also couldn’t change the things I disliked

contentment and happiness to be very

ty-four hours for me to undo nineteen

about dayshift, such as traffic jams, bor-

different. Contentment is a steady state

months of dayshifting.

ing calls for service, and waking up early.

from within whereas happiness is an

many

official

definitions

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Winter 2023 | Riding Instructor

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and goals with more distant possibilities.

factors. We are culturally conditioned

However, hope has to be strategic.

to seek out these peaks and to reject

Looking forward to the 2024 shift bid was

uation by doing the things you would not

anything that doesn’t deliver the feelings

helpful, but it wasn’t enough to hang all

be able to do if your circumstances were

we want. Unfortunately, the idea that we

my hope on the idea that next year I might

different.

should “follow our hearts” and “do what

be able to choose what I wanted. Not only

feels good” appeals to the senses but

were there too many variables to be certain,

These approaches will look different de-

doesn’t sustain reality. Just because it feels

but a year is a really long time. It also wasn’t

pending on your unique scenario, but it is

good—and makes me happy—to eat an

enough to hope for a mid-year reassign-

important to remember that contentment

entire bag of Hershey Kisses in one sitting

ment, since those situations are unpredict-

has nothing to do with loving or being re-

doesn’t mean it is good for me, or that it

able and rare. Long before the retirement

signed to your current assignment. It is

will continue to make me happy (ask me

was announced, I needed shorter-sighted,

about finding a way to accept and capitalize

how I know). It’s actually much better to

more certain hopes in order to uphold a

on your situation without giving up hope

skip the stomachache and be content with

positive attitude.

or the drive to pursue your ultimate goals.

emotional

peak

dictated

by

outside

a moderate handful of chocolate.

Embrace the positives of your current sit-

It is about focusing your effort in the areas My strategy for this was to do as many things

it will actually make a difference, looking

Even when the object of our desire isn’t

as possible that I wouldn’t have been able

for personal development and opportunity,

harmful or excessive, striving for content-

to do (or do as easily) on nightshift. I made

and appreciating whatever advantages are

ment over happiness is always preferable

the most of having the same schedule as

within your reach.

because contentment appreciates hardship

my family, hoping to be more mentally and

along with pleasure. I was far from happy

physically present for them. I spent time

Through intentional contentment, I found

with dayshift, but I knew the experience was

with loved ones, taught lessons, attended

much to enjoy while waiting for something

causing me to stretch and develop in ways

events, and otherwise filled the evenings

better. I can look back on my year and a half

that nightshift had never tested me. Being

that would have been occupied with work,

of dayshift with gratitude for the growth I

content meant I could acknowledge that

hoping to feel productive with my time. I

experienced there. No matter what chal-

this growth was worth the struggle.

leaned into new relationships with people

lenges you are facing, may you also find

who also worked daytime hours, hoping

the power of contentment…and may your

to develop additional friends. These perks

“nightshift” be quick in coming!

Being content doesn’t mean you can’t hope for something else.

of the daylight life gave me goals to strive

Contentment isn’t inertia. Despite expe-

for and created a sense of achievable hope,

riencing the calm acceptance of content-

which fueled my ability to remain content.

ment and being appreciative of new challenges, I still wanted nightshift. I knew I

Perhaps you are finding yourself starting

would pursue any opportunity to switch,

the year “stuck on dayshift”. Your business,

and I looked forward to the next annual

your horses, your family, your finances, your

“shift bid” in which officers pick their as-

health...whatever it is that isn’t the way you

signments according to rank. Shifts are

want it to be, these are not easy assignments.

only amended during the year if there is an

Contentment is a choice, though, and you

unexpected vacancy, so I stayed alert to any

can intentionally foster it in your life. Start

situations that might require manpower to

with the spirit of the Serenity Prayer, seeking

be reassigned. I made sure that the patrol

the wisdom to know which parts of your sit-

captain was aware of my preference, and I

uation are under your control and which are

expressed formal interest in filling the first

not. Do something about the things you can

opening that came available. Contentment

change, but don’t waste time, energy, and

did not require me to be apathetic, unob-

emotion on factors way out of your grasp.

servant, or passive about improving my sit-

Reflect on the distinctions between happi-

uation. It only meant that I would not have

ness and contentment, learning to recog-

been crushed by disappointment if things

nize their respective footprints in your life.

didn’t work in my favor because I had al-

Appreciate the durable value of struggle.

ready learned to embrace my existing role.

Strategize to combine short-sighted hopes

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.

Winter 2023 | Riding Instructor

7

Sport psychology

Roadmap to Success: Actionable Steps for You and Your Students to Achieve Your 2024 Goals Laura King CHt, NLP & Performance Coach

ward achieving them. Now is the time to get laser-focused on your goals for 2024 and to communicate with your students your shared plans to achieve their hopes and dreams.

By delving deeper into what truly matters to you, you’ll be able to develop a more realistic and achievable plan, but you need to get crystal-clear on what you want to achieve. If goals are vague, such as “I want to win” or “I just don’t want to chip a fence,” you’re not planning for success. Furthermore, monitor-

A new year is the time to reflect on aspira-

dedication, and perseverance. Achieving

ing your progress and maintaining a suitable

tions and set meaningful goals for you and

these objectives requires careful planning,

work-life balance can provide the motivation

your students. Any good trainer knows that

determination, and consistent effort, and

and stamina needed to persevere through

winning in competition takes preparation,

understanding your goals is the first step to-

challenges and achieve your objectives.

8

Winter 2023 | Riding Instructor

My work helping clients achieve balance in

It’s important to be honest with yourself

review and evaluate your progress. If you hit

the eight aspects of what I call The Wheel

when setting goals and choose objectives that

a roadblock, don’t be afraid to recalibrate.

of Life include Family, Fun and Happiness,

challenge, but make the goals achievable.

Ask yourself:

Health, Purpose/Meaning, Lifelong Learning,

Establishing realistic goals will prevent

Relationships, Finances, and Position in Life/

disappointment and keep motivation high

1.

What challenges did you face?

Career can be found in my book “Figuring it

throughout 2024.

2.

Are there any new opportunities?

Out,” available on my website, laurakinghyp-

3.

nosis.com, and on Amazon. It’s an interactive

To check if your goal is realistic, ask yourself:

guide with accompanying downloads to help

1.

Can you complete certain tasks more efficiently?

Do I have the necessary resources

you and your students achieve the kind of

(time, skills and finances) to achieve

For example, if you initially scheduled a cli-

balance that seems elusive these days. In it,

this goal?

ent for leg-yield practice twice a week but

we’ll explore the principles and fundamental

How does this goal align with

realize that her horse requires daily rein-

tenets of emotional intelligence as well as

2.

my current life situation and

forcement, adjust the schedule to maximize

The Laws of the Universe and The Natural

responsibilities?

learning.

Laws of the Mind. Then, we’ll discover some tools to help along the way, including hyp-

Reflecting on these questions can help you

Having a well-thought-out plan and be-

nosis and Neuro-Linguistic Programming

create a balanced and achievable set of

ing adaptable significantly increases the

(NLP). Finally, we’ll objectively note where

objectives for 2024. Take advantage of per-

chances of achieving your 2024 goals.

you are on your path and create a roadmap

sonal strengths and allow for growth and

to success.

development. Action starts with deciding

Developing Discipline

there are things about your riding that you

Developing discipline is essential for

As baseball great Yogi Berra said, “If you

need to change. The pivotal moment is

achieving your 2024 goals. The key to suc-

don’t know where you are going, you’ll end

when that decision becomes action.

cess is applying a consistent work ethic and

up someplace else,” so let’s start planning!

Create a Clear Plan for Success

Planning Your Path

persevering through difficulties, which will help you get closer to your desired results.

To achieve your 2024 goals, it’s crucial to

Implementing the following strategies can

Although my book can help you achieve

create a detailed plan that outlines the

help build a strong work ethic:

work/life balance, my advice within this

steps you’ll need to take. Begin by breaking

article offers practical tips and advice to

down your goals into smaller, manageable

Set daily work hours: Establish a routine

develop a thoughtful action plan for 2024

objectives or milestones. Divide and conquer

and stick to it every day, which can help im-

for both you and your students. Creating

is the motto here. Next, prioritize your

prove productivity.

clear goals allows you to easily track your

objectives based on their importance and

progress and stay motivated. To begin,

identify dependencies, if any. Establish

Prioritize tasks: Create a to-do list and

consider organizing your goals with the

a timeline for each milestone. Consider

rank tasks according to their importance,

SMART criteria, which stands for Specific,

using a table or a calendar to organize these

focusing on the most critical items first.

Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and

objectives and work backward from the due

Timebound.

date. Note all the small steps necessary to

Break tasks into manageable segments:

achieve your goal and create deadlines for

Dividing larger tasks into smaller, achiev-

Set Specific Goals

each step. Finally, be specific with your

able parts can keep you motivated and bet-

To effectively set and achieve your goals in

actions. Instead of writing “Work on the

ter focused.

2024, it’s essential to make them clear, spe-

flat,” try “Work on regulating length of stride

cific, and measurable by including a time-

every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.”

line and a level of competency you wish to achieve.

Persevering Through Difficulties Embracing challenges and persevering

Remember:

through them is an essential aspect of dis-

A goal without a plan is just a wish.

cipline. Here are a few ways to cultivate this

– Antoine de Saint-Exupery

trait:

ring.

Assess and Adjust

Maintain a positive attitude: Adopting

Clear goal: I will compete in Third Level at

Plans aren’t set in stone. They should be ad-

a can-do outlook helps you stay motivated

my local dressage show in May.

justable as circumstances change. Regularly

even when facing obstacles. Listening to my

For example: Vague goal: I want to show in the dressage

Winter 2023 | Riding Instructor

9

MP3s on a daily basis can have a major im-

Analyzing Your Obstacles

Another effective approach is to share your

pact on your attitude and your goals. Two

Every path to success has obstacles, and it’s

achievements with others, be it your loved

conscious affirmation and subliminal affir-

essential to acknowledge their presence.

ones, colleagues, or peers via social media

mation MP3s I suggest, “Equestrian Peak

Here’s a method to tackle them effectively:

platforms. By sharing the progress, you’ll re-

Performance Subliminal” and “Motivational Subliminal,” can be found at https://www.

ceive encouragement and positive feedback, 1.

laurakinghypnosis.com/product-category/

Identify the obstacle: Understand

which can be highly motivating. Examples

what’s slowing down your progress.

of sharing achievements might include:

subliminal.

Determine the cause: Figure out if it’s

•

Practice patience: Remember that Rome

something that can be changed or if it’s

•

wasn’t built in a day.

outside your control.

2.

3.

learning experiences.

Stay flexible: Sometimes, things don’t

Sharing a celebratory message with friends

• Learn from setbacks: Turn hiccups into

Posting a picture of a completed project

Updating your LinkedIn profile with new accomplishments

go according to plan. It’s crucial to be ready to adapt and find alternative ways

Last, remember to reflect on and enjoy the

In summary, developing discipline entails

to overcome challenges. A flexible mind-

journey. Taking the time to recognize the

cultivating a consistent work ethic and per-

set can help you navigate unforeseen

effort, challenges, and growth experienced

severing through difficulties.

obstacles and stay focused on the prize.

along the way is just as important as cele-

Monitor and Review Progress

brating the end result. Celebrate your hard4.

Develop a strategy: Brainstorm solu-

Managing and evaluating progress toward

tions to overcome the obstacle or mini-

your 2024 goals is crucial to ensure success.

mize its impact.

It’s essential to track achievements, analyze obstacles, and celebrate success.

work and learning. You deserve it!

Need help addressing your challenges or achieving your goals? Sessions available in-

5.

Implement the strategy: Execute your

person, via Skype, or by phone.

plan and track its success.

Tracking Your Achievements

Products: www.summitpress.net

Creating a visual representation of your

Remember, obstacles aren’t necessarily a

Sessions: www.summithypnosis.com

progress can increase motivation and give

negative aspect – they can lead to personal

Email: SummitHypnosis@gmail.com

a clearer perspective on your accomplish-

growth and valuable lessons. By continually

Phone: 561-841-7603

ments. Consider these options:

monitoring your progress and addressing challenges, you’ll steadily move closer to

•

Progress tracker: A simple table or spreadsheet to track your goals, actions, completion dates, and notes.

achieving your goals.

Celebrate Success It’s important to celebrate success along the

•

Goal calendar: Mark off days or mile-

way. This can help boost motivation and

stones achieved on a physical or digital

maintain momentum. In this section, we’ll

calendar. How about a white board in

explore a few quick ways to celebrate victo-

the barn where you track your success?

ries, big and small.

I find there is something so satisfying and motivating about placing a check-

One way to celebrate success is to treat

mark into a chart.

yourself for each milestone accomplished.

Having a reward system in place will inspire

•

Goal journal: Document your prog-

a continued effort toward goal completion.

ress, thoughts, and experiences along

Possible treats could be:

your journey. Even small achieve-

10

ments will keep you motivated and

•

A relaxing massage

serve as stepping stones toward your

•

A new book

final goals.

•

An evening out with friends

Winter 2023 | Riding Instructor

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.

Legal focus

Five Liability Tips for Equine Professionals Julie I. Fershtman, Attorney at Law www.equinelaw.net

forts” to determine the participant’s ability

increase. Busy equine professionals, such

2. Learn more about applicable Equine Activity Liability Laws, as they can limit or control certain liabilities.

as riding instructors, trainers, and board-

Equine activity liability laws (“EALAs”) are

latent condition of the land; (4) gross negli-

ing stables, often lack the time to think

now found in 48 states. All of them differ.

gence or willful and wanton misconduct; (5)

about liability and risk management, but

Most provide that a person who is injured

intentional wrongdoing; and (6) negligence.

these topics are important. Lawsuits can

while “engaging in an equine activity” can-

Carefully read the law in your state and in

be expensive and disruptive to your busi-

not sue an “equine professional, equine ac-

states where you do business. Look for re-

ness. Small equine operations are just as

tivity sponsor or another person” if the in-

quirements, such as “warning” language or

much at risk of a claim or lawsuit as larger

jury or death results from an “inherent risk

language referencing “inherent risks,” that

ones. Here are five liability tips for equine

of an equine activity.” Nationwide, these

could impact the wording of your docu-

professionals:

laws tend to have any number of these six

ments. Also, many EALAs have sign posting

exceptions: (1) injury from “faulty tack or

requirements for equine professionals and

equipment”; (2) providing a horse and fail-

sometimes for “equine activity sponsors.”

Succeeding in the horse industry is difficult. Hours are long. Expenses continually

1.

Your state might be willing to enforce a properly worded and signed liability waiver/release.

ing to make “reasonable and prudent ef-

to safely manage it or engage safely in the equine activity; (3) injury from a dangerous

3. Train your staff.

Anyone who believes that releases “aren’t

It is a well-known legal principle that em-

worth the paper they’re written on” doesn’t

ployers are generally liable for the negli-

know the law. In fact, courts in most states

gent acts or omissions that their employ-

have shown a willingness to enforce liability

ees commit on the job. With this in mind,

waivers/releases – but only when the courts

take the time to make sure your employees

were convinced that the waiver/release doc-

share your dedication to safety. Before as-

ument was properly worded and signed. The

suming that your workers are “independent

key is to learn whether the applicable state

contractors,” not employees, understand

where you live or do business enforces these

the difference. You could be making a very

documents and, if so, to make sure that your

costly mistake if you are proven wrong by

documents measure up to those require-

the IRS or in a legal challenge.

ments. Problems can occur, for example, forms, lose the signed documents, and have

4. Use written contracts to avoid disputes.

the wrong people (such as children under

Many disputes in the equine industry could

age 18 or people who are not parents or le-

be avoided if people involved used well-

gal guardians) sign them. These important

worded contracts. In addition to waiver/

documents merit careful attention. If you

release forms, equine professionals would

take them seriously, they’ll more likely be

be wise to use other contracts such as train-

enforceable.

ing contracts, boarding contracts, breeding

when equine professionals use substandard

Winter 2023 | Riding Instructor

11

claim warranties. Many state laws prevent anyone from recovering pre-judgment interest on an unpaid debt unless the parties had a written contract that specifies a legal interest rate; what qualifies as a legal interest rate varies from state to state.

Make sure that your contracts are lawful and complete. Store your contracts securely and do not destroy them until you are positive that you no longer need them or until a knowledgeable lawyer has advised you that they are not necessary.

5. Have proper liability insurance

Julie I. Fershtman, Attorney at Law

Liability insurance is important for equine

About the author:

professionals. Small equine businesses still

Julie Fershtman, one of the nation’s most experi-

require some form of business insurance

enced Equine Law practitioners, is a Shareholder

such as commercial general liability insurance and/or equine professional liability insurance. Homeowner’s insurance polcontracts, sales agreements, and leases.

icies typically exclude coverage for busi-

Keep in mind that some state laws actually

ness activities through “business pursuits”

require contracts for certain transactions. A

exclusions.

with Foster Swift Collins & Smith, PC, in Michigan.

She has successfully litigated equine cases in 18 jurisdictions nationwide and has tried 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.

few states have equine sale disclosure laws

The ABA recently published her new 372-page book

that require written contracts for sales. For

This article does not constitute legal advice.

called “Equine Law & Horse Sense,” and it is available

example, for sales, state laws often require

When questions arise based on specific situa-

for purchase on Amazon and through the ABA. For

special language in order for sellers to dis-

tions, direct them to a knowledgeable attorney.

more information, please visit www.equinelaw.net

Your E-Mail Address is important - for us and for you!

ARIA communicates primarily by e-mail with its members. Please make sure we have a working e-mail address for you.

aria@riding-instructor.com and let us know your current e-mail address.

Thanks!

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Winter 2023 | Riding Instructor

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Business matters

I apologize but it’s my job…

This article is about getting ready to prepare your tax return and how to make the process easier for next year. I don’t think that there are many of you that look forward to tax prep or even reading about it. But it’s my job to prepare you so that you are well informed so that you can maximize your tax savings and minimize both the time spent preparing the return and the risk of an audit. So, let’s get this done so you can read all of the fun articles in this issue.

Preparing your 2023 return You may think that there’s nothing that you can do now about 2023 because the year is pretty much a done deal. But that’s not true.

You can start to organize all of your source documents (receipts, check book, etc.) so that you are ready to start entering data or providing your tax preparer with complete information. You should also review your 2022 return to see if there was anything included there that you had forgotten to include in 2023. If you are eligible to contribute to an IRA and it makes financial sense to do so, you have until mid-April of 2024 to make your 2023 contribution.

One thing that I can’t suggest strongly enough is that you consider using a tax professional to prepare your return. I can’t count how many people have told me that they prepare their own return because their return is “easy”. How do you know that unless you have a background in tax prep? The IRS Tax Code is thousands of pages long and has never been described by anyone as easy. By preparing your return yourself, you may be giving up significant tax benefits or subjecting yourself to unnecessary tax risk.

Tax Preparation 101: Setting the Stage for Smooth Returns and Maximized Savings

By Carol Gordon, CPA

If you don’t want to commit to having a professional prepare your returns, at least give yourself a reality check. H&R Block offers a service called Second Look (I’m sure that the other major tax prep firms offer something similar). They will review prior year returns to see if any tax savings have been left on the table. Then you’ll know if your return is really as easy as you think. Some

Winter 2023 | Riding Instructor

13

returns truly are easy and can be prepared

regularly withheld from paychecks. The

sional assistance, you can make them less

by the taxpayer. But that is the exception

IRS wants your tax payments to be made

painful than a poke in the eye. And you can

rather than the rule.

roughly on the same schedule as you are

get an even better handle on the details

earning income so there is a penalty for

of your business transactions that might

making tax payments in a tax period later

deliver tax savings and lower tax risk. It’s

than it was earned – e.g., you sell a horse in

worth it. Now go read all of the other great

Start organizing now for your 2024 return.

January 2023 for a profit but don’t pay the

ARIA articles in this issue!

On a weekly or monthly basis, you can or-

related tax until November 2023. That may

ganize your receipts into commonly used

incur a tax penalty.

Looking forward to your 2024 return

Obstacles are good for your students, good

categories such as Insurance, Maintenance,

for your horses, no/low cost – what’s not to

etc. by maintaining file envelopes where you

If you do have a regular tax preparer, you

can easily organize the documents as you

might consider doing a brief check-in mid-

receive them. You should also be reviewing

year, especially if your business has changed

your financials or checkbook to make sure

significantly from the prior year. And your

that there hasn’t been an unusual event that

preparer can advise you about any changes

will affect your tax situation and therefore,

in the tax laws that might be able to benefit

require an adjustment to your withholdings

from if you act proactively.

love?

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.

or estimated payments.

Taxes are no one’s idea of a good time (exOn a quarterly basis, submit your esti-

cept perhaps a tax professional). But with

mated payments if you aren’t having taxes

some advanced preparation and profes-

Markel has you covered ®

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Liability • Mortality • Farm owners • Care, custody & control • Excess liability

14

Winter 2023 | Riding Instructor

lustrated by one father who stomped in to the stables on December 26th and blustered “What´s wrong with you riding instructors?

Why do you always tell us not to buy our kids their own horse?”. This was said in the same tone as the Dad in “A Christmas Story” when he rages at his wife after she breaks the leg lamp: “you used up all the glue on purpose”.

A man defeated by his family, he let his upset get the better, redirecting his frustration on to me. In sympathy and with the spirit of the holiday within me, I let his angry tone slide.

When consulted, we can only give our professional opinions, citing facts (the child is only four, he´s only been riding for five minutes, the potting shed in the back garden isn´t adequate housing, etc.). Parents need to realize that being advised to “wait a little longer” doesn´t mean “never”, and must find how to manage their own family pressure instead of passing the blame on the instructor.

In dealing with the topic we state what the obvious, to us, but those points may not have been otherwise considered by the parent.

• The child may not yet be ready (new rider, too young, very nervous).

Ho-Ho-Hold Your Horses: The Seasonal Dilemma of Gifting a Horse to Your Child

By Didi Arias

• The commitment is for a long, repeat, long time.

• Will the child forego other extra-curricular activities in order to dedicate enough time to horse/pony ownership?

• Where will they keep it? How will they keep it? The current market may make them inexpensive to buy, but the upkeep

With the Season of Giving upon us, all

question. Once Thanksgiving ends, I get

across the lands, horse crazy youngsters

anxious at the thought of being cornered

are writing out their Wish Lists, and it is

whenever I see a parent with a purpose

not hard to imagine what the number one

heading my way.

item will be. And during this jolly time,

is a different story.

• The horses need skilled and knowledgeable keepers. Children need responsible supervision.

all across those lands, riding instructors

Experience has taught me that these festive

are being dragged in to family gladiator

times can be sullied by the blame I will get for

• Do they realize that horses, like dogs, are

arenas and unfairly put on the spot to give

causing the Cloud of Disappointment that

abandoned every year (left in fields, for-

the official thumbs up or thumbs down on

will soon be hanging in the air. Apparently

gotten in stables; their needs neglected)?

the “should I gift my child a horse/pony?”

this disappointment can be extreme, as il-

“Pets Aren´t Presents” is a sound code.

• The purchase of a horse isn´t the end

disappointment isn´t necessarily all doom

may be the most deserving of the bunch:

of the lessons. (Some parents may be

and gloom. Parents can consider that a

the ready ones, the responsible ones, the

surprised at this, somehow thinking that

horse can come in to the child´s life any

most talented and enthusiastic ones. These

there will actually be a savings and that

day of the year and not just be pressured

can be helped out by offers to exercise or

the education will stop there).

for it to be brought down a chimney. If a

work for riding exchange as was done for me

horse is possibly in the future, parents can

when I was young. Pay it forward.

• Does the child really want a horse, or are the parents doing the wanting?

start gifting small pre-ownership items such as brushes, sponges, buckets, saddle

Your opinion on their individual case can

soap and all that wonderful stuff. For a kid,

only help the parent considering gifting

These points go in to the pre-holiday news-

that can show a future (and a bit of brib-

their child a horse. Hopefully, after digest-

letter I send out to my students, with the

ery can´t hurt). Though I never did find a

ing and considering your guidance, they

invitation for further discussion if wanted.

horse under the tree and had to wait un-

can make the commitment and make it

In doing it this way I find feedback tends

til I was grown and bought my own, those

work out, and that they realize you have

to be appreciated, often met with “I´m

kinds of presents went a long way and pull

their best interests in mind, as well as an

glad you brought this up, you answered my

you up to the ranks of an “almost” horse

animal´s. Yet it needs to be understood

questions I wanted to ask you”. In fact, one

owner. One felt very important swaggering

that you don´t have the final word: its ad-

mother couldn´t wait to tell me how she

in early for a lesson with your own bucket

vice only and you won´t be stopping them

took my advice and didn´t get her daughter

of goodies, certain that others would notice

from buying a horse or pony.

a pony, but actually got a horse for herself!

your new status.

Way to go, mom!

As for me, I´m off the hook as I currently do There are always those children who you

not have any young students. My plans are to

One hopes that the child is made to un-

know won´t be getting their own horse be-

relax and enjoy the festivities knowing that

derstand the decision being made and that

cause their parents just can´t swing it. They

I didn´t Grinch anyone´s holiday´s this year.

About the author: Didi Arias is a Level 3 ARIA Certified Instructor and national dressage judge and teacher, who resides in Almeria, Spain.

16

Winter 2023 | Riding Instructor

Business matters

What Makes A Great Riding Instructor, & Why? Written By Shya Beth

W

hat Makes a great riding instructor,

a high degree, with a portion of these

In Instructors Riders Trust

and why? The same could be asked

riders coming full circle and becoming

The same kind of philosophy when training

about what makes a great student. Ask any

tomorrow’s trainers. The skills, both hard

young horses could be used when instruct-

instructor and their opinions will differ. Ask

and soft, that are instilled by today’s riding

ing students of varying degrees of age and

any rider, and you’ll most likely get varied

instructors will become the core principles

experience. Students, and their horses, need

responses, too. Ideals from one instructor

that future generations will fall back on.

confidence, belief, and knowledge to be able

can be vastly different from another – but

It’s never been more important to instill

to perform, both at home and in the show

there are tried and true, time-old truths

core values and strong riding foundations

ring to the height of their skills. To achieve

for both sides of the same coin: Instructors

in today’s changing, and challenging,

this, one of the most significant ingredients

instruct riders to learn and perform to

equestrian world.

is trust in their instructor.

Winter 2023 | Riding Instructor

17

No matter what the students’ hunger to

way – building your relationship with your

Your student should leave the barn al-

learn, trust is the glue that holds the stu-

student, adding to the social aspect of rid-

ready looking forward to their next return.

dent/instructor relationship together. It can

ing, and keeping your students interested

They should be excited about what they’ve

take an unskilled student and turn them

and exploring other aspects of activities,

learned, ready to tackle their challenges

into a proficient rider and can allow an in-

on or off the horse. Be imaginative – call

and sharpen their skills. Ask them a few

structor to exponentially grow their reputa-

them games for younger riders, or call them

thought-provoking questions about their

tion and business.

“challenges” for more experienced, adult

lesson and ask them to share their answers

riders. Make them simple for beginners and

with you next time. Giving them an idea

Every student needs to not just trust in their

add a few more challenging steps for the ad-

of what they’ll be working on during their

instructor’s abilities and proven record, but

vanced riders of your barn. Think of creative

next lesson and how you will build on their

trust that their instructor will listen to them.

activities – weaving through poles, opening

success and letting them know you genu-

The instructor they have chosen to invest in

the gate on horseback, fetching a colorful

inely are thrilled to see their improvement

and put their faith in will always be in their

cloth, attaching objects to the fence or a

will go a long way. Knowing you are ex-

corner, and they can voice their concerns or

tree, and making a simple scavenger hunt

cited to see them progress and transform

fears, uncertainties, and capabilities.

are just a few fun, simple, easy ways to have

into a skilled horseman or horsewoman

fun and improve your students’ horseman-

is the confidence-building, trust-growing

ship skills.

formula to creating the next generation of

Trust needs to be earned, and that’s completely normal. Sometimes students will struggle with admitting their limiting capa-

Roll with the Punches

bilities or confidence and won’t voice those

Not literally, of course. Being flexible and

concerns due to not wanting to let their in-

being able to change plans when needed

structor down or disappoint them with their

is a critical part of the teacher role that in-

mistakes. An instructor’s role must not just

structors embody. A lesson might start late,

“instruct” but offer support and encourage-

a horse may turn up lame, or a student does

ment, know when to push their students,

not have their “head in the game” as you

and when to allow them to take a step back

would expect. It’s important to remember

before moving forward. Each student’s

stress affects everyone of all ages, and of

strengths and weaknesses are different, and

course, the horses pick up on that.

thriving riders and instructors.

their trust and confidence in themselves – and their instructor – is different from the

Remember that as these new, unexpected

next. One of the worst things that can hap-

challenges arise, you can turn them into

pen is for an instructor to push too hard or

opportunities to challenge your riders

too fast, as the trust and confidence of the

to new skills and activities. If their usual

student can easily falter. The potential for

school horse is lame, this is an opportu-

physical accidents is just as possible as the

nity for them to try riding a new horse and

mental roadblocks that could make a fear

test their skills. Have a list of alternative

of horses or riding a reality. Of course, no

lesson ideas on hand, so that when chal-

instructor would even want that to happen,

lenges ultimately arise, you are not caught

and it’s important to check in with students

off guard.

to make sure they feel confident in themselves to move forward to the next step in

Remember, students come back excited

their training.

for more when they know their instructor

Riding Isn’t Boring - But Make it Fun!

has come up with a unique, challenging, and rewarding game plan for them to ac-

For most, the weekly or biweekly riding les-

complish their equestrian goals. Having a

son is something students eagerly antici-

lesson plan for each student meets them

pate and look forward to. It’s essential to

where they are and is a way to leverage

remember to add a bit of fun to your lesson

their current skills and provide a roadmap

plan, and not have every single lesson prac-

for getting the student from where they are

ticing hardcore skills. A little fun goes a long

now, to where they want to be.

18

Winter 2023 | Riding Instructor

About the author: Shya Beth is a rider, artist writer and all around horse lover based in New Jersey, USA. Whether creating horses in art, riding in the fields on her farm or writing about horses, horses are a huge aspect of her life and inspire her every day.

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

and bemoaning is not enough. We need

could actually hear it? How could you hear

to do our part in remedying the problem.

the things about them that you agree with

I have written several articles about

rather than just focusing on what you want

how we might do this within the equine

them to change to your way of thinking?

community. Now I am making a plea for us

Those are techniques and skills that we can

to do it on a wider scale. Since we interact

further develop in ourselves for interacting

with so many people each day, we are in a

with anyone around us as well as teaching

unique position to help many others begin

to our students.

to find ways to live together rather than furthering the divide.

For example: if you focus in on just one trait of a person which defines them as

A PLEA

By Cameo Miller Illustration by Bethany Caskey

I’m not talking about getting people to

‘bad’ in your eyes, you have ignored all the

agree on ideas, but rather helping them

other traits they have which probably range

learn the skills necessary to help find

on a continuum from ‘good’ to ‘bad’ in your

solutions rather than further contributing

view. Why is that the trait you have chosen

to the problems. We are role models to

to focus on? Has that focus kept you from

those we teach and those around us. How

even seeing their other traits? I’m certainly

we dress, if we ALWAYS wear a helmet,

not suggesting that you become friends

how we treat our horses, and how we talk

with someone whose values diverge wildly

about and interact with the people around

from yours. But being able to see them as

us. We can see ‘us’ mimicked all the time.

more than just one trait may allow you to

But most importantly, for the purposes of

see them as more than just ‘a bad person’.

this article, how we resolve conflicts and

We choose who we spend time with, who

deal with disagreements can also be a role

we become acquaintances and friends

model for positive change. What we do and

with, by how closely our values align. I’m

say each day is going to effect others. We

not suggesting we become friends with

know this and use this to our advantage

someone whose values don’t agree with

A recent Facebook post was about the

in our teaching. I am suggesting that you

ours, just that we find a way to allow them

Institute of Heart-Math which did a study

understand that you can have a broader

to have their own thoughts and feelings

which “provided clues to explain the two-

effect than you may have previously

as we expect them to do the same with us.

way healing that occurs when we’re close to

recognized.

That we recognize they are more than just

horses”. It went on to give This article will

one trait, and make an effort to see the

come out near Christmas time. But many

How do you feel when people tell you what

‘good’ in them as well as what we perceive

religions, all over the world, celebrate some

you should think and feel? What reaction

to be the ‘bad’, as I hope doing that may

form of holiday season around this time

do you have to that? You have every

allow them to find the same within you.

of year, and those celebrations will all be

right to your own thoughts and feelings.

You consciously endeavor to teach these

different. As will the climate since some of

You have every right to view how you do

skills to your students. Perhaps, you may

them will be in the Northern hemisphere

things as ‘the best way’. I sincerely hope

incidentally help others learn by your

and some in the Southern hemisphere,

that you are striving to do everything the

example as well.

and some will be near the equator where

very best you know how to, and that you

‘summer’ and ‘winter’ have little meaning.

are continually working to improve and be

Especially those who teach children and

These are the least of the differences in our

better at who you are and what you do. But

young adults know that we teach more

world right now. I have heard so many ideas

if people start attacking those thoughts

than just riding. Maybe it’s horsemanship,

about how families and friends can come

and feelings, telling you that you are

work ethic, sportsmanship, compassion to

together around tables and gatherings

‘wrong’, that you should do things their

the horses and other riders, or a whole host

without yelling at each other over their

way or you are ‘bad’, then we feel the need

of other life skills. I would hope that all of

differences. There are so many things

to defend ourselves. It certainly doesn’t

you, no matter what age your students are,

that are driving us all apart, and so many

contribute to being open to what they have

would teach all of these things and more.

people bemoaning the polarizing and

to say. How could someone tell you why

And so very many of you have worked hard

divides that are occurring. But recognizing

they think and feel differently so that you

to help those at your establishments have

Winter 2023 | Riding Instructor

19

a more harmonious existence (a happy, peaceful barn) that several articles on how to accomplish that have been featured in this publication over the years. Those are exactly the skills I am talking about.

Perhaps rereading some of those articles could help you see them in the light of more than just helping in your own corner of the world. If you have accomplished that harmony in your barn, can you help everyone there see more clearly how they could use those skills in their life outside of the barn? If you haven’t yet achieved the level of accord that you are looking for, thinking in terms of the wider application may help you find the missing skills that would help you further that agenda on a smaller scale.

It’s easy to see the problems, especially nowadays. But we’re horse people. Very little about our lives is ‘easy’. We put in the time and effort every day, we do the hard work every day, we find ways to fix what is wrong and make everything around us better every day. There are differences everywhere we look. But it doesn’t matter where you live, what holiday you celebrate at this time of year, or what the weather is outside your windows. It doesn’t matter what discipline you teach. You are a role model and example to a whole lot of people.

You make a difference every day. This is my plea to you—to recognize that you can be an agent of change for a wider sphere of influence in this world than you may have thought. It is my plea that you use that influence to consciously make a positive difference on a wider scale. It is my plea that you become the pebble in the pond that creates a positive ripple that radiates further out than you might imagine and helps us all live together better.

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.

20

Winter 2023 | Riding Instructor

3. The extent to which the internship is tied to the intern’s formal education program by integrated coursework or the receipt of academic credit.

4. The extent to which the internship accommodates the intern’s academic commitments by corresponding to the academic calendar.

5. The extent to which the internship’s duration is limited to the period in which the internship provides the intern with beneficial learning.

6. The extent to which the intern’s work complements, rather than displaces, the work of paid employees while providing significant educational benefits to the intern.

Make the Most of Your Intern Hire

7. T he extent to which the intern and the employer understand that the internship is conducted without entitlement to a paid job at the conclusion of the internship.

By Nikki Alvin-Smith

No single factor is determinative. As noted

Photos courtesy of the author

in the Department of Labor’s updated “Fact Sheet no. 71: Internship Programs Under The Fair Labor Standards Act” https://www.

Will your Intern be Paid or Unpaid?

former applies, then the intern must be paid

dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/whdfs71.

at least minimum wage. If the latter applies

htm, “whether an intern or student is an em-

Before you hire an intern you should con-

then the intern may be unpaid. Here are the

ployee under the FLSA necessarily depends

sider whether the position will be paid

seven factors you should consider:

on the unique circumstances of each case.”

Labor issued new guidelines for establish-

The primary beneficiary test is a “flexible

As you can see from above, it is imperative

ing whether the intern was truly an intern

test” with seven non-exhaustive factors:

that you provide your intern with truly educa-

or unpaid. In January 2018, the Dept. of

or whether the hire could be considered an

tional experiences to keep up your end of the

employee. The law, the Federal Fair Labor

1. The extent to which the intern and the

bargain. It is not sufficient to dispatch the in-

Act (FLSA), previously had a six-part test to

employer clearly understand that there

tern to prepare horses for riding, muck stalls

make the distinction between the two, and

is no expectation of compensation. Any

and turn horses in and out of the pastures.

while I am not a Labor attorney, as a barn

promise of compensation, express or im-

owner it is important to have some knowl-

plied, suggests that the intern is an em-

You need to provide a structured program

edge of the difference.

ployee and vice versa.

and time spent making a detailed plan will help you focus on areas of expertise that you

Essentially the test is designed to analyze the

2. The extent to which the internship pro-

can share with your intern to make the en-

“economic reality” of the intern’s relationship

vides training that would be similar to

tire experience a win/win on both sides of

with the employer to evaluate whether the

that which would be given in an educa-

the relationship.

internship is primarily for the economic

tional environment, including the clinical

benefit of the employer or primarily for

and other hands-on training provided by

When you train an intern to follow your par-

the educational benefit of the intern. If the

educational institutions.

ticular methods or protocol when working

Winter 2023 | Riding Instructor

21

network at horse shows and put the word out that you are looking for an intern. Start with your inner circle of folks you know and gradually work to posts on social media and paid ads in equestrian publications.

is always professional. Allow your intern to

perience may be to wrap a horse’s legs while

It is important that you select someone

An open line of communication is a neces-

kneeling on the ground. You may know

whose current talent and education with

sity. Engage your intern to become part of

that it is safer to wrap a horse’s leg from a

horses will fulfill your needs at the beginning

your team by allowing them to attend horse

crouched position so that if the horse moves

of your planned educational program. After

shows with you. Delegate tasks that you

suddenly or kicks out the handler is able

that you will develop them through the further equestrian education you provide both on and off a horse. Their personality should also gel with your own. For example, if you are someone that likes minimal chat and dislikes noisy banter all day, don’t hire an intern that is evidently loud and a chatterbox.

(Though this can be hard to know based on a short interview where the applicant may be nervous.)

can supervise and offer advice as necessary

with horses, you are laying the foundation for a stellar future relationship. You will directly benefit from the intern being able to maintain a handling and training program that is consistent with your specific meth-

spend time watching others do their tasks, too - such as the vet doing a lameness exam, checking a mare for pregnancy, or you training a horse.

ods. For example, the intern’s previous ex-

to quickly move out of the way. When you teach your intern your approach with an explanation of why your method is safer, you add significant benefit to their future safety when wrapping horses’ legs and obviously further their education.

Where do you find the perfect intern?

It is wise to have realistic expectations of the intern’s abilities before you start. There

Always check references, and remember

is no such thing as a perfect intern. But that

when you call someone for a reference they

shouldn’t stop you from trying to find one!

are not obliged to volunteer any informa-

to educate the intern on how to work with horses in the high-pressure environment at the showgrounds.

Above all, show respect for your intern and always treat them with honesty and fair-

ness. Always address them in a pleasant tone; do not snap at them or take pressures from your bad day out on them. A simple ‘thank-you’ or ‘well done’ comment will make them shine and want to do and even better job. We all like to be appreciated, and an intern is no different.

tion. If they have been an employer of the

About the author:

This will depend on the duties the intern will

intern, they may simply confirm (or deny),

Nikki Alvin-Smith is an international Grand Prix

provide and the education you can provide.

the details you already have on the resume of your potential hire, for example length of employment, job duties.

dressage trainer/clinician who has competed in

If you are an advanced rider with hot, highenergy event horses that you wish your intern to exercise when you are off showing, then evidently your intern choice will need

Be Fair

to be an accomplished rider with confidence

It is important to have a contract that defines

in their abilities to jump and gallop a horse.

the intern’s expected duties, times/hours of

If you seek an intern who already has

work and terms of termi-

significant experience, then local colleges

nation of the internship.

that offer an equestrian program may be a

It should also include de-

good place to start, but certainly be aware

tails of what training and

that entry-level college students may not

education you will provide

necessarily have the correct level of ability

and obviously explain any

or knowledge to work with your horses.

reimbursed expenses that you may offer or payments

Chat with horsey family and friends that

that will be made.

may have suggestions of someone they know who might be interested in an intern

Keep your intern happy

position. Your peers in the horse training world are also useful resources, although if they know of someone they most likely have already snapped them up. You may find a good candidate when you are giving clinics, or choose from existing lesson students or

by constantly challeng-

22

Winter 2023 | Riding Instructor

ing them with new things to learn. Remember that people also learn a lot by watching others, so ensure that your behavior

Europe at the Grand Prix level earning scores of over 72%. Together with her husband Paul, who is also a Grand Prix rider, they operate a private horse breeding/training farm in Stamford, NY.

Travel Guide

Off The Beaten Track:

Top Australian Riding Adventures

By Janet Forster As horses age, their needs, and abilities,

The Bicentennial National Trail:

stockmen who once rode through these ar-

change. If you’re the proud owner of an older

Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria

eas regularly.

equine, this means you’ll need to progres-

Fun fact – the Australian Bicentennial

sively modify how you train and ride your

National Trail holds the Guinness World

Riders will experience diverse landscapes

horse. Although 15 – 20 might not seem that

Record for the longest marked horse riding

and ecosystems, remote rugged wilderness

old, most horses Off The Beaten Track: Top

trail in the world! It runs a staggering 5,330

areas, places of importance to Australia’s

Australian Riding Adventures

km, or 3,312 miles, along the Great Dividing

First Nations people, and of historical signif-

Range down Australia’s east coast.

icance to European settlement.

also offers some of the most scenic horse

The trail starts (or ends depending on

Glenworth Valley Trails:

riding adventures you’ll find anywhere.

whether you’re travelling north or south)

New South Wales Central Coast

Each offers a unique opportunity to expe-

in Cooktown in Far North Queensland and

Glenworth Valley is located in the Central

rience and explore some of this ancient

ends (or starts) in Healesville just northeast

Coast area of New South Wales, around an

land’s unique environments on horseback.

of Melbourne. Covering 3 states, the trail is

hour’s drive north of Sydney. The region is

From alpine meadows surrounded by snow-

the brainchild of the Australian Trail Horse

famous for its expansive valleys, remnant

capped mountains to coastal trails with

Riders Association. It links historic coach

ancient temperate rainforest, and beautiful

breathtaking ocean views, lush tropical val-

roads, packhorse trails, brumby tracks, mus-

creeks.

leys filled with ancient rainforests, and the

tering paths, and old stock routes, offering

stark beauty of the outback, here are some

a unique opportunity to legally follow in

The area is criss-crossed by well-maintained

of the best riding adventures in Australia.

the hoof prints of the countless drovers and

riding and hiking trails, allowing riders to

Australia is a land as diverse as it is vast. It

Winter 2023 | Riding Instructor

23

experience the diverse terrain, lush rainfor-

best, especially in the late afternoon as the

Ride along the same trails used by countless

est, river crossings, and meandering creeks.

setting sun drops over the water.

generations of drovers. Follow the region’s

Trail length varies depending on which one is chosen.

Kangaroo Valley Trails:

ancient river systems and view the sandstone escarpments they’ve carved into the

Southern New South Wales

landscape over millions of years. Enjoy pic-

Kangaroo Valley in New South Wales’

nics at natural water holes, riding across fer-

North East Victoria / Snowy River Trails, South East New South Wales

Southern Highlands is around a 2-hour drive

tile alluvial plains, and exploring tidal rivers.

The Victorian Alps, AKA the High Country,

moved into the area in 1815, a mere 30 years

Barossa Valley Trails:

and Snowy River region in NSW together

after the First Fleet arrived in Botany Bay in

Barossa Valley, South Australia

make up the greater Australian Alps, and the

1788. Therefore – in addition to the wonder

Like Margaret River, the Barossa Valley is

southern-most part of the Great Dividing

of hiking, or riding a horse along one of the

globally famous for its fine wines, cellar

Range. They cover most of NE Victoria and

many fantastic trails throughout the area,

door tours, and popular wining and dining

SE NSW, and feature alpine meadows, snow-

you can also immerse yourself in the history

options. What’s perhaps less well known are

capped mountains, exciting river crossings,

of one of Australia’s oldest European

its scenic trail riding opportunities!

and Australia’s highest, and oldest, indige-

settlements.

High Country Trails:

south of Sydney. The first European settlers

nous and European settlements.

Barossa Valley trail rides take you through In this place where open fields nestle amongst

the heart of this iconic wine region. You’ll get

The Australian Alps per se are extremely

temperate rainforests and spectacular val-

to enjoy views of manicured vineyards whilst

popular with hikers and trail riding enthu-

leys, you’ll be able to connect with nature and

riding along forestry trails, old stock routes,

siasts and not just because of the beau-

experience panoramic valley views, diverse

quiet country roads, and ancient creek beds.

tiful, ancient landscapes. The trails offer

landscapes, and many creek crossings.

challenging terrains, stunning views, river

Horses are not native to Australia but they

crossings, and an opportunity to explore

Cradle Mountain Trails:

some incredibly unique areas. There are

Central Tasmania

Australia. Today, you can experience some

many different trails of varying lengths to

Cradle Mountain is one of the many gems

of the same thrills those original horsemen,

choose from depending on riding ability,

in Tasmania’s famous Wilderness World

and women, would have experienced as they

and desired scenery. Along the way you

Heritage Area. This is a region of outstand-

set out to explore their new home in ancient

may also spot some of Australia’s iconic

ing, and ancient, pristine natural beauty

Down Under island continent.

brumbies.

located across the central and west coast

Margaret River Beach Ride:

areas of the state.

South West Western Australia

Cradle Mountain itself is an ancient wa-

Margaret River in the South West of Western

ter-filled extinct volcano surrounded by old

Australia is an hour or two’s drive south of

glacial landscapes dating back to Gondwana.

Perth. It’s also probably better known as a

There are a number of trails throughout the

premier wine-growing region and for its

area for both hikers and riders. Each offers a

world-famous wines! However, the beauti-

spectacular and unique experience so simply

ful Margaret River beaches with their fine

choose your trail according to which type of

white sand and excellent surfing conditions

landscape you want to enjoy for the day!

also attract visitors from around the globe, including horse riders keen to experience

Diggers Rest Station Trails:

the beauty of Margaret River’s coastline on

The Kimberley, Western Australia

horseback.

Diggers Rest is a working cattle station in the Kimberley region in the north of

Gallop along Western Australia’s famous

Western Australia. Their trails offer an un-

white sandy beaches, view soaring coastal

paralleled opportunity to explore remote

cliffs, and enjoy the turquoise waters of the

Australian bush landscapes on horseback in

Indian Ocean from the back of your trusty

one of the world’s largest, and most unique,

steed. This is beach riding at its magical

wilderness areas.

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Winter 2023 | Riding Instructor

played a pivotal role in building modern

About the author: Janet Forster hails from sunny Perth in Western Australia. During a lifetime spent with horses, she has bred, competed, loved and written about them.

She owns a collection of high percentage Tb crossbreds, most of which are palominos and registered Australian Stock Horses.

Photo courtesy of the author.

The Gossipmonger and How to Deal with Negative Publicity

By Nikki Alvin-Smith In any part of your life you have choices to make about whom you include in your world. If you run a horse business, or any business for that matter, sometimes the need for an additional client will cause you to accept someone who deep down you feel is not the best match for your business. Other times you accept someone into your barn to find out later that he or she is the dreaded “barn-dwelling gossipmonger.”

As you earnestly build your fine reputation, think of it as a duck’s back, which no amount of stormy wet weather (i.e., naysayers) can dampen, destroy, or particularly affect. Apart from good business, this is a confidence-building step that you can take to ensure that you do not react in a passively

What to do? How can you protect your rep-

honor your word, work hard (you can play

aggressive manner or with emotion to neg-

utation, your staff, and your other clients

hard too, just not with clients or staff), and

ative publicity or bad gossip.

from this person.

operate your business with integrity, wordof-mouth will help you develop your busi-

The Green Gossipmonger

ness. This word-of-mouth will be the good

It is often true that gossipmongers who

A key factor in the success of your business

kind. This is the type of positive PR that no

spread rumors and private information

is to establish a good reputation. If you

amount of advertising dollars can buy.

about your barn or work do so because of

Establish a Fine Reputation

Winter 2023 | Riding Instructor

25

jealousy, that awful green-eyed monster

honest in your communication with the

“This is not the whole story,” and leave it

that serves no benefit to anyone. Rather

other party and correct the mistake when

at that. Never engage in a back and forth

than worry that some people are jealous

you can, to mitigate the damage you have

on-line.

and are being nasty behind your back,

inadvertently caused.

think of those people as giant green “jellos

The best way to counter these attacks is to

of jealousy.” See some humor in their ac-

Folks who lack confidence often take inno-

keep your business on track by asking good

tivity as they bumble about, and even take

cent remarks or comments as criticism, or

clients to go on-line and post positive re-

it as a compliment that you are achiev-

feel that they are personally disliked. Most

views. On the monthly board bill, for exam-

ing your goals to such an extent that they

of the time comments made are meant in a

ple, just add a note saying, “If you are happy

bother to be jealous. These people, these

good way. When you hear what you initially

being part of our barn family, please take a

amorphous blobs of green upset who wob-

perceive as a negative comment, try not to

moment and give us a positive review” at

ble around your farm bounce off anyone

let your first thought be negative. Always

whatever sites you would like to see them.

who will listen. These people are not to be

try to see every comment in a positive light.

Be certain to give these clients a thank-you

feared and not to be trusted either. Keep

Most people don’t mean to be insensitive or

when they post on your behalf. Most people

your own counsel as much as possible in

insincere or unkind. For people who do, you

are inherently kind and good and want to

matters of barn life and especially personal

have the power to take any mean pleasure

see others be successful. Channel their en-

life. Information is ammunition.

they get from dishing out hurtful comments

ergy and ignore the others.

in your stride by simply choosing to take Be aware, but do not involve yourself in the

them in the most positive light, thereby dis-

gossipmongers’ petty conversations with

arming the critics.

others. As the saying goes, “If you can’t say

Don’t Let the Barn Door Hit You on the Way Out! Sometimes enough is enough. This is your

sink to their level and begin complaining

Your Competition May Seek to Undermine

about their activities to others. Follow your

Your immediate competitors may be other

a dark cloud on your day, remove them.

own rules and treat other people as you

sources of negative publicity. These folks

Follow any boarding contract rules you have

would like to be treated yourself. Do not

may delight in spreading negative informa-

in place for notification to move out, and

badmouth colleagues or previous staff or

tion about how you train horses, how you

do not take your disgust with the clients’

clients.

work with clients, or how you treat clients’

behavior out on their horses or chat about

something good, say nothing at all.” Do not

world, your life, and your business. If bad influences have entered the barn and spread

horses. When people spread negativity it

your decision to others. Act normally and

If you show in any manner that you care

is a negative reflection on them, and most

talk to them. Be polite and professional at

what these gossipmongers think, then they

folks see this right away. These actions may

all times. Soon enough they’ll be gone.

have won. You cannot control what they

occur through social media channels (e.g.,

say, but you can control what you do about

Facebook), as well as at shows or in barn

If the problem is someone on staff, the same

the gossip. Quietly correct information that

aisles. What can you do to maintain your

thing applies. It is your option to terminate

is repeated back to you and is blatantly un-

good image on the internet?

a staff member if he or she is not doing the

true by saying, “Actually, that’s not true.”

job the way you outlined in the job descrip-

Show no emotion and do not justify your-

The same rule of no emotional engagement

tion. Although you cannot put in a job con-

self or your actions unless the situation

applies here. Do not succumb to answering

tract “must play well with others,” you can

personally involves the client that brings

rude or negative comments on social media.

terminate an employee for either not doing

you the information and the situation ne-

If they are on your wall, or account, simply

something in the job description properly or

cessitates a more detailed reply. Keep your

delete them. If they appear on public sites

simply because you no longer choose to hire

responses brief and unemotional. Simply

or pages, you can contact the site owner and

the position.

ignore negative activity as much as possi-

ask them to remove the negative comments,

ble whenever possible.

because they are untrue and hence libelous.

Do not answer the comments back, because

Hold Your Cards Close to Your Chest

if you engage then you are kick-starting

Your clients and staff will take their lead

Try to stay ahead of any negative feedback

their campaign. If the social media entity

from you and how you act. You must ex-

by taking responsibility and showing humil-

will not remove the damaging posts, then

hibit professional management skills and

ity. If you mess up in some aspect, well...it

answer them with a simple one-line com-

good leadership skills. Remember, the less

happens. Apologize promptly. Be open and

ment such as,

folks know about the details of your per-

Take Responsibility

26

Winter 2023 | Riding Instructor

that indicates the need for the harassment to stop with a threat of further legal action.

Attorney’s fees vary for this service, but if things are bad enough it is worthwhile to have a consultation. In most cases a letter from your attorney is sufficient to stop the errant behavior.

Before employing an attorney you can try speaking with the offender in person. If you do this, have a family member or trusted friend present so you have a witness to what was said. Keep your comments brief and unemotional, simply ask him or her politely to “cease and desist” from the negative behavior. Do not become embroiled in any lengthy tirade or abusive language or raise your voice, regardless of whether the offender responds in that manner. Say your piece and then walk away.

As with most things in life, there is a learning curve we all go through to figure out the best way to handle situations and obstacles that we encounter. Stay cool, calm, and collected. Take all negative thoughts and actions, including your own (we all have them after all), and imagine you have placed them in the basket of a brightly colored hot air balloon. Mentally watch the balloon take off and disappear in the distant sky with the sunset behind it. You will get through these

Photo courtesy of the author.

trials and hopefully learn from them. Do not

sonal life the less ammunition they have

your vacation. Goodness knows none of us

to use against you later. This is a business,

horse folks get much free vacation time but

not a marriage. Be open and honest in how

don’t be tempted to make every horse event

Remember the duck’s back. That level of

you communicate but do not share all your

into too much of a party. Choose instead to

confidence will see you well in your busi-

personal life challenges with your staff or

spend that time with friends and family.

ness and in life in general. Anyway, there

clients.

Extreme Measures

become cynical or attempt to get even.

is always karma. Leave everything else in karma’s capable hands and get on with your

Always conduct yourself professionally and

Although much of the time the above

life. Life is too short!

do not be lulled into a sense of complacency

methods will serve you well and keep you

or be overly friendly with your staff or cli-

in a positive mode, there may be an occa-

ents. Do not over-imbibe at social gather-

sion when someone becomes so fixated on

ings, and avoid having too much back-and-

the destruction of your business that he or

About the author:

forth with clients and staff in and out of

she will go to any lengths to achieve that

your residence. Familiarity does breed con-

goal. In these cases, if the actions are ver-

tempt. Although it is great to work and play

bal (slanderous) or written (libelous) and

together as a team with your clients and

are blatantly untrue, it may be necessary to

staff, remember this is your business not

contact an attorney to write a warning letter

Nikki Alvin-Smith is an international Grand Prix dressage trainer/clinician who has competed in Europe at the Grand Prix level earning scores of over 72%. Together with her husband Paul, who is also a Grand Prix rider, they operate a private horse breeding/training farm in Stamford, NY.

See you at the rail!

Winter 2023 | Riding Instructor

27

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