Riding Instructor magazine Autumn 2022

Autumn 2022 5th Annual College & University Guide

Official Publication of The American Riding Instructors Association

www.riding-instructor.com

DANCE With close-contactsuchwe can feel each other’s every move...dancing in total harmony! Close, comfortable and grippy! My leg just seems to find a natural groove and our communication is effortless. My horse feels free and comfortable for our whole training session! @wintecsaddlesShare your story Find your next Wintec saddle at wintec-saddles.com @wintec.saddles model shown Wintec Pro Dressage Official Saddle Supplier of the American Riding Instructors Association Official Saddle Sponsor of the United States Pony Club

Autumn 2022 | Riding Instructor 3

E-mail: aria@riding-instructor.com Website: www.riding-instructor.com

Manager of Corporate Sponsorship and Advertising: Donna Hartshorn  Tel 407-927-3578

Art Director: Ferenc franzz@gmail.comRozumberski

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

Julie I. Fershtman, Esq. Charlotte Brailey Kneeland * Founder

To learn the benefits of becoming an ARIA Official Supplier or Sponsor, please contact ARIA

Member

Gayle Lampe Sarah Sliva, MD Linda Tellington-Jones at 603-605-5275

For Advertising Rates & Data, please contact the publisher.

Reproductionsmanuscripts.

Denny Emerson

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.

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.

or aria@riding-instructor.com

Equine Industry Program

ARIA Official Suppliers and Sponsors

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 himself responsible for, nor does he necessarily agree with, the opinions expressed in Riding Instructor Riding Instructor assumes no responsibility for loss or damage to unsolicited photographs or

American Riding Instructors Association P.O. Box 366 Alton, NH 03809-0366

Director: William aria@riding-instructor.comWatson

Autumn 2022

Published by:

Tel: 603-605-5275

ARICP Advisory Board

Debi DeTurk Peloso

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 www.business.louisville.edu/work.learnmore/uoflequine/ARIAOfficialSponsor undergraduate-programs/equestrian-studies/www.stephens.edu/academics/ARIAOfficialSponsorwww.cazenovia.edu/caz-equineARIAOfficialSponsorwww.horseinsurance.comARIA’sOfficialInsuranceSupplierwww.williamwoods.edu/eqsARIAOfficialSponsorwww.wellpride.comARIA’sOfficialFishOilSupplierwww.wintec-saddles.comARIA’sOfficialSaddleSupplier

5 Feel Afraid – Do It Anyways By Lydia Fairchok 9 Horse Holidays Taking Your Equine Friend On Vacation With You By Janet Forster 12 Feature 5th Annual Guide to Colleges, Universities and Schools with Equine Programs 12 Averett University 16 Delaware Valley University 20 Sweet Briar College 22 University of Louisville 24 William Woods University 26 Sport psychology The Green-Eyed Monster - Jealousy: Causes, Challenges and Solutions Laura King CHt, NLP, Life & Performance Coach 29 Legal focus Equine Law “Believe it or Not” Surprises By Julie I. Fershtman, Attorney at Law 31 Business matters Welcome! – 5 Ideas to Hosting a Successful Open House & Get New Clients By Shya Beth 33 Start Them Before They Begin By Didi Arias 35 Sponsor Spotlight 38 Working Towards Finding Commonality By Cameo Miller 39 Fall Trail Riding Tips: Great Weather & Beautiful Colors Make for an Exciting Adventure By Shya Beth

cated. (Whose idea was it to put it there of all places? But I digress.) I had also secretly hoped that I wouldn’t be the one ascending the ladder; however, Michael knows I usu ally prefer to do things myself, and I hadn’t told him I was afraid of heights. I can do this, I thought, and began to climb.

As you might have guessed, this theory only served me well for so long. Eventually I found myself standing in the side-yard watching my friend Michael prop an exten sion ladder against the side of my house. “Okay,” he said as he gave it a wiggle. “Up you go.”

Homeownership introduced me to my arch nemesis: the exterior dryer vent cleanout. I honestly didn’t pay much attention to this humble hole in my house when I first moved in. Like most folks, I threw clothes in the dryer, turned the dial, and expected my fabrics to be warm, fluffy, and dry within the hour. I knew the vent cleanout existed, but it was an abstract knowledge, like knowing that there was wiring behind the drywall or insulation in my attic. I assumed that as long as I kept the lint screen clean in the machine, I wouldn’t ever have much to do with the cleanout.

Autumn 2022 | Riding Instructor 5

By Lydia Fairchok

I’m not sure how tall the ladder actually was, but my conservative estimate is seven ty-five to one hundred feet. Maybe two hun dred. That’s how it felt anyways by the time I was close enough to reach up and pry open the flaps covering the vent. A solid mass of

Feel Afraid – Do It Anyways

I gulped. The tallest object I own is a sixfoot stepladder, and my comfort zone caps out four rungs up. When I asked Michael for assistance, it was because I knew he had a ladder tall enough to get me to the second story of my house where the cleanout is lo

“What?” I called back.

Feeling afraid and doing it anyways is dif ferent from “mind over matter”, “don’t be afraid”, or even “relax”. These common plat itudes—which I have often said to my stu dents and even myself without very much thought—carry the message that the feeling of fear is something that can be done away with through some voluntary effort. This is simply not true.

Don’t Be Afraid?

Michael appeared at the base of the ladder. If I pass out on this ladder, I am going to die, I thought. Well, maybe not die, but some thing is going to break and it’s not going to be good. I forced myself to breathe and looked around to refocus my vision. Slowly, I un peeled my white-knuckled hands from the rung in front of me and fished around with a foot until I found the next step. Breath. Step. Breath. Step.

I needed any more reasons to never be a fire fighter, my experience with that ladder was burned into my brain. I don’t recall much of what happened right after I made it to the ground, but I do know the next

Autumn 2022 | Riding Instructor6

Unconvinced, I spared a glance downward. He truly wasn’t touching the ladder; the vi bration was entirely from the uncontrolled shaking of my knees. “Okay,” I said, swal lowing hard. “Hold onto it then. I need to get Justdown.”incase

Fear is a phenomenon that affects the body. It is our brain’s first line of defense against things that will hurt or imperil us, and the more we ignore it, the stronger it gets. As the perception of danger grows, the brain signals the endocrine system to start pro ducing hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. These chemicals initiate physical reactions throughout the body. You may have noticed several of them in my story about the ladder: my dry mouth made me swallow or gulp; my palms sweated; my sense of distance was distorted; I had dif ficulty hearing over the sound of my rac ing heart; my hands and knees were shaky; my vision became tunneled; and I was Frighteningnauseous.

“I’m not shaking it,” he said.

lint greeted me on the other side, blocked by the screen behind the flaps and firmly mat ted into place. I made the mistake of looking

“Fine,”returned.Ilied glibly. Michael and I were both police officers on the same department, and I valued my reputation of being able to han dle myself on patrol. I would never hear the end of it if the guys knew I was terrified to do something as benign as climb a ladder. Palms sweating, I slowly crept from rung to rung back into the stratosphere.

“Are you okay?” Michael asked when I

“You’ll have to cut the screen out. Come back down and get some wire snips.”

time my dryer vent needed a little TLC, it was Michael who went up the ladder instead of me. I gained a new appreciation for my own limitations, the effects of fear, and the prin ciple feel afraid—do it anyways

“You’lldown.

I stopped. The ladder was wobbling, making it even harder to find each new rung. “Stop shaking the ladder,” I hissed at Michael through gritted teeth.

events override which portion of the brain is “in charge”. As the endocrine system floods the body with new chemicals, the prefrontal cortex decreases in activity. This is the portion of the brain where most of our executive functions take place (log ical thought, problem-solving, multi-task ing, etc.). The survival reflex area of the brain lights up instead, governing such reactions as freeze, flight, and fight at the expense of rational thought. This is why a scared rider clings tensely to their horse in a hunched, fetal posture, even if they logically know they should sit up and relax to receive the best results.

have to take the screen out,” Michael said from a million miles away. At least that’s what I thought he said, but it was difficult to hear over the sound of my own pulse rushing in my ears.

“

You can talk yourself into being afraid, but you cannot talk yourself into unafraid.being ”

The lint blockage was more severe than ei ther of us had predicted. I ended up clinging to the ladder for a fourth time, cutting away bits of screen and desperately wishing to be anywhere else in the world while Michael ran an industrial-strength leaf blower from the interior side of the vent. Finally—fi nally—the mass dislodged from the force of the blower. Shreds of lint filled the air like lazy confetti, but I couldn’t appreciate the moment because my vision was tunneling down to a narrow tube, like looking through the wrong end of a telescope. I felt sick.

I didn’t need to be told twice to come down. It was almost worse than going up, but the promise of being grounded again was stiff motivation. I breathed a sigh of relief when I reached the bottom, and I hid my trembling hands by scurrying off to rummage for a pair of snips in the garage.

• Acknowledge that being afraid is okay! This is vital after something scary like a spook or a fall, or when the student is anxious about possible outcomes that have not yet mate rialized. (Even better, make it a part of your introductory lessons and continue to talk about it periodically throughout every rider’s education.) Tell your riders that fear is nor mal, and that everyone’s bodies experience fear in many situations even if they don’t pay attention to it. Fear is not a weakness; it is a

Most people experiencing fear related to horseback riding are low- to mid-range on the fear spectrum. They are motivated by a voluntary desire to interact with the horse and often hold an inner fantasy of being able to fearlessly enjoy the very activities that cause them to lock up. The fear cycle may be initiated by an actual event experi enced or witnessed, or by the anxious antic ipation that something bad/harmful might happen. Regardless of the source, the phys ical effects cannot be diverted by thoughtbased solutions alone. You can talk yourself into being afraid, but you cannot talk your self into being unafraid.

hairs, but this con cept matters because the language we use

are conditioned from an early age to scorn the idea of being a “scaredy-cat” and to feel dumb for being afraid of things that some one else doesn’t perceive as intimidating. Self-condemnation and shame have never produced a better rider; mindfully dealing with fear has. The next time you are working with a tense, uncertain, or terrified student, try the following:

has a profound impact on our riders. When the emphasis is on the rider not being afraid—a physiological process that occurs without their consent and will keep occur ring until the stress hormones have left the bloodstream—riders are preempted from using their mental bandwidth for produc tive changes. Instead, they are trying to mentally muscle something that is physi cally impossible. The message of “don’t be afraid” implies that they shouldn’t be afraid or that they can become unafraid through willpower. They can’t. What they CAN do is feel their fear and do the task anyways.

Autumn 2022 | Riding Instructor 7

These physiological responses are scalable, meaning that a small fright will only result in a small amount of adrenaline being re leased into the system, and a truly terrifying event will cause large amounts of hormones to flood the body. What qualifies as a “small fright” versus a “terrifying event” is ex tremely individual. For example, most peo ple would rather climb a ladder than face an armed robber; I can honestly say that I have felt fewer physical effects from adrenaline in the face of armed suspects than I did clinging to a ladder twenty feet up the side of my house.

Perhapsanyways.Iamsplitting

Fighting Fear the Right Way

Now hold on a minute—is this really true? You may be thinking of many times when you were fearful about something and mustered yourself through it with posi tive thoughts, breathing exercises, or some other coping strategy. By the time things were over, you may not have felt any fear at all. I am not discounting any of these ex periences! Humans as a species obviously have an enormous capacity for overcoming fear and accomplishing tasks that would or dinarily repel us. But here is the distinction: Doing something despite being afraid does not mean you are not afraid while doing it. It just means you are feeling afraid and do ing it

When we train riders with this mindset, we empower them to see fear as a stepping stone, not an obstacle. Sadly, feeling fear (as opposed to repressing it) is an under appreciated skill. And is it any wonder? We

• Direct your student through physi cal actions that reroute the fear cycle. Because the effects of fear are physical in nature, they must be dealt with in a physi cal manner. Have the student “shake out” their tense, sweaty palms or tight ankles. Dismount, stretch, and remount. Break up tunnel vision by having them name objects that are outside their direct line of sight, both by using their periphery and by turn ing their heads. Take breaths together or ask them to breathe deeply as they name all the individual smells they can detect.

• Talk about adrenaline as a positive factor. While many of the effects of fear are counterproductive for riding (like the ten dency to assume a fetal position), it also has the potential to be a force multiplier for good. Tell your students that they can use the ex tra alertness and strength that comes from adrenaline to make them more secure in the saddle. Help them notice how alive and ready to go their muscles are. Tell them that adren aline can increase their mental focus and that it allows them to work through discomfort. Adrenaline is sort of like a superpower—it can be used for good or bad, and the distinction is up to the user.

Check your verbal toolbox for outdated phrases like “Don’t be afraid” and replace them with the motto “Feel afraid— and do it anyways” ”

You have jumped Chip in three other lessons and never fallen off while jumping with him. It is not impossible that you will fall off while taking that jump, but it is unlikely.” A fair assessment of risk is more reassuring than a false platitude.

chemical reaction. Inform them that the body can release stress hormones even when the brain is also having fun, so it’s okay to have conflicting emotions. Reduce shame by being open about times that you have been afraid.

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.

It is important to note that these tactics in terrupt the fear cycle, but they do not undo it. The effects of adrenaline can take up to an hour to completely dissipate, and the body can release stress hormones even when the mind is simultaneously having fun. Talk to your students about this so they are not disheartened when they are “still afraid” or when something they enjoy is the source of their tension. Having brought their body back to a state of relaxation and having al lowed the logical part of their brain to con sider the actual risks involved, they may still feel the effects of fear, but it is no longer so intimidating and they are now prepared to let the positive side of adrenaline work for them instead of against them.

“

When Fear Isn’t So Frightening Engaging in this manner with fearful stu dents not only eases the stigma surrounding fear, but also shifts the prefrontal cortex back online. Remember: this is the portion of the brain that governs logic and problem-solving, so getting it back in the game allows your stu dent to handle situations with all their tools instead of just survival reflexes. Most of these techniques are best applied at the halt, but riders can use interventions like body aware ness, looking out of their peripheral vision, or breathing exercises at any gait. They can also combine these things with exercises that will help their horse exit fight-or-flight mode.

Autumn 2022 | Riding Instructor8

Fear in riding is tricky to address because it is never an invalid thought. Horses are un predictable and there is no guarantee that everything will go as planned. However, the way we speak about fear and how we address its presence in our riders does not have to be a wild card. Check your verbal toolbox for outdated phrases like “Don’t be afraid” and replace them with the motto “Feel afraid— and do it anyways”. Empower your students to understand their bodies and use adren aline to their benefit. You will watch them tackle even the most entrenched anxieties (or the tallest ladder) when they are free from the stigma of fear.

• Ask your student to describe what their body is feeling. Most riders will need a lit tle bit of coaching to find the symptoms of fear. Ask them: What does your heart feel like right now? What is your breathing like? Are your hands tight on the reins, or loose? Help them be aware of their entire body. This checklist is best performed at the halt, with the instructor standing by to speak softly. It is a tender moment of regrouping where the very act of naming these physical effects helps to ease them.

About the author:

ing bad will happen, because the reality of riding and handling horses is that accidents do happen. You can’t guarantee that they won’t get hurt or scared. Instead, ask your students to create their own statistical com parison: “Mary, how many times have you fallen off? How many times have you ridden a horse? Ok, so you have fallen off three times and have ridden a horse hundreds of times.

• Be realistic. Don’t tell students that noth

Have Horse Trailer; Can Take Horse On Vacation With Me

Or is it?

You can for instance rent a rustic cabin that comes complete with a corral or yard for

Arranging Your Horse Vacation

Finally, if you’re an accomplished rider and happy to pass on some of your knowledge and experience, some riding centers will provide free accommodation for you and your horse in exchange for those.

Fortunately for those who like some degree of creature comfort when taking a wellearned holiday, even with neddy along, there are a lot more options than there used to be. Whilst ‘roughing it’ (where you pitch a tent somewhere, tie your horse to a tree or picket line for the night, and hope it’s still there in the morning), can still be done, to day’s horse vacation enthusiast has so many choices. Some are even civilized!

your equine companion. Use it as a base for exploring the surrounding countryside on Ifhorseback.you’refortunate

There are a number of ways to ensure your planned horse vacation goes exactly as planned. First, check with the venue / venues you’re planning to stay at ahead of time so you know what amenities they provide. Imagine rocking up without portable horse yards or fencing only to find they’re not provided!

By Janet Forster

Then there are the custom horse holiday set ups where you can rent a small house or lodge, and paddock, for the duration of your holiday. Like the rustic cabin option, these are a great way to put in some quality riding time in a new environment.

See if you can find online reviews about these places from people who have stayed there. Social media can be your best friend here. Ask the question in a horse group and you’re bound to find someone who knows someone who knows someone who has been there (or has heard of someone who has driven past)!

enough to own a horse trailer with living quarters, there are horsefriendly equivalents of caravan parks where you can set yourself up for a spot of horsefriendly glamping. Even if you don’t have such a horse trailer, you can probably hire one easily enough.

Horse Holidays Taking Your Equine Friend On Vacation With You

Getting out into the great outdoors with your equine companion is a great way to spend your time. For many horse owners, it’s also a great way to spend a holiday. Furthermore, it solves that problem of finding someone to look after said horse whilst you’re away. Just pack him or her up and take them with you!

Sounds easier said than done? Taking a 1000+ pound pet on holidays with you does present a bit of a logistical nightmare. It isn’t really the same as packing pooch into the car and heading off, is it.

Autumn 2022 | Riding Instructor 9

Make sure your holiday riding ambitions are commensurate with your level of riding fit ness. If you don’t ride that much, planning a long riding holiday could end up very un comfortably for you. Start training by put ting in additional riding hours well before you leave. You wouldn’t attempt to run a

Waterproduct.–

Hay nets or hay bags – hay has a nasty habit of making a mess and leaving possi bly unwanted seeds behind.

/ matches or cigarette lighter (for your camp fire) and possibly some fire starters as well.

• safety vest if appropriate

check ahead to make sure the water where you’re staying is suitable for drinking. If your horse is a fussy drinker, definitely consider taking water with you (a couple of capped large diameter PVC pipes attached to the sides of the horse trailer make excellent water tanks). Alternatively, teach them well ahead of time to drink wa ter with molasses or something like apple juice added to mask any unusual taste.

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.

• suitable clothing, preferably that you can layer according to weather conditions

Portable yards or portable fencing equip ment if you’re camping out and there ar en’t yards or paddocks available. Some campsites do provide various portable op tions as well so be sure to check ahead.

Saddlebag – essential for water and edi bles, particularly if you’re going to be do ing some long rides.

• rain coat

• gloves

Regardless of what type of horse holiday you’re planning, you need to organize a few things for neddy as well before you head off. As a rough rule of thumb, if your horse uses it at home, chances are s/he will also need it whilst away.

Food, water, camping gear etc for yourself unless these are provided at your destina tion. Be sure to include essentials like

Groomingforecast.and

Insect spray / fly mask

Even though it can take some time, re search and effort to plan a horse vacation, once you’ve done this it can be a lot of fun and an amazing experience. You might broaden your riding experience, make some wonderful friends and discover new scenery and places.

Portable First Aid Kit containing emergency lotions and potions for both you and your horse – topical wound dressings, antiseptic wash (and container to put it in), bandages, cotton wool, gel pack, sunscreen etc.

marathon without training, would you? It will also make your horse fitter as well.

Make sure your horse is healthy and not sore or lame.

Cellphone with GPS, and perhaps also a Flashlightcompass.

Horse blanket if your horse is currently wearing one; it may also pay to consider packing a fly sheet and/or rain sheet in summer just in case where you’re heading has an insect problem, or there is a bit of rain

• comfortable riding boots

Comfortable, correctly fitting tack – if you’re going to be riding for extended pe riods of time, using ill-fitting tack is a sure way to make your horse sore.

Autumn 2022 | Riding Instructor10

Organizing To Take Your Horse On Holiday With You

Hay – unless you know you can buy hay at your destination, take it with you. Some producers even supply bagged hay bales, which are excellent for travelling. However, if you’re travelling across state lines, make sure you can transport it across with you. In Australia for instance some states pro hibit the import of unprocessed agricul tural products from other states due to weed, pest, and disease concerns.

Grain / pellets – if your horse normally has a hard feed, you can pre make their daily rations in zip lock bags for convenience. It will save you carting large bags of each

Horse trailer – make sure it’s safe, reliable, and preferably recently serviced or checked out. Remember to check the spare tire, especially if you’re heading somewhere where tire repair places are few and far be tween. You may even want to consider in vesting in a tire repair kit to take with you.

• proper riding pants that won’t get un comfortable after a few minutes in the saddle,

About the author:

Rubbish bag and small folding manure rake or scoop to collect hay scraps, manure etc.

hoof care essentials includ ing a hoof pick, rasp, and trimmers; if your horse is shod, consider packing a hoof boot just in case they lose a shoe. On the topic of shoes and hooves – get your farrier out to do their feet shortly before you plan to leave.

• helmet

Buckets / feed bins and something to hang them on or attach them to – you really don’t want them knocking their water over if you’re in the middle of nowhere with only a limited supply of it.

Thanks!

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.

If you’re not sure, write to us at aria@riding-instructor.com and let us know your current e-mail address.

5th Annual Guide to Colleges, Universities and Schools with Equine Programs

Instructors have the distinct opportunity to share with their students many aspects of equestrian life. This can apply to continuing education! Here is a selection of schools that offer equine programs your students might be interested in.

AVERETT UNIVERSITY Feature

Ø What degree or certificate programs are offered?

Bachelor of Science Degree in Equestrian Studies. Within the major, there are several concentrations that students may choose from. All students in the major take approximately 30 credit hours in core equestrian courses. These include riding, management, behavior, teaching and science courses, such as lameness and disease. Students then choose a concentration

Autumn 2022 | Riding Instructor12

for an additional 30 credit hours. The concentrations include teaching/training in either dressage or eventing; equine business management; equine sports communication; equine assisted psychotherapy and equine science/pre-vet. Many of our students graduate with multiple concentrations and/or double majors in other fields of study.

We host two intercollegiate teams, the Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA) team and the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) team. Students have the ability to compete in open horse shows in dressage, hunt seat and eventing/combined training on personal or school owned horses. Students are able to start competing on the intercollegiate teams as freshmen. The equestrian department hosts a study abroad trip on alternating years. Students have traveled to Germany and attended the German National School and obtained rider medals, as well as, explored the equine industry and ridden in Ireland and Spain. Averett offers many opportunities to participate in service earning courses and projects. One such course in the equestrian department involves working with a local Thoroughbred rehoming center helping to retrain horses coming off the racetrack for other vocations. All students participate in at least one internship experience. Students have interned with Olympic veterinarians, international level dressage and eventing competitors, equine therapy centers, as well as a host of other fields in the industry.

Autumn 2022 | Riding Instructor 13

and staff on many levels. So much so, the University President hosts every freshman class to the President’s house for dinner. There are opportunities for all students, the strong competitive riders, the aspiring veterinarians, the student with a passion for helping people through horses. We are not a one size fits all program and pride ourselves on meeting students where they are and growing them into exceptional equine professionals.

Ø Are scholarships available?

No

Ø What riding disciplines are available?

Ginger

Ø Are there continuing education or non-degree options offered?

Ø What tips do you have for potential students?

First, look at lots of schools to be sure you find the one that feels right for YOU! When you come to college, keep an open mind and a willingness to learn and be taught.

Contact information Henderson

The horses are all owned by or leased to the University

Ø What makes this school special?

Dressage, Hunt Seat, Eventing

There are so many things that make Averett special for our students. The most common reason given by our students is Averett feels like family. Students make connections with faculty

Ø What equestrian-related extracurricular activities (clubs, teams, etc.) are available?

vhenderson@averett.eduundergraduate/equestrian-studies/https://www.averett.edu/academics/majors-and-programs/ facebook: Averett equestrian instagram: averettu_es Offering concentrations in: Dressage Instruction Equine Management Eventing Instruction Equine Science Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy averett.edu/equestrian • 1-800-AVERETT Feature

There are no pre-qualifications for our program. Because our students go into careers in a variety of equine settings, varying backgrounds and skill levels all are welcomed and valued.

Ø Are the horses owned by the school, students or others?

Ø Are there pre-qualifying criteria for students wishing to enter your program?

Yes! Averett has many academic and need based scholarships. In addition, there are several equestrian specific scholarships. Students may apply for either performance based or academic based equestrian scholarships. Those applications are submitted online and accepted two times during the year.

Yes, in addition to being an approved ARIA test center and offering the ARICP testing 1-2x/year, we have an Adult & Continuing Education division where students can take courses part-time on campus, online and at several community college satellite locations. The courses include several non-degree certificate programs.

Ø What degree or certificate programs are offered?

Ø Are there continuing education or non-degree options offered?

Ø What riding disciplines are available?

Feature

Autumn 2022 | Riding Instructor14

Hunter Seat, Western Horsemanship, Reining, Dressage and Pleasure Driving

We offer bachelor’s degrees in over 35 programs including a degree in Equine Business Management. We also have many certificate programs, including a Certificate in Equine Reproduction.

Ø Are the horses owned by the school, students or others?

Horses used in the program are all owned by the College. Some boarding is available for students.

Photo courtesy Cazenovia College

We have an Equine Ambassadors Club (a service organization) and the Equestrian Team (IHSA Hunter Seat/Western & IDA Dressage), some clinics/outside shows.

Cazenovia College, Cazenovia, N.Y. 13035 www.cazenovia.edu 1.800.654.3210 • 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 WORLD-CLASS EQUINE AT CAZENOVIA COLLEGE OUR 240-ACRE EQUINE EDUCATION CENTER Feature

Ø What makes this school special?

Ø Are scholarships available?

Our small size and distinct blend of liberal arts and professional studies allows for individualized academic programs that are enhanced by internships and applied learning activities. Our welcoming community makes students feel at home on our small, safe campus and in the nearby lakeside Village of Cazenovia.

Ø What tips do you have for potential students?

Autumn 2022 | Riding Instructor 15

Contact information www.cazenovia.edu Toll Free: 1-800-654-3210 or admissions@cazenovia.edu315-655-7208

Ø What equestrian-related extracurricular activities (clubs, teams, etc.) are available?

Yes, first-year students receive merit scholarships from $22,000 – $31,000 regardless of family income or residency. Other financial aid is also available.

Get as much as experience as possible riding all different types of horses, as this will help students both in college riding classes as well as with Equestrian Team competition.

Ø What equestrian-related extracurricular activities (clubs, teams, etc.) are available?

At DelVal, you will apply what you’re learning and gain valuable knowledge and experience in equine science and management.

Our on-campus equine facilities (just a short walk from the residence halls), including our Equestrian Center and Breeding Center, are utilized as classrooms for our students, offering the opportunity to experience hands-on learning.

DelVal riding and breeding horses are made up of a combination of leases and donations.

Ø What makes this school special?

Autumn 2022 | Riding Instructor16

DELAWARE VALLEY UNIVERSITY

• Equine Massage Certificate Program

No! All students are welcome!

British Horse Society certificates

Come visit the DelVal campus and take a tour of our on-campus equine facilities!

Pre-Vet Club

Ø Are the horses owned by the school, students or others?

Carriage Driving Club

Varsity Dressage IDA team

• Degrees in Equine Management with specializations in Equine Business Management, Equine Instruction and Training, Equine Media and Communications, and Equine Assisted Therapies

Hunt Seat Equitation

Varsity Hunt Seat IHSA team

Ø What tips do you have for potential students?

Our equine academic advisors can help you plan academic courses and the hands-on opportunities you will need to stand out as you apply to career opportunities or veterinary school.

Equine Massage Certification

Ø What degree or certificate programs are offered?

Ø What riding disciplines are available?

Club Western IHSA team

Ø Are scholarships available?

Contact information

Ø Are there continuing education or non-degree options offered?

Equine Club

• Degrees in Equine Science with specializations in PreProfessional and Breeding

www.delval.edu/equine215.489.2909( office) delvalequine@delval.edu

Yes! DelVal offers competitive academic scholarships to qualify ing students. Additionally, the equine department offers a Pony Club scholarship to students with a C rating or higher.

• Associates Degree in Equine Management

Ø Are there pre-qualifying criteria for students wishing to enter your program?

We have a study abroad program with Hartpury College in England, which is a unique and highly beneficial opportunity for our equine students.

CarriageWesternJumpersDressagedriving

Autumn 2022 | Riding Instructor 17 700 East Butler Ave. | Doylestown, PA 18901 p: 800.2.DELVAL w: delval.edu/equine At DelVal, we focus on hands-on learning and real-world experiences to prepare you for success in the equine industry. WE OFFER: • On-campus Equestrian and Breeding Centers • Nationally ranked IHSA and IDA Teams • British Horse Society Testing Center EQUINE DEGREES: Equine Management • Assisted Therapies • Business Management • Instruction and Training • Media and Communication Equine Science • Breeding • Pre-Professional Building Champions

is known for hands-on, immersive learn ing, a small class environment, and faculty, advisers and mentors dedicated to your success. Students learn from professors and assistant professors who serve as pro fessional judges and trainers. And students have opportunities to compete and partic ipate in national, regional and community horse shows. Stephens has a 100% career placement rate for five years in a row, and an extensive alumnae network.

Both the school and students

Equestrian Studies (bachelor’s and minor), Business Administration bachelor’s with Equestrian Studies track

Ø Are scholarships available? yes

Prince of Wales riding club and Stephens Equine Therapeutic Association

Ø What riding disciplines are available? Huntseat, Saddle Seat, Western and Driving

Ø What degree or certificate programs are offered?

Sara Linde-Patel

Ø What equestrian-related extracurric ular activities (clubs, teams, etc.) are available?

No. In addition to applying to Stephens College, students interested in Equestrian Studies must complete a supplemental application.

Ø What makes this school special? The Stephens College Equestrian program

Equestrian Studies Program Coordinator slinde@stephens.573-876-7144edu

Feature

Autumn 2022 | Riding Instructor18

Ø Are there pre-qualifying criteria for students wishing to enter your program?

Contact information

Ø Name of school Stephens College

Ø Are the horses owned by the school, students or others?

Ø Are there continuing education or non-degree options offered? no

equine program

Autumn 2022 | Riding Instructor 19 (573) 876-7207 | stephens.edu | apply@stephens.edu Huntseat, Saddle Seat, Western and Driving Four Disciplines, One Family

Ellen Erchul ’19 Assistant Trainer, Grey Ridge Farm, Versailles, Ky.

Equestrian Studies

The is so incredibly unique, and there is nothing that will prepare an aspiring equestrian for their future better than Stephens! “ ”

Autumn 2022 | Riding Instructor20

Ø What makes this school special?

The Sweet Briar equestrian program has a winning tradition that goes back more than 100 years. In 2018, Makayla Benjamin ‘18 won the USEF/Cacchione Cup. In 2021, our NCEA team won the Single-Discipline National Championships. Our coaches are regularly recognized with Coach of the Year honors and our riders often appear on all-academic teams for the ODAC, NCEA and IHSA.

Ø What equestrian-related extracurricular activities (clubs, teams, etc.) are available?

Equine Studies Certificate, Management concentration, and Equine Studies Certificate, Teaching and Schooling concentration

Ø What riding disciplines are available? Hunter/Jumper

Ø What degree or certificate programs are offered?

Ø Are there continuing education or non-degree options offered? No.

hunter pace and the Sweet Briar Horse Show, an annual event since 1926. Less experienced competitors can also ride and compete outside of lessons — our inhouse shows let them experience the thrill of competition and build confidence.

Feature

The College owns 45 horses and students may also bring their own horses to board.

Ø Are the horses owned by the school, students or others?

We have a National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA) team, an Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) team and an Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) team. Sweet Briar riders compete successfully in local and rated shows off campus in the USHJA Zone 3 region. Qualified students who are not on a team may participate as independent competitors in off-campus activities. Students enjoy riding over the rolling terrain of the fields and trails that make up the 2,840-acre campus. The College hosts several riding competitions each year, including indoor shows, a hunter trial,

Sweet Briar College

tack, turn out, groom and — under super vision — provide therapeutic treatments toRidershorses.enjoy

For admissions: Taylor Patterson, tpatterson@sbc.edu434-381-6142

• Hunter-jumper fences suitable for USEF competitions

• Full-time stable staff are devoted to horses and riders. For added security, staff members live on the riding center grounds. Part-time student workers clean

Virginia’s long, mild falls and springs along 18 miles of trails that wind through Sweet Briar’s 2,840-acre campus. There is no better way than on horseback to experience wooded coun tryside, foothills, dells and open fields. Sweet Briar’s campus is one spectacular outdoor classroom. Field riding courses, trail riding and hacking out are memora ble ways to take advantage of this living laboratory.

• Several teaching and schooling fields with a variety of natural obstacles.

Ø What tips do you have for potential students?

Office of Admissions, P.O. Box 1052, Sweet Briar, VA 24595.

You can also reach the admissions office at 800-381-6142, 434-381-6142 or admissions@sbc.edu

For the Riding Program: Mimi Wroten, Director of the Riding Program and Head NCEA Coach mwroten@sbc.edu434-381-6348

Sweet Briar’s 130-acre Rogers Riding Center ranks among the best in the coun try on a college campus. Set atop rolling fields, it is a mile from Sweet Briar’s main quad — walking distance along a beau tiful country lane or wooded trail. The College also runs a shuttle bus for stu dents’ convenience. Our excellent indoor and outdoor facilities include:

• The 120ˇ by 300ˇ Robin S. Cramer Hall has a heated viewing area and sound system

• Three spacious outdoor rings, one with sprinklers and lights

• Covered lunging area

what we can offer to students at a variety of levels. We even have a dedicated ad missions counselor for students who are interested in Riding.

Earn an Equine Studies Certificate with a strong liberal arts and sciences foundation. • Extensive on-campus facilities include a 130-acre riding center, a 120’ x 300’ indoor arena, boarding opportunities and newly renovated stables • Hunter/Jumper riding program • NCEA, IHSA and ODAC competitive teams and lessons for all levels • 100+ years of equine excellence Excellent riders make exemplary leaders. Learn more at sbc.edu/riding. Feature

Autumn 2022 | Riding Instructor 21

Contact information

We encourage potential students to visit campus to see our facilities and to meet students and other members of our com munity. A visit is the best way to learn

academics-programs/equine/https://business.louisville.edu/

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) in Equine Business Minor in Equine Business Certificate in Equine Business Online Horse Racing Industry Certificate

Ø What riding disciplines are available? Eventing, Hunter, Western, Saddle Seat, Eventing

Ø Are the horses owned by the school, students or others?

Autumn 2022 | Riding Instructor22

• Certificate in Equine Business (in person)

Professors and other students in the college own horses and include some ac cess and trips to their horse barns. The College does not own horses or barns.

Feature UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE EQUINE INDUSTRY PROGRAM Equine Industry Program

Ø Are there pre-qualifying criteria for students wishing to enter your program?

• The in-person Certificate in Equine Business also requires a bachelor’s degree

• The Online HRIB (Horse Racing Industry Business) Certificate is a graduate certifii cate requiring a bachelor’s degree

• Online Horse Racing Industry Certificate (HRIB)

are

Ø What degree or certificate programs offered?

• The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration is an undergraduate degree and would only require admission to the University of Louisville.

Ø Are there continuing education or non-degree options offered?

Equine Industry Program Director Equine@louisville.edu or visit: https://business.louisville.edu/ learnmore/uoflequine/

There are five equestrian riding teams at the University of Louisville as well as the opportunity for student-driven field trips andRidingevents.and Racing Club

Ø Are scholarships available?

• It’s unlike most other equine degrees be cause we provide solid business and leader ship skills specific to the equine industry. It’s a business degree. You’ll still have exposure and opportunities with horses but learning business skills will set you apart from other Agricultural Degree programs. This is the place where you can turn your passion for Horses and create a great ca reer. You’ll learn the business side of the industry so you will have a career advan tage to choose your path in leadership roles. You won’t find a better place for equine studies than the College of Business at the University of Louisville. As the only undergraduate equine business program in the world located in an AACSB accred ited college of business, our core business administration classes combine with 27 hours of specialized education, focusing on equine enterprises and event management. Because of our location in famed Kentucky horse country, classroom instruction is sup plemented with the opportunity for intern ships, field experience, and contacts with prominent industry professionals. Students are steeped in the industry just by our prox imity and networks in Louisville, Kentucky.

Contact information

Autumn 2022 | Riding Instructor 23

Apply early and get connected with our staff. Insist on in person campus visits. It’s a small program that provides exten sive support and lifelong friendships and connections.

• IHSA Western team

Kentucky has a rich equine culture and this program offers a lot of exposure and internships with many iconic equine institutions such as Churchill Downs, Keenland, Derby museum, and other supporting industries.

Ø What (clubs,extracurricularequestrian-relatedactivitiesteams,etc.)areavailable?

Yes, most students receive various types of financial support.

Ø What tips do you have for potential students?

Amy Lawyer

Feature

Ø What makes this school special?

• IHSA Hunt team Polo EventingClubTeam

• ISSRA Saddle Seat team

SaddleWesternDressageHunter/JumperSeat

William Woods offers a broad range of scholarship opportunities including those for academic merit, campus involve ment, diversity and inclusion, and more.

Western Hunter/JumperDressageClubClub Club

Not at this time

Ø Are there pre-qualifying criteria for students wishing to enter your program?

The horses are owned by William Woods and donated from all over the United States and beyond.

Master of Education in Equestrian Education

Ø What riding disciplines are available?

Ø Are the horses owned by the school, students or others?

Ø What extracurricularequestrian-relatedactivities (clubs, teams, etc.) are available?

Ø Are scholarships available?

None are specific to the equestrian pro gram, but all students are offered some form of scholarship through the Office of Admissions.

Ø What tips do you have for potential students?

Keep an open mind about your best fit for a successful career with horses. We work hard to expose students to many facets of the industry and make them as marketable in different parts of the horse world as possible. Keep an open mind about disciplines or breeds new to you and be ready to make a positive impact on our industry!

Bachelor of Science

www.williamwoods.edu/eqs

William Woods was the first institution in the country to offer a four-year bachelor’s degree in equestrian science. We are a microcosm of the horse industry and have been producing professionals in the industry for many decades!

Contact information

All students must meet standard William Woods requirements for admission.

William Woods University

Saddle Seat Club

Autumn 2022 | Riding Instructor24

Ø What degree or certificate programs are offered?

Paddock Club (all disciplines) Intercollegiate Horse Judging Team Pre-Veterinary Club

Ø Are there continuing education or non-degree options offered?

Ø What makes this school special?

Minors: Equestrian Science, Equine Administration

Majors: Equestrian Science, Equine Administration and Equine General Studies

Autumn 2022 | Riding Instructor 25 90 YEARS OF EQUESTRIAN LEADERSHIP 573-592-4221williamwoods.edu/EQS|admissions@williamwoods.edu curriculumfocusedCareer-On-campusequestriancenter Center MedicineEquinefor Markel® has you covered Purchase liability insurance online today! An accident that happens during your lesson is a threat to your career, business and assets. We know you are busy! It only takes a few minutes to protect you and your business by applying online for a Markel equine liability insurance quote. • Credit for ARIA certified instructors. • Up to $1,000,000 liability limits. • Coverage applies on and off premises.  horseinsurance@markel.com  +1.800.446.7925  Markelhorseandfarm.com  /MarkelHorse Official Insurance Supplier of The American Riding Instructors Association Products and services are provided by one or more of the insurance companies under the Markel North America Insurance Group and policyholder services are provided by the underwriting manager Markel Service, Incorporated, national producer number 27585. Terms and conditions for rate and coverage may vary. Markel is a registered trademark of the Markel Corporation. ©2021 Markel Service, Incorporated. All rights reserved. Liability • Mortality • Farm owners • Care, custody & control • Excess liability Moving? Don’t miss a single issue… Phone or e-mail us with your new address. aria@riding-instructor.com603-605-5275 www.riding-instructor.com Official Publication ofTheAmericanRiding Instructors Association Autumn 2022 NOV. 10–13 W. SPRINGFIELD, MA Eastern States Exposition The 2022 Equine Affaire offers horse people of all disciplines, all breed persuasions, and all skill levels unparalleled opportunities to learn, shop, network, and celebrate the horse! North America’s Premier Equine Exposition & Equestrian Gathering Equine Affaire Inc. 2720 St. Route 56 SW | London, OH 43140 (740) 845-0085 equineaffaire.com

Autumn 2022 | Riding Instructor

Sport psychology

Jealousy: Causes, Challenges and Solutions

Jealousy is the green-eyed monster that can suddenly rear its head when you want to be like someone else or you feel that something’s been taken from you or you are afraid of being left behind. You believe you’re as talented as they are, so why did they make it to the Olympic Games? Why do they have a generous sponsor and you don’t? Why do they have a barn full of inter national team-caliber horses?

The26 Green-Eyed Monster

Equine competition is tough because you are judged on your and your horses’ ability and, as a professional, the stakes are even

Laura King CHt, NLP, Life & Performance Coach

higher for you to perform. It’s not easy to quash those feelings of inferiority when you or your students end up at the bottom of the competition scoresheet.

Research shows that jealousy is a result of the primitive part of our brain called the amygdala going into high gear. It’s re sponsible for making quick decisions about whether something is good or bad in order

Theodore Roosevelt said “comparison is the thief of joy;” it robs us of satisfaction with our own lives. The need to be judgmen tal and jealous is a result of the ego trying to protect itself from the pain of feeling inferior.

On top of that, our modern lives include a jealousy trigger our ancestors didn’t have to deal with: social media. Carefully cu rated content and creative filters can make it appear that everyone is skinnier, smarter, taller, shorter, more attractive, more tal ented or luckier than you and that can lead you to be envious of the lives of others or depressed about the state of your own lessthan-perfect life.

• Chest pain

• Insomnia or disturbances in sleep

Jealousy can be difficult to understand and process. Depending on the situation, you may feel embarrassed, threatened, insecure or abandoned. Most of all, it harms the one who feels it. When you or your students are obsessed with someone else’s success, self-respect suffers and you may neglect or even sabotage your own performance and possibly your career. Envy is difficult to manage, in part because it’s hard to admit that we harbor such a socially unacceptable emotion. Our discomfort causes us to con ceal and deny our feelings, and that makes things worse. Repressed envy inevitably re surfaces, stronger than ever.

Learning to identify jealousy is a skill. When you do experience it, try using one of the many coping mechanisms available to you to alleviate the emotion. Understand, though, that jealousy does not excuse ma nipulation or abuse.

• Headache

The term mudita (from Pali, an ancient lan guage of India) is used by Buddhists to mean “rejoicing in the good fortune of others.” It is the rare person whose automatic impulse is to feel glad when meeting someone smarter, prettier or more talented. It’s hard not to be jealous of a barn mate’s blue ribbon or tal ented horse. Nevertheless, it is possible to cultivate more generosity of spirit.

• Poor appetite

For your own mental health, you’ll want to find healthy ways to handle your own jeal ousy and to help your students waylay their bad feelings. Consider these recommended coping mechanisms:

• Consider other perspectives. Remember, you are seeing only one perspective. Social media is particularly egregious in show casing an altered reality. Everyone has bad days and not-so-good rides, although they might not post it on social media.

•including:Stomach ache

• Heart palpitations

• Practice gratitude. Remind yourself about all the beautiful things that life has given you. Be thankful for the people and horses in your life.

• Some people are limited by their own be liefs, which is a major obstacle in their career. They think they are not good enough and that they can never achieve what they want. They may be too judg mental of themselves or others and they might be jealous of other people’s suc cess. Consider if you or your students are getting in your own way. Be the kind of trainer who builds up your students in stead of breaking them down.

Autumn 2022 | Riding Instructor 27

Feelings that typically accompany jealousy include resentment, anger, hostility and bitterness. Everyone experiences jealousy at some point in their lives, but the emo tion can become unhealthy and negatively impact your life. When it’s severe, irratio nal jealousy can lead to distrust, paranoia, abuse or even physical violence.

• Recognize when you are most susceptible to comparison. You will most likely see that the pattern of comparison is most distressing when it reflects something you value, or something you think others value. Pinpoint what makes you envious. Is it blue ribbons and great placings or is it the fact that another trainer seems to get all the breaks? Your own envy reflex can be a useful source of information. Think of it as data on what you value most.

• Weakened immunity

to keep us safe from danger, and feelings of jealousy trigger a response.

the jealousy. As a riding instructor, help boost your clients up rather than tearing them down to help quash their feelings of inferiority.

As riding instructors, it’s important that we don’t fuel the flames of jealousy among people in our barns or make negative claims about other riders. Knocking a rider’s gener ous score given by the judge or commenting that another trainer buys her horses rather than training them up just creates more suspicion and bad feelings.

• In order to deal with social media jeal ousy, manage the way you use social media, create healthy relationships on line, and unfollow or delete anyone or any brand or company that causes you anxiety or makes you feel inadequate. Distance yourself from social media for a while if necessary.

• Confront your fears: Jealousy can stem from insecurity or poor self-image, which is why it’s so important to confront your fears. Once you recognize these fears, you can acknowledge and address them, as they are often the underlying cause of

• Weight gain or loss

• High blood pressure

• The first step to getting ahead in your own career is to identify the limiting beliefs you have, such as fear of failure or fear of suc cess. You should also evaluate your judg ments about yourself and others. When you stop judging yourself and others, you will start to feel less negative emotions like jealousy or anger that will limit your opportunities for success in the future.

• Take action. Experience life fully.

Jealousy can also cause physical symptoms

• Use my “Self-Confidence” MP3 to boost your self-confidence. The self-hypnosis recording will enhance your inner confidence at a deep, subconscious level. This newfound attitude will permeate your

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.

every action, and the more you listen, the better you will feel about yourself and your abilities. Take charge of your life today! Start listening tonight to ”Self-Confidence,” one of my ”Make Changes While You Sleep” self-hypnosis sessions at https://www.laurakinghypnosis.com/product/ self-confidence-free/

Sessions: www.summithypnosis.com email: SummitHypnosis@gmail.com phone: 561-841-7603

It’s time to tune out the comparison game! It’s totally natural to fall into this trap, and we all do it from time to time. Believe it or not, jealousy can trigger growth and in creased self-awareness. Comparison isn’t just the thief of joy. Comparison is the thief of progress, peace and creativity.

• Avoid making comparisons. By constantly comparing your life to your friends, col leagues or peers, you may lose sight of the amazing things about your own life. Focus on what you have, not what others have.

• Practice mindfulness: Negative emotions can affect your physical and mental health. When you’re feeling jealousy or another negative emotion, such as anger or resent ment, try meditation or self-hypnosis.

Need help addressing your challenges or achieving your goals? Sessions available in-person, via Zoom, Facetime, or by phone.

Products: www.summitpress.net

Autumn 2022 | Riding Instructor28

About the author:

• Remember your own value. When jeal ousy prompts you to compare yourself to others, your self-worth can end up taking a hit. Your life might be pretty enviable to someone else, but jealousy can make you feel like nothing you have is good enough.

Liability

In the nearly 30 years that this lawyer has authored Equine Law articles in addition to her 4 books, not to mention a busy law prac tice, inquiries and legal matters have arisen from horse businesses and owners who have found themselves in legal hot water. This article shares some “believe it or not” prin ciples of the law that may surprise you. By having a general understanding of the law and by planning ahead, you can help avoid legal disputes.

Autumn 2022 | Riding Instructor 29

Legal focus

A child who sustains an injury may still be permitted to file a lawsuit years later, after reaching the age of majority. It is a widely accepted legal principle that the typ ical statute of limitations (the time to file a

Julie I. Fershtman, Attorney at Law www.equinelaw.net

Equine Law “Believe it or Not” Surprises

Equine activity liability acts, though powerful in many states, are not “zero li ability laws.” While most of the equine ac tivity liability laws, now found in 48 states, typically provide that a “participant” who was injured while “engaging in an equine activity” cannot bring a claim or suit against an “equine activity professional, equine ac tivity sponsor” and sometimes “another person” if the “participant” was injured as

a result of an “inherent risk of equine activ ity,” these laws do not end all liability in the horse industry. They typically have a list of exceptions. All of these laws differ. Read the laws where you live and do business.

Boarding stables could be legally jus tified in keeping a horse until they are paid in full. Some stablemen’s lien laws around the country give stables the right to hold a horse in their possession, and pre vent the owner from removing the horse, until the stable has been paid in full. Make sure to review the applicable law and follow the law carefully.

Debt Collection

Under the laws of many states, liabil ity waivers/releases may not prevent claims and lawsuits involving injured minor children. This is a hotly disputed legal issue facing the courts now, and some have ruled that parents cannot legally re lease the claims of their minor children. Consequently, depending on state law, a waiver/release might dismiss claims of par ents but not those of their minor children.

Although most states nationwide have enforced liability waiver/releases, states vary in preferred language. Waiver/re lease forms found online are, at best, a good starting point. They run the risk of failing to include language that courts in a particular state look for in these documents. Take cau tion before relying on someone else’s form to draft your own.

Stable liability insurance policies typ ically exclude coverage for claims in volving injury to or death of horses in the stable’s “care custody or control.” Boarding and training stables are some times surprised to learn that their commer cial liability insurance policies exclude cov erage for claims involving damage to or loss of personal property in their “care custody or control.” Horses are personal property. This means that the stable may have no in surance coverage against claims involving injured horses. However, insurance com panies typically offer an optional endorse ment known as “care custody or control in surance” to provide this coverage.

In states that allow parents to waive claims of their minor children, only a parent or legal guardian can sign waivers/releases. Family friends, babysitters, or other relatives cannot bind minor children to waiver/release documents. Only a parent

Waivers

To learn how this could impact you, and how you can protect yourself, discuss your situation with a knowledgeable attorney, and discuss your insurance coverage with your insurance agent.

This article does not constitute legal advice. When questions arise based on specific situa tions, direct them to a knowledgeable attorney.

lawsuit) for the claims of an injured minor begins to run out when the minor reaches the age of majority (typically, age 18). Although the time may have run out for an adult to file a personal injury lawsuit, the time limit for a child’s lawsuit may be years away. This makes record-keeping and record retention for several years especially important.

This article provided a few examples of legal principles that often surprise people in the horse industry. Please remember that laws differ around the country so this article may not reflect the law in your jurisdiction. Plan ahead to, as much as possible, avoid liabil ity and legal disputes. Make no assumptions about the law, and seek knowledgeable legal assistance where appropriate.

One of the nation’s best-known Equine Law practitioners, Julie Fershtman is a Shareholder with the law firm Foster Swift Collins & Smith, PC, in Michigan. A lawyer with nearly 36 years of experience, she has handled cases in 20 jurisdictions nationwide and has tried equine cases before juries in 4 states. She is listed in The Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers. Her speaking engagements span 29 states. Her newest, 372-page book is called “Equine Law & Horse Sense,” published by the ABA. This book, written for non-lawyers and lawyers, has won 4 national book awards. Find it on Amazon, and look for the horse on the cover. For more information, please visit www.equinelaw.net

to criminal liability for theft or conversion. Most states around the country have stable men’s lien laws that explain what stables must do before selling off a boarded horse to satisfy a debt. Please keep in mind that these laws all differ.

Autumn 2022 | Riding Instructor30

Stable Liability Insurance

or legally appointed guardian (appointed by a court of law) can do this.

Conclusion

About the Author

Julie I. Fershtman, Attorney at Law

Only under limited circumstances can stables sell off a boarded horse when the owner has past due board. Some board ing stables assume that they can simply re cover past due board by selling off a boarded horse as they deem appropriate. The prob lem is, the sale might be illegal. An illegal horse sale could potentially expose a stable

The leaves are changing, families are home from summer vacations and kids are back in school. Now that the summer rush is over, this is the perfect time to host a fun, invit ing open house (perhaps “open barn” would be more appropriate!) to invite potential clients to see your facility, meet you, your horses, staff and see what you have to offer while getting a taste of the atmosphere.

• What kinds of students are you looking for? (youth, adult, beginner, English, Western, hunter/jumper, etc)

While open houses can be a lot of work, if you plan and give yourself enough time to work

Written By Shya Beth

Outline Your Target Audience

Autumn 2022 | Riding Instructor 31

5Welcome!IdeastoHosting a Successful Open House & Get New Clients

• How many new students can you realistically handle?

everything out, you’ll find it can be a stressfree way to connect with potential students.

You need to grab a pen and paper or your online planner and decide what your goals and objectives are.

Business matters

• What days/times do you have available?

For example, perhaps your barn is geared to wards beginner riders and your weekends are packed. With that in mind, you do have some time slots available during Monday through Friday during the workday and after school. Why not try and add a few more clients, if you are available and can handle it?

4. Food & Drinks

Local Paper: Contact your local paper and ask about running an article on your open house, what your stable offers, etc.

Open32

4-H or Pony Club: Look out for local horse related clubs and invite them and their members for a day of fun at your barn.

Last but not least, make sure your insurance covers this type of event. As you know, with horses, anything can happen, and it’s best to know you are covered by sharing your event with your insurance agent to ensure that the policy you have covers an open house.

and if you offer beginner lessons, be sure to go further and join local event groups that allow you to share upcoming events. You never know who might be looking.

Girl or Boy Scouts: Same as above!

Where to Look For New Clients

There are countless locations to advertise to new clients! Below are a few known and not often used avenues that can help you con nect with people in your area.

From the horses to the stables, arena and tack room and stable grounds, everything needs to be spotless and organized. Fall decorations would be a great colorful and personal touch to spruce up your stable.

6. Confirm Your Insurance

2. Gift Certificates

Online Groups: There are many equine-re lated groups for local areas on Facebook,

Have a table with brochures, business cards, and more info on your training and sales, preferably next to the refreshment’s table so people can browse while they munch. Make a sign or form for a “special” holiday or seasonal riding lesson package that they can purchase.

Hosting your own open house can be a lot of work, but with proper planning and enough time before the open house date, you’ll be breezing through this list in no time. If you host an open house once a season or a few times a year, you can keep connecting with potential clients and continue to grow your foundation of loyal supporters and clients, which can only help your stable in the long run. Have fun!

5. Offer Giveaways & Prizes

1. Clean From Top to Bottom

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.

Autumn 2022 | Riding Instructor

Vet Clinics/Feed/Tack/Pet Stores: Both large and small vet clinics generally have bulletin boards and allow you to post events there, and anywhere else you can think of!

Email list/Social Media: Don’t neglect your own social media and email list - con necting with people who are already famil iar with you is a great way to continue to build those relationships.

Connect with Parents: While you should al ways keep a line a communication open with parents of your students, take a few minutes to chat with them before or after a lesson to let them know about your open house and ask if they would share the information with their friends who have kids who might like horses. If the kids are all friends, you might want to let them know that carpooling for le sions might make it easier on them, too!

It would a mistake to not have them avail able for single or (preferably) lesson pack ages at the open house. Either online or physical gift cards should be available for purchase at the open house so that you can close the sale right then.

Everyone loves a giveaway! If you promote a giveaway along with your open house, you are sure to attract more people. Consider partner ing with local businesses, offering a free lesson as a prize, and perhaps a discount on lesson packages to attract people to sign up that day. Raffles are a great way to keep costs down.

Make sure to have tasty food and drinks on a table in the barn or shady area available for people to enjoy. Horse shaped cookies, or equine themed cupcakes would be a high light and personal touch to add.

Word of Mouth: The best way! Start telling your current students about your upcom ing open house and ask them to give their friends stable brochures.

3. Student Demonstration & Interaction

Homeschool Groups: Contact local home school groups. A benefit of having homeschooled students is that they may be able to schedule lessons during the day, instead of after school.

A great way to showcase your skills, train ing, and method is by having a student or two give a demonstration of a lesson with an instructor. Make sure to have some sort of interactive experience - grooming a horse, learning the parts of the horse or tack if you are looking for beginner students.

House Checklist

About the author:

Outside of general information (barn rules, website address, location map, business hours, etc.), I like to give my new students a list of things they can do and read before showing up for the first ride, as well as a list of resources to check out. I generally send out a Word document e-mail or give a printed handout, but it is something that can always be on one´s website. Friends of mine went all fancy-schmancy and had theirs done professionally in a brochure-type format.

Autumn 2022 | Riding Instructor 33

Start Them Before They Begin

I keep it brief and down to simple topics. Below is the information I chose to include and what I have found has worked for me.

anxious, too. To help give them a pre-lesson leg-up, I like to welcome them aboard with an introduction to horseback riding infor mation packet. This gives them tips, tasks and general information – a little some

The bookings are made and I´m looking forward to working with the new beginner adult students. There are still a couple of weeks before the sessions start, and I know they are excited, and perhaps some a little

By Didi IllustrationAriasbyauthor

Key Vocabulary – You always feel part of something when you know the lingo. Knowing a few relevant vocabulary words can help one from feeling like such an outsider:

thing to get their teeth in to in anticipa tion of their lessons. This helps them to be better prepared, more at ease, and feel less self-conscious through the stumbling first lessons. Having this little edge gives some thing to hold on to in a reassuring, “I´ve got this” kind of way.

Riding Basics – This can cover the different disciplines of riding and which they will be learning with me; for illustration, I encour age a visit to the tack shop (where they will be going anyways) or the library for horse book browsing. This kind of visual gathering is both stimulating and informative. I also alert to what it will be like when they first get on-board, explaining being led, being lunged, or following a lead horse. This tends to cover the swing between those that ner vously ask “you´re not going to let me go, are you?”, to those that want to know “when are we going to go fast?”. Emphasis is on the learning being progressive as we balance up the building blocks of good basics, and that each rider will learn at their own pace, with safety paramount. Speaking of safety, that is something I address in person for the full est understanding of addressing the “whys” and being vigilant over the “hows”.

“´Tack´, tack´, you always say ´tack´ - what is ´tack´?” one lady asked, confused as the word meant something non-related in her native language.

I feel it is better to own even a few words than no words at all; we can always address the language hiccups as they arise.

About the author:

As one new student exclaimed: “I never realized how much work was involved in riding! ”

Though this material will thoroughly be

Equine – Tack – Mount-up – DismountSaddle – Bridle – Stirrups – Halter – Lead line – Mare – Gelding are some good start er-type words.

inserted in to the riding lessons, giving a heads up on how they perceive things, how their senses work for them, how they com municate – helps bring an awareness to the lessons that we´re dealing with something pretty marvellous here. And it is not a big dog.

ride in your motorcycle

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

“

As I work in an international community, de fining the vocabulary is even more essential.

Get Ready to Ride - I give a brief synopsis of what is required from the rider physically and an idea of what they should expect. Illustrations or photos of good vs bad pos ture/position are eye openers. I believe in the power of the mental image, so give them good examples to hold in their mind when eventually mounted. As the uninitiated are frequently shocked that riding requires a darned site more effort than just sitting on the back of the horse, I recommend gen tle flexibility and strengthening classes. They´ll be better prepared to start riding and it keeps it real, as opposed to the love lies in diaphanous gowns on social media, who take selfies of themselves on rearing stallions whilst on the beach. As one new student exclaimed: “I never realized how much work was involved in riding! I NEVER would have been able to get on that horse in the first place if you hadn´t recommended I start those limbering exercises beforehand”.

Just no.

Of course, there is the risk of misuse mak ing one stick out, like the student who asked “which equine will I be riding today?”.

Communication, Expectation and Attitude – It is vital that the studentteacher door be open and these prepared information sheets are indeed the first steps. Both parties work more smoothly together when things are clear from the beginning. Sorting out messes that could have been avoided is never much fun and tastes about as nice as a moldy carrot. The expectations I have from my students is simple: follow the rules, be respectful, open to teaching, and understand the important part they will play in the student/horse/teacher Trinity. I´ll do my part, you (student) do your part, and the horse, hey, that´s the Holy member of the equation.

Autumn 2022 | Riding Instructor34

Know thy body: struggling to mount on your first lesson is not the time to find out that you can´t stand on one leg. Of course, the added benefit to a better prepared body is less post-ride stiffness and soreness. The selfies can wait.

A Brief Introduction to the Horse –

Taking some steps for the student to get a head start not only prepares them physically and mentally but helps them dive straight in with a good attitude. When I think of the things I´ve set out to learn in my life, I have always progressed more rapidly and had more confidence when the teacher smoothly paved the way for me to begin.

Clothing and Equipment – Dress for the sport. There´s nothing worse than trying to do a new activity with all the wrong gear. Well, maybe there is something worse, like when you show up with the gear all wrong, as did one lady I saw arrive in her brand new pair of chaps, not realizing that one is supposed to wear something of the trouser sort underneath. Talk about a “wanting the ground to swallow you up” moment. Being specific matters, so I list the essentials, right down to the safety standard approval ratings, mentioning where there cannot be any “No,substitutes.youcan´t

As pockets may not be so deep these days, new students appreciate guidance as to ac ceptable brands and where to purchase. And almost everyone appreciates second-hand riding tog sales: a money-saving and social, getting-to-know-you event idea.

it´s hot out and that baggy harem pants are cool, but no”.

“Ihelmet”.know

Wellpride

Looking for a more palatable omega-3 supplement for your horse? Try Wellpride® fish oil, now available in anise.

As the world’s favorite synthetic saddle brand, easy-care Wintec saddles can be found in barns across the United States and around the world.

“Since we launched Wellpride in 2003, thousands of horses have been enjoying Wellpride’s classic citrus flavor,” says co-founder Dr. Anne-Marie Chalmers. “Still, horses – just like humans – have their individual taste preferences. That’s why we’re launching this new anise version so that horse owners and their equines have more options.”

Wintec Saddles

The super-soft and grippy seat of the Wintec Pro Dressage will make your students feel supported, experiencing total luxury in this top-of-the-range saddle. Their horse will enjoy the super-soft panels which mold in and around their muscles, freeing them to

https://wintec-saddles.com to learn more about the entire Wintec dressage saddle range and give your students the confidence to train or compete at any level.

Visitmove.

Sponsor Spotlight

The new anise flavored Wellpride is currently available by phone only. Call 941.485.4400 to order, and mention coupon code ARIA to get 15% off your anise order. Offer ends December 1, 2022. www.wellpride.com

Autumn 2022 | Riding Instructor 35

Stephens College www.stephens.edu

ARIA welcomes back Cazenovia as a returning Corporate Sponsor!

www.cazenovia.edu

Since 1924, William Woods University has been the fast track to your equine success. They are home to over 150 performance horses, including young horses just learning the discipline, in addition to multiple championship winners. Your Woods experience is truly hands-on, and prepares you for a wide variety of careers and fields in the industry. Saddle up and explore www.williamwoods.edu/eqs

Sponsor Spotlight

Learn more about the exciting opportunities UofL has to offer at business.louisville.edu/learnmore/uoflequine/

William Woods University

We are pleased to welcome William Woods as a returning Corporate Sponsor!

University of Louisville

Autumn 2022 | Riding Instructor36

One of the Premier Equine Education Centers in the Northeast Cazenovia College is a small, co-educational college, located in Upstate, NY, offering a liberal arts and professional studies education with over 35 academic programs. Our 240-acre Equine Education Center is home to the nationally ranked Intercollegiate Equestrian Team and the IACBE accredited Equine Business Management program. Our Equestrian Team is one of the best in the region, with a long history of success at intercollegiate and rated competition in Hunter Seat, Western Horsemanship, Reining and Dressage. The team competes in IHSA and IDA sanctioned events. Our world-class equine facility houses over 70 horses, a large, heated indoor arena, multiple grass and sand outdoor riding areas, and turnout paddocks.

Cazenovia College

ARIA welcomes the University of Louisville Equine Industry Program as a Corporate Sponsor!

ARIA extends a hearty Welcome Back to Stephens College as a Corporate Sponsor!

The University of Louisville’s core business administration classes combine with 27 hours of specialized education, focusing on equine enterprises and event management. Located in the beautiful and famous Kentucky horse country, students have the opportunity for internships, field experience and contacts with prominent industry professionals.

The Stephens College Equestrian program is known for hands-on, immersive learning, a small class environment, and faculty, advisers and mentors dedicated to student success. The program offers students realworld experience taught by world-class faculty. Tailor the program of studies with your personal and professional goals by selecting from two tracks: Equine Business for students interested in the organizational, managerial and commercial aspects of the industry; or Equine Science for students interested in careers dedicated to equine health and management. With a 100% career placement rate and an extensive alumnae network, equestrian studies students are ready for success.

For the greatest potency, choose a fresh equine fish oil, like Wellpride®. It provides a high dose of EPA and DHA for the greatest anti-inflammatory benefits. You’ll see the clear difference in your horses’ breathing, performance, and coat.

Did you know…

There are lots of omega-3 sources, but they’re not all equally effective. Plant-based omegas, like flax, only contain the short-chain ALA fatty acid. This immature omega-3 doesn’t have the same anti-inflammatory power as the long-chained EPA and DHA from fish.

Autumn 2022 | Riding Instructor 37

To learn more, visit wellpride.com or call 941.485.4400

Cameo Miller is a Masters-level clinical psycholo gist 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.

By Cameo Miller Illustration by Bethany Caskey

We each have our areas of expertise which we have chosen to be devoted to, our own favor ite training methods, and our own pet peeves about those who do things differently. This so often leads us to then denigrate those in

one of three things is wrong: 1) the horse is in the wrong job and being asked to do something it is not suited for, 2) for the per son’s own reasons they are asking more of the horse than it is capable of doing, 3) the person is looking for power, glory, monetary rewards, or something that has nothing to do with what the horse actually needs.

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

There are harmful and hurtful practices in each discipline and I truly hope we can all agree that those are not acceptable and should be abolished. If anyone needs to harm a horse to accomplish their goals then

About the author:

Perhaps, if we can begin to do this in our corner of the world, we can then expand it to encompass more parts of our lives. Perhaps, this can be the start of healing the tears in our society. We may not be able to solve ev erything that is wrong in the world, but we all have a choice now about what happens in our own little part of the world. We can choose to widen the divide, or we can choose to find some commonality in whatever areas that we occupy. Every journey begins with a single step, and every reconciliation begins with those who are willing to really listen with an open mind. Not to give up your own values, not to change who you truly are, but to work towards creating that “kinder, gen tler” world we would all like to live in.

Autumn 2022 | Riding Instructor38

There is a lot of talk about how divisive the world is right now. We see it everywhere and all around us. Some people say we need to come together again, but what they really mean is that we need to agree with their view of how things should be. There are others who are really talking to each other to see where the points of agreement are, where we can actually find realms of ac cord. I wish for “a kinder, gentler” world. And I will do my part to try to listen and find those elusive points in many areas of my life. I hope you will too. But there is one area that we might all be able to begin to do this in—our equine world.

other disciplines as well as some in our own discipline. Perhaps we need to make a point to also find those bits that we can agree with in each discipline. Is that person a ‘dressage queen’ (no matter what sex they are), or are they someone who has worked diligently to learn skills first written about by Xenophon in 300 BC and refined to help strengthen and supple each horse ridden? Is that cow boy someone who ‘breaks’ horses, or some one who has learned to be partners with their horses in the work they have done on ranches for hundreds of years; work which requires the horses have great endurance and be as smart and focused as their riders? Do endurance riders enjoy putting themselves and their horses into overly strenuous and sometimes dangerous situations, or are they the ultimate athletes who train both them selves and their horses to be as fit and alert as possible? I know very little about saddle seat riding other than hearing the horror stories about soring and maiming that some do as they chase awards. So I did what I hope you might do if you don’t know much about some discipline. I called an ARIA colleague who is a saddle seat expert. As I suspected, there are only a very few perverse miscreants as is true in all the disciplines. When I asked her what was wonderful about saddle seat riding she said “EVERYTHING”. I was able to get her to be a bit more specific—“it’s exhilarating, ex citing, and very high energy. An adrenaline rush.” She explained that, unlike the quiet of the dressage ring, saddle seat riders want the crowd to cheer loudly. Sounds like a variation of those horses and riders who enjoy com bined training—a huge adrenaline rush. And for those who enjoy some adrenaline without quite as much risk there is the love of taking flight provided in hunter/jumpers. I learned something about a discipline I know little about; we can all learn if we reach out with an open mind.

You don’t need to begin working with a new discipline and you shouldn’t overlook what is wrong in any discipline, including your own. But we can recognize what is good, valuable and worthwhile about each one. We can say what is good out loud when we talk to each other. Susan Harris was the best person at this that I’ve ever known. I believe she had ridden and driven each discipline that ARIA offers except for mounted pa trol officer, she literally wrote the books for pony club, and was one of the first to em brace western dressage. She could always find something good to say about any part of the equine world. I miss her, but would like to propose that we try to emulate her as we seek to find the positive in our equine world and diminish the negative.

Cameo’s cauldron

TOWARDSWORKINGFINDINGCOMMONALITY

Fall Trail Riding Tips: Great Weather & Beautiful Colors Make for an Exciting Adventure

Written By: Shya Beth

overnight stay, a weekend trip or riding with students at your local state forest.

The most colorful deciduous trees are ma ple, poplar, birch, aspen, and oak, so make sure to look for areas where their trees grow in large numbers so that you can see the best color selection. The colorful leaf change only happens for about two weeks

Autumn is one of the best times for riding - fresh, cool weather is a welcome reprieve from the searing summer heat, and spectac ular fall foliage is on full display. While some areas of the United States have had quite a drought this summer, which has a major ef fect on the vibrancy of the tree’ leaves, each region has its own unique locations and col ors. Here’s how to plan your ride safely and have a fun time, whether you’re taking an

Planning for Color

If spending time with horses and nature is one of your favorite things, then autumn most likely is one of your favorites. To take full advantage of one of the most colorful times of the year, find out when the leaves are expected to change color where you are

planning to ride. Weather, latitude, type of trees, and elevation all play a part in the level of vibrancy.

Autumn 2022 | Riding Instructor 39

Safety For Fall Riding

While riding safety and trail-riding eti quette is important all year-long, there are some important things to keep in mind for fall riding. Some parks or forests do allow hunting on the trails and park lands, and a good tip is to wear bright or reflective clothing while riding so other park users are aware of your presence and do not mis take your horse’s noises for a deer or other

Last, but not least, make sure to take your time and soak in the color and beauty of the natural world from horseback ”

Chequamegon and Nicolet of Wisconsin, and the Shawnee in Illinois.

Rocky Mountain Region: The Rockies have a huge collection of trees, namely Aspen, which put on some of the biggest and brights color shows. From deep red to brighter oranges, yellows and sometimes even the rare pink alongside massive moun tain peaks. The Rockies stretch several states, so you could see meadows filled with fall flowers and babbling brooks or moun tain scenery rich with fall colors.

Depending on the length of your ride, con sider what tack to use. If you are planning to bring lunch, raincoat, treats for your horse or other gear in saddlebags, make sure your horse is accustomed to the feeling of carry ing things ahead of time, so you can have a stress-free ride.

ation of desert sands and a mix of oranges, yellows and reds when it comes to fall leaves. States like Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona are home to some of the bright est in the region, and make for some of the most stunning trail riding destinations.

Depending on where you reside in the States, you’ll get to see the explosion of color at a different time than others. Remember, the higher the latitude, the earlier fall leaves change color. For example, in New England and the northern regions of the Midwest, the leaves will generally be at their peak color in mid to late September, sometimes even early October, depending on the weather. While in the central Midwest and Northeast, the mid dle of October is known for its vibrant leaf hues. The timeframe is usually somewhat the same In the mountains of the West and Southwest, but it’s even later in the South and Southeast, as the best colors appear in late October or early November.

Midwest Region: Known as the heartland of America, the forests come alive in late September/October, offering spectacular views of maples, aspen, oak, and tama rack that turn a variety of red, yellow, and orange. Fan favorite trails are location in

Additionally,animals.

Pacific Region: With a large part of the Pacific Region known for being deserts, they are also home to some of the biggest and most colorful mountains in the country. In California, for example, you have the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range that is over 400 miles long and has countless trails. Although Oregon and Washington are known for the vast amount of evergreens, there are huge swaths of fall colors. They are known for vast mountains with trails that have a vibrant show of fall colors along with vines and other bushes that burst in deep shades of red, or ange, and yellow and the dark green.

A Guide to Fall Color of the USA Northeast Region: The fall air is crisp and cool, perfect riding weather. The entire northeast is known for producing some of the best and brightest fall colors, so if you are located there or planning a fall riding trip, you are in luck. Depending on the loca tion within this region, you’ll often see the brightest colors in late September/October, and with large forests with many types of trees but mainly oaks and maples, you’ll have a visual feast waiting for you.

Autumn 2022 | Riding Instructor40

“

you’ll most likely be sharing the trails with other park or forest users, like mountain bikers, backpackers or run ners, which can be a good learning experi ence for your horse. Other trail users often recognize that they must step off the trail or stop to allow equestrians to pass. Be sure to ask mountain bikers to stop or walk their bikes past, and if your horse seems nervous with dogs, ask if their owners would stop and move off the trail if possible to allow you and your horse to pass.

Southwest Region: With an arid and des ert terrain, the southwest has a unique vari

Southeast Region: The south does not come up short when it comes to competi tion of color. West Virginia is a magnet for scenic views, and both North and South Carolina are both colorful and are home to large equestrian communities.

during the fall weather, and it can be even shorter depending on stormy weather.

Last, but not least, make sure to take your time and soak in the color and beauty of the natural world from horseback - it’s the best place to view the world from, for sure! Bring your phone or camera for a few memorable snaps, and enjoy the fall foli age from the saddle.

When it comes to horses, we mean business. Study the business of horses in the heartland of America’s equine industry from an AACSB accredited college of business. Our classes are led by successful and connected equine industry experts and held in state-of-the-art facilities, providing you with the skills and a network that will open your career options. TURN YOUR LOVE OF HORSES INTO A GREAT CAREERLEARN MORE Business.Louisville.edu/UofLEquineTODAY!