Canada's Equine Guide 2024

10

Equine Guide 2024

Tropea

30

Exploring the impacts and opportunities uncovered in Equestrian Canada’s 2023 survey of Canada’s equine sector.

34

Canada’s

40

Steps

44

Four equestrian athletes share their thoughts on the amateur, professional, and elite tiers, and barriers to moving up.

48

54

Social

Equine Guide 2024

CANADA’S HORSE INDUSTRY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

HEALTH & RESEARCH

12 New Prospects for Osteoarthritis Treatment

A recent clinical study into the treatment of osteoarthritis in horses, and potentially humans, has yielded remarkable results.

14 A Fresh Approach to Exploring Lameness

Improvements in diagnostics and joint disease management make for better treatment plans.

20 Equine Neurological Conditions

Common causes, neurological examinations, and the role of evaluations in pre-purchase exams.

SPECIAL FEATURES

58 Back to Schooling

Evaluating why show season setbacks happened, and ways to rebuild in the off-season.

62 Keep Your Horse Fit Without Riding

58

66

Purposeful groundwork sessions to help your horse maintain fitness during abbreviated schedules.

66 Pilates for Equestrians

Exercises to enhance your performance by building a strong, stable core and better balance.

76 The Unridden Horse

You can have fun and develop your relationship with your horse, even without riding.

80 Celebration of Horses Photo Contest

Presenting the Album of Winners from our 32nd Annual Contest

“There’s something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.”

Winston Churchill

Have you ever stopped to ask yourself why you ride horses? For me, looking back, horses were my destiny. From drawing stick-figure horses with smiley human faces as a pre-schooler, to saving my tiny allowance for two years to buy my first pony… I was born with horses in my heart. I could have been the little girl in the old-fashioned painting, gazing lovingly over the zig-zag split-rail fence at the aging swaybacked workhorse in the neighbour’s pasture.

A blog by Sarah Evers Conrad on the Certified Horsemanship Association website lists several benefits of riding horses regularly, including the development of positive character traits such as patience, discipline, understanding, empathy, compassion, selfcontrol, and dedication. Conrad lists more benefits such as improvements to physical health, problem-solving skills, psychological health, companionship, socialization, a return to nature, relaxation, lifestyle, fun, and of course, love from the relationship that develops with an equine partner.

These are all well-known and true benefits of time spent with horses — but, as Alexa Linton explains in her article The Unridden Horse in this issue — we really don’t have to ride horses to reap these benefits. We can enjoy a multitude of benefits from a human-horse relationship without ever a leg-up.

This morning before writing this,

Kindly keep your replies to a maximum of 300 words.

Please reply by email or on our website > www.HORSEJournals.com/ canadaequine

If responding by email, please include your full name, address, telephone number, and email address.

Email > editor@horsejournals.com

I asked my husband, Steve, what he’d say if he was writing this message. His suggestion was to write about all the ways to enjoy horses without riding them. With Alexa’s article in this very issue, that’s quite a coincidence! And coming from Steve, this comment makes perfect sense. Over the years, he’d often come to the barn to “hang out with the horse” as he’d call it — while I rode he’d clean the stall and pick the paddock, and after I rode and handed him the reins, he’d take over cooling out, hand walking, scratching itches, hand-grazing, and just hanging out with the horse. He rode horses in the past but realized he’d much rather spend his time taking care of them and, lucky for me and our horses, he’s a natural around them.

Alexa’s article is just one of the thought-provoking and informative features in this issue. There are many, many more prepared by our hardworking industry experts, journalists, and contributors, and we hope you enjoy the editorial smorgasbord we’ve prepared for you.

Be sure to check out the winners and runners-up in our 32nd annual Celebration of Horses Photo Contest, the longest-running equine photo contest in Canada. Contest entries exploded this year, far exceeding previous numbers, and made the work of the judges extra challenging and so very enjoyable. The winners, runners-up, and numerous Honourable Mentions will also be posted on our website.

Kathy Smith

HAVE YOUR SAY!

We would like to invite you, dear reader, to dig deep and answer the Tough Question below.

Tell us your opinion on this issue’s Tough Question Top responses will be published in future issues of this magazine and on our website. Let’s get this discussion started!

We welcome your replies by email or through our website.

TOUGH QUESTION

From the challenges diagnosed in the 2023 Socio-Economic Insights Study of the Canadian equine sector (See Canada’s Vibrant Horse Industry: Impacts and Opportunities on page 30), an opportunity to improve inclusion, diversity, equity, and access to the equine sector, in both sport and recreational activities, was identified. What can the equine sector do to meet these challenges and achieve the objectives of access and inclusion for all Canadians?

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Learning From 2023 Wildfires

Actions to Keep Horses Safe

2023 marked the worst fire season in Canadian history. Alberta had earlier-thannormal fires, flames threatened Nova Scotian communities, wildfires in eastern Canada produced smoke that stalled North America’s eastern seaboard, 65 percent of the population of the Northwest Territories was forced to evacuate, plus massive British Columbia wildfires burnt homes and displaced people. Smoke was ubiquitous, affecting horse and human health.

However, communities across the country rallied to help: fighting fires; hauling horses, pets and livestock; and providing pens, stables and pastures, much of it free.

“There were heroics everywhere,” says Mike King, National Practice Leader and Partner at Acera Insurance. “The horse community across the country is famous for that.”

“Two large regions of Nova Scotia were significantly impacted by wildfires that forced many horse owners to evacuate their horses and families,” wrote Heather Meyer, Executive Director of Equestrian Nova Scotia, by email. “Our equestrian community immediately responded with transportation, stabling, fundraising, and much-needed feed and supplies.”

Equestrian Nova Scotia shared information about federal and provincial resources plus applied to Equestrian Canada’s National Recovery Fund for assistance. Impacted members could then apply for funding to offset emergency evacuation costs.

Ontario wasn’t as affected by wildfires as other provinces but still had weeks of thick smoke. Many Ontario Equestrian members were unsure whether to bring horses into barns to try to avoid the smoke or leave them turned out.

“We reached out to our education partners, Equine Guelph and McKee Pownall Equine Services, to provide guidance to members,” wrote Brandon Hall of Ontario Equestrian, by email. Ontario Equestrian then provided educational flyers and video to members regarding best practices. “After those were sent out we didn’t receive any further questions or concerns,” says Hall.

Horse Council BC used their Livestock Emergency Management Plan to organize volunteer hauling and housing for

livestock impacted by fires, provided funding from their Animal Disaster Relief Fund, and worked with emergency operation centres and the Ministry of Agriculture during what is becoming known as “fire season.”

Across the country, horse owners had to wait for wildfire smoke and their horses’ smoke inhalation symptoms to subside before resuming training. However, the liability insurance coverage provided by Provincial and Territorial Sport Organizations (PTSOs) to their members remained in effect, regardless of a horse’s location. For example, if an evacuated horse damaged its temporary boarding facility, the horse owner was still covered by liability insurance. If a horse was released into the wild to fend for itself in the face of wildfire and damaged someone’s property, the member’s liability insurance remained in effect.

“The PTSOs work incredibly hard for members year-round,” says King. “But during these increasingly frequent catastrophic situations, the value of membership is crystal clear. Whether it’s insurance coverage or the ability to communicate and provide helpful resources, these groups are invaluable.”

What Now?

Scientists confirmed that climate change was the root cause of Canada’s extreme 2023 fire season, and climate volatility will undoubtedly continue. But horse owners can act to pre-empt the effects of an uncertain future. Here’s how:

1. Maintain membership in a PTSO.

2. Be part of the horse community, to help or be helped, when needed.

3. Create an emergency plan for the barn, horses, and livestock.

4. Have access to transport for pets and livestock.

5. Train horses and livestock to load and travel in different trailer configurations.

6. Get to know your neighbours.

Here are a few more suggestions for protecting animals and barns against outof-control wildfires and on-property fires.

a.) Create a treeless buffer between buildings and forested areas. Although trees provide needed shade during hot weather and suck up excess moisture during rain, their proximity to barns and outbuildings can increase the likelihood of fire jumping from trees to buildings.

b.) Collect and store water onsite for emergencies or to alleviate drought. Most rural areas have limited firefighting services, and many rural properties have minimal access to water. Both limit firefighting abilities. Large barns and arena roofs are ideal rainwater collection systems.

c.) Store hay correctly to prevent spontaneous combustion. The whole barn can go up in flames with a winter’s worth of hay. To prevent combustion, hay must have a moisture content of less than 14 percent and be stacked in a dry area with continual air flow.

d.) Conduct a simple thermographic test to find potential “hot spots” in electrical systems that need repair. Many barn fires are caused by poorly maintained or inadequate electrical systems.

Since future summers may be similar to 2023, prepare now. b

www.CapriCMW.ca/equine

Brian Tropea

Helping others live their horse-filled dreams

By Tania Millen, BSc, MJ

“I do everything I can to make sure that anybody that has a dream or a wish to be around horses gets that opportunity.” — BRIAN TROPEA

Tropea is the General Manager of the Ontario Harness Horse Association (OHHA) and is currently working with horse industry partners to provide free training through the Ontario Equine Education and Employment Program (OEEEP).

“As we’ve become more urbanized, there’s been a disconnect between people and horses,” says Tropea. “So, there are a lot of people that have aspirations of working with horses but have no way into the industry.”

Tropea was born into horses. “My father had a stable of Standardbred racehorses, and for as long as I can remember I helped him at the races and in the barn. I grew up in the barn and when I was old enough to get my trainer and racehorse driver’s license [at age 18], that’s the path I chose,” he says.

Tropea trained Standardbreds for much of his early career.

“I have so much respect for the horse and what the horse has done for us. They’re remarkable animals and have been a tremendous gift to humanity. I think we owe it to them to make sure that horses are around for generations to come.”

Now age 63, Tropea has spent the last 25 years opening gateways into the horse industry and providing opportunities for others to experience horses. Two years ago, Tropea and others contacted the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development about developing a program that allows people who want to work with horses to get the education and hands-on experience necessary to enter the horse industry.

“People were struggling to find qualified help in the Standardbred racing industry and when we started reaching out to other disciplines — breeding farms, therapeutic riding associations, Thoroughbred racing, dressage, and show jumping barns — we found there’s a need for good help everywhere.”

OEEEP was born, and it currently provides six weeks of free online learning about horses through the University of Guelph, followed by a job placement where students learn how to work around horses safely.

“We’re opening a gateway into the equine industry to give them basic understanding and knowledge and make them world,” people We’ve have horses dream.

throughout OEEEP force introduced

Brian Tropea and friends. “I have so much respect for the horse and what the horse has done for us. They’re remarkable animals and have been a tremendous gift to humanity,” he says.

PHOTOS: BRIAN TROPEA COLLECTION

Brian Tropea

Drive’ where we took retired horses to the racetracks and gave fans an opportunity to go for a ride around the track [in a Standardbred cart with a driver] in between races,” says Tropea.

Tropea helped run youth camps at Standardbred racetracks in Ontario where eight children at a time attended a free fourday camp at the track. On the final day they would drive in an exhibition race with the driver sitting beside them. Funding for that program dried up in 2012 but it wasn’t long before Tropea helped create the Hands on Horses (HOHP) program.

In 2015, HOHP took retired Standardbred racehorses to a First Nations reserve to reintroduce horses to residents and give them rides in a cart behind the horses. In 2016, the program granted an 89-year-old woman her wish of patting a Standardbred racehorse. Meanwhile, Tropea and other drivers continued giving rides on their jogging carts as a way of introducing people to equine magic. A few years after Tropea gave a teen a ride on his jogging cart during a HOHP event, Tropea received an email from a friend who had recently met the teen. It shared how that five-minute ride around the racetrack with Tropea had altered the young man’s life.

“Horses provided for me, and I just want to make sure that other people who want to pursue that path have the opportunity,” says Tropea, who continues to welcome newcomers to the world of horses through the OEEEP and his other professional and volunteer commitments.

“You never know when you’ll change somebody’s life trajectory.” b

> Tania Millen is a regular contributor to this magazine — read her bio on page 102.

Do You Know a Horse Community Hero?

Horse Community Heroes recognizes people and horses who make a difference to Canada’s horse industry.

Horse Community Heroes provide unending support to others regardless of whether they’re employed in Canada’s horse industry or not, are strongly committed to their regional equine communities, and often operate behind-the-scenes.

“We’re showcasing horse people and horses who are not necessarily big household names but who have made significant contributions to their horse communities,” says Kathy Smith, publisher of Horse Community Journals.

To tell us about a horse person or horse you believe should be recognized as a Horse Community Hero, please email the editor at: editor@horsejournals.com.

Please include your full name, address, telephone number, and email address.

Horse Community

HEROES

The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada Honoured

The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada (DSC) is the proud recipient of the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) Outstanding Equine Sanctuary Award for 2023!

“This prestigious award recognizes our unwavering commitment to the wellbeing and protection of these incredible animals,” stated the DSC announcement on their Facebook page.

“At the DSC, we’ve always believed that every donkey deserves care and a safe haven to call home. But we couldn’t have achieved this without the tireless work of our volunteers and staff, and the

generosity of our supporters.

“Thank you to the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) for this incredible honour. We’re more motivated than ever to continue our mission and make a difference in the lives of equines in need.”

The GFAS is the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries. In September 2017, after rigorous review, the DSC was awarded Accredited status by the GFAS, becoming the first equine sanctuary in Canada to be accredited by the GFAS.

Congratulations to The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada on receiving this prominent recognition of the important work you do.

For more information visit:

The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada

> www.thedonkeysanctuary.ca

Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries

> www.sanctuaryfederation.org

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK/GEZA KARKAS

Prospects for Osteoarthritis Treatment in Horses, and Potentially Humans

By Mark Andrews

For the first time, researchers have unveiled an intervention that appears to slow down the progression of osteoarthritis (OA).

A clinical study conducted jointly by the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) and the University of Gothenburg (UGOT), Sweden, has yielded remarkable results. Horses afflicted with OA, treated with a novel drug combination, not only achieved freedom from lameness but also experienced a simultaneous inhibition of joint tissue degradation.

OA is a degenerative disease involving the whole joint. It arises from the deterioration of joint cartilage and the underlying bone structure. This condition is the primary cause of joint pain and lameness in horses. Racehorses often become lame early in their careers, and every year many horses retire due to the disease.

New Drug with Treatment Potential

The new potential treatment for OA stems from a long-term collaboration

between researchers at SLU and UGOT, resulting in a series of basic science publications. Through extensive cell culture studies, the researchers had been able to evaluate and present a drug combination consisting of a local anaesthetic drug and an anti-inflammatory drug (sildenafil), in extremely low concentrations. When coupled with glucose, this combination demonstrated the capacity to rejuvenate and repair damaged cartilage cells, known as chondrocytes, extracted from horses affected with OA.

“We have successfully demonstrated the drugs’ potential in receding inflammation and in restoring derailed chondrocytes from OA horses. Such restored cartilage cells began to produce more matrix molecules, which are important building blocks of cartilage tissue. This further strengthens the drug combinations’ potential to cure osteoarthritis,” says Elisabeth Hansson, professor at the Sahlgrenska Academy, UGOT, who is one of the research leaders in the collaboration.

New Method for Diagnosis

The research team has developed assays to screen horses’ synovial fluid from the joints and diagnose OA much earlier, i.e., even before the clinical indications of OA. This was indispensable for clinically testing the drug in horses. They have found two biomarkers that are elevated in both synovial fluid and blood in horses with OA.

These biomarkers (BGN262, which reflects subchondral bone degradation, and COMP156 which is associated with articular cartilage degradation in equine early OA) have been crucial in the development of the new drug treatment.

The current clinical study, published in the journal Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Open, uses these assay methods both to diagnose the disease and to measure the efficacy of the new drug treatment.

“With the aid of these biomarkers, we can now diagnose the disease in an early stage (which was not possible previously), measure the efficacy of the drug, and also screen for the drugs’ side effects,” says Eva Skiöldebrand, professor at SLU.

PHOTO: DREAMSTIME/LES PALENIK

Randomized Clinical Trial

In this study, the new drug combination was tested in a randomized triple-blinded controlled clinical trial. The study was conducted at Hallands Djursjukhus (Kungsbacka Hästklinik). Principal investigator, Kristin Abrahamsson-Aurell, was responsible for the study with Cecilia Grahn as the treating veterinarian.

Twenty lame trotters with mild radiological changes in the carpal joint were included in the study. The horses were randomized into groups for treatment with the novel drug combination or with a standard treatment (betamethasone — Celeston® bifas®). The horses were followed up for 60 days after treatment.

“The horses treated with the new drug combination became free from lameness. The drug treatment efficiently lowered the analysed biomarkers’ levels in the synovial fluid when compared to the horses that received the control substance. The drug intervention did not cause any side effects in this study. Moreover, several of the treated horses remained sound during the follow up period, which gives great hope for the future of the drug as a diseasemodifying agent. This will have a tremendous positive impact on horse welfare,” says Skiöldebrand.

Potential for Treatment in Humans

In Sweden, OA is the most common form of arthritis in humans, characterised by chronic pain and loss of mobility and affecting millions of people worldwide. Currently there is no cure for OA. Moreover, the available drugs on the market can only reduce pain and limit inflammation in the joint.

“Horses and humans are genetically very similar. Horses develop OA spontaneously, which makes the horse an excellent model for studies of OA in humans. Additionally, the biomarkers that were identified and evaluated in the clinical trial are identical in horses and humans. Therefore, the biomarkers and the analytical methods are equally relevant in human OA,” says Skiöldebrand.

The research team has a patent for the new drug combination and aims to commercialize it as a licensed drug for horses with OA, starting in Sweden. They will now also seek authorization to conduct a clinical trial of the drug treatment in humans. b

Published with the kind permission of Mark Andrews, Equine Science Update.

A Fresh Approach to Exploring Lameness

Improvements in diagnostics and joint disease management make for better treatment plans.

By Jackie Bellamy-Zions

Prevention is the ideal when it comes to lameness, but practically everyone who has owned horses has dealt with a lay-up due to an unforeseen injury at some point. This article will provide tools to sharpen your eye for detecting lameness, as well as review prevention tips and discuss the importance of early intervention. We’ll begin with a glimpse into current research endeavouring to heal tendon injuries faster, which has obvious benefits to horse welfare and supports horse owners eager to return to their training programs.

Lameness is a huge focus for Judith Koenig, DVM, DVSc, DACVS of the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC), whose main interest is in tissue healing. She spends half of her time as a surgeon and teacher with a strong interest in Equine Sports Medicine and rehabilitation, and

the other half as a researcher at the OVC.

“I think over the past 20 or 30 years we have become very, very good in diagnosing the cause of lameness,” says Koenig. “In the past we had only radiographs and ultrasound as diagnostic tools, but by now most referral centres also have MRI [magnetic resonance imaging] available and that allows us to diagnose joint disease or tendon disease even more. We are much better now finding causes that previously may have been missed with ultrasound.”

Improvements in diagnostics have resulted in increased ability to target treatment plans. With all the different biologics on the market today, Koenig sees a shift in the management of joint disease with people getting away from steroids as a treatment.

Stem Cell Therapy

Koenig has investigated the use of many different modalities to see if they accelerate tissue healing and has studied which cellular pathways are affected. When asked about the latest news on research she has been involved in, she proclaims: “I’m most excited about the fact that horses are responding well to stem cell treatment. Better than I have seen any response to any other drug we have tried so far!”

Two recent collaborative studies have produced very exciting findings, revealing future promise for treating equine osteoarthritis with stem cell therapy.

In a safety study, Koenig and her team at the OVC have shown equine pooled cryopreserved umbilical cord blood in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to be safe

PHOTO: DREAMSTIME/DONNA KILDAY

6.637 mm

3.146 cm

MRI revealed that the horses treated with stems cells had less progression of osteoarthritis. “They were less lame when exercised after the stem cell therapy than the horses that received saline,” says Koenig.

and effective in treatment of osteoarthritis.

“These cells are the ones harvested from umbilical cord blood at the time of foaling and then that blood is taken to the lab and the stem cells are isolated out of it,” explains Koenig. The stem cells are then put through a variety of tests to make sure they are free of infectious diseases. Once given a clean bill of health they are expanded and frozen.

The MSCs harvested from multiple donors of equine umbilical cord blood were compared to saline injections in research horses. “This type of cell is much more practical if you have a cell bank,” says Koenig. “You can treat more horses with it and it’s off the shelf.” There were no systemic reactions in the safety study. Research has also shown no different reactions when sourcing from one donor or multiple donors.

In the second study, 10 million stem cells per vial were frozen for use in healing osteoarthritis from fetlock chips in horses that were previously conditioned to be fit. After the fetlock chip was created, exercise commenced for six more weeks and then osteoarthritis was evaluated by MRI for a baseline. Half the horses were treated with the pooled MSCs and the control group received saline before another month of exercise. Then MRI and lameness exams were repeated, as well as arthroscopy to score the cartilage and remove the chip.

Lameness was decreased and cartilage scores were improved in the group that received stem cell therapy at the time of

the second look with arthroscopy. Many diagnostics were utilized during this study. MRIs, X-rays, ultrasounds, and weekly lameness evaluations all revealed that signs of osteoarthritis in fetlock joints improved in the group treated with

Lameness Diagnostic Methods

equine umbilical cord blood MSCs. After six weeks of treatment, the arthroscopic score was significantly lower (better cartilage) in the MSC group compared to the control group.

This research group also just completed

Method Uses

NERVE BLOCK

Using an anaesthetic agent (a drug that causes numbness, such as carbocaine) in one area of the leg.

RADIOGRAPHS

Also called X-rays, radiographs allow veterinarians to see the bones.

ULTRASOUND

Allows veterinarians to see the soft tissues such as muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

CATSCAN

Advanced form of X-ray that gives a highly detailed picture of the bone. Can produce a reconstructed 3-D image.

MRI

Can create detailed images of soft tissue and bone.

ARTHROSCOPY

Considered a diagnostic surgery. A small camera called an endoscope is placed through a small incision and used to look at a joint.

Helps determine which area is causing the lameness.

Looks for injury or changes to the bone, such as fractures, evidence of arthritis, or calcification.

Looks for issues in these areas, such as a lesion on the tendon.

Small fractures can also be seen on ultrasound.

Can help with a quicker and more detailed diagnosis and may help guide a more appropriate treatment plan.

Can be used to get a clearer picture of what’s going on in the knee, hock, lower limb, and hoof capsule.

Can be used to evaluate and treat problems with the joint, such as small chip fragments and osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD) fragments.

Fetlock MRI of a Horse with Osteoarthritis

Rehab instructions should be carefully followed including hand-walking if prescribed. After time off, horses should be brought back into work gradually and methodically. It takes six weeks to regain muscle strength after injury, but four to six months for bone to develop strength.

a clinical trial in client-owned horses diagnosed with fetlock injuries with mild to moderate osteoarthritis changes. The horses were given either 10 million or 20 million stem cells and rechecked three weeks and six weeks after the treatment. Upon re-evaluation, the grade of lameness improved in all the horses by at least one. Only two horses presented a mild transient reaction, which dissipated after 48 hours without any need for antibiotics. The horses’ joints look normal, with any filling (fluid) in the joint reduced.

There was no difference in the 18 horses, with nine given 10 million stem cells and the other nine given 20 million stem cells, so in the next clinical trial 10 million stem cells will be used.

The research team is very happy with the results of this first-of-its-kind trial proving that umbilical cord blood stem cells stopped the progression of osteoarthritis and that the cartilage looked better in the horses that received treatment.

The future of stem cell therapy is quite promising!

Rehabilitation

It is beneficial for tendon healing to have a certain amount of controlled stimulation. Research has shown that adhering to a veterinary prescribed rehabilitation protocol results in a far better outcome than paddock turnout alone.

“These horses do much better if they follow an exercise program. Of course, it is important not to overdo it.”

As an example, Koenig cautions against skipping hand-walking if it has been advised. It can be so integral to stimulating healing, as proven in recent clinical trials. “The people that followed the rehab instructions together with the stem cell treatment in our last study — those horses all returned to racing,” says Koenig. “It is super important to follow the rehab instructions when it comes to how long to rest and not to start back too early.”

When rehabilitating an injured horse,

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK/JAYCEN

another concern is administering home remedies that you haven’t discussed with your veterinarian. Examples include blistering an area that is actively healing or applying shockwave therapy to mask pain and then commence exercise.

Prevention and Training Tips

While stating that there are many methods and opinions when it comes to training horses, Koenig offers a few common subjects backed by research. The first is the importance of daily turnout for young developing horses.

Turnout and Exercise

Many studies have looked at the quality of cartilage in young horses with ample access to turnout versus those without. It has been determined that young horses lacking exercise and kept in stalls have very poor quality cartilage.

Horses started early with light exercise (such as trotting short distances and a bit of hill work) and with access to daily paddock turnout have much better quality of cartilage. Koenig cited research from Dr. Pieter Brama and similar research groups.

Another study shows that muscle and tendon development depend greatly on

low-grade exercise in young horses. Evaluations at 18 months of age found that the group with paddock turnout and a little bit of exercise, such as running up and down hills, had better quality cartilage, tendon, and muscle.

Koenig provides a human comparison, with the example of people who recover quicker from injury when they have been active as teenagers and have undergone some beneficial conditioning. The inference can be made that horses developing cardiovascular fitness at a young age gain a lifetime benefit from the

early muscle development.

Koenig says it takes six weeks to regain muscle strength after injury, but anywhere from four to six months for bone to develop strength. Horses should be brought back into work gradually and methodically when they have experienced significant time off. The key is regular loading through gradual introduction of exercise.

Rest and Recovery

“Ideally [the horse] has two rest days a week, but one rest day a week as a minimum,” says Koenig. “I cannot stress

PHOTO: CLIX PHOTOGRAPHY

Cross-training such as trail riding exposes the horse to different types of footing and offers a mental break from intense training.

enough the importance of periods of rest after strenuous work and if you notice any type of filling in the joints after workout, you should definitely rest the horse for a couple of days and apply ice to any structures that are filled or tendons or muscles that are hard.”

Not purporting to be a trainer, Koenig states that two speed workouts a week would be the maximum to allow for proper recovery. In addition, ensure the horse has sufficient access to salt/ electrolytes and water after training.

A good period of walking is required in the warm-up and cool down and riders need to pay attention to soundness in the walk before commencing their workout. Check the horse’s legs for heat and swelling before and after every ride and always pick out the feet.

Footing and Cross-Training

“Cross-training is very important,” says Koenig. She explains it is critical for the mental and proper musculoskeletal development of the athlete to have a day off for every three training days — or even better, to provide cross-training like

trail riding on these days.

Cross-training can mitigate overtraining, giving the body and mind a mental break from intense training. It can increase motivation as well as musculoskeletal strength. Varied loading from training on different terrain at different gaits means bone and muscle will be loaded differently, thus reducing repetitive strain that can cause lameness.

With a European background, Koenig is no stranger to the varying track surfaces used in horses’ training programs. Statistics suggest fewer injuries with horses that are running on turf, as is the practice in the UK. Working on hard track surfaces has been known to increase the chance of injury, but delving into footing is beyond the scope of this article.

Hoof Care

Whether the horse is coming back from injury, or young and beginning training, a proficient farrier is indispensable to ensure proper balance when trimming the feet. Balancing the hoof right from the start is paramount because the horse with some conformational abnormalities, such as

abnormal angles, will tend to load one side of their joint or bone more than the other. They will be predisposed to potentially losing bone elasticity on the side they load more because the bone will lay down more calcium on that side in an attempt to make it stronger. This will actually make the bone plate under the cartilage brittle.

Koenig cannot overstate the importance of excellent hoof care when it comes to joint health, and her strong advice is to invest in a good farrier. Many conformational issues can be averted by involving a skilled farrier starting when the horse is just a foal.

Koenig stresses that prevention truly begins with nutrition of the broodmare before the foal is born. “It starts with how the broodmare is fed to prevent development of orthopedic disease,” says Koenig. Consulting with an equine nutritionist at this stage plays an important role in healthy bone development of the foal, and helping keep the horse sound for a lifetime. b

Turn-out from a young age provides lifetime benefits, allowing horses to develop better quality cartilage, tendon, and muscle.

PHOTO: DREAMSTIME/OLGA ITINA

Equine Neurologic Conditions Common Causes

By Amy Young, UC Davis Center for Equine Health

Neurologic issues can affect horses at any age, and clinical signs can result from infectious and non-infectious causes.

Increased understanding of equine neurologic conditions has enabled earlier diagnosis and improved outcomes, and vaccines have reduced the spread of infectious diseases. However, diagnosis and treatment remain challenging in some cases.

Infectious causes

Infectious neurological disorders are well known due to highly publicized outbreaks.

Viral neurologic diseases are often vector-borne, commonly spread by mosquitoes. Vaccines are available to prevent infection in many cases. Vector control and biosecurity practices can also

help stem the spread of these diseases, which include:

n Eastern/Western/Venezuelan equine encephalitis (EEE/WEE/VEE), which cause inflammation of the brain. Although rare, EEE has a high mortality rate in horses and humans. Outbreaks of WEE have resulted in significant numbers of deaths in both species. VEE occurs in Central and South America, Mexico, and the southern US, and is considered a possible biowarfare agent since it can be transmitted from animals to humans (zoonosis). The EEE/ WEE vaccine is recommended annually, and the VEE vaccine is risk-based.

n Equine herpes myeloencephalopathy (EHM), which is caused by the neurological form of equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1),

which attacks the spinal cord and brain and can be fatal. Infected horses can act as carriers and shed the virus. Available EHV-1 vaccines are not labelled as neuroprotectant. However, vaccination is recommended to provide herd immunity against EHV-1 and potentially reduce cases with neurologic disease.

n Rabies, which has the highest case fatality rate of any infectious disease. It is a significant threat in South and Central America. Vaccination is recommended annually.

n West Nile virus (WNV), which can cause inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, and possibly death. Many infected horses do not show signs of illness, but others develop neurologic disease. Vaccinate against WNV annually.

protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM), caused by infection of the central nervous system with the protozoa Sarcocystis neurona or Neospora hughesi. Clinical signs of S. neurona infection depend on the area of the central nervous system with the parasite and the type of damage caused. Cases due to N. hughesi have a range of clinical signs.

Although bacterial infections of the nervous system, such as meningitis and abscesses, are rare in horses, toxins produced by Clostridium bacteria can result in severe diseases:

n Botulism is caused when Clostridium botulinum spores are ingested or infect a wound and release a neurotoxin, re-

vaccine against type-B is available for horses in high risk areas but there is no cross-protection between other types.

n Tetanus is a potentially fatal disease that occurs when Clostridium tetani spores enter open wounds where they release a neurotoxin. Clinical signs include stiffness, muscle spasms, and the inability to open the mouth (“lockjaw”). Treatment is challenging and annual vaccination is recommended.

Non-infectious causes

Non-infectious neurological disorders can be caused by injury, congenital and developmental defects, genetic conditions, as well as by dietary and

known to include:

n Cerebellar abiotrophy (CA), which is found in Arabians. Foals appear normal at birth but exhibit neurological deficits within six months of age. Affected horses may be dangerous as they are prone to accidents and injuries. A DNA test is available.

n Juvenile idiopathic epilepsy (JIE), which is found in Egyptian Arabian foals during the first year of life. Clinical signs include recurrent seizures characterized by loss of consciousness and rapid muscle contractions. A causative mutation has not been identified. After one year of age, foals no longer experience seizures, but problems related to head trauma can

have lasting effects.

n Occipitoatlantoaxial malformation (OAAM), which is caused by a developmental defect of the first two vertebrae of the neck and the base of the skull. This causes compression and damage to the spinal cord, resulting in abnormal head and neck movement. A mutation has been identified that causes one form (OAAM1) and a DNA test is available.

Some neurological conditions likely have an inherited component, but modes

of inheritance and genetic mutations have not been identified.

n Vitamin E deficiencies — Equine neuroaxonal dystrophy (eNAD)/equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy (EDM) result from abnormalities of neurons in the brainstem and spinal cord and affect young horses (6 to 36 months of age). A genetic predisposition is likely, but insufficient dietary vitamin E is required for the onset of clinical signs. There is no effective treatment. Equine motor neuron disease (EMND) occurs in older horses that have been vitamin E deficient for more than 18 months. It affects lower motor neurons, leading to muscle trembling and weakness. Treatment via supplementation has varying success.

n Cervical vertebral compressive myelopathy (CVCM) or “wobbler syndrome” is caused by lesions that lead to compression of the spinal cord. Medical management, surgical treatment, and prognosis depend on the age of the horse, and duration and severity of clinical signs.

Other common non-infectious neurological conditions include:

n Headshaking, which is characterized by uncontrollable shaking, flicking, or jerking of the head without apparent cause. UC Davis researchers confirmed the involvement of the trigeminal nerve, which runs across the face. In affected horses, it fires too often, causing tingling, itching, or burning sensations.

DEFINITIONS

Encephalitis

— inflammation of the brain

Encephalopathy

— disease of the brain

Myelitis

— inflammation of the spinal cord

Myelopathy

— disease of the spinal cord

Myeloencephalitis

— inflammation of the brain and spinal cord

Myeloencephalopathy

— disease of the brain and spinal cord

n Neonatal maladjustment syndrome is characterized by foals that appear healthy at birth, but quickly exhibit neurological abnormalities (“dummy foals”). The “Madigan Squeeze Technique” was developed at UC Davis to create pressure that mimics the normal birth canal to reduce symptoms.

The neurological status of any horse varies by day, environment, and situation. When neurological signs are subtle, multiple examinations over several days and under different conditions may be needed for an accurate assessment. b

Neurological Examination of the Horse

By Amy Young, UC Davis Center for Equine Health

Equine neurological examinations evaluate horses from head to tail. They are performed to evaluate signs consistent with neurologic disease or to establish that a horse is neurologically normal, such as during a pre-purchase exam. A neurological exam can be divided into two parts: static and dynamic.

The Static Examination occurs while the horse is standing still.

The horse is observed to determine its behaviour (docile, aggressive, etc.) and mentation (bright or lethargic).

The functions of the cranial nerves, which run in 12 pairs from the brainstem along each side of the head and transmit

everything from smell to swallowing, are assessed. Abnormal reflexes can help pinpoint the location of any damage.

The posture of the head, neck, trunk, tail, and limbs is also observed to evaluate proprioception (the horse’s ability to know where its body is positioned in space).

The horse’s body is palpated to assess pain, loss of muscle, numbness, localized heat, and swelling. Joints are flexed/ extended. These tests can indicate damage to specific nerves.

The Dynamic Examination occurs while the horse is in motion. These steps should be performed on the ground, not while riding, to determine if a horse knows where its feet are and can control

its limbs. As opposed to a normal horse that keeps its limbs under its body and can maintain a consistent rhythm, neurologically impaired horses may step on themselves, swing their limbs wide, pivot, drag their toes, easily lose balance, and exhibit gait abnormalities.

The Role of Neurological Evaluations in Pre-Purchase Examinations

Buying a horse can be a lot like buying a car; both are significant investments. Regardless of the sticker price, it’s a good idea to take a peek under the hood before you drive off the lot. A pre-purchase examination (PPE,

One-week old Arabian filly with occipitoatlantoaxial malformation. The arrow indicates the asymmetric atlas.

or “vet check”) can be minimal or extensive, but it should always include a neurological evaluation.

Pre-purchase Exam:

What It Is and What Its Not

A PPE is an assessment of a horse by a veterinarian and is usually requested by the potential buyer prior to purchase. The exam is intended to help the buyer make an informed decision based on their specific situation, needs, and expectations by evaluating a variety of parameters and potentially uncovering pre-existing conditions and warning signs of any potential problems.

The thoroughness of the PPE varies and typically depends on several factors, including the age and breed of the horse, its performance and veterinary history, purchase price, and the buyer’s expectations for the horse’s intended use, among other considerations. Data from the exam can also be used for comparison to aid in diagnosis should issues arise in the future.

The veterinarian’s role is to objectively provide information about the horse. The ultimate decision to purchase or pass lies with the buyer and is based on the levels of risk and potential management that they are comfortable accepting.

Contrary to popular belief, a PPE is not a pass or fail test, nor a guarantee of health, soundness, performance, or longevity. It is important to recognize that there are limits to what can be determined by examination, and to acknowledge that a PPE represents a snapshot of the horse at a particular moment in time.

Although there is no way to predict future issues or eliminate all risks, a PPE can help the buyer make an informed decision and keep things running smoothly.

Backing it Up

An important part of the neurological exam is backing the horse. Horses naturally back in a two-beat gait, similar to a trot in reverse. For example, the right front moves with the left hind, and the left front moves with the right hind. Neurological impairments can interfere with this gait.

The classic example is the neuromuscular disease Shivers, which is characterized by an abnormal gait when

backing up. Affected horses typically exhibit hyperflexion (hindlimb is held up and away from the body and often trembles) or hyperextension (feet are placed further back than normal) of the hind limbs when backing.

Horses that are more severely affected and/or showed clinical signs of Shivers at an early age may experience decreased performance over time. It can become increasingly challenging to perform farrier work on affected horses, which may have implications for hoof health and soundness.

Neurological Evaluation

Most horse owners are aware of physical examinations, lameness evaluations, and joint flexion tests as components of a PPE. Since neurological conditions can ultimately present safety issues for horses and handlers, a neurological evaluation should also be included. Whereas minor findings on a lameness exam in an older horse can be managed, for example, findings on a neurological exam have significant implications.

Mayhew’s Grading System for Ataxia (in increasing severity)

Grade 0 — Normal strength and coordination

Grade 1 — Subtle/mild neurological deficits only noted under special circumstances (e.g., while walking in tight circles)

Grade 2 — Mild neurological deficits apparent at all times/gaits

Grade 3 — Moderate deficits at all times/gaits that are obvious to all observers regardless of expertise

Grade 4 — Severe deficits with tendency to buckle, stumble spontaneously, trip, and fall

Grade 5 — Recumbent, unable to stand

Key Points:

1. Safety first

2. Observation is essential

3. Know what is normal (e.g., different gaits according to breed)

4. Tailor the exam to the individual horse

5. Perform more than one exam

Some specific tests and findings that a veterinarian will look for during a neurological examination include:

• Circles/serpentines – The horse may exhibit circumduction (swinging the outside hind leg out from the body) or interference (stepping on itself) while walking, both of which are indicative of ataxia (lack of muscle control).

• Ascending/descending a hill or step –The horse may consistently stab their toes into the hill (ascending) and buckle their hindlimbs (descending) while

Equine Neurologic Evaluation

Presenting complaints/

Clinical signs

Potential Causes (Examples)

• Abnormal sleep

• Collapse

• Sleep deprivation

• Narcolepsy

• Heart condition

Potential Diagnostic Tests and Procedures

• Blood work (CBC/ Chem)

• Heart evaluation

• Measure brain wave activity (EEG)

• Imaging – CT, MRI

• Seizures

• Tremors

• Epilepsy

• Mass in brain

• EEE/WEE, WNV

• Metabolic disease

• Low glucose

• Blood work (CBC/ Chem)

• Infectious disease testing

• Measure brain wave activity (EEG)

• Imaging – CT, MRI

• CSF analysis

• Abnormal behavior

• Injury/Trauma

• Hearing loss

• Eye problems

• EPM

• EPM testing

• Examination of inner ear structures

• Eye examination

• Test hearing

• Measure brain wave activity (EEG)

• Imaging – CT, MRI

• CSF analysis

• Incoordination

• Paralysis

• Injury/Trauma

• “Wobbler”

• Vitamin E deficiency

• EHV-1, WNV, EPM

• Infectious disease testing

• EPM testing

• Test blood vitamin E levels

• Protein biomarker (pNfH) test

• Imaging – X-rays, CT/myelogram

• CSF analysis

• Muscle weakness/ stiffness

• Genetic

• Vitamin E deficiency

• Toxin

• Genetic testing (HYPP, PSSM, MH, MYHM, GBED)

• Test blood vitamin E levels

• Toxin investigation –blood, feces, dietary analysis

• Measure muscle activity (EMG)

• Muscle biopsy

• Lameness

• Injury/Trauma

• Kissing spines

• Joint disease

• Nerve block, joint block

• Muscle activity (EMG)

• Imaging – X-rays, ultrasound, CT, MRI, PET scan

This chart targets some of the most common causes for issues related to equine neurology. Tests are generally presented from least invasive to more invasive. Some tests may occur concurrently and the order of diagnostic tests may vary based on findings. Rabies should always be considered in cases of sudden onset, rapidly progressive neurologic disorders.

Abbreviations: CBC/Chem = complete blood count/chemistry profile; CSF = cerebrospinal fluid; CT = computed tomography; EEE/WEE = Eastern/Western equine encephalitis; EEG = Electroencephalogram; EHV-1 = equine herpesvirus type 1; EMG = electromyogram; EPM = equine protozoal myeloencephalitis; GBED = glycogen branching enzyme deficiency; HYPP = hyperkalemic periodic paralysis; MH = malignant hyperthermia; MRI = magnetic resonance imaging; MYHM = MYH1 Myopathy; PSSM = polysaccharide storage myopathy; WNV = West Nile virus.

making repeated mistakes in foot placement on the curb, all indicative of ataxia.

• Walking with the head elevated –An ataxic horse will demonstrate an exaggerated gait with the front limbs (i.e., “floaty”) while walking. Another possible symptom of a non-gaited horse that is neurologically abnormal may start pacing.

• Backing – Horses with cervical vertebral compressive myopathy (CVCM) may drag their front legs while backing, whereas horses with shivers may demonstrate hyperflexion or hyperextension only when backing.

• Tail pull – Weakness associated with neuromuscular disease can become evident if the horse has trouble maintaining its balance during this part of the examination.

Additional testing and diagnostics may be recommended by the veterinarian to further explore any findings.

These steps outline a general neurological examination. Individual veterinarians may favour slight modifications. b

10 Things To Know About Equine Neurology

1 A horse’s brain weighs 1.5 pounds, half that of a human brain, but is still one of the largest brains among land mammals. The encephalization quotient (EQ), a ratio of observed brain size to predicted brain size based on body size, is used to compare intelligence across species. The EQ for horses is between 0.8 and 0.9. The ratio for livestock species ranges from 0.5 to 0.8. Dogs and cats are around 1, with chimpanzees at 2.5 and humans at 7. However, current thinking suggests that the number of neurons and sizes of specific brain regions may be better predictors of intelligence.

2 Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) is an uncommon cause of ataxia for California horses. UC Davis researchers recently reported the most common causes of spinal ataxia in horses euthanized and necropsied at the UC Davis veterinary hospital over 12 years. The prevalence of cervical vertebral compressive myopathy (CVCM) was 2.7 percent, equine neuroaxonal dystrophy/equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy (eNAD/EDM) was 1.3 percent, trauma was 0.9 percent, and cases of unknown origin were 2.0 percent, with the remainder diagnosed as other neurologic diseases. In contrast to older studies, EPM was not a leading cause of ataxia. Two previous studies also reported CVCM and eNAD/EDM among the top three causes of ataxia in horses.

3 Vitamin E deficiency at different ages and duration can lead to distinct health conditions. Equine motor neuron disease (EMND) occurs in older horses that are vitamin E deficient for more than 18 months. With supplementation, 40 percent improve; 40 percent stabilize; and 20 percent get worse. Clinical signs of eNAD/EDM appear by two years of age. Supplementation may slow the progression of neurological deficits, but they cannot be reversed. Vitamin E deficient myopathy occurs in horses with a

shorter duration of vitamin E deficiency. They generally recover quickly with supplementation.

4 Testing is needed to differentiate eNAD/EDM from CVCM. Ataxia, a widebase stance, and uncoordinated movement are signs of various neurological issues. Some, such as EPM and trauma, can be determined based on clinical tests. It is not possible to definitively differentiate eNAD/EDM from CVCM based on clinical signs. The only way to conclusively diagnose eNAD/ EDM is by examination of the brainstem and spinal cord after euthanasia. UC Davis researchers are working to develop biomarker and genetic tests that would improve eNAD/EDM diagnosis.

5 Shivers can occur in the front limbs, but only if the hind legs are also affected. Shivers is characterized by muscle tremors and exaggerated movement of the limbs during backing or lifting of a hind leg. Muscles of the head, neck, and forelimbs are rarely affected. “Shivers” that appear to occur only in the forelimbs are more likely caused by lower neck pain, pinched nerves, or other causes.

6 Cancer of the central nervous system is rare in horses. Details about central nervous system tumours in horses are restricted to individual case reports. Clinical signs in affected horses vary based on the location of the tumour(s). Therapy options are extremely limited and the prognosis for diagnosed animals is very poor.

7 Horses that become drowsy and “catch” themselves before falling often suffer from sleep deprivation, not narcolepsy. Although horses can famously “sleep standing up,” they have to lie down to complete a full sleep cycle. Horses that cannot lie down due to factors such as pain, fear, being in a new location, presence or absence of other horses, lights, sounds, and changes in diet become sleepdeprived. Narcolepsy is characterized by excessive sleepiness and spontaneous rapid eye movement (REM) sleep triggered by excitement. It is rare in most species. In horses, it is a genetic disorder that has been documented in families of Miniature horses and Lipizzaners.

approximately 60 percent of cases, and signs can be triggered in response to wind, light, or increased exercise intensity. In severe cases, horses may experience selfinflicted trauma or interference with eating, leading to compromised welfare.

8 First described over 100 years ago, equine headshaking is still not well understood. UC Davis researchers confirmed that the trigeminal nerve, a large nerve that runs across the face, fires too often in affected horses, causing tingling, itching, or burning. It is seasonal in

9 Horses should be vaccinated against West Nile virus (WNV) to help prevent neurologic disease. Horses represent 96.9 percent of non-human cases of WNV. This mosquito-borne virus is now found nationwide. Vaccines are effective in protecting horses against infection and have resulted in a marked decline in cases since the peak in 2004. The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) recommends WNV as a core vaccine.

10 Horses with non-healing ulcers in the cornea of the eye should be evaluated for temporohyoid osteoarthropathy (THO). A progressive syndrome, THO results in bone thickening and the eventual fusion

of the temporohyoid joint to the skull. Once fused, actions such as swallowing and chewing can cause fractures. In addition to a head tilt and signs of facial nerve paralysis, including deviation of the muzzle to one side and/or a droopy ear, damage to nerves that affect the eye can lead to decreased tear production and abnormal blinking, which can cause significant ulceration of the cornea. Affected horses might also have balance problems and commonly become deaf on the affected side. Long-term antibiotic treatment, and possibly surgery, is needed to treat the ulcers. b

Thanks to Dr. Monica Aleman, UC Davis professor and Terry Holliday Equine and Comparative Neurology Endowed Presidential Chair, for sharing their extensive expertise on these facts about equine neurology. These articles are printed with the kind permission of the UC Davis Center for Equine Health. The UC Davis Center for Equine Health is dedicated to advancing the health, welfare, performance and veterinary care of horses through research, education and public service. https://ceh.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/

A horse with eNAD exhibiting neuromuscular clinical signs.

Canada’s VIBRANT Horse Industry IMPACTS & OPPORTUNITIES

Horses are pets, performance athletes and livestock. They’re kept in backyards, on farms, at boarding stables, and working ranches in Canada. The horse industry encompasses professional riders, everyday horse enthusiasts, animal care experts, and thousands of businesses in the farming, ranching, sport, agriculture, and entertainment sectors. Hard numbers about jobs, taxes, the industry’s financial contributions, and who’s involved are imperative for discussions with provincial and federal government agencies. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, lack of information about the needs of boarding facilities, coaching barns, and horse farms limited the financial support they received. There was simply no baseline of information about the people, horses, and businesses in the industry; the revenue it creates; or potential impacts of lockdowns.

“The last time Canada’s horse industry was surveyed nationally was in 2010,” says Melanie McLearon at Equestrian Canada (EC). “But the sector has changed. The economy has changed. So, we needed to better understand our industry and its contributions.”

That need for understanding resulted in EC commissioning research on Canada’s equine sector by Wilton Consulting Group (WCG) and Serecon in 2023. Their report, The Canadian Equine Sector: Socio-Economic Insights 2023, summarizes an online survey completed by 4,263 Canadians representing 19,491 individuals in the horse industry, 40 interviews with industry representatives, data research, and an economic analysis.

Substantial Economic Benefits

“The industry is contributing to the Canadian economy in a significant way, even though it’s a niche industry,” says McLearon.

Canadians who kept horses in 2022 directly spent over $8.3 billion on buildings, fences, equipment, repairs, feed, bedding, veterinary and farrier care, travel, tack, insurance and other products and services. The largest expenditures were over $1.1 billion on feed, over $900 million on travel, and over $850 million worth of veterinary care.

The horse industry also provided over

By Tania Millen, BSc, MJ

116,000 jobs — equivalent to over 71,000 full time jobs — which equals the number of jobs provided by Ontario’s oil and gas sector. The greatest number of jobs were in Ontario (36,182) and Alberta (33,639).

Overall, Canada’s horse industry provided over $8.69 billion to Canada’s Gross Domestic Product and $894 million in provincial and federal taxes in 2022. To put this in perspective, the equine sector contributed slightly less to Canada’s economy than the $11 billion cannabis sector. People involved with horses in Canada aren’t just having fun — they’re actively contributing to the country’s economy.

Less Tangible Benefits

Canada’s horse industry provides social benefits, too. Almost all of the survey respondents (96 percent) agreed or strongly agreed that interacting with horses contributes to human health and well-being. Additionally, riding can help children and youth develop lifelong healthy habits. Plus, equine-assisted services can help people manage mental and physical disabilities.

It’s not just individuals that benefit from messing about with horses. Over half of survey respondents (52 percent) agreed or strongly agreed that the Canadian equine sector connects rural and urban

areas. Equine farms can provide a buffer between urban and agricultural lands while farms can help increase urbanite awareness of farming activities. Equine facilities can also support groundwater recharge areas, soil fertility, surface water control, and wildlife habitat.

Canada’s Horses

What about the horses? The report estimated there were 478,269 to 545,136 horses in Canada in 2021, which averages 509,099 horses across the country. That’s about half the estimated 963,500 horses in Canada in 2010 and the estimated 1,043,433 horses in Canada in 2006. The report did not speculate on the rationale for such a strong decline in Canada’s equine population. However, estimating the number of horses in Canada is tricky. Unlike other farm animals, there’s no overarching horse registry in the country. Therefore, the horse population was calculated by using 2021 census numbers for equines on census-defined farmland (183,733) and a 2.8 national horse population multiplier to reflect horses kept on non-farm properties.

In 2022, Alberta was clearly Canada’s horse capital with 37 percent of the country’s equines. Ontario (25 percent) and Saskatchewan (13 percent) had the next-largest herds.

Of Canada’s approximately half-million horses, almost one-third (28 percent) are

primarily used for recreation, 24.5 percent are used for amateur sport, and 19 percent are working animals. The rest are used for breeding (14 percent), professional sport (8 percent), elite sport (4 percent) and racing (2.5 percent). That means over one-third of Canada’s horses (36 percent) are used for amateur, professional, or elite sports. Most horses (87 percent) are owned by individual participants while the rest are leased or jointly owned.

However, horses aren’t cheap to buy, and purchase prices vary by province and use. It costs an average of $5,256 to buy a horse in Yukon Territory and over $27,000 in British Columbia (BC). The cost of recreational horses averages $14,417 across Canada, while sport horses average $21,201 for amateur competitors, $32,690 for professionals, and $56,840 for elite riders.

Horse owners won’t be surprised that keeping horses is expensive, too. It cost an average of $15,270 to keep one horse in Canada, in 2022. Ontario ($17,519) and BC ($17,303) were the most expensive provinces to keep horses while Newfoundland and Labrador ($6,074) was the cheapest. But horse-keeping costs also depended on horse use. For example, it cost an average of $6,706 annually to keep a working horse in Alberta, where the average cost of keeping an elite sport horse was $24,630 per year.

Almost half (47 percent) of horses were boarded in 2022, and the cost of boarding across Canada averaged $818

per month. Ontario ($897) and BC ($872) were the most expensive provinces to board horses, with Prince Edward Island ($455) the least expensive.

Annual veterinary care ranged from an average of $1,306 for working horses to $3,252 for elite sport horses in 2022. Farrier care cost an average of $617 per year for breeding stock and $2,200 annually for elite sport horses.

Who’s Involved?

Those who completed the online survey were primarily women (89 percent), tended to have higher incomes than most Canadians, and were well educated (53 percent had a bachelor degree or more). Of those surveyed, 69 percent were recreational participants and 61 percent were amateur competitors. Participants aged 30 to 39 and 60 to 69 were overrepresented. The report provided no data regarding the number of horse-owning individuals, households, or properties which housed horses in Canada. However, according to the report, over 155,000 acres of land in Canada are used for equine facilities, farms, and ranches.

The 649 coaches and trainers who responded to the survey stated they teach up to three different equestrian disciplines, with half (49 percent) teaching dressage, 44 percent teaching show jumping, and more than one-third (36 percent) teaching hunter lessons.

Competitors and horses travel extensively to participate in various activities including shows and events, but this can lead to increased disease outbreaks. More than a third of survey respondents disagree or strongly disagree that people who participate in equestrian activities understand and comply with best practices for biosecurity.

PHOTO: CLIX PHOTOGRAPHY

Cost of farrier care in Canada ranges from an average of $2,200 for elite sport horses to $617 per year for breeding stock. Respondents from Quebec, Northern Ontario, the interior of British Columbia, and New Brunswick all expressed concern over lack of trained farriers, equine veterinarians, and coaches.

Survey respondents agreed that interacting with horses contributes to human health and well-being, and that horse farms help connect urban and rural areas.

Breeding was identified as the primary activity for 14 percent of Canada’s herd. Only racing and breeding are recognized as farming activities by Canada Revenue Agency, with the majority of other activities including boarding, riding lessons, and training not considered to be farming activities for tax purposes.

Riders and coaches utilized approximately 1,884 commercial horse operations to pursue their passion in 2022. Half (51 percent) of those facilities offered riding lessons, and more than one-third (36 percent) provided training and coaching services. Other activities included onsite camps and equine assisted therapy.

Regardless of activity, horse owners and riders often travel with their horses. In 2022, almost three-quarters (73 percent) of horse owners had a horse trailer. Recreational participants travelled an average of over 5,000 kilometres in 2022 while elite sport participants from some provinces travelled over 30,000 kilometres. Equestrian participants spent over $662 million at equestrian events and competitions in 2022. Most of those costs (95 percent) went towards food and accommodation while attending events.

In 2022, there were 63 major horse events held across Canada. Of those, over half (33) were held in Ontario. They attracted 90 to more than 1,000 participants and 1,000 to 300,000 spectators. Each cost more than $376,000 to host. There were also an estimated 1,084 minor events and competitions (less than 1,000 spectators) held across Canada in 2022, each costing an average of $9,854 to host. These events averaged 37 participants who paid $131 in competitor fees. An average of 68 spectators attended each event. Of the competitors surveyed, most (88 percent) felt that there were many opportunities to compete and attend different types of events. However, they all agreed that competing was expensive and time consuming.

Challenges for the Industry

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected Canada’s horse industry and those affects continue to be felt. Due to cancelled shows and closed training facilities, riders’ competition skills stagnated. Participation by international clientele has yet to fully rebound. However, riding was one of the few activities which could be enjoyed during the pandemic so demand for lessons was, and continues to be, high. The price of horses also increased and has remained high.

Participating in the horse world takes significant time, money, and commitment. That’s a barrier to some and leads others to take a break from horses. Equity, inclusion, and diversity in the horse industry concerned some survey participants. Meanwhile, facilities struggle to find staff, while veterinary, farrier, and other support services can be lacking in rural areas. Event officials, such as judges and technical delegates, struggle to receive training and compensation.

Horse activities also need a lot of land,

PHOTO: DREAMSTIME/SITIKKA

which can be expensive and difficult to access. Plus, they are not always recognized as “agricultural activities,” which can affect income taxes, property taxes, and access to government programs. Although infectious diseases pose a significant risk to horses, people in the industry don’t always understand or comply with biosecurity practices. Canada also doesn’t have a horse traceability program to assist during disease outbreaks. Additionally, climate change may increasingly affect horse health and safety along with feed and hay prices. Finally, horse welfare concerns both within and beyond Canada’s horse industry may be eroding public trust and social licence to operate.

Opportunities Going Forward

All those challenges provide opportunities, too, and the report recommends the following for Equestrian Canada:

1. Conduct a regular “census” and economic impact study of the Canadian equine herd.

2. Help improve inclusion, diversity, equity, and access to the equine sector.

3. Collaborate with Provincial and Territorial Sport Organizations to support grassroots initiatives and youth participation.

4. Continue working with multiple levels of government to ensure that horses and horse barns are considered part of the agricultural industry.

5. Complete a follow-up study to better understand the competition landscape and identify opportunities to strengthen it.

6. Continue to champion traceability of Canadian horses to support biosecurity and accurate population numbers.

“This report shows the horse community what they told us, and that we’re listening,” says McLearon. “A lot of what’s in the report are things EC has already identified to grow Canada’s equine sector: equine traceability, supporting grassroots initiatives, growing youth participation, encouraging inclusivity, and developing competition opportunities. We’re using the report to help identify gaps to be addressed and plan for the future. But we’re on the right path. Canada has a vibrant horse industry that’s sustainable and something you can build your life on.”

For full access to all of the materials, read The Canadian Equine Sector: Socio-Economic Insights 2023 available at Equestrian.ca — News section. b

> Tania Millen is a regular contributor to this magazine — read her bio on page 102.

Canada’s horse industry has endless opportunity

By Tania Millen, BSc, MJ

Thirty years ago, jobs involving horses primarily entailed mucking stalls, grooming, farrier work, coaching, or training. Those jobs still exist. But as Canada’s horse industry has evolved, employment in Canada’s equine world has expanded, too. In September, 2023 a new study commissioned by Equestrian Canada into the socio-economic impact of Canada’s equine sector found that the horse industry provided over 70,000 fulltime equivalent jobs in 2022.

“The job market in the horse industry is very broad,” says Gayle Ecker, Director of Equine Guelph at the University of Guelph in Ontario.

Not only are there jobs working directly with horses, but Canada’s horse industry produces a multitude of services and products for horses, riders, owners, and Western lifestyle enthusiasts and each of those offer employment. There are also burgeoning opportunities for keen entrepreneurs as demand for custom products and services grows.

“There are many unique aspects to the horse industry,” says Ecker. “It’s very labour intensive and requires people to handle horses safely and feed every morning. That’s not automated.

“But people need to be willing to work,

and sometimes it’s hard work,” Ecker continues. “The hours can be challenging. Racetrack workers might have to be at the track by five or six in the morning and not get home until after 11 pm. Grooms for competition or racehorses have to travel, too.”

To help potential employees learn about opportunities, Equine Guelph has launched an online Equine Careers Showcase describing 75 jobs in the horse industry. It explains each position and there are video interviews with people employed in those roles.

“It’s a really interesting time to have a career in the equine industry,” says Alisa

Brace, an instructor at Olds College of Agriculture & Technology in Alberta, “because the opportunities are endless. But I think that many of the upcoming opportunities are going to be entrepreneurial.”

Some jobs require formal training; others, just a willingness to learn quickly and work hard. Business savvy is helpful, along with an understanding of the larger equine industry. Many who make a living in the horse industry wear multiple hats to make ends meet.

Types of Jobs

Jobs in Canada’s horse industry generally fit into three categories: handson activities where horses are an integral part of every day, providing services, or

Traditional jobs like cleaning stalls and feeding will always be available.

selling products.

Hands-on horse jobs include being a professional rider or driver, horse trainer, groom, stable hand, caretaker, wrangler, or working student. Horses are part of everyday activities in these jobs, and they require varying levels of horse knowledge and skills.

“Jobs cleaning stalls, warming up horses, and feeding are always going to be available because people are always going to be training and boarding horses,” says Brace.

“There’s a huge demand for grooms and caretakers,” says Ecker. “And for those who want to move up in the industry, the best place to start is in a caretaker or groom position.”

However, not everyone wants to start at entry level and work up.

Since it takes time to build skills and clientele in the highly-competitive career of horse training, many trainers also give riding lessons.

“The bulk of students who come to Lakeland College — probably 80 percent or more — want to be horse trainers,” says Ron Hoffman, who leads the Western Ranch & Cow Horse program at Lakeland College in Vermilion, Alberta. But training horses is a highly competitive career choice where few succeed.

“A large percentage of the population, now, haven’t grown up on a farm,” says Hoffman. “So they don’t have seat-of-thepants knowledge and skills of kids that grew up riding horses.”

“If you want to train horses, it takes time to build the skills,” says Hoffman. “You can have the right idea but your body can’t execute until you reach a certain skill level, which takes time. So it helps to be able to wear different hats and do different jobs,

PHOTO: CLIX PHOTOGRAPHY

such as combining training with coaching, which is in demand.”

Coaching riding students is just one of many service jobs in the horse industry. Others include: trail ride guide, equine therapist, fitness trainer for riders, barn/farm/ranch manager, farrier, veterinarian or veterinary technician, saddle fitter, equine nutritionist, transporter, insurance agent, accountant, lawyer, horse show/event manager, horse show judge, course designer, technical delegate, auctioneer, rodeo stock provider, photographer/videographer, social media specialist, public relations manager, or journalist.

“There are also office jobs with associations, marketing and communications positions that go along with those, and people who create social media campaigns,” says Ecker. In years past, horse events were primarily run by groups of volunteers, but now there are careers in event planning, too.

Excellent starting jobs in the horse industry are working as a groom or caretaker, where the demand is huge, although the pay is low.

Meanwhile, horse owners and riders also require a vast assortment of products to care for, breed, train, compete, and show their horses. Companies looking for staff include horse breeders, tack stores, arena footing providers, truck and trailer outfits, and a plethora of custom products. Many creative entrepreneurs have developed their own specialty niche, supplying high end custom leather goods, for example, or fancy brow bands, custom show clothing, protective saddle bags, and photographic mementos.

“Behind the scenes, there are people that sell horse trailers, people that build barns and fences,” says Ecker, and those jobs range from entry level to management.

All of these positions require a different skill set but there is some overlap.

Skills Needed

“There are five skills that are important for employment in the horse industry,” says Brace. “Professionalism, communication skills, how to handle horses, horse care knowledge, and how equine facilities operate.”

The mainstay is how to care for and manage horses.

“The basic skills that anyone needs come from working in the barn with horses,” says Ecker. “Even as a photographer, or someone working at the track, you’re going to understand the horse industry

AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

PHOTO: DREAMSTIME/DONNA KILDAY

PHOTO: DREAMSTIME/YURI ARCURS

far better if you understand horse care from the bottom up.”

Projecting a professional image is important, too, even if the job you seek is in a barn.

“Just like any other job application, potential employees need to highlight their skills and why they want that specific job,” says Brace. “Employers want to know your skill set right away. They want a resume to be tailored to the job they’re hiring for. That shows professionalism.”

A love of horses drives many to enter the horse industry looking for work, but that’s not enough.

“If you’re trying to make a living in horse business, you’ve got to find a way to create enough money,” says Hoffman. That may sound obvious, but remaining profitable is a mainstay for any business to be successful.

“Probably the most important skill in today’s horse industry is how to manage a business so you can make realistic business decisions,” says Hoffman.

“Many jobs are entrepreneurial and that means business training is critical,” agrees Ecker.

Coaches, trainers, service providers such as horse transportation companies, or anyone selling products — from hand-woven mohair cinches to commissioned paintings of horses that have passed away — are entrepreneurs who need to understand accounting, business planning, marketing, and finances.

“Planning for contingencies is imperative, too,” says Ecker, explaining that during COVID-19, many stables who operated on a cash basis quickly become financially insolvent. “Being aware of the risks is necessary for survival and sustainability.”

Some of that knowledge may need to come from online courses or college programs.

“You have to be realistic about your skills and be committed to learning if you want to achieve more,” says Hoffman. “Many young people have wonderful hopes and dreams, but you need a path — realistic plans to get there. If you want to play at a higher level, want more accolades from your boss, or want opportunities to create your own business, then you have to be methodical.”

“In Europe, they expect formal training for equine-related jobs. Here in North America, we don’t necessarily have that expectation, but perhaps we should,” says Brace.

“When you develop technical knowledge, it opens up doors,”

n Ontario Equine Education and Employment Program > www.ontarioequineeducation.com

n University of Guelph Equine Job Track > www.equinejobtrack.com

n Yard and Groom > www.yardandgroom.com

n HBPA Ontario > www.hbpa.on.ca

Guiding for trail rides and outfitters will appeal to those with horse and backcountry

says Hoffman. “Without that, entry level job seekers might be running a fork and wheelbarrow for a longer period of time.”

Opening the Door

Although opportunities abound in the horse industry, there are challenges for job seekers. Those coming into the industry often have to start at the bottom rungs of the ladder, working in horse barns to build connections, before they can move to more lucrative careers or positions with more opportunities.

“Who you know in the horse industry having connections — is very important,” says Brace.

“With increasing urbanization, there isn’t a connection between the horse industry and people in cities,” says Ecker. “So we need to advertise and build awareness — particularly in high schools to let people know that there are jobs in the industry.

“People don’t realize how big the horse industry job market is until they’re involved in the industry,” says Ecker.

PHOTO: TANIA MILLEN

position, they may discover that wages are poor.

“The majority of grooming positions still pay minimum wage,” says Ecker. “And in the past, grooms haven’t always had the best working conditions.”

However, as demand for horse-savvy professionals increases, some employers are investing in their grooms and barn

importance of that work and the commitment required of staff. The industry is changing in other ways, too, offering opportunities for those with an entrepreneurial mindset.

“We require much more from our horses than we did 30 years ago,” says Hoffman. “So, there are many

how most entrepreneurial businesses start. They can be very niche.”

Regardless of how equine enthusiasts want to be involved in Canada’s horse industry, there are endless opportunities for work.

> Tania Millen is a regular contributor to this magazine — read her bio on page 102.

Wranglers for backcountry outfitters are responsible for the care and maintenance of horses, equipment, and camps.

PHOTO: TANIA MILLEN

Professionalism in the Horse Industry

7 Ways To Up Your Game

By Tania Millen, BSc, MJ

The horse industry is well known for its informality. Anyone can coach, train horses, nail on horseshoes, or other imperative services regardless of their qualifications. But as society becomes more risk averse and those who didn’t grow up with horses enter the industry, higher levels of professionalism are expected.

The online Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “professionalism” as:

“1: the conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a professional person;

2: the following of a profession (such as athletics) for gain or livelihood.”

Accordingly, charging money and

making a living training horses, coaching riders, trimming horses’ feet, offering bodywork services, or anything else is being a professional Yet acting professionally (professionalism) is different. It’s an action which anyone — not just professionals — can apply to their activities. Professionalism involves integrity — being what you state you are and having the expertise and paperwork to back it up. Professionalism is synonymous with expertness, competence, virtuosity, skillfulness, and proficiency. It’s the opposite of amateurishness, inexperience, and unpreparedness.

Acting professionally furthers a

positive reputation, increases business, attracts better quality clients, may save taxes, and can buffer legal problems when things go awry. In the horse industry, practical applications of professionalism could entail coaches, bodyworkers, and farriers becoming certified to illustrate they can produce as advertised; individuals who sell products or services operating as businesses; boarding barns utilizing signed agreements; and transport companies maintaining adequate insurance. Acting professionally generally supports positive horse welfare, too.

However, upholding professional standards isn’t a box to check — it’s a way

PHOTO: ADOBESTOCK/TERRI CAGE

of acting every day. Here are seven ways to increase professionalism regardless of your involvement in the horse industry.

1 Be organized, consistent, reliable, ethical

Together, organization, reliability, consistency, and ethical actions build strong relationships and reflect professionalism. Being organized helps ensure that the important things are taken care of. Top riders and trainers minutely schedule their days to fit everything in. Consistency — acting in the same way — establishes your reputation and is linked to accountability. Being organized and consistent breeds reliability. Acting ethically means doing what’s morally right regardless of circumstances. Exuding professionalism through these attitudes and actions will help build a positive reputation in the horse world — others will take you seriously.

2 Get certified

Accountants, lawyers, doctors, and the like are all required to be certified to practice. This isn’t the case in the horse industry. Anyone who wants to train horses, coach, or trim horses’ feet can do so without certification. Being certified

for these jobs and many others indicates professionalism and may help if things go awry and a client pursues legal action. Certification proves that you’ve mastered skills that experts have judged, and you can perform to an acceptable standard. It shows competence and commitment to your chosen field. Certification also promotes lifelong learning and up-todate knowledge. The horse industry is

Being certified indicates that you have mastered skills in your chosen field to an acceptable standard, and shows professionalism, competence, and commitment. Certification is an increasingly necessary credential to attract and retain clients.

changing rapidly, and potential clients are becoming more particular about the credentials of the people they hire. Certification is increasingly necessary to attract and retain paying clients.

3 Communicate clearly

Clear communication, whether in person or electronically, means both parties understand messages in the same

PHOTO: ISTOCK/EYECRAVE

way. promotes prevents frustration and misunderstandings — important attributes when building a professional image.

Maintaining confidentiality is also imperative and means setting boundaries on information sharing, which can be difficult in our digital world. However, being known as someone others can safely share with builds trust and confidence.

4 Use contracts

The horse industry is notoriously lackadaisical about contracts. However, written contracts for boarding services, hauling horses, purchase and sale of horses, training, leasing, and breeding prevent confusion and clearly indicate what services or products will be provided. Contracts should include a price, the length of time the contract is in place, the terms of the contract, names of those involved, guarantees (or lack of), signatures, and agreement by those involved. Contracts provide clarity for individuals and businesses, can

reduce potential disputes, and enhance perceived reliability. They separate professionals from fly-by-night operations.

5 Track finances

Many purchases in the horse world occur “under the table” via cash or etransfer without proper accounting. But when buying a service (e.g., equine chiropractic work) or product (e.g., handmade tack), purchasers generally expect an invoice and/or receipt. An invoice is a type of contract describing what’s promised in exchange for money; a receipt shows what was paid for. Using invoices and receipts is standard practice in business and an indication that the seller takes their operations seriously. Laws in Canada also require businesses or those acting as a business to keep records of all transactions to support income and expense claims. Tracking finances is legally necessity, indicates professionalism, and helps determine whether the work being done is actually creating a profit.

Gone are the days of friendly handshakes to seal the deal. Written agreements, contracts, and waivers prevent confusion and misunderstandings and are necessary to protect yourself and your clients.

6 Insure, correctly

Unexpected events are common when working with horses and insurance can provide a buffer when life throws a curve ball. Appropriate insurance for vehicles, horses, property, tack, and business assets can provide a financial cushion if those assets are damaged. Liability insurance provides financial protection if you damage someone else’s horse or property. Adequate insurance coverage, which takes individual situations into account, is an expectation of clients when dealing with a professional. Even if the service you provide isn’t regulated, clients will expect that you’re covered by insurance in the event something goes wrong.

7 Dress the part

You don’t get a second chance to make a good first impression is a well-known adage. Dressing the part implies congruency between what you’re saying and doing. The clothes you wear and how you present yourself subconsciously communicate your standards and whether you “fit” the person you say you are. Unconventional, haphazard attire may put potential clients off. Neat, clean, appropriate attire exudes professionalism and is just as important in the barn as in the office. It indicates self-confidence and respect for your clients, too.

Many activities in the horse industry are unregulated which allows shady characters to flourish. Those within and external to the horse industry expect horses to be ridden and cared for in a professional manner. Professionalism raises industry standards, elevates the quality of services provided, and inspires confidence in those within and beyond the industry. Increasing professionalism can be financially beneficial, and help ensure that horse sports continue to enjoy social licence to operate. Make time to up your game. It will undoubtedly pay off. b

> Tania Millen is a regular contributor to this magazine — read her bio on page 102.

Dressing the part also applies to the horses you ride and train. Presenting them at their best demonstrates your quality standards and shows respect for your horses, your profession, and your clients too.

PHOTO: ADOBESTOCK/SONJA

PHOTO: ADOBESTOCK/TERRI CAGE

Amateur, Professional, & Elite

3 Tiers of Equestrian

By Tania Millen, BSc, MJ

The gap between amateur and professional competitors is common in Canadian sports. Weekend skiers have significantly less skills than athletes on Canada’s ski team. Amateur hockey players don’t make Canada’s Olympic team. It’s the same in horse sports. Tiers of riders have developed as equestrian sports have become more technical. Upper-level horse sports are primarily the purview of professional and elite riders while amateurs play at lower levels.

“I don’t think it’s possible, today, to work downtown on Bay Street all day, ride one horse at night, and then go to the Olympic Games,” says Jacquie Brooks, a two-time

Sports in Canada

Canadian Olympic dressage rider who coaches riders and trains horses while she brings along her own upper-level mounts. “But I’d love to be proven wrong!”

Amateur riders are just as passionate about their sport as professionals, but these days it seems that only professionals reach elite levels of competition. Elite riders are paid to ride and compete horses owned by those with deep pockets while amateurs generally work in non-horsey careers to pay for their equestrian passion. So, do amateur, professional, and elite riders face similar challenges, or are there barriers between them? Four riders share their thoughts.

Time and Experience

“Even if an amateur rider had a wonderful horse, I think there would be a breakdown somewhere en route to the top because they just wouldn’t have enough experience,” says Brooks.

That’s understandable, considering an amateur might only be riding one or two horses per day — far fewer hours in the saddle than a professional. Competitive success depends on the talent of both horse and rider.

“I’m a prime example,” says Brooks. “I came into the sport late. I was very lucky with one of my horses and so I was on the

Amateur show jumping rider Luanna Veldman

PHOTO: LAUREL JARVIS

then the sport. level at an at an talented, and compete for the they are the says Canadian show of the whereas developed sharper competing their increased isn’t a says single day. job. So to riding here, explains. “I don’t have the opportunity to gain 1.45 metre experience staying in Ontario. My horse could do it, but I can’t afford to travel internationally. It’s a tough pill to swallow sometimes.”

Veldman’s challenge is to continue advancing her riding skills while staying near home and being happy with the choices she’s made, knowing that her horse is talented enough to compete at a higher level.

Cutting and reining competitions also have open classes where amateurs could compete against professionals if they chose to. However, not many nonprofessionals go that route. Instead, they stay in their lane, competing in classes specifically for novices and nonprofessionals. Classes are further divided by how much prize money the rider has won in their lifetime.

“I think [having class divisions] is an incentive because you end up competing with people that are more like you,” says Brad Pedersen, a professional cutting horse trainer who operates Pedersen Training Centre in Lacombe, Alberta. “Amateurs don’t have to show against pros, so that makes it fairer, really.”

“Different reining classes give people who are new to the sport, or maybe not riding as talented a horse or just not that strong of a rider, a chance to compete,” says Monique Noble, an amateur reiner who has competed for over ten years in Alberta. “But anyone can go in open classes, so that’s where you see a higher level of riders and trainers competing.”

However, the costs of competing, training, and purchasing horses, tack, and transport for horse sports can be prohibitive.

Money Matters

“Money will limit both amateurs and professionals soon, and I think the amount of money needed is putting people off,” says Brooks about the dressage world.

“That’s what’s going to limit the number of people in the sport. I think the cost is what’s going to kill horse sport.”

“Once you get to the higher levels, you have to be able to buy higher level horses, and they’re very expensive,” says Noble about reining horses. That’s a limiting factor, and renewed interest in reining due to COVID-19 and the Yellowstone television series have pushed horse prices even higher.

Some horses are amateur-friendly to ride, and others are so challenging that only professionals can ride and train them. Not all professionals choose to bring along their competitive partners. Some professional riders purchase horses that are already trained to top level, then advance their aspirations — and those of the horse’s owners — with ready-made horses. That pushes horse prices higher, too.

“Horse racing is called the ‘sport of kings,’” says Noble. “Well, any upper-level horse sport is a sport of kings.”

Although increasing costs may have dampened some ambitions, many amateurs and professionals continue to pursue their passion.

Two-time Olympian Jacquie Brooks thinks it’s no longer possible to work full-time all day, ride one horse at night, and get to the Olympic Games. “But I’d love to be proven wrong!” Brooks is shown riding the 2011 Oldenburg gelding, Te Amo QOS, sired by Totilas.

PHOTOS: CEALY TETLEY

Challenges and Opportunities

“A lot of amateur riders are quite happy traveling around and competing for the fun of it,” says Veldman. “But the ones who are serious get to a stage where they have to make a decision [whether to become professionals or not].”

“I think amateur riders that get frustrated are ones that can’t afford to be doing it full-time, aren’t good enough for the team, are limited by money, or can’t put their whole life into it — if that’s their ambition,” says Brooks.

Pursuing riding as a profession is a

Amateur reiner Monique Noble enjoys watching the professionals and elite riders. “We all aspire to be that good and that flawless and that fearless.” And when the top riders make a mistake she says they become more relatable, which unites competitors and builds support for all levels of competition.

Professional cutting horse trainer, Brad Pedersen, says to get to the top of the cutting world, you have to leave Canada because the top

Luanna Veldman trains every day and competes against show jumping professionals in Canada, but also has a full-time job. Her horse is talented enough to compete at a higher level, but her budget does not allow for the international travel needed to do so.

PHOTO: LAUREL JARVIS

PHOTO: LARISSA PRICE

PHOTOS: GK PHOTOS

helps, as does talent, connections, a good reputation, and choosing to live where your chosen sport is prevalent.

“The better rider you are, the more horses and the better the horses you’re going to get,” says Pedersen. “You basically have to live in the [United] States and have a great reputation to get to the top of the cutting world. The top horses and highest money shows are in the southern United States, so you really have to be down there if you want to be in the top 15 cutting riders in the world.”

Fortunately, being the best in the world isn’t everyone’s ambition. There are plenty of amateurs enjoying their chosen sport and professionals making a living in small towns across Canada.

Places for Everyone

“There’s room for everyone in horse sport,” says Brooks. “Seeing the pros is good for sport. I think it inspires people.”

Noble agrees. “It’s so exciting to watch the pros,” she says. “We all aspire to be that good and that flawless and that fearless. Just to watch that level of riding is spectacular because the horses and riders are amazing, and the speed and technicality and grace of their runs is magical.”

Bringing a piece of that magic into everyday amateur riders’ lives is how upper riders and elite horse sports can ensure that those within the industry remain engaged.

“I enjoy watching FEI [International Equestrian Federation] competitions because I’m always looking for ways to improve my riding,” says Veldman. “You can learn so much from those riders, and quite frankly, a lot of the time I’m competing against them. So, for me it’s very beneficial.”

According to Noble, when professionals and elite riders make mistakes in competition, they’re actually more relatable to riders who will never compete at their level. Knowing top riders aren’t invincible breaks barriers, unites competitors, and helps build support for all levels of competition.

“We have to make sure that horse sports remain accessible,” says Noble. “They can be intimidating for people who don’t have the ability to buy expensive horses, so I think it’s important that the horse industry continues to support lower-level shows. As long as those shows are affordable, horse sports are going to be around for a long time.” b

> Tania Millen is a regular contributor to this magazine — read her bio on page 102.

Understanding Equestrian Canada’s Coach Status Program

Equestrian Canada

The Equestrian Canada (EC) Coach Status program is part of a collective commitment to safety for human and equine athletes and excellence in instruction and coaching. Standards for earning and maintaining coaching designations help protect athletes, coaches, and our industry.

Responding to the growing demand for oversight and accountability, in 2018 Sport Canada mandated all national sport organizations implement enhanced standards for the screening and training of coaches. With a goal of creating safe, welcoming, and inclusive environments where athletes can flourish, EC acted on this Canadian sport directive by creating the EC Coach Status program.

In doing so, EC understands there have been challenges in the roll out of the program as well as some misunderstanding in the requirements for it. To meet compliances and to reach the required standards that are commonplace for other sports in the country, moving to mandatory certification for competitive coaching by 2025 remains the overall goal.

The EC Coach Status program complements the already established National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) managed by the Coaching Association of Canada and is delivered in partnership with Provincial and Territorial Sport Organizations across the country. Those working toward NCCP certification are eligible for EC Registered Coach Status, while those with valid NCCP certification or equivalent are eligible for EC Licensed Coach Status.

For the Coach Status program, a coach is defined as a person who provides direct instruction to athletes with the aim of improving their riding, driving, or handling abilities, and who is responsible to ensure activities are safe and developmentally appropriate. It is inclusive of individuals who identify themselves as coaches, instructors, and/or trainers of human athletes, and applies regardless of the relationship between the coach and the athlete.

EC Coach Status provides athletes, caregivers, and facility owners a greater degree of assurance knowing that important standards for safety including

PHOTO: CLIX PHOTOGRAPHY

Safe Sport training, First Aid/CPR, background screening, references, and liability insurance coverage have been achieved and maintained by a coach.

New for the 2023 competition season, as of July 1 organizers began validating Coach Status at sanctioned competitions. They do so with password protected access to a list of EC Registered and Licensed coaches within the EC Competition Organizer portal. While Stewards have the capability to check and validate coach statuses, it is not an expectation or requirement as their role. The focus is on maintaining the safety, health, and welfare of participants in and around the field of play.

As part of the five-year coach program implementation, Registered Status is now the minimum requirement for Bronze and Silver sanctioned events and Licensed Status is required for Gold and Platinum events. Recognizing that some coaches may not have completed their EC Coach Status requirements when enforcement began on July 1, 2023, the

In Canadian Horse Journal’s Early Summer 2023 issue, and on HORSEJournals.com, we asked:

Do you agree with Equestrian Canada’s program to license/ certify every coach by 2025?

Yes, it’s a good program.

No, it will provide no benefits.

No opinion.

Please tell us why or why not, and what changes, if any, you suggest.

Responses from our readers:

Carolyn Dobbs, Hixon, BC

YES I believe that coaches/instructors MUST be tested and certified, ensuring that the content and manner of message transfer is safe, adequate and correct. The backyard instructor, if good in delivery and safety of correct content, should not have any problem proving this. The parent of a young rider doesn’t have to play Russian roulette with their child’s sport future.

Carolyn Hoffman, Merrickville, ON

YES Unlike Europe or the UK, Canada has never had a standardized system of education for riders or coaches, except perhaps Pony Club based on the UK model. Anyone can claim to be a coach using any criteria at their disposal. Requiring all coaches be certified by EC is at least a responsible attempt to give credibility and streamline the profession. This has been a problem for years and based on previous attempts it will be interesting to see if the 2025 goal is attainable. The next issue is: Will this “standardization” last the test of time, or fall off from scrutiny as this and other programs have in the past? Always rebuilding the wheel.

Chantal Richard, Burtts Corner, NB

NO I strongly believe in certification. That’s why I think that EC’s new coach licensing doesn’t work for my province of New Brunswick. It is truly unfortunate, but currently this program is causing so much backlash that it is having the opposite effect. Many certified coaches

have let their certification expire, few are seeking certification, and there is a significant rise in the number of unsanctioned events in our province since this has been announced. There is outright rejection of the rule that every rider will have to be accompanied at shows by a licensed coach (though some of it is misinformation) and as a result, many competitors are opting to attend unsanctioned shows now. The numbers are stark. Our sanctioned shows are disappearing while unsanctioned ones are soaring. To be clear, these are shows that do not require vaccines for the horses, and may or may not have liability insurance, may not follow best practices, etc.

My equestrian association is trying hard to educate and promote, but there is a general feeling that it’s too expensive and too complicated to be certified and licensed. Furthermore, the new licensing requirements do not prevent abuse, unfortunately. If they did, I’d be more favourable. Until there are clear sanctions, the abuse will continue. So, this is costing more money for coaches who have small numbers of students and are already struggling to pay the bills; it is creating a whole new series of hoops to jump through; and is not really preventing abuse in any real way. No wonder people want nothing to do with it!

Helen Gregson, BC

YES There are way too many un-“certified” coaches using their Registered Coach status to advertise that they are “qualified/ certified” instructors. There are people who are teaching very badly — unable to ride well themselves, lacking very basic knowledge, and teaching children (badly) who are advertising themselves as “Registered Coaches” when they have not even got their rider levels. People believe that they are “qualified” with the title of continued on page 50

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continued from page 49

“Registered Coach” — sounds impressive. I am working my ass off at the moment to get my EC certification, while they are out there creating unsafe/poor riders. This is not the way. They should all have to go through the rider levels and work to get their certification like the rest of us who are doing it right!

Joan Wright, Toronto, ON

YES There are a lot of coaches that don’t have the qualifications or know-how out there. It is very easy for a coach to do a lot of damage either physically or psychologically (or both) to horse and rider. At least EC is trying to regulate the industry somewhat. That being said, I know there are licensed coaches who could and would do the same, but at least it is a step towards accountability.

Kathryn Cuming, Beaverdell, BC UNDECIDED Thirty years ago I got my

Level 1 coaching certificate, so I am familiar with the program. The Level 2 book described things that we MUST know; however, I do not use gadgets on my horses (chambons, lunging aids, etc.) and would never recommend their usage to any students. Not all coaches follow what is in fashion in the competitive side of riding or driving. The constant begging for money and EC’s insistence that we PAY for more upgrading is one of the reasons I will no longer participate. There are a lot of classically trained instructors who EC will not approve.

Michele Giroux, Saint-Gédéon-de-Beauce, QC NO No need to have a certificate to be a good trainer. With this new rule the lessons will be more expensive. Not everyone wants to compete. The lessons should be available for everyone.

Nancy Leask, Brooklin, ON UNDECIDED It would depend on the requirements to earn the certificate/ license. Too many instructors/trainers are quite ignorant of the biomechanics of the horse and the importance of

communication between horse and handler/rider. I had several riding instructors that were qualified but failed to realize that the rider is not the only one there. They forget to consider the horse and the relationship between the “teammates.” Is it possible to examine the requirements for certification?

Andrea McKnight, Everett, ON NO There are many very knowledgeable horsemen who have no interest in the cost and time involved in developing themselves as a licensed and/or certified coach or instructor. Many do it voluntarily because they just want to see a rider progress. We have lost so many people in the industry due to costs. These costs then need to be transferred to the riders for it to make sense for the coach/instructor financially. Costs of lessons and coaching will skyrocket, and even more people will not be able to afford this sport. Would EC rather riders not have a coach at all? Many will end up coming to shows without.

Thank you to everyone who responded. Please visit www.HORSEJournals.com for additional TQ responses.

EC Board approved Temporary Coach Status for the 2023 show season. EC anticipates a temporary status will also be implemented for 2024. In 2025, all coaches at all levels of sanctioned shows must hold Licensed Coach Status.

Temporary coaching fees are applicable for anyone without the required status at each level of event. These fees have been imposed as a way to both support those coaches that have completed their training and to encourage those that still need to begin or complete their coaching requirements. Temporary coaching fees collected are all directly designated to funding coach education programs.

Those who do not have a valid EC Coach Status are required to purchase a temporary status at the cost of $100 per event. Those with Registered Coach Status must temporarily upgrade their status at the cost of $25 per Gold or Platinum FEI-sanctioned event.

Numerous questions have arisen in the community with the increasing implementation of the program which began in 2021, and now with the enforcement of verified Coach Status at sanctioned events in 2023. Here are a few clarifications:

What are the consequences of a coach not holding any coach status at events?

Currently, the validation of Coach Status is not digital. Events are manually verifying a coach’s status. If an athlete provides the name of a coach on their entry that does not hold the appropriate status (licensed, registered, or temporary), then that coach will not be in compliance with EC rules. Consequences will be determined for both coach and rider including point invalidation or enforcement of Not in Good Standing status and not being permitted to participate.

What if someone puts a coach on their entry form, but they are not their coach?

If someone is found to have provided false information on their entry form, their points from the event in question may be invalidated. Example: An athlete indicates on their entry that they are self-coached, but in fact are being coached by an individual that does not hold the required credentials for the event.

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK/PETER TITMUSS

I am self-coached and don’t have a coach that attends competitions with me. Do I have to have status?

All athletes regardless of age, sport license grade, or level of event are absolutely permitted to be self-coached. Simply indicate “self” in the coach field on an entry. Self-coaching does not require athletes to hold Coach Status nor to

purchase a Temporary Coach Status and does not affect amateur status in any way.

I am a very involved parent and assist my child at shows. Do I need to hold Coach Status including paying for a Temporary Status?

A parent, family member, or friend is only considered a coach if the definition as outlined in the Program (outlined

earlier in the article) applies to their relationship. A person helping an athlete in a non-coaching capacity — such as setting fences in a warm-up ring only as directed by the athlete, providing grooming services, or offering emotionalsupport — is not considered a coach and is not subject to EC Coach Status requirements.

Self-declared coaches and instructors, including those working towards a certification. Applicants are engaged in equestrian instruction and coaching.

•

•

• Enhanced Police Information Check

• One Letter of Reference

• Driver’s Abstract (if requested)

Coaches with knowledge and expertise achieved through formal certification, education, or validated practical experience. Actively engaged in equestrian instruction and coaching.

EC is committed to offering environments where everyone can enjoy the benefits and joys of participating in equestrian sport. Coaches are central and instrumental to the success and growth of our industry and EC wishes to walk alongside them to uphold standards and professionalism that keep everyone safe and well.

EC appreciates that it can be challenging to understand and navigate the evolving coach requirements and wants to work with our community. If you didn’t find the answers to your questions about coaching and competitions, or if you require assistance at any time, EC encourages you to reach out — staff are there to help! b

n For questions regarding the EC Coach Status program/applications and for ECampus assistance, please contact the EC Coaching Team at > coaching@equestrian.ca.

n For questions regarding EC Temporary Coach Status, EC-sanctioned competitions, and results submission requirements, please contact the EC Competition Services Team at > competitions@equestrian.ca

n For more information, visit

> www.equestrian.ca/programs-services/ coaches/coach-status-program

Level 3

• EC Application Form

• Screening

• Disclosure Form

• Enhanced Police Information Check

• Two Letters of Reference

• Driver’s Abstract (if requested)

TITULAIRE D’UNE LICENSE

REGISTERED COACH ENTRAˆINEUR(E) ENREGISTR´E(E) AND /OR AND /OR

BRONZE GOLD PLATINUM

SILVER

/OR

/OR

BRONZE GOLD PLATINUM

SILVER

SUPPLEMENTS

SNM AND SUPPLEMENTS

At Arenus, we believe in solutions not just supplements. The best solutions resolve the issue and prevent future problems.

At Arenus, we believe in solutions not just supplements. The best solutions resolve the issue and prevent future problems.

This is why I founded Arenus Animal Health. To offer long term solutions for the everyday health challenges that horses face.

This is why I founded Arenus Animal Health. To offer long term solutions for the everyday health challenges that horses face.

As a practicing veterinarian, I’ve spent many sleepless nights tending to colicking horses and decided there must be a better way to support these recurrent colic cases long term. After much research and careful attention to formulas, the Assure product family was introduced. Since that time over a decade ago, veterinarians across the United States have come to trust the Assure products to solve their toughest digestive cases.

As a practicing veterinarian, I’ve spent many sleepless nights tending to colicking horses and decided there must be a better way to support these recurrent colic cases long term. After much research and careful attention to formulas, the Assure product family was introduced. Since that time over a decade ago, veterinarians across the United States have come to trust the Assure products to solve their toughest digestive cases.

Most supplement companies are created without research or simply built on the grounds of others’ ingredient research. Arenus Animal Health offers an exclusive line of unique products, extensively researched and clinically proven in their final form to offer lasting solutions to common health concerns.

Most supplement companies are created without research or simply built on the grounds of others’ ingredient research. Arenus Animal Health offers an exclusive line of unique products, extensively researched and clinically proven in their final form to offer lasting solutions to common health concerns.

Every product, as with every effort of Arenus Animal Health, serves the singular purpose of supporting better, more complete health and wellness through nutritional science. Our philosophy is grounded in the thought that more is not always better. If you’re feeding a large cocktail of daily supplements to your horse, then something is wrong with the program or the supplements themselves. Many horses, particularly performance horses, will benefit from supplementation. However, you need to be critical about the supplements you’re giving your horse.

Every product, as with every effort of Arenus Animal Health, serves the singular purpose of supporting better, more complete health and wellness through nutritional science. Our philosophy is grounded in the thought that more is not always better. If you’re feeding a large cocktail of daily supplements to your horse, then something is wrong with the program or the supplements themselves. Many horses, particularly performance horses, will benefit from supplementation. However, you need to be critical about the supplements you’re giving your horse.

THE ARENUS STORY

At Arenus, we don’t bring on new supplements to fill a catalog or sell more products. Our line of supplements is limited to those that provide optimum health and serve a purpose in solving a problem. Our products contain the highest formulation technology, the best ingredients, and proven researched results. For that reason, you will find simple, straightforward ingredients and a product lineup designed to work with your overall care program to promote long-term health and wellness.

At Arenus, we don’t bring on new supplements to fill a catalog or sell more products. Our line of supplements is limited to those that provide optimum health and serve a purpose in solving a problem. Our products contain the highest formulation technology, the best ingredients, and proven researched results. For that reason, you will find simple, straightforward ingredients and a product lineup designed to work with your overall care program to promote long-term health and wellness.

We guarantee that our products will help with the major challenges they are formulated to address. Whether it’s for digestive, reproductive, respiratory, structural, or overall health, our products simply work. Try them for yourself. If your horse isn’t healthier or you are not satisfied for any reason, just give our team a call. We will not only be happy to personally help you figure out a better solution for your horse, but we will also take the product back and give you a full refund.

We guarantee that our products will help with the major challenges they are formulated to address. Whether it’s for digestive, reproductive, respiratory, structural, or overall health, our products simply work. Try them for yourself. If your horse isn’t healthier or you are not satisfied for any reason, just give our team a call. We will not only be happy to personally help you figure out a better solution for your horse, but we will also take the product back and give you a full refund.

At Arenus we’ve dedicated ourselves to developing products that actually prevent and resolve the most challenging health issues that horses face. We look forward to working with you to enhance your animal’s wellness and longevity.

At Arenus we’ve dedicated ourselves to developing products that actually prevent and resolve the most challenging health issues that horses face. We look forward to working with you to enhance your animal’s wellness and longevity.

Sincerely,

Sincerely,

Jay Altman, DVM President, Arenus Animal Health

Jay Altman, DVM President, Arenus Animal Health

DIGESTIVE HEALTH

THE DIGESTIVE HEALTH CHALLENGES OF TODAY’S EQUINE ATHLETES

SECURE OR ASSURE - WHY THE DIFFERENT NAMES

In working to bring the Assure line of products to Canada, it was discovered that the Assure name had been registered to another company. So, Canada gets the whole Assure line of digestive aids but under the new name Secure. The Secure products will bring the same great results with the same great guarantees as Assure. SECURE ASSURE

STRESS AND DIGESTIVE ISSUES

Colic remains the number one killer for horses. Modern veterinary medicine has reduced and nearly eliminated colic caused by parasite infestations. Advancements in diagnostics, treatment and surgical methods have greatly improved the lives of horses suffering from colic episodes. However, with all these advancements, little has been done to address the management of stress that today’s horses suffer. Stress comes in many forms for our horses. Feed schedules, show schedules, training and exercise, separation from friends and everyday life in stalls and confinement all contribute to stress. For many horses this leads to varying degrees of digestive disturbance, leaky gut or even inflammatory bowel disease or colitis. These conditions are at epidemic levels among horses today. The worst part is that many riders are unaware their horses are even suffering. Digestive disturbance symptoms are too often dismissed because they’ve sadly become the norm. Bad attitudes, cinchy horses, difficult training and frequent bad performance days are all indicators of poor digestive health. Even overt symptoms like poor body condition and diarrhea get overlooked. It’s time that we started looking out for our horses and offered them the relief they deserve.

THE SECURE SYSTEM SOLUTION

The Secure System has become a staple for veterinarians across the country in the fight against tough digestive and gastric issues. The stressful challenges that horses face has made it necessary to not only resolve digestive health problems, but to prevent issues and maintain long term health. Today more than ever our horses need digestive maintenance and support throughout their lives. They need the help of a great digestive support program. The Secure System addresses these modern day challenges for optimal health, comfort and enhanced performance.

SECURE PRODUCTS - A DIFFERENT APPROACH

The Assure/Secure products were developed with a different approach than other digestive supplements. The goal was to provide the best support to all portions of the digestive tract by adjusting the physiologic disturbances that are the root cause. There is no pharmaceutical product that can achieve this goal, nor a single supplement ingredient that comes close. By combining all of the right ingredients in just the right amount and then utilizing our proprietary Gastrointestinal Stabilizing Technology (GST) to produce an enteric coated delivery system we are able to effectively reverse the causes of GI disturbance. Reducing acidity, improving enzyme digestive function, stabilizing the hind-gut microflora, reducing inflammation and accelerating colonocyte repair and regeneration are all part of the functions of each and every Secure product. Not only have the products been extensively researched, but they have been awarded patents for reducing recurrent colic, reducing ulcers, resolving diarrhea and improving GI motility. Secure provides the most complete and effective method to resolve digestive disturbance and provide a digestive maintenance program that will keep your horses healthy and “happy”

“I am amazed at the difference that I have seen in my horses on Assure Guard Gold, they are feeling better and performing better. I recommend Assure Guard Gold to anyone and everyone, even if their horses do not have diagnosed ulcer issues the GI improvements make a remarkable difference. GI health is so important to the overall health of the horse that the long-term benefits are tremendous!”

Laura Chapot

Professional Grand Prix

Show Jumper, Arenus Ambassador

DIGESTIVE HEALTH

DIGESTIVE HEALTH

STRESS: A DIFFERENT VIEW

STRESS: A DIFFERENT VIEW

Our horses lead stressful lives. Their genetics dictate they live free, roam large areas, graze 20 hours a day, and have established position in the “pecking order” of their herd. In captivity, our horses live in a confinement management system, are fed intermittent meals, and are often separated from other horses. Although there have been many advancements in horse care, it has been a constant struggle to address and manage the stress today’s horses suffer. Feed schedules, show schedules, training and exercise, separation from friends and everyday life in stalls and confinement all contribute to stress.

Our horses lead stressful lives. Their genetics dictate they live free, roam large areas, graze 20 hours a day, and have established position in the “pecking order” of their herd. In captivity, our horses live in a confinement management system, are fed intermittent meals, and are often separated from other horses. Although there have been many advancements in horse care, it has been a constant struggle to address and manage the stress today’s horses suffer. Feed schedules, show schedules, training and exercise, separation from friends and everyday life in stalls and confinement all contribute to stress.

Several studies have been conducted on the effect of stress on the horse. However, very few have focused on the influence of stress on digestive health. They often focus on heartrate, cortisol levels, or reproduction, which although important, fail to address one of the main systems most influenced by stress, digestion. Many times, we recognize this stress as acute or chronic diarrhea, weight loss and poor condition, or behavior changes. Horses with these conditions are living in a state of constant digestive disturbance and consequently predisposed to suffer from acute or recurrent colic episodes. Even a small amount of additional stress such as a change in temperature or a low water trough can tip these individuals into a state of digestive distress.

Several studies have been conducted on the effect of stress on the horse. However, very few have focused on the influence of stress on digestive health. They often focus on heartrate, cortisol levels, or reproduction, which although important, fail to address one of the main systems most influenced by stress, digestion. Many times, we recognize this stress as acute or chronic diarrhea, weight loss and poor condition, or behavior changes. Horses with these conditions are living in a state of constant digestive disturbance and consequently predisposed to suffer from acute or recurrent colic episodes. Even a small amount of additional stress such as a change in temperature or a low water trough can tip these individuals into a state of digestive distress.

You may be asking, if these issues are so prevalent, why haven’t more studies been performed to better understand this relationship?

One key component is access to the affected area. As many of us have experienced firsthand, it is extremely difficult to image or enter the hindgut due to the horse’s anatomy, whether in cases of emergency or as a diagnostic tool. Consequently, with the development of the 3-meter endoscope, most of the studies involving digestive health have centered around gastric ulcers, a more easily accessible area. Work has been done observing the influence of psychological stress such as training and showing on gastric ulcer formation. Although the stomach is quite important it is still only a small portion of the total digestive system.

You may be asking, if these issues are so prevalent, why haven’t more studies been performed to better understand this relationship? One key component is access to the affected area. As many of us have experienced firsthand, it is extremely difficult to image or enter the hindgut due to the horse’s anatomy, whether in cases of emergency or as a diagnostic tool. Consequently, with the development of the 3-meter endoscope, most of the studies involving digestive health have centered around gastric ulcers, a more easily accessible area. Work has been done observing the influence of psychological stress such as training and showing on gastric ulcer formation. Although the stomach is quite important it is still only a small portion of the total digestive system.

Unlike the horse, the human digestive tract is more easily accessible, allowing for the use of many new technologies, including Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (FMRI), helping physicians to better understand the causes behind many gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. These technologies have led many physicians to a shift in approach, from merely managing the symptoms to treating the root cause of the disease and its predisposing influences. New technologies have made it possible to classify all the GI diseases in humans by location and better understand the underlying causes of disease, leading to a new term Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (FGID.)

Unlike the horse, the human digestive tract is more easily accessible, allowing for the use of many new technologies, including Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (FMRI), helping physicians to better understand the causes behind many gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. These technologies have led many physicians to a shift in approach, from merely managing the symptoms to treating the root cause of the disease and its predisposing influences. New technologies have made it possible to classify all the GI diseases in humans by location and better understand the underlying causes of disease, leading to a new term Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (FGID.)

Even though these new technologies are not available to the horse, we can still use the components of FGID in humans to better understand equine digestive disorders. There are many similarities between FGID in humans and horses. Both involve abnormal motility and inflammation. There is also a connection between the nervous and digestive systems, creating a negative feedback loop, often the cause of digestive disturbances such as hindgut inflammation and possibly even colonic ulcers. In the horse these FGIDs may start out small with weight loss or poor performance, but if left untreated can, over time, develop into ulcers, chronic and acute diarrhea, colitis, or even colic.

Even though these new technologies are not available to the horse, we can still use the components of FGID in humans to better understand equine digestive disorders. There are many similarities between FGID in humans and horses. Both involve abnormal motility and inflammation. There is also a connection between the nervous and digestive systems, creating a negative feedback loop, often the cause of digestive disturbances such as hindgut inflammation and possibly even colonic ulcers. In the horse these FGIDs may start out small with weight loss or poor performance, but if left untreated can, over time, develop into ulcers, chronic and acute diarrhea, colitis, or even colic.

But how does this process start? There are many different factors that can lead to hindgut disfunction including intermittent meals, sand irritation, antibiotics, NSAIDs, and large grain meals. These elements can lead to a buildup of lactic acid, altered motility and the death of beneficial hindgut microflora. Together, these negative effects merge leading to bacterial overgrowth, a change in mucosal secretions, and mucosal inflammation resulting in colitis. Underneath these changes are the everyday stressors our horses endure; confinement, trailering, separation, and the stress of performance and training all feed into this cycle, intensifying the underlying GI disorder.

But how does this process start? There are many different factors that can lead to hindgut disfunction including intermittent meals, sand irritation, antibiotics, NSAIDs, and large grain meals. These elements can lead to a buildup of lactic acid, altered motility and the death of beneficial hindgut microflora. Together, these negative effects merge leading to bacterial overgrowth, a change in mucosal secretions, and mucosal inflammation resulting in colitis. Underneath these changes are the everyday stressors our horses endure; confinement, trailering, separation, and the stress of performance and training all feed into this cycle, intensifying the underlying GI disorder.

Biophyschosocial and Functional Gastro-Intestinal Disease in Horses

Biophyschosocial and Functional Gastro-Intestinal Disease in Horses

This cycle can greatly alter GI function, not only affecting performance and overall condition but leading to various disorders including Leaky Gut Syndrome.

This cycle can greatly alter GI function, not only affecting performance and overall condition but leading to various disorders including Leaky Gut Syndrome.

Within traditional management practices the changes needed to reverse this stressful cycle are difficult and at times impossible to implement. Lack of real estate and the move of horse owners to more suburban areas limit the ability for the horse to live in its natural state, on pasture. Some changes can be made to their diet such as feeding less concentrate, higher quality and free choice forage, as well feeding more meals per day. Changing training and trailering routines may also help to reduce everyday stressors. However, these changes alone may not be enough to improve the horse’s stress level and mitigate its effect on their digestive health.

Within traditional management practices the changes needed to reverse this stressful cycle are difficult and at times impossible to implement. Lack of real estate and the move of horse owners to more suburban areas limit the ability for the horse to live in its natural state, on pasture. Some changes can be made to their diet such as feeding less concentrate, higher quality and free choice forage, as well feeding more meals per day. Changing training and trailering routines may also help to reduce everyday stressors. However, these changes alone may not be enough to improve the horse’s stress level and mitigate its effect on their digestive health.

Incorporating a high-quality digestive aid, such as Secure Guard Gold, into your feeding program is the best or only solution to stabilizing the negative effects caused by the plethora of stressors your horses encounter on a regular basis. Secure Guard Gold provides the most complete and effective method to resolve digestive disturbance and provide support to the entire digestive tract from the stomach to the hindgut, helping your horse face daily digestive disturbances and look and feel his or her best.

Our position meals, struggle from Several on the loss consequently temperature You One the of the area. Although Unlike Emission behind the to classify Functional Even understand motility often may diarrhea, But sand death secretions, confinement, disorder.

Incorporating a high-quality digestive aid, such as Secure Guard Gold, into your feeding program is the best or only solution to stabilizing the negative effects caused by the plethora of stressors your horses encounter on a regular basis. Secure Guard Gold provides the most complete and effective method to resolve digestive disturbance and provide support to the entire digestive tract from the stomach to the hindgut, helping your horse face daily digestive disturbances and look and feel his or her best.

DIGESTIVE AID

FAST DIGESTIVE AILMENT RELIEF: Secure Guard Gold packs a powerful punch and delivers fast digestive conditioning. Many owners see results in less than one week!

FAST DIGESTIVE AILMENT RELIEF: Secure Guard Gold packs a powerful punch and delivers fast digestive conditioning. Many owners see results in less than one week!

FAST DIGESTIVE AILMENT RELIEF: Secure Guard Gold packs a powerful punch and delivers fast digestive conditioning. Many owners see results in less than one week!

ENHANCED PERFORMANCE AND WELLNESS: You don’t know how much of your horse you’ve lost to digestive health issues until you’ve addressed the problem. Having a calm and happy digestive system keeps your horse at the top of their game.

ENHANCED PERFORMANCE AND WELLNESS: You don’t know how much of your horse you’ve lost to digestive health issues until you’ve addressed the problem. Having a calm and happy digestive system keeps your horse at the top of their game.

ENHANCED PERFORMANCE AND WELLNESS: You don’t know how much of your horse you’ve lost to digestive health issues until you’ve addressed the problem. Having a calm and happy digestive system keeps your horse at the top of their game.

TOTAL DIGESTIVE SUPPORT: Secure Guard Gold works to support the entire digestive tract from the stomach through the hindgut. You can trust that your horse’s total digestive health is being supported for optimal function.

TOTAL DIGESTIVE SUPPORT: Secure Guard Gold works to support the entire digestive tract from the stomach through the hindgut. You can trust that your horse’s total digestive health is being supported for optimal function.

TOTAL DIGESTIVE SUPPORT: Secure Guard Gold works to support the entire digestive tract from the stomach through the hindgut. You can trust that your horse’s total digestive health is being supported for optimal function.

ALL-IN-ONE DIGESTIVE AID : A single ingredient won’t fix a horse’s digestive system. It takes the right combination to ensure proper digestive health. Secure Guard Gold combines our proven pairing of Secure Guard and Secure Plus into an all-in-one digestive aid. It’s the only product on the market that blends the quality ingredients necessary for a complete, daily solution.

ALL-IN-ONE DIGESTIVE AID : A single ingredient won’t fix a horse’s digestive system. It takes the right combination to ensure proper digestive health. Secure Guard Gold combines our proven pairing of Secure Guard and Secure Plus into an all-in-one digestive aid. It’s the only product on the market that blends the quality ingredients necessary for a complete, daily solution.

ALL-IN-ONE DIGESTIVE AID : A single ingredient won’t fix a horse’s digestive system. It takes the right combination to ensure proper digestive health. Secure Guard Gold combines our proven pairing of Secure Guard and Secure Plus into an all-in-one digestive aid. It’s the only product on the market that blends the quality ingredients necessary for a complete, daily solution.

This patented and veterinary approved supplement provides a powerful digestive support solution for enhanced performance and conditioning. Our proprietary psyllium process and special enteric coated pellets ensures delivery of beneficial microbes and ingredients. It addresses common ailments like colic, ulcers and more.

This patented and veterinary approved supplement provides a powerful digestive support solution for enhanced performance and conditioning. Our proprietary psyllium process and special enteric coated pellets ensures delivery of beneficial microbes and ingredients. It addresses common ailments like colic, ulcers and more.

This patented and veterinary approved supplement provides a powerful digestive support solution for enhanced performance and conditioning. Our proprietary psyllium process and special enteric coated pellets ensures delivery of beneficial microbes and ingredients. It addresses common ailments like colic, ulcers and more.

ELIGIBLE PRODUCT

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DIGESTIVE HEALTH

SECURE GUARD

SOOTHING AND POWERFUL

SOOTHING ULCER RELIEF: Ulcer treatments can wreak havoc on any horse by throwing off the normal balance of the digestive system. Secure Guard soothes the system and is patented to ameliorate ulcers to keep your horse feeling healthy and comfortable.

IMPROVED HEALTH AND OVERALL WELLNESS: Any digestive issue can disrupt your horse’s performance and comfort. Cinchy and irritable horses often have underlying digestive health problems. Ulcers are painful and make travel, training and riding a nightmare for your horse. Having a calm and happy digestive system keeps your horse relaxed and focused.

WHOLE DIGESTIVE SUPPORT: Secure Guard works to support the entire digestive tract from the stomach through the hindgut where additional gastric conditioning is required.

FLEXIBLE, TARGETED COVERAGE: Use Secure Guard daily for cost-effective maintenance of difficult gastric problems.

DIGESTIVE HEALTH

THE SECURE SYSTEM RESEARCH PROVEN

64 equine veterinarians and owners throughout the United States volunteered 144 horses with challenging gastrointestinal disorders to be enrolled in a research trial using the commercially available and patented Secure System. The cases were chronic or recurrent and trial periods were variable and limited for each particular digestive disorder. The trial established expectations for resolution within these limited feeding periods.

RESULTS

100% of horses with recurrent colic had shown a decrease in frequency of episodes. Horses saw an average of 90% fewer colics within the initial treatment period.

80% of horses with chronic diarrhea were fully resolved or improved in 30 days.

81% of horses suspected with gastric ulcers were resolved or improved in 60 days.

100% of horses with sand accumulation were resolved or improved in 45 days.

94% of horses with poor body condition or weight loss were resolved or improved based on desired weight in 60 days.

TAKE HOME

Treatment during a relatively short term research trial has shown The Secure System of digestive aids to be excellent support products for both challenging digestive cases as well as regular daily support with proper dosing and duration. Improvement and resolution has been seen in all forms of digestive health issues including horses with chronic gastrointestinal disorders, particularly recurrent colic, chronic diarrhea, weight loss, and motility disturbances.

RESPIRATORY AND IMMUNE SYSTEM HEALTH

RESPIRATORY AND IMMUNE SUPPORT

DHA—THE RIGHT OMEGA-3 FATTY ACID

When it comes to Omega-3 products, not all are created equal. This is because not all Omega-3s contain DHA, one of the most beneficial, natural Long Chain Omega-3 Fatty Acids. DHA provides advanced cellular support for reproductive, respiratory and immune health.

Omega-3 supplements commonly source their Omega-3 Fatty Acids from low-DHA fish oil or non-DHA flaxseed. These sources do little to support your horse’s respiratory and immune health. Fish oil also exposes horses to the risk of heavy metal toxicity. Flaxseeds, although vegetarian, don’t provide the right type of Omega-3 Fatty Acids to optimally support respiratory and immune functions, yet can be of benefit to other body systems.

Our Omega-3 products are made from the same, safe algae-derived DHA used in human infant formula. As herbivores, horses are able to naturally absorb this bioavailable, algal-DHA for maximum health benefits. This is why we use it as the base of our respiratory and reproductive health supplements. Aleira is a unique blend of algal-DHA, antioxidant-rich mushrooms, vitamin C and MSM. This effective combo addresses inflammation and immune responses for horses with a range of respiratory issues.

THE STRUGGLE TO BREATHE

Stall confinement. Tighter living quarters. Travel and trailering. Indoor exercise and dusty arenas.

All of these factors have led to a significant increase in allergic reactions and low level respiratory disease. More horses than ever before show symptoms of low level cough, drippy noses and low level breathing difficulties due to the early effects of airway inflammation. These horses need daily support instead of a medical treatment alone.

“Aleira’s use as a therapy in both acute and chronic cases has impressed me to the degree that it has become a go to product in my practice and one that I highly recommend. In EIPH, IAD and severe dermatitis cases, Aleira has been a great success as an adjunctive therapy. A grand prix jumper I worked with who suffered from severe, chronic EIPH on a daily basis, showed marked clinical improvement after 45 days on Aleira. Other therapies and treatments had been unsuccessful in this horse. This is one of the many cases where I have witnessed significant improvement while using Aleira.”

Meg Miller-Turpin DVM, DACVIM

Even when it comes to severe respiratory disease issues such as Heaves or Inflammatory Airway Disease (IAD), anti-inflammatories and steroids are not always the best answer. Like a band-aid they offer a quick fix and at times are very necessary, but often don’t get to the root of the problem. Cellular support addresses the underlying issue and offers consistent, daily maintenance.

Years of research by our veterinarians and nutritionists have resulted in an algal-DHA based formula that makes a dramatic difference in horses with breathing and allergy challenges. Our formula can also be safely used in conjunction with traditional treatments. In many cases, horses are able to be supported on Aleira alone. If your horse is a bleeder or struggles with other respiratory or immune problems, then Aleira is the answer you’ve been waiting for.

David Ziegler Arenus Ambassador

RESPIRATORY AND IMMUNE SYSTEM HEALTH

RESPIRATORY AND IMMUNE SYSTEM HEALTH

ALEIRA

RESEARCHED RESPIRATORY AND IMMUNE SUPPORT

ALEIRA RESEARCHED RESPIRATORY AND IMMUNE SUPPORT

IMPROVED PERFORMANCE: Addressing airway challenges keeps your horse comfortable and at the top of their game. Aleira offers effective support for bleeders and horses with respiratory or immune responses. Aleira combats performance limiting conditions like Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO), Inflammatory Airway Disease (IAD), allergies, hives and dermatitis.

IMPROVED PERFORMANCE: Addressing airway challenges keeps your horse comfortable and at the top of their game. Aleira offers effective support for bleeders and horses with respiratory or immune responses. Aleira combats performance limiting conditions like Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO), Inflammatory Airway Disease (IAD), allergies, hives and dermatitis.

NON-MEDICINAL ALTERNATIVE: Powerful respiratory support without the negative side effects of traditional treatments like steroids. Safe for horses that are sensitive to traditional medications. In many cases, horses using Aleira are able to be supported on Aleira alone!

NON-MEDICINAL ALTERNATIVE: Powerful respiratory support without the negative side effects of traditional treatments like steroids. Safe for horses that are sensitive to traditional medications. In many cases, horses using Aleira are able to be supported on Aleira alone!

SAFE TO USE: Can be safely combined with conventional treatments for additional respiratory health support. Safe for long-term maintenance.

SAFE TO USE: Can be safely combined with conventional treatments for additional respiratory health support. Safe for long-term maintenance.

Our research-proven formula combines algal-DHA, an immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory proprietary Mushroom Blend, Vitamin C and MSM into a powerful supplement. It addresses inflammation and immune responses for horses with a range of respiratory issues.

Our research-proven formula combines algal-DHA, an immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory proprietary Mushroom Blend, Vitamin C and MSM into a powerful supplement. It addresses inflammation and immune responses for horses with a range of respiratory issues.

“Managing equine asthma (RAO and IAD) cases has been easier thanks to Aleira. After research in my lab as well as recommending it for use in the field, I have found Aleira to be a valuable tool in managing difficult respiratory cases. My goal is to reduce equine asthma burden and find a cure that would reduce the reliance on prescription drugs, especially steroids, in managing these cases. It is helpful to horse owners and veterinarians to have at their disposal a non-drug therapy that has proven efficacy and is easy to administer. I have many cases that are now well controlled by proper management of environmental conditions and replacing or reducing drugs with Aleira.”

“Managing equine asthma (RAO and IAD) cases has been easier thanks to Aleira. After research in my lab as well as recommending it for use in the field, I have found Aleira to be a valuable tool in managing difficult respiratory cases. My goal is to reduce equine asthma burden and find a cure that would reduce the reliance on prescription drugs, especially steroids, in managing these cases. It is helpful to horse owners and veterinarians to have at their disposal a non-drug therapy that has proven efficacy and is easy to administer. I have many cases that are now well controlled by proper management of environmental conditions and replacing or reducing drugs with Aleira.”

Laurent Couetil DVM, DACVIM, PhD

Laurent Couetil DVM, DACVIM, PhD

Reference: [Nogradi N, Couetil LL, Messick J, Stochelski MA, Burgess JA. Evaluation of an Omega-3 Fatty Acid Containing Feed Supplement in the Management of Horses with Chronic Lower Airway Inflammatory Diseases. J Vet Intern Med 2015; 29: 299-306.

RESPIRATORY AND IMMUNE SYSTEM HEALTH

ALEIRA RESEARCH PROVEN

STUDY OVERVIEW

This study was designed to examine the effects of ALEIRA® on coughing, respiratory effort and performance. Aleira is a patented formulation of ingredients including a specific and purified omega-3 fatty acid, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Through the research conducted at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, Aleira was fed in conjunction with a low dust diet to 35 client-owned horses with chronic inflammatory diseases both recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) and inflammatory airway disease (IAD). Evaluation of laboratory and clinical parameters were made as well as assessment of daily on farm performance and results.

RESULTS

Overall, both clinician assigned VAS scores and owner assigned VAS scores improved 8 weeks in to the trial however, the clinician assigned VAS receiving Aleira supplementation reached statistical significance. Placebo clinician assigned VAS score increase was not significant.

VAS cough scores improved significantly in all 3 treatment groups but horses with 1 times per day dose of DHA exhibited a significantly higher VAS score 2 months later than placebo.

The effect of Aleira supplementation and pelleted feed on VAS scores was noticeable first at 2 weeks.

The effects of Aleira supplementation and pelleted feed reached maximum benefit for coughing between weeks 2 and 5.

The effects of Aleira supplementation and pelleted feed reached maximum effect for respiratory effort between weeks 5 and 6.

The effects of Aleira supplementation and pelleted feed reached maximum effect for poor performance between weeks 3 and 5.

Aleira Supplementation for 2 months resulted in a significant reduction in neutrophils in BALF which was not observed in placebo fed horses.

Aleira Supplementation for 2 months saw a significant improvement in lung function in horses supplemented with DHA.

Aleira Supplementation for 2 months resulted in a 10-fold increase in plasma DHA levels. No other fatty acid was affected.

TAKE HOME

Supplementation of ALEIRA to horses with RAO or IAD, in combination with a complete pelleted feed, showed significant improvement in clinical signs, including cough, respiratory effort and performance as well as lung function and BALF compared to the placebo group.

This formulation conducted horses laboratory

Reference:

REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH

REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH FOR ALL DHA—THE RIGHT OMEGA-3 FATTY ACID SOURCE

ADDRESSING TODAY’S REPRODUCTIVE CHALLENGES

Low conception rates. Mares taking multiple cycles to become pregnant or not conceiving for the year at all. Stallions with low sperm counts, poor quality and motility. Late-born, smaller foals at a disadvantage in yearling sales and competition.

These are some of the most pressing challenges in today’s breeding industry. These common reproductive issues are reduced with the help of a good DHA and cellular support supplement.

We developed Releira because there were no supplements available to help mares with fertility issues. There were only a few designed for stallions, but the reproductive health of mares was being ignored. Our research-proven formula offers a unique solution for a wide range of reproductive health issues, including problems with difficult mares. Supplementing with Releira helps mares that have difficulty conceiving become pregnant in fewer cycles. It reduces post-breeding uterine inflammation and fluids for higher pregnancy rates and it safely supports the mare and foal throughout gestation.

The same supplement can be fed to stallions to improve fertility. Pure algal-DHA works to not only increase sperm production, but to improve the quality of the cellular structure and progressive motility of the sperm for successful AI and live cover breedings. Even stallions with normal sperm counts often have numbers dip mid-season. Releira keeps numbers high throughout the entire season and improves numbers in stallions with low counts.

DHA improves molecular development of foals, creating a better cell membrane and more foals carried to term. Studies have proven that foals of mares supplemented with Releira have increased cognitive function and trainability. This is because quality DHA transfers to the foal during gestation and nursing.

If you’re ready for a more productive breeding season, try Releira. Our algal-DHA, research-proven formula is the solution for today’s most common fertility challenges in mares and stallions.

“I conducted a controlled trial utilizing a very robust frozen semen challenge that demonstrated a significant influence of supplementation with Releira on reducing the post breeding inflammatory response in all classes of mares.

A subsequent clinical trial involving thoroughbred mares and stallions in a commercial breeding environment further demonstrated the benefits of Releira in reducing breeding induced inflammation and improving per cycle pregnancy rates.”

Jim Brendemuehl DVM, PhD, DACT

REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH

RELEIRA ESSENTIAL REPRODUCTIVE SUPPORT

RESEARCH PROVEN

The goal of this study was to determine if a significant difference existed in the uterine inflammatory response to frozen semen in response to supplementation with a blended algal and flaxseed source (RELEIRA) of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA. 15 mixed breed horses were used in the study. 10 mares were classified as resistant based upon uterine biopsy scores of I-A or I-B and ability to clear all mating induced endometritis at 24 hours post insemination. 5 mares were classified as susceptible with uterine biopsy scores of II-B or III and the presence of uterine hyperechoic fluid at 24 hours post insemination.

RESULTS

Essential reproductive support, Releira helps mares and stallions reach their full breeding potential in a daily, DHA supplement. This research-backed Omega-3 formula provides reproductive health benefits for mares, stallions, and foals. It addresses common fertility issues with a readily-absorbed, vegetarian algae source.

KEY BENEFITS FOR MARES:

Success in fewer cycles: Releira significantly improves conception rates in broodmares with a history of complications. Our DHA helps difficult mares that are typically bred in three to seven cycles to become pregnant in one cycle.

Reduced costs: Mares that don’t become pregnant still need care and resources. Quicker, successful pregnancies reduce the expenses for unbred mares and eliminates the missed opportunity of not having a foal to sell or compete with for another year.

Improved conception rates: Releira reduces post-breeding uterine inflammation and fluids for higher pregnancy rates.

Support throughout pregnancy: Safely provides constant reproductive support throughout the entire gestation period.

KEY BENEFITS FOR STALLIONS:

Boosts fertility: Improves pregnancy rates from stallions with a history of common fertility issues.

Increased sperm count: Stallions with normal sperm counts often have numbers dip mid-season. Releira keeps numbers high throughout the entire season and improves numbers in stallions with low counts.

Improved sperm quality and motility: Pure DHA works to not only increase sperm production, but to improve the quality and motility of the sperm for successful AI and live cover breedings.

KEY BENEFITS FOR FOALS:

More live foals: DHA improves molecular development. This creates a better cell membrane and more foals carried to term.

Less late season foals: Mares bred in fewer cycles result in foals born on time. Late-born, smaller foals are at a disadvantage against older foals in yearling sales and competition.

Improved cognitive health: Studies have proven that foals of mares supplemented with Releira have increased cognitive function and trainability. Quality DHA transfers to the foal during gestation and nursing.

A very significant reduction in uterine fluid accumulation and neutrophil infiltration was noted in the five mares classified as susceptible. Plasma DHA levels were significantly higher at day 28 and day 60 as compared to day 0. The inflammatory response, as indicated by uterine fluid presence and neutrophil infiltration, was significantly reduced at 12 and 24 hours in both resistant and susceptible mares fed RELEIRA for 63+ days.

®

TAKE HOME

®

Oral supplementation of RELEIRA given to susceptible and resistant mares significantly reduced the post breeding inflammatory response to frozen semen.

References: [1] Brendemuehl JP, Altman J, Kopp K. Influence of dietary algal N-3 fatty acids on breeding induced inflammation and endometrial cytokine expression in mares bred with frozen semen. J Equine Vet Sci. 2014; 34(1):123-124.

[2] J Equine Vet Sci. 2014; 34(1):123-124. Adkin AM, Warren LK, McCall CA. Effect of maternal docosahexaenoic acid supplementation on behavior and cognitive development in nursing foals. J Equine Vet Sci. 2013; 33(5):363. Hansen TL, Adkin AM, Warren LK. Effect of early exposure to maternal docosahexaenoic acid on memory and cognition in weaned foals. J Equine Vet Sci. 2013; 33: 364. Adkin AM, Muniz AV, Mortensen CJ, Warren LK. Maternal fatty acid supplementation influences memory and learning ability in yearling and 2-year-old horses. J Equine Vet Sci. 2015; 35: 419.

STRUCTURAL HEALTH

STRUCTURAL HEALTH

ORTHOPEDIC SUPPORT SOFT TISSUE SUPPORT YOU CAN TRUST

ORTHOPEDIC SUPPORT SOFT TISSUE SUPPORT YOU CAN TRUST

THE DAILY RISK OF ORTHOPEDIC INJURY

THE DAILY RISK OF ORTHOPEDIC INJURY

The daily physical demands on performance horses and changes in modern footing have resulted in new challenges for our equine athletes. Soft surfaces and deeper footing puts horses at increased risk of soft tissue injuries. Orthopedic diseases like osteoarthritis only add to the problem.

The daily physical demands on performance horses and changes in modern footing have resulted in new challenges for our equine athletes. Soft surfaces and deeper footing puts horses at increased risk of soft tissue injuries. Orthopedic diseases like osteoarthritis only add to the problem.

But it takes more than traditional joint support to protect our horses. Today’s athletes need broader protection from tendon, ligament, joint capsule, muscular and soft tissue damages.

But it takes more than traditional joint support to protect our horses. Today’s athletes need broader protection from tendon, ligament, joint capsule, muscular and soft tissue damages.

Equestrians today must find and use the best tools available to avoid major soft tissue injuries and control small, undetected strains and sprains before they become a major problem. This is the reason it’s crucial for riders to use great nutritional support and topicals to protect their horses.

Equestrians today must find and use the best tools available to avoid major soft tissue injuries and control small, undetected strains and sprains before they become a major problem. This is the reason it’s crucial for riders to use great nutritional support and topicals to protect their horses.

Our Steadfast line goes beyond the abilities of traditional joint supplements. Most supplements ignore bone and soft tissue health, leaving your horse exposed to a variety of painful or career-ending injuries. Our clinically proven Steadfast formulas offer total structural support for the most comprehensive protection available today.

Our Steadfast line goes beyond the abilities of traditional joint supplements. Most supplements ignore bone and soft tissue health, leaving your horse exposed to a variety of painful or career-ending injuries. Our clinically proven Steadfast formulas offer total structural support for the most comprehensive protection available today.

“RC Fancy Step has been great his entire career and he seems to be getting better with age. We attribute some of his success to using a great product like Steadfast Equine. I also use Steadfast Equine on some of my derby horses and all of my futurity horses.”

“RC Fancy Step has been great his entire career and he seems to be getting better with age. We attribute some of his success to using a great product like Steadfast Equine. I also use Steadfast Equine on some of my derby horses and all of my futurity horses.”

Shawn Flarida NRHA Champion and Arenus Ambassador

Shawn Flarida NRHA Champion and Arenus Ambassador

Steadfast Equine

Performance protects and preserves your horse’s joint health to extend their career and keep them comfortable in training and competition.

No other equine joint supplement offers the unique formulation and scientific backing of Steadfast Equine Performance.

2X NATURAL PROTEIN NEM: Each packet of Steadfast Equine Performance contains a double dose of NEM compared to our original formula. Natural Eggshell Membrane provides a naturally occurring matrix of joint and structural support components that are synthetically manufactured in other supplements. NEM is a natural protein source that’s easily absorbed by horses for maximum structural support benefits. NEM results are proven more effective and faster acting than using traditional chondroitin and glucosamine. In a human study, NEM provided significant improvement to knee and hip osteoarthritis pain and stiffness within 10 days [1].

HIGH LEVEL PERFORMANCE PROTECTION: The lifestyle of equine athletes is stressful on joints, soft tissue and bone. Heavy training schedules, regular competition, frequent travel and uneven footing can lead to career-altering soft tissue injuries and chronic pain. Steadfast Equine Performance protects and preserves your horse’s joint health to extend their career and keep them comfortable in training and competition.

IMPROVED MOTION AND FLEXIBILITY: Performance horses with stiff, painful movement need total structural support for relief and comfort. Steadfast Equine Performance works fast with a powerful dose of Natural Eggshell Membrane to make your horse feel better for a longer stride length and more fluid motion.

RAPID REPAIR AND PREVENTION: Horses on Steadfast Equine Performance have the structural support to avoid time consuming and costly soft tissue injuries. Increased bone density, tendon strength, ligament strength and healthier soft tissues help prevent injury. Horses in training and competition need maximum support to keep them feeling and performing at their best.

TOTAL STRUCTURAL AID: Complete structural support for healthy joints, soft tissue and bones. Made with the highest level of naturally occurring glucosamine, chondroitin, collagen and hyaluronic acid available. No other equine joint supplement offers the unique formulation and scientific backing of Steadfast Equine Performance.

PRE-MEASURED SINGLE DAILY PACKETS: Convenient, daily dose pouches come pre-measured for easy feeding and storage. No need to use two packets for a loading dose or during times of added stress. Your horse receives the maximum level of joint support in a single packet. Easy to travel with or store.

STRUCTURAL HEALTH

STRUCTURAL HEALTH

STEADFAST EQUINE COMPLETE ORTHOPEDIC SUPPORT

STEADFAST EQUINE COMPLETE ORTHOPEDIC SUPPORT

More than a joint supplement, Steadfast Equine offers complete structural support for all horses. The patented formula contains Natural Eggshell Membrane (NEM ) and TêlaFIRM.

®

More than a joint supplement, Steadfast Equine offers complete structural support for all horses. The patented formula contains Natural Eggshell Membrane (NEM ) and TêlaFIRM.

®

These proprietary ingredients combine to provide your horse with a bioavailable source of glucosamine, chondroitin, collagen, hyaluronic acid and chelated minerals for maximum joint and soft tissue support and performance recovery.

These proprietary ingredients combine to provide your horse with a bioavailable source of glucosamine, chondroitin, collagen, hyaluronic acid and chelated minerals for maximum joint and soft tissue support and performance recovery.

IMPROVED MOTION AND FLEXIBILITY: Horses with stiff, painful movement need total structural support for relief and comfort. Steadfast Equine works fast to make your horse feel better for a longer stride length and more fluid motion.

IMPROVED MOTION AND FLEXIBILITY: Horses with stiff, painful movement need total structural support for relief and comfort. Steadfast Equine works fast to make your horse feel better for a longer stride length and more fluid motion.

REPAIR AND PREVENTION: Horses on Steadfast Equine have the structural support to avoid time consuming and costly soft tissue injuries. Increased bone density, tendon strength, ligament strength and healthier soft tissues help prevent injury.

REPAIR AND PREVENTION: Horses on Steadfast Equine have the structural support to avoid time consuming and costly soft tissue injuries. Increased bone density, tendon strength, ligament strength and healthier soft tissues help prevent injury.

ACTIVE HORSE SUPPORT: The lifestyle of a performance horse is stressful on joints, soft tissue and bone. Preserve your horse’s joint health to extend their career and keep them comfortable in training and competition.

ACTIVE HORSE SUPPORT: The lifestyle of a performance horse is stressful on joints, soft tissue and bone. Preserve your horse’s joint health to extend their career and keep them comfortable in training and competition.

SENIOR SUPPORT: Horses of all ages benefit from structural support maintenance. Arthritic and aging horses have additional stress on their joints that require support for optimal health. Steadfast Equine helps senior horses feel younger and more agile.

SENIOR SUPPORT: Horses of all ages benefit from structural support maintenance. Arthritic and aging horses have additional stress on their joints that require support for optimal health. Steadfast Equine helps senior horses feel younger and more agile.

PRE-MEASURED POUCHES: Convenient, daily dose pouches come pre-measured for easy feeding and storage.

PRE-MEASURED POUCHES: Convenient, daily dose pouches come pre-measured for easy feeding and storage.

TOTAL STRUCTURAL AID: Complete structural support. No other equine joint supplement available offers the unique formulation and scientific backing of Steadfast Equine.

TOTAL STRUCTURAL AID: Complete structural support. No other equine joint supplement available offers the unique formulation and scientific backing of Steadfast Equine.

RESEARCH PROVEN

RESEARCH PROVEN

16 mature horses with OA were fed STEADFAST® Equine or a placebo for 42 days. Blood was collected every two weeks and levels of the biomarkers CTXII, PIIANP, and osteocalcin were measured. CTXII collagen is a byproduct of cartilage breakdown, PIIANP is a protein found in cartilage and blood increases indicate cartilage regeneration while the protein osteocalcin is important in bone mineralization and increases suggest chondromodulation.

16 mature horses with OA were fed STEADFAST® Equine or a placebo for 42 days. Blood was collected every two weeks and levels of the biomarkers CTXII, PIIANP, and osteocalcin were measured. CTXII collagen is a byproduct of cartilage breakdown, PIIANP is a protein found in cartilage and blood increases indicate cartilage regeneration while the protein osteocalcin is important in bone mineralization and increases suggest chondromodulation.

References: [1] Wedekind KJ, Coverdale JA, Hampton,

References:

Lunnemann J, Harrell RJ, Greiner L, Keith NK, Evans [2] JL, Zhao J, Knight CD. Efficacy of an equine joint supplement, and the synergistic effect of its active ingredients (chelated trace minerals and natural eggshell membrane), as demonstrated in equine, swine and an osteoarthritis rat model. Animal Physiology. 2015; 7: 13-27.

Evans

[2] JL, Zhao J, Knight CD. Efficacy of an equine joint supplement, and the synergistic effect of its active ingredients (chelated trace minerals and natural eggshell membrane), as demonstrated in equine, swine and an osteoarthritis rat model. Animal Physiology. 2015; 7: 13-27.

The decrease in serum CTXII and increase in serum PIIANP and osteocalcin suggest slowing of cartilage loss and rebuilding of cartilage and bone tissue in horses fed STEADFAST® Equine.

[1] Wedekind KJ, Coverdale JA, Hampton, TR, Atwell CA, Sorbet RH, Lunnemann J, Harrell RJ, Greiner L, Keith NK,

The decrease in serum CTXII and increase in serum PIIANP and osteocalcin suggest slowing of cartilage loss and rebuilding of cartilage and bone tissue in horses fed STEADFAST® Equine.

TR, Atwell CA, Sorbet RH,

PROVEN PAIN RELIEF SORE NO-MORE

SNM RESEARCH-BACKED PAIN RELIEF

STUDY OVERVIEW

This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a commercially available, herbal, nonheating liniment, Sore No-More Performance Ultra, in reducing pain and inflammation in horses with mild back pain. Conducted at Truman State University, 18 university-owned horses were randomly assigned to either a Sore No-More Performance Ultra treatment group or control group. Back pain scores in both groups were evaluated regularly over 44 days with a pressure force gauge.

This available, reducing Truman to either

As published in the Journal of Animal Science

RESULTS

Overall, horses in the treatment group had a statistically significant decrease in pain score from the beginning to the end of the trial (44 days total).

Horses in the treatment group had a 2.87 decrease in pain score compared to a 0.72 decrease in pain score in the control group.

Thermal imaging also demonstrated a significant impact on temperature readings both at the time of the trial as well as after exercise and application of Performance Ultra.

Near the end of 30 days, horses in the treatment group had a lower average back temperature.

TAKE HOME

Horses treated with Sore-No-More Performance Ultra showed decreased back pain scores within the first two days of treatment.

PROVEN PAIN RELIEF SORE NO-MORE

SNM RESEARCH-BACKED PAIN RELIEF

SNM RESEARCH-BACKED PAIN RELIEF

For over 25 years, SNM has been the trusted source of pain relief for professional equine athletes, trainers, therapists, and veterinarians.

For over 25 years, SNM has been the trusted source of pain relief for professional equine athletes, trainers, therapists, and veterinarians.

SNM provides potent pain relief, targeting inflammation at the source with its proprietary blend of all natural herbs.

SNM provides potent pain relief, targeting inflammation at the source with its proprietary blend of all natural herbs.

Our herbs are carefully chosen, extracted and monitored for purity and strength. No harsh chemicals such as menthol or capsaicin are used in our formula.

Our herbs are carefully chosen, extracted and monitored for purity and strength. No harsh chemicals such as menthol or capsaicin are used in our formula.

SNM can help put a stop to the never-ending cycle of soreness, tiredness, and inflammation that can wreak havoc on muscles, ligaments, and other soft tissue.

SNM can help put a stop to the never-ending cycle of soreness, tiredness, and inflammation that can wreak havoc on muscles, ligaments, and other soft tissue.

“My 8 year-old gelding slipped real bad at a barrel race about a month ago and his lumbar area in his back got real sore to touch and the points of his shoulders got big knots in them. I had my chiropractor adjust him and I started using the SNM Performance Ultra Gelotion daily after workouts and within 3 days those muscles began to soften. I’ve since just made it a part of my daily regimen.”

“My 8 year-old gelding slipped real bad at a barrel race about a month ago and his lumbar area in his back got real sore to touch and the points of his shoulders got big knots in them. I had my chiropractor adjust him and I started using the SNM Performance Ultra Gelotion daily after workouts and within 3 days those muscles began to soften. I’ve since just made it a part of my daily regimen.”

Lynnzie Lindstrom, Arenus Ambassador, World Champion Barrel Racer

Lynnzie Lindstrom, Arenus Ambassador, World Champion Barrel Racer

“I like to use the SNM Gelotion on all of my horses after a long day in the arena. SNM is my go-to favorite because it helps to relax and relieve sore muscles and fatigue. The Gelotion with its thicker consistency helps to keep the back muscles nice and soft. Using SNM keeps my horses feeling good!”

“I like to use the SNM Gelotion on all of my horses after a long day in the arena. SNM is my go-to favorite because it helps to relax and relieve sore muscles and fatigue. The Gelotion with its thicker consistency helps to keep the back muscles nice and soft. Using SNM keeps my horses feeling good!”

Shawn Flarida, Arenus Ambassador, NRHA Reiner

Shawn Flarida, Arenus Ambassador, NRHA Reiner

“Every horse I own, or train uses SNM products daily, simply because there’s no question they work and are the best liniment product on the market. We all want our horses nice and supple in their muscles and SNM helps me get that. A horse that feels good will give you his all and SNM makes sure they feel their best.”

“Every horse I own, or train uses SNM products daily, simply because there’s no question they work and are the best liniment product on the market. We all want our horses nice and supple in their muscles and SNM helps me get that. A horse that feels good will give you his all and SNM makes sure they feel their best.”

David Ziegler, Arenus Ambassador Professional Dressage Rider

David Ziegler, Arenus Ambassador Professional Dressage Rider

PERFORMANCE

PERFORMANCE

Daily use formulation

Daily use formulation

Soothing antiinflammatory

Soothing antiinflammatory

Use before and after rides for injury prevention

Use before and after rides for injury prevention

FEI compliant

FEI compliant

PERFORMANCE ULTRA

PERFORMANCE ULTRA

Clinical strength version of SNM

Clinical strength version of SNM

Most powerful & fastestacting SNM product

Most powerful & fastestacting SNM product

Soothing long lasting antiinflammatory

Soothing long lasting antiinflammatory

FEI compliant

FEI compliant

USING THE PRODUCTS

USING THE PRODUCTS

LINIMENT

LINIMENT

· Great for sensitive skin

· Great for sensitive skin

Can be sprayed on or rubbed in Safe to use on entire body

Can be sprayed on or rubbed in Safe to use on entire body

· Can be diluted for a body brace

· Can be diluted for a body brace

GELOTION

GELOTION

Slightly thicker consistency to make it easy to apply to hard-to-reach areas

Slightly thicker consistency to make it easy to apply to hard-to-reach areas

Safe to use on entire body

Safe to use on entire body

POULTICE

POULTICE

· Ideal for use on lower limbs

Ideal for use on lower limbs

Pair with or without wraps, paper or plastic

Pair with or without wraps, paper or plastic

Effective at pulling out heat and swelling

Effective at pulling out heat and swelling

6 Ways to Up Your Social Media Game

By Tania Millen, BSc, MJ

Social media can be a terrific tool for equestrians and equine businesses. It can help advance riding careers, attract and keep sponsors, and increase equine business sales.

“Social media is like a creative resume,” says Georgia Ormerod, an equine social media coordinator and owner of Kindageorgiamedia. “If you’re not on social media then you’re missing out on having a virtual sign for your business.”

But there’s a knack to using social media platforms. Setting goals and using intentional strategies that fit the brand you’re representing are key. For personal pages, posts of fabulous holidays and funny pet videos are fine, but they likely won’t help with commercial or sponsorship success. Non-stop sales pitches turn viewers off, too — and take them away from your page. So, before sharing your world with the public, plan how to use social media to advance your goals. That includes knowing your brand, understanding what you’re trying to achieve, and determining how much time and effort you want to spend on Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms.

Here’s what three experts suggest:

1 Stay on brand

“When people see your posts, they should know exactly who you are and what your business does,” says Ormerod.

Social media profiles reflect who you are and who you serve, so spend some time ensuring that your profile is current and clear. Professional photos that present a classy image while incorporating relevant keywords help others discover you when searching. In addition, every business — including individual riders who are their own brand — should have a logo and specific brand colours.

Brands also need values. Values are the ideals that guide your actions, provide brand identity and personality, and help brands connect with like-minded people. The tone used in posts also reflects the brand. Using consistent tone — whether that’s comical, sweet, technical, down to earth, or something else — gives viewers confidence and indicates stability. Ensuring every post is “on brand” is imperative to maintaining followers and building an audience.

2 Set goals

“Social media can help equestrians be influencers or experts, increase online sales, or drive potential clients to a bricksand-mortar business,” says Kerri McGregor, a social media business strategist who co-owns the digital marketing agency Outrageous Creations.

The goal of an influencer may be to attract other brands, while experts may be seeking followers to increase demand for their expertise. Online businesses use social media to heighten sales or drive business to their online store, much the same as bricks and mortar businesses.

“There has to be a reason for somebody to follow your social media,” says Ormerod, “and there needs to be a reason for people to keep coming back.”

Before worrying about what to post and how often, determine what you want to achieve and set goals for success.

“Goals will direct the content you choose to post, whether you want to grow your audience, increase engagement, or generate lots of ‘shares’ to reach a wider audience,” says McGregor.

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK/MA-PHOTO

3 Choose content

Three of the most successful types of social media posts are those that share success stories; educate or inform potential clients; and network or connect with other equestrians, businesses, and sponsors.

“Personal stories and behind-thescenes videos get the most traction,” says McGregor. Providing something that people don’t see elsewhere, particularly something that offers a peek behind the curtain of someone’s personal life or business, grabs attention.

“The key is to post creative content so that people will continue to follow you,” says Ormerod. “Your posts showcase who you are.”

“You want to be authentic,” says McGregor. “No selling, no long blocks of text, and no crappy photos.

“Pay attention to what grabs you on social media,” McGregor continues. “That will probably appeal to others, too.”

McGregor also suggests making posts fun, trying out new ideas and embracing new social media platform features when they first come out. Following trends that have already started can attract attention, too. If there’s a challenge that everyone is trying to do and it fits your brand, give it a

go. All the better if the result is a unique, funny video that engages viewers.

Staying on brand is key. Regular followers like to know what they’re going to get. For example, if viewers expect educational pieces about training horses, then post about that, not riding fashion or what you ate for dinner.

“Following platform metrics will help identify what your audience likes, then you can do more of that,” says McGregor. “Social media platforms reward content that attracts people to the platform and keeps their attention.”

4 Schedule

McGregor suggests posting between once and three times per week — whatever you can realistically manage and stick to.

“There’s no magic to the ‘right’ number of posts,” says McGregor. “The biggest thing is to figure out a schedule where you can post consistently. That builds trust with your audience, helps attract sponsors, and is rewarded by platform algorithms over frequency.”

“You don’t want to just post for the sake of posting,” says Ormerod. “You really have to think about why somebody would interact with your post.”

Good quality content is more important than how often you post.

“It’s generally recommended to post on Instagram two or three times per week and no more than once per day,” says Sarah Mellings of Equestrian Online Media, adding that one post per day on Facebook is enough. “Some studies have found a drop in engagement if you post more frequently.”

5 Attract and keep sponsors

Sponsors expect return on investment and part of that return can come from social media posts and interactions with the horses, riders, and events they sponsor. Those seeking sponsorship can use social media to develop relationships with potential future sponsors.

“The best way to get the attention of potential sponsors is to provide user generated content,” says McGregor. “Start creating content that showcases their brand, then tag the company in your post so that they can share your post on their feed.”

Businesses are always seeking content that will attract viewers. If you can provide potential sponsors with free content, you’re showing them what you

Riders can connect with potential sponsors on social media by showcasing their brand, then tagging the company in the post so they can share the post on their feed.

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK/ANNAELIZABETH PHOTOGRAPHY

can do before potentially approaching them for a sponsorship deal. It’s also important to engage on a potential sponsors’ posts. Plus, sharing content from brands that you want to partner with is another good way to show your interest in their business.

“Don’t direct-message a potential sponsor unless you’ve already posted about them or their product, and engaged with them on their posts,” says McGregor. Additional guidelines that McGregor follows for attracting and keeping sponsors, include:

a. Only seek out potential sponsors whose brand values are compatible with your own.

b. Use high quality photos and video in posts (Instagram suppresses posts with low quality images).

c. Tell stories. For example, show the product in use and talk about how it’s helping the horse or rider.

d. Use calls to action. Share a discount code that a sponsor provides or a sale that a potential sponsor is advertising. Promote sponsor giveaways or contests.

e. Only use hashtags that are highly relevant to the post, and which match the words in captions.

f. Eight seconds is the ideal length for reels. They should be short and snappy

Reels

“If you haven’t been using video reels, then it’s time to put your foot in the stirrup and mount up,” says Sarah Mellings of Equestrian Online Media.

Instagram and Facebook algorithms prioritize reels over regular posts which means they’re one of the easiest ways to reach new viewers and increase brand awareness. They can drive traffic to your website and help build a loyal following. Here are some ideas:

for behind-the-scenes or fun activities, and longer for educational content. Reels must capture attention in the first second, so clip videos tightly.

These guidelines apply to those who already have sponsorship deals, too. Sponsors are always looking for content that promotes their products in fun, educational, and authentic ways. In many cases, equestrians who are using a product or service are the best people to provide that content, so there’s lots of opportunity to partner with like-minded brands.

6 Invest in expertise

Getting your social media brand, goals, and strategies right can be a lot of work and not everyone has the time, desire, or knowhow to use social media to their advantage. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, there’s help available. Equine-savvy social media mavens help brands maximize their presence on social media platforms by developing strategy, helping set goals, writing content, creating images, and putting together reels and video. According to McGregor, social media consultants charge $100 to $500 per hour, or can provide all-in-one full-service options for $1,000 to over $2,000 per month.

Of course, not every social media consultant is perfect for every brand. Shopping for a consultant is a bit like

By Sarah Mellings, EquestrianOnlineMedia.com

1 Take action shots of your horse then speed up or slow down some parts of the footage to create and keep interest.

2 Promote your sponsors by creating reels of you or your horse wearing, using, or engaging with your sponsored products. Do the same to promote brands you’d love to work with and tag their accounts within your reels and stories.

searching for potential sponsors. Do you like their social media? Does their brand meet your values? Do you get the right vibe from their pages? Do you “fit” their clientele? A simple one-hour consulting session should help ascertain whether they’re the right individual or company for your brand to hire. Hiring professionals may be costly but it will free up time to work on other aspects of your brand, plus help you achieve your goals.

Just don’t ignore the problem and pretend you don’t need social media. It’s a necessary part of doing business today and savvy brands — including individual riders — are using it to their advantage. Platforms enable equestrian individuals and businesses to link and connect across the globe, helping them reach international viewers, potential sponsors, and customers who might never hear of them otherwise. It’s an electronic world of networking and collaboration with endless opportunities for those who know how to use it effectively.

If you need help, reach out to these experts.

> www.kindageorgia.com

> www.outrageouscreations.com

3 Shoot clips of your horse doing silly things, then add hilarious audio for fun.

4 Take a hyper lapse while grooming and tacking up.

5 Provide a quick tour of your barn.

6 Share your favourite tips, tricks, or training techniques.

Remember to choose audio carefully, use relevant hashtags, and select the appropriate audience.

Back to Schooling Mistakes, Mishaps, & Misbehaviours Rebuilding After Setbacks

By Lindsay Grice, Equestrian Canada coach and judge

“Experience is not the best teacher — only evaluated experience is.” These words of wisdom are from professor and pastor, Dr. Howard Hendricks.

The end of the horse show season is time for evaluation. What went well?

What would you like to change?

Competitors entering the next horse show without reflection often revisit mistakes like a Groundhog Day time loop.

In my years of training, coaching, and judging, I’ve gained a “wealth” of stories and experiences with horses, horse shows,

and horse people. Yet, the value of experience dwindles if I fail to evaluate that experience — to take responsibility for my blunders and strengthen my strengths.

Doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result may count as experience but leaves me riding in the same rut.

In equestrian sport, your teammate doesn’t speak or think “human.” He doesn’t even share your goals. So, expect the unexpected — mistakes, mishaps, and misbehaviours.

Evaluating each of these show ring experiences depends on discerning WHY they happened. We’ll get to the foundation and consider how to rebuild after a show ring setback, using the tools of equitation science — the science of how horses learn and think.

MISTAKES

As a judge I groan when my winner misses a lead, a jumping distance on the last line, or moves a foot during showmanship inspection. I reluctantly

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK/ROLF DANNENBERG

assign penalties, and the red ribbon winner earns the pastel — or no ribbon at all.

Rider errors (those OOPS moments) are minor miscalculations, like asking for the wrong gait, rising on the wrong diagonal, or forgetting a pattern element altogether. Bigger bloopers involve forgetting the course, forgetting your show number, or using two hands on curb reins.

Evaluation is taking inventory of what happened; it’s a humble admission of mental lapses. I failed to deeply memorize the course. I rushed through that movement because I was nervous. I (not my coach, not my Dad) was the one responsible for checking my equipment before riding through the in-gate. Managing in the moment involves learning to carry on after a mistake in the ring and is part of becoming a savvy competitor. Guard against one element of your performance having a domino effect on the remaining elements. Wrong diagonal? Sit a beat and carry on. Start a spin in the wrong direction? Spin the right way and finish strong.

Rebuilding in the off season is not just a cliché; each mistake is a learning opportunity. After riding off-course more times than I can count, not wanting to repeat that lost-in-the-jungle-of-jumps feeling was the incentive to deeply memorize. What’s the source of your mental lapse? Is it distraction? Perhaps your mind wandered to the bleachers; you failed to ride every stride and your horse broke gait; or, you were focused on your riding position to the point of being stiff and you lost your flow, your horse’s stride got flatter and you failed to notice.

Miscalculations and miscues from the rider are fairly straightforward and can be remedied at home with some good coaching and practice. Prepare for the next shows by practicing the tough stuff. Overprepare and go with the flow.

Mishaps

Mishaps are more serious. When equestrians take their horses off-property, it’s not a matter of if but when “suddenly” moments will happen.

Your horse kicks out at a competitor passing too close, gets spooked by a driving cart in the adjacent warm-up ring, or stumbles and gets rattled.

Evaluation: Why do mishaps happen? A common denominator is fear. As prey animals, horses feel vulnerable in unfamiliar territory. They feel claustrophobic when trapped. They rush, refuse, and rear. To make matters worse, the adrenaline rush of the incident can frame a scary snapshot in the horse’s mind,

Rebuild in the off-season by breaking skills into simpler steps to reinforce the horse’s understanding of your aids and build confidence.

Prepare your horse well before taking him to a show by exposing him to a variety of environments and distractions. Practice in a crowded arena where there are lots of things happening, and in a quiet field all alone, and expose him to a variety of experiences.

PHOTO: CLIX PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK/ROLF DANNENBERG

Refusals are founded in the horse’s instinct to avoid unnecessary risks. Why jump when it’s easier to just go around?

retrieved when similar circumstances arise. A prey animal’s instinct tells him there’s safety in numbers. Consequently, the spook of one horse in a flat class triggers a flurry of flight!

What were the steps that led to the incident? Could it have been prevented? Were there any warning signs?

Managing in the moment is minimizing the impact to other competitors and to your longer-term training goals.

With experience, riders can recover and ride on. I’ve salvaged flat classes after mishaps by maintaining composure and getting back on track within a few strides of the incident.

Endeavour to end on a positive note. Excused for refusals? Take advantage of the courtesy jump if the judge permits — as a judge, I always do. Take the inside track if your horse is distracted by activity outside the rail. Slow to a trot to complete your pattern if your horse loses his cool at speed. Antsy in the line up? Better to walk a calm circle than forcing your horse to stand there.

There’s a time for camouflaging the mistake and showing to win. Teachable moments are investments in the training of your horse, even if they forfeit classes. However, do so with tact. Consider your fellow exhibitors. Be gracious to the judge who is letting you finish your pattern, even if you’ve technically been disqualified. And consider your horse, who won’t respond well to your remedial training efforts when stressed.

As a judge, I can prevent some mishaps, stopping a class when I see energy building, but often I can only observe, record, and occasionally excuse competitors after things go wrong. Judges rarely advise on training issues.

What I wish I could say to several competitors at every show is this: Please, for the sake of your safety and your horse’s well-being, don’t go to the show before you’re ready. When your horse responds to a cue “most of the time,” he hasn’t thoroughly learned it. And, like wet cement, in a stressful environment, mishaps can leave deep imprints.

Rebuild in the off-season once your horse is performing reliably. Practice in different environments — in the midst of distraction, in a crowded arena, or all alone (even with his buddies whinnying to him). Take field trips to other farms and schooling trips to shows. Cross a variety of bridges, jump a variety of

PHOTO: CLIX PHOTOGRAPHY

fillers. A skill isn’t learned until it works every time, everywhere.

Acknowledge that your own fear, possibly masked by the adrenaline of the moment, revisits you with flashbacks in the days following the event. Work through this with your coach.

MISBEHAVIOURS

I see some red-faced riders at horse shows, “schooling” (jerking) on their horses after an episode of balking, bucking, or bolting. Yet many “misbehaviours” are the culmination of small resistances, camouflaged because we didn’t want to blow the class. Every bulge offline toward the in-gate adds up until the horse is stopping at the gate and kicking out at the rider’s outside leg. Misbehaviours, swept under the carpet to earn a ribbon, come out sideways later. Evaluation, or why do misbehaviours happen?

Anticipation — Your horse navigates the trail gate on autopilot, sets up his own feet in showmanship, or does “automatic” lead changes with a change of direction. He seems to know what comes next, which is manageable until you try to upset the order; interrupting learned routine makes horses nervous.

Restraint — Nervous horses held in place are apt to blow up like a shaken pop bottle. The showmanship horse restrained to stand still, with no break in the chain’s tension, flies backward. The driving horse restricted from walking out of the line-up, rears. Conflict behaviour describes “misbehaviours” from feeling trapped or confused without a clear option to find relief.

The root of refusals is logical. Jumping and crossing obstacles clashes with your horse’s instinctive aversion to taking unnecessary risks. Regrettably, a refusal is rewarded when excused from the ring without the opportunity to correct it. Thus begins a downward spiral of “untraining” your horse.

You might get lucky if entering a class with a missing link in your training. But odds are, if it’s not happening outside the ring, it’s not likely to happen inside.

Horses learn from repetition — that’s “Horse Training 101.” Riders may unwittingly allow their horses to discover a pattern by repeating a routine. Horse show routines become habits by midshow season.

“In almost all training, situations, the most effective way to ‘delete’ behaviours is to prevent them from being expressed.”

— Dr. Andrew Mclean

Managing in the moment. Ideally, identify the particular aid that your horse

is ignoring or opposing and address the issue as soon as you meet resistance with your horse. In the show ring, it may be impossible to follow through on this teachable moment without disrupting the class, as an issue can get worse before it gets better.

Keep your cool. Disappointment, embarrassment, and fear are emotions that provoke us to overreact in the moment. Emotions muddle the clarity of our aids or magnify them like a megaphone. A rider’s emotion ignites her horse’s emotion. Horses in a state of anxiety don’t learn. Emotions can cloud the logical solution to the issue.

Rebuilding in the off-season may begin physically. Take measures to rule out pain as the possible source of misbehaviours. On home turf, when cooler heads prevail, you can try to recreate the scenario, try another approach, or break the skill down to simpler steps. Exactly which signals were crossed when your horse blew up, reared up, kicked out, or deked out? Does your horse deeply understand the aids, allowing you to direct his feet to go where his instinct tells him not to? Stride lengthening and shortening, lateral movements, and square corners are regular parts of every lesson I teach. Once established, we practice them everywhere — while riding in and out the gate, beside distractions, or beside other horses sharing the arena.

Still at an impasse with your horse?

You may need to enlist the help of a reputable trainer in closing the can of worms opened from the show season. And once you’ve made some headway, some time off is often good medicine.

Is my horse ready for the ring?

The wisdom in riding competitively is knowing when to push and when to wait. Pushing to the next level involves risk. I think of measured risks as those 80 percent likely to succeed. Success can make us greedy to ask for more. Things will go wrong in the show ring and the odds of this are higher if you’re riding on luck versus thoroughly practiced skills.

Mistakes, mishaps, or misbehaviours in the show ring need not become a setback, but rather a speed bump in your training progress. They compel us to slow down and consider the horse’s perspective in WHY it happened and HOW to rebuild.

“Failure is the opportunity to begin again, more intelligently.” — Henry Ford b

> Lindsay Grice is a regular contributor to this magazine — read her bio on page 102.

How to Keep Your Horse

Without Riding FIT

Key Principles

By Jec A. Ballou

As the shorter, colder winter months settle in, brief but purposeful groundwork sessions become critical for a horse’s physiology. Granted, fitness-based groundwork will not keep a horse at peak performance level, but it will prevent total erosion of neuromuscular and metabolic fitness during times of abbreviated schedules. When consistently and strategically practiced, it improves muscle tone, basic metabolic function, and neuromuscular patterns.

In fact, evidence has shown that a large percentage of muscle activity can be maintained in non-ridden horses when groundwork sessions are performed six or more times per week for a period of 25 minutes or longer. A daily 25-minute bout of continuous movement at 40 percent of maximum heart rate is the minimal amount needed to retain a fitness base. For most horses this equals a rate of 90 beats per minute, attained at a brisk walk or easy jog as performed during groundwork.

At this rate, when done consistently, groundwork contributes to a horse’s athleticism in the following ways:

• Improve neuromuscular activation and coordination;

• Increase activity of sensory and motor nerves, awaken poorly recruited muscles;

• Strengthen postural muscle and ligament system;

• Improve balance, alignment, and joint flexion through practicing range-of-motion in a relaxed state.

Non-riding plans for horses aiming to maintain fitness rely on the following principles. Keep these in mind when moving beyond groundwork for burning energy or teaching skills to a means of measurable physical gains.

1 Consistency

Above all, fitness-based groundwork depends on consistency. Think of these daily doses of low intensity stimulus being bricks that stack up on each other to form a solid structure. Each brick relies on the placement of the previous ones. Similarly, low intensity activity like groundwork requires high frequency each week to affect physiology.

When practiced sporadically, physical gains will not be made, although it could arguably still benefit the horse’s mental state during periods of downtime. The

PHOTO: DREAMSTIME/DONNA KILDAY

benefit of this type of training is cumulative. No single session or set of exercises will bring results unless it is stacked on dozens of other ones. In other words, it will always be more fruitful to spend 25 to 30 minutes doing productive walking exercises five or more days per week versus allowing a horse to idle during the week and then longing him on Saturday until he puffs and drips sweats.

2 Variation

Your lines of travel should blend plenty of long straights with occasional bending and circles. In fact, circles should happen sparingly, carefully, and with purpose. Due to the unevenness of ground reaction forces on the horse’s limbs when circling, repetition of this practice leads to asymmetry in the horse’s back muscles, not to mention the stress to hoof structures. Given that our goal is to improve rather than detract from the horse’s locomotion, the use of circles is judicious. To avoid excessive repetitive circles, successful groundwork routines rely on handlers moving around and covering a fair amount of ground each

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK/ERICKSON STOCK

Results of fitness-based low-intensity groundwork depend on consistency and high frequency. Cumulative benefits result from walking exercises done for at least 30 minutes five or six days a week.

“Controlled wandering” or moving along varying lines of travel, including long straight lines, occasional bending, and circles, provides variation and causes the horse to make postural adjustments.

Time your workouts rather than estimating how long you’ve been at it, and keep moving. Shifting between different walking speeds and a slow jog will cause the horse to organize his body.

session. I call this form of movement “controlled wandering” as the handler guides the horse along varying lines of travel.

These changing lines are not just about avoiding asymmetry and burning calories. Changing lines of travel frequently (from straight to circle, etc.) requires postural adjustments that make these sessions productive. For instance, you might choose to flow from walking a small circle to some leg-yield steps to a long straight line of slow jogging. You will find yourself moving all around your arena combining various figures and tasks without stopping in between or repeating anything ad nauseum.

3 Range of Motion

Walk-only sessions can be quite engaging and lively; don’t let them become a slow shuffle or boredom-inducing affair. In addition to keeping the horse in that 40 percent of maximum heart rate zone, we want to keep his neuromuscular system awake. An easy way to heighten neuromotor activity and joint mobility is by changing speeds frequently, even within the walk. If a horse comes out and walks around with the same dull steps and speed daily, he is not going to make gains.

Think instead about shifting him between different walking speeds (slow, regular, fast) every 30 seconds, or easing him up to a slow jog for a bit. These alterations in footfall cause him to organize his body, resulting in greater neurosensory input which in turn means better muscle fibre recruitment.

4 Use a Clock

Walking for 30 minutes in the bitter cold can feel a lot longer than walking for the same length of time on a mild day with sunshine and birds chirping. In other words, estimations of time

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK/ERICKSON STOCK

PHOTO: DONNA KILDAY

are often inaccurate. When it comes to your groundwork routines, set a timer rather than relying on your own guesswork. This will ensure you are making sufficient deposits in the consistency equation we discussed above.

Groundwork workouts also avoid prolonged pauses, aiming to keep the body mostly in motion. Simple as it sounds, do not stand around. Keep moving. Brief sessions are only effective when they consolidate stimulus and avoid long pauses. This does not mean that stationary bodywork techniques, jaw flexions, or periods of standing quietly are not beneficial to the horse. These types of activities are all excellent additions to the day if you have extra time. Once you start the clock on your groundwork session, do your best to keep the body in motion.

Sample Fitness-Based Groundwork Routine

Below is a sample groundwork session that incorporates the principles above. It takes about 35 minutes to perform and can be performed pretty much anywhere with moderately level ground. Remember to avoid large pauses between each step; try to flow seamlessly through the tasks. This sample offers a template for creating your own sessions containing different exercises.

• Walk for 10 minutes on straight lines making speed changes every 15 strides (slow, medium, fast).

• Back the horse up 30 steps.

• For 2 minutes do walk-to-stop transitions (every 10 steps).

• Do 3 turns-on-the-forehand each direction (360-degrees)

• For 2 minutes do easy jogging, straight lines, big circles.

• Do 3 turns-on-the-haunches each direction (180-degrees).

• For 2 minutes walk briskly on straight lines.

• Repeat steps 4-6.

• For 2 minutes walk tight serpentines.

• For 30 seconds leg-yield each direction. Repeat twice. b

> Jec A. Ballou is a regular contributor to this magazine — read her bio on page 102.

Circles should be large and used sparingly. Rather than repetitive circles, the handler should guide the horse by moving around the arena.

Pilates FOR EQUESTRIANS

PHOTO: CLIX PHOTOGRAPHY

Tina Irwin riding the Oldenburg mare,

Enhancing Performance Through Core Strength and Balance

By Sandra Verda-Zanatta, Level 3 High Performance Coach

A strong, stable core can revolutionize equestrian performance.

Equestrian sports require much more than just mastering the art of riding; they are physically demanding and engage a wide array of muscles throughout the body. Riders depend heavily on their core muscles, including the rectus and transversus abdominus, obliques, and lower back to maintain balance, stability, and posture in the saddle.

Strength, balance, coordination, and flexibility collectively allow riders to clearly communicate and develop harmonious partnerships with their horses.

A strong, stable core can revolutionize equestrian performance. Pilates focuses on targeting core muscles, including the often-overlooked deep stabilizers. Unlike some forms of exercise that primarily engage superficial muscles, Pilates delves deep into the core, homing in on the transversus abdominis, multifidus, and pelvic floor muscles. These deep

stabilizers play a pivotal role in maintaining spinal stability, promoting a strong and supportive core structure. Pilates exercises emphasize controlled, deliberate movements that activate these muscles with each repetition, enhancing their endurance and strength. By focusing on these deep stabilizers, Pilates not only cultivates a sculpted and toned core but also fortifies the foundation for better posture, balance, and coordination, essential attributes for equestrians in all disciplines seeking peak performance in the saddle.

Balance is paramount for riders. A strong core acts as the anchor that connects a rider to their horse and is the cornerstone of better balance. Core strength and balance allow riders to maintain postural alignment, distribute weight evenly, and effectively communicate cues through subtle shifts

continued on page 73

Exercise 1: Core Awareness

STARTING POSITION:

Stand in riding position with knees slightly bent, hands as though holding reins with elbows bent.

n Have a partner stand in front of you or you can stand in front of a wall or table.

n Press your fists against those of your partner and notice the feeling of your core engaging. This is what you should feel when you ride — the idea of resistance and pushing forward with arms, not pulling backwards. This is an isometric use of muscles — where muscles do not shorten but become firm due to resistance.

n Hold for 10 seconds and repeat 5 times.

n As a progression you can stand on a stability board to challenge your balance.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SANDRA VERDA-ZANATTA

EXERCISE 2

Half Rollback with Flex Band

STARTING POSITION

Sit with legs straight, feet hip-width apart and neutral pelvis, place flex band around feet and hold like reins, keeping elbows bent and hands low.

n Inhale, tilt pelvis posteriorly. Think of tucking your tailbone under.

n Exhale, lean upper body back. You will feel your core muscles start to work.

Inhale, maintain position.

Exhale to open arms wide, stretching flex band (draw shoulder blades towards spine slightly).

Inhale, close arms. Do this 3 times continuing to breathe.

Exhale, return to starting position. Repeat 12 times.

STARTING POSITION SAME AS ABOVE

Open arms on diagonal keeping the torso even on both sides using obliques (the distance from your hip bone to bottom rib should be the same on both

EXERCISE 3 Ab Prep with Flex Band Leg Extensions

STARTING POSITION: Lay on your back with knees bent, hip width apart in table-top, place flex band around feet and hold like reins.

n Exhale, curl upper body up off mat slightly, keeping pelvis neutral.

n Inhale, shoulder blades should be flat on back in neutral, elbows slightly bent, keep your gaze towards your knees.

n Exhale, extend legs out with arms still 3 times.

n Inhale, return to starting position.

n Repeat 8 times.

STARTING POSITION SAME AS ABOVE.

n Arms stretch flex band overhead 3 times.

n Repeat 8 times.

STARTING POSITION SAME AS ABOVE.

n Arms open wide to side 3 times.

n Repeat 8 times.

STARTING POSITION SAME AS ABOVE.

n Arms open diagonally 3 times.

n Maintain even torso both sides.

n Repeat 8 times each side.

EXERCISE 4 Coordination with Weights POSITION

back, knees bent in table-top, arms toward ceiling.

curl up into ab prep.

extend one leg up towards

continued from page 67

in weight and body position, resulting in more precise and coordinated movements. Beyond the technical aspects, core strength also enhances a rider’s endurance, allowing them to stay in control during long rides or intense competitions, helps to reduce fatigue, stiffness, soreness, and injury, and boosts the confidence of both rider and horse.

Balance allows for improved coordination and serves as the unspoken language between rider and horse. A well-balanced, symmetrical, coordinated rider not only stays securely in the saddle, but also maintains fluidity with the horse’s movements, helping to reduce the strain on the horse’s back. Horses are extremely sensitive to a rider’s stability and centre of gravity, and many of their “evasions” are the result of compensating and reacting to the way the rider sits. In order for the horse to develop his athletic ability and correct musculature, the rider needs to have an independent seat encouraging the horse to relax and lift his back. When the horse’s back is hollow, the hind legs cannot step under and push with balanced power. Rider asymmetry — twisting the torso, leaning to one side, or sitting unequally on seat bones — hinders the horse from developing even muscle tone and can eventually result in soreness and irregularity.

Balance is also key for executing complex maneuvres such as jumps, turns, and intricate dressage routines. In order to improve the horse’s way-ofgoing, allowing movement with maximum ease and efficiency for best performance, riders need to improve their own stability and be accountable for their body control.

Whether galloping across open fields or performing dressage movements, balance is the invisible thread that weaves the rider and horse into a unified, elegant partnership, making it an imperative skill for all equestrian disciplines. In essence, a balanced body with a strong core is the equestrian’s secret weapon, fostering not only better riding ability but also a deeper connection and harmony with their equine partner.

Body awareness and retraining can begin with unmounted exercises and is easily transitioned to mounted exercises. In the Fit To Ride Pilates Studio we often work on equipment such as reformers

EXERCISE 5

One Foot Standing Balance with Hand Weights

STARTING POSITION

Stand on one foot with knee slightly bent and upper body forward (close your hip angle).

n Reach both arms forward and one leg back, hold 5 seconds and bend in without putting foot down, repeat 4 times.

n Switch sides.

and stability chairs; however, the exercises in this article require minimal equipment and can be done at home, in a hotel or even at the barn! You can take these exercises on the road and start your journey of getting FIT TO RIDE!

Reminders:

n Keep breathing – exhale on the work of the exercise but when in doubt just breathe!

n Focus on deliberate, controlled movements of individual body parts.

n If you feel your lower back arching off the floor, adjust the exercise and put one foot down on floor, or only extend legs slightly or not at all (keep them in table-top).

n Use cushion under head if your neck feels weak or needs support. b

Please note: It is important to contact your physician and or other healthcare professional before starting a new exercise program.

> Sandra Verda-Zanatta is a frequent contributor to this magazine — read her bio on page 102.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SANDRA VERDA-ZANATTA

Unridden THE HORSE

people, you know how it feels. You’re enjoying your horse time and minding your own business, when someone asks Why aren’t you riding that horse? Or someone jokes about taking your “very large dog” for a walk. I had one barn neighbour show her friend on video chat “the girl that doesn’t ride her horse” (me) as we were walking by. It would be awkward if it wasn’t so common. Horses and riding are synonymous in the human psyche, and any departure from this norm is considered very odd indeed, despite the fact that some horses don’t benefit from riding and some humans really don’t enjoy riding.

By writing this article, my hope is to give you permission to not ride your horse for a short time, or for a long time, or for the duration of your relationship. It may seem simple, but overcoming the pressure, the feelings of guilt or shame, the weird looks, and the judgements from

23-year-old mare and an unridden eightyear-old mare with chronic lameness, I am writing this piece for myself as well.

We have been taught that not only are horses and riding inextricably linked, horses are valuable only because of their rideability. Although untrue, this mindset is deeply ingrained. For many people, riding feels like the only way of relating to their horses and making sense of their extensive commitment. Engaging in competition, consistently achieving greater skill sets, constantly learning, and pushing oneself often allows us to justify the layout of time, energy, and money. This makes it very tricky to let go of riding as part of our equine identity, even if we don’t want to get in the saddle or our horse is not willing or able to be ridden. For many, riding through fear and patching together a relatively sound and safe horse is seen as part of the accomplishment, and a necessary step if

injury or unsoundness, like my mare Raven with front-limb arthritis. Some people will go to incredible lengths, spending enormous amounts of energy and money, to rehabilitate a horse to be ridden “soundly,” or medicate or inject a horse to be sound enough to be ridden in relative comfort. Many horses are comfortable at a walk without a rider, only to show substantial lameness with a rider at a trot, as is the case with Raven. On one hand I get it, but I also wonder if the horse wants to be continuously rehabbed or medicated enough to comfortably carry a rider. Or are we doing this because we don’t know what else to do? Are we doing it because we are lost without the structure of riding to create connection and purpose?

This past year, I have been through several debilitating health events. I have ridden my mare Diva perhaps a dozen times (a generous estimate) in the past 12

Daily grooming is good for the health of your horse’s coat and gives you an opportunity to do a visual check for minor injuries or irritations while promoting trust and bonding between horse and human.

realized that Diva, who lives in a track system on over an acre with Raven, does not appear to care one bit that we are not riding. I got on her back after three months with no issues, partly because we do other things together on the ground daily that create connection. This is not the case for all horses, especially those living in a less enriched environment, but for this horse, my guilt is unfounded. She is content being an unridden horse, and when I’m ready, she’ll be content being a ridden horse.

For Raven, I decided not to medicate, which means she is neither capable of, nor comfortable, carrying a human. I have had to move through grief around this, as she is such a smart and curious mare, but given her varying digestive health I did not feel right about giving her daily medications shown to negatively impact gut and kidney health. Raven is content without riding, and I am open to riding at a time when she

is capable and comfortable, if she wants to. I am always a believer in the potential for healing and change.

Do I do other things with Raven?

Absolutely! We do lots together including classical training, liberty training, clicker training (Heather Nelson & Hannah Weston – Connection Training), movement training with obstacles (PantherFlow with Kathy Sierra), rehab exercises with gym mats, and stretching (Elisse Miki of Equilibria Therapeutics), manual therapy and grooming, walking trails together and going on adventures in the trailer. Once I accepted that we were not riding, another world of ways to spend time with horses opened up, and we live in a time where there are countless and often free resources available no matter what you and your horse enjoy doing together.

Recently, I had a session with a 17 hand eight-year-old off-the-track Thoroughbred. His new human hadn’t ridden him since he arrived from the track, and she shared her frustration at

how often she had been asked when she was getting on. In our session, it was clear that he was in the process of finding connection and balance in his body after his time on the track. He was releasing stored tension and tensional patterns, and exploring postures that allowed his back to be free of tension and pain when he was eventually ridden (he had learned to travel in an inverted posture), all while healing from losing his mom at just 10 weeks of age. Until his body and mind were ready, any riding would amplify and further cement the issues already present. This is a common situation, especially in young horses barely able to carry themselves, much less a rider. The foundation that we provide for them — to be able to carry the weight of a rider in relative relaxation with a supportive nervous system supplying focus, strength, optimal function and coordination — ensures a longer and more sustainable relationship (ridden or unridden), with a body and mind that

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK/SEVENTYFOUR

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK/JOANNE CHARNWOOD

Liberty training as an alternative to riding can develop your relationship and improve communication with your horse or pony.

“get it” and trust you and the process. I’m on team “slow” even though I am often tempted to rush things and will always encourage my clients to slow right down, take a few steps back, and focus on foundation building for the long game. I am also on team “weird,” meaning sometimes you’ve got to do weird stuff with your horse to find out what works, and you’ve got to risk looking a bit strange when doing it (putting your horse in front of your ego). This might include not riding and trying out some other creative ways of being with your horse.

There is so much relationship to develop and fun to be had when you take riding out of the equation, and your riding will only benefit. And if you just don’t like riding, don’t do it. Give yourself permission to be with horses in ways that feel good for you and good for your horses. Despite the social norms, your horse will be happier for it, and that’s what really matters.

Happy trails, trail walking, and anything else you and your horse might get up to together. b

> Alexa Linton is a regular contributor to this magazine — read her bio on page 102.

PHOTOS: CLIX PHOTOTOGRAPHY

PHOTOS: CLIX PHOTOTOGRAPHY

Celebration of Horses PHOTO CONTEST Album of Winners

STABLE STORK

Beautiful Babies of 2023

WINNER The Little Orphan

Flash (Flashback Blues) was orphaned within a few days of her birth due to complications during foaling. She found an adoptive mother in Annabelle, a Clydesdale mare, who kindly took her on when Flash was three weeks old. Flash was bottle fed until she was almost four months old. She now lives happily with her half sister, who was also weaned far too early, and they are both thriving. Flash is owned by Lorna White, and photographed by Carol McEachen..

Welcome to our 32nd Annual Celebration of Horses Photo Contest, the longest-running equine photo contest in Canada.

The number of contest entries grows every year, but in 2023 it exploded past the previous record with a 43 percent increase. We welcomed back many of our regulars and they were joined by hundreds of new contestants. Thank you to everyone who shared their special images and stories with us.

To ThinLine Canada, we extend our sincere appreciation for generously donating grand prizes in the six main categories. And special thanks to the Canadian Quarter Horse Association who graciously sponsored the Quarter Horse division. Runners-up in all categories were sponsored by Horse Community Journals Inc., publishers of this magazine.

We hope you enjoy viewing this year’s Winners and Runners-Up as much as we did.

May 26. “I

RUNNER-UP

The One and Only, Sumac Rye Whizkey

“When you have an itch that must be scratched!”

This flexible foal was photographed by Wendy A Doggett of Pictou County, NS.

This gorgeous standardbred colt was born on

was taking photos of his friend in an adjoining pen and clearly Lee (Sirius Lee Quick) didn’t approve of my camera being trained on another horse,” says owner and photographer Evelyn Sabraw of Acme, AB.

2ND

1ST RUNNER-UP Centre of Attention

Love of Horses

Depicting the Human-Horse Bond

1ST RUNNER-UP

Gregory

WINNER Garden Picnic

“Aspen wanted to have a garden picnic with her pony, Ike. How do you say no to that request?” says photographer Stacey Sorensen of Camrose, AB.

“Aspen picked strawberries from the garden to make strawberry lemonade and served oats for her pony.”

and Biscuit, Staying Positive

2ND RUNNER-UP Beach Glass

“Gregory and Biscuit have been spending lots of time together this year. These are hard photos to share, but Gregory wanted to show how strong a relationship can be even in hard times. He is unbelievably loving and caring when it comes to his soon-to-be 29-year-old Miniature gelding, Biscuit. This year Greg suddenly lost part of his amazing mini team. Muffin, our beloved young Miniature mare, left us much too soon and unexpectedly. Gregory has spent almost every day sitting with Biscuit, talking to him about their friend, often shedding tears. It’s eye-opening to see our son talk to his pony like he’s another human. It reminds us of how much we take for granted. Nothing will ever replace Muffin in his heart and ours. Both have taken this loss hard, but we are incredibly happy that Gregory and Biscuit have each other to get through this time. They both definitely make one another happy and will for years to come.” Thanks to owner and photographer, Amber Bond of Keremeos, BC for sharing this poignant story.

This is the stunning Beach Glass, son of the legendary Canadian-bred Standardbred pacer, SomeBeachSomeWhere.

“This image shows the strong bond between ‘Beach’ and his human,” says photographer Wendy A Doggett of Pictou County, NS.

1ST RUNNER-UP

So Proud

“As the mares and their foals sprinted across the field, heading in my direction, the stallion was set free in the pasture alongside them. Observing their graceful approach, it was clear they were focused on reuniting with the stallion, completely absorbed in the moment. The foals moved effortlessly beside their mothers, and I sat there, fully immersed in the mesmerizing scene unfolding before my eyes,” says photographer Barbara Bostock of Calgary, AB

2ND RUNNER-UP

Saguenay Landscape

Draft horse beauty with a backdrop of autumn splendor surrounds Quebec’s Saguenay fjord. Thanks to photographer by Jean Tanguay of Jonquière, QC.

At Liberty Horses in Action

WINNER

Shoulder to Shoulder

“I have always wanted to photograph a horse without a bridle or bit,” says photographer Mel Diotte of LaSalle, ON. While driving along a country road he noticed some horses in a field, so he walked to the field’s edge in hopes of capturing a shot of one of them… “when all the horses came together and started running towards me. I was able to click off a couple shots before the horses were too close to fit them all into the frame.”

Horses on the Job Performance, Working, Heritage

WINNER

Working the Fields

“This gentleman, with his eight horses, works the field and it is so amazing to watch,” says photographer Shirley Goddeeris of Aylmer, ON.

2ND RUNNER-UP

Horse Power

Take a closer look! This is a team of eight at Pioneer Acres, Irricana, AB. Thanks to photographer Tee Wade of Strathmore, AB

1ST RUNNER-UP

On the Edge

“Trick rider Courtney Schum stunned the crowd at the Erin Ram Rodeo as she [balanced] horizontally off the side of her galloping equine partner,” shares photographer Karin McDonald of Glen Williams, ON. “I was thrilled to be able to capture this acrobatic stunt that showcases their amazing partnership and deep trust. I love how his one ear is rotated towards Courtney, ensuring that he doesn’t miss a cue from her. You can tell they really love performing!”

Winter Scenes

Sleigh Rides, Winter Wonderland, Dashing Through the Snow

1ST RUNNER-UP

Mule for Christmas

2ND RUNNER-UP

White Out

Thanks to Manon Holmes of Belliveaus Cove, NS for sharing this photo of Maggie posing for the camera in her Christmas outfit during a snowstorm.

This wintry photo of “our beautiful Quarter Horse, Hank,” was taken by Amanda Albano of Little Fort, BC.

1ST RUNNER-UP Foal Love

“Legacy and Barley are feeling the love,” says photographer Wendy A Doggett of Pictou County, NS.

To view all of our Winners, Runners-Up, and Honourable Mentions, please visit

Horses Being Horses

Humour, Personality, Action

WINNER Horses Will Be Horses

Perry Miller of Regina, SK was mowing grass when the horses came over to the fence. “I gave them a quick whistle and they all looked to the left on queue, and I snapped the shot. The chocolate is a Rocky Mountain horse and the rest are Missouri Foxtrotters, born and raised in Saskatchewan.”

Robert Pointer of Flesherton, ON, enjoys photographing country life in Grey Highlands, ON. He was on his way to the grocery store when he captured this trio “Doing the Hokey Pokey.”

2ND RUNNER-UP

Do the Hokey Pokey

“Hatfield doing his favourite thing of summer, checking the cows on pasture. ‘Hat’ is a seven-yearold Quarter Horse gelding.” Thanks to photographer Laura Horner, and to Katelyn Rudneski of Minnedosa, MB for submitting this photo.

“Three horses enjoying their solitude on an island in the pasture,” says photographer Carrie Jansen of Beechy, SK.

1ST RUNNER-UP Herd Check

2ND RUNNER-UP Reflections

NOTES FROM THE OFFICE

BY RHIANNON KING

2024 HORSE COUNCIL BC MEMBERSHIPS

Available now, all 2024 HCBC Memberships are available for purchase!

Forgot to renew for 2023?

We will be offering the rest of 2023 and all of 2024 for the combination price of:

2023/2024 Adult Membership:

$98.78 + tax = $103.72/member (19 or over as of January 1, 2023)

2023/2024 Youth Associate:

$75.06 + tax = $78.81/member (18 or under as of January 1, 2023)

2023/2024 Family Enrollment:

$218.66 + tax = $229.59/family*

2024 MEMBERSHIP RATES:

2024 Adult Membership:

$67.00 + tax = $70.35/member (19 or over as of January 1, 2024)

2024 Youth Associate:

$49.00 + tax = $51.45/member (18 or under as of January 1, 2024)

2024 Family Enrollment:

$158.00 + tax = $165.90/family*

*Family Enrollment: Minimum of three people defined as parent(s) or legal guardian(s) and their minor children residing at the same address. Maximum two seniors per family. Each member will receive their own number and card.

New for 2024

HCBC is going green! All HCBC Membership cards will be sent digitally. Printed cards will be available for purchase for $5.60 each — just check the box to indicate that you would like to receive the printed version.

HOW TO REACH US

OFFICE HOURS:

Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

OFFICE ADDRESS:

27336 Fraser Highway, Aldergrove, BC, V4W 3N5

PHONE: 604-856-4304

FAX: 604-856-4302

TOLL-FREE: 1-800-345-8055

WEBSITE: www.hcbc.ca

BC SUMMER GAMES 2024

The Road to Maple Ridge Starts Now!

Clean your saddle and pack your best riding boots ready for July 18 to 21, 2024 when the games are set to be held at Maple Ridge Equi-Sports Centre!

Do You Know Your Zone?

Each participant of the BC Summer Games falls under a zone depending on where they’re from. Find your zone on the interactive Zone Map on the HCBC website.

New Technical Packages and Qualifying Packages

Available Now

Please read carefully as some information has changed from previous years!

For athlete declaration forms, please remember that there is to be one per discipline and horse/athlete combination submit to competition@hcbc.ca.

To be eligible to complete in the BC Summer Games, the minimum age requirements as of December 31, 2023 are as follows:

55+ BC GAMES 2023

Four great days of 55+ Games equestrian competition were held August 23 to 26 at the Maple Ridge Equi-Sports Centre. Disciplines included were Dressage, Western Dressage, Working Equitation, Working Hunter, and Driving Trials.

At the closing of registration, equestrians saw 78 participants set to compete. Due to concerns surrounding air quality and the BC wildfire situation around the province participation numbers dropped with some

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: administration@hcbc.ca

AGRICULTURE & INDUSTRY: industry@hcbc.ca

MEMBERSHIP: membership@hcbc.ca

COACHING & EDUCATION: coaching@hcbc.ca

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS: communication@hcbc.ca

RECREATION & TRAILS: recreation@hcbc.ca

COMPETITION: competition@hcbc.ca

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: development@hcbc.ca

HCBC BOOKSTORE: bookstore@hcbc.ca

FINANCE & GRANT FUNDING: inance@hcbc.ca

• Athletes ages 13 to 18;

• Para-athletes ages 13 to 30.

The disciplines included are as follows:

• Dressage: First Level

• Jumper: 90cm

• Eventing Derby: 85cm (HCBC Pre Novice, EC EV85)

• Vaulting: Advanced Walk, Advanced Canter

Make sure to look over the Equestrian Technical Package in full in order to understand full eligibility requirements. For more information about the Games, see the HCBC website > www.hcbc.ca/ competitions/bc-summer-games

last-minute scratches, but the equestrian events moved forward holding exceptional competition in all events.

A great time was had by all, and everyone deserves huge congratulations. For some it was their very first horse show, or their horse’s very first horse show, and it was amazing to see everyone’s hard work, love for their horses, and love of equestrian sport.

continued on page 96

continued from page 94

A huge thank you to our judges, Sport Chair Debbie Rogal, Discipline Chairs, and volunteers. The success of the 2023 55+ Games Equestrian Competition would not have been possible without all of you.

Save the Date

Be sure to save the date for next year’s 55+ Games, to be held in Salmon Arm on September 10 to 14, 2024.

Congratulations to all our participants! And stay tuned for the next 55+ Games information.

Alberta Releases Wild Horse Management Plan

By Kathy Smith

More than 1,400 wild horses call Alberta home, and now the province has developed a new management plan meant to encourage the sustainability of the horses and address their impact on the ecosystem.

The government developed the Feral Horse Management Framework to manage the size of feral horse populations in some equine management zones, and reduce pressures on the province’s rangelands, wildlife, and livestock.

A 2023 count puts the province’s feral horse population at more than 1,400, with 969 located in the Sundre equine management zone.

The Feral Horse Management Framework states: “Alberta’s feral horse populations are descendants of escaped or intentionally released

domestic horses, used by First Nations, farmers, ranchers, logging and mining industries, and hunters before and after the Industrial Revolution. The post-Industrial Revolution shift away from horses has not changed the fact that horses are a part of Alberta’s heritage, with the province being home to one-third of Canada’s domestic (owned/non-feral) horses.

Alberta’s current feral horse populations are not actively managed. They live on an active, multi-use landscape where the significant, simultaneous demands can result in cumulative impacts to long-term sustainability. As part of the Crown Land Vision, the ministry is working to streamline the integration of various land uses through red tape reduction and legislative updates. If horses are not integrated into a landscape-scale approach of managing natural resources, there will be significant long-term threats to resource sustainability.”

The management plan is sciencebased and includes a pilot project with the The Wild Horses of Alberta Society (WHOAS) to issue capture permits, which allow nuisance or distressed feral horses to be placed into adoption programs. WHOAS was formed in 2002 to give Alberta’s wild horses a voice, and their mission is: “to ensure the provision of all aspects of the conservation and humane treatment of wild horses in Alberta. We are committed to the preservation of these magnificent animals in their natural environment.”

The full Feral Horse Management Framework is available on the province’s website. b

PHOTO: OFFICIAL BC 55+ GAMES PHOTOGRAPHERS

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK/BESMELLAH SAMIM

DOUBLE M STABLES ‘N’ TACK

172 Beers Road, Bethany, ON

Marsha Fortus • 647-234-3815 • 705-277-3939

DoubleMStablesNTack@gmail.com

Paradise is a state of mind

CANADIAN THERAPEUTIC RIDING ASSOCIATION

The Sensational World of Therapeutic Riding

BY ANGELA MEYER, OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST REG. (ONT.)

What do you love about horses and riding? Is it the invigorating feeling of trotting? Is it the sight and sound of a whinnied greeting and head toss from your favourite friend? Or is it perhaps the comforting smell of the barn?

Individuals with sensory processing issues don’t just love these sensations, they need them to feel calm, alert, or well regulated. Sensory processing is the ability to organize and interpret information received through the senses to produce a response. These senses include sight, hearing, touch, taste, vestibular (movement), and proprioception (messages from our muscles and joints telling us where our bodies are in space).

Sensory Processing

Imagine being on a roller coaster. Do you crave going faster and higher or does the thought of it make you feel nauseated? Roller coasters provide fast visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive input, and each person has their own threshold for these sensory experiences. If the stimulation is below our threshold, we may actively seek out or wait for more. If the stimulation is above our threshold, we may

move away or even shut down.

In our day-to-day lives, many people manage to cope with these thresholds by seeking what feels right while avoiding what makes them uncomfortable. However, for those with sensory processing issues, these behaviours may be ongoing and begin to interfere with their learning and stress levels. This challenge is often experienced by those with conditions or disorders connected to sensory issues, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), developmental delay, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and others.

Children who seek movement and touch to reach their sensory threshold may have difficulty sitting still in a classroom without fidgeting, getting up, tapping their feet, or playing with their papers. This lack of focus can affect their ability to attend and hear what is being said by the teacher. Now, picture the same child sitting on a horse that is walking around an arena with an instructor giving directions! With this added sensory input, their threshold can be met, allowing the child to stay alert, focused, and ready to learn.

L-R: Angela Meyer holding the ball, side-walker Jason G (hidden), rider Mia G, side-walker Abineya A, Leader Larissa P, horse Toby.

PHOTO: JESSICA GOYDA

PHOTO: IULIIA KHABIBULLINA

- DOLLY PARTON

What Can Be Done to Help?

Identifying sensory processing issues falls within the role of occupational therapy (OT). Occupational therapists have developed checklists and standardized assessments that gauge where an individual’s sensory threshold is based on a variety of behaviours. This is important information for therapeutic riding instructors when they develop lesson plans.

For instance, if a rider seeks vestibular or proprioceptive input, the instructor and therapist may choose a horse with a choppier gait. They may include lots of walk-halt activities, serpentine movements or, eventually, introduce trotting. In addition, the rider may be encouraged to help get the horse ready for the lesson. This can involve activities like brushing, carrying heavy tack, or pushing and pulling a cart, which are all great ways to meet their sensory needs while learning. If a rider has a low threshold for sounds, a quieter environment will be provided. Sudden noises, such as a horse whinnying or rain on the metal arena roof, will be explained to the rider prior to the lesson to help them to cope. In cases where vision is a strength, particularly in children with ASD, the constant movement in their peripheral vision while riding meets a visual sensory need. For these riders, learning may also be enhanced with toys that light up, bright pictures displayed around the arena, or strategically placed mirrors.

Is Therapeutic Riding Simply a Fun Leisure Activity?

If you ask the rider, the answer will be yes! Children with sensory processing issues look forward to their riding experience because it is just plain fun! This is because they feel alert, wellregulated, and calm when their sensory needs are being met. Both parents and children appreciate that therapeutic riding lessons are structured around a typical leisure activity rather than traditional therapy. Parents and instructors always agree: When the rider’s sensory processing needs are met, learning happens and brings giggles, laughter, and pure joy to their face! b

Angela Meyer has been a consultant Occupational Therapist at Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre (Puslinch, ON) since 2006. She is also a member of the CanTRA Medical Advisory Committee.

L-R: Side-walker

Jason G, rider Mia G, horse Toby, hidden side-walker Abineya A.

PHOTO: JESSICA GOYDA

Canadian Bred Quarter Horses

Excel at the 2023 All American Quarter Horse Congress

By Laurie Haughton, Chair, CQHA Media, Marketing & Communications Committee

Canadian-bred horses earned a total of 22 All American Quarter Horse Congress Championship titles, 14 Reserve Championships and one Grand Championship at the 2023 American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) and National Snaffle Bit Association sanctioned show. Hosted by the Ohio Quarter Horse Association in Columbus, Ohio, the show was held from September 26 to October 22 at the Ohio State Expo Center. Traditionally this show is one of the biggest and most prestigious events within the North American Quarter Horse market.

In an impressive showing the Championship and Reserve Championship titles in both the Senior Western Pleasure and the Open Ranch Trail Stakes were awarded to Canadian-bred horses!

Whizenboonsmal, sired by Peptoleap and out of She Whiz A Star by Topsail Whiz, won the championship in the Open Ranch Trail Stake. The 2012 sorrel gelding was bred by David Dorland of Sudbury, ON. Named the reserve champion in the same class was Sumac Gunnabeflashy, sired by Gunnatrashya out of Chics Graceful Whiz by Whiz N Tag Chex. The 2017 chestnut gelding was bred by Donald Sobey of Trenton, NS.

Air Ryde, sired by Machine Made out of KM Hot Number by RL Best of Sudden, claimed the championship title in the Senior Western Pleasure. The 2015 chestnut gelding was bred by Brent and Kate Bamford of Foothills, AB. Placing second in the same class for the reserve title was The Whoo, a 2017 sorrel gelding sired by The Lope Machine out of Whos Cheating Who by Huntin For Chocolate, bred by Scott and Linda Berwick of Clarence Creek, ON.

Additionally, the 2023 All American Quarter Horse Congress Open Grand Champion Mare was awarded Ecredilicious, sired by Ecredible, out of Fellas Prefer Blonds by Mr Yella Fella. The 2021 chestnut mare was bred by Shawna F. Crawford of Pakenham, ON.

Each of these five horses were exported to the United States and are now proudly being exhibited at major events by their American owners. AQHA owner transfer records show that currently Canadians are exporting more horses than they are importing into the country, and our

Canadian Bred Whizenboonsmal bred by David Dorland, Sudbury ON, owned by Madison Rafacz Citra, FL, shown by Bud Lyon of Whitesboro, TX.

Canadian Bred Sumac Gunnabeflashy bred by Donald Sobey of Trenton, NS, owned by Leslie Vagneur Lange of Greeley, CO, shown by Bud Lyon of Whitesboro, TX.

PhotoS: Shane Rux Photography Inc.

Open Ranch Trail Stakes Champion

Open Ranch Trail Stakes Reserve Champion

registration/foaling statistics have also seen an increase in the past two years (source: AQHA AGM report 2022).

Other Canadian breeders whose programs produced horses that won multiple 2023 Congress titles and placings were: William W. Cox of Brantford, ON; Donna Biddulph of Pouce Coupe, BC; Rod Jefferies of Shannonville, ON; Eric Van Boekel of Mt Elgin, ON; Kami Irwin Tymchuk of Aldergrove, BC; Linda Gagnon Cote of L’Ascension, QC; and Julie Huppe of Mono, ON.

The Canadian Quarter Horse Association would like to congratulate all Canadians on their impressive results at the 2023 All American Quarter Horse Congress. Together they accumulated one Grand Champion, 33 Champions, 27 Reserve Champions, 58 Top Five awarded winners, 106 top ten placings and 88 placings within the top 20. To view these individual results and see the photos located in our “Congress Win Photo Gallery” please visit www.cqha.ca. b

For more information about the Canadian Quarter Horse Association please visit www.CQHA.ca or email info@cqha.ca. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @cndquarterhorseassoc, and on Twitter @ CndQuarterHorse

Canadian Bred Air Ryde bred by Brent and Kate of Bamford, AB, owned by Anita Wiescamp of Quitman, TX, shown by Sara B Simons of Aubrey, TX.

PHOTOS ARE COURTESY OF CQHA.

Linda Berwick Clarence Creek, ON, owned by Eustis, FL, shown by Shane Dowdy of Whitesboro, TX.

Senior Western Pleasure Reserve Champion

Senior Western Pleasure Champion

PhotoS: Shane Rux Photography Inc.

Alexa Linton

Alexa Linton is known for lighting up her world with her infectious personality, bold facilitation style, and often irreverent, tongue-in-cheek writing, and for her menagerie of a therapeutic practice. The latter combines her degree in Kinesiology, diploma in Osteopathy Manual Practice, and over a decade of training in BodyTalk and animal communication. From over 14 years of working with horses as an Equine Sport Therapist, and helping thousands of animals and people, Alexa has developed a therapeutic style that is intuitive and highly collaborative. She is the co-founder of the Cowgirl Re-union, the creator of the Whole Horse Apprenticeship and Podcast, and author of Death Sucks: A Straight-Up Guide to Navigating Your Pet’s Final Transition She resides in the Cowichan Valley, unceded territory of the Cowichan and Coast Salish Peoples, on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, with her horses Diva and Raven, dogs Reilly and Solo, and cat Parker. www.AlexaLinton.com

Tania Millen

Tania Millen is an awardwinning freelance writer and author with a Masters in Journalism and a BSc in Environmental Science. She’s written four books, including Go Horse Camping and Pack’em Up, Ride’em Out: Classic Horse Pack Trips in BC and Alberta. A former 3-day event rider, she now enjoys mountain pack trips. www.TaniaMillen.com

Sandra Verda-Zanatta

Sandra is a Licensed High Performance Dressage Coach, FEI grand prix rider, Equestrian Canada Coach Developer/Evaluator, and Certified Pilates Instructor. She has over 25 years of experience working with riders of all levels to improve position and overall effectiveness in the saddle. Sandra has extensive experience coaching internationally and conducts clinics and workshops in dressage, rider crosstraining, and instructor development.

Sandra operates her dressage training business SVZ Dressage and Fit To Ride (F2R) Pilates for Equestrians in Langley, BC. She is currently working towards her master’s degree in High Performance Coaching and Technical Leadership at the University of British Columbia. www.fit2ride.ca

Jec Aristotle Ballou

Jec Aristotle Ballou trains in Santa Cruz, CA, when not giving clinics around the United States. She is the author of 101 Dressage Exercises for Horse and Rider, Equine Fitness, and 101 Western Dressage Exercises for Horse and Rider For further resources on the above topics, she recommends Beyond Horse Massage by Jim Masterson. Jec’s newly published book, 55 Corrective Exercises for Horses, helps resolve chronic postural imbalances and challenges that inhibit many performance horses.

www.JecBallou.com

Lindsay Grice

“Is it me or my horse?”

Horse show judge, coach, trainer, and specialist in equine behaviour, Lindsay Grice helps riders solve their “horse puzzles,” sharing keys from the science and research of how horses think and learn. She holds judging certifications in multiple disciplines — Western, hunter/jumper, dressage and obstacle events. Lindsay has taught classes and seminars in Equitation Science for provincial equine associations, therapeutic riding facilities, and courses offered by the University of Guelph. She regularly conducts clinics for horse clubs and private farms.

www.LindsayGriceRidingCoach.com

THOROUGHBRED RETIREMENT SOCIETY

Finding Permanent, Loving Homes for Retired Racehorses.

Do you have room in your heart and home for a new friend?

See our

page for horses available for adoption. Volunteers are always welcome!

Donate Today – Help a Retired Racehorse!

The Turcottes

The Remarkable Story of a Horse Racing Dynasty

By Curtis Stock

Firefly Books, 2023

ISBN 9780228104247

368 pages, hardcover, Kindle

Reviewed by Tania Millen, BSc, MJ

Secretariat is a household name in the horse industry. The video of “Big Red” winning the Belmont Stakes by 31 lengths in 1973 and cementing his Triple Crown win is jaw-dropping. But few know about the Canadian jockey who won those spectacular races — Ron Turcotte. He hails from small-town Drummond, New Brunswick, won 3,032 races over his 17year career, and was the first of five Turcotte brothers to exchange logging and picking potatoes for the glitzy world of Thoroughbred horse racing. Cumulatively, the Turcottes won over 8,200 races and almost $60 million in purse money.

The Turcottes: The Remarkable Story of a Horse Racing Dynasty details their unlikely rags-to-riches story with photographs and career statistics for each jockey. It’s an inspiring tale.

Alfred and Rose Turcotte, poor FrenchCanadians merely 1.62 m (5’4”) and 1.45 m (4’9”) tall, had 14 children between 1940 and 1960, most of whom didn’t finish school as they had to work. The family had nothing to do with horse racing or even knew it existed. At age 14, third child Ron started logging in the bug-ridden forests with his father: sawing down trees, limbing them with an ax, then dragging them to the river by horse. In an implausible set of circumstances, he arrived on the backstretch of Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto at age 19 and was hired to cool out horses for E.P Taylor. Taylor founded the Jockey Club of Canada and bred legendary Northern Dancer. Two years later, Ron was a winning jockey and eventually raced some of the greatest

Thoroughbreds of all time, including Northern Dancer, Tom Rolfe, Kentucky Derby winner Riva Ridge, and the famous Secretariat.

“The kid is a natural, born not to be a lumberjack but a jockey,” writes Curtis Stock.

Recognizing opportunity, four of Ron’s brothers followed him to the track. Noel Turcotte had planned to be an electrician but instead became a jockey, eventually riding Canadian Hall of Fame mare Belle Geste. Rudy Turcotte was as talented as Ron and led the jockey standings “just about everywhere he rode up and down the Atlantic seaboard.” He also partied as hard as he rode. Roger Turcotte won 290 races at age 18 and became North America’s leading apprentice rider. The Turcotte’s last child, Yves, was 61 kg (135 lb) at age 13 so wasn’t considered jockey material. But he ultimately became a top jockey in Alberta before retiring and becoming a racetrack steward.

However, the extreme highs and lifesucking lows of a jockey in the moneyed world of Thoroughbred horse racing came at a steep price. The Turcottes were plagued by tragedy: life-threatening injuries, paralysis, eating disorders, alcoholism, depression, and suicide.

“Most jockeys only know horse racing,” writes Stock. “They arrive young, most with little education. And when the door closes… they don’t know where to turn. One minute trainers are falling over themselves to ride you. The next you’re old and forgotten. And often broke.”

Through careful research and interviews, Stock has documented the little-known lives of five brothers from small-town Canada who rose to the upper echelons of the Thoroughbred racing world, and the heartbreak that accompanied their success. It’s a remarkable story that illustrates the roller-coaster ride and human costs of top-level horse sport.

The Stock Horse and the Stable Cat

By Phil Van Treuren Stoic Simple Press, 2022

ISBN 979-8-218-05094-8

26 pages, hardcover

Reviewed by Tania Millen

This enchanting little book follows a bay ranch horse and his ginger feline companion as they wander through their ranch on an autumn day. Throughout their conversation, the two disagree about what is good and bad, and how they feel about different things.

The book offers a simple message about how the power of our perceptions affect our everyday attitudes. It’s a story about the value of stoicism and how contentment may be found by accepting what we cannot change.

Lovely illustrations on every second page make the colourful 17.5 cm x 17.5 cm (7” x 7”) book suitable for both children and adult readers. The book is beautifully designed and would make a charming gift for young and old.

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY!

The Horse Community Journals’ office has moved. Please note our new mailing and courier/shipment delivery address:

Horse Community Journals Inc. 10148 Bowerbank Road, Sidney, BC V8L 3T9

PROVEN PAIN RELIEF

PROVEN PAIN RELIEF

In a u niversity - controlled study of 16 horses, SNM Performance Ultra was shown to significantly reduce Back Pain within 30 days of application.

In a u niversity - controlled study of 16 horses, SNM Performance Ultra was shown to significantly reduce Back Pain within 30 days of application.

In a u niversity - controlled study of 16 horses, SNM Performance Ultra was shown to significantly reduce Back Pain within 30 days of application.

Horses were randomly assigned to either a SNM Performance Ultra treatment group or a control group. Back pain scores were evaluated regularly with a pressure force gauge for both horses treated daily with SNM and untreated horses. In summary, horses treated with the SNM Performance Ultra had significantly decreased pain scores over a 30-day period.

Horses were randomly assigned to either a SNM Performance Ultra treatment group or a control group. Back pain scores were evaluated regularly with a pressure force gauge for both horses treated daily with SNM and untreated horses. In summary, horses treated with the SNM Performance Ultra had significantly decreased pain scores over a 30-day period.

Horses were randomly assigned to either a SNM Performance Ultra treatment group or a control group. Back pain scores were evaluated regularly with a pressure force gauge for both horses treated daily with SNM and untreated horses. In summary, horses treated with the SNM Performance Ultra had significantly decreased pain scores over a 30-day period.

PERFORMANCE

PERFORMANCE

PERFORMANCE

Daily use formulation

Daily use formulation

Daily use formulation

Soothing antiinflammatory

Soothing antiinflammatory

Soothing antiinflammatory

Use before and after rides for injury prevention

Use before and after rides for injury prevention

Use before and after rides for injury prevention

PERFORMANCE ULTRA

PERFORMANCE ULTRA

PERFORMANCE ULTRA

Clinical strength version of SNM

Clinical strength version of SNM

Clinical strength version of SNM

Most powerful & fastestacting SNM product

Most powerful & fastestacting SNM product

Most powerful & fastestacting SNM product

Soothing long lasting anti-inflammatory

Soothing long lasting anti-inflammatory

Soothing long lasting anti-inflammatory

TRUSTED BY COMPETITORS EVERYWHERE

TRUSTED BY COMPETITORS EVERYWHERE

TRUSTED BY COMPETITORS EVERYWHERE

“My 8-year-old gelding slipped real bad at a barrel race about a month ago and his lumbar area in his back got real sore to touch and the points of his shoulders got big knots in them. I had my chiropractor adjust him and I started using the SNM Performance Ultra Gelotion daily after workouts and within 3 days those muscles began to soften. I’ve since just made it a part of my daily regimen.”

“My 8-year-old gelding slipped real bad at a barrel race about a month ago and his lumbar area in his back got real sore to touch and the points of his shoulders got big knots in them. I had my chiropractor adjust him and I started using the SNM Performance Ultra Gelotion daily after workouts and within 3 days those muscles began to soften. I’ve since just made it a part of my daily regimen.”

USING THE PRODUCTS

USING THE PRODUCTS

LINIMENT

USING THE PRODUCTS

LINIMENT

Great for sensitive skin

LINIMENT

Great for sensitive skin

· Can be sprayed on or rubbed in

· Great for sensitive skin

Can be sprayed on or rubbed in

· Safe to use on entire body Can be diluted for a body brace

· Safe to use on entire body

· Can be sprayed on or rubbed in Safe to use on entire body

Can be diluted for a body brace

Lynnzie

“My 8-year-old gelding slipped real bad at a barrel race about a month ago and his lumbar area in his back got real sore to touch and the points of his shoulders got big knots in them. I had my chiropractor adjust him and I started using the SNM Performance Ultra Gelotion daily after workouts and within 3 days those muscles began to soften. I’ve since just made it a part of my daily regimen.”

Lindstrom, Arenus Ambassador, World Champion Barrel Racer

Lynnzie Lindstrom, Arenus Ambassador, World Champion Barrel Racer

Lynnzie Lindstrom, Arenus Ambassador, World Champion Barrel Racer

· Can be diluted for a body brace

GELOTION

GELOTION

GELOTION

“Every horse I own or train uses SNM products daily, simply because there’s no question they work and are

“Every horse I own or train uses SNM products daily, simply because there’s no question they work and are the best liniment product on the market. We all want our horses nice and supple in their muscles and SNM helps

“Every horse I own or train uses SNM products daily, simply because there’s no question they work and are the best liniment product on the market. We all want our horses nice and supple in their muscles and SNM helps me get that. A horse that feels good will give you his all and SNM makes sure they feel their best.”

David Ziegler, Arenus Ambassador Professional Dressage Rider

Slightly thicker consistency to make it easy to apply to hard-to-reach areas

· Slightly thicker consistency to make it easy to apply to hard-to-reach areas

· Safe to use on entire body

Slightly thicker consistency to make it easy to apply to hard-to-reach areas

· Safe to use on entire body

Safe to use on entire body

POULTICE

Ideal for use on lower limbs

· Pair with or without wraps, paper or plastic

· Effective at pulling out heat and swelling