Canadian Horse Journal - Winter 2019

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PHOTOS

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SPECIAL FEATURES 9 The Kelpie

The mythological water horse of Scotland is celebrated in modern-age beauty and grandeur.

62, 82, 84 Celebration of Horses Photo Contest

Album of winners from our 28th annual contest.

30 Rules by Which to Canter

34 My Vermont Fall Colours Ride

The autumn splendour of Vermont is best enjoyed from the back of a horse.

42 Horses on the Silver Screen

The film industry has an enduring fascination with these amazing animals that shaped our civilization and remain our steadfast partners and friends. www.HORSE Journals.com

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Top tips for canter work that will boost benefits for your horse.

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9 Shutterstock/Nick Fox | 34 Clix Photography | 42 Alamy/Allstar Picture Library | 62 Willie Poll

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ON THE COVER: A canter is a cure for every evil.

— BENJAMIN DISRAELI PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK/ALEXANDER ROCHAU

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PHOTOS

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DEPARTMENTS

HORSE HEALTH 12 Simulating the Horse

A Calgary company is helping veterinary students become proficient in their diagnostic and practical skills.

18 When Horses Get Allergies

Horses can be hypersensitive to a variety of allergen triggers hiding in your stable.

24 Is “Natural” Better for our Horses?

Why good husbandry might be the new “natural” for today’s domesticated horses.

2 To Subscribe 8 Editorial 47, 61, 73-75

Country Homes & Acreages

76 Horse Council BC News 78 Manitoba Horse Council News 80 Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association News

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12 Courtesy of Veterinary Simulator Industries | 18 Shutterstock/Horse Crazy | 24 Shutterstock/Vicuschka | 30 Courtesy of Jec Ballou

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EDITOR’S DESK

b Your Horse b Your Passion b Your Magazine Published by Horse Community Journals Inc.

Volume 20 • Issue 2 Winter 2019 Issue (Nov/Dec) of Canadian Horse Journal EDITOR / PUBLISHER Kathy Smith ACCOUNTS Chantal Patterson ADVERTISING April D. Ray • Terry Andrucko • Janna Reimer SOCIAL MEDIA April D. Ray

Kathy Smith 8

MARKETING & DISTRIBUTION Janna Reimer ART DIRECTION, PRODUCTION Elisa Crees CONTRIBUTORS Margaret Evans • Tania Millen • Shawn Hamilton April D. Ray • Jec Ballou • Shelagh Niblock • Jonathan Field Alexa Linton • Equine Guelph • WCVM HCBC • MHC • CanTRA ADVERTISING, SUBSCRIPTIONS & GENERAL INQUIRIES 1-800-299-3799 • 250-655-8883 or email: sales@horsejournals.com ADVERTISING DEADLINE 4 weeks prior to issue date e.g., Oct.1 for Winter (Nov/Dec) issue.

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PHOTO: ISTOCK/RICHLEGG

Horses have been part of the world of moving pictures since the very beginning. In fact, the first “moving picture” is considered to be Eadweard Muybridge’s The Horse in Motion, an 1878 silent film, using a series of stop-action photographs in sequence, depicting the movement of a galloping horse.

This film came about when Muybridge was hired by industrialist and horseman, Leland Stanford, who was interested in gait analysis, to determine whether there is a moment in mid-stride when all four of the horse’s feet are off the ground. Older paintings had depicted this moment of suspension to be when the fore and hindlimbs are extended.

The horse photographed was Stanford’s Thoroughbred mare, Sallie Gardner, galloping at a speed of 36 miles per hour (58 km/h) at Stanford’s farm in Palo Alto, California on June 19, 1878. Muybridge used 24 cameras placed 27 inches apart along a track parallel to the horse’s path, with the shutters controlled by tripwires triggered by the horse’s legs. The photographs captured what the human eye could not see — that suspension occurs when the feet are drawn together beneath the body. The photographs were displayed in a spinning zoopraxiscope that provided the illusion of motion. The zoopraxiscope was conceived by Muybridge and is a predecessor of the movie projector.

As the movie-making industry galloped forward, progressing from silent films, to talkies (moving pictures with synchronized sound), to the television shows and motion pictures of present day, horses remained solidly in the picture.

Most of the time, horses are simply the unsung heroes, giving authenticity to an historical drama, or delivering the hero just in time to rescue the damsel in distress.

They are required to carry out all sorts of actions on film, from galloping, rearing, and jumping, to performing stunts, to taking part in violent gunfights and war scenes, and everything in between, all while coping with the hustle and bustle of the movie set.

Without a doubt, the equine actors of television and movies are specialists in their field, and just like their human colleagues, their on-camera performances take a great deal of planning and preparation. So, the next time you see a character in a movie or a television show climb into the saddle, consider their equine co-star, whose job it is to make the actor look good as the story unfolds. Considering the centuries of service and sacrifice the horse has already given us, and the tremendous impact these stalwart animals have had on every aspect of human life, they are simply providing yet another service that mankind requires.

The horse has been part of human history for more than 6,000 years, and our interwoven stories will continue to be told as the humanequine relationship evolves over the course of our future together.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Steve Smith

The information and services listed herein are intended to facilitate accessibility to the professionals, products and services that play a part in the horse industry. While readers are encouraged to use the products and services of the merchants listed in this Guide, Horse Community Journals Inc. does not recommend or guarantee the products and services of advertisers or associates listed.

Manuscripts and photographs will be returned only if SASE is provided. The return of unsolicited material is not guaranteed.

Contributors and advertisers warrant all materials supplied are free of copyright and they have the legal right to use the same.

All material accepted for publication is subject to such revisions as are deemed appropriate by Canadian Horse Journal (CHJ).

The opinions expressed in CHJ are not necessarily those of the publisher. CHJ reserves the right to refuse any advertising or submission. Contributors consent to have their submissions published in CHJ and on www.HorseJournals.com and elsewhere as determined by the publisher.

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The Kelpie

MYTHOLOGICAL WATER HORSE OF SCOTLAND

PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA/ROSSTHEAMAZING

By Margaret Evans

Beware the wild beauty of the streams and rivers of Scotland. In those deep, dark pools and foaming eddies lie the mythical water horses, the shapeshifting legendary spirits called the Kelpies.

Sometimes they are black; sometimes white. In Aberdeenshire, the Kelpie is portrayed with a mane of serpents. Many have their hooves reversed compared to an ordinary horse. Some sing. Some look like friendly ponies.

Some can change form, taking the shape of a person. All have the strength and endurance of 10 normal horses.

But do not be lured by the beauty and immense power of these mythical, transforming beasts. For they are malevolent, preying on and devouring any human they encounter. Those friendly ponies luring children to ride on their backs have magical, sticky hides. Once mounted, children can never dismount and disappear into the murky waters, never to be seen again.

F

olk tales of the legendary water horses have abounded for centuries. The name “Kelpie” may have come from the Gaelic word “cailpeach” or “colpach,” meaning heifer or colt.

The legends are thought to have served the practical purpose of keeping children away from dangerous rushing waters, or warning adolescent girls to be wary of attractive strangers.

And maybe the stories arose from the long-ago time when horse sacrifices were practiced in ancient Scandinavia. In historical times, when superstition was at the centre of many pagan cultures, demons and water spirits were a possible way of rationalizing the drowning of young children who had accidentally slipped on dangerous riverbanks.

Today, though, the Kelpies are celebrated in sheer modernage beauty. Between Falkirk and Grangemouth stand the largest equine sculptures in the world. More than statues to honour the mythical Kelpies, they are monuments to honour the horse-powered heritage of Scotland, notably the Clydesdale. The monuments stand 30.48 metres (100 feet) tall and weigh over 272 tons. They are built of structural steel with a stainless-steel cladding. Sculptor Andy Scott modelled the head and neck images on two Clydesdales named Duke and Baron. The horses and their steel images represent WINTER 2019

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The sculptures form a gateway to the eastern entrance to the Forth and Clyde canal, and the new extension that reconnects the canal with the River Forth.

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everything about the heritage of the heavy horse in Scotland’s industry and commerce.

According to Scott, the original concept of the mythical water horses was a valid starting point for the artistic development of the structures. But he moved that concept more toward an equine contemporary image as a sociohistorical monument to celebrate the horse’s role in industry and agriculture, as well as the horse’s obvious association with the canals as tow horses.

At the end of the 1700s, trees were being harvested for supports for the coal mines, and hardwood was needed to make creels and tool handles for the coal miners, as well as the wooden rails used by pit ponies for hauling coal. Local wood supplied the textile factories, bobbins, and shuttles being made from birch. And wood was in high demand not only for products, but to make the carts needed to haul goods to market, all of which were pulled by horses. Horses were at the heart of everything that would build Scotland’s economy.

An additional inspiration for Scott was that one of the world’s largest Clydesdale horses, Carnera, who stood almost 20 hands high and pulled a delivery wagon in the 1930s, once PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK/PETER D KENT

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK/NICK FOX

The Kelpies horse statues lit up at night at the Helix Park in Falkirk, Scotland.

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Margaret Evans is an award-winning freelance writer/journalist and author, with over 45 years’ experience. She has written for a wide variety of newspapers and magazines and has published five books. She offers clinics and courses in writing, editorial services, and gives multimedia talks.

For more information visit www.earthwaysmedia.com.

Each sculpture weighs 300 tons and is clad in 990 stainless-steel plates on a steel skeleton.

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK/RACHAEL ARNOTT

resided in Falkirk.

The two head-and-neck sculptures stand at the eastern entrance to the Forth and Clyde canal, and the new canal extension built as part of the Helix project and the Helix Community Park.

The extension reconnects the Forth and Clyde canal with the River Forth to improve navigation between east and west Scotland. Creating the monumental statues and naming them The Kelpies represent the transformational change and endurance, like the mythical horses, of Scotland’s inland waterways.

Construction of The Kelpies began in June 2013, and the steel structures were fabricated in North Yorkshire by SH Structures. When the two structural steel frameworks were erected, they were each clad in 990 uniquely shaped stainlesssteel plates. Construction was completed in October 2013, when the park was opened to the public. It is now a worldclass, go-to destination for tourists. In the first year alone, nearly a million tourists visited the Kelpies. Every year, many more have been transfixed by the size, beauty, engineering feat, and legendary story of the magical water horses. b

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HEALTH

Simulating the Horse A Calgary company is helping veterinary students become proficient in their diagnostic and practical skills.

By Margaret Evans

“I used to build props and work in film and television production, and I had a shop in my garage at home,” says Russ Gray, cofounder of Veterinary Simulator Industries (VSI) in Calgary, Alberta.

“My neighbour was the dean for the University of Calgary’s new Veterinary School. He knew that I built weird things, so he asked me if I could build the back end of a cow just to garner some interest for the new school at the agricultural fair in Calgary. He wanted the back end of three cows so that kids could reach up into the rectum and palpate a calf’s head.

I contacted my business partner, Bryan Pfahl, and we created them for him. At the time we were doing all kinds of jobs 12

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for science centres and things like that during the course of our careers, so we just took it on as another project.”

That was 2009. In the past decade, the innovative partners have built a whole new generation of working models of cattle, horses, and more recently, dogs as educational aids for veterinary students. Their products are now marketed in 43 countries.

“We started VSI in 2010,” says Gray.

“Other professors came to my shop and saw what we were building. It started the wheels turning for them because they had been unsuccessfully looking for these kinds of simulators to help teach students.

They wanted to use a lot of clinical skills in their new school. They asked

if we could build horses to show the GI [gastrointestinal] tract and colic. We took two of their [model] horses and modified them. They were like a tack store horse, so we refined them and created a small intestine and the GI tract. They provided us with an actual GI tract preserved with fiberglass resin, so we took that and created a rubber inflatable GI tract that could be put inside the horse model, and it could be palpated so that a student could feel the different structures.”

The anatomically correct model, which is fabricated in natural latex rubber, consists of five components — left and right ventral colon, left and right dorsal colon, and the cecum. When assembled,

The inflatable equine GI tract is made of natural latex rubber and anatomically correct. Veterinary students can feel the various structures and learn what is happening inside the horse.

they form the complete large intestine with the representative membranes. Each component is separately partitioned so that they can be individually inflated.

Gray says that the students really enjoyed the model since they had never seen anything quite like it before. They could get a real sense of the feel and what is going on inside the horse.

“It was a good opportunity for them to practice in a safe way,” he says.

“They wouldn’t hurt an animal and they wouldn’t get hurt by an animal.

Veterinary medicine is a very handson science and it made sense to us that having a tactile hands-on simulator would be valuable. The same kind of thing with the cows.”

Gray says that they actually produced the horses first, and then there was pressure to deliver the cows. Not only that, says Gray, the veterinary professors wanted a cow that could give birth to a calf. They had seen a simulator that was a Swiss model. It was basically a stainless steel table with a funnel shape at the end that acted as the birth canal.

Models of the equine spleen (above), perineum panel (below, left), and uterus (below, right).

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VSI offers both a Hereford (shown) and a Holstein model cow, providing students with the opportunity to learn to assist with the birth of a calf before dealing with live animals.

“The initial idea was to get us to build a new table, but Bryan and I said, well, we’ve just delivered the horses and the professors saw them. We can do a cow that can give birth to a calf.”

“The horses started the ball rolling and we managed to get a grant from the (former) Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency to help in the development of the bovine model.”

What resulted was far more than they ever expected. Now, the company offers both a Hereford and a Holstein dystocia model.

Dystocia is the condition that causes difficult births such as a calf that is positioned awkwardly in the birth canal, a cow that has a small pelvis, or failure of the uterus and cervix to expand normally. By removing the top plate of the model cow, students can see

how a model calf is realistically positioned in a clear vinyl uterine bag at birth. The calf will move into the birth canal, and a functional udder with a milk tank simulates milk delivery. To help students learn how to assist with a calf’s birth, the model also comes with a fetal extractor, obstetric chain, and head snare, as well as a landing mat to prevent damage to the calf.

“Mittens” up close shows the detailed recreation of the hair coat and mane.

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“The students really like these models because they gain confidence practicing some of these techniques,” he says. “With our simulators, they can call up a problem birth or a breach whereas, before, they may not get an opportunity to see one if it does not occur in an animal they happen to be working on. With our model they can practice in a low-stakes situation. They can reposition the calf and pull it using a fetal extractor. They can practice it without damage to the uterus or the calf.

“The model has a functional milk tank. Each teat has its own milk supply, but you can isolate one of those sections.

Students can learn how to put on a cluster [the milking machinery that attaches to the cow] or learn how to milk a cow.

We built the teats like real teats. The simulated milk just syphons. Alberta Milk, Saskatchewan Milk, [and] Manitoba Milk all have models of ours which they take to county fairs. Alberta Milk has ours at the Stampede every year.”

Leg function and lameness issues are a constant focus of concern for horse owners, and the partners have been working on limbs for a variety of applications.

“We were working on an injection limb to inject synovial pouches on horse limbs,” says Gray. “The Equine Foundation

of Canada helped fund a portion of the injection limb. It turned out that there were some pronounced difficulties injecting fluid into a model, and it ended up becoming a radiology limb. The school provided us with several horse limbs. We caste the exterior, then their anatomy department took all the flesh off the bone and we caste the bone and sculpted the tendons. It worked very well as an X-ray limb, so we incorporated that into our full horse model as a removable limb.

You can palpate the tendons and do X-rays.”

Russ Gray, cofounder of Veterinary Simulator Industries in Calgary, Alberta.

>

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The equine colic and palpation model.

Currently, they are working on an equine nasogastric intubation model. With the help of the University of Calgary, they received a horse head that had been split down the middle and then plastinated, so that it was preserved in the state they needed. They have a model of the horse’s head and a model of the neck.

“We had the head 3D-scanned,” he says.

“The head and neck are two components.

They fit together, then fit onto the body. We are putting in all the sinuses, epiglottic trachea, and esophagus, so students can basically practice learning nasogastric intubation by passing a tube through the nostril of the horse. The neck has the jugular veins with a blood supply, and we have foam pads in the neck where they would normally inject an intermuscular injection. When the students tube the horse, they run the tube through the nose and get the horse to swallow, which blocks the trachea, so you

get the tube into the esophagus and into the stomach. Sometimes we have to make slight adjustments to make it work as we don’t have all the biology.”

The swallowing action is a prime example. Gray said that they consulted with Dr. Dan French, an equine surgeon with the TD Equine Veterinary Group in Calgary, who explained the swallowing procedure and the structures involved.

They were then able to replicate a more simplified swallow and fit the structures into the horse’s head.

The fiberglass herd waits patiently for completion.

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“We have a simplified swallowing action, so it gives the students an idea of what is happening. When an animal swallows, there’s a lot of muscular stuff going on. We try to replicate it in a simple way. It you make it too super complicated, it means something might fail or break. Any of the soft components will wear out or get damaged after a time.

But they are made to be replaced. We are very aware of veterinary budgets. Parts have to be as durable as we can make them, yet easily replaceable.”

Gray said that there are other companies that build veterinary simulator models including a lot of companion animals. VSI has recently developed a canine dental model and a canine spay model. The simulated teeth and bones are surrounded in soft rubber gums, which allow for practical simulation for scaling, probing, nerve blocks, as well as the biology to allow for intubation training.

An aspect of veterinary training that is both sobering and necessary is euthanasia. Part of that training is how to use a captive bolt stunning gun that renders an animal instantly unconscious without causing pain and killing it. The gun has a steel bolt powered either by compressed air or a blank cartridge. The bolt is driven into the animal’s brain.

“Beef, dairy, steer, sheep, swine are all modelled so you can learn how to target using a captive bolt gun, and learn how to fire it into a canister that we have that represents the brain in the skull,” says Gray. “The students can see the depth of penetration in the area where the bolt lands so that they can target it for accuracy. First responders don’t necessarily know the proper placement of a shot to dispatch an animal. There really is no model for teaching it.

“We work with Olds College as well in their meat processing program, because a lot of their students have to learn how to do euthanasia. Right now, the first time they do that is with a live animal. They’ve never even fired a gun. It’s terrifying.

If they do it in an environment where they can gain some confidence and understand the procedure, they can get some practice time as it were, without worrying about the animal. Then when they go to a real animal, they have some confidence. It takes some of the pressure off. There’s also the possibility that the EU [European Union] is going to come up with some recommendations on how your animals are slaughtered.

Because of that, you need to have some training. You can’t pass it down from one

line-worker to the next line-worker.”

With the success of their company, Gray says that they were delighted to be able to donate to the Equine Foundation of Canada who had so graciously provided some start-up funds back in the early days of VSI.

The demand for their products is steadily growing. They’ve come a long way from building props in the movie industry, and the bonus is that they are providing an invaluable educational service for tomorrow’s veterinarians. b Photos are courtesy of Veterinary Simulator Industries.

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Margaret Evans is an award-winning freelance writer/journalist and author with over 45 years’ experience. She has written for a wide variety of newspapers and magazines, and has published five books. She offers clinics and courses in writing, editorial services, and gives multimedia talks.

For more information visit www.earthwaysmedia.com.

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Urticaria or hives is a skin reaction to allergies or other stressors. It often starts as a few small lumps on the horse’s neck, then progresses across the shoulders and sides.

PHOTO: SUTTERSTOCK/HORSE CRAZY

HEALTH

When Horses Get

Allergies

Are allergen triggers hiding in your stable?

By Margaret Evans At one time we owned a palomino mare who, in her senior years, suffered from heaves, an allergic-based disease that compromises breathing and is similar to how asthma affects humans. Zona had lived all her life in Brandon, Manitoba, and came to us on the west coast when she was in her early twenties. She had a persistent cough and her breathing was audible, especially when she was eating.

While the more humid atmosphere of the coast helped, what was really beneficial was keeping her on pasture most of the time, away from the dust and spores in the barn.

What also helped her condition was sourcing a betterquality grass mix hay and dampening it to eliminate dust.

Like humans, horses can be hypersensitive to a wide variety of allergen triggers including insect bites, pollens, dust and molds, chemicals in crop sprays, hay dust, stall bedding materials, wool (sometimes in saddle pad and blanket products), grooming sprays, shampoos, synthetic materials such as neoprene found in boots and pads, medications, supplements, and some ingredients in feed pellets.

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Around the world, allergies in humans are on the rise, but whether there has been a corresponding rise in allergies in horses is still unclear.

“I don’t know if there’s been an increase in allergies,” says Wendy Pearson, assistant professor, equine physiology, University of Guelph. “I would suggest that we may be a little bit better at diagnosing and identifying what they are.

I don’t know if they are more frequent, but we are just better at recognizing them.”

When a horse has an allergic reaction, its immune system perceives something from its environment as a threat, and launches a response that is out of line with the normally benign condition. It leads to him becoming hypersensitive to the agent, or allergen, and his defenses are elevated so that, when next exposed, his reaction is quicker and stronger. The allergic reaction produces a chemical response that triggers the release of histamine, which can result in swellings or itching or other adverse physical conditions.

The two most common sites for an allergic reaction are the skin, which can suffer from hives (a cluster of

PHOTO: CANSTOCK/HANATIPPLOVA

Horses can be hypersensitive to a variety of triggers including dust from hay and bedding. To reduce exposure to dust and keep horses from tunnelling into big round bales, open the bales and scatter the hay around.

P H O T O: W I KIME

DIA

These are house dust mites, to which some horses are sensitive. A study in Australia found house dust mites in all horse blankets tested, and that hypersensitive horses reacted to the dust mite allergen on serum allergy testing.

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swellings) and pruritis (intense itching), and the respiratory system, when horses have a persistent nasal discharge and frequent coughing.

During the winter months, horses may spend more time in stalls and barns, where dust gathers in hay rooms and the corners of stalls, and mold and mites can be found in dark corners of feed and tack rooms. If horses have been living out on pasture all summer, they may display a reaction to being inside once the windows are shut and the doors closed.

The most common causes for skin irritation are biting insects such as blackflies, horn flies, and stable flies, as well as the biting midge — the notorious “no-see-um” insect.

Those bites result in sweet itch, also known as pruritis, or seasonal recurrent dermatitis; the allergic response is a reaction to the proteins in the saliva of the midge. The intense itching can drive horses crazy, causing them to rub and scratch their skin, often developing a ratty tail, tangled mane, and inflamed skin patches on the belly, shoulders, or across the withers. All the rubbing and scratching can

lead to secondary infections.

While biting midges are dormant in winter, the itch that a horse may have experienced in the fall from the midges’ biting behaviour can continue for a number of weeks. In severe cases, the horse may have incurred a skin infection, which itself causes itchiness. Even though the midges have gone, the horse will continue to scratch and rub himself, continuing the self-traumatizing behaviour until a cycle of relief can eliminate the irritation.

Hives may start as a few small, soft lumps on the horse’s neck, then quickly progress across his shoulders and sides.

What triggered it may not only be insect bites but a variety of environmental allergens such as pollen, mold, and dust that the horse inhales, as well as contact allergens such as WINTER 2019

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bedding, conditioners, and fly sprays.

But not all horses respond to allergen triggers in the same way, or even at all. A study conducted by researchers at the University of Edinburgh and published in 2015 in the journal, PLOS One, showed for the first time that, while all horses respond to allergens, their immune system can react in two different ways. One of the responses to the allergen is the release of certain substances secreted by cells in the immune system, known as cytokine lL-4. The other response, which is the release of another cytokine IFNy from the immune system, is to block different immune cells and negate the effects of the allergen. The animals in the study were Shetland ponies, and their responses to midge bites were similar to what happens in people with allergies.

The intent of the study was to better understand how the

Spirulina, a type of blue-green algae (BGA), has the ability to calm overactive immune states such as allergies, and enhance immune function.

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immune system responds to allergen triggers, and thus be able to prime the human immune system to respond to allergens in a way that does not influence reactions. Allergies are complicated interactions between genetic and environmental influences, and it is still a work in progress to understand why some individuals, and some horses, develop sensitivities and reactions to certain substances while others do not.

Respiratory allergies can occur in any season, and winter is no different. With hypersensitive horses, their airways may be further irritated by hay and bedding dust, and these animals will present with a persistent runny nose and possibly watery eyes.

The more complex Recurrent Airway Obstruction condition, previously called heaves and now referred to as Equine Asthma Syndrome, presents with coughing, wheezing, and laboured breathing, which impacts the overall health of the horse.

As with people, an allergic reaction in a horse can show within minutes or hours of exposure, and it may be from an unusual source. Years ago, a friend purchased a new saddle pad for her Thoroughbred eventer, but he became restless when being saddled. After mounting and warming up, the horse exploded with bucks and resistance. At first, she did not connect the saddle pad with her horse’s behaviour, but it soon became obvious that the saddle pad, made of wool, was the reason. The wool was itchy to the horse and an immediate source of irritation. And it may not have been the wool itself, but the chemicals and dyes in the product.

Being aware of the horse’s hypersensitivity to certain allergens is one half of the challenge; knowing how to help the horse avoid exposure is the other half.

Treatment strategies always include allergen avoidance, topical therapies, and systemic medications such as antihistamines recommended by your veterinarian.

Avoiding allergy triggers is the first place to start. With busy working and riding schedules it’s easy to overlook the darker recesses of barns, but a good regular cleaning of the walls and corners to remove buildup of dust, spider webs, and any floating material will help to minimize exposure. Feed should be kept in resealable plastic bins, and purchased in smaller quantities so it can be replenished frequently to stay fresh, and so that the feed at the bottom of the bin doesn’t get moldy.

Clean feed storage containers and buckets regularly. If mice are a problem, set traps and minimize their numbers; mice droppings add to dirt and dust on the floor. Keep the tack room warm to avoid dampness and prevent mold and mildew from forming on leather. Ensure all blankets are clean and dry on the inside where mice can’t get at them for nesting material, and mites cannot reach them to feed on skin cells.

In a study done by the Department of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Australia, researchers tested 14 horse rugs and two saddle blankets for the presence of house dust mites. Dust samples from the rugs, blankets, and 16 control sites were collected with a vacuum cleaner with a modified attachment and filter. Dust mites were extracted with a floatation technique. Eight rugs and all control samples were positive for mites, and the study confirmed that house dust mites can indeed spread to horse blankets. The study also confirmed the dust mite allergen reactivity on serum allergy testing of hypersensitive horses. According to the report, it was the first study to document the presence of house dust mites in the equine environment. Further research was recommended to evaluate all the immunological responses, provocations, and avoidance measures, to minimize exposure of allergic horses to the microscopic translucent mite that is barely 0.02 mm long.

PHOTO: PAM MACKENZIE

It may not be totally clear why horses are sensitive to such tiny creatures, but avoidance and blanket management are essential to reduce risk. Frequent washings or cleanings are recommended, as well as isolating the blanket and keeping any rugs or blankets used on the hypersensitive horse away from blankets being used on other horses, to avoid cross-contamination.

Helping a horse’s immune system cope with allergens spans not just avoidance and medications, but supplements too. In her article Spirulina, a Mighty Immune Modifier (Canadian Horse Journal, July 2015), Pearson focused on the properties of blue-green algae (BGA), also known as spirulina, found in fresh water, saltwater, tropical springs and, more recently, spirulina farming ponds.

Pearson says that the most well-known clinical effect of BGA is its ability to modify immune function.

“There is abundant evidence that overactive immune states (such as allergies) are calmed with BGA at doses as low as 10 mg/kg BW, both local and whole-body,” she writes. “And histamine — an important instigator of allergic symptoms — is strongly inhibited

by BGA. However, in cases where an up-regulation of immune response is needed (such as during vaccination or exposure to a virus) BGA enhances immune function and protects animals against disease.”

Pearson believes that BGA is now more widespread in use.

“There is some really nice data on this in managing allergies [in people],” she says. “There isn’t anything on horses but there is some really nice, very good research data supporting the use of BGA in allergic conditions.”

At one time, Spirulina was classified as a plant because of its richness in plant pigments and its ability to photosynthesize, but a better understanding of its genetics and physiology has resulted in scientists moving it to the bacteria kingdom

A persistent nasal discharge is often a telltale sign that the horse has a respiratory allergy.

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PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK/NATALYA ROZHKOVA

Horses that live outside are exposed to far fewer allergens.

They are healthier in general, and will adapt to cold temperatures as long as they are provided with adequate shelter, sufficient food of good quality, and a plentiful supply of fresh, unfrozen water.

and placing it in the genus Spirulina. Three species within that genus are studied specifically for their nutritional and therapeutic values.

Many horses do far better living outside rather than living in a barn. In a paddock environment, horses will naturally adapt to conditions so long as they have adequate food, fresh unfrozen water, and shelter from wind and rain.

“This is my bias,” says Pearson. “Horses do better outside all around. They are more content, have far less diseases, and incidents of development of allergies in pasture-raised horses is almost zero. As soon as you put those animals in a barn, close all the doors and windows and put hay, bedding and other horses in there, it’s a breeding ground for allergens.

“I bought a fairly high-end dressage horse. He had lived his whole life in a stall or a tiny paddock by himself. When he got to my farm, he lived out with 45 other horses and was never happier. He was very sound, very healthy. Horses are herd animals and thrive best with others.”

Depending on breed, horses will grow excellent coats in winter to cope with conditions. They are much better at adapting to the cold than we give them credit for.

“I am a big fan of haylage as long as it is properly prepared and cured,” says Pearson. “The haylage that we typically think about for dairy cows, baled at around 40 to 45 percent moisture, is not good for horses. You have to get haylage that is somewhere around 24 to 27 percent moisture. But if it is too low, you don’t have a good environment for the microbes to ferment the material. If you have well-prepared and wellpreserved haylage, it is nutritionally exceptional. It is a very hygienic feed, so it’s low in dust and it has a much better nutritional profile compared to dry hay.

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“Because we had a lot of horses last year and we had a loafing shed, the haylage could be stored under cover. Fifty horses would completely consume an 800-pound bale in 24 hours. Because they consume it quickly, it is safe feed. The problem with haylage comes when it sits outside. It doesn’t get completely consumed, gets exposed to wetness and sunshine, and then there is a botulism risk. Haylage has got a bit of a bad rap because of botulism, but mainly because it’s not managed properly. As long as the haylage is consumed completely within about 48 hours and not exposed to rain or direct sunlight, it is a very safe, nutritious feed.

“In certain paddocks on our farm and when we didn’t have access to the giant loafing sheds, we would feed the giant bales.

We would open them up and throw the hay out and scatter it.

That way, the horses aren’t standing in one spot trying to feed off a tight bale. There are ways to manage haylage or round bales safely. It’s the same hay you would be putting into square bales; it’s just the management of it.”

Regardless of time of year, horses can show signs that something in their diet might not agree with them. It may surface as hives, a swelling, hair loss, or diarrhea. A food allergy should always be discussed with a veterinarian who will provide guidance on protocols to isolate the offending substance, which can then be eliminated. When it comes to subtle signs, it is really important to start recording when the signs first appeared, what the horse was fed both in the barn and in the pasture — including hay from a new hay supply source — and what treats might have been given. Dewormers should also be included, especially if they are new products not previously used. After that it becomes a process of elimination to see what may have triggered the reaction, or allergy, so that the appropriate steps can be taken.

Whether certain horse breeds are more susceptible to allergies is largely unknown. A recent international study, published in the Journal of Animal Breed Genetics and conducted by scientists in England, Belgium, Sweden, and the Netherlands, looked at equine insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH) by biting midges in Icelandic horses and Exmoor ponies, and found an IBH predisposition in both breeds. It may be that a variety of horse breeds has a susceptibility to allergens, but because of the genetics of individual horses within the breed, they may or may not develop allergies.

Another genome-wide association study conducted in the Netherlands, with 200 Shetland pony mares and 146 Icelandic horses, identified several genomic regions associated with insect bite hypersensitivity.

In our modern world, with so many synthetic materials and various food sources entering the barn, it is not surprising that allergic reactions can occur with our equine friends. Sourcing the offending triggers and eliminating them just makes good horse sense. b

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Margaret Evans is an award-winning freelance writer/ journalist and author, with over 45 years’ experience.

She has written for a wide variety of newspapers and magazines and has published five books. She offers clinics and courses in writing, editorial services, and gives multimedia talks.

For more information visit www.earthwaysmedia.com.

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HEALTH

Is “Natural” Better for Our Horses?

By Shelagh Niblock, PAS

And what is natural, anyway?

The terms “natural” and “organic” are widely used in today’s horse world. The use of the term “organic” in the manufacturing and marketing of products aimed at horse owners is regulated by government agencies. The use of the term “natural” is not, and so a great deal more caution must be exercised by horse owners when sourcing these kinds of products for their horses.

What about the care and husbandry of our horses? What is “natural” behaviour for horses, and are we doing them a favour when choosing to keep their lifestyles as “natural” as possible?

Evolution of the Horse

When we discuss what constitutes “natural” behaviour for our horses, we need to talk about equine evolution.

Researchers agree that one of the reasons horses have 24

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competed so successfully against other species is because they possess the ability to habituate themselves to their surroundings. They can learn from previous experiences.

Their survival instincts are excellent, and their trainability is what has made the horse/human interaction so successful.

In some respects, the deck is stacked against horses evolutionally because of their larger size. Large animals need more food. On a large animal the effect of gravity is greater, so the risk of wear and tear on joints is greater over time, as is the risk of an injury. Larger animals give birth to larger offspring, which means a longer pregnancy and the birth of single, not multiple, young. Longer pregnancies mean fewer offspring produced in the life of the animal, which can be a distinct negative in the survival of a prey animal species. Also, the

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK/GROOMEE

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK/VICUSCHKA

Helping your horse adapt to modern forages means managing his feed intake, and keeping boredom at bay with slow feeding devices, grazing muzzles, pastures with limited grazing, and treat toys.

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK/TOM TIETZ

The horse’s digestive tract evolved to adapt to any forage quality, allowing the feeding behaviour of wild horses to change as the quality and quantity of available forage fluctuated. With plentiful, nutritious forage in the spring, feed intake drops and the rate-of-passage through the digestive tract slows. When forage is poor in fall and winter, both intake and rate-of-passage increase. Pictured are wild horses in Utah in winter.

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When forage alone cannot fulfill the energy requirements of today’s working horses, concentrates, as well as vitamin and mineral supplements, may be required.

maximal running speed of a larger animal is slower, making them more likely to be prey to the smaller predators. So why did horses get bigger as they evolved from the dog-sized Eohippus, the first known horse to have walked the earth?

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK/NICOLE CISCATO

The Perfect Digestive Tract for Survival

The bodies of horses have completely evolved around their digestive tract. The horse’s digestive tract is comprised of two parts: the foregut and the hindgut. Their foregut is very much like the digestive tract of any monogastric or single-stomached species, and functions on the action of an acidic environment and mammalian enzymes. The hindgut is very large and allows the horse to utilize fibrous forages with great efficiency. Because horses have such a complex and evolved digestive tract, they have an evolutionary advantage over other animal species. The ability to adapt to any forage or browse regardless of forage quality has given horses a unique ability to survive in a harsh world. A large and complex digestive tract needs a large body to house it, and so their bodies have evolved to be larger in size to accommodate this adaptation over time.

For any species of animal, the ability to secure sufficient nutrients is of paramount importance. As an animal with hindgut fermenting capability, the horse has great flexibility evolutionally in terms of food sources. When horses are faced with abundant nutritious feed choices, the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems associated with the digestive tract of the horse down-regulate intake, and as a result, feed passage rate through the tract slows down. When horses are faced with poor forage options, their feed intake naturally increases, and the rate-of-passage or the speed at which the feed moves through the digestive tract also increases. Horses gain weight and body condition in the spring when forage is plentiful, and lose it again in the late summer and in winter when feed options are limited.

What is “Natural” Feeding Behaviour for a Horse?

Natural feeding behaviour for horses means consistent periods of grazing and/or browsing with periods of rest or flight in between. Research has shown that horses have eating periods of two to four hours in length, interspersed with rest periods of about the same length. In the wild, the forage they eat could range from abundant and nutritious in the spring, to sparse and of low quality during periods of drought or in winter.

Feeding behaviour changes according to quality and quantity of forage. Poor quality feed dictates increased intake, as well as a higher rate-of-passage. The horse’s large, fermentative hindgut accommodates the adaption to forage conditions well. Better quality forage results in lower intake and a slower rate-ofpassage. Feeding periods are controlled by hormones released by the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system.

Comparing Wild and Stabled Horses

Horses in the wild gained weight during periods of abundant feed, and this helped them to survive the periods of poor forage. The high energy intake of spring forage allowed lactating mares both to support their foals at foot, and to readily become pregnant again for next year. The feed intake of horses dropped during periods of abundant feed. That was “natural.”

Unfortunately, if we try to mimic “natural” feed behaviour now in our stabled domesticated horses by allowing free choice feeding, 26

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assuming they will self-regulate, there are several reasons why we could actually be putting their health at risk.

Predators are always looking for their next meal.

Despite the evolutionary deck being stacked against larger animals, the horse endured thanks to its excellent survival instincts, and the ability to habituate to its surroundings and learn from previous experiences. Survival of the healthiest and fittest means the successful evolution of the species.

My Horse is an Eating Machine!

Too often our stabled horses are victims of boredom and will eat as a pastime rather than as a need for nutrients. The natural regulation of feed intake is not always well expressed in domesticated horses, and we see them get fat despite our best efforts to prevent it. When our horses eat to relieve boredom, it isn’t “natural” anymore, and they must be managed to help them adapt to their domesticated circumstances. Management practices such as this are not “unnatural” - they are good husbandry.

Native forage species did not adapt well to the rigours of grazing, and thus, humans introduced forage species that would.

Over the years, modern forage species have been selected by forage specialists to be tolerant to stresses such as intensive management, grazing, and disease conditions. The key to their greater survival under intensive management is their ability to store nutrients. The result of this is that they can provide energy in excess of what many horses need. Allowing horses to follow their natural tendency to eat these forages free choice can result in a higher calorie intake than that required for survival and health. Is grass forage a “natural” feed for horses? Absolutely. But nowadays, the nutrient content of the forages we commonly offer our horses is far from that of the forages they ate while evolving.

Is it “unnatural” to adapt, along with your horse, to the feed sources available and to manage your horse’s feed intake?

Determining a safe feed intake for your horses and following a plan to provide it falls once again under the heading of Good Husbandry.

PHOTO: ISTOCK/HKUCHERA

Forages are Not the Same “Natural” as Before

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EOHIPPUS

MESOHIPPUS

MERYCHIPPUS

Yes, we know that horses do better when they can forage according to their own schedules and desires, but we also know that consumption of too much readily digestible, high nutrient hay can cause health problems for them. To help them adapt to a more controlled forage intake, we can offer them alternatives, such as timed feedings as often as our schedules can accommodate, as well as slow feeding devices, sacrificial pastures where grazing is limited, and the use of grazing muzzles.

We can also provide devices and toys to keep them occupied if feed intake cannot be spread out enough to keep them content. This may not be the same “natural” feeding behaviour our horses’ ancestors evolved with, but it is common sense, and frankly, it is good husbandry.

Are Grain and Supplements Natural for Horses?

Natural selection in the wild determined which horses survived and which did not. The ones who survived lived on to reproduce, and passed on their superior genetics to their offspring. In our modern

PLIOHIPPUS

world, the horses that reproduce are the ones possessing the characteristics we prefer to see in them. Many of the horses we revere as performance horses might never have survived in the wild. The natural ability of our domestic horses is to adapt, and our job is to assist them in doing that so they can be healthy, successful horses in today’s world. Sometimes that means supplements. Energy requirements for working horses can exceed what they can readily consume in forage, and we therefore complement their forage intake with concentrates when needed. We give them electrolytes, and vitamin and mineral supplements, to ensure they are getting what research has shown they need in order to do the jobs they were bred for.

Is this “natural” for the horse? For the domesticated stabled horse in your barn, it is essential for health and success, not to mention an important part of good husbandry.

Housing, Husbandry, and Health Horses in the wild did not have anyone providing housing, husbandry,

MODERN HORSE

or veterinarian care for them. No one decided if they needed shoes, or not. They were never vaccinated, nor were they on a regular parasite control program. As a matter of fact, in the world of our horse’s ancestors, the health issues caused by a body overrun with parasites may well be what determined which horse got selected by the lion as its next meal.

The selection pressure applied to the horse population of the time was good for the survival and the successful evolution of the species. The horse with an immune system that could protect it from parasite infection was more likely to survive. But the reality is that parasites evolve as well, and we cannot and should not risk going “natural” by choosing to not deworm our horses. The risks of poor health outcomes are simply too great. Good husbandry calls for practicing a protocol for parasite control that works for your horse in your part of the world.

None of these management tools could be construed as “natural,” and yet, when we take on the responsibility of a horse, we need to be ready to provide all

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“I’m always amazed how one treatment of Farriers’ Fix for a stone bruise can make my horse sound in just a day.”

— Katharine Burdsall, Winner of The World Cup in 1986 on The Natural

ILLUSTRATION: SHUTTERSTOCK/ALDONA GRISKEVICIENE

The horse evolved from the dog-sized, forest-dwelling Eohippus into the modern horse.

But what does “natural” mean for our beloved equines after 50 million years of evolution?

When we take on responsibility for a horse today, are we prepared to provide the care and management they need to live and thrive in our modern world?

of them to some degree, depending on the job of the horse and where we live in the world. As owners of domesticated, stabled horses, we know that the term “natural” can generate much emotional and passionate discussion, but it is not the most important criteria in the decisions we make for our horses. What is important is what constitutes the best husbandry we can provide for our horses.

I Just Want What’s Best For My Horse

The biggest favour you can do for your horse is to practice good husbandry. That means making choices for him based on sound science and common sense. The desire to provide “natural” choices for your horse is a judgement call, and you should feel confident about assessing what your horse needs, whether “natural” or not. Remember that horses evolved to where they are today because they readily adapted to their environments.

Many of their adaptations to the managed lives we provide them with have allowed them to live comfortably and safely for a long time. Horses in the wild did not live long, with a maximum life expectancy of approximately five to seven years before injury and disease caught up with them.

Horses who are a part of the modern human experience have life expectancies that can exceed 30 years.

Is good husbandry potentially the new “natural” for domesticated horses?

Let’s assume it is. In the meantime, enjoy being discerning about the husbandry you provide for your horse, and be assured that you are providing him with the best life you can offer. b

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Shelagh Niblock PAS is an equine nutritionist with an extensive background in both ruminant nutrition and forage science as it relates to both horses and ruminants. She has spent more than 35 years in the feed industry in BC, and her lengthy experience working initially as a dairy nutritionist piqued her interest in the contribution made by forages to the diets of our horses.

Her work in ruminant nutrition has given her some unique insights into equine hind gut health and its impact on equine performance and health.

Shelagh currently practices as an equine nutritional consultant, offering advice on the successful feeding and husbandry of horses. Shelagh is a horse owner herself and an enthusiastic pleasure rider who is especially interested in the disciplines of dressage and three-day eventing.

A 4-H horse leader for many years, Shelagh is still active as a volunteer in the 4-H program in BC, as well as BC Pony Club. She is a member BC Pony Club as a Horse Master, and a member of the Equine Science Society, the American Dairy Science Association, the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists, and the American Society of Animal Science.

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TRAINING

Rules By Which to

CANTER

When it comes to cantering, riders seem to divide in two camps. In one camp are those who favour it above all else, while the other camp includes those who find it scary or unpleasant. I would like to add a third camp: riders who understand the unparalleled physiological benefits of cantering their horses. Beyond the obvious cardiovascular conditioning, cantering can improve muscle tone, symmetry, and flexibility more than other gaits. Let me explain this further, in addition to offering some tips and guidelines.

Many arena riders like myself were taught to fully master our horses’ balance and performance at trot before tackling canter. In reality, it can take such a long time to master good trot performance that the canter suffers repeated postponement, sometimes for a couple of years or more. And without daily bouts of cantering, we are lacking one of the best tools to help a horse use his body optimally. I have heard vets, massage therapists, and skilled trainers recommend cantering to improve a horse’s body mechanics, whether or not it is perfectly executed.

During canter, the horse swings his hind limbs forward by lumbosacral flexion as opposed to hip flexion, which is the primary hinge point for trotting. This repeated cycle 30

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By Jec A. Ballou

of flexion and extension of the lumbosacral junction stimulates the horse’s lower back, while also maximally extending the gluteal muscle, a common source of tension and rigid postural habits. As wave-like motions of each stride activate this area, the horse releases restriction from his back and topline muscle chain.

This explains why most horses feel smoother and more comfortable to ride after a bout of cantering. Further, during canter the horse’s respiration cycle syncs to the rhythm of his strides through a process called entrainment. On the downbeat of each stride, his piston-like diaphragm shoves forward against the chest wall, causing exhalation. The quicker he canters, the more rapidly he needs to take in air.

This is an important way to help young, tense, or stiff horses relax their trunk muscles and breathe deeply, allowing them to round their topline. Many horses hold their breath, or they breathe shallowly and keep the muscles of their ribcages clamped, especially during trot when the spine mostly serves the role of a rigid balancing rod rather than a conduit for wave-like pulsations. Cantering helps break the habit of shallow, or holding, breaths.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JEC BALLOU

Cantering benefits the horse by helping them relax their trunk muscles and breathe deeply, which delivers more oxygen to their muscles.

Not only is deep, rhythmic breathing essential for mental relaxation of an equine athlete, it determines muscular effort. Improved delivery of oxygen to muscles allows for more forceful contractions. Lack of variability of muscular force is a common reason for horses and riders hitting a plateau in their training.

Of course, all of these good outcomes depend on some rules. What follows are the top tips for canter work that benefits your horse.

First of all, longeing does count towards the physical benefits your horse can reap from cantering. Riders who are timid about cantering often ask me whether they can still meet their horses’ needs if they do the work unmounted instead. While it is not an exact replacement for the value of riding, groundwork is absolutely better than missing out on cantering altogether, so go ahead and incorporate it from the ground at least twice per week for three to five minutes each time.

If you plan to tackle your young or unbalanced horse’s canter from the saddle instead, allow yourself to ride with a light seat. Keeping your weight off the horse’s back at this point generally allows him to relax quicker. Trying to push oneself deep in the saddle, or striving for attractive equitation on an unbalanced cantering horse, will cause him to tighten his back muscles, resulting in speed and stiffness. Instead, lift your seat slightly out of the saddle to unburden the horse’s back until the gait develops a steadier rhythm.

Another valuable option is to find a rider to help you

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When cantering a young or unbalanced horse, help the horse relax by lifting your seat slightly out of the saddle to keep your weight off his back.

once or more per week. This person does not necessarily have to be a trainer; often a young rider or friend will happily climb aboard your horse for a good canter regularly. Some riders struggle to swallow their pride, hoping to do all their horse’s training themselves. But if you are missing out on canter because of your own discomfort or anxiety, do your horse a favour and reach out for some help. As the balance and quality of his canter improves from someone else riding him, you will be more

apt to give it a go yourself.

A daily tip I give riders is to pay attention to ratios of time spent in each gait. At the end of your session, ask yourself how many minutes you spent walking versus trotting versus cantering.

Make a goal to get those ratios nearly equal a couple of days per week.

When beginning canter work, it can be very useful to give yourself permission to work on just one lead at a time. Often a horse will have one lead that is much

more balanced. In fact, he might only wish to canter on that lead and have quite a bit of balkiness about the other one. It is no use adding to his anxiety by making a big issue about his less preferred lead.

Progress will happen faster if you spend a couple of weeks making positive headway on the lead he has less anxiety about.

Forget about the other one for a while.

Once his balance and comfort improves on the good lead, he will be able and willing to try harder on the

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A canter is a cure for every evil.

— BENJAMIN DISRAELI

less balanced lead. Plus, you will have established clearer cues from your seat, which will now have more meaning to him when you tackle the difficult lead.

Too many riders spoil a day’s potential progress by assuming they have to train both leads, and any improvements they might have made in rhythm, relaxation, and calmness fall apart.

Most horses will find their balance more quickly on a circle, which is why canter is usually introduced and schooled in the early stages on a circle.

A word of caution, though: Do not get married to the circle. As soon as you can make a canter departure on the correct lead, and your horse is listening to you well, leave the circle and ride a straight line. You can always return to the circle if you need to test your steering or your horse’s attention. But make sure you do not just ride round and round the circle each time you canter.

A horse’s balance improves by organizing his body on curved lines, straight lines, and the transitions between them. If he does not negotiate these small challenges as soon as possible, his balance stagnates and riding straight lines becomes an insurmountable challenge. A horse that only canters round and round a circle will treat the straight line like a racetrack.

With these simple tips in mind, assess your current ratios of time spent cantering and the perceived effect on your horse. Remember to use the critical fitness tool of cantering in a consistent and measurable way each week. His welloxygenated muscles and looser spine will be your reward. b

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK/ON THE MOVE

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 the following books: Equine Fitness by Jec A. Ballou, and 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.

— Ralph Waldo Emerson

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HOLIDAYS ON HORSEBACK

The

Fall Colours of Vermont

Best Seen from the Saddle

A

utumn, one of the most colourful times of the year, is my favourite season for riding. The pesky bugs are gone, the air is crisp, and the horses are fresh and eager to head out on the trails. Nothing beats a good canter in the woods as the reds, yellows, and oranges of the leaves go whizzing by. Living in Ontario, we pride ourselves on the colourful vistas our province displays as the trees dress themselves

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in fall finery, but a hop across the border into Vermont provides the rolling hills of the Green Mountains as a scenic backdrop. And in my opinion, the best way to enjoy any type of scenery is from the saddle. So, after a little research, I found two gems in the Green Mountain state where one can enjoy the fall foliage from the back of a horse. This past October, I threw my helmet, boots, and chaps into the car,

PHOTOS: CLIX PHOTOGRAPHY

By Shawn Hamilton

The horses stop for a drink at an ancient spring-fed water trough.

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK/REIMAR

Mad River Inn, circa 1860, is a renovated inn located six miles from the Vermont Icelandic Horse Farm in the historic town of Waitsfield.

The Pine Brook Bridge crosses Pine Brook in Waitsfield, Vermont, one of two historic covered bridges in the town.

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and with my riding buddy, Cinette, headed south of the border to see Mother Nature’s fall splendour from horseback in these prime locations of Vermont.

Our first stop, nestled in the Mad River Valley, is the 45-acre Vermont Icelandic Horse Farm in the Finn Basin area near the historic village of Waitsfield. The village

of Waitsfield was established early in the 19th century as the commercial centre for the farming communities of the Mad River Valley, and the area includes many documented historic sites in the town and surrounding area. There are two covered bridges in the Village of Waitsfield, the Great Eddy built in 1833, and the Pine Brook

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built in 1872. These two bridges represent the widespread construction of covered bridges on Vermont’s public highways from 1820 to 1904, of which about 100 remain.

Both are on public highways and accessible to the public. The Great Eddy Bridge is the oldest continually used covered bridge in the State.

Here at the Vermont Icelandic Horse Farm, not only can you experience the pageantry of Vermont’s seasonal colour, you can ride a truly magnificent breed of horse — the naturally gaited Icelandic, one of the oldest breeds in the world — while enjoying the culture and history of the area.

These little horses are bred to move freely and smoothly along difficult terrain. Their unique free-flowing and effortless gait, the Tölt, floats the rider along the trail. They are patient, have a positive attitude, and thanks to their efficient movement they have tireless energy, making them well-suited for trail riding. Standing from 12 to 14 hands high, Icelandic horses have a stocky frame, allowing them to carry up to one third of their body weight.

Upon our arrival at the Vermont Icelandic Horse Farm, owner Karen Winhold emerges from the small barn built underneath the house, both designed and constructed by her father, Otto Winhold.

Once the guests have arrived, the horses are assigned, stirrups are adjusted, girths tightened, and everyone makes their way up the driveway on their trusty Icelandic horse. All of Winhold’s horses are direct descendants of Icelandic pure stock, and she prides herself on their character.

“Icelandic horses are naturally peopleoriented and friendly, their character is

PHOTOS: CLIX PHOTOGRAPHY

number one. Their willingness to tolerate so much, combined with their easygoing personality, makes them a perfect match for any trail enthusiast,� says Winhold.

The morning ride starts from the stables and heads to an ancient spring-fed watering trough where the horses stop for a refreshing drink. Further up the road, the ride passes an old 1813 school, now housing a local artist. A turnoff into the woods offers a magnificent view of the valley below, with the Green Mountains proudly displaying their fall colours. The ride continues on with a combination of road and forest trails, passing ski chalets and sheep farms, crossing rivers and streams, then returns to the farm for lunch. Visitors can choose between a half or full day of riding, or the longer two- to six-day package on the lovely four- and five-gaited Icelandic horses.

Karen and her husband Luke, a French Canadian, operate the Mad River Inn just six miles down the road from the horse farm. Guests can relax in one of the cosily-decorated guest rooms and enjoy the tasty meals Luke creates. A homemade breakfast in the Queen Anne furnished dining room starts off an enjoyable day in the saddle. After riding, guests can sip tea on the porch or soothe tired muscles in the hot tub. It is a truly delightful and relaxing atmosphere.

Our second stop is the prestigious Mountain Top Resort, located just outside the small town of Chittenden, Vermont, conveniently located near the Killington ski area. This luxurious resort offers 40 miles of trail riding on the property, combined with access to parkland. The

Mother Nature paints the foliage of Vermont in yellows, reds, and oranges from mid-September until late October, moving from north to south and from higher to lower elevations.

hilly trails double as a cross-country ski park in the winter. Arriving just after sunset, we are greeted by the friendly front desk clerk who directs us to our room. The hallway is laden with photos of famous people who have stayed there, from Dwight D. Eisenhower to Jennifer Aniston. The room is spacious

and well-appointed with a fireplace and jacuzzi tub. We quickly unpack to find our bathing suits, and head to the hot tub for a soak under the stars. After an exquisite dinner in the restaurant, we retire to comfy beds and look forward to tomorrow’s adventures.

Unfortunately, Mother Nature has

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PHOTOS: CLIX PHOTOGRAPHY

The patient, people-oriented temperament of the Icelandic horses makes it easy to relax and enjoy the scenery.

another plan, and we awake to rain. We walk to the stables to meet the barn manager, Louise, and with hopes that the weather will clear up in the afternoon, she invites us to tour the stables.

The tack room is lined with saddles, each labelled with their purpose and size, and girths each displaying their length.

In my travels, I had never seen an operation organized this way, and was quite impressed. The barn is simple with box stalls easily doubling as two standing stalls with a removable divider.

The farrier is shoeing a horse in the wide aisle, as Louise tells me that a large percentage of the horses are leased. Once the snow flies, they head back to their home farm, or head out to their winter job. Only a handful stay during the ski season, including their draft horses who take guests for the romantic snowy sleigh ride experience.

By noon the rain has stopped, and we head to the barn to meet our mounts. I am presented with Chip, aptly named for the small slice out of his left ear. Cinette will ride Hershey, a Thoroughbred used on the off-season by a private college for their equestrian program. Due to the slippery trail, we wind slowly up the mountainside, with the fog hanging in the air among the trees, providing a mystical backdrop. Joining us are two other guests, and the ride is at a slower pace because they are beginners. The views are fogged in, so we head down the mountainside to the beach beside the 740-acre lake, where a pontoon boat awaits tourists who wish to take a ride. A pavilion is provided for private events by the lake. Mountain Top Resort is well-equipped for weddings, with options ranging from outdoor lakeside or mountain views, to private indoor facilities. We cross a winding stream and return to the inn with high hopes that the weather will improve by tomorrow.

The next morning dawns with a hint of blue in the horizon.

Making memories in Vermont’s beautiful fall foliage.

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PHOTOS: CLIX PHOTOGRAPHY

The naturally-gaited Icelandic horses at Vermont Icelandic Horse Farm are a pleasure to ride.

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After breakfast we claim our mounts for the morning ride.

Cinette is pleased to have Hershey again as he responds well to her aids, a testament to his work in the off-season. My horse today is Pokey, a chestnut with a white blaze.

Moments after leaving the barn, the views open up and we can see down to the lake. Today, it’s just the two of us and our guide, Marissa, so we are hoping for a few canters. As we head out onto the trail going up to the mountain to enjoy the vistas below, we pass a small pond offering reflections of the coloured leaves. Winding further up the hill, signs displaying the level of difficulty of the cross-country ski trails line the intersections.

At the top, the forest opens up displaying the fall colour of the rolling Green Mountains surrounding the lake. We rest for a moment to take in the spectacular view.

As we head down the mountain, Marissa tells us that Mountain Top Resort allows horse owners to bring their own horses to stay on the property, and groups can rent one or more of the many houses in the vicinity. Cinette and I are already making plans to return for a cross country ski weekend, and to invite our other horsey friends for a fun week of riding our own steeds on these lovely trails.

Once down the mountain, we ride through the wide open green space where a wedding party is setting up. We head down the road to the lake, then open up the horses to a full canter as we climb back up to the resort. The horses flow into canter with ease as the reds, yellows, and oranges whiz by. This is what we came for, and Mountain Top Resort delivered. Upon returning to the barn, we thank our horses and all the people who showed us such a wonderful time. We are sad to leave, but we know in our hearts that we will return next fall with our own horses in tow. b Shawn Hamilton is a freelance equine photojournalist based in Ontario, Canada.

The author with Pokey, one of her mounts at the Mountain Top Resort.

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Lights!

Camera!

Hoofbeats Across the Silver Screen

Action!

By Margaret Evans

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PHOTO: ALAMY/RIDLEY SCOTT FILM COMPANY UNIVERSAL PICTURES/AF ARCHIVE

A

s anyone who has spent real time with horses knows, they are so often the teachers in this journey through life. “As we strive to learn the best ways to motivate our horses, they motivate us to be the best that we can be,” says retired movie stunt rider and double, Martha Crawford-Cantarini.

“Horses were the unsung heroes of the era,” says CrawfordCantarini, who started her career in 1947 at age 18. “They provided the action, the pacing and the indelible identity of the Western.

Their ability to jump, to fall, and to run contributed hugely to a star’s believability and status.”

“One time I had to do a ‘chase’ scene with a team in St. George, Utah,” she says. “The head wrangler came early and located a local team of horses for me to drive. I was a bit spooked at the thought as it was an almost runaway scene. But the horses were wonderful, and I did not even need a pickup man to help me get stopped. The wranglers were wonderful, too. Each of them usually worked for a certain stable and knew each horse inside and out as to what it could do or not do.”

In a century of film-making since the grainy black-and-white days of the 1920s, animals and especially horses have been part of the production scene. Without horses there would have been no classics such as National Velvet, Ben-Hur, The Big Country, Yellowstone Kelly, Son of Paleface, The Black Stallion, Seabiscuit, and War Horse, or timeless TV Western series like The Lone Ranger, Wagon Train, Gunsmoke, Bonanza, Maverick, The Virginian, or Cheyenne.

“One time on a Cheyenne shoot, I was supposed to be in a daze and walk out in front of a runaway horse who knocks me down and kills me,” Crawford-Cantarini recalls. “Well, time and time again we did it and it would not work. So, risking my job, I told the director that a horse is not going to run into you unless he is running from fright.

He will avoid you. I said to let me step into his shoulder with my arm as he goes by me and I will fall back. It will look like I was run over if you put the camera on the other side. Much to my surprise, he said okay and we got it the first try. Clint Walker thanked me for the great job. That was nice.”

Leading actor Clint Walker played Cheyenne Brodie in the ABC/ Warner Bros. hit Western series, Cheyenne, from 1955 to 1963. It was the first hour-long Western, and the first hour-long dramatic series of any kind with continuing characters to last more than one season.

The film industry has an enduring fascination with horses. The horses used in the 2010 film, Robin Hood, were well-trained and accustomed to sandy and hilly terrain. All riders were stunt riders or experienced actors who were skilled at riding, mounting, and dismounting, and intense stunts were only performed by seasoned stunt riders.

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ANTARINI

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MARTHA CRAWFORD-CANTARINI

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In a promotional clip for The Big Country (1958), in which stunt rider Crawford-Cantarini doubled both Jean Simmons and Carroll Baker, she jumped a wagon and her horse, Jim, caught his foot behind the wagon wheel. She stepped off Jim’s back in mid-air and pulled him toward her, saving his leg. Jim went on to double Flicka in the wellknown television series.

In the fire scene in MGM’s Interrupted Melody (1954), Crawford-Cantarini’s horse, Ski, had to rear in front of the smoke and flames, then leap into the fire as Martha swung onto his back to a musical cue in a two-second time frame. Anticipating the action, the horse listened to the music, and braced himself with his left hind foot exactly one beat before the moment in the music when Crawford-Cantarini had to mount.

PHOTO: ALAMY/EVERETT COLLECTION INC.

PHOTO CO

URTESY OF

MARTHA CR

Crawford-Cantarini describes movie stunt horses as pleasing and mellow, with a kind eye, and says most of the best horses in the movies were mixed breeds.

Clint Walker, who played Cheyenne Brodie in the Western series, Cheyenne, with his 16-hand co-star, Brandy.

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Given Walker’s imposing frame — he was six feet, six inches tall — he was matched with a 16-hand sorrel horse with a blaze, named Brandy. The mount made his debut in the Season Two episode, The Long Winter, and remained Walker’s horse for the rest of the series.

So attached was Walker to Brandy that he also did three features with him including Fort Dobbs (1958), Yellowstone Kelly (1959) and Gold of the Seven Saints (1961). In later interviews, Walker said that the horse never once let him down.

Dependable horses didn’t necessarily go hand in hand with dependable production people, who sometimes did not fully understand the hazards faced by stunt people and doubles — but fortunately, the wranglers in charge of the horses did.

“When Casting called you, they told you what you would be expected to do,” says Crawford-Cantarini. “I did not do any horse falls, but could pretty much do anything else they asked me to do with my horse. But I never had much time to prepare for anything. They told you what they wanted. You knew the wranglers had the right horse for you, and away you went. The young horse I jumped on MGM’s Interrupted Melody (1954) had never seen a jump before, but he was well-

>

PHOTOS: WIKIMEDIA

Hi Yo Silver! Clayton Moore as the Lone Ranger, with Silver, from a personal appearance booking at Wakefield Massachusetts.

Clayton Moore as the Lone Ranger riding Silver, and Jay Silverheels as Tonto riding Scout.

>

trained and was willing to do anything I asked him to do.”

In that movie, the story of the great opera singer Marjorie Lawrence who battled polio, Crawford-Cantarini doubled for Eleanor Parker (to whom she bore a startling resemblance) and she got the job based on her ability to mount a bareback horse in two seconds. The scene was the recreated fire sequence in Wagner’s Gotterdammerung, and her horse, Ski, had to rear in front of the smoke and flames and then leap into the extraordinary fire created by the special effects team at MGM. Martha had to make the required operatic gesture, turn and swing onto Ski to a musical cue in a two-second time frame.

“They played the music and exactly one beat before the exact moment in the music when I had to mount, Ski braced himself with his left foot. He actually listened to the opera music anticipating the action!”

In MGM’s The Sheepman (1958), in which she doubled Shirley MacLaine, she was supposed to frighten lead actor Glen Ford by almost running over him with her horse.

“Glen Ford was to walk onto the road and into the path of the horse and buggy that were running into town.

They appeared as if they would run over him. Glen was apprehensive about that and wouldn’t come any closer to his mark. After doing the shot many times, I decided I would tear into the scene and aim Ski directly at him. I knew Ski wouldn’t really run over him. But it startled Glen. He threw his hands up and the director yelled, ‘That’s a print!’”

But even 20 years before The Sheepman, horses were galloping their way into people’s hearts. According to an article

by David H. Shayt in the Smithsonian Magazine (October 2001), in the early 1930s George Trendle, co-owner of Detroit radio station WXYZ, developed a radio hero who was a blend of Zorro, Robin Hood, and the Texas Rangers. He would become the legendary masked Lone Ranger and he chased bad guys across the radio waves from 1933 to 1954. But in 1937, Republic Pictures began producing The Lone Ranger short films in episodic format.

That sent them looking for a horse.

Enter Ace Hudkins, one of the early horse suppliers, stunt workers, and wranglers in the movie industry. An acclaimed boxer in his early years, with his brothers he bought a stable and a string of horses in the late 1930s. They set up shop

in Taluca Lake, a neighbourhood in Los Angeles, and rented the horses, along with wagons and cowboy paraphernalia, to production companies. In 1938, Republic came to the stables in search of a horse for the Lone Ranger, and Hudkins rented them Hi Yo Silver, a white gelding that would hoofprint his place in history as “a fiery horse with a speed of light, a cloud of dust, and a hearty ‘Hi Yo Silver!’”

That name became the Lone Ranger’s trademark call, not only during those early short films, but during The Lone Ranger television series that debuted on ABC on September 15, 1949, starring Clayton Moore as the legendary masked rider. The final episode aired June 6, 1957.

The Canadian connection to the television series was the character Tonto, the Lone Ranger’s sidekick. Tonto was played by Harold J. Smith, a full-blood Mohawk from Six Nations Reserve near Brantford, Ontario. He later changed his name to the familiar Jay Silverheels.

Among the horses in Hudkins Stables was a striking palomino named Golden Cloud. Hudkins had purchased the threeyear-old from a small San Diego ranch partly owned by Bing Crosby. Golden Cloud, a 15.3 hand Thoroughbred/draft cross, was WINTER 2019

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born July 4, 1934. He was one of Hudkins’ favourite horses and he was ridden by Olivia de Havilland in the Warner Bros., 1938 classic The Adventures of Robin Hood, which also starred Errol Flynn.

According to the website www.IMDb. com, Roy Rogers was cast in the lead role in Republic Pictures Under Western Stars, also released in 1938. Hudkins Stables offered him several of their best horses, but his eye settled on the palomino Golden Cloud. When he tried the horse out, he was amazed at how smoothly Cloud moved and responded to his cues.

“He could turn on a dime and give you some change,” Rogers is quoted as saying of the horse.

One of his colleagues on the film set mentioned how

quick on the trigger the horse was. Rogers agreed, renamed Cloud as Trigger and, in 1943, purchased him from the Hudkins Stables for $2,500, which was a fortune in those days. Roy Rogers and Trigger went on to appear in 82 films and 101 episodes of The Roy Rogers Show. They became the best-known Western “couple” on the continent, and Rogers said of his horse that he never let him down and he never fell. Trigger had his own double — Little Trigger — and he had his own fan club with members from around the world.

In addition, Rogers had Trigger Jr., his touring horse for personal appearances in the 1950s and 1960s. All horses were trained to do a wide variety of tricks.

Trigger won a PATSY Award for his appearance in Hope Enterprises’ Son of Paleface, released in 1952 starring Bob Hope, Jane Russell, and Roy Rogers. The PATSY Award was created in 1951 by the Hollywood office of the American Humane Association (AHA). PATSY Roy Rogers and Trigger appeared in 82 films and in 101 episodes of The Roy Rogers Show.

PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA

Lynne Roberts, Roy Rogers and Trigger in Billy the Kid Returns (1938).

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was an acronym originally for Picture Animal Top Star of the Year, and the first-ever PATSY was hosted by actor (later President) Ronald Reagan. In 1958, the PATSY Award was expanded to include television animal performers, and the Award became Performing Animal Television Star of the Year.

The Award originated in honour of performing animals after a horse was killed during the filming of the movie Jessie James starring Tyrone Powers.

The dark side of the movie industry was that, during those early decades, horses were often viewed by production companies as commodities. They were expendable.

Tripwires were used to get horses to fall, causing lameness, broken legs, and other injuries often resulting in euthanasia.

In the Warner Bros. 1936 production The Charge of the Light Brigade, the battlefield set was lined with tripwires and during the filming of the climactic charge, 125 horses were tripped, of which 25 were killed or had to be euthanized later. Lead actor, Errol Flynn, an accomplished horseman, was outraged at the animal cruelty.

Then came the cliff hanger in the 20th Century Fox 1939 production, Jesse James.

The script called for a horse to be ridden off a cliff into a river. The terrified horse was killed and its untimely death led to such outrage and protests that the AHA opened its Western regional office in Hollywood to fight cruelty to animals in film and television.

“When I was working, it was past the time of the tripwires,” says CrawfordCantarini. “The American Humane Association had a man on the set most of the time as I remember. They were almost overly doing their job — they brought bits in cellophane wrappers, would only let a horse rear eight times, to name a few.

This, mind you, was if we were working within the 300-mile limit. Out of that it was not good.”

Crawford-Cantarini describes the 300-mile limit as an agreement between the studios and the AHA, which was in control for all films shot within the 300-mile limit of the studio. Beyond that limit, the AHA was not in control.

She says that many, but not all, of the producers back in the 1950s were unconcerned if an animal died.

“Most of them couldn’t care less if they killed an animal as long as they got the shot. It was really bad. There were always those ego-prone actors who wanted to do it their way, such as [one actor] who

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Trigger won a PATSY Award for his appearance in the 1952 film, Son of Paleface, starring Bob Hope, Jane Russell, and Roy Rogers.

PHOTO: WIKIPEDIA

>

A testament to the immense popularity of Westerns, the American Western television series, Bonanza, ran from 1959 to 1973 as NBCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s longest-running Western, lasting 14 seasons and 431 episodes. Set in the 1860s, it focussed on the wealthy Cartwright family and their 1000 square mile Ponderosa Ranch located near Virginia City, Nevada. Main cast of Bonanza (L-R) Dan Blocker (Hoss), Michael Landon (Little Joe), Lorne Greene (Ben), Pernell Roberts (Adam).

PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA

Mickey Rooney, Elizabeth Taylor and The Pie in National Velvet.

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snatched his horse by the reins so hard on The Big Country that he broke the horse’s jaw. It had to be euthanized. Thank goodness for the wranglers who had control of the horses. The head wrangler usually had an office at the studio for the filming and, bless them, they saved many a day.”

She says that, when working just for the day, the horses were usually tied to the horse truck and given water on a regular basis.

They were all fed early prior to arriving and when they went home. If they were on location, the wrangler went ahead and made arrangements for them.

“They had horses that were just for the stars to ride and they were the ‘cast’ horses. Then they had ones for us to ride to do the doubling on. I never saw a horse that was a problem and that didn’t have a kind eye. The stables that owned the horses, and the wranglers who took care of them, were wonderful. The ramrod [head] wrangler would be given the production script by the studio and he, in turn, would select and acquire the proper horses. He would search for gentle horses for the stars and to be used during the close-ups, and he would search for matching action horses for the doubles to ride. They would often paint a horse to match, giving it a white blaze face, stockings, or to cover existing white markings if need be.”

Yet, despite all the protests and the hard work that the AHA did to monitor animal welfare and abuse, some productions really crossed the line. The making of Partisan Production’s 1980 Western, Heaven’s Gate, was one such film. Claims were made that four horses died and many more injured during a battle scene. It was also claimed that one horse was blown up by dynamite and that there were abuses to livestock. It was alleged that chickens died in cockfights and cattle were killed so their guts could double for those of human actors. The alleged abuses led to boycotts of the film by humane societies across the United States. The outrage led to AHA’s presence on more film sets to monitor safe care of performing animals. That step launched the coveted “No Animals Were Harmed”® end-credit certification for all productions that met its rigorous standard of care for animal actors.

Today, the AHA works with production personnel and trainers during the pre-production stage through on-set filming, to monitor their Guidelines for the Safe Use of Animals in Filmed Media. According to its website, www.americanhumane.org, it currently monitors 70 percent of known animal action in film and television, which accounts for approximately 2,000 productions annually.

By the 1940s, some big names were starting to appear, among them 12-year-old Elizabeth Taylor who took the leading role in MGM’s 1944 National Velvet. Based on the novel of the same name by Enid Bagnold, the plot revolved around Velvet Brown winning a spirited gelding in a raffle and training him to race in the Grand National steeplechase. Helping her was Mi Taylor (Mickey Rooney). Playing the gelding that Velvet named ‘The Pie’ was King Charles, a grandson of legendary Man o’ War (19171947), considered one of the greatest Thoroughbred racehorses of all time. Man o’ War won 20 of his 21 races, was American Horse of the Year in 1920 and Leading Sire in North America in 1926.

And among King Charles’ lofty relatives was his first cousin, champion Thoroughbred Seabiscuit.

Taylor fell in love with King Charles and spent every day riding and caring for him, bonding together in preparation for her role in the movie. King Charles was reported to be a bit aggressive with his handlers, but never with Taylor. During the filming of the race scene, Taylor took a nasty fall and broke her back. Although she recovered quickly, the injury would

The main cast of the television program Mister Ed (L-R) Connie Hines as Carole Post, Alan Young as Wilbur Post, and Mr. Ed.

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Gene Evans, Johnny Washbrook, Flicka, and Anita Louise from My Friend Flicka, 1957.

come back to greatly haunt her later in life. When filming was over, MGM gifted the horse to Taylor, and she and King Charles remained together until his death.

The combination of children and horses remained immensely popular. In the 1956-1957 television season, 20th Century Fox produced My Friend Flicka, a 39-episode series about the adventures of a boy, Ken McLaughlin, played by Toronto-born Johnny Washbrook, and his horse Flicka, played by Wahana, a registered Arabian mare foaled on June 13, 1950. The name Flicka means “little girl” in Swedish. The first episodes were in blackand-white, but production quickly shifted to colour. Even though the series only had one production season, the 39 episodes enjoyed many reruns over the years on other networks.

Training Flicka and her double, Goldie, was legendary horse trainer Les Hilton, who lived in North Hollywood and whose backyard was a shedrow of horse stalls, with a barn for training.

He also used Ace Hudkins’ facilities for further training.

“I think Les Hilton was the best horseman,” says Crawford-Cantarini. “He was the only one I worked with on set.

He trained Flicka, Mr. Ed, and Francis the Talking Mule.

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The Black Stallion (1979) tells the story of young Alec who, while traveling with his father, becomes captivated by a mysterious Arabian stallion who is brought on board and stabled in the ship he is sailing on. When the ship tragically sinks both he and the horse survive, only to be stranded on a deserted island. Alec befriends the horse, so when finally rescued both return to his home where they soon meet Henry Dailey, a once successful trainer. Together they begin training The Black to race against the fastest horses in the world.

PHOTO: ALAMY/ALBUM

Of all the films he worked on, John Scott says Legends of the Fall starring Brad Pitt stands out as the most memorable.

“Brad Pitt had never ridden before and, on that picture, we had him on seven different horses. He rode really well,” says Scott.

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My horse, Jim, doubled Flicka in the freejumping scenes.”

Francis the Talking Mule was based on a book by David Stern about a military man, Peter Sterling, who meets Francis, a mule experienced in military ways — who could talk. Seven films were produced in the 1950s, and what made them appealing was that only Peter could hear Francis’ comments.

Playing Francis was a female mule called Molly and she was trained by Les Hilton. To make her appear to speak, Hilton used a piece of nylon thread fed into her mouth which, when gently tugged, caused her to move her lips to remove it.

Providing Francis’ voice was character voice actor, Chill Wills. Arthur Lubin, producer of the Francis movies, went on to produce Mr. Ed, and the same techniques for getting Molly to appear to speak were used on Mr. Ed. The black-and-white television series, Mr. Ed, ran on CBS from 1961 to 1966 and featured a gelding played by Bamboo Harvester, a Saddlebred/Arabian cross.

His stablemate, a Quarter Horse named Pumpkin, was his double. As the series progressed, Mr. Ed learned to move his mouth on cue when trainer Les Hilton touched his hoof. The series followed

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similar plot lines to the Francis film series in which Mr. Ed only talked to one person, his owner Wilbur Post.

The beauty and remarkable achievements of celebrated horses became the focus of heartwarming features. And if ever there was a horse movie that really exploded on the screen, it had to be the 1979 American Zoetrope’s The Black Stallion, distributed

by United Artists. No one can forget those magical shots of Alec Ramsey (played

by Kelly Reno) shipwrecked alone on an island with the beautiful black stallion, and their slow deliberate steps to get to know each other before being rescued.

Filmed in Sardinia, Italy (for the beach and island scenes), Oregon and Ontario, the story followed their rescue, and all the twists and turns that led to the horse race of the year and the entry of the mysterious black horse.

Playing the Black Stallion was the Arabian stallion Cass Ole, owned by Francesca Cuello in San Antonio, Texas.

But Cass Ole had doubles too, in particular Fae-Jur, an Arabian stallion chosen for his liveliness, as well as two other horses that were used as doubles for specific action scenes. The producers felt that no one horse could have all the range of expression

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PHOTO: ALAMY/ALLSTAR PICTURE LIBRARY

In the blockbuster Lord of the Rings series of three fantasy adventure films, horses were portrayed as the primary working and fighting animals in Middleearth. Many spectacular horse scenes added to the seriesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; appeal. Pictured are Viggo Mortensen, Orlando Bloom, and Sir Ian McKellen in The Two Towers, the second instalment in the trilogy. The angelic white horse who was the primary equine actor to play Gandalfâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mythical steed Shadowfax was Blanco, an Andalusian gelding.

PHOTO: ALAMY/AF ARCHIVE

The terrifying ringwraiths and their armoured black horses chase after Arwen and the gravely injured Frodo in The Fellowship of the Ring, the first instalment in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

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and attitude necessary in the film, to transform the stallion from the animal on the beach to companion to racehorse.

All four horses went into training for 11 weeks prior to the start of principal photography, and Kelly Reno joined with them for several weeks to establish his rapport with Cass Ole, his equine co-star.

At the end of training, they could all respond to visual and vocal cues such as coming when called, being sent away, backing up, and laying their heads down.

They learned to pin their ears to show anger, rear, paw the ground, stomp on a fake snake, nod their heads, and lie down.

The film was so successful that a sequel, The Black Stallion Returns, was produced in 1983. The prequel The Young Black Stallion was released in 2004, telling the story of The Black in his early days with a young girl named Neera, who named the horse Shetan.

In the prequel, 40 Arabian horses were used as well as 10 camels. All the horses were picked by Australian horse trainer Heath Harris and came from a breeding farm in South Africa. Location filming was done in Morocco and two members of the Animal Anti-Cruelty League were on set all the time to ensure the well-being of the horses and the other animals. The story included a grueling endurance race, and, despite the challenges and the extreme heat, no animal was injured or placed under undue stress.

Film production using horses came to Alberta in 1970 with Cinema Center Films’ Little Big Man. Horses were provided by John Scott, owner of John Scott Productions & Motion Picture Animals. His ranch is based in Longview and, in almost 50 years, he has provided services as wrangler, stunt coordinator, and location scout for over 150 film and television productions, as well as numerous commercials.

“The business came, and the budgets were kind of wide open,” says Scott. “It wasn’t tight when we did Little Big Man. The money was there, and they kept shooting until the picture was done. I keep over 100 horses and use a lot of Quarter Horses, but what I really like is a Quarter Horse/Belgian cross. They have to stand for long periods in the day, and the Belgians and Percherons stand that much better. They must have the right temperament and attitude for specialized training for stunts like rearing, lying down, falling. Now they are using drones flying overhead so you have to train the horses to get used to them.”

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PHOTO: ALAMY/SPORTSPHOTO/UNIVERSAL PICTURES

Tobey Maguire riding Seabiscuit, the story of the undersized racehorse in the United States who began his career with 17 consecutive losses, before becoming one of the most successful race horses in history.

His incredible victories made him a household name and a beloved symbol of hope to downtrodden Americans during the Great Depression.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CBC

Albertaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s John Scott Productions & Motion Picture Animals provides about 15 horses for Heartland, and also brings in outside horses for things like jumping, liberty, or trick riding. Depending on the script, they have a week to train a horse to do what the writers call for, says Scott.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF CBC

He has worked as wrangler/stunt coordinator on five Oscar winning films including The Revenant (2015), Lord of the Rings (New Zealand, 2001), Legends of the Fall (1993), Unforgiven (1992), Days of Heaven (1976) and Emmy winning film Bury my Heart at Wounded Knee (2007).

Of all the films he has worked on, Legends of the Fall starring Brad Pitt, Anthony Hopkins, and Aidan Quinn stands out.

“It was my most memorable show,” says Scott. “Brad Pitt had never ridden before and, on that picture, we had him on seven different horses. He rode really well. I spent four years with the director [Edward Zwick] helping him get the picture made and we finally got it done here in Alberta.”

The film won an Oscar for best cinematography.

Scott also provides horses for the CBC series Heartland and, like many shows, it comes with its challenges.

“It can be a challenge because there is always an adverse horse situation,” he says.

“The script may call for a horse that won’t load in a trailer. Our horses are well trained

and load into trailers really easily. That means you’ve got to gimmick the horse and have someone with an air hose under the trailer or with an umbrella inside. Trouble is, you are ruining your initial training on the horses, then you have to spend two or three weeks to bring them back.”

He emphasizes how important it is to have reliable horses all the time.

“You’ve got to have horses that actors can work around, ones they can ride and the ones that can act up [as the script calls] so it’s always double horses on that series.”

Heartland is now in its 13th season and Scott says the show could go to 15 seasons. He currently has about 15 horses on the show but, in addition, his crew brings in outside horses for jumping, liberty, or trick riding.

“They come in, depending on what the script calls for,” he says. “Every episode is different. We have a week to train a horse to do what the script writers write. We had a horse for a guy in a wheelchair. He had to get up from the wheelchair, transfer onto the horse, then ride in a special saddle.”

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The movie, Secretariat, chronicles the life of Penny Chenery (portrayed by Diane Lane). Against all odds, she navigated the male-dominated racing business and made history by winning the 1973 Triple Crown with her phenomenal Thoroughbred stallion.

PHOTO: ALAMY/AF ARCHIVE

Hidalgo is a biographical Western movie based on the legend of American distance rider Frank Hopkins (Viggo Mortensen) and his Mustang, Hidalgo. A former dispatch rider for the US cavalry and once billed as the greatest rider the West had ever known, Hopkins is invited by a wealthy Arabian sheik to race his horse in Arabia.

He must compete against Bedouins riding pure-blooded Arabian horses in a gruelling 3,000 mile survival race across the desert in 1891.

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Leading film-industry horse supplier, The Devil’s Horsemen, provided horses for all eight seasons of Game of Thrones. The horses performed many different roles, from carrying A-list actors to pulling a carriage. “They settle in and find their place.”

In 2003, Universal Studios (along with others) produced Seabiscuit, the story of the celebrated racehorse foaled in 1933 out of Swing On. His sire was Hard Tack, a colt of Man o’ War, Seabiscuit’s grandsire.

Seabiscuit was named after his sire since hard tack, or “sea biscuit” was, back then, the name of a kind of cracker eaten by sailors. He was only about 15.2 hands and failed to win his first 17 races. But, in 1938, the stallion went on to beat the 1937 Triple-Crown winner, War Admiral, by four lengths in a special two-horse race at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland that stopped the nation in its tracks.

The film about this Racing Hall of Fame horse was an adaptation of the bestselling 2001 book by Laura Hillenbrand, and was nominated for seven Academy Awards including Best Picture.

Playing the undersized, scrappy Seabiscuit was 1 Two Step Too, one of 10 horses that portrayed the racehorse’s life on and off the track. Each horse was chosen for very specific shots, but it was 1 Two Step Too that was featured in the close-ups and racing scene highlights.

The horse lived at Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington and was, essentially, the main attraction. But, in 2004, 1 Two Step Too had surgery for a rare nasal cavity tumour. It kept re-growing and the following year he was euthanized at age 11.

In 2010, Walt Disney Pictures released Secretariat, the story of the legendary racehorse who in 1973 was the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years. His victory in the Belmont Stakes, which he won by 31 lengths,

set a track record that stands to this day. He was perfectly conformed and, in addition, carried the large heart gene, giving him his oversize chest. He went on to clean up on all the racing awards, and was the Leading Broodmare Sire in North America in 1992.

When he died in 1989 at Claiborne Farm, Paris, Kentucky from laminitis at age 19, his story was begging to be told.

His owners were Penny and Christopher Chenery, who owned Meadow Stable in Caroline County, Virginia, where Secretariat was foaled in 1970. Penny was an actress and producer, and Secretariat’s story in the movie was largely based on William Nack’s 1975 book Secretariat: The Making of a Champion.

To find the horse to represent Secretariat, Chenery made the selection from a look-alike contest in Kentucky. The principal horse ended up being Trolley Boy, who looked the most like Secretariat.

In fact, Trolley Boy was Secretariat’s greatgreat-grandson.

In total, five horses were selected to play the part, four Thoroughbreds and a Quarter Horse, each needing some form of cosmetics to replicate the racehorse’s three white socks, strip, and star. One of them, Longshot Max, was considered the most close-up friendly. And Longshot’s bloodlines included Secretariat’s sire, Bold Ruler, and his damsire, Princequillo.

The equine stars were definitely in the family tree.

Movies featuring horses are enduringly popular, such as Dreamworks Animation Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron

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PHOTO: ALAMY/LIFESTYLE PICTURES

Some of the Roman cavalry in the opening battle of Gladiator were real soldiers. The movie employed 20 members of the British Army’s King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery. King’s Troop’s horse-drawn ceremonial guns sometimes have to travel at high speed despite each weighing over a tonne and having no brakes, so the soldiers are required to be very skilled horse-riders.

(2002), with Spirit’s thoughts narrated

by Matt Damon; Touchstone Pictures Hidalgo (2004), the story of a long distance race; Tollin/Robbins Productions Dreamer (2005), inspired by the true story of the injured Thoroughbred, Mariah’s Storm, that returns to racing; and Cedar Creek Productions Buck (2011), a documentary about the real life horse whisperer, Buck Brannaman, who was the lead equine consultant on Robert Redford’s 1998 film, The Horse Whisperer.

In December 2011, Dreamworks Pictures 58

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(and others) produced War Horse directed by Steven Spielberg. The film was based on the book War Horse by Michael Morpurgo, and paid tribute to the over eight million horses on all enemy sides that died tragically in World War I. The story follows Joey, a farm horse raised by Albert Narracott, who teaches him to come when he imitates an owl’s call. But Joey is deployed to the horrors of the front lines during World War I, and Albert eventually enlists. The two are reunited at the end of the war when Joey hears Albert’s haunting owl call.

Filming of War Horse took place in England and 14 horses portrayed Joey, while four horses played Topthorn, Joey’s equine friend. In some scenes, especially the “No Man’s Land” sequence, an animatronic horse was used in places, and the barbed wire Joey was trapped in was rubber prop wire.

To ensure the safety of the horses, an animal safety representative with the AHA oversaw hundreds of horses during production. One cavalry charge involved 130 mounted extras. Critical eyes were what Spielberg wanted and what earned the film the coveted “No Animals Were Harmed” AHA seal of approval.

He later praised the equine team, commenting that horse master Bobby Loygren and his team literally performed miracles with the horses. Their safety was paramount, and he appreciated the fact that the AHA representative was there for every single shot. He gave them full power to pull the plug if any of the horses were not up to the challenges, or there was danger of injury. They oversaw all the action and stunts the horses performed, starting with the rehearsals where each action scene moved in slow motion, one step at a time, to assess its safety level for when it would be filmed.

PHOTO: ALAMY/ALLSTAR PICTURE LIBRARY/DREAMWORKS

Horses were integral to many of the dramatic scenes in the 2000 epic historical drama, Gladiator. Early in the film, General Maximus leads his troops against the Teutonic army of Germania in the name of the Roman Empire. This bloody battle is fought on horseback, with the Roman mascot, a wolf, fighting at his master’s side.

These scenes, filmed in Allice Holt Forest in Surrey, used approximately 100 horses including trained falling horses. Two dogs, Belgian Shepherds, doubled as the wolf and were conditioned to run with the horses.

In England, The Devil’s Horsemen is the leading film-industry horse supplier, and provides not only horses but carriages, tack, riders, and horse masters to international film and television producers.

Their clients include Disney, Warner Bros., Universal Pictures, HBO, Netflix, and Fox Broadcasting. Based in the ancient village of Mursley in Buckinghamshire, they have over 100 highly trained horses, as well as over 600 horse-drawn vehicles, tack, saddlery, armour, and horse dressings for every period and genre in history, on a 120-acre property that includes indoor and outdoor training facilities.

The company was started in the early 1970s by Gerard Naprous, who came to England from Paris, France. He bought two horses called Snoopy and Topaz, did small events, and added more horses as his shows became bigger. Two children, Daniel and Camilla, came along and The Devil’s Horsemen became a family affair, expanding from performance shows to providing horses for movie and television sets, and setting a whole new level of expertise in choreographing epic battle scenes with large teams of action riders.

Those high-speed sequences leave no room for error.

“The horses become different roles — ride, drive, action,” says Camilla Naprous.

“They settle in and find their place. Some horses work sporadically six months of the year. There are no star horses. It doesn’t matter if they are carrying an A-list star or pulling a carriage.”

The horses of the Devil’s Horsemen stable have carried such A-list stars as Emma Stone, Michael Fassbender, Chris Pine, Angelina Jolie, Christian Bale,

Scarlett Johansson, and Madonna.

Their horses are broken in at three years of age and, by five, they start working their way up the ranks. Naprous watches how they progress, believing in giving them time to grow and develop.

“In 2017 we did 26 different productions,” she says.

The company provided horses for The Crown for Netflix; Wonder Woman when filming in Tenerif and Fuerteventura, the second largest of Spain’s Canary Islands; and for all eight seasons of Game of Thrones.

“It was amazing to be attached to a project for so long,” says Naprous. “Eight years of my life. Usually, you do a project and it’s done. But to be involved with a project for eight years, you have to constantly evolve. The viewer wants to see more, but how do you hold back and not show everything straight away? I really had to thank the writers, David Benioff and Dan Weiss, for giving me the opportunity to create things. They came to me years ago and said if there is anything you feel like you want to put on the screen that hasn’t been done before, please bring it to us. We’ll write it into the script. It was so lovely to be given that opportunity and have someone put that trust in you. It was a wonderful experience and one I’ll never get back again. You’ll have other experiences, but I’ll never recreate what I had in those eight years. It was so family-orientated, and everyone had each other’s backs.”

The Game of Thrones’ Battle of the Bastards used 100 horses. “We shot most of it in Belfast, Northern Ireland, then went to Iceland, Croatia, Malta, and Spain.”

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A panicked Joey gallops through No Man’s Land in this horrific but memorable scene in War Horse.

For Game of Thrones, Naprous policed the care of their horses herself. When providing animals for other productions with, for instance, Warner Bros. or Disney Productions, she says that the AHA will monitor animal action and care, which Naprous always welcomes.

“I look after my boys and never put them into any line of danger,” she says.

“As horse master, I organized the logistics for getting horses across Europe, teaching the actors, and planning the action. My job was to be the voice of the horse.”

She says that, during filming, the expectations of scripts grew, and everyone wanted to reinvent the wheel. But, to her, it was the thrill of telling the rich story of the horse.

“One movie we are in a medieval world, then it’s a fantasy world, then the 1960s, 1930s, World War I. Or go back to the 15th and 16th century horsemanship.

I wanted to respect that. It’s amazing how much horses are involved in our history.”

In 2018, Naprous was inducted into 60

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF WALT DISNEY MOTION PICTURES CANADA

Spielberg’s War Horse centres around the powerful friendship between a boy, Albert, and his horse, Joey. Sadly, Albert and Joey are parted with the outbreak of World War I, when Joey is sold to a captain in the British army.

the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame in Fort Worth, Texas. She was recognized for the spectacular stunt riding sequences, her contribution to choreographed battle scenes, and her dedication to working with producers to bring their vision of a film to life using period-specific horses, carriages, and tack.

Working with horses in film leaves indelible memories.

“My favourite one is a horse too welltrained for the job,” recalls CrawfordCantarini. “In the film, I was to ride a racing harness horse down the track in front of an empty grandstand, bareback at a full trot. It was a snap to do and a lot of fun. However, they gave me a horse that was retired but, at one time, had really been on the track racing. When I headed him down towards the wire, he was in seventh heaven. He was back doing what he knew he could do. It was a great shot, but when the time came to stop, I could not get him stopped. Those horses, the

more you try to stop them, the faster they run! I thought after one lap, oh well, I will wave at the outrider to pick me up. I waved at him and he waved back! He thought being as we were just trotting, it was no problem. It was a half-mile track and after I had made a couple more laps, he finally realized I could not get stopped. I was out of breath but laughing so hard it didn’t matter.

What a dear horse he was.”

For Naprous, she sees the horse in life and in film as an artform.

“They have taught me so much, taught me to learn to let go, just be and to trust. The horse has a different kind of communication through body language and movement. We all change through our lives. Same with horses. They have transported us around the world. We should always respect them that way, carry that message on, pass on that knowledge.”

In so many ways, that message continues to be shared and passed on in the echo of hoofbeats across the silver screen. b Heartland airs Sundays at 7 pm (7:30 NT) on CBC and CBC Gem, with past episodes available on-demand via CBC Gem. PHOTO COURTESY OF CBC

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Margaret Evans is an award-winning freelance writer/journalist and author, with over 45 years’ experience. She has written for a wide variety of newspapers and magazines and has published five books. She offers clinics and courses in writing, editorial services, and gives multimedia talks.

For more information visit www.earthwaysmedia.com.

Kelynack Farm • 6391 Walkers Line, Burlington, ON $22

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Magnificent 206-acre property with spectacular views of the Niagara Escarpment’s Mount Nemo and Rattlesnake Point.

Kelynack is a world-class equestrian facility offering exclusive high-level training with 4 separate barns, 25 paddocks, and a thoroughbred racetrack.

From its historic beginning to its award-winning restoration and addition, you will be totally captivated by this impeccably groomed property. The Georgian style residence (circa 1853) is filled with extraordinary custom details, top quality finishing by master craftsmen, unique imported materials, amazing creativity and the best of everything throughout. All trim in the original part of the home was profiled and recreated. All custom Downsview cherry cabinetry, cherry wood trim and doors, solid carved rustic wood basement doors, Rocky Mountain Hardware, reclaimed wide-planked ash hardwood flooring, polished and honed travertine, and onyx floor tiles. Granite, marble, onyx counters, custom crown moldings, ceiling medallions, LED pot lights, custom iron railings and spindles, elevator spanning 3 levels, climate controlled wine cellar, and full sprinkler system. Custom 20x40 gunite indoor pool with spill-over spa.

Geothermal heating, and state of the art home automation.

MLS ID: 30724694

For more photos and information, visit www.6391WalkersLine.ca

OFFICE MOBILE EMAIL

905-845-0024 • 905-464-4291 • pmickus@sothebysrealty.ca

www.PeterMickus.com

125 Lakeshore Road East Suite 200, Oakville, Ontario

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Celebration of Horses

PHOTO CONTEST

Album of Winners

Congratulations to the deserving Winners and Runners-Up in our 28th Annual Celebration of Horses Photo Contest. This contest is a perennial favourite with readers, and again this year, the number and quality of entries topped all previous years. Thank you to everyone who shared their special images and stories of their beloved equines and four-legged partners.

Our sincere appreciation also goes to our amazing contest sponsor, Canadian Saddlery & Centurion, who donated this year’s prizes.

Our six lucky winner category winners will each receive a Grand Prize Package valued at over $200, and our 12 Runners-Up will each receive a Prize Package valued at $40.

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Depicting the Human-Horse Bond

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Gregory and Biscuit This is Gregory and his old Pony, Biscuit. “Gregory will be two years old on October 30 and Biscuit will be 25 years old next April,” says photographer and mom, Amber Bond of Keremeos, BC. “These two make the best team, they go on many trail adventures, and enter in shows and parades. The first thing Greg does when he goes outside is go and give Biscuit a hug and kiss.

We could not have asked for a better horse for our son. Biscuit is absolutely amazing in every aspect.”

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WINNER

Storm on the Horizon Beautiful blue roan, Ty, is a Quarter Horse stallion owned by Colleen Wagner of Old Baldy Ranch in Dawson Creek, BC. Thanks to photographer Saif Patel of Richmond, BC.

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Performance, Working, Heritage

WINNER

The Ranch â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Driving Horse Trials Erik drives Fergus, a Gypsy Vanner gelding, in the dressage phase of the Driving Horse Trials at The Ranch in Pritchard, BC. The arena on the property gives an amazing view and makes it seem as if the horses and drivers are on the edge of the earth. A great photo by Rachael Sdoutz.

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HORSES BEING HORSES

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WINNER

Hairy Horse!

“This little Gypsy filly foal stole my heart,” says photographer and owner Marilyn Vander Wekken of Picture Butte, Alberta. Gypsy horse breed standard requires that horses be hairy, says Vander Wekken, and Annagold Heaven’s Song, a 2018 GVHS filly, certainly qualifies.

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STABLE STORK

WINNER

Little Luke

BEAUTIFUL BABIES OF 2019

“Little Luke is too cute to not take pictures of,” says Josepha Bauer of Roseisle, Manitoba, of this adorable American Paint Pony cross colt at one month of age.

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Sleigh Rides, Winter Wonderland, Dashing Through the Snow

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Rasta Loves the Snow “This boy is from Alberta — maybe that’s why he likes to stand in the snow. Rasta is a Quarter HorseAppaloosa cross and we’ve had him more than 12 years now, ever since he was a weanling,” says Kellie Gorosh of Black Creek, BC. ::

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Celebration of Horses

1ST RUNNER-UP

PHOTO CONTEST

A Girl and Her Horse These pictures represent the bond we now share after taking the time to trust and become a team, says North Saanich, BC resident Chelsea Hanna, of her six-year-old Hanoverian gelding, Levi.

“We spent a good six months getting to know each other, and it was the most rewarding development. I now have a lifelong partner and friend in this talented young horse I hope to bring up the levels in show jumping.” Thanks to photographer Bailey Green.

Runners-Up

RunnersUp

LOVE OF HORSES

Depicting the Human-Horse Bond

2ND RUNNER-UP

Farewell Canyon During an eight-day horseback and horse-and-wagon trip with the people of the Xeni Gwet’in First Nation, the horses had a drink at Farewell Canyon. The Xeni Gwet’in people are one of the only groups in the nation protecting the wild horses who roam the remote area known as the Brittany Triangle in British Columbia. They have a long history of training and bonding with the wild horses here. These are some of their saddle horses.

Thanks to photographer Willie Poll.

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RunnersUp

HORSES BEING HORSES Humour, Personality, Action

1ST RUNNER-UP

2ND RUNNER-UP

Summertime Swim

Kaydance

A hot summer day is perfect for a refreshing swim in Wood Lake near Vernon, BC. Caliber is a 15-year-old AQHA gelding who loves the water. Thanks to photographer Deanna Cook of Lumby, BC.

The joy of being a horse! This is Kaydance, a registered, Solid Paint-Bred APHA mare. Photographer is Bibs Dallaire of Houston, BC.

RunnersUp

STABLE STORK

Beautiful Babies of 2019

1ST RUNNER-UP

Lucy, the Falabella Filly with Attitude!

Lucy, born June 25th, 2019, is a purebred Falabella miniature horse. “Lucy is a sassy troublemaker, yet a very affectionate filly.

She comes to everyone who calls her, looking to play or just get a good backrub,” says Victoria Ayres of Queensville, Ontario.

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2ND RUNNER-UP

As Sweet As Sugar “Lollipop loves to take the time to watch the world around her,” says Linda Fralic of Nictaux Annapolis County, Nova Scotia.

“She was born March 30, 2019 at our farm, Little Greene Miniatures, and is 13 weeks old in this photo. Lollipop is as sweet as her name and has a delicate manner — she almost tiptoes when she trots. She reminds us of a stuffed teddy bear.

Everyone loves Lollipop.”

RunnersUp

AT LIBERTY Horses in Action

1ST RUNNER-UP

Paints Race These three were chasing the main herd home, says photographer Denver Deschenes of Warburg, Alberta.

Willow, the furthest horse away, was rescued from a meat buyer when she was pregnant with the middle horse, Quinto, who was born on the property. The closest horse is Highlander, and both Quinto and Highlander are ridden by the photographer’s wife.

2ND RUNNER-UP

Trot On! This gorgeous three-year-old Heritage Gypsy gelding strutting in the round pen was photographed by Tara Gulash of Edmonton, Alberta. A Heritage Gypsy is a Gypsy Cross of any colour type and size, but must be at least 50 percent Gypsy to qualify.

1ST RUNNER-UP —

Dalmatians in Disguise

Emma and her therapy horse, Bobby, are competing in the Costume Class in the 2019 PARD Charity Games Show. Emma has been riding with PARD since 2015 in their assisted riding program. PARD Therapeutic Riding is a registered charity operating near Peterborough, Ontario, offering the therapeutic benefits of horseback riding to people of all ages and abilities. Bobby is a kind and gentle 19-year-old Arabian gelding, the smallest of the therapy horses, making him the perfect size for younger children. Photographer is Angela Muir of Bethany, Ontario.

RunnersUp

HORSES ON THE JOB

Performance, Working, Heritage

2ND RUNNER-UP —

Branding Time

The hard-working ranch horse, earning his keep at branding time, is Hooper, a 14-year-old Hancockbred ranch horse, ridden by Amber Jacobson. Thanks to photographer Kyle Jacobson of Longview, Alberta.

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WINTER SCENES — Sleigh Rides, Winter Wonderland, Dashing Through the Snow

RunnersUp

1ST RUNNER-UP

“My boyfriend and I were lucky enough to score a job keeping an eye on 10 outfitter horses, who were free-ranging for the winter in Yukon Territory,” says Joy Beamish of Smithers, BC. “They gained weight on all the forage, braved the cold without a shiver, and proved what hardy animals horses are! These horses are owned by Cosco’s Yukon Outfitting, and are mostly draft, Fjord, and Quarter Horse crosses. Winter is their season off from work, where they enjoy being free-range, natural horses!”

Yukon Free Range Horses 2ND RUNNER-UP

Winter Whiteout “Last winter we had one of the largest dumps of snow in record on Vancouver Island,” says Chelsea Hanna of North Saanich, BC. “It was Levi’s first time out playing in the snow, and he had a great time. I’m sure he was really celebrating some time away from his dreaded blanket. There’s something so serene about a horse against a whiteout background, really drawing out their powerful features.”

Check out our Too Good to Miss selection of Honourable Mentions starting on page 82.

To view all of our Winners, Runners-Up, and Honourable Mentions, please visit www.HORSEJOURNALS.com.

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12 Runners-Up will each receive over $40 in prizes, courtesy of Canadian Saddlery & Centurion • 1 Snack & Play Treat Ball • 1 Bag of Martin Mills Horse Treats For full descriptions of prizes, visit: www.HORSEJournals.com/contests To find a retailer near you, visit www.canadiansaddlery.com or call 1-800-361-3860.

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Country Homes and Acreages More Country Homes & Acreages on pages 47, 61, 74, & 75.

1068 10 Sideroad, New Tecumseth, Ontario TH

15 minutes from Caledon Equestrian Park

$1,975,000

MLS# N4593131

Looking for that ultimate equine facility?

Nestled off Hwy 9 on ten beautiful acres lies everything you’ll ever need. This property has it all. Starting with a meticulous 3bd/3bth home, distressed maple floors throughout, walk out to deck and pool area, kitchen with granite counters & centre island, pool, detached 3 car garage, insulated with 10' ceilings.

Well maintained property with 10-stall barn, sand ring, 7 hardwood paddocks with water hydrants, 5 run-ins, indoor arena 60x120', storage shed 30x40'. In-ground pool 20 x 40'.

Equipment to run the farm.

69 ACRES ONTARIO HORSE COUNTRY

Ideal acreage for home & horses, attractive setting with extensive views of surrounding countryside.

Approximately 34 acres workable, currently in hay, and the remaining land is treed. Convenient location, 1 hour to Pearson International Airport, 30 minutes to Caledon Equestrian Park and minutes to Mono Cliffs Provincial Park.

Move-in ready!

Start a boarding business, lesson program or enjoy at your leisure.

$599,000 mls# X4399448

Kelly McCague

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

1.866.772.5368 • cell: 705.321.7295 kmccague@royallepage.ca www.kellymccague.com Royal LePage RCR Realty, Brokerage

PHOTO: CANSTOCK PHOTO / FILMFOTO

Independently Owned & Operated

My partner Dave Aitchison and I operate Aitchison Show Horses and Hockley Hills School of Horsemanship from our dream location in Orangeville, Ontario. We take great pleasure training, breeding and showing Quarter Horses.

Dave is a long-time trainer and has a keen eye for talented young horses and finding potential horses for his clients.

I purchased the farm in 2014 as a non-revenue generating business and in a short period of time have built it into a successful and respected riding & boarding academy here in Orangeville, offering lessons in both English and Western disciplines, preparing students to obtain different levels of certification and for the show ring.

For these reasons, I am no stranger to hard work and accomplishing tasks under pressure. My 30 years of experience with horses, farm life, designing and building farms in the past has given me a great amount of knowledge in all aspects of owning and operating a farm and business. I pay extra attention to details and could even say I’m a little obsessive! My life experiences align well with the skills and character needed to be your partner in the process of selling or buying your home or business.

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Country Homes and Acreages

Ideal Farm For More Than Just Horses • Orangeville, ON • $2,199,000

This level property offers you so many opportunities to live and work from home.

42 x 20 ft four car garage and 34 x 60 ft two bay shop provide heated storage & work areas. The 3+1 bedroom, 2 bath bungalow and a detached 1 bedroom, 2 bath in-law suite provide stylish living areas. The separate, ground floor in-law suite has a stunning open concept living space for family, lavish home office or Airbnb. This versatile property accommodates 4-season equestrian training & horse boarding with paddocks, outdoor water hydrants, 60 x 120 ft indoor and 100 x 200 ft outdoor riding arenas plus 10+ acres in pasture. A lunch room with a toilet and lots of trailer parking are ideal for shows.

Swimming & skating pond and nearby snowmobile trails offer 4-season fun. There is so much more including a 600V back-up generator equipped to run the property. Less than 45 minutes from Brampton on a paved road.

Bungalow With A Huge Backyard For Your Horses • Acton, ON • $1,099,000 This 2 + den + 2 bdrm, 2 bath brick bungalow is like owning a cottage but with the comforts of municipal services (town water, sewer, natural gas & high-speed internet) on a 423 x 1,065' oasis. Amazing updated eat-in kitchen equipped w/breakfast bar, stainless appliances and room for entertaining. The 3rd bdrm balcony overlooks backyard. Laundry & access to an attached garage complete the carpet-free main floor. The finished walk-out basement provides a 2nd eat-in kitchen, 2 bdrms, bath & more living space. The 1,400 sq. ft. detached barn has 9 horse stalls, water & hydro w/loft area for hay & personal uses. A running track, pond, forest & fields give a family room to roam. Access is a breeze with 3 driveways and lots of parking.

Close to Mohawk Raceway. MLS.

More Country Homes & Acreages on pages 47, 61 & 73.

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1.800.514.3316

www.brazeauteam.com “Moving you from Place to Place”

Sales Representatives: Joseph Brazeau, Virginia Brazeau, Jodie Near, Jennifer Brazeau-Barg

Carlisle, Ontario

$3,500,000

Spectacular “State-of-the-Art,” High-income Equestrian Facility On 12 acres in the sought-after community of Carlisle. Main barn has wood-clad walls, high vaulted ceilings, adjoins updated bank barn. Thirty-one rubber-matted stalls, most are 12×12' — 4 convert to 2 foaling boxes. Two large wash stalls, feed room, ample hay/ shavings storage. Two heated studio spaces, 31 tack lockers, 2 offices, 2 laundry rooms and 2 three-piece bathrooms. Heated viewing room overlooks 80×208' sand and fibre indoor arena, has a full kitchen/dining area and balcony overlooking paddocks. Large outdoor sand and fibre arena, 11 post/rail paddocks with access to hydro/water.

Two large houses and additional staff accommodation. Main residence is lovely, 2.5 stories, 4 bedroom, century brick, excellent condition; second dwelling has 4000 sq ft common area on main floor, 3 bedrooms/bathrooms upstairs, plus modern 2 bedroom granny annex with a separate entrance.

West Flamborough (Hamilton), Ontario

$3,180,000

“Abbeylara” —Picturesque 110 Acre Equestrian Facility Custom-built brick home (approx. 1980) with 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, family/breakfast room off kitchen, separate living & dining rooms, 2 kitchens, one in the large in-law suite. French doors in rec room open out to a patio by the fish pond, tennis court (may need resurfacing), manicured lawns and beautiful mature trees. The 26-stall barn is conveniently attached to the indoor arena and the hay barn. Two wash stalls, 6 grooming stalls, large tack room with lockers and washroom, kitchenette and viewing area to the indoor arena. Bank barn is in good condition with 2 more stalls and support beam which were reinforced in 2014. Outdoor dressage sand ring, jumping field, 7 paddocks and 60 +/- acres in hay. A working, well-established facility, professionally-run and lovingly maintained since 1980 by current owners who are widely known in the equestrian world.

Please call the Brazeau Team to find out how we can help GET YOUR HOME SOLD. Serving the Ontario Communities of Milton (Town & Country), Campbellville, Halton Hills, Flamborough, Carlisle, Freelton, Waterdown, rural Oakville & Bulington.

twitter.com/josephbrazeau

NOTES FROM THE OFFICE

BY JOCELYN ADAMS

PHOTO: TRAIL NEWS

Renew Your Membership or Join Horse Council BC Today!

Liz Sanders, president of HCBC, presents the prestigious Sherman Olson Lifetime Achievement Award to Rick Fillmore.

2020 Memberships Now Available Horse Council BC (HCBC) is the provincial organization for equestrian sport and recreation in the province. HCBC also represents the interests of the equine industry in all sectors throughout British Columbia and connects and strengthens the BC horse community.

By joining HCBC, you are showing your support for: • The right to ride • Horse welfare in BC • The BC horse industry • A nationally accredited coaching program • Financial support for the industry • The preservation of BC trail systems • Quality science-based education Membership benefits include: • Automatic insurance • Exclusive membership discounts • Access to online courses • Ability to apply for grants and funding

• Support for the BC equestrian community • Additional CapriCMW insurances available for purchase to HCBC members only

of 2019! Get both years for: • 2019/2020 Youth Associate – $62.75 (with tax) • 2019/2020 Adult Member – $77.75 (with tax) • 2019/2020 Family – $197.25 (with tax)

Renew for 2020 Coverage Now! • 2020 Youth Associate – $47.00(with tax) • 2020 Adult Member – $62.00 (with tax) • 2020 Family – $150.00(with tax) We want to inform you of an increase to the cost of memberships, which will take effect as each membership comes up for renewal. This modest adjustment is our first in five years, and by restricting the amount of the increase, we seek to keep HCBC memberships affordable while maintaining and improving our programming. All of us at HCBC feel grateful to be able to rely on your continued support.

For new or lapsed members, we also have a special promotion to join for 2019 and 2020 and receive a discounted rate on the remainder

Does someone you know deserve special recognition? HCBC’s Annual Awards honour outstanding achievement within BC’s equine community. These awards acknowledge those who stand out from the crowd and have made a positive impact on the equestrian community.

The following categories are available for nominations: Coach of the Year – This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated outstanding professionalism, leadership, and mentoring skills in a coaching role overseeing a team(s) or individual(s) at any level in any recognized equestrian discipline during the year.

Bob James Volunteer of the Year – This award recognizes an individual (senior or junior) who has demonstrated outstanding dedication and commitment to BC’s equestrian community and/or sport in any recognized discipline. No athletic achievement is necessary.

PHOTO COURTESY OF HCBC

HCBC’s Bob James Volunteer of the Year Award recipient for 2018 was Margot Vilvang (right). She was presented her award by HCBC Board Director Lisa Mander (left) at Southlands Riding Club in Vancouver this past spring.

HOW TO REACH US

2019 HCBC Award Nominations

Sherman Olson Lifetime Achievement Award – The recipient of this prestigious award must be a BC resident having achieved prominence through commitment and hard work, in turn positively impacting BC’s equine industry and inspiring others. This award is only awarded when warranted and is not necessarily awarded every year.

All individuals nominated MUST be members of Horse Council BC in good standing. Nomination forms can be found on www.hcbc.ca and must be submitted to communication@hcbc.ca no later than December 30, 2019.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: administration@hcbc.ca

RECREATION & TRAILS: recreation@hcbc.ca

AGRICULTURE & INDUSTRY: industry@hcbc.ca

COMPETITION: competition@hcbc.ca

27336 Fraser Highway, Aldergrove, BC, V4W 3N5

MEMBERSHIP: membership@hcbc.ca

HCBC FORUMS: forums@hcbc.ca

PHONE: 604-856-4304 • FAX: 604-856-4302 TOLL-FREE: 1-800-345-8055 WEBSITE: www.hcbc.ca

communication@hcbc.ca

OFFICE HOURS: Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm OFFICE ADDRESS:

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COACHING & EDUCATION: coaching@hcbc.ca MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS:

HCBC BOOKSTORE: bookstore@hcbc.ca FINANCE & GRANT FUNDING: finance@hcbc.ca HARASSMENT POLICY: harassment@hcbc.ca

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Manitoba Horse Council Serving Manitoba’s Equine Community

By Linda Hazelwood, MHC Business Manager and ex-Recreation Chair

Congratulations to Team Orange Crush

PHOTO: LINDA HAZELWOOD

A muddy warm-up for eventing.

PHOTO: CHRISTINE BUDZAK

Our Multi-Discipline Team Challenge Champions

PHOTO: LINDA HAZELWOOD

Western Dressage in the mud.

Team Orange Crush, the Multi-Discipline Team Challenge Champions.

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We had a wet Saturday and a sunny Sunday for the 2019 Multi-Discipline Team Challenge (formerly the Manitoba Equestrian Championships) at Manitoba Horse Council’s Equestrian Facility in Birds Hill Park, Winnipeg, on September 21 and 22. This year, we traded the East vs West format and created eight teams of nine riders — each with at least one rider representing one of the seven disciplines participating (Eventing, Western Dressage, Driving, Competitive Trail, Endurance and Hunter/Jumper).

It was a close race between top teams, but in the end, Team Orange Crush took home the trophy.

GOLD MEDALISTS: The Orange Crush Team of Kaylee Fulcher, Callum Read, Rachael Van Wyk, Don Down, Dianne Borger, Janine Thomson, Kara Trimble, Shannon Lightfoot, and Dana Hryshko.

SILVER MEDALISTS: The Yellow Team of Madisyn Fulcher, Lavender Woodman, Kari Hasselriis, Jack Boughen, Wendy Carnegie, Iris Oleksuk, Andy Dunlop, Linda Gillies, and Angela Lavallee.

BRONZE MEDALISTS: The Red Team of Julie Neu, Kyri Manual, Krista Brown, Brandy Caton, Gord Knox, Terry McKee, Annette Fleming, Lisa Kizlik, and Wendy Nagtegaal.

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Everyone loves driving.

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ated Upd ula!

Form

supplements for horses

FORMULA 2 PELLETS

Biotin added • No added iron Now with MORE Vitamin E

www.drreeds.com

50/50 Raffle Results

Thank You — Thank You — Thank You! To our staff, volunteers, judges, officials, veterinarians, coaches, exhibitors, photographers, course builders, demo riders, cooks, horseholders, announcers, callers, and cheer squads — Thank you for your smiles and the generous gift of your time. You made this event a success!

Our sponsors are a big part of what makes this event succeed – from donating funds to cover costs and dinners, to creating prize packs for draws, to loading our exhibitor welcome bags with treats and goodies. Thank you to all the organizations who supported our event, in alphabetical order: CapriCMW, Central Vet Services, Dominion Vet Labs, Ecolicious Equestrian, Entegra Credit Union, Greenhawk Winnipeg, Maple Leaf Foods, Masterfeeds, Oakbank Co-op, Old Dutch Foods, Ridewell Performance, RM of Springfield, Tim Hortons Oakbank, UpHouse.

BROWN BLACK Electric Tape WHITE, Complete Electric PolyTape and PolyRope Systems in and

E-mail to request our CATALOGUE complete with pricing • OVER 30 YEARS SERVING THE HORSE INDUSTRY •

info@ferrisfencing.com • 1-800-665-3307

www.ferrisfencing.com

Coach News Sport Manitoba update — All Manitoba coaches are now required to complete the Respect In Sport program every five years.

Are you a coach? Certified or not, please complete the free online course at www.sportmanitoba.ca/coaching/respect-in-sport.

When you complete your profile, please make sure to check the button to Allow communication to the NCCP, Sport Manitoba, and then Manitoba Horse Council. This will place the result directly in your Locker, and also ensure you receive a reminder when your certificate requires renewal.

Coaches — Save this date! December 2, 2019 is Coach Appreciation Evening in the Hall of Fame room at Sport Manitoba, Winnipeg.

Come hear two speakers present on the importance of coaching insurance and the legalities of being a coach. It will cover very important topics, linked to the upcoming EC Licensing Program. Free to certified coaches, with a small cover charge for non-certified.

Email mhc.admin@sportmanitoba.ca to reserve your place.

How to Reach Us Manitoba Horse Council, 145 Pacific Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3B 2Z6 PHONE (204) 925-5719 EMAIL mhc.exec@sportmanitoba.ca WEBSITE www.manitobahorsecouncil.ca FACEBOOK Manitoba Horse Council; Manitoba Recreational Riders

www.cummings.ca • Abbotsford, BC

1-877-856-1988

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK/ALEXANDER ROCHAU

Team Orange Crush, the Multi-Discipline Keeping dry and still smiling!

Team Challenge Champions.

PHOTO: LINDA HAZELWOOD

On September 22, we drew the results of our 2019 50/50 Raffle. Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to all the clubs and individuals who helped us sell tickets. The winners and the percentages of the 50/50 payout they received are Mark Lane in third place, 20 percent; Westman Dressage in second place, 30 percent; and Linda Hazelwood in first place, 50 percent.

FERRIS FENCING

My Horse • My Passion

My Magazine WINTER 2019

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PHOTO COURTESY OF VALLEY THERAPEUTIC EQUESTRIAN ASSOCIATION

The Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association’s

Are you interested in pursuing the calling of therapeutic equineassisted activities?

We are bringing together Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA) experts from a diversity of fields from across the country to meet together at Olds College, in Olds, Alberta, from May 29 to 31, 2020.

Professionals outstanding in the areas of physiotherapy, hippotherapy, biomechanics, para-dressage, equine-facilitated wellness, instructor certification, and program management will offer valuable tools to provide excellence in a challenging field. Conference sessions will include:

NATIONAL CONFERENCE

is happening in 2020!

BY BREN PICKEL

• Pippa Hodge — Training the Eye of the Instructor ­— Lecture and Demonstration.

• Teg Harper — Enhancing the Position — Biomechanics for the complexneeds body to enhance the longevity of the therapeutic horse.

• Jane James — Leading the Transition from Recreational Riding to Para-Sport.

• Tricia Mellor and Katlyn Wildfang — Examining the Theoretical Foundations of Equine-Facilitated Wellness (EFW).

• Best Practices for Mounting and Dismounting — Facilitated by CanTRA Examiners, using both English and Western saddles, mounting blocks/ platforms, and ramps.

Find registration, speaker bios, details on accommodations and travel, and more at www.cantra.ca under News & Info.

As the governing body for therapeutic equine-assisted activities (EAA) in Canada, CanTRA is responsible for establishing and maintaining standards for instructors and program centres. By creating a foundation of quality training and ongoing support, we bring positive change to the lives of people through EAA, benefiting their mental, social, and physical well-being. |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| For more information or to find a centre near you visit > www.Cantra.ca or donate at > www.CanadaHelps.org to ensure we continue to make strides forward in 2020!

PHOTO: ANNE MACNEILL

PHOTO: BILL JORGENSON

• Panel Discussions — Focused on Board/Program management, Fundraising, and Adaptations for specific disabilities.

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HORSE INDUSTRY PRODUCTS

SPONSORED

How to Address a Fractured Coffin Bone Source: Vettec Animal Health The coffin bone, also known as

wall. This type of fracture can

the pedal bone or the distal

result from something as simple

phalanx, is the bottommost bone

as a horse stepping on a rock,

within a horse’s leg, similar to the

hitting a fence, or applying too

tip of a human finger. Although

much weight on a single foot.

uncommon, coffin bone injuries

Sudden lameness after

are both serious and dangerous

physical activity is a major

as the hoof capsule is shaped

indication of a coffin bone

around this particular bone. To

fracture. However, lameness can

maintain horse health, it is important to provide proper hoof care and take action if a horse

vary from moderate to severe based on the location of the fracture. Other common

develops a coffin bone injury.

symptoms to look for include

Identifying a Coffin Bone Fracture

distribution of weight, and an

Coffin bone fractures are likely caused by a traumatic injury to the outside of the hoof

excessive limping, unequal accelerated pulse.

Typically, veterinarians use radiographs (x-rays) when diagnosing a coffin bone injury.

It is essential to take a minimum of five views from different angles to best evaluate the injury. These tools help determine the location and severity of the fracture, so hoof care professionals can establish a proper treatment plan. As a porous bone, this injury generally heals after 12 weeks of treatment.

For more information on identification and treatment of a coffin bone injury, please visit the Vettec website > www.Vettec.com

MOISTURE: To avoid infection or injury in changing climates, horse owners can use pour-in pad materials to help maintain optimal sole health. These pads bond to the bottom of a horse’s foot, sealing out moisture and preventing debris from being packed in the foot. Pour-in materials infused with copper sulfate also help to mitigate mild and moderate cases of thrush effectively.

For more information on the prevention and treatment of hoof care issues using pour-in pads, please visit the Vettec website > www.Vettec.com

SPONSORED

Saddle Up with Pour-in Pads to Prevent and Aid Hoof Care Issues Source: Vettec Animal Health Like a glove provides extra protection to human hands and fingers, pour-in pads serve as a safeguard for both shod and barefoot horses. Pour-in pads can provide solar support to both prevent and aid common hoof care issues.

Pour-in pads, made of urethane adhesives, bond to the sole of a hoof and produce a soft and resilient supportive pad material. Designed to increase the weight-bearing surface area, these materials alleviate pressure off the hoof wall and allow the sole to take on some of the horse’s weight.

Horse owners and farriers can utilize pour-in pads to create extra protection and provide

support to prevent and manage hoof care issues.

Using Pour-in Pads to Prevent Hoof Care Issues The hooves support a horse’s whole body. It’s important for horse owners to take the necessary steps to prevent potential injury or infection. Pour-in pads can serve as a preventative tool for the following: BRUISING: Using a durable pourin-pad material can help prevent sole bruising. As horse owners may not be able to see bruising until the healing process begins, it’s crucial for owners to be mindful of their horses’ environments and provide the proper support to avoid injuries or discomfort.

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HORSE INDUSTRY PRODUCTS

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SPONSORED

Sports Saddle Here at Sports Saddle, we offer a variety of skirting shapes and seat sizes. Our saddles are built for any Western and Endurance performance functions and are more often custom designed for extreme and specific disciplines. For many riders, it can be challenging finding the saddle that is both comfortable and secure for both themselves and their horse or horses, so Sports Saddles are designed to fit securely to different conformation types.

Driven by a passion for quality and comfortable saddles, Robert Marshall began making ranch and cutting saddles in the 1970s. In the 1980s he started designing and developing sports saddles as his Sports Saddle Inc., based in Salem, Kentucky, grew.

What makes these saddles unique today is that the pommel is independent of the cantle, and it conforms to different shoulder widths and wither

Source: Sports Saddle heights because the angle of the pommel is not rigidly set as it is in regular saddles. With the saddle cinched snuggly, the non-tree base saddle conforms to the unique shape of the horse’s shoulders.

Our saddles are hand-built by our experienced team of leather craftsmen, and hand-tooled using the best materials. We also have a line of saddle pads that may be custom-built as well. Barrel racers and trail riders love the light weight and flexibility. The pommel and cantle can move independently, adjusting to the horse’s back and movement.

A variety of rigging placements are available for the rider’s individual positional needs. We also have saddles for children starting in 10-inch seat sizes.

We offer a variety of payment methods, and in-stocks that can be tried out and returned. We have a saddle lease program, and financing

is also available through other methods. Some customers use the lease as a layaway plan for Christmas.

Our greatest accomplishments have been providing riders with comfortable, custom-made saddles that meet their horses’ specific needs, as well as the riders’ own needs no matter what kind of riding they enjoy.

To see our selection and learn more about Sports Saddle, visit > www.SportsSaddle.com

TOO GOOD TO MISS! We are pleased to present some of our favourite Honourable Mentions in our 28th Annual Celebration of Horses Photo Contest!

TO SEE THE WINNERS AND RUNNERS-UP, PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 62.

FOR MORE HONOURABLE MENTIONS, TURN TO PAGE 84.

LOVE OF HORSES

Depicting the Human-Horse Bond

82

www.HORSE Journals.com

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WINTER 2019

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“We have three beautiful mares that our family uses to trail ride the state parks in Wisconsin and Minnesota,” says photographer and mom, Georgia Ritscher. “My daughter, Ella, is four years old, and her three girls are Aryia, Jewel, and Sally. My kids love walking down from the house and going to play in the pasture, and the horses love it just as much. They enjoy giving them treats and all the attention they deserve.”

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A Girl and Her Three Best Friends

URABLE H O NO TIONS||| |||||E M ||||N ||| |||||||||||

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HONOURABLE MENTION

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Circle F Horse Rescue ABBOTSFORD, BC

>>>> INDEX TO ADVERTISERS <<< 5 Star Equine Products ....................................................... 41 AeroHippus ............................................................................... 23 Affordable Barns .................................................................... 41 BC Appaloosa Centre............................................................ 57 Bear Valley Rescue................................................................83 Big Bale Buddy......................................................................... 55 Brattebo, Amy - ReMax........................................................ 47 Brazeau Team, The................................................................. 75 Brewster Adventures............................................................. 37

Finding loving homes for abused, neglected or surrendered horses for over 20 years.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

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At least 2 years of horse experience preferred.

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Canadian Horse Journal...................................................3-4 CapriCMW.................................................................................... 29 Castle Plastics ......................................................................... 32 CF Fence ..................................................................................... 29 Circle F Horse Rescue...........................................................83 Coastal Equestrian Build.......................................................3 Country Homes & Acreages........................47, 61, 73-75 Cummings Trailer Sales & Rentals................................ 79 Dilbey, Denise .......................................................................... 74 Dr. Reed’s Supplements ................................................... 79 Dubarry of Ireland ................................................................39 El Ranchito ................................................................................ 57 Equine Choice ......................................................................... 16 Equine Essentials.....................................................................51 Equine Foundation of Canada ........................................83 EQyss Grooming Products .....................Inside B/Cover

THOROUGHBRED RETIREMENT

Farrier’s Fix Hoof Oil.............................................................28

SOCIETY

Ferris Fencing........................................................................... 79 Goldenwings Horseshoes .................................................. 53

Finding Permanent, Loving Homes for Retired Racehorses.

Herbs for Horses......................................................................21 Hi-Hog...........................................................................................26 Hoof Boss.................................................................................... 23 Hoof Doctor................................................................................17

Do you have room in your heart and home for a new friend?

Hoofjack........................................................................................31 Horse Council BC.....................................................................77 Horse Habit, The..................................................................... 53

See our web page for horses available for adoption.

Volunteers are always welcome!

Donate Today – Help a Retired Racehorse!

Follow us on Facebook:

Huppe, Julie - The Gould Team....................................... 73 Integrity Buildings...................................................................51 KIOTI.................................................................................................1 Kix’N’Bux Cowboy Clothing Co.......................................... 55 LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society ...........83 Maple Lane Equestrian Trailers...................................... 33

Gunningforfranks, LongRun Graduate

McCague, Kelly - Royal LePage RCR Realty................ 73 Meadow Lake Guest Ranch................................................39

LongRunTB

Mickus, Peter - Sotheby’s International Realty....... 61

www.longrunretirement.com

Myles Herman - Equine Bodywork................................ 57 NAG Bags ................................................................................... 14 New Stride Thoroughbred Adoption Society............83 Noble Distributors .................................................................11

Award-winning content

Nova Scotia Equestrian Federation ............................. 53 Olds College .............................................................................40 Original Dr. Cook Bitless Bridle, The ............................31 Otter Co-op...................................................................................5 Peruvian Horse Association of Canada .....................59 Pferde Traum Farms..............................................................59

MAJOR DUNDEE

GELDING • 16.2 hh • 2010

Major is friendly, sensitive, has good manners and is a people pleaser.

He is a horse with energy, which when worked with and channeled results in positive behaviour.

Subscribe Today! www.HORSEJournals.com

ADOPT • VOLUNTEER • DONATE

Dedicated to finding adoptive homes and new careers for former Thoroughbred racehorses.

778-985-5673 • www.newstride.com

Quinis Equestrian....................................................................15 Ritchie Brothers Auctioneers............................................ 74 School of Equine Massage and Rehabilatation Therapies, The................................. 27 Sports Saddle...........................................................................20 SSG Gloves ................................................. Outside B/Cover Summerside Tack & Equestrian Wear/Thinline........7 Tom Balding Bits and Spurs ............................................ 33 ULTRA-KELP.................................................................................51 University of Guelph............................................................. 27 We Cover Structures ................................. Inside F/Cover Welsh Pony & Cob Society of Canada ........................59 Whole Horse Apprenticeship with Alexa Linton, The................................................... 22 Wickaninnish Inn....................................................................38 Willamette Coast Ride ........................................................36 WINTER 2019

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CANADIAN HORSE JOURNAL

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HORSES ON THE JOB — Performance, Working, Heritage

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From time to time, Canadian Horse Journal makes its names and addresses available to carefully screened organizations who want to let you know about a product or service that might interest you.

If you do not want your name, address, or email address made available, please let us know.

HONOURABLE MENTION

The Job of Touching Hearts

Our 17-hand Belgian Draft mare, Sheila, has a few different jobs, says photographer Shannon Ready of Eastman, Wisconsin. Her favourite is visiting the residents at nursing homes.

Despite her size, she will lower her head for anyone to reach her. She comforts them in her own way, from a gentle nudge to bringing back memories. “Her primary hobbies include Western riding, being a family horse, and visiting nursing home residents.”

HONOURABLE MENTION

Big Horse, Little Horse — All in a Day’s Work

Amos the Wonder Horse is a mini-therapy horse who makes over 150 visits each year to local nursing facilities and hospitals. He is widely known for his work — and for playing basketball with the Harlem Globetrotters who made him an honorary goodwill ambassador for his community service. He started his Just Say Whoa to Bullying program with his local police department, where he was a volunteer equine officer. Today, his program is used by 25 minitherapy horse teams across the US, Canada, and the UK. Photographer is Shelly Mizrahi of St. Petersburg, Florida.

STABLE STORK

Beautiful Babies of 2019 HONOURABLE MENTION

Display Advertising: sales@horsejournals.com

WINTER SCENES

News, Show reports: news@horsejournals.com

Winters in New Brunswick can be harsh, but beautiful! Sophie is a mixed breed Pinto mare. Thanks to Stephanie Cote of Irishtown, New Brunswick.

To view all of our Winners, Runners-Up, and Honourable Mentions, please visit www.HORSEJOURNALS.com.

WINTER 2019

OR (250) 655-8883

Everyone needs a good stretch, even foals!

“This 2019 Thoroughbred colt is by Upstart and out of Mare and Cher. He is as cantankerous as he is cute, loves to play, and will someday make a successful racehorse or show horse,” says photographer Jen Roytz of Versailles, Kentucky.

Sophie in Winter

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PHONE: 1-800-299-3799

How to Reach Us

HONOURABLE MENTION

www.HORSE Journals.com

EMAIL: subscriptions@horsejournals.com

Yoga, Foal Style

Sleigh Rides, Winter Wonderland, Dashing Through the Snow

84

www.horsejournals.com

Editorial, General Inquiries: editor@horsejournals.com Subscriptions: subscriptions@horsejournals.com or www.horsejournals.com

Phone (all depts): 1-800-299-3799 (250) 655-8883 Fax line (all depts): (250) 655-8913 Mail: Suite 202, 2400 Bevan Avenue, Sidney, BC, V8L 1W1

www.HORSEJournals.com b

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WINTER 2019

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CANADIAN HORSE JOURNAL

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