Canadian Horse Journal - East - SAMPLE - Autumn 2021

PHOTO: ISTOCK/BRONWYNB

The 2021 drought may be a harbinger of things to come, and horse owners would be wise to plan for future hay supply uncertainty.

2021 DROUGHT PRODUCES

Hay Shortages When it comes to purchasing hay this year, John Bland says, “[Horse owners] are between a rock and a hard place. This year, there’s typically nothing to cut.”

Bland is a member of the Alberta Forage Information Network and has been producing and selling hay in Alberta for over 40 years. He says this year’s drought covers the majority of North America’s Great Plains region, so is different from other dry years such as 2001, 2009, and 2019 when droughts were more regional.

The drought has been nationally recognized, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has identified regions of drought — where forage yields were less than 50 percent of long-term averages — across Western Canada from British Columbia to Ontario. As of July 31, 2021, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s

Canadian Drought Monitor reported: In July, well-below normal precipitation and record-breaking temperatures rapidly worsened drought conditions across Western Canada, from Vancouver Island to Northwestern Ontario, resulting in significant and widespread impacts.

Above normal temperatures followed the unprecedented high temperatures of early July, which led to drying surface water supplies, reduced streamflow, drying pasture and rangeland, negatively affected crops, and increased wildfires.

Provincial crop reports summarized similar conditions with the July 27 to August 2, 2021 Saskatchewan Crop Report, finding that hot, dry conditions had resulted in reduced pasture growth in many areas. By early August, 19 percent of Saskatchewan pastures were rated in fair

By Tania Millen

condition while 81 percent were considered to be in poor or very poor condition. Impacts in British Columbia and Alberta were slightly better depending on the region, while Manitoba and northwestern Ontario fared slightly worse.

By August 2, 2021, impacts on hay quality were moderate, severe, and extreme across the majority of Western Canada.

The lack of hay and poor pasture conditions concerned many and cattle ranchers were selling approximately four times the usual number of stock at auction in late July due to lack of feed.

“People are desperate. It is a tough year, and it’s going to continue to be a tough year,” says Bland. “We’re going into fall with every pasture in the country overgrazed, which doesn’t bode well for next spring.”

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CANADIAN HORSE JOURNAL

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CANADIAN DROUGHT MONITOR

Conditions as of July 31, 2021 S

WHITEHORSE

YELLOWKNIFE

FT. ST. JOHN

EDMONTON KAMLOOPS

S

SL

VICTORIA

SASKATOON

CALGARY

REGINA

SL

VANCOUVER

SL

DROUGHT INTENSITY ABNORMALLY DRY MODERATE DROUGHT SEVERE DROUGHT EXTREME DROUGHT EXCEPTIONAL DROUGHT DROUGHT NOT ANALYZED

This year, Bland harvested only 20 percent of the hay he typically produces in the Calgary area, but across Western Canada, hay supplies are variable. In British Columbia and Alberta, some areas had reasonable weather while regions around Grande Prairie and south towards Edmonton were significantly drier; however, there were definitely hay shortages in Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

Chris Fulkerth, a Professional Agrologist and past Chair of Alberta Forage Industry Network Board, says that means equestrians need to purchase hay sooner rather than later and should be prepared to pay more this year.

For those just purchasing hay now, “paying more” may mean paying double the usual cost for their hay. Bland reported that hay typically priced at $150 per ton increased to upwards of $300 per ton in midAugust. Unlike cattle, which can survive on a variety of feeds, horses must have good quality hay.

Unfortunately, this year’s drought 10

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Vermilion, Alberta; Melfort, Saskatchewan; and Dauphin, Manitoba indicate that first cut hay production will increase by 24 percent while second cut production will decrease by over 30 percent. The 2021 drought may be a harbinger of things to come, and horse owners would be wise to plan for future hay supply uncertainty.

IQALUIT Some of the ways to plan for that uncertainty are by improving pasture management, considering supplementation, altering feeding ST. JOHN’S methods, increasing hay storage capacity, and pre-ordering CHARLOTTETOWN hay from suppliers.

Activities such as HALIFAX QUEBEC seeking out additional FREDERICTON SL grazing areas, as well as WINNIPEG irrigating, collecting MONTREAL THUNDER BAY manure, mowing, strip OTTAWA grazing, and fallowing fields TORONTO to maintain good quality pasture could WINDSOR reduce hay needs. Utilizing hay cubes, pellets, or different types of hay to fulfill a horse’s forage needs could reduce the DELINEATES DOMINANT IMPACTS effects of fluctuating hay supplies.

S = SHORT-TERM, TYPICALLY LESS THAN Feeding methods that limit waste and 6 MONTHS (E.G. AGRICULTURE, GRASSLANDS) prevent over-feeding, such as using L = LONG-TERM, TYPICALLY GREATER THAN feeders and nets, can ensure that hay 6 MONTHS (E.G. HYDROLOGY, ECOLOGY) supplies are well-utilised. Increasing hay storage capacity so that hay can be purchased when available, and preordering hay in bulk from the same conditions, hay shortages, and high hay suppliers annually, can provide assurance prices may not be a one-off event.

Canada’s climate is warming two times for both producers and purchasers. This faster than the global average, and across also reduces last minute sourcing Canada the frequency, intensity, and struggles and ensures the best prices. duration of extreme events like heat “We’re telling our horse customers waves, wildfires, and floods are projected that the way to make sure you have hay is to increase. According to the 2020-2021 to step up to the plate,” says Bland. “Tell Regional Perspectives Report led by Natural us how much you need. Be professional Resources Canada, Canada’s changing and pay for it (preferably in advance). But prairie climate will result in more at least have an order.” He also notes, frequent extreme precipitation events, “Smaller operators typically buy one or shifting precipitation patterns, increased two bales at a time and if they stick to that water scarcity, longer growing seasons, they are going to be in big trouble.” and more frequent and intense droughts, While many horse owners are simply all of which affect pasture productivity, trying to survive the difficulties of this quality, and nutrients — as well as future year’s hay shortages, astute equestrians hay supply. Although hay productivity will be planning for future challenges. may increase in the near term, high Advance planning and adaptation are key temperatures, droughts, and more and can potentially reduce overall hay variable precipitation will negatively needs while ensuring sufficient hay in affect crop yields such as hay production uncertain times. b over the long term. For example, model simulations for the years 2040 to 2069 for > Tania Millen is a regular contributor to this timothy hay crops in Edmonton and Fort magazine — read her bio on page 82.

HEALTH

EQUINE

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK/ELEON IMAGES

TEETH

PHOTO: ADOBESTOCK/ DOUGLAS VIGON EYEEM

An Evolutionary Success Story

By Shelagh Niblock, PAS

Horses have evolved very successfully as consumers of forage and other plant material. Many of their physical characteristics such as body size and capacity have evolved around accommodating their large hindgut where populations of beneficial microbes are maintained, allowing the utilization of complex carbohydrates like cellulose as a source of energy. The teeth of horses have also evolved to allow horses to consume a steady diet of plant material.

Horse owners should know that good horse husbandry includes at least a yearly dental examination by a veterinarian for all the horses in the barn. This health care protocol is equally important for horses of all ages. Young horses need regular 20

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AUTUMN 2021

dental exams as their teeth change with growing. Performance horses need regular dental work as dental problems may cause performance issues. And seniors, perhaps most of all, need regular assessment of their teeth to ensure they are able to chew properly.

The dental examination may lead to floating of the teeth to smooth rough edges or address other abnormalities which might be causing discomfort for the horse. If the horse’s teeth have been neglected, there may be a need for a more rigorous program of dental work.

Some horses need dental maintenance more often than others, and horses with problem teeth may need dental work as frequently as every three to six months.

Why do horses need to have their teeth floated?

Horses have hypsodont teeth with a large crown or portion of tooth above the gumline and a very large root below the gumline.

Hypsodont teeth are constantly erupting and growing out of the gum. Continuous chewing of coarse plant material results in the enamel surfaces of the teeth being worn down. With open-ended roots, hypsodont teeth have a complex system of enamel, as well as tissues called cementum and dentin.

Their structure and continuous growth over the life of the horse ensures that even though the forage diet of horses wears their teeth down, the horse can maintain a functional tooth.

Research shows that horses will graze at least 16 hours per day if allowed and will tend to wear their teeth down evenly without developing uneven ridges, waves, or tooth hooks. On the other hand, stabled horses with mixed diets of forage and concentrates are far more likely to develop irregularities in their teeth and consequently need regular dental care.

Humans and animals like dogs and cats have brachydont teeth, which do not continue to erupt out of the jaw throughout the life of the animal, and closed roots as well as a smaller root system and crown.

Enamel, cementum, and dentin The crowns of equine teeth are covered by a hard mineral-rich enamel. The roots

are covered by a calcified tissue called cementum. The cementum is the source of the collagen fibres which attach the tooth to the gum or gingiva of the teeth.

Cementum is joined to the enamel at the cemento-enamel junction. The next layer in the equine tooth is the dentin, which is a calcified collagen tissue produced by cells called odontoblasts. The dentin extends right through the root and up into the tooth crown. Finally, equine teeth have an inner core of pulp, which is highly vascularized, extends throughout the entire crown/root structure, and is attached to the lymphatic system of the horse.

Organization of the horse’s teeth The teeth of the horse are arranged in a pattern that includes 12 incisors — six on the top and six on the bottom — as well as a mature potential of 12 molars on each of the top and bottom arcades. The molars or cheek teeth are comprised of three premolars and three molars for a

EQUINE TEETH ORGANIZATION

UPPER JAW INCISORS CANINES

LOWER JAW

WOLF TEETH PREMOLARS MOLARS AUTUMN 2021

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CANADIAN HORSE JOURNAL

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PHOTO: ADOBESTOCK/ DOUGLAS VIGON EYEEM

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK/ELEON IMAGES

Horses left to graze at least 16 hours a day wear their teeth down more evenly and will likely develop fewer dental irregularities than stabled horses with mixed diets.

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PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK/SAMOLI

HEALTH

Getting Back to BETTER Rehabilitation and return to performance after colic surgery

By Crystal Lee, DVM, DACVS, Burwash Equine Services One of the many reasons that the words “colic surgery” tend to strike fear into a horse owner’s heart is the question of whether their horse will be able to return to their previous level of performance (or even return to performing at all). A recent research study by Dr. Holcombe and her team at Michigan State University looked at specific ways that a horse owner can influence the likelihood of this return to performance after colic surgery¹.

Before we look at the results of this research study, it is helpful to review the likelihood that a horse will recover from colic surgery at all by looking at the previous research investigating this 26

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probability of return to performance.

Horse owners often have a pessimistic view of the likely outcomes of colic surgery, feeling that the horse is not likely to ever be the same again, and this can influence owners away from having surgery performed. However, the research actually supports a more positive outlook. Many horses across a number of disciplines, having survived colic surgery, do return to the same level of performance they were at previously, or even improve their level of performance after the surgery.

A research study from the Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Finland looked at the recovery of 236 horses that underwent

colic surgery2. Of these 236 horses, 84 percent recovered from anesthesia (the remainder were euthanized during surgery). Of the 195 horses that survived the surgery, 75 percent were discharged from the hospital. Of the horses that were discharged, 84 percent reached or exceeded their previous level of performance. Factors such as the presence of an incisional hernia, incidence of post-operative colic, the age of the horse, the location of the surgical lesion, and time to convalescence did not 1. Holcombe, SJ et al. (2019). The Effect of Core Abdominal Muscle Rehabilitation Exercises on Return to Training and Performance in Horses After Colic Surgery. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science Vol 75, April 2019; pages 14-18.

have an impact on the probability of performance after surgery in this study.

Another research study out of California looked specifically at the performance of Thoroughbred racehorses after colic surgery³. The beneficial aspects of a research study looking at return to

racing in Thoroughbreds are firstly that there is a very high level of performance required to return in this sport, and secondly that there is objective data available to evaluate performance in the form of earnings, starts, and earnings per start. This objective data is often not

available in other disciplines. In this study, 69 percent of the Thoroughbreds that underwent colic surgery returned to racing, compared to 73 percent of control horses. There is no significant difference in these two percentages. It is common for even the control group to have what seems to be a relatively low percentage of return to racing in these studies, as the rate of attrition in racehorses is high for a number of reasons. The horses that underwent surgery did not show any statistically significant reduction in measures of performance or career length compared to the control horses.

A similar study out of Denmark focused on the recovery of sport horses⁴.

The numbers from this study included only horses that survived at least six months after colic surgery. Of these horses, 86 percent resumed or started

2. Immonen, IAM. (2017). Long-term follow-up on recovery, return to use and sporting activity: A retrospective study of 236 operated colic horses in Finland (2006-2012). Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica 59(1); January 2017.

3. Tomlinson JE. et al. (2013). Evaluation of racing performance after colic surgery in Thoroughbreds: 85 cases (1996-2010). Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 243; 532-537.

4. Christophersen MT. et al. (2011). Sporting activity following colic surgery in horses: A retrospective study. Equine Veterinary Journal 43; 3-6.

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A California study found that 69 percent of Thoroughbreds that underwent colic surgery returned to racing and did not show any significant reduction in performance or career length compared to the control group.

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REHAB

for the

Not-Quite-Right Horse

By Jec A. Ballou

Develop an exercise therapy program that gives your horse the best chance of recovery.

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PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK/ERICKSON STOCK

HEALTH

Subtle lameness or signs of pain that do not lead to a clear veterinary diagnosis can be extremely frustrating, costly, and time-consuming.

Unfortunately, they are also quite common, leaving many owners feeling helpless to plot a path forward. In this article I will offer guiding principles for tackling these scenarios along with specific examples of how I implemented them with Remy, a mare that came to me with bucking behaviours and signs of back pain but with no clear diagnosis.

Unless there is a clearly detectable source of your horse’s pain or loss of performance, your vet will likely not be able to provide you a specific rehab plan. He or she might be able to offer general suggestions, like perhaps taking a few weeks off from riding, but it is often up to the owner to develop an exercise therapy schedule that will help the horse during this time. In the case of Remy, the vet recommended not riding for the foreseeable future. Beyond that recommendation, the rest of her schedule was up to us. In cases like this I follow the principles below.

Lifestyle First of all, make the horse’s living environment as helpful as possible to their physical well-being. Avoid locking him up in a stall unless you have an irrefutable vet-ordered reason for doing so. I have

seen numerous owners worsen a horse’s physical discomfort by assuming that movement should be avoided and the horse should go on stall rest. This nearly never fixes the problem, especially when you do not know what the problem is.

In Remy’s case, this meant housing her in a large paddock with free access to an adjoined grassy turnout area. The more time she spent with her head down grazing, the more often the ligaments in her back would be positively tensioned and toned.

In other words, if her back could be made comfortable at least in a natural state it would be through grazing and wandering around. I made sure her living environment encouraged this, including keeping her well socialized with paddock mates on a regular basis. This living arrangement will always stave off inflammation, proprioceptive deficits, and compromised muscle function better than standing in a stall.

The living environment of the rehabilitating horse should be conducive to his physical and mental well-being. Unless your veterinarian mandates stall rest as the only option, a large paddock with access to a grassy turnout area will encourage natural movement, and more time spent grazing will tone the horse’s back muscles naturally.

During these perplexing phases when a horse is not-quiteright, prioritize exercises that recruit and strengthen postural muscles rather than worrying about his cardiovascular fitness.

Take a deep breath and acknowledge that his cardio fitness is going to drop off (but will come back quickly when he resumes full work) and that you need to focus elsewhere. This is for two reasons. First, engaging postural muscles occasionally fixes everything. I have witnessed many horses resolve subtle lameness issues by spending several weeks committed only to postural exercises. As they become aligned and balanced their pain and gait aberrations disappear.

Second, you do not want the horse bristling with excess energy during phases of lesser training, so it is best to allow the cardio system to lose some of its fire. In other words, you do not want to keep the engine revved up. You want the engine to idle while you work on repairing the chassis.

During any given session, I generally practice about six corrective exercises, which is the right amount to fill roughly ten minutes of activity. Examples of corrective exercises include backing up, ground poles and dynamic stretches. In the first month with Remy, I found she really focused on and was

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK/SHARON MORRIS

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HEALTH

SPORT HORSE

Performance Injections

By William (Billy) Hodge, DVM We ask a lot of our equine partners.

Regardless of the discipline, maintaining optimal joint health is essential for any horse’s performance. Horses are athletes and lameness is one of the most common reasons for decreased performance. By addressing lameness issues as soon as they develop the impact on the horse’s career can be minimized. Joint disease in horses is very common and as such, the use of one or several therapies can maximize soundness and improve long-term joint health.

Injection therapies aid in reducing joint lameness by providing anti-inflammatory mechanisms. These products cannot prevent lameness but play a vital role in establishing a healthy joint after an injury, and therefore play a role in reducing lameness and fostering long-term soundness. This article aims to outline the most commonly used equine injection therapies in Canada.

Healthy joints are essential for the performance of our equine athletes. Pictured are Rebecca Howard and Riddle Master at Rolex Kentucky 2011.

LEGEND® is used in equine sports medi-

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PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK/WALLENROCK

PHOTO: CLIX PHOTOGRAPHY

cine and is widely available. It is currently made in an intravenous (IV) form and an intra-articular (IA, joint injection) form.

Legend® is a hyaluronate sodium

It’s never welcome news to the horse owner, but joint disease is a common diagnosis when lameness develops.

Fortunately, there are several therapies available to maximize soundness and improve long-term joint health.

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(glucosaminoglycan, also called HA) that is present in synovial fluid (the fluid in the joint). One major function is the regulation of a normal joint environment; hence, it provides anti-inflammatory properties to the joint and also gives the joint fluid its viscosity (protects the joint).

It is indicated (used) in the treatment of joint dysfunction of the carpus and fetlock due to osteoarthritis. It has not been approved for other joints but has shown to be effective for all joints (e.g., coffin, pastern, stifle). It is licensed for IV use weekly for three injections known as the loading dose. Anecdotally, there has been the recommendation to use it monthly after the initial injection protocol.

Studies show that Legend® decreases lameness and it has been widely accepted in the showing community to aid in reducing joint lameness (inflammation).

It has been used by many veterinarians both by IV and IA. The IV form is for systemic use and the IA is for direct joint injections. It has been given in joints alone but is commonly given combined with a steroid for IA use. Used alone, it can cause “flares” in the joint or tendon sheath although this is not seen commonly.

Legend® has been known to: • Decrease the degree of lameness; • Decrease the inflammation in the joint; • Decrease the inflammation in the joint lining; • 90 percent of cases given IV injection and 96 percent given IA show improvement in lameness.

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HEALTH

How Does Your Beauty Sleep?

How well does your horse sleep? How much sleep does he need?

And why is it important?

By Alexa Linton, Equine Sports Therapist Sleep is one of my very favourite things. It’s at the top of my list of essentials for the well-being of my body, mind, and spirit — right alongside chocolate, a yummy and nourishing meal, and a great ride on my mare, Diva. Anyone who has experienced even mild insomnia knows that the negative impact of insufficient sleep on your brain, your mood, and your productivity is remarkable, and that a few nights of poor sleep can lead to general grumpiness, short temper, feelings of exhaustion and overwhelm, and impaired memory and focus. There are some very clear physiological explanations for the 48

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effects of poor or inadequate sleep, including a resultant dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system impacting everything from heart rate to blood pressure, and digestion to elimination, mood, and memory. Sleep is commonly referred to as some of the best medicine there is for whatever ails you, providing the body with much-needed recovery and rejuvenation. It’s no wonder sleep deprivation is used as a form of torture. But, what about your horse? Is he sleeping enough, and getting the right type of sleep? And if not, how is this contributing to his overall well-being?

Have you ever seen a horse that sways when standing and resting, or comes close to buckling onto his knees, or has scars on the front of his fetlocks? Having a horse in my herd with these “sleep attacks” demonstrated how common it is for domesticated horses to struggle with sleep deprivation and specifically, not enough deep restorative rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Similar to sleep-deprived humans, these horses may show changes in mood, performance, physical well-being, and energy levels.

Just as human beings may not sleep so well in a big and busy city with excessive stimulus from lights, sirens, people, and

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK/MALAFO

PHOTO: ADOBESTOCK/MÜÜÜDE

A group of Icelandic horses sleeps while one stands guard.

other factors, the quality of the sleep of domesticated horses is largely impacted by their environment. And like us, the quality of their sleep can be affected by pain; whether they are able to lie down safely and comfortably and get up with ease when there is danger; the feeling of safety and protection in relation to herd-mates; the presence of a comfortable place to lie down; and the quiet and stillness necessary to fully rest. When I meet a horse that I suspect of struggling to get enough sleep, I commonly hear that he is rarely seen lying down (even if he may roll); that he has had a traumatic or intense past; that he is not at ease with herd-mates or does

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK/SARI ONEAL

In the first phase of sleep, the horse stands with awareness but deep relaxation. In the next phase, the horse is in a phase of deeper relaxation and may still stand with only slight muscle tone. In the final phase of paradoxical sleep, the horse must lie down.

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HORSEMANSHIP

Do Equestrians Know How Their Horses Learn?

Why is it so important for equestrians to become educated about learning theory and its practical application?

By Tanja Bornmann (MSc Equine Science, Academic Equitation) Knowingly or not, in each single encounter with horses we use learning theory tools from our training toolbox.

Sometimes equestrians pick the wrong tools from the toolbox, or do not know how to use the selected tool correctly, and due to this horses may suffer and may display behaviour considered to be naughty, unwilling, difficult, or even dangerous.

Horses do not test you, nor are they being dominant and need you to show them that “you are the boss.” Training is all about bringing the right message across in fair and meaningful dialogue between horse and trainer, employing the different tools that knowledge of learning theory will equip you with. Yes, horses do talk to us using their own language.

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because the trainer does not understand how to use cues correctly, or does not know how to reward “correct” horse behaviour predictably or in a timely manner so that the desired learning outcomes can be achieved.

Traditionally, horse training has been based on negative reinforcement as the mounted rider communicates with the horse by means of aids which, in traditional training, are solely based on negative reinforcement. Hence, it is very important that all horse handlers and riders understand what negative and positive reinforcement means, how it can be practically applied, and that its incorrect application can result in a compromised welfare state and, potentially, abuse.

We can observe horse abuse in all

equestrian disciplines; some types of abuse are more obvious to spot than others. Unfortunately, unlike some other mammals such as dogs, horses very rarely use their voices to indicate that they are in pain. Horses’ reactions to pain or discomfort are often subtle and hard to spot since equids, based on their natural survival instinct, tend not to express pain too openly. You may have witnessed some riders applying strong leg or even spur pressure (the “go” signal) and rein pressure (the “slow down” signal) at the same time until the horse complies or does what the rider wants. This can present a welfare concern due to the simultaneous use of two contradictory cues — accelerating and decelerating aids — and may cause discomfort or pain. Some horses may try to escape pain by bucking

PHOTO: ISTOCK/SERGIO KUMER

or rearing, often accompanied by frequent tail swishing and facial expressions indicating pain. Other horses may simply surrender to the pain and eventually enter a state of learned helplessness where they have learned that any attempt to escape pain or a stressful situation is not successful. Horses that have entered a state of learned helplessness simply give up trying and may become depressed, which can sometimes be observed in horses termed “bombproof,” or in some school horses.

Some riders may constantly apply leg pressure even if the horse already moves forward or maintains the desired speed or rhythm. No leg pressure release when the horse responds with “forward” demonstrates incorrect understanding of negative reinforcement. In this example, horses can become habituated to the constant leg pressure and the rider may need to apply even stronger leg pressure to ask for an increase in speed or length of strides in the future. Horses that have habituated to leg pressure are often falsely termed “lazy” and their riders may choose to use spurs or whips, punishing the horse for the rider’s incorrect understanding of learning theory.

What is Learning?

Learning means behaviour modification and our behaviour can be influenced by interactions with the environment, including other humans and animals. When training horses to perform for us as riding, driving, or working partners, we can modify their behaviour by applying the principles of learning theory. Through habituation and (de-)sensitisation, as well as operant and classical conditioning (also known as Pavlovian conditioning), horses can be trained to become reliable and safe companions. Operant conditioning, also known as instrumental conditioning, is linked to cue (stimulus) — response (right or wrong behaviour) — consequence (reward or punishment) relationships.

We can reward (reinforce) wanted/ desired horse behaviours by giving horses (adding) something pleasant or desirable, such as food, scratches, or turnout. These reinforcers are termed primary positive reinforcers and the process is called positive reinforcement. Primary means that the reinforcers are natural to the horse, in contrast to secondary (learned) positive reinforcers such as pats on the neck or the sound of a clicker, which a horse needs to associate or link to a

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HORSEMANSHIP

The Science of SCHOOLING

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Keys to an effective training session.

By Lindsay Grice, Equestrian Canada coach and judge

PHOTOS: CLIX PHOTOGRAPHY

I’ve trained a lot of horses. After nailing up my sign as a “professional horse trainer” several decades ago, I learned quickly that overhead is high in the horse business so you’d better make some hay if you’re going to pay your bills. Consequently, I rode many horses each day, breaking young ones and tuning up show horses.

I quickly realized that we learn a lot by trial and error. With a medley of horses to compare we form a sense of what works and what doesn’t. The downside of trial and error is the “error” part; we all learn at the expense of some horses, but hopefully for the benefit of others.

When I began to study the science of horse behaviour and learning, research confirmed many things I’d discovered through experience as a coach and trainer. I also encountered evidence that modified aspects of my approach to training horses.

Savvy teachers adapt to the learning style of their students. Our horses do best when we tailor our teaching methods to the ways they view and

Even tacking up is a teachable moment.

In the arena and out, a horse is continually reading his handler and caregivers.

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SPORT PSYCHOLOGY

THE mental GAME

PHOTO: CLIX PHOTOGRAPHY

By Annika McGivern

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Integrating sport psychology training into our daily lives.

Ten years ago, I was moving up a level in three-day eventing and fell off during cross-country at my first two events. They were simple falls and luckily neither I nor my horse were injured, yet something still felt seriously wrong. After my second fall, I struggled to see a distance to even the simplest cross-pole. My confidence plummeted and my horse started stopping. I felt as if I had forgotten how to ride overnight and the frustration and embarrassment were completely overwhelming. I am forever grateful that it occurred to me to reach out to a sport psychology coach for help because, after several sessions I finally understood what was happening and felt equipped to solve the problem. It was an “aha” moment for me because it opened my eyes to a whole new side of competitive sport that I had not been considering: the mental game.

Most riders are like I was, unaware of the value of mental

skills until crisis strikes. Mental skills help in high stakes moments but learning them in the middle of a crisis doesn’t produce great results, sort of like schooling a 3’6” oxer for the first time the day before you compete in a 3’6” class. Like horses, we learn best when we are relaxed and have time to build expertise. If we learn and practice mental skills ahead of when we need them, they become available to us in the fast-paced performance moments when we need them most.

Let’s look a little closer at two opportunities to integrate mental skills by following the experience of a client of mine.

We will call her Sam for the purpose of this article. Sam struggled with low self-confidence in the saddle. She constantly felt overwhelmed at shows and these feelings were impacting on her riding, her results, and her enjoyment of competing. Sam was considering quitting competition altogether.

PHOTO: CLIX PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO: CLIX PHOTOGRAPHY

By learning and practicing mental skills ahead of time, they will be available to us when we really need them.

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Competitive Mountain Trail provides

New Challenges

By Tania Millen Twenty years ago, the Oregon Horse Center in Eugene, Oregon held an indoor trail competition using log obstacles, water ponds, and dirt embankments to transform their arena into mountain trails. That event was the beginning of competitive mountain trail, where neatly dressed riders navigate an untimed, subjectively-judged course of obstacles typically found on wilderness mountain trails. In Canada, two 66

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AUTUMN 2021

organizations promote the sport — International Mountain Trail Challenge Association (IMTCA) Canada and the British Columbia Mountain Trail Association (BCMTA) — and each has their own rules, judging criteria, and obstacles.

IMTCA Canada is based in Ontario and supports challenges (competitive events) held at two courses in Ontario, a new park in Saskatchewan, and one location in Nova

Scotia that uses portable obstacles. It’s part of IMTCA, which was created by Mark and Lee Bolender of Silver Creek, Washington, to promote competitions that test the partnership of horse and rider while navigating obstacles. The organization has expanded to Australia, Germany, Italy, and Canada and has its own rules, obstacle specifications, judging certification, and membership requirements.

Debbie Hughes of Hanging H Quarter Horses in Chilliwack, BC competing at the Oregon Horse Center.

Each obstacle is designed to replicate part of a trail that could be found in the wilderness. Competitors are David and Danielle Ciriani.

PHOTO: PAUL EVENDEN

s

PHOTO COURTESY OF DEBBIE HUGHES

PHOTO: KARI SCHMULAND

The discipline has been described as testing the partnership between rider and horse.

Competitor is Gordon Lee.

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CANADIAN HORSE JOURNAL

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