US Equestrian Magazine

Official Magazine of the United States Equestrian Federation | Fall 2018

In Horse Health

HOOF ABSCESSES

How to Prevent and Treat

PRESIDENTIAL EQUESTRIANS Horses and the White House

HORSES THAT HEAL Therapy Horses and Ponies

WEG SPORT GUIDE What to Know and When to Watch at Tryon 2018

Wellington, Florida • MattSells.com

Palm Beach Point - 4BR/5.5Bth home on 7.71 ac. in a prime location just a quick hack to WEF. 8 stall center-isle barn with studio apartment and large riding arena. The home boasts: marble & wood floors, ctr-island kitchen with Thermador gas range, 1,100 bottle wine cellar. The family room fireplace & double sided aquarium. Stunning pool & patio with cabana room. Adjacent 5.7 acres also for sale. Offered at $5,500,000

Palm Beach Point - 4 bedroom, 4 bath pool home in a prime cul-de-sac location. Just a short hack to WEF. Situated on 5 acres with 8 stall barn, 1 bedroom, 1 bath staff apartment, riding arena with new Martin-Collins footing and 7 grass paddocks. The adjacent parcel is also available, combine for 10.81 acres. Offered at $5,400,000

Palm Beach Point - 5 acre contemporary 4BR, 4.5BA home with beautiful natural light, new impact windows & doors, center island kitchen, gas cooking, fireplace, private outdoor entertaining areas, herb garden & 65" lap pool. Stunning half-circle, courtyard barn with riding arena, grass turnout paddocks and up to 12 stalls allowed. Offered at $4,750,000

Southfields - Perfect equestrian enclave on 3.74 acres in a prime location, easy access to bridle paths & within hacking distance to the IPC & WEF showgrounds. Immaculate 4BR, 4.5 Bth home boasting a cabana guest suite. 12 Stall courtyard barn complete with 8 paddocks & riding arena, brick pavered aisleways, tongue and groove ceilings. Adjacent 11 acres available.

Offered at $4,500,000

40 Acre Equestrian Facility - This property has every amenity a horse person could desire: 3 BR owner's residence with pool, 58 Stalls, covered 90' x 225' arena, 2 outdoor arenas, round pen, exercise walker, large paddocks and room for a stick & ball field or grand prix field. Plus, 4Br/2Bth guest cottage and a club house with meeting room, dining and locker facilities. Prime location just minutes to downtown Stuart, the beaches and 1 hour to Wellington.

Offered at $3,950,000. Also available for seasonal lease.

Paddock Park II - Freshly renovated 3Br/3.5Bth home plus 1Br/1Bth in-laws apartment. Nestled on 2.12 acres in central Wellington with new 9 stall centerisle barn, large riding arena and 4 grass paddocks. Easy access to groomed bridle paths to showgrounds. Offered at $2,180,000

Matt Johnson • Engel & Völkers Licensee of Engel & Völkers Florida Residential, LLC 900 E. Atlantic Blvd. #14, Delray Beach, Florida 33483 Mobile +1 561-313-4367 Matt.Johnson@evusa.com

©2018 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage independently owned and operated. Carr Sollak Realty, LLC licensee of Engel & Voelkers Florida Residential, LLC. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Engel & Völkers and its independent License Partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act.

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CONTENTS

FEATURES 74 WEG SPORT GUIDE

Everything you need to know for Tryon 2018

112 PRESIDENTS

74

Equestrians in the White House

126 THERAPY HORSES

Hope and healing arrive on four hooves

DEPARTMENTS 8 Partners 10 Sponsors 14 Marketing/Media 16 Letter from

the President 20 Snapshot

112

24 USEF News

126

34 Seen & Heard 38 Learning Center Cover: Dressage horse Havanna 145, ridden

by Ashley Holzer, earlier this year.

Photo: Taylor Pence/ US Equestrian

42 Pro Tip Official Magazine of the United States Equestrian Federation | Fall 2018

46 Juniors’ Ring 52 My First

In Horse Health

HOOF ABSCESSES

How to Prevent and Treat

PRESIDENTIAL EQUESTRIANS Horses and the White House

58 Hot Links

HORSES THAT HEAL

62 Trending

WEG SPORT GUIDE

64 Horse Health

Therapy Horses and Ponies

What to Know and When to Watch at Tryon 2018

138 For the Record 4 FALL ISSUE 2018

PHOTOS: (CLOCKWISE) TAYLOR PENCE/US EQUESTRIAN, ©SHAW MEDIA, COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES

Official Magazine of the United States Equestrian Federation

US EQUESTRIAN MAGAZINE Volume LXXXIII, Fall Edition PUBLISHED BY The United States Equestrian Federation, Inc. CHIEF MARKETING & CONTENT OFFICER Vicki Lowell | vlowell@usef.org EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Glenye Cain Oakford | goakford@usef.org CREATIVE DIRECTOR Candice McCown | cmccown@usef.org ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Kim Russell | 859 225 6938 | krussell@usef.org DIRECTOR OF SPONSORSHIP & SALES Lauren Carlisle | lcarlisle@usef.org DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL & VIDEO CONTENT Andrea Evans | aevans@usef.org ASSISTANT DESIGNER Kate Strom | kstrom@usef.org EDITORIAL STAFF Kathleen Landwehr, Julian McPeak, Jane Ohlert, Dana Rossmeier, Kim Russell, Ashley Swift CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Nancy Jaffer, Lawrence J. Nagy, Robin Roenker Equestrian Magazine (ISSN 1548-873X) is published five times a year: Horse of the Year Special Edition, Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter, by the United States Equestrian Federation®, 4047 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511; Phone: (859) 258-2472; Fax: (859) 231-6662. (ISSN:1548-873X). NOTE: Effective Spring issue of 2018, Equestrian magazine will be published and provided electronically and only four editions will have printed copies and be provided by U.S. Mail. The Winter issue will only be provided electronically. The Horse of the Year issue will be mailed only to competing members as of the date of publication and the year immediately prior to the date of publication. USEF is not responsible for the opinions and statements expressed in signed articles and paid advertisements. These opinions are not necessarily the opinions of USEF and its staff. While the Federation makes every effort to avoid errors, we assume no liability to anyone for mistakes or omissions. It is the policy of the Federation to report factually and accurately in Equestrian and to encourage and to publish corrections whenever warranted. Kindly direct any comments or inquiries regarding corrections to Glenye Cain Oakford goakford@usef.org or by direct dial 859-225-6941. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to US Equestrian, 4047 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511. Canadian Publications Agreement No. 40845627. For Canadian returns, mail to Canada Express, 7686 #21 Kimble Street Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, L5S1E9. (905) 672-8100. Reproduction of any article, in whole or part, by written permission only of the Editor. Equestrian: Publisher, United States Equestrian Federation®, Chief Executive Officer, William J. Moroney (859) 225-6912. Director of Advertising, Kim Russell (859) 225-6938.

Copyright © 2018. Equestrian is the official publication of the United States Equestrian Federation, the National Governing Body for Equestrian Sport in the USA, and is an official publication of USEF.

Published at 4047 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, Ky 40511 USequestrian.org

#JointheJoy Follow us on social media @USequestrian 6 FALL ISSUE 2018

PARTNERS Proud partners of US Equestrian

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NetJets is a Berkshire Hathaway company. Aircraft are managed and operated by NetJets Aviation, Inc. NetJets is a registered service mark. Š2018 NetJets IP, LLC. All rights reserved.

SPONSORS Proud sponsors of US Equestrian

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The United States Equestrian Federation does not endorse or recommend any commercial product or service. Therefore, designations as official suppliers of the USEF of any commercial product or service cannot be construed as an endorsement or recommendation by the United States Equestrian Federation.

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Official Sponsor Title Sponsor of the Junior Jumper National Championship nsbitsusa.com

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Official Tutoring Service upperechelonacademy.com

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The United States Equestrian Federation does not endorse or recommend any commercial product or service. Therefore, designations as official suppliers of the USEF of any commercial product or service cannot be construed as an endorsement or recommendation by the United States Equestrian Federation.

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The United States Equestrian Federation does not endorse or recommend any commercial product or service. Therefore, designations as official suppliers of the USEF of any commercial product or service cannot be construed as an endorsement or recommendation by the United States Equestrian Federation.

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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear USEF Members,

The FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018 are just around the corner, and we are looking forward to this wonderful opportunity to see the world’s best athletes compete in our home country. Whether you are attending in person or watching from home, this issue of US Equestrian magazine provides you with the resources and information you need to make your WEG experience enjoyable, including a primer about each of the eight WEG disciplines. While you’re in Tryon to cheer on your favorite athletes and horses as they represent the USA, visit our booth to learn more about the family of US Equestrian breeds and disciplines and to see Ariat’s exclusive US Equestrian line of clothing, which will be available for the first time in ShopUSEF during the WEG.

In addition to the WEG, multiple championships for athletes of all ages and experience levels take place during the summer and early fall. At the USEF Pony Finals presented by Collecting Gaits Farm, children, ponies, and their support teams come together every year for head-tohead competition in hunter, jumper, and equitation, and the U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions this year features 14 separate events for riders and horses of all levels. Our recognized affiliates will host many championships during the season as well, packing the calendar with exciting opportunities for everyone.

Recently, US Equestrian hosted the 2018 Saddle Seat World Cup competition at the Kentucky Horse Park. Teams from the United States, South Africa, Canada, and Namibia vied for gold, 16 FALL ISSUE 2018

silver, and bronze team medals in three-gaited and fivegaited saddle seat equitation on horses donated for the competition. After a week of record high temperatures and record performances, the U.S. teams were gold medalists in both the three-gaited and five-gaited sections. Not only did the riders and horses excel, but the support of coaches, parents, and fans was amazing. Also, US Equestrian staff were fantastic in the care they gave to all the horses and in organizing the competition.

Volunteers are vital to our sport, and we must recognize that, without their generous support, many opportunities would not be possible. There is amazing work being done across all breeds and disciplines to bring awareness and accessibility of equestrian sport to new fans of all ages. I hope you will feel inspired as you read this issue’s heartwarming article about therapy horses and the positive impact they have on our community. Therapy horses also can play an essential role on the pathway to para-equestrian sport, which is growing in popularity as US Equestrian continues to develop new opportunities for these riders and their teams.

Many young equestrians find that their passion for the sport leads them to become working students for professionals. Working students provide a valuable service to these professionals, their clients, and the horses under their care, and working students gain insight into the role and responsibilities of equestrian professionals. Horse and human safety and welfare are major parts of a professional’s responsibilities. However, it is incumbent upon all of us to learn more about how to protect our athletes, especially children. US Equestrian has had a Safe Sport program since 2013 and continues to provide resources, support, and reporting mechanisms for you. Safe Sport training is free of charge to all US Equestrian members. The U.S. Center for SafeSport has provided US Equestrian members and non-members direct, free access to the new parent training modules and will be adding age-appropriate training modules for children in the coming months. Safe Sport training can help all of us recognize the behaviors that lead to misconduct, and by knowing this information, we can make our sport a safer place for everyone.

While you are enjoying your horse and competing at USEF events, make sure to check out our list of sponsors and partners that offer discounts on a wide variety of products and services through our MemberPerks program.

All of us at US Equestrian wish you a successful fall.

Bringing the joy of horse sports to as many people as possible,

Murray S. Kessler

PHOTO: ISABEL J KUREK PHOTOGRAPHY

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Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. GEICO contracts with various membership entities and other organizations, but these entities do not underwrite the offered insurance products. Discount amount varies in some states. One group discount applicable per policy. Coverage is individual. In New York a premium reduction may be available. GEICO may not be involved in a formal relationship with each organization; however, you still may qualify for a special discount based on your membership, employment or affiliation with those organizations. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, 2018 Inc. subsidiary. Š 2017 GEICO Washington,18D.C.FALL 20076; aISSUE Berkshire Hathaway

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ALEXANDRA BAUGH celebrates winning the CICOY2* individual gold medal in the Adequan® FEI North American Youth Championships presented by Gotham North with Ballingowan Pizazz at The

PHOTO: TAYLOR PENCE/US EQUESTRIAN

Event at Rebecca Farm in Kalispell, Mont.

20 FALL ISSUE 2018

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USEF NEWS

Safe Sport Offers Resources, Support, and Ways to Report If you are a victim of abuse or suspect harassment or abuse, US Equestrian’s Safe Sport resources can help.

US Equestrian is committed to creating and maintaining an equestrian community where all participants can enjoy horse sports in an atmosphere free of emotional, physical, and sexual misconduct. Through our Safe Sport Policy and our partnership with the U.S. Center for SafeSport, US Equestrian provides comprehensive resources both to those who are in abusive situations and to those who suspect abuse of any kind, including bullying, hazing, and harassment, as well as emotional, physical, and sexual misconduct.

The U.S. Center for SafeSport (safesport.org) has exclusive jurisdiction over reports of sexual misconduct. Through our partnership with the Center, US Equestrian members and participants have a mandatory duty to report suspected sexual misconduct. Visit US Equestrian’s Safe Sport page at usef.org/safesport to get the full range of resources and detailed information about how to report, get support, and learn.

Report misconduct. You can report sexual misconduct to the U.S. Center for SafeSport by phone at 720-524-5640 or electronically at safesport.org/reporta-concern. Report all other suspected non-sexual misconduct by email at safesport@usef.org or by phone to USEF Safe Sport Program Coordinator Teresa Roper (859-225-6915), Director of Regulations Emily Pratt (859-225-6956), or General Counsel Sonja Keating (859-225-2045).

24-hour helpline. Call 1-866-200-0796 or visit safesporthelpline.org for crisis

24 FALL ISSUE 2018

interventions, emotional support, and referrals. It’s confidential and secure.

Get training. US Equestrian’s Safe Sport Policy and the U.S. Center for SafeSport Code requires certain categories of individuals—including US Equestrian board members and staff, team coaches, licensed officials, and others—to successfully complete awareness training. But we encourage all members to take the free training. The online training program raises awareness of misconduct and how it affects athletes, discusses signs of misconduct and abuse, reveals common myths about abuse, and provides training in how to deal with suspected misconduct. Learn about the types of misconduct, what does and doesn’t constitute consent, how offenders groom victims for abuse, and how to manage high-risk situations involving potential child sexual abuse.

The SafeSport training is available through your member dashboard at usef. org. The U.S. Center for SafeSport also offers a free training module specifically for parents of equestrian athletes of all ages. By taking the training, you are helping to make our equestrian community safer for all participants—and especially for young equestrians.

Visit usef.org/safesport for even more information and resources, including US Equestrian’s Safe Sport Policy, incident reporting forms, toolkits for parents, resources for victims of sexual misconduct, Safe Sport FAQs, and much more.

C

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USEQUESTRIAN.ORG 25

USEF NEWS

The U.S. Saddle Seat World Cup Team emerged victorious at the 2018 Saddle Seat World Cup in July, winning the gold medal in both the three-gaited and five-gaited sections.

Led by coaches Jonelle Chovanec and Hilary Wilcox and team mentors Cindy Mugnier and Barbe Smith, the team of 12 athletes represented the United States to face off against teams of top saddle seat riders from Canada, Namibia, and South Africa at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Ky., July 4-6.

Front row (left to right): Matt Huke, Lauren Arquilla, Anne Pateman, Ainsley Budzinski, Victoria Walz, Michael Arquilla. Back row (left to right): Haley Berget, Kaeley Arterburn, Joan Benjamin, Nicole Rodriguez, Reagan Upton, Kaylee Atkinson.

South Africa earned the silver medal in both the three-gaited and the five-gaited sections. Canada took bronze in the three-gaited section, and Namibia earned the bronze in the five-gaited section.

The competition featured group railwork as well as individual workouts judged by Jaco Jonker (South Africa), Lewis McKim (Canada), and Kent Swalla (U.S.).

The 2018 U.S. Saddle Seat World Cup ThreeGaited Team members were Lauren Arquilla (Woodridge, Ill.), Michael Arquilla (Woodridge,

26 FALL ISSUE 2018

Ill.), Kaeley Arterburn (La Grange, Ky.), Kaylee Atkinson (Oro Valley, Ariz.), Nicole Rodriguez (Grand Blanc, Mich.), and Victoria Walz (Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.).

“The [three-gaited] team did a really, really great job,” said Wilcox. “They nailed all their points and put in clean rides all the way around.

I was very pleased with the fact that they rode incredibly smart, and it is clear they put in really good work at home to be ready for it.”

The 2018 U.S. Saddle Seat World Cup FiveGaited Team members were Joan Benjamin (New Orleans, La.), Haley Berget (Oconomowoc, Wisc.), Ainsley Budzinski (Mukwonago, Wisc.), Matt Huke (Westfield, Ind.), Anne Pateman (New Orleans, La.), and Reagan Upton (Birmingham, Ala.).

“The longer the competition went, riders from all the countries got better and better,” said Chovanec. “It was amazing to see the fivegaited horses exhibited in a manner that we’re not always seeing in this country, doing the pattern work. I thought it really proved the versatility of the breed and our riders.”

“I’ve had an opportunity to judge an invitational and the World Cup in 2016, and I see an incredible growth in ability from all the teams,” said Mugnier. “I think the sport is getting stronger, and the competition is getting very strong, very stiff. It’s a level playing field.

“I really couldn’t be prouder of our team this year,” she added. “They worked as a cohesive group, they were willing to sacrifice and put their wants on the back burner to do what was best for the team and what we felt would be most successful. And they did it willingly, happily, and with a big smile, and that was a priceless gift.”

Relive the excitement by watching the 2018 Saddle Seat World Cup on demand on the USEF Network. The Saddle Seat World Cup, a biannual event, is supported by numerous volunteers, partners, and supporters, including grant support from the USA Equestrian Trust and ModJods, official practice jodhpurs for the U.S. team.

PHOTO: STEVIE BAGDASARIAN

U.S. Saddle Seat Team Wins Double Gold at 2018 Saddle Seat World Cup

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USEF NEWS

US Equestrian Announces Goodyear as Official MemberPerk The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has joined US Equestrian as an official MemberPerk sponsor. Goodyear is now offering active US Equestrian members a special discount on all tires available for purchase online at Goodyear.com, including vehicle and trailer tires.

“We are excited to launch this program with Goodyear, a leading tire retailer in the United States, and provide US Equestrian members with a great discount on such an essential product,” said US Equestrian CEO Bill Moroney. “US Equestrian members will have access to a wide range of tires that best suit their individual needs.

US Equestrian is committed to making

all aspects of equestrian sport accessible, enjoyable, and safe. We continue striving to ensure safe travels for our membership and their equine counterparts.”

Members can now go to Goodyear.com to find the right tire for their vehicle or trailer, schedule an appointment for installation and pay—all in one place. With more than 4,000 authorized installers across the United States, Goodyear.com makes the tire-buying process easier and more convenient than ever. “Goodyear is pleased to support the passionate community of the US Equestrian Federation and the hard work and determination they exhibit as they pursue excellence,” said

Aaron Bundschuh, Goodyear’s director of interactive marketing.

Goodyear is one of the world’s largest tire companies. It employs about 64,000 people and manufactures its products in 48 facilities in 22 countries around the world. Its two Innovation Centers in Akron, Ohio, and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg, strive to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the technology and performance standard for the industry.

Members can log in to USequestrian.org and click on the Goodyear logo on the MemberPerks page for more information on how to take advantage of this offer.

Debbie McDonald, currently US Equestrian’s Dressage Development Coach, will succeed Robert Dover as the U.S. Dressage Technical Advisor following the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018.

Dover has served in the position since 2013 and will retire following WEG, as planned when he renewed his agreement with US Equestrian in 2016. US Equestrian conducted a comprehensive search process aimed at identifying the best individual to succeed Dover and ensure a smooth transition.

McDonald will transition to her role as the U.S. Dressage Technical Advisor on December 1, 2018, pending final contract negotiations. She will continue to serve as a personal coach to her athletes through WEG and does not have a role in the WEG team selection or any selection to the Elite Program or WEG Short List.

“Thank you to US Equestrian for entrusting me with this opportunity. I am extremely honored and excited to be taking on the position of Technical Advisor,” said McDonald. “I know Robert’s shoes will be hard to fill. His passion simply inspires me, and I will carry that same level of energy and enthusiasm as I strive to continue his success.

28 FALL ISSUE 2018

I look forward to working with our talented athletes, their horses, and personal coaches to help achieve this goal.”

As an athlete, McDonald heavily contributed to U.S. Dressage’s early accomplishments with impressive achievements on the chestnut Hanoverian mare Brentina. Their string of accolades included 1999 Pan American Games team and individual gold medals, an Athens 2004 Olympic team bronze, and a WEG 2002 team silver and 2006 team bronze.

She also was the first American to win a FEI World Cup Dressage Final in 2003. McDonald has spent the past 11 years advancing athlete-and-horse combinations through the U.S. dressage pipeline. As a personal coach, she has guided three of her athletes and their horses to the Olympics, including 2012 London participants Adrienne Lyle and Wizard and Rio 2016 team bronze medalists Laura Graves and Verdades and Kasey Perry-Glass and Goerklintgaards Dublet.

“I could not be happier with the naming of Debbie McDonald to take my place as Technical Advisor/Chef d’Equipe,” said Dover. “Debbie has literally been my right arm for the past six years. Our training and coaching philosophies are identical, and this creates a seamless transition for our U.S. athletes. I know America is in the very best hands and our future remains strong.”

The search process for the Development Coach position will be forthcoming. The USEF International High Performance Programs are generously supported by the USET Foundation, USOC, and USEF sponsors and members.

PHOTO: TAYLOR PENCE/US EQUESTRIAN

Debbie McDonald to Succeed Robert Dover as U.S. Dressage Technical Advisor

OSPHOS® (clodronate injection) Bisphosphonate For use in horses only.

Brief Summary (For Full Prescribing Information, see package insert) CAUTION: Federal (USA) law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.

DESCRIPTION: Clodronate disodium is a non-amino, chlorocontaining bisphosphonate. Chemically, clodronate disodium is (dichloromethylene) diphosphonic acid disodium salt and is manufactured from the tetrahydrate form.

INDICATION: For the control of clinical signs associated with navicular syndrome in horses.

CONTRAINDICATIONS: Horses with hypersensitivity to clodronate disodium should not receive OSPHOS. WARNINGS: Do not use in horses intended for human consumption.

HUMAN WARNINGS: Not for human use. Keep this and all drugs out of the reach of children. Consult a physician in case of accidental human exposure.

PRECAUTIONS: As a class, bisphosphonates may be associated with gastrointestinal and renal toxicity. Sensitivity to drug associated adverse reactions varies with the individual patient.

Renal and gastrointestinal adverse reactions may be associated with plasma concentrations of the drug. Bisphosphonates are excreted by the kidney; therefore, conditions causing renal impairment may increase plasma bisphosphonate concentrations resulting in an increased risk for adverse reactions. Concurrent administration of other potentially nephrotoxic drugs should be approached with caution and renal function should be monitored. Use of bisphosphonates in patients with conditions or diseases affecting renal function is not recommended.

Administration of bisphosphonates has been associated with abdominal pain (colic), discomfort, and agitation in horses.

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As with all drugs, side effects may occur. In field studies, the most common side effects reported were signs of discomfort or nervousness, colic, and/or pawing. OSPHOS should not be used in pregnant or lactating mares, or mares intended for breeding. Use of OSPHOS in patients with conditions affecting renal function or mineral or electrolyte homeostasis is not recommended. Refer to the prescribing information for complete details or visit www.dechra-us.com or call 866.933.2472.

CAUTION: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of licensed veterinarian. * Freedom of Information Summary, Original New Animal Drug Application, NADA 141-427, for OSPHOS. April 28, 2014.

Dechra Veterinary Products US and the Dechra D logo are registered trademarks of Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC. © 2018 Dechra Ltd.

Bisphosphonates affect plasma concentrations of some minerals and electrolytes such as calcium, magnesium and potassium, immediately post-treatment, with effects lasting up to several hours. Caution should be used when administering bisphosphonates to horses with conditions affecting mineral or electrolyte homeostasis (e.g. hyperkalemic periodic paralysis, hypocalcemia, etc.).

The safe use of OSPHOS has not been evaluated in horses less than 4 years of age. The effect of bisphosphonates on the skeleton of growing horses has not been studied; however, bisphosphonates inhibit osteoclast activity which impacts bone turnover and may affect bone growth.

Bisphosphonates should not be used in pregnant or lactating mares, or mares intended for breeding. The safe use of OSPHOS has not been evaluated in breeding horses or pregnant or lactating mares. Bisphosphonates are incorporated into the bone matrix, from where they are gradually released over periods of months to years. The extent of bisphosphonate incorporation into adult bone, and hence, the amount available for release back into the systemic circulation, is directly related to the total dose and duration of bisphosphonate use. Bisphosphonates have been shown to cause fetal developmental abnormalities in laboratory animals. The uptake of bisphosphonates into fetal bone may be greater than into maternal bone creating a possible risk for skeletal or other abnormalities in the fetus. Many drugs, including bisphosphonates, may be excreted in milk and may be absorbed by nursing animals.

Increased bone fragility has been observed in animals treated with bisphosphonates at high doses or for long periods of time.

Bisphosphonates inhibit bone resorption and decrease bone turnover which may lead to an inability to repair micro damage within the bone. In humans, atypical femur fractures have been reported in patients on long term bisphosphonate therapy; however, a causal relationship has not been established.

ADVERSE REACTIONS: The most common adverse reactions reported in the field study were clinical signs of discomfort or nervousness, colic and/or pawing. Other signs reported were lip licking, yawning, head shaking, injection site swelling, and hives/pruritus.

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USEF NEWS

US Equestrian has appointed Isabelle Bibbler Parker to the newly created position of Vaulting Director of Performance. Parker (Redwood City, Calif.) brings to the position 35 years of experience as a vaulter, coach, club manager, USEF committee member, and American Vaulting Association judge.

Parker will work in partnership with the US Equestrian Vaulting Sport Committee and Vaulting Director to develop, articulate, and implement a vaulting pathway that develops sustained success across all vaulting disciplines and age categories at the international level. This position also will develop and implement a system for athletes, longeurs, and horses that tracks and analyzes performance progression, analyzes results and trends, and sets and reviews key performance indicators and milestone targets.

“I am excited and honored to take on this new role,” said Parker. “[The position] represents a huge opportunity for vaulting in the U.S. and places a significant expectation on my shoulders. As I build a detailed plan, my first priority will be to listen to and communicate with as many of the stakeholders as possible within U.S. vaulting. Following the [FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018], my priority is to analyze, in partnership with the US Equestrian Vaulting Committee, how we can measure and start to roll out programs. I am also very keen that the work we do with athletes on the pathway trickles down to all vaulters. These are exciting times for vaulting in the U.S.!”

In addition to her other credentials in vaulting, Parker has coached three bronze medalists at the FEI World Vaulting Championships and was inducted into the AVA’s Hall of Fame for her coaching accomplishments.

“This is a new position within U.S. vaulting, and I hope the creation of this position sends a clear message that US Equestrian, the Vaulting Sport Committee, and AVA are focused on putting U.S. vaulting athletes back on the podium in all vaulting disciplines and growing the sport in the U.S.,” said Will Connell, US Equestrian Director of Sport. “Isabelle brings a wealth of knowledge to this position, and her analytical abilities and logical approach will put her in good stead as she seeks to build the programs and introduce a more formulated approach to analyzing how and where performance can be developed.”

Parker will coach Elizabeth Osborne through WEG, and as such, has had no involvement with the WEG U.S. vaulting team selection process or the awarding of any funding ahead of WEG. She also confirmed that she will no longer have any coaching or governance relationship with Woodside Vaulters.

“US Equestrian is extremely grateful for the support of the [United States Equestrian Team] Foundation,” continues Connell. “Without the generosity of Akiko Yamazaki, Jerry Yang, and their Red Husky Foundation, the creation of this position would not have been possible. The USEF Developing Fund is also supporting the implementation of programs linked to this position.”

The USEF International High Performance Programs are generously supported by the USET Foundation, USOC, and USEF sponsors and members.

30 FALL ISSUE 2018

In a continued effort to raise the standard of eventing show jumping course design in the United States, US Equestrian has announced plans for the 2018 Eventing Show Jumping Course Advisor Program. After reviewing all FEI-level eventing show jumping courses in 2017, US Equestrian Eventing Show Jumping Course Advisor Richard Jeffery will turn his focus to 12 National Horse Trial show jumping courses across the preliminary and intermediate levels in 2018. In a shift from 2017, Jeffery will evaluate the courses before each event, in addition to offering a critique of the course post-event.

“We are receiving a lot of positive feedback from riders as they have seen great improvement in the courses,” said Jeffery. “We are working hard to reach as many course designers as possible, since many do not have an opportunity to attend other events to see firsthand how eventing show jumping is progressing. Through the US Equestrian website, course designers can learn from each other, especially from more senior course designers, compare courses, and read the evaluations. In some instances, events use the same show jumping course across all divisions.

This can be equal for some, harder for others, and too simple for the advanced divisions, so the idea of this program is to make course designers aware of the degree of technicality that should go into each division.”

Course designers will submit their courses with all technical details to Jeffery 14 days prior to the start of competition. Jeffery will review the course and provide feedback to the course designer and technical delegate before the start of the event. Within five days of the event’s conclusion, course designers will complete an evaluation form, also noting the adjustments made to the course based off Jeffery’s pre-competition feedback. Each course’s pre-competition evaluation and overall analysis will be available on USequestrian.org. This gives course designers an opportunity to review a variety of courses and consider Jeffery’s input from them when designing. To view Jeffery’s 2017 FEI-level course critiques, visit the Eventing Show Jumping Course Advisor Program page on USequestrian.org.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF ISABELLE BIBBLER PARKER

Isabelle Bibbler Parker Appointed Vaulting Director of Performance

US Equestrian Outlines 2018 Eventing Show Jumping Course Advisor Program

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SEEN AND HEARD

“[Adrienne Lyle’s] teammates, all of whom are actually still competing against her for one of four cherished spots on our World Championship Team, ran to help her take off the failed noseband and in record time, only rivaled by pit crews at NASCAR events, placed a new noseband on Salvino and allowed Adrienne to go on to masterfully ride the stallion to well over 71%! It is because of times like this that I am reminded why I am so proud to be the chef d’equipe of the fabulous U.S. team!”

- U.S. Dressage Chef d’Equipe Robert Dover on witnessing U.S. riders helping Lyle replace her mount’s noseband prior to the start of her Grand Prix Special ride at FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ The Netherlands in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

34 FALL ISSUE 2018

PHOTOS: TAYLOR PENCE/US EQUESTRIAN, LILY FORADO PHOTOGRAPHY, HOWARD SCHATZBERG, IMAGEMEDIA.PT/NUNO PRAGANA

In & Around the Ring

“Leslie [Law] has been an absolutely amazing coach and has been there every step of the way.

We wanted to do well as a team, and Leslie made it seem like we were at home and could really focus on each phase and be competitive.”

- Hallie Coon on Leslie Law, the Emerging Athlete Coach for the Karen Stives Endowment Emerging Athletes Tour, following the team silver medal in the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ Great Britain in King’s Lynn, England.

Opposite: Phillip Dutton (left) pats Mr. Medicott while the gelding’s former groom Max Corcoran looks on in adoration at “Cave” during his retirement ceremony at The Event at Rebecca Farm in Kalispell, Mont.

Top: Anna Weniger and Don Derrick compete at Future Champions CDIO-Y Hagen in Hagen, Germany, as part of the Dressage European Young Rider Tour.

Left: Victoria Walz on Reedann’s Heir to Glory is unanimously crowned the 2018 USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final Champion at the Lexington Junior League Charity Horse Show in Lexington, Ky. Below: Alise Oken and Hitchcock VD Broekkant helped the U.S. Show Jumping Development Team earn team bronze in the FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ CSIO3* Lisbon in Lisbon, Portugal.

USEQUESTRIAN.ORG 35

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LEARNING CENTER

Learn More with Our Free WEG Playlist If the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018 have inspired you to up your equestrian game, we’ve got good news! Through all of September, US Equestrian’s online Learning Center—a members-only feature of the USequestrian.org website—is offering a free public playlist, for members and non-members alike, celebrating the eight WEG disciplines and equestrians who participate in them. Get practical how-to advice from Olympic medalists Phillip Dutton and McLain Ward on how to make the most of cross-country and show jumping course walks. Soak up inspiration from the moving story of Olympic dressage medalist Laura Graves and her mount Verdades. Learn how para-equestrian dressage riders get started competing and how US Equestrian resources help get them to the show ring. And get a useful overview of WEG sports like combined driving, reining, endurance, and vaulting.

To access the Learning Center’s complete WEG Playlist of free videos and more, visit USequestrian.org/learn and look for FEI World Equestrian Games Tryon 2018 Discipline Videos.

You’ll find: How to Walk a Show Jumping Course, with McLain Ward Eventing: Tips on Walking a Cross-Country Course, with Phillip Dutton Laura Graves and Verdades: Passion & Perseverance

Pathway to Para-Equestrian Dressage, with Rebecca Hart, Muriel Forrest, and Michel Assouline Combined Driving, with Misdee Wrigley Miller Endurance, with Valerie Kanavy International Reining, with a variety of reining star athletes and experts Vaulting, with Emma Seely

38 FALL ISSUE 2018

PHOTO: TAYLOR PENCE/ US EQUESTRIAN

Para-Equestrian Dressage, with Rebecca Hart, Annie Peavy, and Will Connell

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PRO TIP

Five Tips for a Better Mane and Tail

by Ashley Swift

With their striking looks, the Andalusian and Lusitano breeds seem to be plucked from a fairy tale. Both breeds have an abundance of hair, with enviable manes and tails. How do their owners, trainers, and grooms keep these voluminous, lush manes and tails up to par?

With a consistent and thorough grooming regimen. We asked Erica Peet—Andalusian owner, trainer at Peet Equestrian, and a member of the International Andalusian & Lusitano Horse Association—for her top five tips to promote strong, healthy hair for any horse.

Andalusians and Lusitanos, famous for their romantic, flowing locks, have a rich history, dating back to 15th-century Spain. They have been meticulously preserved over the years, and many owners still adhere to the historic mane and tail standards. Keeping these voluminous, lush manes and tails up to par is a considerable task, requiring a consistent and thorough grooming regimen that can help promote strong, healthy hair in horses of all breeds.

1. Clean and Condition “When washing the mane, concentrate on the base at the roots where the mane grows out. Really massage and scrub the roots to break up the dirt and oil deposits that hide

42 FALL ISSUE 2018

there and to help encourage blood flow,” said Peet. Always flip the mane over to scrub the underside, as that is usually the dirtiest part of the mane. Don’t ignore it just because you can’t see it. This is important when you scrub it and when you rinse any product out of the hair.

“Don’t go too heavy with conditioner,” Peet cautioned. “Lightly add water to the conditioner so it spreads throughout the hair without getting clumpy. This helps keep the conditioner from being missed in the rinse process. The oils from the conditioner attract dirt, so it is important to rinse well.”

Peet highly recommends using a leave-in conditioner once the hair is dry to replenish any natural oils stripped in the cleansing process. This helps enhance the health and luster, she said.

This treatment can also be applied to tail care. When washing the tail, make sure to focus on massaging and scrubbing the dock to remove dead skin, and always rinse thoroughly to discourage oil buildup. “The dock is where all the dead skin, dirt, and dander will accumulate. Sometimes horses that rub are doing so because it is too dirty in there,” said Peet.

2. Go Natural Avoid shampoos and conditioners heavy in sulfates, which strip the hair of important natural oils. Instead, elect for a product with a base of natural ingredients, such as tea tree and coconut oils to hydrate the hair. Peet encourages people to stick to products within their budget. “There are so many products out there!

Just go with what fits in your budget and what is working best for you,” she said. “My most important grooming product is my leave-in conditioner, so that is the product I tend to spend my money on.”

Also be aware of the climate where you live when selecting products and managing mane and tail care, reminds Peet. “Different products work differently in different regions,” she explained. “Adapt your grooming routine to your surroundings. In dry climates, I need to focus on moisturizing the hair, but in humid climates I need to closely monitor the hair for buildup resulting from the natural moisture of the environment.”

PHOTO: HOWARD PEET

Start with a consistent and thorough grooming routine, says Andalusian owner and trainer Erica Peet

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PRO TIP

After cleansing and conditioning, braid the mane to reduce breakage from overbrushing and for protection from dirt, matting, and bleaching from the sunlight.

“I take small, two-inch sections of hair to prevent tension on the outer sections of the braid,” explained Peet. “I start the braid loose—again, to prevent tension at the root base—and move to a tighter weave after several inches.”

While there are no shortcuts for growing the hair, braiding is a useful tool and key for maintaining a horse’s mane, especially for horses who do not experience much growth or thickness.

For the tail, Peet recommends braiding from the end of the dock down, starting loose for a few inches and then tightening the braid as you move farther away from the dock.

Consistency in the grooming routine plays the biggest role in seeing results.

Peet recommends repeating the process described above every 10 to 14 days.

“Washing too often dries out the mane and creates breakage,” she said. “However, with all the movement of the horse on a daily basis, waiting too long will result in the hair bunching inappropriately and a buildup of dirt, so when you take the braids out you will have a ratty mess to comb through.”

A common frustration is training a mane it to lie flat on one side. Peet recommends a regimen of thorough washing and braiding to encourage manes to lie on one side and to preserve the overall health of the hair. “This is a process I am currently going through with my own mare, Bravata, whose mane I have been allowing to grow out after roaching it,” Top: While shampooing the mane, scrub down to the roots on both the top side and underside.

Center: Braids can help preserve hair.

When you start your braid, plait loosely (left braid), not tightly (right braid).

44 FALL ISSUE 2018

Peet said. “Left to its own, it would be quite unruly and split to both sides of her neck, which is not a very pretty look.”

4. Get the Right Tools Peet has a number of tools she considers essential to her mane- and tail-care routine. A wide-toothed comb helps you avoid catching tangles and risking breakage. Using your fingers to gently pull small tangles and shavings out is also a good alternative to protect from breakage from brushing. Braid bags serve as a barrier to protect from environmental factors. Peet also advocates using electrical tape rather than rubber bands for braiding. “In my opinion, rubber bands get tangled in the hair and break the hair, while the electrical tape doesn’t stick to the hair too much and leaves little residue,” she explained.

The leave-in conditioner also helps the brushing process by helping the knots slide apart a little easier. “I always mist my manes and tails with a little leave-in conditioner prior to brushing,” she added.

5. Take Your Time The most important thing you can do in your mane and tail care is to go slow. “Not every horse is blessed with the hair gene, such as my husband’s gelding, Rocky, so for those horses in particular you want to make the extra effort to maintain that hair as best you can without ruining it,” said Peet.

When brushing, always start at the bottom, working your way up towards the roots, and take the time to use your hands more. “Using your fingers instead of a brush when separating knots will prevent breakage,” Peet said. “Sometimes your brush is just going to rip the hair out, so it is important to take your time.”

Left: Peet suggests using electrical tape instead of rubber bands when you’re braiding as part of your grooming process.

PHOTOS: HOWARD PEET

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JUNIORS’ RING

What to Expect as a Working Student Working student positions can improve skills, offset equestrian expenses, and even lead to a scholarship or career.

BY GLENYE CAIN OAKFORD

46 FALL ISSUE 2018

A working student situation can be a good step toward a career with horses or in one of the many businesses linked to the horse world.

to find a working student position and what to expect when you land one.

Look for a good fit. Consider what you want to learn and accomplish, then look for reputable barns that can help you achieve those goals. “You want someone who is knowledgeable and willing to help you as much as you’re willing to help them,” Brayman said.

Remember that your potential employer is looking for a good fit, too. “If you’re a lesson barn and the student’s goal isn’t to work in a lesson barn, then they’re not going to be happy and put forward their best effort,” Sedlacko-Brannan said. A multi-faceted stable like Wingswept—which has breeding, lesson, and training programs as well as a busy show calendar—gives working students a chance to explore and discover many aspects of the horse world, from administration to horsemanship to veterinary care.

Don’t be afraid to email or call, even if you don’t know anyone there. And if the stable responds, be sure to follow up. “If someone contacts me by email saying they want to work, I always say, ‘Great! Give me a call,’” Sedlacko-Brannan said. “Sometimes I never hear from them again. I can tell a lot about someone and how well they’ll

PHOTO: SHANNON BRINKMAN PHOTO

Whether you’re looking for a way to trim show-season expenses or wanting to pursue a career in the horse world, a working student position can help.

“You can’t have a better experience than being a working student,” said Abigail Brayman, a 19-year-old hunter jumper rider who followed her sister Madison to a working student position at North Run Farm in Warren, Vt., and Wellington, Fla. “I basically got lessons at least three times a week, and I got to show really nice horses. I know that without Missy [Clark] and John [Brennan] at North Run, I wouldn’t have been able to show at the level I did, because they have such nice horses. Those are expensive and the shows are expensive, and by working that off I was able to compete at the same level as everyone else. It’s probably the best opportunity I’ve ever had, and I’m very grateful for it.”

The position also helped Brayman land a scholarship to Oklahoma State, where she’s now studying sports media and riding on the equestrian team. “Working at North Run definitely helped me put myself out there so schools could see me in the ring and offer me scholarships later on,” she said.

Some working student positions pay, but those that don’t can still provide excellent opportunities to learn and work off lessons and show fees while gaining marketable work experience and developing a network.

What do barn owners and trainers get out of it? An energetic worker who is eager to learn and do things the way the employer likes them done, says Stephanie Sedlacko-Brannan, who offers paid working student positions at her Wingswept Farm, an American Saddlebred stable in Nicholasville, Ky. “It gives me extra hands and allows us to do more,” she explained. “And they learn to be observant. These working students learn to notice things like a horse with a cut or a runny nose that an ordinary person might miss. That helps me maintain the health of our horses, as well as providing a learning opportunity for the students.”

Sedlacko-Brannan and Brayman have some tips on how

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Don’t worry if you don’t have much experience. Sedlacko-Brannan says she looks for students who are hardworking, passionate about learning, work well with others, have a positive personality, and are open-minded about doing things her way. “I don’t really care about their experience,” she said. “If they don’t have experience, that’s fine. We can teach them. To me, the stuff they want to learn is more important than what they already know.”

Expect long hours. Brayman started between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. each day and worked until 4 p.m. on a regular day or as late as 6:30 p.m. on a show day. Find out before signing on what the usual work hours and duties are, and understand that working with live animals requires flexibility—it’s not a nine-to-five lifestyle.

There’s more barn work than riding. “But that’s worth it,” Brayman emphasized. “I learned so much about basic care that I would never have learned anywhere else. We had so many therapy machines at the barn, and I learned to use every single one of them. I got to help out with the vets, too. And you don’t really realize how much work the grooms put into every horse until you spend a day with them and see everything they do. Even basic grooming techniques—they just do it better!”

Look for ways you can help. Brayman took care of one or two horses at a time, cleaning stalls, feeding, and more.

“I was usually done with my horses before the grooms were, so I’d go around and fill everyone’s water buckets and hay,” she said. “I’d usually ride between one and four horses a day, depending on what horses needed to be exercised and how many riders there were. When I

was done with that, I’d help the guys tack up horses or put the horses away for the day and just help out around the barn.”

In a good working student experience, the student learns and gains experience, and the employer encourages development and becomes confident of the student’s value as an employee. That’s the kind of foundation you can build a career on. Many working students go on to get jobs either at the place that took them on as working students or elsewhere, thanks to the skills, experience, and contacts they’ve developed.

“Especially if you want to do this professionally, the most important thing is to be a working student, because you learn so much riding-wise, but also in the barn,” said Brayman.

“If you’re not a working student, you don’t really get that hands-on experience, and that’s the most important thing: being able to spend time with the horses and care for them.”

The lasting connections are also important, Brayman said. “I didn’t expect how much of a home North Run would become,” she said. “Now that I’m back for school, I can’t wait to go back again for the summer. It’s like my second family there now.”

Above: Hunter jumper rider Abigail Brayman, shown here on Corleone, credits her working student experience at North Run Farm with helping her land a scholarship to Oklahoma State.

Left: Working students often spend more time in the barn than in the saddle.

“But that’s worth it,” says Abigail Brayman. “I learned so much about basic care that I would never have learned anywhere else.”

48 FALL ISSUE 2018

PHOTOS (TOP TO BOTTOM): VICCI VALENTI FOR THE BOOK LLC, TAYLOR PENCE/US EQUESTRIAN

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MY FIRST

My First Horse

by Glenye Cain Oakford

Above: “When she sees Aurora, she’ll come running,” mom Bethany said of Annebelle’s relationship with Aurora (above). “She knows that’s her kid.”

Right: Aurora Ritter received Wilma Wv., known as Annebelle, as a surprise last Christmas.

52 FALL ISSUE 2018

When Bethany and Warren Ritter decided to buy daughter Aurora a horse, they didn’t have any trouble choosing which one. Aurora, now 7, already had fallen for a Friesian mare at Pam Roush’s Avalon Stables in Lutz, Fla., where both Aurora and Bethany take lessons, and it was clear the feeling was mutual.

“She’s very patient and loving, and she loves to be cuddled, which is a big thing for our family,” Bethany said of the 11-year-old Friesian mare Wilma Wv., known around the barn as Annebelle. “Not all horses like to be poked by small children or have flowers braided into their manes, but Annebelle will stand there patiently and love every minute of it. Annebelle can be way out in her field, and when she sees Aurora, she’ll come running. She knows that’s her kid.”

“She’s so nice, and she’s a very good teacher,” Aurora said. “My favorite thing is to love on her, hug her, and put flowers in her hair.”

Aurora started riding at Avalon two years ago, fulfilling a promise her parents had made each other before she was even born.

“When I became pregnant with Aurora, my husband and I had a deal: if we had a girl, he

would buy her a pony when she turned eight years old. If we had a little boy, we would build a basketball court so he and the little boy could play basketball,” explained Bethany, the education coordinator for a Florida-based property insurance company. “So when Aurora was four, on a whim I bought a Groupon for horseback riding lessons at Avalon Stables. We went there just before her fifth birthday, and we fell in love with the instructors, the property, and with the American Saddlebreds and Friesians that were there. Aurora had so much fun, and we kept coming back.”

Aurora has blossomed since she began riding.

“We’ve watched her go from an awkward little kid who could hardly post to this accomplished young equestrian, and we’re so pleased that this has been a sport she’s really excelled at,” Bethany said of her daughter, who started showing at age five. “Working with a horse that has its own mind, its own agenda, and its own fears, that’s taught her patience and not to give up. If she’s had a bad day and goes to the barn with that bad feeling, Annebelle knows it. If she’s not bringing a positive, ‘I can do it’

PHOTOS: STUNNING STEEDS

Young Aurora Ritter’s Friesian mare Annebelle has brought joy to the whole family.

USEQUESTRIAN.ORG 53

Warren, Bethany, and young Aurora Ritter with their Friesian, Wilma Wv., known as Annebelle.

54 FALL ISSUE 2018

attitude when she comes to her lesson or goes for a ride, she’ll see that in her ride, and they might have to do some things over until they click. It’s taught her to rely on her teammate, to never give up, and to know that she can do it. That’s been huge for her.”

At Ava lo n, Au ro r a also discovered Friesians.

“Number one, they’re really pretty and not like any other horses,” Aurora said.

“They’re amazing. They’re big, and it makes you feel like you’re on top of the world when you ride one.”

W h e n Au r o r a m e t Annebelle, it was love at first sight. The Ritters leased the mare at first, then decided to buy her as a Christmas surprise for their daughter.

“It was the day before Christmas, and I was going for a lesson,” Aurora recalled.

“Annebelle had a big red bow on, and I was like, ‘Is she the only horse dressed up for Christmas? Why aren’t the other horses dressed up for Christmas?’”

“And then I said, ‘This is your horse.

Merry Christmas!’” Bethany said. “Aurora was just shocked. I was crying, the other moms were crying—there was lots of crying!”

“Everybody thought I was going to cry,” Aurora added, “but I can’t cry when I’m happy!”

In May, Annebelle helped Aurora reach a major milestone: winning her first blue ribbon. That special moment came not once but twice, in highly competitive mounted showmanship and leadline walk/trot classes at the West Coast Morgans Horse Show in Odessa, Fla. Inspired by Avalon and her daughter’s experiences there, Bethany—who rode hunter jumpers as a child on Long Island in New York—also has gotten back in the saddle after three decades away from riding.

Last year, she won her own first blue on Annebelle, showing in a hunt seat saddle.

“I was extremely nervous!” Bethany recalled. “Our trainer, Lonna Carter, convinced me to do it. She is just the brightest star. She encourages Aurora to no end, and she talked me into showing, too. She said, ‘You’ve come so far! You can do it!’ When they announced my name as the winner, I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. I really couldn’t believe it! My husband took a video of the class, and you can hear Aurora in the background going, ‘Go, Annebelle! Go, Mom!’ “Annebelle is the perfect family horse,” Bethany added. “Aurora does saddle seat on her, I do hunt seat, and we’ve put a Western saddle on her and my husband’s gotten on her, too! She’s so patient with Aurora, and she’s been patient with me, too, because when I started riding again, I had a lot to learn! No matter who’s on her, she’s just a really good teacher.”

Thanks partly to Annebelle, the Ritters recently moved from Clearwater, Fla., to Tarpon Springs, Fla., to be closer to Annebelle and Avalon Stables. They’ve since added 15 chickens and two goats to their property, and now they’re building a two-stall barn.

“When Annebelle is ready to retire from showing, she’ll come home and retire at our house,” Bethany said. “Owning Annebelle and getting into the horse world have really been life-changing. We’ve gotten more outdoor time, more family time, and more appreciation for the hard work that goes into caring for other family members, whether they’re four-legged or two-legged. I always say it takes a lot of adults to get one little kid and one horse to the show ring! But it’s become a whole-family event. Aurora has a cousin who’s six and now takes lessons at Avalon. Grandparents, aunts, and uncles come to the shows. We could have used that Groupon and taken two horseback riding lessons and that could have been it, but it’s become so much more.”

To learn more about Friesians, visit the International Friesian Show Horse Association (friesianshowhorse.com) and US Equestrian’s Friesian page (USequestrian. org/compete/breeds/Friesian). Watch “The Friesian Horse,” featuring trainer Bruce Griffin, in our online Learning Center at USequestrian.org/learn.

PHOTO: STUNNING STEEDS

MY FIRST

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HOT LINKS

Get Linked Up with US Equestrian Catch the Joy Tour US Equestrian’s Joy Tour brings the celebration of horse sports to venues around the country. Come visit our booth for ShopUSEF gear, meetand-greets, autograph signings, and more! This fall you can find us at: Oct. 2-7 2018 International Friesian Show Horse Association World Show Champions Center Expo, Springfield, Ohio friesianshowhorse.com Oct. 11-20 Pennsylvania National Horse Show Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center, Harrisburg, Pa. panational.org Oct. 23-28 Washington International Horse Show Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C. wihs.org Oct. 27-Nov. 4 National Horse Show Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, Ky. nhs.org

58 FALL ISSUE 2018

Nov. 8-11 US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan® Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, Ky. usdf.org/usdressagefinals

PHOTO: TAYLOR PENCE/US EQUESTRIAN

News You Can Use Get the latest in horse health and great stories, and keep up with USEF Network schedule, new Learning Center video releases, USEF news, and other hot topics with the Equestrian Weekly digital newsletter. It’s free! Subscribe today at USequestrian.org/tune-in/ equestrian-weekly.

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USEQUESTRIAN.ORG 61

PHOTO: HOWARD SCHATZBERG

USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final

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The USEF Welded Down Vest and USEF Tri Factor Quarter Zip are just two of Ariat’s exclusive US Equestrian collection that ShopUSEF will feature at WEG. 62 FALL ISSUE 2018

PHOTO: COURTESY OF ARIAT

Ariat and US Equestrian’s exclusive line of cobranded apparel arrives just in time for you to show your best fall colors at the FEI World Equestrian Games Tryon 2018. Stop by the US Equestrian booth in the center of Tryon’s vendor village (adjacent to the United States Equestrian Team Foundation booth) during WEG for ShopUSEF’s big reveal! After WEG, shop the whole collection at ShopUSEF.org.

Here’s your sneak peek: The USEF Welded Down Vest features down insulation for optimal warmth, the superior construction that has made Ariat apparel famous for its durability, and game-changing style. It’s warm enough for frosty mornings, but lightweight enough to wear at work in the barn.

The USE F Tri Fac tor Quarter Zip shirt is made of performance jersey with Sun Protection Fabric™, a stand collar, and USEF colorblock styling.

To g e t h e r , i t ’s t h e p e r fe c t te a m for f a l l layering—and for celebrating your support for U.S. equestrian sport!

USEQUESTRIAN.ORG 63

HORSE HEALTH

Hoof Abscesses: Tips for Treatment and Prevention

by Glenye Cain Oakford

Hoof abscesses can be painful for your mount and cost you time in the saddle. We asked Dr. Luke Fallon of Hagyard Equine Medical Institute for his best tips about dealing with hoof abscesses, including identifying, treating, and avoiding them.

A hoof abscess can look terrifying to a horse owner, because it can cause severe lameness that appears to come on suddenly. To a worried owner who finds a horse or pony three-legged lame in his pasture, that can look extremely serious.

“A horse with a foot abscess can look like he’s got a fractured leg,” said Fallon.

“Sometimes, if it’s in a hind leg, it’s hard to determine whether it’s in the foot or up higher—in the stifle or hip region—because often they’ll show the same sort of lameness. In a front leg, a lot of times you can tell if it’s a hoof abscess by whether the horse is willing to flex or extend the fetlock joint, the carpus (knee) joint, and the elbow and shoulder. If they have any decreased range of motion or pain associated with manipulation of the upper joints, from the fetlock up through the shoulder, you may well have a lameness that is not caused by the foot.

“Abscesses are quite often associated with changes in the moisture content in the soil or environment,” Fallon added. “The white line along the solar surface of the hoof wall will open and close, and the quality of the periople—the waxy hoof coating that extends down from the coronet band and is similar to the cuticle on a human fingernail—can be compromised. That allows the hoof wall to crack and become shelly and split, which, in turn, can allow bacteria to track into the more sensitive regions of the hoof.”

64 FALL ISSUE 2018

PHOTO: YERBOLAT/ADOBESTOCK

Check your horse’s turnout area for stones or other trouble spots that might contribute to abscesses.

USEQUESTRIAN.ORG 65

HORSE HEALTH

Right: Remove debris and examine your horse’s hooves closely on a daily basis.

Feel for heat and/or a pulse in the hoof.

Even if you don’t have hoof testers available, there are signs you can look for, including heat and/or a pulse in the foot. “Your veterinarian can teach you how to assess the foot for digital pulses and increased heat in the hoof capsule or hoof wall,” Fallon said.

old cotton or a polo and wrap that foot as well as possible, then put duct tape or VetRap™ around it. Protect the foot and call the veterinarian immediately.”

Invest in a set of hoof testers.

With a little proper training, most people can use a pair of hoof testers to apply pressure on the hoof and sole, which can help pinpoint an abscess’s location.

“Your farrier or veterinarian can show you how to apply hoof testers, and anybody who has a number of horses should have a set of hoof testers and know how to use them,” said Fallon.

“It’s not hard, they’re not expensive, and they can allow for an initial assessment of the problem at hand.”

Soak the foot.

If cleaning debris out of the foot doesn’t improve the horse’s lameness, the next step is to soak the hoof.

“I like to use warm water, Betadine® (povidone-iodine) solution, and Epsom salts,” Fallon said. “There are also some commercially available products you can use.”

Fallon suggests soaking the foot for 15 to 30 minutes in very warm water, then putting the hoof in a foot pack, using a poultice, ichthammol, or an osmotic paste.

Clean the hoof completely and examine it thoroughly.

“Make sure you don’t have a stone or a foreign object stuck up in the frog or in the sulcus. Worse, I’ve seen nails, wood chips, glass, and sharp rocks lodged in the fleshy portion of the hoof—in the frog, the heel bulbs, or in the sole itself,” said Fallon. “Look for any foreign body or debris there.”

If there is a nail or other hard object puncturing the hoof, do not remove it, Fallon emphasizes.

“Your veterinarian needs to know how far that nail extends up into the foot itself and if it potentially touches any critical structures, such as the coffin joint or navicular bursa,” Fallon said. “If the nail is removed before the vet can inspect it and radiograph it, then there’s no way to ascertain how the nail went in and how deep it went in. The best thing to do is to get plain

Medicate if needed.

“If the horse is in abject pain, I think giving them a gram of bute to mitigate the pain is certainly worthwhile,” Fallon said. “You can still get a diagnosis the next day if he’s had a gram of bute for the night.”

66 FALL ISSUE 2018

When is a hoof problem an emergency?

Puncture wounds to the hoof, as noted above, require immediate veterinary attention.

“Any sort of obvious injury to the heel bulbs or the hoof wall itself—such as trauma that has split the hoof wall or a laceration to the heel bulb or coronet band—merits immediate attention,” Fallon said. “Any lacerations below the fetlock joint need immediate attention, because there’s not a lot of

PHOTOS: TAYLOR PENCE/US EQUESTRIAN, XTRAVAGANT/ADOBESTOCK

If you suspect a hoof abscess, Fallon said, there are telltale signs to look for.

Left: Hoof testers can help locate an abscess. Ask your veterinarian or farrier how to use them properly.

USEQUESTRIAN.ORG 67

HORSE HEALTH soft tissue to protect the area, and there are some critical structures in that region. Something that looks as innocuous as a one-centimeter cut might be a deep jab that can become infected and potentially involve ligaments, tendons or the digital sheath, or joints.”

Causes of hoof abscesses Hoof bruises that cause blood to pool at the site can create favorable conditions for bacteria and subsequent abscesses; so can trauma to the frog. A crack or defect in the hoof structure or the hoof’s white line also can promote abscesses by allowing bacteria in.

“Quite often, abscesses are caused by a mix of bacteria, both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria,” Fallon explained. “What causes the pain isn’t just the inflammation, but the physical accumulation of pus and often gas, if it’s anaerobic bacteria, inside the hoof capsule. It can do a lot of damage to the hoof capsule and the hoof wall if they’re not able to get the pus out and drain the abscess where you can treat it directly.”

Left untreated an abscess can gradually create its own draining track. “That might mean it will go from the toe or the sole all the way up to the coronet band,” Fallon said. “That can take quite some time and put the horse through a lot of pain.

It can also cause permanent damage to that coronet band, in many cases. If they get recurring abscesses or a big enough abscess, it can permanently alter the way that hoof grows out.

You don’t want to leave it untreated.”

Guarding against abscesses There are management tips that can help reduce the chance of abscesses, Fallon said.

Routine farrier care. “This is key, because otherwise that hoof wall is going to split and splay and open up that white line to allow infections to track up into the soft tissue structures,” said Fallon.

Avoid extremely wet and extremely dry hoof conditions.

“I think wet conditions tend to damage the periople more and tend to pull the periople away, but the dry conditions tend to make the hoof crack more and open up that white line,” said Fallon. “Also, if they’re stomping flies, they’re damaging that hoof wall and potentially splitting that foot open and opening up that white line. You need to watch that hoof all year long.

Above: Abscesses are often caused by a mix of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, which can create painful accumulations of pus and/or gas in the hoof.

Below: Dr. Luke Fallon suggests soaking the affected hoof for 15 to 30 minutes in very warm water with povidone-iodine solution and Epsom salts.

68 FALL ISSUE 2018

Apply hoof dressings. “There are a lot of excellent hoof dressings out there that you can apply daily or several times a week if your horse doesn’t have a good-quality hoof or periople,” said Fallon. “There are also plenty of great supplements, like ones that contain biotin and other trace minerals which can help improve the quality of the horny laminae that create the hoof capsule.

“Petroleum products are often not as good as products that contain natural resins such as pine tar and turpentine,” explained Fallon. “I’ve used products that contain lanolin or beeswax, and those are superior. Petroleum can be a little more irritating and more of a drying agent.”

PHOTOS: MICHAEL WILDENSTEIN, FRAN JURGA

“If you’re bedding on shavings, remember that they can be very drying to the hoof,” he added. “If you’re bedding on straw or a hay bedding, that doesn’t tend to dry the hoof out as much.”

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HORSE HEALTH Think about shoeing. For barefoot horses that do not have a good hoof, Fallon suggests the owner consider shoeing “to offload that hoof wall and lift that foot up off the ground,” said Fallon. “And, to me, steel shoes are superior to aluminum shoes as far as preserving the quality and integrity of that hoof. But I would leave it up to the farrier to see what they think might work best.”

Scout for trouble spots in your horse’s paddock or pasture. Pick up rocks that might have surfaced in your horse’s turnout area, and look for less obvious potential problems, too.

“On farms that perennially produce multiple abscesses, you’ll often find that they have, say, #2 rock around their waterers,” Fallon said. “Or maybe they’ve got wood chips in a gateway to help keep it from getting muddy, but maybe those chips are getting lodged in the foot’s sulci or the frog. We’ve had pastures that used to be cattle pastures where, rather than pulling the steel fence posts out, they just broke them off. Those might have been two or three inches under the ground years ago, but on occasion a horse might work its way down to that level and bruise a foot.”

In general, Fallon suggests considering the overall environment the hoof is exposed to—is it swampy or dry, for example? You might need to try to create more balance in the environmental conditions the hoof is standing in.

Pay close attention to horses that might be more susceptible. Horses with chronic laminitis, poor-quality hooves, or even white hooves can be somewhat more susceptible to hoof abscesses, particularly if they are in an environment that might also be more likely to produce an abscess.

“You can learn how to manage those horses,” said Fallon. “Shoeing, supplements, and hoof dressings can all help. There are some simple things you can do even for a horse with average to poor-quality feet that will improve their long-term health and eliminate abscesses or the propensity to get abscesses. If they do blow out a big abscess at the coronet band, I think dressing that coronet band is key—and, again, I go back to dressings like Corona or even something as simple as Bag Balm, because it has lanolin in it. … You need to protect those structures.”

PHOTO: CHELLE129/ADOBESTOCK

After soaking, packing the hoof using a poultice, ichthammol, or an osmotic paste is also helpful, Dr. Luke Fallon said.

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PHOTOS: TAYLOR PENCE/US EQUESTRIAN, ARND.NL/JACQUES TOFFI, ALEX BANKS/US EQUESTRIAN, SHANNON BRINKMAN PHOTO, ARND.NL/CHARLES MANN, ARND.NL/PIERRE COSTABADIE

The F E I Wo r l d Equestrian G a m e s ™ Tr yo n 2 0 1 8 w i l l bring a world of topclass competition to the mountains of North Carolina September 11-23. The WEG only comes around once every four years: make the most of the 2018 Tryon edition with our spectator’s guide to the eight WEG disciplines.

It’s a vintage year for the World Equestrian Games, which return in 2018 to the United States for only the second time and for the first time since 2010. As equestrians from around the globe converge on the Tryon International Equestrian Center in scenic Mill Spring, N.C., these world championships present a rare opportunity for equestrians of all stripes—from intrepid trail riders to champion competitors—to experience the finest athletic performances from vast range of horse sports, all in a single international event.

Whether you’re on the grounds at Tryon, tuning in from your tack room, or hosting a WEG party at home, get a taste of all the WEG disciplines—combined driving, dressage, para-equestrian dressage, endurance, eventing, jumping, reining, and vaulting—and marvel at the athletic versatility and sheer joy of the horse/human partnership. The world is coming to WEG—join us there, too.

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DRESSAGE Dressage is often referred to as ballet on horseback, but its origins are military.

It dates back to classical Greek horsemanship, which focused on training horses for precise maneuvers during battle. In recent centuries, these movements became more stylized for pageants and, today, competition. But dressage has never lost sight of its history. Much of modern dressage training is based on the founding principles of the Spanish Riding School of Vienna, established in 1572. Graceful dressage movements such as pirouettes, the passage (a rhythmic, animated, slow trot with a moment of suspension), and tempi changes (flying changes in sequence) are beautiful, but they also test important principles of horsemanship, including the partnership of horse and rider, their precision, and the horse’s happy willingness to complete each movement.

“It has not only the riding and horsemastership, but also the gymnastic training of a horse,” said George Williams, president of the United States Dressage Federation and US Equestrian’s Dressage Youth Coach. “The movements that a dressage test asks for are ones we consider natural to a horse, so dressage is the development of fundamental movements that you would see horses doing at play in a pasture.

“The aids should be as quiet and invisible as possible, so that it looks like the horse is performing on his own,” Williams added. “To do that takes a tremendous amount of body control and both large and small motor coordination from the rider. It’s like a ballerina who is smiling and making it look easy while doing things that are very difficult. That’s the art of it, but it also requires tremendous athleticism, and the horse is very much your dance partner.”

What’s Special About Dressage?

“To be very good at dressage requires a partnership with the horse that is built on confidence and trust, as well as the training that’s involved in creating that partnership,” Williams explained. “There’s also a certain beauty to it, because through the training you’re creating movements that show off the movement, strength, and flexibility of the horse. Centuries of the study of riding have developed the aids, which are the common language the rider shares with the horse. There are nuances with each rider and each horse, but the basic aids are ones we’ve learned and developed over centuries.”

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PHOTO: SHANNON BRINKMAN PHOTO

The WEG dressage competition consists of three parts: the Grand Prix test, the Grand Prix Special, and the Grand Prix Freestyle.

The Grand Prix test is a team championship; all riders and horses participate.

The test consists of a set order and pattern of compulsory movements that each horse/rider pair must perform. “It tests the fundamental training of a Grand Prix horse,” Williams said. “An important part of the training and the judging is that the quality of the horse’s gaits should be maintained or improved from what the horse naturally has.” And although the pattern tests advanced movements, it also tests key fundamentals, like the horse’s ability to stand squarely and immobile at the halt.

The Grand Prix decides team medals, with the winning team having the highest total percentages for their three best athletes. The top 30 individuals from the Grand Prix test move on to the Grand Prix Special. Countries which are unable to field a full team also participate in this class in order to move forward to the Grand Prix Special.

The Grand Prix Special, an individual championship, is a shortened version of the Grand Prix test. “It has the same movements, but it’s a little more difficult,” Williams said. “The movements are combined in a way that there are quicker transitions. The same qualities from the Grand Prix test are being tested here, but in a more demanding manner with more emphasis on the transitions.”

The top 15 finishers from the Grand Prix Special move on to the Grand Prix Freestyle.

The Grand Prix Freestyle is also an individual championship. In this popular class, the test is set to each rider’s choice of music. There are certain required movements, but each rider is free to create their own order and pattern using those elements. The pattern must be submitted prior to being judged.

Each of the three classes is its own competition with its own set of medals. As in all FEI competitions, horses are subject to formal inspections during the competition to ensure that they are fit to compete.

How it’s scored: In dressage scoring, each movement or combination of movements receives a score ranging from 0 (not performed) to the rare 10 (excellent); fractional scores of .5 between 1 and 10 are allowed (e.g., 1.5 or 9.5, etc.). Some movements

AT WEG

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All times ET. Times subject to change; check Tryon2018.com for updates.

Grand Prix Sept. 12-13 8:45 a.m.

Grand Prix Special Sept. 14 10:30 a.m.

Grand Prix Freestyle Sept. 16 8:30 a.m.

PHOTOS: SUSANJSTICKLE.COM, (RIGHT & INSET) SHANNON BRINKMAN PHOTO

How the Dressage Competition Works at WEG

feature a coefficient that multiplies their value. Scoring also includes a collective mark for the rider’s position and seat and the correctness and effect of the aids.

The judges’ marks are totaled, then added together and converted to a percentage. The winner is the horse/rider pair with the highest total percentage.

As in figure skating, the Freestyle judging also takes into account both artistry and degree of difficulty, which rewards putting certain combinations of movements together. In case of a tie, the higher artistic mark will determine final placing, and 0.1 decimals are allowed in artistic scores (e.g., 5.2, 9.3). There are also scores for harmony and choreography.

What to Look for The judges are looking for the purity of the gaits and their rhythm, the correctness of the movement, the horse’s impulsion and energy level, the harmony of horse and rider, and “throughness”—that the horse is using its whole body, with energy and impulsion powered from the hind end forward to the bit. Among the trot movements, keep your eye out for the piaffe (a highly collected, cadenced trot-like movement in which the horse gives the impression of remaining in place), the passage, and the extended trot. At the canter, pirouettes and tempi changes (flying changes every two strides and then every other stride) are crowd-pleasers. Of course, as in figure skating, the judges are looking for correct technique, accuracy, and precision.

There should be a sense of an overall happy partnership. “Does the ride flow and have a dance-like lightness?” Williams said. “That’s what you want to see.”

LEARN MORE Visit the United States Dressage Federation at usdf.org.

Find videos and more about dressage in US Equestrian’s online Learning Center at USequestrian.org/learn.

PHOTO: TAYLOR PENCE/US EQUESTRIAN

PARA

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A-EQUESTRIAN DRESSAGE

BY GLENYE CAIN OAKFORD

Para-equestrian dressage, the only equestrian discipline in the Paralympic Games, is one of several para-equestrian disciplines that have gained international recognition. The “para” prefix in para-equestrian dressage indicates that it is parallel to dressage, and it employs the same fundamental training, gaits, and movements.

In para-equestrian dressage competition, each rider is classified according to functional ability. Competitors are grouped under their grade classification—from Grade I for the most severely impaired to Grade V for the least impaired—to ensure a level playing field. Within each grade classification, they are judged on their individual skills on their horse, without regard to their impairment.

What’s Special About Para-Equestrian Dressage?

“To me, what makes it very special is that the sport is also a cause,” said Michel Assouline, US Equestrian’s Head of Para-Equestrian Coach Development and High-Performance Consultant. “It gives people a better life and often a reason to live an active life again. Dressage to start with is very difficult; I think it’s one of the most complex equestrian sports, because it’s the utmost harmony and chemistry between a horse and its rider. On top of that, you’re under the scrutiny of a panel of judges.

Then if you have a disability, you can imagine how challenging it is. For a para athlete, who often will have a physical weakness, you have to have the horse extremely finely tuned to respond to the smallest signal.”

While the exact method of delivering that signal might vary according to the rider’s particular circumstances, the principles are the same ones that have guided dressage training for centuries.

And the rider is held to the same high standards when it comes to executing a test with precision, harmony, and quality.

“In para-equestrian, we use the same classical guidelines in training that are used in dressage, but with the utmost finesse,” Assouline said.

How the Para-Equestrian Dressage Competition Works at WEG The WEG competition consists of three phases for each grade: the Individual test, the Team test, and the Freestyle, which are roughly equivalent to the dressage

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AT WEG

All times ET. Times subject to change; check Tryon2018.com for updates.

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Individual Test Grade IV Sept. 18 8:30 a.m.

Individual Test Grade II Sept. 18 12:30 p.m.

Individual Test Grade V Sept. 18 3:30 p.m.

WEG competition begins with the Individual test, followed by the Team test and then the Freestyle. Each of the three classes is its own competition with its own set of medals, but the Individual test also serves as a qualifier for the Freestyle. The top eight finishers from each grade in the Individual test move on to the Freestyle, provided all participants have reached a minimum score of 60% as an average of their Individual tests.

As in dressage, judges are looking for harmony, the quality and regularity of the gaits and their rhythm, the correctness of the movement, and the horse’s impulsion and “throughness”— that the horse is using its whole body, with energy and impulsion powered from the hind end forward to the bit.

As in all FEI competitions, horses are subject to formal inspections during the competition to ensure that they are fit to compete.

Individual Test Grade III Sept. 19 8:30 a.m.

Individual Test Grade I Sept. 19 12 p.m.

Team Test Grade IV Sept. 20 9 a.m.

Team Test Grade II Sept. 20 12 p.m.

Team Test Grade V Sept. 20 2:30 p.m.

Team Test Grade III Sept. 21 9 a.m.

PHOTOS: REDBAYSTOCK.COM, (RIGHT & INSET) TAYLOR PENCE

PARA DRESSAGE

competition’s Grand Prix Special, Grand Prix, and Freestyle test. In the Individual and Team tests, horse and rider must perform a series of compulsory movements in a set order and pattern; the Team test, unlike the Individual test, is performed to music. The Freestyle also is performed to music of the rider’s choice; there are certain required movements, but each rider is free to create their own order and pattern using those elements.

FEI para-equestrian dressage tests vary according to the competitor’s grade. “Grade I tests are basically all walk, Grade II has walk and trot, Grade III allows canter, and Grade IV also is walk, trot, and canter,” Assouline explained. “Grade IV is the equivalent of third-level dressage, although the Freestyle test is often up to fourth-level standard. Grade V is also walk, trot, and canter. It is equivalent to third and fourth level in the Team and Individual test, but, in the Freestyle, Grade V is equivalent to Prix St. Georges—it’s quite a difficult level.”

How it’s scored: Para-equestrian dressage tests, which have a five-judge panel, are scored in the same manner as dressage tests. Each movement or combination of movements receives a score ranging from 0 (not performed) to the rare 10 (excellent); fractional scores of .5 between 1 and 10 are allowed (e.g., 1.5 or 9.5, but not 0.5 or 10.5). Some movements feature a coefficient that multiplies their value. Scoring also includes collective marks for the rider’s skill, harmony between horse and rider, and the horse’s paces.

The judges’ marks are totaled, then added together and converted to a percentage. The winner is the horse/rider pair with the highest total percentage.

Freestyle judging also takes into account such elements as artistry, choreography, and interpretation of the music. In case of a tie, the higher artistic mark will determine final placing, and 0.1 decimals are allowed in artistic scores (e.g., 5.2, 9.3). Top international scores across the grades at this level of competition can vary from the mid-70% marks to around 80%.

Team Test Grade I Sept. 21 12 p.m.

Freestyle Test Grades IV and V Sept. 22 9:30 a.m.

Freestyle Test Grades I, II, and III Sept. 22 1 p.m.

LEARN MORE

What to Look for If you’re on the grounds, Assouline suggests a swing by the warm-up area, where para athletes arrive to meet their horses. “Many arrive on crutches and in wheelchairs, and then they get on their horses and they are suddenly transformed,” he said. “It’s as if they are flying with wings on their back. They suddenly have no limitations on mobility.”

During the tests, look for a balance between expression, harmony, and relaxation in the horse, Assouline said. “It’s no good having a flashy, expressive horse if it is tense, and it’s no good having full harmony but a horse that looks flat and lacking quality,” he said. “It’s the same in pure dressage: you want the ‘wow!’ but with relaxation. But the judges will give priority to harmony. If horse and athlete are in perfect synchronization and relaxed, if the horse is happy working for the rider, and the rider is having a good ride, that comes first. If you get a little more expression on top of that, it’s a bonus, and that’s the horse that is more likely to give you that gold medal.”

Visit the United States ParaEquestrian Association at uspea.org.

Find videos and more about para-equestrian dressage in US Equestrian’s online Learning Center at USequestrian.org/learn.

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COMBINED DRIVING

Combined driving is a carriage driving discipline that takes place over three phases modeled on the dressage, cross-country, and show jumping phases in eventing: driven dressage, marathon, and cones.

Combined driving requires horses and driver to master both the highly technical (driven dressage and cones) and the challenge of boldly negotiating obstacles in natural terrain (marathon). The WEG competition is for teams of four horses—two leaders and two wheelers—collectively called a four-in-hand.

“Driving harkens back to a time when the horse was used for transportation and utility. Horses united communities across long distances,” said Heather Briggs, chef d’equipe for the 2018 U.S. Singles Driving Team, a member of US Equestrian’s Driving Sport Committee, and a longtime driving competition organizer. “Combined driving is the modern-day heritage honoring the driving horse. It is a celebration of the incredible flexibility that our equine partners have always shown—their perseverance, stamina, and power, but also their fluidity of movement. It’s a combination of classical beauty with sheer power.”

What’s Special About Combined Driving?

Combined driving tests the driver’s skill; the fourin-hand’s obedience, speed, and athleticism; and the teamwork of the horses themselves. The driver’s aids are different from a rider’s: instead of seat and leg, the driver signals the horses with voice and a touch of the whip.

“When you’re sitting behind a horse, there’s a lot of trust they are giving you, especially when there are noises from the carriage going on behind them,” said Briggs. “You have to have a very special connection with them for them to be able to trust you.”

There’s also human teamwork involved during the competition. In addition to the driver, two grooms are in the carriage during the dressage and cones phases; during the marathon, the driver is accompanied by a groom and a navigator. Grooms cannot speak during dressage, but groom and navigator can speak (and play a big role) during the marathon, and grooms also may help during the cones phases.

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PHOTO: PHOTO: TOMSPIC TOMSPIC

COMBINED DRIVING AT WEG

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All times ET. Times subject to change; check Tryon2018.com for updates.

Driven Dressage (Session 1) Sept. 21 11 a.m.

Driven Dressage (Session 2) Sept. 21 2:30 p.m.

Marathon Sept. 22 11 a.m.

Cones Sept. 23 9:30 a.m.

PHOTOS: (CLOKWISE) BIANCA MCCARTY, TOMSPIC, TAYLOR PENCE/US EQUESTRIAN, (INSET) BIANCA MCCARTY

How the Combined Driving Competition Works at WEG The WEG competition, which offers both team and individual medals, begins with driven dressage, in which competitors drive a prescribed pattern of maneuvers—including circles and loops, collected and extended trot, rein back, driving with the reins in one hand, and more—in a set order.

How it’s scored: Each movement or combination of movements receives a score ranging from 0 (not executed) to the rare 10 (excellent); fractional scores of .5 between 1 and 10 are allowed (e.g., 1.5 or 9.5, but not 0.5 or 10.5). Some movements feature a coefficient that multiplies their value. Scoring also includes marks for the regularity and freedom of the horses’ paces; the horses’ impulsion, obedience, and lightness; the driver’s use of aids, handling of the whip and reins, and position; and the overall accuracy of the figures.

There’s also a mark for presentation, including the overall turnout.

The five judges’ marks are added together and converted into penalty points. The four-in-hand with the lowest penalty score is the dressage winner.

The marathon takes place over natural terrain. It’s composed of two sections with a “transfer” period in between; the transfer is a walk break to cool horses between sections. Section A, which covers between five and eight kilometers, has no obstacles and allows the four-in-hand to warm up while following a prescribed course, which is flagged. After Section A, which typically is done at the trot, the driver enters the transfer. There is a

10-minute veterinary hold at the end of the transfer, during which horses can be watered and cooled.

The four-in-hand then moves into Section B, a six- to nine-kilometer course that contains a series of eight obstacles along a set track. This is where teams must race: they’re timed from the moment they enter the obstacle until they exit, and every second counts toward penalties.

How it’s scored: Seconds spent in an obstacle accrue penalties. Obstacles also have gate letters A through F, and four-inhands must go through the obstacle’s gates in alphabetical sequence and in the correct direction (with the red entry and exit flags on the driver’s right). Some obstacles also feature a cup that holds a ball, and competitors can incur penalties by dislodging the ball. There are penalties for a number of other infractions, including going off course or a groom needing to get out of the carriage to help. The team must complete each section within a window of time that allows for a regular pace throughout the whole course, so a team also can incur penalties for completing a section too quickly or slowly. Marathon penalties are added to the dressage penalty score.

Cones are the final test. Athletes must negotiate a course of up to 20 pairs of cones, driving through each pair on a set course within a time allowed—and without dislodging the ball that rests on top of each cone. The time allowed, the space to drive between the cones, and the turns required to get around the course are all tight, challenging the horses’ accuracy and obedience. The course can require zig-zags, rollbacks, serpentines, and more.

How it’s scored: There are penalty points for going over the time allowed, dislodging a ball from a cone, and a variety of disobediences, like refusing to negotiate an obstacle, running out, or refusing to go forward. Penalty points are applied to the athlete’s cumulative score, and the athlete with the lowest collective number of penalty points is the gold medalist. For teams, each team’s top two scores from each phase are combined, with the lowest of the group’s three scores dropped. The team with the lowest combined number of penalty points after the drop takes gold.

As in all FEI competitions, horses are subject to formal inspections during the competition to ensure that they are fit to compete.

What to Look for The horses with the smoothest, most accurate dressage tests will be ones to watch through the rest of the competition, Briggs said, because a good dressage test shows a four-in-hand working well together and with their driver. That teamwork is key.

Also look for the difference between leaders and wheelers, and how they complement each other. “Wheelers tend to be a little bigger, because they are directly attached to the carriage,” Briggs said.

“They’re the brawn. The leaders tend to be a little smaller and sharper. You want them to be willing to go forward and be brave, because you can’t reach them as well as you can your wheelers.

And you’ll have that one key horse that kind of unites the team.”

LEARN MORE Visit the American Driving Society at americandrivingsociety.org.

Find video and more about driving in US Equestrian’s online Learning Center at USequestrian.org/learn.

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Horses and riders take to the trail for endurance, a timed long-distance competition that covers 160 kilometers (about 100 miles) over the rolling hillsides and forested trails at the Tryon International Equestrian Center and surrounding farmland. The sport has its origin in both the military and, more recently, in the Pony Express of the 1800s—both of which required horse and rider to navigate natural terrain over long distances and in all weather conditions. Today, the sport focuses on the close partnership between horse and rider, honed over hours together in training and on the trail, and it’s enjoyed by equestrians of all ages—including some who are competing at age 80.

“Endurance riding competitions are like marathons and ultramarathons for horses,” explained Steve Rojek, who competed in the first WEG endurance competition in 2002 and has since represented the U.S. in numerous international championships. “The competitions are on trails that highlight the area’s terrain. Distances may be as short as 50 miles or as long as 100 miles in a day, and each ride is broken up into a series of phases— usually six on a 100-mile ride.”

Between each phase is a compulsory halt, a rest period lasting a minimum of 40 minutes after Phases 1, 2, 4, and 5, and a minimum of 50 minutes after Phase 3. “During each hold, a team of veterinarians will inspect each horse, with attention to the horses’ welfare and soundness,” Rojek said. “Only horses who are approved by the Veterinary Commission are allowed to continue.”

There’s a final veterinary check at the end of the competition, as well, which must take place within 30 minutes of a horse’s arrival at the finish line.

What’s Special About Endurance?

“Endurance riding is special because of the relationship formed between horse and rider, which is developed over months and years of conditioning with an eye on the 100-mile competition,” Rojek said. “Endurance riding is a partnership of one rider and one horse over many hours in the saddle. Riders are always amazed and appreciative of our horses’ stamina.

“Using the principles of dressage keeping the horse balanced and straight is important, along with pacing, in order to finish a 100-mile event,” he added.

“You never know what to expect, due to the challenges of weather and terrain.”

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PHOTO: ARND.NL / FRANK SORGE

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The WEG endurance competition takes place on September 12 and begins at 7 a.m. ET. All of the horses and riders start together as a group. After each of the race’s six phases, the horses undergo a veterinary examination that includes monitoring of each horse’s heart rate. Between each phase during the race, the maximum pulse allowed at each vet check is 64 beats per minute within 20 minutes of the horse’s arrival at the hold; at the final examination after the race, the maximum pulse allowed is 64 beats per minute within 30 minutes of the horse having crossed the finish line.

The holds involve more than checking heart rate. “The Veterinary Commission inspects the horses from head to tail, checking for metabolic or physical anomalies,” Rojek explained. “The horses are then trotted out to evaluate their level of soundness. If all criteria

ENDURANCE AT WEG

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All times ET. Times subject to change; check Tryon2018.com for updates.

Team and Individual Ride Sept. 12 6:30 a.m.

Medal Ceremony Sept. 13 12:30 p.m.

PHOTOS: ARND.NL /JACQUES TOFFI, CHARLES MANN, (INSET) STEPH TEETER

How the Endurance Competition Works at WEG

are deemed acceptable by the Veterinary Commission, the horses will proceed to a mandatory rest period before continuing back out on to the trail. All horses that do not pass the criteria and are withdrawn from the event must go to a panel of veterinarians for a more detailed analysis.”

The WEG endurance competition takes place against the clock, with a time limit of 14 hours and 10 minutes.

How it’s scored: “The first horse-and-rider combination to cross the finish line and successfully pass the veterinary inspection within 30 minutes is the winner,” Rojek said.

The single-day competition determines both the team and individual medals, which will be

awarded the following day in the Tryon Stadium.

There’s also a Best Conditioned Award.

What to Look for “One of the most interesting places to observe endurance horses is at the holds, where one can often watch pulse statistics on a monitor,” Rojek said. “It might be fun to choose a horse and follow their progress through the competition. It can be exciting watching horses come into the holds and observing the crewing strategies involved with obtaining a quick pulse recovery. The hold time begins when the horse reaches the set pulse parameter. After the mandatory hold time is up, the horse is allowed to continue the race.”

LEARN MORE Visit the American Endurance Ride Conference at aerc.org.

Find video and more about endurance in US Equestrian’s online Learning Center at USequestrian.org/learn.

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PHOTO: TOMSPIC

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Eventing is essentially an equestrian triathlon that challenges athletes and their horses in three disciplines: dressage, cross-country, and show jumping.

It originates from military tests developed to assess cavalry horses’ obedience, bravery, and agility.

“Eventing is looking for the ultimate athlete: brains and brawn,” explained Sinead Halpin, veteran of the 2014 Alltech FEI WEG in Normandy and the 2011 USEF CCI4* Eventing National Champion. She noted the close similarities to today’s eventing with the military tests of the past, saying, “The cavalry needed horses that were disciplined and obedient (dressage); brave enough to jump whatever they encountered across the country, including navigating tricky terrain, water, ditches, and banks (cross-country); and then have the smarts required to be incredibly careful and obedient after being asked to be bold and daring (show jumping).”

What’s Special About Eventing?

“Eventing requires a partnership and communication between horse and rider that is unparalleled,” said Halpin. “Due to the intricacies of the sport, the horse has to be focused and trusting of his rider in order to rise to the challenge of each independent discipline.

In turn, the rider is not only responsible for making sure the horse is fit and educated enough for the job, but that he is careful throughout the horse’s training to develop a consistent communication that secures the trust of the animal. The partnership between horse and rider needed to compete at the World Equestrian Games is established over years and, when presented well, can look more like art than sport.”

How the Eventing Competition Works at WEG The three phases of WEG eventing competition takes place over four days (Sept. 13-16). Each combination in eventing receives a penalty score, and the lowest penalty score at the end of the competition wins. The dressage phase, the first phase of the eventing competition, takes place over two days in Tryon Stadium with each athlete-and-horse combination performing the same test, FEI Test CCI4* (B) 2017, consisting of a series of movements executed at specific points around an arena.

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EVENTING AT WEG

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colored jumps that are 1.30 meters in height in the International Arena to conclude the competition. This final phase decides the team and individual medals for the WEG eventing competition.

How it’s scored: Once again, the show jumping course should be completed within an optimum time, so both jumping and time penalties are a possibility. “For a refusal, the rider receives four faults, but the clock will not stop, so, most likely, time penalties will also be acquired,” explained Halpin. “For every jump lowered, four faults will also be added to the penalty score that has been accumulated from the original dressage marks and anything added on cross-country. Time penalties in show jumping are one penalty per second, so more expensive than the cross-country.”

At the end of the competition, the combination with the lowest penalty score wins. For the team portion of the competition, four combinations make up the team, but the highest penalty score can be dropped from the team’s total penalty score. The team with the lowest combined penalty score claims top honors.

What to Look for For athlete and horse to be successful in eventing, they must be a versatile combination

All times ET. Times subject to change; check Tryon2018.com for updates.

Dressage Sept. 13-14 9 a.m.

Cross-Country Sept. 15 11 a.m.

Show Jumping Sept. 16 3:15 p.m.

PHOTOS: EQUISPORT, TAYLOR PENCE/US EQEUSTRIAN, ARND.NL/ JACQUES TOFFI, (INSET) ALEX BANKS/ US EQUESTRIAN

How it’s scored: “Each individual movement is given a score zero to 10: 0 being ‘not executed’ and 10 being the best,” explained Halpin. “The total marks received are divided by the amount of good marks possible and then subtracted from 100, leaving the penalty score.” Any penalty points incurred in the subsequent jumping phases will be added to the dressage penalty score.

The most exciting phase of eventing is the cross-country phase, with the WEG course taking place on a course of solid jumps over varied terrain on Tryon’s White Oak Course.

There can be up to 42 jumping efforts, and the combinations will be traveling approximately 570 meters per minute, or about 21 miles per hour.

How it’s scored: The cross-country course should be completed within an optimum time, so both jumping and time penalties can potentially be added to a combination’s score. For the cross-country phase, “you are eliminated if you have a rider or horse fall. If you have a refusal, 20 penalties will be added to your score.

Four-tenths of a time penalty will be added with each second over the optimum time,” continued Halpin. Other jumping penalties can be incurred as well, such as if a combination does not go between the flags on a jump (50 penalties) or breaks a frangible safety device (11 penalties).

The show jumping phase requires combinations to navigate a course of 11 to 13 brightly

able to excel in three different disciplines, and the skills that they possess make the sport seem effortless. “When watching eventing for the first time, you should be looking for the partnership between horse and rider. The work should seem smooth and well communicated. The horse should seem focused on the task at hand, as well as the rider.

The communication between horse and rider should almost be invisible,” said Halpin.

While three separate disciplines make up eventing, the skills required for the phases are interrelated. “The dressage sets up the language tools of ‘forward, slower, go left, go right, change your balance,’ and a few other tools the rider will need on the cross-country and show jumping at a faster pace. Normally, the horses that are the most obedient and smooth in the dressage are the most obedient and smooth in the jumping phases. There are some exceptions to that rule as in any sport … some extreme athletes may not always conform to the rules, and sheer athleticism takes them to the top! You might see a few of those behave a little cheekily in the dressage because all they want to do is run and jump, but those on the podium will be master combinations in all three disciplines.”

LEARN MORE! Visit the United States Eventing Association at useventing.com.

Find videos and more about eventing in US Equestrian’s online Learning Center at USequestrian.org/learn.

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PHOTO: SHANNON BRINKMAN PHOTO

JUMPING

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Jumping, or show jumping, is one of three Olympic equestrian events, alongside dressage and eventing. The sport has a straightforward object: to negotiate a set pattern of obstacles within an allowed time, without knocking down any element of the jump that would lower its height and without refusing to jump any of the obstacles. The subtlety of the sport involves each rider’s strategy and the specific challenges a course presents to horse and rider.

“There are a variety of distances between the jumps, which asks the horse and rider different questions: can they lengthen? Can they shorten? Can they jump high? Can they jump wide?” explained two-time Olympic silver medalist and Show Jumping Hall of Fame member Anne Kursinski. “The riders walk the course on foot the day of the competition to devise their strategy for negotiating the course. You’re penalized for knocking poles down and for going over the time allowed, so you’re looking for a clear round within the time.”

The NetJets® U.S. Show Jumping Team for the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018 was to be named no later than September 10.

What’s Special About Jumping?

This sport combines exciting athleticism, the element of speed, and the beauty of both the horses and the fences they’re jumping. The sport displays not only the horse and rider’s athletic skill, but also their bravery and their partnership.

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How the Jumping Competition Works at WEG The jumping competition opens with a Speed Class, in which each horse-and-rider combination jump 12 to 14 obstacles against the clock. The jumps have a maximum height of 1.50 meters and a maximum width of two meters (there are width exceptions for triple-bar jumps, which can be as wide as 2.20 meters, and for water jumps, which can be up to 4.00 meters wide).

The Speed Class is the first competition for both teams and individuals. “The riders will be looking at the course to see where they can make short turns or gallop a little faster to have the fastest time over the course,” explained Kursinski.

How it’s scored: In the Speed Class, athletes receive a four-second penalty for each obstacle knocked down, which is added to their time. Their total time then is converted into points. The horse-and-rider pair with the lowest number of points receives zero penalties, and all others will be credited with the number of penalties representing the difference in points between each of them and the leader. This makes it easier to understand the cumulative faults.

The Team Competition, which also serves as the second competition for the Individual Final, consists of two rounds over two days.

The maximum jump height rises to 1.65 meters, and a water jump is mandatory in Round 1 (it’s optional in Round 2). The rounds are not against the clock (except to break a tie) but must take place within a challenging

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time allowed, and each round has a different course. The goal: a clear round within the time allowed. The top 10 teams from Round 1 return to contest Round 2.

How it’s scored: Athletes incur penalties for knocking obstacles down and/or exceeding the time allowed; there are also penalties for refusals and for not clearing a water jump. In the Team Competition, the best three scores for each four-member team are counted, while the lowest score is dropped.

The combined score from both rounds determines the final team rankings, while individual scores continue to accumulate through the Individual Third Competition.

Team medals are awarded after Round 2 of the Team Final, and Olympic qualification is secured for teams finishing in the top six.

The Individual Third Competition also consists of two rounds. The top 25 horse-and-rider combinations, based on cumulative scores from the Speed Class and the Second Competition, compete in Round A. The top 12 combinations based on cumulative scores tallied after Round A move on to compete in Round B. Round A and Round B have different courses, with a maximum height of 1.65 meters and a maximum width of 2.00 meters (or 2.20 meters for a triple bar and 4.00 meters for a water jump, if used).

As in the Second Competition, the object is to have a clean round within the time allowed.

“The courses don’t get any smaller,” Kursinski said. “If anything, they get a little bigger as the competition goes along.”

How it’s scored: The Individual Third Competition, which decides individual medals, is scored in the same way that the Second Competition is, with penalty points for obstacles knocked down, exceeding time allowed, etc. In the event of a tie for the gold medal, there will be a jump-off against the clock.

For all other placings, ties will be broken by placing the rider with the fastest combined time from Rounds A and B ahead of the rider with the slower combined time.

As in all FEI competitions, horses are subject to formal inspections during the competition to ensure that they are fit to compete.

All times ET. Times subject to change; check Tryon2018.com for updates.

1st Competition (Team and Individual) Speed Class Sept. 19 9 a.m.

Team Final and Individual 2nd Competition Round 1 Sept. 20 9 a.m.

Team Final and Individual 2nd Competition Round 2 Sept. 21 1:30 p.m.

Individual 3rd Competition Round A (Top 25) Sept. 23 9:45 a.m.

PHOTOS: SHANNON BRINKMAN PHOTO

“For me, it’s about becoming one with your horse,” Kursinski said. “It’s exciting to really know your horse, this horse you’ve trained and developed over years, to master the course the designer has built, and to test yourself against the best in the world. Regardless of the level you’re competing at, it’s really about the connection between you and your horse.”

The jumping competition also tests horse and rider’s ability to conquer increasing challenges over several days, which demands physical and mental fitness.

What to Look for Look for combinations that are maintaining consistent good performance, and keep an eye out for the different routes riders take and the strategies they employ. “Some horses are better at tighter turns, and others might be better at galloping,” Kursinski said. “Some horses might be smaller and hotter, and others might be scopier but slower.

Because it’s a long competition, some people might be a little conservative in the Speed Class, but others might go too fast and have a bad round.

“The other things I love to watch are the style of riding and the type of horses and what seems to be winning,” she added. “For example, the Americans are known for our position and really being one with the horse. Each country can have its own style, and looking for those differences is fun.”

LEARN MORE Individual 3 Competition Round B (Top 12) Sept. 23 12:35 p.m. rd

Visit the United States Hunter Jumper Association at ushja.org.

Find videos and more about jumping in US Equestrian’s online Learning Center at USequestrian.org/learn.

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REINING Reining is an international sport today, but its roots go back to the critical role horses played on working livestock ranches in America’s Old West. Then, as now, the work of moving stock long distances across the open range required horses to be sturdy, athletic, agile, quick, and highly responsive to their riders.

Today’s reining competitions test those skills in a show pen, requiring competitors to perform highly refined and technically precise movements based on the ones they would have needed while working livestock. The sport’s 13 approved reining patterns include compulsory movements like small, slow circles; large, fast circles; flying lead changes; spins; sliding stops, and more. At the WEG, reiners must be prepared to run three of these patterns: Pattern 5, Pattern 8, and Pattern 12.

What’s Special About Reining?

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PHOTO: ARND.NL/ARND BRONKHORST

BY GLENYE CAIN OAKFORD

then shut down again as quiet as a lamb,” explained professional reining trainer Troy Heikes, a member of the 2016 FEI World Reining Championships Team and the reining squad for the 2014 WEG in Normandy, France. “That’s tough, especially with the adrenaline factor. When you watch it, you want to say, ‘Wow, that was incredible!’ and yet have it look effortless.

“In reining, there’s an element of ‘boom!’ but it’s also a ballet.

The communication you can have with horses is just a remarkable thing. Being able to educate a horse over time to be able to execute these maneuvers is something special.”

How the Reining Competition Works at WEG The WEG competition begins Sept. 12 with the Team Competition, which also serves as the First Individual Qualifying Competition. All horse and riders compete. Each performs Pattern 8, a set pattern of movements, from memory. “Each reining pattern has a set of maneuvers that have to be done in both directions,”

explained Heikes. The pattern includes spins, circles, lead changes, figure eights, and stops followed by either a rollback or a back-up.

The top 15 individual finishers (including ties) in the Team Competition move on to the Individual Final, which determines individual medals, on Sept. 15. Athletes ranked 16th to 35th (including ties) after the Team Competition have a second chance to make it to the Individual Final by contesting the Second Individual Qualifying Competition. Scores do not carry over from one round to another.

In the Second Individual Qualifying Competition, athletes ride Pattern 5. The horse/rider combinations ranked first through fifth earn berths into the medal round, the Individual Final.

In the Individual Final, competitors ride Pattern 12, with the highest score winning the gold. In case of a tie, there will be a run-off, using the same pattern and fresh scoring.

How it’s scored: Each competitor starts their test with an automatic score of 70 (“average”) from each of the USEQUESTRIAN.ORG 101

REINING AT WEG

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All times ET. Times subject to change; check Tryon2018.com for updates.

Team Competition and First Individual Qualifying Competition (Session 1) Sept. 12 8:30 a.m.

Team Competition and First Individual Qualifying Competition (Session 2) Sept. 12 4 p.m.

Second Individual Qualifying Competition Sept. 13 2 p.m.

Individual Final Sept. 15 6 p.m.

PHOTOS: ADOBE STOCK/ REGIS DUVIGNAU— REUTERS, (INSET) WALTENBERRY

five judges and gains or loses points with each maneuver. The judges score each maneuver in half-point increments from a low of -1.5 to a high of +1.5, with a score of zero denoting a movement that is correct with no degree of difficulty. A competitor can also incur penalties, ranging from a half-point to two points, for a variety of infractions, such as over- or under-spinning, being on the wrong lead, a delayed lead change, failing to pass a specified marker before doing the sliding stop, or holding the saddle horn with either hand. A horse that kicks out or bucks will receive a five-point penalty, and if a horse and rider go off pattern, their overall score automatically plummets to zero.

The highest and lowest total scores are dropped, with the other three judges’ total scores counting.

The team with the highest total points for their three best athletes takes the gold medal.

In case of a tie, all five judges’ scores are added for the top three team members.

In addition to looking for accuracy and cleanness of execution, the judges also consider the horse’s quality of movement and overall presentation.

“You want to show that the horse is willingly guided in a pattern, and you don’t want him to be bulging in or out on a circle or not running that straight line to a stop,” Heikes said.

“All of those things come into evaluating a maneuver.”

Medals are awarded for team competition on Sept. 12, and individual medals are awarded after the Individual Final on Sept. 15. As in all FEI competitions, horses are subject to formal inspections during the competition to ensure that they are fit to compete.

What to Look for “We work on guiding and speed control,” Heikes said. So transitions— like the change from a large, fast circle to a small, slow circle, with a lead change and a change of direction—are key. “Those elements together have a high degree of difficulty, because you have a lead change, guiding, and speed control, all within a stride.”

For spins in the center of the arena, the patterns require four complete revolutions for each spin, and competitors begin each spin facing a central cone. Horses must complete their spin lined up exactly with the cone or risk penalties, so look for a stop that’s dead on, says Heikes. And consider the cadence and rhythm of the horse’s front feet as he spins. “You want a horse to have a good, even cadenced step,” he said.

In the sliding stop, a horse should make his running approach “like a plane taking off—you want it to be smooth with a continual build,” Heikes said. “When you pull the trigger for the stop, the horse’s hind end should go into the ground very aggressively, but the front end should stay very loose so they’re able to step to the stop.

“The hallmark maneuver is the sliding stop,” he concluded. “It’s what will bring people to their feet. Those horses thunder down there as fast as their legs can go, then gather themselves up, sit on their hind end, slide across that dirt, and then crack back through themselves through a rollback—it will give you goosebumps. It’s that dynamic.”

LEARN MORE Visit USA Reining at usareining.us.

Find video and more about international reining in US Equestrian’s online Learning Center at USequestrian.org/learn.

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VAULTING Vaulting is often described as gymnastics on horseback. It involves a vaulter or vaulters, a horse cantering on a longe line, and a longeur working together to present a routine with artistic and acrobatic skills displayed by the vaulter or vaulters on the back of the horse.

“The ideal vaulting performance should look like it is difficult and exciting, but look amazingly controlled,” said Linda Bibbler, the chair of the USEF Vaulting Sport Committee and co-founder of Woodside Vaulters in Woodside, Calif., a top U.S. vaulting club.

Vaulting has three different competitions: individual (separated into females or males), pas-de-deux (a pair of vaulters), and squad (a team of six, with up to three vaulters on the horse at once).

What’s Special About Vaulting?

Vaulting has much to offer. “You develop an independent seat and a harmony with the horse, and it can be safe for kids who are a younger age, because someone else is controlling the horse,” Bibbler said. Whether someone is starting up with horses or competing at the elite level, vaulters do not have to own a horse and can borrow one from their local club or a club away from home.

With a different dynamic compared to some equestrian sports, there is a unique camaraderie amongst vaulters. Bibbler’s two daughters grew up competing in a squad, and she liked how different ages and sexes worked together.

She noted, “It is rare in the sports world that an 18-year-old and a 10-year-old or a male and a female compete on the same team.”

Another distinct difference with vaulting is that it truly is a team effort to achieve a score.

Bibbler pointed out that the vaulter(s), horse, and longeur are a competitive unit, with both the vaulter(s) and the longeur receiving medals.

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PHOTO: ANDREA EVANS/US EQUESTRIAN

For WEG, each country may enter three individual females, three individual males, two pas-de-deux pairs, and one squad. FEI vaulting competitions typically have four judges located at four spots around a circle, but at WEG, there will be eight judges at four locations. Judges award scores between 0 and 10, with 0 being “not executed” and 10 being “excellent.” Judges at certain locations focus on specific scores for the three different tests: the compulsory test, freestyle (or free) test, and technical test.

The Compulsory Test examines the vaulter’s ability to perform eight standard exercises.

“The judges have very specific expectations for each compulsory exercise,” Bibbler explained.

Individuals and squads perform compulsory tests with the judges at A awarding a horse score and the judges at B, C, and D awarding exercise scores. The horse score focuses on the quality of the canter; vaultability of the horse, including the understanding between horse and longeur; and general marks for the

VAULTING AT WEG

All times ET. Times subject to change; check Tryon2018.com for updates.

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Compulsory Tests for Squad, Individual Female, and Individual Male Sept. 18 9:30 a.m.

horse’s entrance into the arena. The exercise score awards marks for each exercise, with the final exercise score being the average.

The Freestyle Test is a choreographed routine set to music. Individuals, pas-de-deux pairs, and squads perform freestyle tests with judges at A awarding a horse score, judges at B and D awarding a technique score, and judges at C awarding an artistic score. The technique score focuses on the performance and difficulty, while the artistic score focuses on structure and choreography. Bibbler said that, for WEG, the degree of difficulty should be 10 and the judges want to see variety in the movements.

The Technical Test is also a choreographed routine set to music that further tests the vaulters’ skills. It consists of five technical exercises and additional freestyle exercises chosen by the vaulter that demonstrate balance, timing/coordination, strength, jump force, and suppleness.

Only individuals perform technical tests, with judges at A awarding a horse score, judges at B and D awarding exercise scores, and judges at C awarding an artistic score. “The technical

Freestyle Tests for Individual Female, Individual Male, and Pas-de-Deux Sept. 19 9:30 a.m.

Nations Cup (Squad and Individual Freestyle) Sept. 19 5:30 p.m.

PHOTOS: (LEFT & INSET) ARND.NL/ PIERRE COSTABADIE, TOMSPIC, SHANNON BRINKMAN PHOTO

How the Vaulting Competition Works at WEG

test is what really separates people in the individuals,” Bibbler explained.

For the Individual Competition, there are four tests in two rounds. Round one consists of a compulsory test and a one-minute freestyle test, while round two is made up of a technical test and a second freestyle test for the top 15 individuals from round one.

How it’s scored: In round one, the compulsory and freestyle scores are averaged to determine the round-one score. In round two, the technical and second freestyle scores are averaged to determine the round-two score. The final score is the average of the two rounds’ scores.

The Pas-de-Deux Competition has two rounds, with a two-minute freestyle test in each round. The top 12 pairs after round one move on to round two.

How it’s scored: The final score is the average of the round-one and round-two scores.

In the Squad Competition, there are three tests in two rounds. Round one consists of a compulsory test (each member performs the exercises one at a time) and a four-minute

Freestyle Tests for Squad and Pas-de-Deux, Technical Tests for Individual Female and Individual Male Sept. 20 12 p.m.

freestyle test, while round two involves a second freestyle test for the top 12 squads after round one.

How it’s scored: The final score is the average of the three tests.

A Nations Cup Competition will also take place at the WEG with each country’s team, consisting of two individuals and one squad, performing their respective freestyle tests to determine the medals.

How it’s scored: The final score is the total of the three freestyle tests, and the nation with the highest score is the winner.

What to Look for Bibbler suggests paying attention to how the choreography complements the music and takes place everywhere from the horse’s neck to croup. The vaulters aim to have unique artistic and challenging movements to impress the judges. “Remember when looking at the scores that the judges are judging different things,” Bibbler said. “In general, [the judges at] A and C will have lower scores.”

Freestyle Tests for Individual Female, Individual Male, and Squad Sept. 22 12 p.m.

LEARN MORE

Visit the American Vaulting Association at americanvaulting.org.

Find video and more about vaulting in US Equestrian’s online Learning Center at USequestrian.org/learn.

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WATCH IN PERSON Buy tickets online at tryon2018.com/tickets/ event-tickets.

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and wear it every day. If our staff spots you, you’ll get a special gift, like free US Equestrian merchandise, behind-thescenes access, and more!

Explore US Equestrian’s Breeds and Disciplines: Stop by every day to learn more about our featured affiliate, score some free stuff, and find out how you can get involved in the breed or sport you love. Participating organizations include the American Hackney Horse Society, American Morgan Horse Association, American Saddlebred Horse Association, American Vaulting Association, Arabian Horse Association, Paso Fino Horse Association, United States Dressage Federation, United States Eventing Association, United States Hunter Jumper Association, United States ParaEquestrian Association, and more!

Get Social with US Equestrian: Follow @USequestrian on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all things WEG, including behind-the-scenes moments with our equine and human athletes, on-the-spot news, video clips, and lots more. Use #Tryon2018 and, for your favorite disciplines, use #USADressage, #USAParaDressage, # USAD r iv i ng, # USAE ndu ra nce, # U SA E ve n t i n g , # U SAJu mp i n g , #USAReining, #USAVaulting.

THE GAMES LIVE STREAM FEITV.org Follow all the action live.

OlympicChannel.com and the Olympic Channel app,

over 50 hours of live coverage. NBCSports. com and the NBC Sports app, nearly 15 hours of live coverage combined.

ON TELEVISION NBC, NBCSN, and the Olympic Channel will cover select events.

Check local listings.

PHOTO: SHANNON BRINKMAN PHOTO

Visit US Equestrian and Our Affiliates at WEG!

The US Equestrian booth will be hopping at WEG—come join us! Stop by every day of WEG for free fan memberships, giveaways, the new official US Equestrian Team Ariat merchandise, and opportunities to learn more about the WEG disciplines and about US Equestrian’s breed and discipline affiliates.

Where: Find US Equestrian in the center of the vendor village, next to the United States Equestrian Team Foundation booth and the USEF Affiliates booth.

What We’ll Be Doing: Having fun and spreading joy!

Sign up for a free fan membership to US Equestrian (a $25 value).

Spin our prize wheel every day for a chance to win great prizes, including hats signed by athletes competing at WEG. U.S. athlete autograph signings. Check the booth daily for signing times!

Shop exclusive merchandise. US Equestrian and Ariat will debut a new line of co-branded apparel at WEG—get yours early!

Get a snapshot in our interactive photo booth. Get your photo taken in front of one of our green screen backgrounds—we’ll have fun props! Then share your snaps with friends on social media.

Get spotted for fun surprises! Pick up a free US Equestrian button at the booth

Photo: Stunning Steeds

Bringing the joy of horse sports to as many people as possible.

Become a member today.

#JoinTheJoy

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PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS AND THE THEODORE ROOSEVELT CENTER AT DICKINSON STATE UNIVERSITY

Theodore Roosevelt stands with a horse in the Badlands of Dakota Territory.

BY LAWRENCE J. NAGY AND NANCY JAFFER

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every American president was to some degree involved with horses out of simple necessity: riding a horse was the only way to travel, other than by carriage or walking (or, later, by taking a train).

A number of the country’s chief executives, however, were real horsemen—and others were great horsemen.

The first president is widely considered the most outstanding of the equestrians who led the United States. Thomas Jefferson, himself a horse breeder and skilled foxhunter, called George Washington “the best horseman of his age and the most graceful figure that could be seen on horseback.”

Horse racing and foxhunting were important aspects of the social life in colonial Virginia, where Washington came of age. Horsemanship simply was an essential skill required of a gentleman.

Against that backdrop, Washington “became determined to become a polished equestrian,” according to biographer Philip G. Smucker in “Riding with George,” his account of Washington’s life as a sportsman and a gentleman.

The author quoted a letter written by the Marquis de Chastellux, who described in detail how skillfully Washington had trained one of his war horses, which Washington had presented to him as a gift: “I found him as good as he is handsome,” the marquis said of the horse, “but above all, perfectly well-broke and well-trained, having a good mouth, easy in the hand and stopping short in a gallop without bearing the bit. I mention these minute particulars because it is the General himself who breaks all of his own horses, and is a very excellent and bold horseman, leaping high fences, and going extremely quick, without standing upon his stirrups, bearing on the bridle, or letting his horse run wild.”

Washington’s most famous horses were Nelson, a 16-hand chestnut; Blueskin, a field hunter; and the racing mare Magnolia.

In portraits, Washington is depicted on a white charger, a halfArabian son of the stallion known as Lindsay’s Arabian, who came from the king of Morocco. The stallion broke three legs during a voyage to the West Indies, but the ship’s captain bound his limbs and kept him in slings for the trip to New England.

Miraculously, the horse finished the voyage in fine fettle and went on to sire the four gray stallions who drew Washington’s coach.

George Washington (shown) was “the most graceful figure that could be seen on horseback,” according to Thomas Jefferson.

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PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

Before the era of the automobile,

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PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

Abraham Lincoln and Old Bob, the Standardbred who carried Lincoln around the Illinois legal circuit when Lincoln was a lawyer.

While Abraham Lincoln is not usually thought of as a horseman, no less an authority than Ulysses Grant—widely considered by his contemporaries as one of the great horsemen of his time—recognized Lincoln’s skill in the saddle. According to biographer Ron Chernow, Grant came to respect Lincoln as “a fine horseman” and gave the president the use of his horse, Cincinnati, when Lincoln visited Grant’s headquarters at City Point, Va., during the final days of the Civil War. When Lincoln met with Grant there the previous year, Lincoln also rode Cincinnati at Grant’s invitation, while the general accompanied him on a small black pony called Jeff Davis, the same name as the Confederacy’s president.

Lincoln spent long hours on horseback as a lawyer when he “rode circuit” in Illinois, following judges and other lawyers as the court traveled from town to town to hear local cases. Years later, when a fire engulfed the White House stables, Lincoln had to be physically restrained from rushing into the burning structure to save his son’s ponies.

After Lincoln’s assassination in 1865, Old Bob, the horse that Lincoln rode during his time as a lawyer in Illinois, was draped in a black blanket to lead the procession of mourners traveling to Lincoln’s burial spot in Springfield, Ill. The statue

Old Bob, draped in a black blanket, led mourners traveling to Lincoln’s burial spot. of Lincoln with Old Bob by Ivan Schwartz that is in front of the Lincoln Cottage at the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Washington, D.C., is based on extensive research to accurately portray both Lincoln, the lawyer-horseman, and his mount, an American Standardbred.

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The natural horsemanship of Ulysses Grant became quickly evident when he performed what today would be called vaulting, or gymnastics on horseback, at the age of five. Sitting in the audience of a traveling circus, he accepted the challenge to get on a rambunctious pony trained to throw boys who attempted to ride him. The

Equestrian classes were introduced at West Point when Grant was a cadet. Grant excelled in horsemanship, clearing a jump at a height that remained an academy record for 25 years. At the graduation ceremony for his class, Grant was called on to jump a rail set “higher than a man’s head.” Riding York, a horse so difficult that he

Riding York, Grant leaped a bar “higher than a man’s head” pony sped around the ring, but young Grant did not hit the ground, even after the ringmaster distracted him with a small monkey that jumped onto his shoulders.

Grant was astride Cincinnati for the ride to Appomattox Court House, where he accepted Robert E. Lee’s surrender. One of his officers, Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, the hero of Gettysburg, observed that Grant rode to the momentous meeting “sitting in his saddle with the ease of a born master.”

PHOTOS (LEFT TO RIGHT): COURTESY OF THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, COURTESY OF THE MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND THE THEODORE ROOSEVELT CENTER AT DICKINSON STATE UNIVERSITY

Ulysses S. Grant with Cincinnati, the horse he rode to accept Robert E. Lee’s surrender at Appomattox Court House in Virginia, ending the Civil War.

had been condemned to death before Grant worked with him, the cadet enthralled spectators by artfully jumping the towering obstacle.

Grant’s horsemanship also was responsible for his narrow escape from a situation that could have left him as a prisoner of war the first time he was in sole command of a large combat force. After a raid on Belmont, Mo., the five Union regiments under his command embarked onto boats along the Mississippi River. The boats were pushing off when Grant was spotted still scouting the area on horseback. He was at the top of the steep riverbank, with Confederate forces closing in behind him. Below was the transport ship, which had cut its lines and was just offshore.

Grant described a move that would be the envy of any competitor in the modern discipline of eventing (which had its origins as a test of cavalry skills): “My horse put his feet over the bank without hesitation or urging and with his hind feet well under him, slid down the bank and trotted aboard the boat, 12 or 15 feet away, over a single gangplank.”

Biographer Ron Chernow called it an exquisite display of horsemanship by Grant and observed that, characteristically, Grant credited the horse.

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Theodore Roosevelt gave this signed photograph of himself jumping a fence on horseback to his close friend, Henry Cabot Lodge, in May 1902.

Theodore Roosevelt, born into a socially prominent New York family, was no stranger to horses from a young age. He spent many “Mornings on Horseback,” as the biography by David McCullough was titled.

Perhaps the most memorable images of Roosevelt in the saddle are from his days as a rancher in the Dakota Territory and his military service as the leader of the volunteer cavalry unit known as the Rough Riders, which fought in the Spanish-American War. According to the White House Historical Association, late in his term as president, Roosevelt took a daily ride to the Potomac and Rock Creek Parks with strict rules for guests who came along, so as not to impede the pace of the ride.

Once when he was offered the use of an automobile he responded, “The Roosevelts are horse people.”

Among Roosevelt’s peacetime performances was an early version of the modern discipline of endurance riding. He met resistance when he ordered annual physical tests, which included a long-distance horseback ride, for Army and Navy officers.

To demonstrate that the test was not unreasonable, the president himself, accompanied by a small group of aides, set out on horseback before dawn on January 13, 1909, in freezing rain for a 98-mile round-trip between the White House and Warrenton, Va. During the journey, which was interrupted only for lunch and an impromptu speech, Roosevelt changed horses twice and was in the saddle for a total of 17 hours. He and his aides arrived back at the White House at 8:30 p.m., covered in mud and ice.

“It was bully,” he declared to a reporter after dismounting.

Another Roosevelt, Franklin D., rode before he was afflicted with polio and occasionally took to the saddle despite his paralysis, which speaks to the benefit of therapeutic riding that is so widespread today.

“The Roosevelts are horse people.”

Theodore Roosevelt was the last president who used the White House stables only for horses. When his successor, William Howard Taft, moved into the White House, automobiles replaced horses and the stables were converted into a garage. Even so, the massive Taft went horseback riding frequently while he was president and once had to be forcefully dissuaded by his military aide from riding down to the base of the Grand Canyon.

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During the 1950s, Dwight D. Eisenhower is remembered as spending leisure time during his presidency on the golf course.

But during an earlier time in his life, horses were his focus.

In his personal memoir, “At Ease, Stories I Tell to Friends,” Eisenhower recalled that, while growing up in Kansas, he always had horses to care for, ride, and train. As a young Army officer serving in the Panama Canal Zone, he selected as his personal mount a 16-hand “coal-black” gelding who was “splendid in conformation of hindquarters, barrel, and legs.”

Eisenhower recalled that this “GI horse,” which had been acquired by the Army for $150, was “pure mule” forward of the withers, “with a short, thick neck and a large head.”

Eisenhower’s knowledge and skill as a horseman is evident from his account of how he trained the horse he named “Blackie,” who at first knew only two gaits: the walk and the extended gallop. Not only did Eisenhower train his horse in the basics of what today would be called dressage, he also taught him tricks that made him the talk of the Army post.

Eisenhower spent long hours in the saddle inspecting trails in the area around the Panama Canal. Training Blackie to respond to voice commands saved the horse’s life when he became mired in a muddy ravine as Eisenhower and a group of soldiers rode on a jungle trail. At first, Blackie thrashed and began sinking into the mud, but then obeyed when Eisenhower commanded, “Halt.” That gave Eisenhower and other soldiers time to rig ropes and slowly pull Blackie, covered in mud, to safety on solid ground, after which Eisenhower gave him a thorough bath.

Eisenhower trained Blackie so well that his “plow horse” was awarded fourth place competing against the thoroughbreds and purebred Arabians of other officers at a local show. Manners, training, disposition, grooming, and tack combined counted for only 55 percent, while unfortunately for Blackie and Eisenhower, conformation was valued at 45 percent.

When Eisenhower was transferred to a new post where it was impossible to take a horse, he arranged for Blackie to go to another officer who was a good horseman. Eisenhower wrote movingly of the leadership lessons he learned from training the awkward-looking horse: “In my experience with Blackie … is rooted my enduring conviction that far too often we write off a backward child as hopeless, a clumsy animal as worthless, a worn-out field as beyond restoration. This we do largely out of our own lack of willingness to take the time and spend the effort to prove ourselves wrong: to prove that a difficult boy can become a fine man, that an animal can respond to training, that the field can regain its fertility.”

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Eisenhower’s successor in the White House, John F. Kennedy, who suffered from back problems, did not ride while in office. But First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy frequently was photographed on horseback. She was an avid foxhunter and competed in hunter paces and horse shows.

She designed and built a house and stables in Virginia’s horse country, near Middleburg, as her personal retreat from the Washington political scene where she could ride. The estate, which she named Wexford after the Irish county from which JFK’s family emigrated in the 19th century, later was rented briefly by another avid equestrian, Ronald Reagan, as a base of operations during the presidential transition after the 1980 election.

Beginning in 1968, and through her years working as a book editor in Manhattan, Jacqueline Kennedy rented and later owned a home outside the city in the Somerset Hills of New Jersey, where she spent weekends and rode with the Essex Fox Hounds. The Kennedy children, Caroline and John, shared their mother’s love of horses, and their pony, Macaroni, was the last equine who resided on the grounds of the White House. Like Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower, the Kennedys sat in the presidential box at the Washington International Horse Show. Jacqueline Kennedy served as honorary chairwoman of the show in 1963, beginning a tradition followed by subsequent First Ladies.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES

Eisenhower taught Blackie tricks that made him the talk of the Army post.

Ronald Reagan’s horses included the Anglo-Arab stallion El Alamein, a gift from Mexico’s president, Jose Lopez Portillo y Pachecho.

Starting in 1981, Americans became accustomed once again to seeing their president on horseback. Ronald Reagan, a consummate horse lover, often mounted up in boots and breeches when he retreated to his rustic California ranch or Camp David in Maryland for private time and relaxation.

There were even moments of official diplomacy on horseback, as when he rode with Queen Elizabeth II on the grounds of Windsor Castle. His mounts included a white Anglo Arab stallion named El Al a me i n, t he horse on which he was most often photographed and a gift from Mexico’s then president, Jose Lopez Portillo y Pachecho.

In his memoir, “Riding with Reagan,” John Barletta, a member of the Secret Service detail assigned to protect Reagan on horseback, recalled that the president was thoroughly hands‑on in the barn. Except for a few occasions when he was on a tight schedule because of presidential duties, Reagan groomed and tacked up his own horse. The commander-in-chief also cleaned his own tack, including the no-frills Pariani forward-seat

“His back was ramrod straight, and he was squared up on his horse”

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jumping saddle that he had been using for more than 30 years.

As a matter of security, before the president’s visits to his ranch, the Secret Service always checked Reagan’s tack, especially the stitching at stress points, and also worked the president’s horse before he arrived.

Reagan received beautiful saddles as gifts, including an ornate one that came in a rosewood box from the King of Morocco, with detailed stitching and Reagan’s initials engraved in gold. Reagan used it only once, saying, “Let’s just put it back in the box,” and then returned to the old saddle that he knew and loved, according to Barletta.

Reagan began riding as a young man while working for a radio station in Des Moines, Iowa, where he joined a riding club. When he joined the Army reserve in the 1930s, Reagan was in one of the few remaining cavalry units, where he trained in a McClellan saddle.

“Learning to ride in the cavalry makes you a very disciplined rider,” Barletta wrote. “You can tell by how the president carried himself in the saddle that he was that kind of rider. His back was ramrod straight, and he was squared up on his horse, confidently in control of his animal.”

The California ranch and riding were Reagan’s passions. “We were both standing in Windsor Castle amidst the fine art, beautiful music, and hundreds of years of history,” Barletta wrote. “He whispered, ‘I’d rather be riding.’”

The most poignant part of Barletta’s memoir was his recollection of how, at Nancy Reagan’s urging, he told the former president that it had become too dangerous for him to continue riding, due to the effects of Alzheimer’s disease. “He could see how upset I was,” Barletta recalled, “and he was trying to make me feel okay. That was the kind of guy he was.”

Later, Reagan gave his protector and riding companion some of his gear as mementos, including his Dehner three-buckle brown field boots and his saddle. “From one rider to another, you couldn’t ask for more intimate gifts,” Barletta wrote.

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Capital Equestrians Learn more about D.C.’s horse history at the Washington International Horse Show Find out about presidential horses and ponies this fall at the 2018 Washington International Horse Show, a US Equestrian Heritage Competition that’s celebrating its 60th anniversary this October.

WIHS has long had White House connections: U.S. Presidents have been regular guests at this prestigious show, and a number of First Ladies—including Jacqueline Kennedy, Lady Bird Johnson, Nancy Reagan, and Barbara and Laura Bush—have served as the competition’s honorary chair. This year, the show will spotlight the White House’s equestrian heritage in an exhibit right alongside the hunter jumper competition in Washington, D.C.’s Capital One Arena, Oct. 23-28. Look for photos of White House horses and ponies, a WIHS historic timeline, memorabilia, a display of historic WIHS posters from 1958 to 2017, and more.

The exhibit is free with paid admission to the horse show, which also will feature Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Washington, for the President’s Cup, Shetland pony steeplechasing, hunter seat equitation, a thrilling puissance (high jump) class, and special Barn Night and Military Night events.

Washington International Horse Show When: Oct. 23-28, 2018 Where: Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C. Watch live: On USEF Network Get the Details: wihs.org

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USEQUESTRIAN.ORG 123

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126 FALL ISSUE 2018

PHOTO: TRACY EMANUEL

A moment of connection between Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center’s pony Robin Hood and 12-yearold Brenton Hallenbeck at the center in Loxahatchee, Fla.

BY ROBIN ROENKER

Therapy horses and ponies bring smiles, comfort, strength, and healing to the communities they serve.

O

n a recent morning, Susan Guinan did her best to comfort a crying mother, who had come to Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center in Loxahatchee, Fla., in search of hope for her two-year-old son, who was not yet able to sit up, crawl, or walk.

“It just pulls at your heartstrings. Parents come here looking for just some little hope, some little inspiration for their child,” said Guinan, Vinceremos’s chief operating officer.

The best part of Guinan’s job is that she specializes in delivering such hope—and small miracles—not only to children but teens and adults as well, who are working to overcome a physical impairment, injury, or cognitive or emotional challenge.

Vinceremos, a USEF/United States ParaEquestrian Association Center of Excellence, is just one of nearly 900 equine therapy centers certified by PATH (Professional

Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) International, which estimates that more than 66,000 children and adults gain emotional or physical strength through the healing power of horses every year.

Across the country, at PATH-certified centers such as Ride On in Chatsworth, Calif.; Wheatland Farm in Purcellville, Va.; or Central Kentucky Riding for Hope in Lexington, Ky., clients use interaction with horses to overcome an array of personal obstacles—from addiction or post-traumatic stress disorder to physical injuries or social/ behavioral challenges.

Riders at Vinceremos range from small children working on their core strength and balance to elite-level riders preparing to represent the United States at next year’s Special Olympics World Summer Games, set to be held March 14-21 in the United Arab Emirates.

USEQUESTRIAN.ORG 127

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Encounters with horses and ponies, as in this lesson at Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center in Loxahatchee, Fla., can improve strength and balance and teach life skills, including confidence, trust, responsibility, and relationship-building.

PHOTO: TRACY EMANUEL

Every day, through her office window, Guinan sees clients conquering once-out-of-reach milestones thanks to their work with Vinceremos’s 20 therapy horses, whether through therapeutic horseback riding, equine-assisted learning, hippotherapy (which incorporates horses into therapy led by licensed medical professionals, such as physical therapists, speech therapists, or occupational therapists), or other equineassisted activities.

The center uses an array of breeds and sizes of horses and ponies—including Quarter Horses and Percherons as well as Welsh ponies, Haflinger ponies, a Westphalian, and others—depending on the size of the rider and their specific therapy needs.

“I know that we can make a difference,” Guinan said. “When you put a child who isn’t yet mobile on a pony and put their hands on the rump and tell the pony to walk on, we’re teaching their core muscles how to rock—the same movement children make before they take off crawling across the floor. And with time, they get it, and they take off.”

She points to success stories like five-year-old Jacob Bersharat, who was born with epilepsy and began equine therapy at Vinceremos as a three-year-old, when he wasn’t yet able to hold his head up on his own. “Even getting the helmet on him when he started was next to impossible,” Guinan said.

USEQUESTRIAN.ORG 129

Right: “We make sure everyone gets a visit, but sometimes the horse lets you know there’s someone in particular they want to go to,” said Debbie GarciaBengochea, the education director at Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses.

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PHOTOS: ©SHAW MEDIA (TOP), DEBBIE GARCIA-BENGOCHEA, TRACY EMANUEL (OPPOSITE)

Above: A visit from Shades of Blue Ranch’s Hawk brings delight and prompts memories.

“Vinceremos changed Jacob’s life,” said Ady Bersharat, mother of Jacob, 5 (shown). “Working with the horses there has helped build his strength and posture. Jacob is non-verbal, but when he is riding, he laughs and makes so many sounds of joy.”

Now, Jacob can ride sitting without support and eagerly awaits his sessions with Vinceremos’s hippotherapy horses, including Robin Hood, a bay pony with, as the center puts it, “the perfect combination of good nature and strength.”

“Vinceremos changed Jacob’s life. Now he is walking and sometimes running,” said his mother, Ady Bersharat. “Working with the horses there has helped build his strength and posture.

Jacob is non-verbal, but when he is riding, he laughs and makes so many sounds of joy.”

Breaking Down Barriers Their physical movements aside, just what it is about horses that makes them such ideal therapy partners—even in unmounted settings—is hard to quantify precisely, though numerous peerreviewed research studies have tried (including several that have found horses Learn more about PATH to be especially beneficial in helping adults International-certified and children with autism). equine therapy programs “There’s just something really special near you at pathintl.org about these animals. They are such sensitive, soulful creatures,” said Kaye Marks, Learn more about the PATH International’s director of marketing USEF/USPEA Centers and communications. “Horses have this of Excellence at usef. impactful quality about them, and you org/compete/discjust feel good when you’re around them.” plines/para-equestrian/ “Horses are non-judgmental. They only programs-forms/ see the you that you present,” agreed Guicenters-of-excellence nan. As a result, they seem to have a way of breaking down barriers and reaching clients in ways that human therapists alone can’t.

“We often hear stories about children who had been non-verbal, who speak their first words when they’re riding on a horse,” said Marks.

Even through unmounted encounters with the horses—such as grooming, feeding, or leading them on walks—clients can be USEQUESTRIAN.ORG 131

taught life skills, including confidence, trust, responsibility, and relationship-building. Many centers have specific programs for veterans coping with PTSD, for example, in which their work with horses helps serve as a springboard for facing the demands of their normal, daily lives.

At Vinceremos, Guinan was taken aback recently when a father began to cry after she sought him out to compliment his 13-year-old son, who had been volunteering at the center daily over the summer.

“I told him what an amazing help his son had been and said he must be incredibly proud of how helpful and respectful he is,” Guinan recalled. “And, through tears, he said, ‘You are the exception.

He is in trouble at school. Everywhere else, I hear the opposite of what you just described.’ But our horses gave that father the chance to see his son in a different light—and to see that he did know how to behave, he just needed to be in the right situation to make those choices.”

PHOTOS: ©SHAW MEDIA

Small Size, Big Hearts Of course, not all therapy horses come in big packages. With their adorable scaled-down stature, miniature therapy horses are stars at providing emotional support and a reason to smile everywhere they go—whether meeting patients in hospitals and nursing homes or sharing a moment of hope in towns reeling from a recent trauma.

The 19 horses at Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses, based in Gainesville, Fla., have visited survivors and first responders following mass shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Conn., at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Fla., and at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., among others. They’ve been on site to comfort families after natural disasters, as well, including Hurricane Irma, tornadoes in Moore, Okla., and fires in Gatlinburg, Tenn. In all, the nonprofit organization visits some 25,000 adults and children each year.

“We do a lot of work with children’s hospitals and with hospice,” said Debbie Garcia-Bengochea, Gentle Carousel’s education director. “One little girl asked to have a tea party with our horses as her last request. So all the horses came dressed in tuxedos and her cousins came wearing princess dresses. Sometimes you’re really just trying to make a memory—not just for the patient, but for the whole family.”

And it’s not just children who respond so profoundly. Gentle Carousel’s Magic—an American Miniature Horse and member of the USEF/EQUUS Foundation Horse Stars Hall of Fame—always “seems to find the person in the room who needs her most,” Garcia-Bengochea said.

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Opposite: Hawk gets plenty of love on his rounds at an assisted-living facility in Illinois.

Above: “The horses just seem to be able to reach residents more than humans can,” said Carol Swinford (shown), owner of Shades of Blue Ranch in Hebron, Ill. “They give us a way of connecting with them.”

USEQUESTRIAN.ORG 133

PHOTOS: DEBBIE GARCIA-BENGOCHEA

During one visit at an assisted-living program, as Magic approached, a female resident said, “It’s a horse! It’s beautiful!” The staff was brought to tears, as those were the first words they’d heard her speak in their years of caring for her.

“We make sure everyone gets a visit, but sometimes the horse lets you know there’s someone in particular they want to go to,” said Garcia-Bengochea. “During one visit Magic kept wanting to go over to this little boy who was sitting by himself.

It turns out that he had just found out his cancer had come back. The horses always pick up on what’s going on.”

In addition to their medical facility visits, Gentle Carousel’s horses also do outreach to promote literacy and anti-bullying. (Their horse Circus, who is spotted, even has his own book to promote kindness. After reading it together in class, students take turns coloring in his spots with washable paint while sharing a positive message about a classmate.)

Many times, a visit from a miniature therapy horse allows nursing home residents a chance to recall and talk about fond memories of their own beloved horses and ponies, said Carol Swinford, owner of Shades of Blue Ranch in Hebron, Ill., which raises both American Miniatures and Falabellas. “The horses just seem to be able to reach residents more than humans can. They give us a way of connecting with them,” she said.

Shades of Blue also sometimes welcomes residents from nearby assisted-living facilities to visit their ranch in person–even allowing them to help out with the horses’ care. “There are wheelchairs and walkers all over the place, but they’re having the time of their lives helping put food in the manger and hay in the stalls,” Swinford said.

In Kentucky, Patrick the Miniature Horse (aka GTR Patricks Vendicator)—a fellow member of the USEF/Equus Foundation Horse Stars Hall of Fame—also has a knack for making people’s day. His owner, 21-year-old college student Sarah Schaaf, has been competing and showing Patrick on the American Miniature Horse Association circuit since she was five. But she realized Patrick also has the perfect temperament to do therapy—“He is the most calm horse I’ve ever been around,” she said—and she began doing therapy visits with him in 2014.

“On multiple occasions, we’ve had nurses say that Patrick’s visits are the first times they’ve seen their patients smile,” Schaaf said. “And they tell us the patients’ moods and outlook continue to improve after he’s been there.”

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Opposite: Scout from Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses visited the Gatlinburg, Tenn., community in 2016 after fatal wildfires ravaged the town.

Above: Magic from Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses in Orlando, Fla., after the Pulse nightclub mass shooting there in 2016.

Left: “Sometimes you’re really just trying to make a memory—not just for the patient, but for the whole family,” Gentle Carousel’s Debbie GarciaBengochea said of visits like this one.

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136 FALL ISSUE 2018

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Learn more at usbank.com/USEFCard There are two different US Equestrian Federation Visa cards: the US Equestrian Federation Signature Visa card and the US Equestrian Federation Select Rewards Visa card. You will first be considered for the Signature card. If you do not qualify for the Signature card, you will be considered for the Select Rewards card. These cards have different terms as set forth at usbank.com/USEFTerms. The Select Rewards card may not offer the same Signature benefits.

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Please refer to the Rewards Program Rules you receive when you become a cardmember for additional information.

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Contributed by the Regulation Department unless otherwise indicated. The following official notices are only intended to give penalty information for a given case and not to disclose the factual basis for each violation or penalty. The Hearing Committee decides each case based on the evidence presented at the hearing and takes into account many factors that may raise or lower a given penalty. For example, the Hearing Committee takes into account such things as whether the violation was intentional or unintentional, the nature of the violation, the credibility of witnesses, penalties in similar cases, past violations of Federation rules by a respondent, and many other mitigating factors.

US Equestrian members can access and search the United States Equestrian Federation Suspension List online at USequestrian.org. Hover over the Compete tab on the homepage. In the menu that appears, click Suspension List under Rules & Regulations.

HEARING COMMITTEE RULINGS At press time, there had been no official rulings reached by the Hearing Committee and/or plea agreements made.

ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTIES This is official notice of the imposition of Administrative Penalties pursuant to Chapter 4, GR412, and/or Chapter 6, GR616, offered by the Federation and accepted by the following parties, and approved by the Hearing Committee in lieu of hearings.

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138 FALL ISSUE 2018

SANJAY BAGAI of Petaluma, Calif., violated Chapter 7, GR702.1d, of this Federation in connection with the Summer In The Rockies IV Horse Show held June 28–July 2, 2017, in that he displayed unsportsmanlike behavior by verbally attacking competition staff and officials and used profanity in the presence of minors.

For this violation of Federation rules, it was determined that pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1b and GR703.1f, SANJAY BAGAI be found not in good standing, suspended from membership, and forbidden from the privilege of taking any part whatsoever in any licensed competition for two months, and is excluded from all competition

grounds during licensed competitions for that period: (1) as an exhibitor, participant, or spectator; (2) from participating in all Federation affairs and activities; (3) from holding or exercising office in the Federation or in any licensed competition; and (4) from attending, observing, or participating in any event, forum, meeting, program, clinic, task force, or committee of the Federation, sponsored by or conducted by the Federation, or held in connection with the Federation and any of its activities.

The two-month suspension shall commence on June 1, 2018, and terminate at midnight on July 31, 2018. Any horse or horses, completely or in part owned, leased, or of any partnership, corporation, or stable of his, or shown in his name or for his reputation (whether such interest was held at the time of the alleged violation or acquired thereafter), shall also be suspended pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1c, for the same time period.

It was further directed that SANJAY BAGAI be fined $2,000 pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1j.

GORDON POTTS of Burleson, Texas, violated Chapter 4, GR410-411, of this Federation in connection with the Arabian and Half-Arabian Youth National Championship Horse Show held

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In July 2015, Sea Lion was approved by the American Hanoverian Society. The judges believe Sea Lion’s score may be the highest ever awarded to a thoroughbred, and confirmed their opinion by inviting the dark bay stallion to stand at stud in Germany for a season.

Under owner Pam Fisher, Sea Lion competed successfully in twenty-one international eventing competitions, including fifteen at the 3* level, and was Regional Advanced Champion and USEF/ PHR National Advanced Champion. In 2013 Sea Lion retired sound from eventing to begin his breeding career - while continuing to demonstrate his versatility competing in jumpers and hunters.

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USEQUESTRIAN.ORG 139

FOR THE RECORD on July 22-29, 2017, in that he, as trainer, exhibited the horse, KARAMAT, after it had been administered and/or contained in its body lidocaine and hydroxylidocaine.

For this violation, it was determined that GORDON POTTS be censured pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1a, and fined $1,500 pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1j. It was further directed that all trophies, prizes, ribbons, and monies, if any, won by KARAMAT at said competition be redistributed pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1g.

Wishing all athletes the very best of luck from Virginia!

140 FALL ISSUE 2018

MELITTA LUECK of Aloha, Ore., violated Chapter 4, GR410-411, of this Federation in connection with the C-Fair Charity Horse Show held on August 2-6, 2017, in that, she, as trainer, exhibited the horse TAILORED N’ FLAMES OF SILVER OAKS after it had been administered 2-(1-hydroxyethyl) promazine sulfoxide.

For this violation, it was determined that pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1b and GR703.1f, MELITTA LUECK be found not in good standing, suspended from membership, and forbidden from the privilege of taking any part whatsoever in any licensed competition for two months and is excluded from all competition grounds during licensed competitions for that period: (1) as an exhibitor, participant, or spectator; (2) from participating in all Federation affairs and activities; (3) from holding or exercising office in the Federation or in any licensed competition; and (4) from attending, observing, or participating in any event, forum, meeting, program, clinic, task force, or committee of the Federation, sponsored by or conducted by the Federation, or held in connection with the Federation and any of its activities.

The two-month suspension shall commence on June 25, 2018, and terminate at midnight on August 25, 2018. Any horse or horses owned, leased, or of any partnership, corporation, or stable of hers, or shown in her name or for her reputation (whether such interest was held at the time of the alleged violation or acquired thereafter), shall also be suspended, pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1c, for the same period.

MELITTA LUECK was also fined $3,000 pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703 .1j. It was fur ther directed that for this violation of the rules, all trophies, prizes, ribbons, and monies, if any, won by TAILORED N’ FLAMES OF SILVER OAKS at said competition must be redistributed pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1g.

AUTUMN RAE of Catlett, Va., violated Chapter 4, GR410-411, of this Federation in connection with Surefire Farm Horse Trials held on June 23-25, 2017, in that she, as trainer, exhibited the horse LUZ DE LA LUNA after it had been administered and/or contained in its body hydroxymepivacaine.

For this violation, it was determined that AUTUMN RAE be censured pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1a, and fined $1,000 pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1j. It was further directed that for this violation of the rules, all trophies, prizes, ribbons, and monies, if any, won by LUZ DE LA LUNA at said competition must be redistributed pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1g.

ROSEANNE SPALLONE of Ridgefield, Conn., violated Chapter 4, GR410, of this Federation in connection with the Whipstick Farm January Horse Show held on

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FOR THE RECORD January 20-21, 2018, in that she, as trainer, exhibited the horse CARRERA after it had been administered and/or contained in its body methocarbamol in a plasma concentration exceeding the maximum permitted level.

For this violation, it wa s determined that ROSEANNE SPALLONE be censured pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1a, and fined $750 pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1j. It was further directed that for this violation of the rules, all trophies, prizes, ribbons, and monies, if any, won by CARRERA at said competition must be redistributed pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1g.

EMIL SPADONE of Califon, N.J., violated Chapter 4, GR410-411, of this Federation in connection with the Ocala January Festival Horse Show held on January 23-28, 2018, in that, he, as trainer, exhibited the horse THE DUBLINER after it had been administered benzoylecgonine and ecgonine methyl ester.

In some circumstances, certain substances may fall outside of the Drugs and Medications Penalty Guidelines. They should not in any way be considered less important or less dangerous than other forbidden substances. Rather, they are simply substances which are more likely to have been ingested

by horses for a purpose other than the enhancement of sport performance—for example, through inadvertent exposure. Following a review of this matter, it was determined that the facts and mitigating factors in this case supported the following penalty even though it is below the suggested range for Category IV Violations outlined in the Drugs and Medications Penalty Guidelines.

For this violation, it was determined that EMIL SPADONE be censured pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1a, and fined $5,000 pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1j. It was further directed that for this violation of the rules, all trophies, prizes, ribbons, and monies, if any, won by THE DUBLINER at said competition must be redistributed pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1g.

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