US Equestrian Magazine

Official Magazine of the United States Equestrian Federation | Winter 2020

’TIS THE SEASON

Our Joy-Filled Gift Guide

IN PRO TIP:

Pre-Purchase Exams

10 STEPS for Winterizing Your Barn

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CONTENTS FEATURES 52 WINTERIZE YOUR BARN

Our experts’ tip list

60 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Spread joy on any budget

70 ARIAT OUTERWEAR

52

Comfort and warmth in style

76 SALLY IKE USEF toasts an icon

DEPARTMENTS 6 Partners 8 Sponsors 12 Marketing/Media 14 Letter from

the President

60

16 Snapshot

76

18 USEF News 26 Seen & Heard Cover: Winter Wonderland!

Photo: Shelley Paulson

28 Learning Center 32 Pro Tip 38 Juniors’ Ring 42 My First 46 Trending 48 Horse Health 80 For the Record

2 WINTER ISSUE 2020

PHOTOS: SHELLEY PAULSON, COURTESY OF EQUILIBRE, COURTESY OF SALLY IKE

Official Magazine of the United States Equestrian Federation

US EQUESTRIAN MAGAZINE Volume LXXXIV, Winter 2020 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 Layson Griffin | lgriffin@usef.org ASSISTANT DESIGNER Kate Strom | kstrom@usef.org EDITORIAL STAFF Kathleen Landwehr, Leslie Potter, Kim Russell, Ashley Swift CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Margaret Buranen, Carly Weilminster 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®, 4001 Wing Commander Way, 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, 4001 Wing Commander Way, 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 © 20120 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 4001 Wing Commander Way, Lexington, Ky 40511 USequestrian.org

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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.

10 WINTER ISSUE 2020

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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.

12 WINTER ISSUE 2020

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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

New Beginnings For many, winter marks the end of an unprecedented 2020 show season. The COVID-19 pandemic has been tragic for so many families and individuals, and it has changed all of our lives. It dramati-cally disrupted our sport, too, including a competition shutdown for just over two months.

The pandemic required us to respond with strict health guidelines and careful best practices in order to return to competition. It also made us innovate, pull together, and be creative, and because of that we were able to get back to showing with very few interruptions. This is an especially impressive achievement for our sport under such challenging conditions, and we have a great deal to be proud of.

I am proud of the USEF staff for how they went out of their way to be flexible. I’m proud of the Affiliates who worked with us to consistently keep their members informed and engaged. I am proud of competition organizers for following the COVID-19 guidelines and creating a safe environment for competitions.

I’m proud of the membership for adhering to the restrictions that were necessary during this pandemic. And I’m proud of sponsors like Ariat, featured in this issue, for sticking by us in this challenging year.

While recognizing how much we as a sport have achieved in this difficult year, I also want to recognize USEF’s Sally Ike for a lifetime of service to equestrian sports. Sally’s many accomplishments are highlighted in this issue as she transitions from her post as Managing Director of Licensed Officials and Education into an independent contractor role for the Federation.

While we are not out of this pandemic yet, we see the light at the end of the tunnel, and by working together we will get through this.

As I near the end of my term, I’d like to thank all who have supported my goals to strengthen and professionalize USEF. We have come a long way in four years, and the path for the future is clearly charted. I am confident USEF is in good hands with my successor, Tom O’Mara, and with CEO Bill Moroney.

They are outstanding leaders. We hope you will join us for the virtual USEF Annual Meeting Jan. 13-17, where we will review what went well, what didn’t, and what we learned, and share our plans for the future.

Finally, I’d like to give a special thank you to the hundreds of volunteers who serve on USEF committees. They are volunteers, yet they give it their all to help provide the governance that will keep our sport growing, protect exhibitors and horse welfare, and promote the fairness, safety, and enjoyment that ensure equestrian sports’ future.

It has been an honor to serve as your President,

Murray S. Kessler President 14 WINTER ISSUE 2020

PHOTO: ISABEL J KUREK PHOTOGRAPHY

Dear USEF Members,

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16 WINTER ISSUE 2020

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USEF NEWS

US Equestrian Announces Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Action Plan

Ten Strategies to Advance Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion The strategies are as follows. Please refer to the full DEI Action Plan for more details about each item listed below.

1. Community Riding Center Grants Program and Opportunity Fund 2. Inclusion Commitment Campaign 3. Free DEI training for members (to be completed on voluntary basis) 4. Required DEI training for USEF representatives 5. Rules and Regulations Equity Audit 6. New membership category for industry specialists 7. Comprehensive marketing plan harnessing the power of images and storytelling 8. Expanding USEF’s paid internship program 9. Best Practices Guide for show organizers 10. Spanish-translated forms and website content Background and Process Following the Board of Directors’ approval of a commitment statement and the development of a DEI Action Plan at the mid-year board meeting in June, staff representatives from every department within US Equestrian set out to create a comprehensive action plan with input from external thought leaders representing diverse backgrounds, life experiences, and positions in the equestrian industry. Learn more about the external thought leaders here.

These groups worked in partnership to create the DEI Action Plan through surveys, a series of one-on-one interviews, and four “Thought Leader Workshops” to assess the external perceptions and climate around DEI in equestrian sport and develop ideas for how US Equestrian can help move diversity, equity, and inclusion forward in horse sports.

This process also included engaging a consultant, Ashland Johnson, President and Founder of The Inclusion Playbook, to help guide the work. An attorney, equity and inclusion strategist, and former Division I athlete, Johnson has over a decade of civil rights experience working with social justice communities, advising sports leaders, and serving in leadership roles in advocacy organizations.

18 WINTER ISSUE 2020

Next Steps The strategies will be rolled out in phases and are to be fully implemented in the next three to five years. Approaching this phased rollout strategically and with intention will help ensure sustainable, impactful change. US Equestrian staff will meet with the external thought leaders before the end of the year to share progress and seek feedback.

US Equestrian will continue to keep the membership informed about progress and opportunities to get involved.

As the National Governing Body, US Equestrian takes its role in this movement very seriously. DEI are essential to our vision of bringing the joy of horse sports to as many people as possible, and it must be woven into the fabric of the equestrian community and culture.

US Equestrian extends its gratitude and appreciation to the external thought leaders and the following advisors on the Review Committee (listed alphabetically): Bobby Costello, Sally Ike, Tom O’Mara, Diane Pitts, Will Simpson, Judy Sloan, and Ling Fu Wylie.

For more information on diversity, equity, and inclusion at US Equestrian, visit usef.org/about-us/diversity-inclusion.

PHOTO: HOWARD SCHATZBERG

US Equestrian is pleased to announce that it has published a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Action Plan outlining 10 strategies to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in equestrian sport. These strategies seek to ensure a welcoming environment for people from traditionally under-represented and under-served communities, and evolve US Equestrian’s policies and practices to create a more inclusive sport for all participants and fans.

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ONLY ONE TIRE BRAND IS TRUSTED WITH THIS KIND OF CARGO. Goodyear and the USEF are teaming up to reward you with 20% savings on passenger and trailer tires purchased on Goodyear.com. There you can find the right tire, schedule an appointment for installation and pay—all in one place.

Must purchase on Goodyear.com before 5/31/19 with applicable promotional code to get this offer. Discount does not apply to installation, taxes, or fees where applicable. May be used in combination with manufacturer’s rebate offers. May not be combined with other promotional codes. Limit one redemption per transaction. Cannot be applied to previous purchases. All other standard terms and conditions apply. Offer may be modified or cancelled at any time without prior notice.

USEQUESTRIAN.ORG 19

USEF NEWS

US Equestrian ManagerPerks Makes Running a Horse Show More Affordable Competition organizers and staff are a crucial part of the equestrian community, and US Equestrian aims to make their jobs easier through a new ManagerPerks program. Launched in the summer of 2020, ManagerPerks connects horse show managers with products and services to assist in producing successful equestrian events with special discounts for USEFlicensed competitions.

Discounts currently available through ManagerPerks cover a wide range of competition management needs, from office supplies to facilities equipment.

“Managing an equestrian event is a huge undertaking, and we’re committed to helping competition managers and staff produce the best events possible while maintaining their budget,” said US Equestrian CEO Bill Moroney. “Our new ManagerPerks program is really a win-win situation. Competition organizers get access to great products and services for their events at a discount, and vendors are able to reach a customer base of dedicated, experienced competition organizers.”

Wall Street Greetings is among the first group of sponsors to join the ManagerPerks program. President Mary Ellen Harden

aims to help show managers maintain positive relationships with their customers.

“Now more than ever, it is important for event managers to reach out to riders,” said Harden. “A low cost, thoughtful holiday or note card is the perfect way to prepare for next year by showing appreciation and care.”

For John Elfring, Director of Corporate Accounts for Communications Direct, Inc., working with event managers to create custom solutions is an essential part of the ManagerPerks program.

“Communications over distance is essential for competition staff,” said Elfring. “Communications Direct has been providing radios for events nationwide for more than 30 years. We listen to our clients’ needs and respond with the best possible communications for each event. We invite competition managers to contact us to find out about show rates and USEF discounts.”

Learn more about the US Equestrian ManagerPerks program and see current offers here.

Do you have a product or service that you’d like to add to the ManagerPerks program? Contact Layson Griffin, Director of Sponsorship and Sales, at lgriffin@usef.org.

The US Equestrian Board of Directors has approved August 24-29 as the dates for the 2021 U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions. The event will once again be held at HITS Chicago at Lamplight Equestrian Center.

The Festival of Champions includes 14 national championship divisions: • USEF Grand Prix Dressage National Championship • USEF Intermediaire I Dressage National Championship • Adequan®/USEF Young Adult ‘Brentina Cup’ Dressage National Championship • Horseware Ireland/USEF Young Rider Dressage National Championship • Adequan®/USEF Junior Dressage National Championship • USEF Pony Rider Dressage National Championship • USEF Children Dressage National Championship • Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage National Championships for Four-, Five-, and Six-Year-Olds • Markel/USEF Developing Horse Dressage National Championships for Grand Prix and Prix St. Georges • USEF Dressage Seat Medal Finals for the 13 and Under and 14-18 divisions For more information or questions about the U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions, contact Kristen Brett, Director of Dressage Programs, at kbrett@usef.org.

Watch the 2020 U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions on demand on USEF Network and follow USA Dressage on Facebook and Instagram.

20 WINTER ISSUE 2020

PHOTOS: TAYLOR PENCE/US EQUESTRIAN, TAYLER BICANDI/US EQUESTRIAN

Dates Announced for 2021 U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions

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USEF NEWS

US Equestrian has confirmed the dates for the 2021 Robert Dover Horsemastership Clinic Week (RDHCW), which will take place January 7-10 at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, Fla. The RDHCW is designed to support up-and-coming dressage talent in the U.S. The following athletes have received automatic invitations to participate in the 2021 RDHCW: • Champion from the 2020 USEF Dressage Seat Medal Finals (14-18 division) • Champion from the 2020 USEF Dressage Seat Medal Finals (13 and Under division) • Top six overall winners from the 2020 Adequan/USEF Junior Dressage National Championship • Top six overall winners from the 2020 Horseware Ireland/ USEF Young Rider Dressage National Championship • Champion and Reserve Champion from the 2020 USEF Children Dressage National Championship • Champion and Reserve Champion from the 2020 USEF Pony Rider Dressage National Championship Participants in the RDHCW receive intensive dressage training from USEF coaching staff, as well as instruction on a variety of horsemanship topics from industry experts.

22 WINTER ISSUE 2020

“I am very excited and grateful that USEF, with the support from The Dressage Foundation, is moving forward in a time of much uncertainty to bring our fantastic youth and the U.S. dressage community from across the country to the Robert Dover Horsemastership Week,” said former U.S. Dressage Chef d’Equipe Robert Dover.

Due to COVID-19 related restrictions, no spectators will be allowed in person at the RDHCW sessions. But the sessions will be streamed live for free viewing via USEF Network, thanks to a grant from The Dressage Foundation.

For more information, contact Kristen Brett, US Equestrian Director of Dressage Programs, at kbrett@usef.org. Keep up with U.S. Dressage through USA Dressage on Facebook and Instagram and US Equestrian on Twitter.

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

PHOTO: TAYLOR PENCE/US EQUESTRIAN

Dates and Live Stream Information Announced for 2021 Robert Dover Horsemastership Clinic Week

INTRODUCING THE NEW LAND ROVER DEFENDER

The Land Rover Defender story began with the simple thought of creating an exceptionally capable off-road vehicle. Today, the story continues with the New Land Rover Defender. While it builds on the legacy of previous versions, it’s a completely new vehicle. As the toughest and most advanced Land Rover vehicle ever produced, it can confidently take you to some of the most remote places on earth—and back again. Above and beyond indeed.

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Vehicle shown: 2020 Land Rover Defender 110 with optional equipment. © 2020 Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC

USEF NEWS

US Equestrian Members Receive 10% Discount on the NIGHTWATCH® Smart Halter™ US Equestrian members can now take advantage of a 10% discount on the innovative NIGHTWATCH® smart halter™ through a new MemberPerk using promo code USEF10 at checkout.

The NIGHTWATCH smart halter is a predictive health wearable that provides automated alerts for early intervention of distress, while the NIGHTWATCH® mobile App (iOS, Android) provides objective insight for more informed decision making regarding a horse’s health, wellbeing, and training. This patented technology works by monitoring a horse’s vital signs and behavior, looking for measurable changes that correlate with pain and distress, and sending a text, call, or email when an alert threshold is breached. The halter itself is handcrafted of premium leather, padded for comfort, and designed with breakaway features so that it can be safely worn in the stall.

Equestrians Jeffrey R. Schab and Wade N. Giles were inspired to create the NIGHTWATCH smart halter after losing a beloved horse to a rare and severe form of colic in 2013. Early detection and intervention is one of the most important factors to mitigate the impact of an illness or injury in horses, and NIGHTWATCH gives caretakers the opportunity for an earlier intervention while enabling remote monitoring of their wellbeing from anywhere at any time of day or night.

“The health and welfare of horses is of paramount importance to US Equestrian and our members,” said US Equestrian CEO Bill Moroney. “The NIGHTWATCH system provides a smart solution for notifying horse owners as soon as something is amiss. That early detection can save lives, and we’re thrilled to be able to provide our members with a discount on this innovative horsecare system.”

Learn more about NIGHTWATCH at smarthalter.com.

NIGHTWATCH is an Official Sponsor of US Equestrian and pleased to offer a 10% discount to members of US Equestrian at checkout when purchasing a smart halter and accessories. The NIGHTWATCH Bundle Pro is also available for professional veterinary use on post-operative, observation, isolation, and suspect cases.

Email info@protequus.com or call (800) 757-3856 to schedule a free consultation.

24 WINTER ISSUE 2020

SEEN AND HEARD

“O

ur virtual observation events will provide a wonderful opportunity to scout for promising dressage talent from all around the country. The 2020 competition season was an abbreviated one. Embracing virtual technology allows us to continue to work toward our goals of finding and fostering prospective U.S. team members for future championships and will open the door to as many qualified combinations as possible without the limitations of travel and other logistics.”

- Hallye Griffin, Managing Director of Dressage at US Equestrian, on the USEF Dressage coaching staff conducting a series of Virtual Observation Events in October

26 WINTER ISSUE 2020

Below: Leigh Kauffelt and All B Over prepare to enter the ring for the Ladies Amateur Roadster to Bike class at the Kentucky State Fair World’s Championship Horse Show in August in Louisville, Ky.

PHOTOS: HOWARD SCHATZBERG (OPPOSITE), TAYLER BICANDI/US EQUESTRIAN (BELOW), DON STINE (ABOVE)

In & Around the Ring

Prince Charming RS checks out Jessica Key’s face covering while waiting for the results of the Half-Arabian/Anglo-Arabian Sport Horse Stallions In-Hand Amateur to Handle Championship Semi-Final/Final section at the Sport Horse National Arabian and Half-Arabian Championship Horse Show in September in Nampa, Idaho.

[Small Occasion] is seriously the most fun horse to ride. Everyone who

rides her tells me how fun she is.

I was a step late on a lead change but she caught it and was really good both days. She’s a very special hunter - she always goes in and wants to do well.”

- Augusta Iwasaki, describing her winning mount in the Overall Grand Championship in the 3’6’’ section of the Adequan®/USEF Junior Hunter National Championship – East Coast in August Left: Lexie Kment and Manatee, a 17-year-old off-the-track Thoroughbred gelding, enjoy their lap of honor after defending their USEF Children Dressage National Championship title in August at the U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions in Wayne, Ill.

USEQUESTRIAN.ORG 27

LEARNING CENTER

Think Inside the Arena

US Equestrian’s online Learning Center includes more than 80 videos offering tips and advice from such experts as Olympic jumper Beezie Madden.

US Equestrian’s online Learning Center gives you plenty of options to keep learning, even when winter weather sends you and your horse indoors.

If the impending winter gives you the indoor-arena blues, don’t despair. There’s a lot you can do indoors to sharpen skills— both yours and your horse’s. Whether you compete during the winter or take the season off, working under a roof doesn’t have to spell the end to learning and fun, and US Equestrian’s Learning Center has some great suggestions to keep you and your horse going when wintry weather drives you inside.

Vaulting-Inspired Fitness Your fitness can affect your performance, so why not start with some exercises for yourself? Check out our Health and Fitness video series, inspired by the vaulting world. The series includes pre- and post-ride routines and lower- and upper-body exercises from vaulting athletes and wellness professionals Ali Divita and Mari Inouye. Tune in to the video “Vaulting Exercises to Improve Riding” with U.S. Vaulting Team assistant chef d’equipe Jennifer Arntsen to learn how pelvic tilts, trunk rotations, hip rotations, and hip abductions can help develop an independent seat, increase body awareness, and more.

Emphasis on Accuracy Even if you’re not a regular denizen of “the sand box,” dressage exercises can help hone important skills and maintain fitness. Take a look at “Dressage Basics: Straightness Exercises” with Adrienne Lyle and “How to Teach a Flying Change” with Laura Graves for practical tips on these two important building blocks for many disciplines.

28 WINTER ISSUE 2020

Get Organized Winter is also a good time of year to catch up on projects from summer’s back burner and get organized for the season to come. Pick up some pro tips from “Preparing for an Event” with eventing pro groom Emma Ford and learn more about show-horse management with Reed Kessler’s “Five Tips for Managing a Show Horse.” Bone up on arena care with “Footing and Arena Maintenance,” get educated on proper saddle fit with “Saddle Fitting,” and learn how to navigate the USEF Drugs and Medications rules—and why it’s so important to understand them—with “USEF Drug Rules Explained.”

Want more? Visit usef.org/learn. Whether you’re new to equestrian sport or a veteran of the game, you’ll find more than 80 videos and a large library of additional resources to keep you tuned in to your equestrian passion on even the dreariest winter day.

PHOTO: ANDREA EVANS/US EQUESTRIAN

Get a Jump on the Season Lots of jumping exercises can be done indoors, starting with jump chutes for young horses. In “Using a Jump Chute,” David O’Brien, head young horse trainer at Spy Coast Farm, explains how to incorporate this tool in a young horse’s development and to use it to evaluate talent. Looking to fine-tune your over-fences performance? Check out Beezie Madden’s tips in “Gaining Control After the Fence” and “Exercises for Quick Horses,” as well as Anne Kursinski’s “Practice Finding a Distance” and “Riding Without Stirrups.”

If the hunters are your game, try Hope Hobday Glynn’s “Handy Hunter Exercises,” which reveal a series of track options you can use to vary an exercise’s degree of difficulty and customize it to your and your horse’s abilities. And analyze rounds both flawless and faulty with “Hunters: What Makes a Winning Round” and “Hunter Rounds: What Can Go Wrong,” both hosted by Danny Robertshaw.

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PRO TIP

PRE-PURCHASE EXAMS: What To Expect

by Glenye Cain Oakford

is a mild or moderate risk and whether the horse is suitable for its intended use,” said Hagyard’s Dr. Laura Werner. “But we don’t give a ‘pass’ or a ‘fail.’”

Choose a neutral veterinarian.

“The most important thing to know is that you shouldn’t use the veterinarian who is the horse’s regular veterinarian,” said Werner. “You obviously want an exam without a conflict of interest, so find a veterinarian that isn’t associated with the horse, the trainer, or the barn, someone who is a neutral party without any conflicts of interest.”

It’s also good to hire a sport-horse veterinarian familiar with the horse’s proposed discipline or use.

PHOTO: SHELLEY PAULSON

If you’re shopping for horses to lease or buy, chances are you’ll want to arrange for a veterinarian to do a pre-purchase exam (PPE) before you sign on the dotted line.

Veterinarians caution buyers that a PPE is a snapshot in time. “Any horse can have a bad day, and it’s not necessarily reflective of how the horse is all the time,” said Dr. Laura Werner of Hagyard Equine Medical Institute. But PPEs are valuable tools, providing context and some level of risk-assessment.

“It’s important to make sure the horse is going to be suitable for what its intended use will be,” said Werner. “We don’t have a crystal ball, but it’s also good to identify any problems that could occur in the present or future. We can’t predict everything, but we try to see what risks might be there or, if there are problems, which ones might be manageable and which ones are not.”

It’s tempting to regard a PPE as “pass or fail,” but that’s not how a vet approaches the examination, Werner said.

“We do our exam, find the things that are abnormal in the horse, then present that information to the potential buyer or their agent for them to make the decision as to whether those are acceptable risks or not,” she said. “That also can involve some negotiation between the buyer and seller that we are not part of. So we’re not looking on the basis of a term that’s either pass or fail.”

If you’re considering a PPE—or if a potential buyer has asked for a PPE on a horse or pony you are selling or leasing—here are some basics to know.

“We just present you with the facts, and we can tell you whether we think something

32 WINTER ISSUE 2020

Pre-purchase exams are valuable tools, providing context and some level of risk-assessment.

Commission a Painting of Your Horse

suzieburgessart.com

USEQUESTRIAN.ORG 33

Word of mouth can help you find a reputable veterinarian, and Werner also suggests the American Association of Equine Practitioners’ Get-A-DVM veterinarian locator, available at aaep.org/horse-owners/get-dvm. “When you’re arranging for a pre-purchase exam, make sure to ask who the seller’s usual veterinarian is so you can try to avoid selecting that one,” Werner said. “In some rural areas, that might not be an option if there aren’t many veterinarians available. In that case, it’s worth getting your regular veterinarian to review the radiographs or a videotape of the exam.”

Get the basics as a starting point.

A standard PPE should include what Werner called “a basic physical exam,” including »

Listening to the heart and lungs, typically using a stethoscope

»

Examining the eyes

»

Determining if the horse has had any previous surgeries, including colic surgery or neurectomy (nerving)

»

Jogging and longeing the horse on both hard and soft surfaces

»

Joint flexion exams

»

Neurologic exams

»

Careful palpation and passive manipulation of neck, back, and limbs

“If it’s a horse that’s broke to saddle, ideally I also like to see the horse ridden under saddle, because a lot of times you’ll see something under saddle that you don’t see longeing,” Werner said. The same applies to driving horses, she added. “The idea is to see them performing as they would for their intended use.

It’s important to see them doing their normal activity.”

Consider any add-ons you might want.

There are a range of other elements you can request for a PPE. These might be available at additional fees, but they are worth considering to give you a fuller look at the horse. These include Radiographs (X-rays). “This is at the buyer’s or veterinarian’s discretion based on what they find during the physical exam, and age and use of the horse also can help determine whether to take radiographs,” said Werner.

»

Drug screen to test the horse for any illegal drugs or substances in the horse’s system that might affect it during the PPE.

»

Ultrasound

»

Upper-airway endoscopy

»

Coggins test

“I’ve even had some people do a standing MRI [magnetic resonance imaging] exam for some of the limbs,” Werner said.

“Some people also request basic bloodwork.”

Explore the possibility of a trial.

Lease-to-buy agreements or the option to take a horse on trial allow more time to evaluate a horse, if the seller is willing.

“That’s worked out between the buyer and seller rather than the vet,” Werner said, “but it gives you a bigger window to get to know a horse, rather than just the one time during the exam.”

34 WINTER ISSUE 2020

Above: Flexion tests are a standard part of a pre-purchase exam.

Below: Some potential buyers request basic bloodwork or drug screens for horses or ponies they are considering.

Be mindful of your veterinarian’s role.

Your veterinarian’s role in the PPE is to use their expertise to assess the horse’s condition and provide you with information. “We just present you with the facts, and we can tell you whether we think something is a mild or moderate risk and whether the horse is suitable for its intended use,” said Werner.

“But we don’t give a ‘pass’ or a ‘fail,’ and we certainly don’t do negotiation—that’s up to the buyer and seller or their agents.”

For tips on buying or leasing a horse, check out the video “How to Buy or Lease a Horse,” featuring US Equestrian CEO Bill Moroney, in our online Learning Center at usef.org/learn.

You’ll also find USEF’s Equine Transaction Packet and many more resources there.

PHOTOS: SHELLEY PAULSON

»

USEQUESTRIAN.ORG 35

Great achievements involve great passion Pablo Gomez Molina and Easy Di Fonteabeti Ymas 2020 Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage National Championship: Five-Year-Old Division

Photographer: US Equestrian

Alice Tarjan and Gjenganger 2020 Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage National Championship: Four-Year-Old Division Photographer: US Equestrian

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36 WINTER ISSUE 2020

JUNIORS’ RING

SKYLAR WIREMAN

Offers Tips to Fellow Junior Athletes

Fifteen-year-old Skylar Wireman of Bonsall, Calif., has an impressive and growing list of results in the equitation, hunter, and jumper rings. Wireman has steadily gained experience at major competitions, such as the USEF Pony Finals, over the years and worked her way up the junior ranks. In 2020, she won the NHSAA/ASPCA Maclay Region 8 Championships and the Platinum Performance/ USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals – West with her mount Hot Pants.

With a significant amount of knowledge at a young age, Wireman shared some of her insights for fellow junior athletes hoping to achieve their dreams.

Wireman has a reputation as a skilled catch-rider, starting with ponies when she was younger and now horses. She frequently catch-rides for Carleton and Traci Brooks, the owners and trainers at Balmoral Farm in West Los Angeles and Agoura Hills, Calif., and for Nick Haness, the owner and trainer at Hunterbrook Farms in Temecula, Calif., among others.

Wireman has learned much from her experiences as a catch-rider.

“For me, catch-riding is really good if you get to do it, and it is a great experience getting to ride so many different horses and learn from so many different trainers,” said Wireman. “It definitely helps you build your knowledge. You get taught so many different things from so many different trainers.”

Wireman admits that catch-riding takes some getting used to when someone is first starting out. “When I was younger, the first catch-ride was a little bit intimidating, because I didn’t want to mess up,” she said. “I ended up messing up almost as bad as I could and I missed a 38 WINTER ISSUE 2020

PHOTO: ANASOFIA VAZQUEZ PHOTOGRAPHY

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lead change. It was with Carleton Brooks and he said, ‘Don’t worry! There is nothing you’re going to do that I haven’t done at least once.’ Then I won the next round on his horse. It was my first time doing the 3’6” juniors, and I was a little nervous because it was in the big Pacific Field at Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park and I was like, ‘Oh, boy!’ We didn’t even do a canter jump in the warm-up because he had me trot everything.”

Wireman encourages junior athletes to trust their skills and try to focus on enjoying the opportunity. “You may be a little nervous at first, but once you go ride your ride, it is really fun, and it is a great experience,” said Wireman.

Wireman’s mom, Shayne Wireman, is the owner and head trainer at Chestnut Hills Equestrian Center in Bonsall, so Wireman is used to spending lots of time at the barn. She feels that she has benefitted from being a trainer’s kid and has learned much about horsemanship.

“I do all of my own grooming, so I learned everything really young about how to take care of horses,” explained Wireman. “I have never had a groom, except for my catch-rides, so I have never had a groom through all the medal finals and everything.”

The skills that Wireman has learned as a trainer’s kid transfer over well to helping fund her showing habit. “We braid our own horses and everything to save money,” said Wireman. Junior athletes can also learn to groom and braid horses for shows as a way to support themselves throughout the competition season.

Wireman is also selective about the shows she attends in an effort to save money—a model that other junior athletes can follow. “My mom and I would pick shows for my horse or ‘Hottie,’ who is Lisa Halterman’s horse, that have a day or two of all the medal classes so I could qualify for everything,” Wireman explained. “We pick shows so we could save money for later.”

Scholarships, special programs, or grants are another way that junior athletes can get extra support to compete. “This 40 WINTER ISSUE 2020

Top: “I do all of my own grooming, so I learned everything really young about how to take care of horses,” said Skylar Wireman, shown here with Hot Pants at the 2020 Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals – West.

Bottom: Skylar Wireman shows off her catchriding skills while riding a competitor’s mount in the 2020 Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals – West.

year, I won the Shelby Drazan Memorial Award, so that is how I am going to be able to take Hot Pants back east for the medal finals,” noted Wireman. “I encourage young riders to apply for those different scholarships that are out there.”

At home, Wireman has favorite exercises that she likes to practice her skills and prepare for the show ring. “I like doing bounces. I think those are fun,” she said.

She also makes flat work a priority to get her horses responsive and supple. “On the flat, I do a lot of leg yields and other lateral work. I like the lateral work.”

Halterman, one of Wireman’s trainers, incorporates dressage movements into her training routine, so Wireman is able to do some cross-training to further develop her skills.

Balancing school with training and showing is a familiar challenge for junior athletes. Wireman notes that being upfront and coming up with a plan with a school can help set riders up for success. “I go to a public school and my school is really flexible, so they let me go on a contract for a couple weeks at a time, which gives me a couple extra days,” explained Wireman. “My school is kind of online as it is, even though it is a regular public school.

Everything is mostly online, so they let me turn things in a couple days late if I need an extra day or two if I am competing.”

Managing your time and working ahead whenever possible is another way to be successful in school and the show ring.

“I try to get the work ahead of time and get it all done in the earlier days of the week on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday when you are not showing so much and you are not busy,” said Wireman. “Then I just try to make sure I get enough done and go to bed early enough that I am fresh and ready to go the next day.”

Following Wireman’s tips can help junior athletes find their stride in the show ring and beyond. “Work hard, and the more experience you can get the better,” said Wireman. “Even if you are not at the top or if you have a mistake, it is definitely a learning experience for the next year.”

PHOTOS: ©MCOOL

JUNIORS’ RING

Essential For Every Ride.

EQUIFIT.NET

MY FIRST

My First Horse

by Glenye Cain Oakford

One boy’s Christmas present launched a promising eventing career—and inspired his parents to become equestrians, too.

42 WINTER ISSUE 2020

“He came home from his lesson, walked in the door, looked at me, and said, ‘Mom, my horse has come to the farm,’” Kim remembered. “I said, ‘What?’ And he Woods Baughman and C’est La Vie said, ‘A new horse has 135 on the cross-country course at the come to the farm, and 2020 Mars Tryon International Threethat’s my horse.’”

Day Event in North Carolina, where “I think exactly what they finished third in the Buckeye I said was that I had to Nutrition USEF CCI4*-L Eventing have her because she National Championship. was so fast!” Woods added. “Realistically, she probably wasn’t, but compared to the school ponies, I thought she was amazing. We were going to go to the Kentucky Three-Day Event!”

Parents Kim and Jay began to consider horse ownership.

But they were still sure their son’s equestrian interests would be temporary, Kim recalled.

“Woods was so in love with that horse,” Kim said. “Jay and I said, ‘This has not gone away. He loves this horse. Why don’t we look at buying her, and then by the time he’s 12 or 13, he’ll lose interest and we’ll sell her and go on.’”

A Well-Kept Secret In August 2006, Woods’s parents bought the dapple-gray mare he loved so much. But, determined to surprise him with Smoothie on Christmas morning, they didn’t tell Woods—and neither did anyone else at Champagne Run. “An incredible group of people wrapped around us and kept the whole thing a secret from the end of August until Christmas morning,” Kim said. “Woods got to start riding her for his two lessons a week. We told him that Smoothie had been sold and was going to go to Florida around Christmas but that the new owner had agreed that Woods could help train her until then. We told him it was a big challenge but that we thought he was up to the responsibility.

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF THE BAUGHMAN FAMILY (LEFT), SHANNON BRINKMAN PHOTO (RIGHT)

Woods Baughman lived a lot of kids’ dreams when he received his first horse for Christmas back in 2006. Smoothie the Quarter Horse cross didn’t just begin Baughman’s career as an eventing athlete. She also turned out to be a gift to his entire family.

Today, the 24-year-old Baughman is a rising star in the sport of eventing. In 2019, he rode C’est La Vie 135 to win the CCI3*-L at The Dutta Corp. Fair Hill International, earning The Dutta Corp./USEF CCI3*-L Eventing National Championship, and most recently he finished third behind Olympians Boyd Martin and Phillip Dutton in the 2020 Buckeye Nutrition USEF CCI4*-L Eventing National Championship at the Mars Tryon International Three-Day Event.

But it wasn’t always so clear that Baughman would be an equestrian. When he first expressed an interest in riding after a school trip to a lesson barn in his hometown of Lexington, Ky., parents Kim and Jay Baughman said no. They finally relented when Woods was six, but they remained convinced that their youngest child’s interest in horses was just a phase.

“We had him in every sport known to man,” Kim said. “We tried swimming, we tried baseball, soccer, everything. But he just was not thriving in any of those sports.”

“Nothing stuck except horses,” said Woods.

Woods started with once-a-week lessons at Maggie Wright’s Champagne Run Farm in Lexington, a schedule that expanded to two days a week, then three. When Woods was seven, things took an even more serious turn when his grandfather took him to the Kentucky Three-Day Event.

“We went on cross-country day, and I just remember watching them ride by and thinking, ‘Yeah, I’m gonna win this next year,’” Woods recalled with a laugh. “So that was my plan: to win it when I was eight years old. That didn’t quite work out! It just looked like good fun. I’d never seen a horse do so much, and it was a lot compared to what I did then, which was trotting over poles. They were galloping at speed, and I was just awestruck.”

The thrill of speed had always captivated Woods—“When I was little I always wanted to go as fast as possible,” he explained— and that’s what first caught his eye about Smoothie when she arrived at Champagne Run in 2006.

Left: “I learned to be really confident because of her,” Woods Baughman says of his first horse, Smoothie, shown with him on Christmas Day 2006. “No matter how bad I did, she was like, ‘Don’t worry, I’ve got this,’ and she’d step right up and fix whatever I did wrong.”

USEQUESTRIAN.ORG 43

“The funniest thing about it was that, he’s a 10-year-old boy, and you’d think he would have figured it out,” she added.

“Something new would arrive ‘from Florida’ just about every week for Smoothie. The first thing was a halter, and Woods said, ‘Oh, Mom, that’s exactly the one I would have picked out for her!’ Well, of course it was, because we’d been to the tack shop and he liked that one, so we bought it, put Smoothie’s name on it, and sent it to the farm.

“Or things would show up at the farm for Smoothie and they just happened to be in Woods’s favorite color, which was yellow. A blanket would show up trimmed in yellow, and Woods would say, ‘Oh, the new owner must like yellow, too!’ It was hysterical, but he was so innocent. It was precious.”

On Christmas Eve, the Baughmans went to the barn to “say goodbye” to Smoothie, and Woods, his mom reports, took it like a pro. His older siblings Courtney and Carson Baughman, newly let in on the secret, admirably kept mum.

“Everybody knew but Woods!” Kim said. “People at the barn were so good, they didn’t even tell their kids. And it worked, because Woods really and truly did not know, which became apparent on Christmas Day.” A Christmas To Remember For Operation Christmas Surprise, Champagne Run owner Wright and longtime boarder Dr. Lori Shook loaded Smoothie into a red two-horse trailer and drove through the rain to deliver the mare to the Baughmans’ driveway, much to the bemusement of the neighbors—and to Woods himself, when he answered the front door.

“My mom told me I should go answer the door,” Woods said. “But when I did, I didn’t see anything except my dad standing in the driveway with a video camera, in the rain. So I slammed the door and came back inside.

“My mom said, ‘You should definitely go take another look again.’ And, sure enough, when I looked out, there was Smoothie. I didn’t understand why she was in the driveway, because she was supposed to be on her way to Florida. It took way too long for it to register!”

“He just kind of stared, and then he said, ‘Mom? Smoothie’s standing on the driveway,’” Kim recalled. “I said, ‘Woods: your dad is standing outside with a camera. Smoothie is standing in the driveway of your house. What do you think that means?’

“He looked at me, and with the sweetest voice, he said, ‘Is Smoothie mine?’”

Woods and Smoothie proved to be a good partnership. They competed up the levels before Wright, who coached Woods from the Starter through Intermediate levels, determined that Woods was ready to graduate to the green off-the-track Thoroughbred Truckee Bash. With his new partner, Woods went on to earn team bronze in CCI1* eventing at the 2014 Adequan/FEI North American Youth Championships.

“I learned to be really confident because of her,” Woods said of Smoothie. “No matter how bad I did, she was like, ‘Don’t worry, I’ve got this,’ and she’d step right up and fix whatever I did wrong. Our dressage wasn’t the best, but I definitely learned not to be afraid to move forward to a distance and really get in there and go for it.

“I think I wouldn’t be nearly as brave cross-country if it hadn’t been for Smoothie,” he added. “We were two peas in a pod. She taught me to love the sport and to go out and have fun.”

When Woods outgrew Smoothie, Kim fulfilled her own childhood dream and took up riding the mare herself, and Jay soon followed.

“I said to Jay, ‘I’m having so much fun with these people at the barn. I’ve met a whole new group of people, not just the kids’ moms but adults who ride, too. It would be fun if you came out, too,’” Kim said.

But it hasn’t only been about the riding, Kim notes. The family’s many experiences with Smoothie have given them great memories and life lessons, too. After Smoothie badly injured an eye in a freak accident, the family pulled together around her as she recovered from surgery. “It taught all of us, right at the beginning, that you’re dealing with an animal, and anything can happen at any time,” Above: Woods Baughman and Kim said. “That also relates back to yourself: anything C’est La Vie 135 during their can happen at any time.” stadium round at the 2020 Mars And when Smoothie had a foal several years later, Tryon International Three-Day the Baughmans were with her every step of the way, Event in North Carolina, where learning about the process as they went. they finished third in the Buckeye “She’s just so woven into our family,” Kim Nutrition USEF CCI4*-L Eventing explained. “She’s taught all of us so much about ourNational Championship. selves, as much as anything else. She taught three of us to ride, and she’s taught us to have patience. I could Below: Kim and Jay Baughman never let her go.” pose with Woods and Smoothie on Christmas Day in 2006.

44 WINTER ISSUE 2020

PHOTOS: SHANNON BRINKMAN PHOTO (TOP), COURTESY OF THE BAUGHMAN FAMILY (BOTTOM)

MY FIRST

Transportation Company of the USEF

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Go-To Gaiters Great-looking face coverings are the season’s must-haves.

Let’s face it: face coverings are de rigueur these days.

Under the USEF’s COVID19 Toolkit, they’re required at USEF-licensed competitions for anyone not mounted or seated in a carriage or cart, and the most important reason to wear them is to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Happily, you can also use face coverings to make a style statement—and from what we’ve seen in barns, warm-up rings, and competitions around the country, equestrians are doing just that. Need some inspiration to get your collection started? We’ve got six ideas to jump-start your creativity.

For information on selecting, wearing, and cleaning your gaiter or mask, check out guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Among their tips: for a one-layer fabric gaiter, fold it to make two layers.

Sharp US Equestrian Style Proudly announce your affiliation with the equestrian community with our top-selling face covering. That’s no surprise: it’s machine-washable for easy care and features the official US Equestrian colors and logo. Suitable for any breed or discipline and for all who love horse sports, from fans to Olympic equestrians. $20. shopusef.com From the Ring to the Range If show jumping and supporting fellow equestrians is your style, take a look at the jumping-themed Concrete to Show Jumping gaiters from Dreamers and Schemers. These support the mission of Concrete to Show Jumping, a new program founded by Erin Brown of the Philadelphia Urban Riding Academy and Missy Clark of North Run, which promotes alliances and friendship among equestrians from diverse backgrounds and raises funds for PURA. PURA is a nonprofit that continues the legacy of the urban Black cowboy and also provides a riding program for children and young adults from Philadelphia.

Or Roam the range with the Western-themed Epic Journey gaiter, which can keep you comfy on the dusty trail or in prairie winds.

The Epic Journey is made from lightweight poly blend and is sized about 10” wide by 19” long so you can fold, trim, or sew it to suit your size and style. About $16. dreamersnschemers.com Made in the Shade Shady Lady is known for their sun-protection products, but these sun scarves do double-duty, especially if you’re based in a sunny climate this winter. They’re made with Luminology Technology Fabric®, which Shady Lady describes as “a highperformance, proprietary fabric that has been infused with a plant-based oil” that boasts built-in Ultraviolet Protection Factor of 50. $40. shadyladysunprotection.com

Let Your Style Loose Horse on the Loose, an online store owned by two sisters who immigrated to the U.S. from Romania, also offers UPF 50+ sun protection with its facecoverings line, including this dressage-themed scarf/ gaiter—which also can be used as a hair or head band. The fabric is versatile Performance Polyester. $25. horseontheloose.com Snow Ponies If you’re going for a winter theme to match the season, Mare Modern Goods has literally got you covered with the Snow Ponies gaiter from their fall/winter line. This one-size-fits-all gaiter is 90% polyester and 10% spandex fleecing lycra material to add a warmer touch against wintry conditions. The print is delightfully cheering, even on a gloomy winter’s day. $24. maregoods.com

46 WINTER ISSUE 2020

INTROD U C I N G

BETTER TOGETHER

PHOTO: TAYLOR PENCE/US EQUESTRIAN

Introducing the leather dream cream that keeps saddles soft and colors true Visit Farnam.com to learn more

©2020 Farnam Companies, Inc. Farnam with design, Leather New and Your Partner in Horse Care are trademarks of Farnam Companies, Inc. 20-10675

HORSE HEALTH

ALL EARS!

by Margaret Buranen

Caring for Your Horse’s Ears

Fortunately, ear infections are “pretty uncommon” in horses, says Dr. Nimet Browne of Hagyard Equine Medical Institute.

48 WINTER ISSUE 2020

Mother Nature designed horses’ ears to be pretty much self-cleaning. She worked on the principle of preventing a problem, rather than correcting it.

“In most situations, the normal amount of hair a horse has in its ears keeps debris out and the ears stay clean,” explained Dr. Nimet Browne of Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in Lexington, Ky. But if you do clean your horse’s ears, Browne recommends doing it “not more often than once a week. Use a damp [not dripping] towel, paper towel, or wash cloth. You can use witch hazel or warm water, but not alcohol—it can be irritating or drying.

“You don’t ever want to spray water or anything else into a horse’s ear,” she cautioned.

“You definitely want to avoid pushing anything deep down into the ear canal.”

If hair falls down into the horse’s ear while he is being clipped, Browne says the horse should be able to get most of it out by shaking his head. You can use a damp towel to gently remove the rest of the hair.

For dirt around the outside of the ears or barely inside of them, Browne says that using any product made for dogs or cats, wiped on a cloth, should also be safe for a horse.

Infections and Growths Ear infections can be frequent for dogs, cats, and small children, but, fortunately, they are “pretty uncommon” for horses, Browne said.

However, horses can develop growths on their ears: sarcoids (usually benign skin tumors that can be invasive), tumors, and aural plaques that look like black or white cauliflower.

These growths can be painful, and they can cause an infection if the horse can’t clear his ears by shaking his head.

Physical signs of an infection include a discharge or foul odor coming from the ear.

Indications from a horse’s behavior can also include shaking his head excessively, tilting his head, and shying away if he is touched near his ears.

An infection in the guttural pouches or inner ear may be indicated by a nasal discharge or swelling in the throatlatch area as well as a head tilt. If any of these signs appear, call your veterinarian, as they can be serious.

Seasonal Issues Bites from flies and other insects also can result in infections. Browne notes that, although it hasn’t been proven, evidence suggests that aural plaques caused by the papilloma virus

PHOTO: STOCK.ADOBE.COM/MARK

Caring for your horse or pony’s ears is usually a case of “less is more,” our expert says.

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www.adequan.com BRIEF SUMMARY: Prior to use please consult the product insert, a summary of which follows: CAUTION: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. INDICATIONS: Adequan® i.m. is recommended for the intramuscular treatment of non-infectious degenerative and/or traumatic joint dysfunction and associated lameness of the carpal and hock joints in horses. CONTRAINDICATIONS: There are no known contraindications to the use of intramuscular Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan. WARNINGS: Do not use in horses intended for human consumption. Not for use in humans. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children. PRECAUTIONS: The safe use of Adequan® i.m. in horses used for breeding purposes, during pregnancy, or in lactating mares has not been evaluated. For customer care, or to obtain product information, visit www.adequan.com. To report an adverse event please contact American Regent, Inc. at (800) 734-9236 or email pv@americanregent.com.

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1 Adequan® i.m. Package Insert, Rev 1/19.

2 Burba DJ, Collier MA, DeBault LE, Hanson-Painton O, Thompson HC, Holder CL: In vivo kinetic study on uptake and distribution of intramuscular tritium-labeled polysulfated glycosaminoglycan in equine body fluid compartments and articular cartilage in an osteochondral defect model. J Equine Vet Sci 1993; 13: 696-703.

All trademarks are the property of American Regent, Inc. © 2020, American Regent, Inc. PP-AI-US-0373 03/2020

HORSE HEALTH

may be spread from horse to horse by blackflies. To help prevent this, she recommends using fly masks that cover the ears.

“If a fly mask gets wet or dirty, change it,” she said. “Take it off at least once a day to look at the horse’s eyes and ears.”

Another solution: fly spray. To apply it to a horse’s ears, spray it on a towel, then wipe the towel around the base of the ears, the external ear, and barely inside, Browne says.

It’s also important to check your horse’s ears regularly for ticks and ear mites, if you are in an area where these are a problem. Ear mites, in particular, can be so small they are hard to see, but typically a horse will be shaking his head to stop the itching they cause. Another sign: crusty scabs that ooze fluid.

“Ear mite bites can look very similar to fly bites,” Browne said.

it can result from some infections or toxicity from medications, and some can have a genetic predisposition for it.

“Splash paints—those with a lot of white on their faces and legs and on their bellies—and blue eyes are a color combination that may be deaf,” Browne explained.

Some horses are bothered by loud sounds, such as machinery or fireworks during Fourth of July celebrations. Browne suggested using ear plugs on these horses. If the owner knows ahead of time that a horse is very sensitive to loud noise, then it may be appropriate to seek a veterinarian’s advice on strategies for helping. Management techniques can also mitigate the problem.

“Have the horse where he feels more comfortable,” Browne suggested. “It might be in the barn, next to another horse. There’s less risk

Seasonal weather can cause problems for some horses’ ears; white horses with pink skin can get sunburned around their ears, for example, although the upright position of the ears and the hair covering the outside surface usually protects the skin. Browne suggested applying a thin layer of children’s sunscreen on the upper inside of the ears if needed.

“In very cold weather, ears are predisposed to frostbite,” Browne added, noting that frostbitten skin looks very pale compared to surrounding normal skin. “I recommend bringing horses inside then, if possible. If that’s not possible, then providing some shelter they can get into [in the pasture] is a good idea. If the horse is wearing a blanket, add a head piece.”

of horses hurting themselves inside the barn, but if he’s freaking out in the barn, put him in a small paddock next to another horse.”

As for noises during shows and competitions, Browne says ear plugs or bonnets to muffle sound are fine for horses to wear—just be sure that ear bonnets or ear plugs are allowed under the competition rules and understand any specifications that might apply. “Keep them clean and dry and remove them when they are not needed,” Browne said.

“Caring for your horse’s ears is usually a matter of ‘less is more,’” Browne advised. “Don’t force a horse to have his ears cleaned. Gentle handling is best. Desensitize the horse from an early age to clippers and having his ears touched. Check his ears daily and call your veterinarian if you see signs of a problem.”

Deafness: Rare but Possible Deafness in horses is very uncommon, but 50 WINTER ISSUE 2020

PHOTO: STOCK.ADOBE.COM/NIGEL BAKER

The normal amount of hair a horse has in its ears usually keeps debris out and the ears stay clean.

United States Equestrian Team Foundation Philanthropic Partner of US Equestrian

Supporting Athletes Promoting International Excellence Building for the Future

GO TEAM USA Where Olympic & Paralympic Journeys Begin

Support your team at USET.org Photos by Shannon Brinkman and Phelps Media Group

52 WINTER ISSUE 2020

PHOTO: SHELLEY PAULSON

Is your barn ready for winter?

Our experts’ 10-point checklist can help you prepare.

STORY BY GLENYE CAIN OAKFORD

Even if you and your horses live in an area where the climate is balmy year ’round, the changing of the season from fall to winter marks a good time to take care of important annual or semi-annual tasks, from cleaning out the dust of summer, to changing lightbulbs, to inspecting stall and gate latches and more. But if you’re located in a place that Jack Frost regularly visits between now and spring, getting battened down for the winter takes on an extra urgency.

Dr. Bob Coleman, who managed horse operations in his native Manitoba, Canada, before becoming as an associate extension professor

in the University of Kentucky’s Department of Animal and Food Sciences, knows better than most that pre-winter preparation can make the season easier on both horses and humans.

Coleman and his University of Kentucky colleague, assistant extension professor Dr. Morgan Hayes—who specializes in improving livestock environments by educating their handlers about their ventilation, energy, water, and temperature requirements—say it’s important to plan in advance, so when the weather turns bitter and conditions might deteriorate, you’re already prepared.

USEQUESTRIAN.ORG 53

Organize your feed, equipment, and tack.

Taking inventory, organizing equipment and supplies, and having a good pre-winter cleaning session can make your work easier once winter arrives.

The first step in preparing for winter? Get organized. Make a start by storing any summertime equipment—from show jumps to fans to weed eaters and mowers—that won’t be needed.

“Put them in a place where they’re not going to get in your way,” said Coleman.

With summer-only gear stowed, think about things you will definitely need and things you might need in an emergency and put them where they’ll be most convenient.

“For example, if there’s a possibility of snow in your area, make sure your horse trailer is in a place where you can get to it easily and get out with it easily if you need to,” Coleman said. Having easy access to your trailer can be a literal lifesaver in an emergency, and in less dramatic circumstances it will make your life a lot more convenient if, for example, you get a good training opportunity or clinic away from your home farm.

“You don’t want to spend all your time digging out your trailer when you could be riding at a clinic instead,” Coleman said.

Coleman also suggests inspecting and preparing areas that feed, hay, and shavings deliveries will need to access, including any dirt or gravel driveways.

“Finally, make sure that trucks, tractors, Gators—anything that has a motor and can be winterized—is ready for winter,” Coleman said. Make sure oil levels are good and tire pressure is correct for winter. If you’re likely to need new tires or tire chains, get those ready, too.

“Just because it didn’t get cold last year doesn’t mean it won’t get cold this year,” said Coleman. “Have things winterized, and do it now.”

“If you have unfinished work on water lines or fencing, this is the time to do it, before the ground is frozen and the mud comes,” said Hayes.

Not only will the completed project benefit you during the winter months, it also will be easier to accomplish. Getting this kind of work done before mud season also can help reduce the wear and tear on the land in your pastures and around the barn.

Disinfect brushes and stalls.

The changing seasons are a good time to wash your horse’s brushes in household soap and water and disinfect them in a solution of eight ounces of bleach per gallon of water. It’s also a good time to give stalls a good clean, above and beyond the regular mucking out. Your goal here is to decrease organic material that can promote bacteria. “Do a good scrub-down of the stall using a lot of elbow grease, with the detergent of your choice in a concentration that produces suds,” said Hagyard Equine Medical Institute’s Dr. Nathan Slovis. “You want to get the dust and organic debris off the stall. Manure, urine, blood—all of those organic materials can be food sources for bacteria that you don’t want around.”

For tips on disinfecting feed and water tubs, too, see “Disinfecting 101: Brushes, Buckets, and Stalls” at usef.org.

54 54 WINTER WINTERISSUE ISSUE2020 2020

PHOTO: PHOTOS: THESE SHELLEY SHOULD PAULSON, ALWAYS ARND BE IN BRONKHORST/ARND.NL THE GUTTER, BUT THERE (CENTER ARE EXCEPTIONS TOP), IN FEATURES TO CREATE LEGIBILITY CHRIS BAIR/UNSPLASH (CENTER BOTTOM)

Complete unfinished projects.

Reduce dust and check ventilation.

Accumulating dust and ammonia from horses’ urine and manure can contribute to respiratory problems for both horses and humans—a problem that can become worse in winter, when barn doors and windows are more likely to be closed.

“The environment in the barn can get less than ideal in winter, partly because we want to keep it warm,” Coleman said. “But just because we’re cold doesn’t mean the horses are cold; horses usually can deal with cooler temperatures better than we can. If you shut the barn up tight because you want to keep all the heat in, you’ll also keep a lot of water vapor, ammonia, and dust in, too.”

If your barn is unheated but is more than 10 degrees warmer than the outdoor temperature, you might have a ventilation issue.

“If you’re getting a normal level of passive air exchange in that barn and it’s not sealed up too much, the heat from the animals is only going to drive that temperature up eight or 10 degrees,” explained Hayes.

“There are a couple of other things I use as indicators that a barn isn’t ventilating well,” she continued. “The first is whether there is a lot of buildup of dust on horizontal surfaces. That’s usually an indicator that your air quality is going down. The other thing I think is usually a good indicator is when you see a lot of condensation on your roof or your side walls. That’s a pretty good sign that there’s not enough air flow in the barn.”

Lack of air flow can lead to a host of other problems. Accumulating dust and ammonia from horses’ urine and manure can contribute to respiratory problems for both horses and humans. It might help to increase your muckingout schedule in the winter, and, in any case, make sure you’re cleaning out the wet areas in the bedding, where urine can sharply increase ammonia levels.

But the ultimate goal is to maintain good ventilation in the first place.

“Most barns are set up with eaves, often with some kind of netting to keep birds out,” said Hayes. “One of the best things you can do is make sure that that area is cleared and open, not covered up by cobwebs and dust.

Those eaves are what really allow the barn to ventilate during the winter and allow the air to distribute properly through the stalls.

“You need to have a balance between closing the barn to keep drafts off of the horses and leaving enough ventilation to make sure good air quality is maintained.”

Giving the rest of your barn a good clean to reduce dust and cobwebs before winter sets in can also help air quality. “Just taking a broom and cleaning things up and leaving doors open when you can so you can have air exchange when possible is good,” Coleman said. “You don’t have to throw the doors wide open in the middle of January, but make sure that the air vents you have for air exchange are open and working.”

Coleman also suggests checking large barn doors to ensure they’re working properly, too. “You don’t want a big barn door to come off the roller in the middle of the winter,” he said. “It would be bad if you couldn’t open it, but it would be worse if you couldn’t close it.”

Hayes noted that keeping large barn doors open while you’re moving horses around in the barn—as when you’re turning a group of horses out or bringing them back into the barn—can help prevent the air from getting dusty.

Storing hay in a separate building away from the barn also can help reduce dust in your horses’ living quarters, as can steaming or dampening it before feeding.

“Hay by its nature has some dust associated with it, so some people wet or steam it to help knock that dust down, and that does work,” Hayes said.

If you’re considering building a barn, one way to help ventilation is to eliminate lofts or other ceilings on your stalls.

“Ideally, you don’t have any sort of ceiling, and that stall is open all the way up to the roofline,” said Hayes.

If you do have a hay loft in the barn, Hayes recommends leaving at least two feet between the top of the top row of hay bales and the roofline.

Bales stacked to the roofline can trap the warm, moist air generated by the horses below—which can increase the risk of mold growth in the hay.

USEQUESTRIAN.ORG 55

Some mineral oils and other additives can help prevent arena footing from freezing.

“Watering programs and management styles for arenas are going to shift in the winter,” said Hayes.

“You’ll use significantly less water because the air holds significantly less water. You still want to manage dust, but you should be using less water.

“This is also a space where Big Ass Fans are extremely effective,” she added. “Any heat you accumulate in that arena is up near the top, and you have cold air down at the level where you’re riding. So there is warm air in the space, but it’s up high. So those big fans can get that air distribution balanced back out and bring that warm air back down, and you don’t have to run it at a speed where you feel a breeze to get that air distribution right.”

If your ring or arena footing tends to freeze, you might consider an additive.

“Some of the mineral oils and additives where we don’t have to add water at all can really change the dynamics in an arena,” Hayes said. “If we can keep some moisture out of the footing, that can keep it from freezing for quite a while, and those oils don’t freeze at 32 degrees. They can be expensive, but they will knock dust down without having to add water.”

Check the lights.

Cleaning dust and cobwebs off light fixtures helps ventilation and also reduces a fire hazard.

56 WINTER ISSUE 2020

When you’re dusting out your barn, pay particular attention to the areas around lights. Dust and cobwebs can reduce light where they hang over bulbs and light covers—and they can also be dangerous.

“A lot of that dusty stuff can also be flammable, so a hot light bulb covered in dust has the potential to have something bad happen,” said Coleman.

“In the winter, you’re probably going to be relying more on artificial light, so make sure the lights and switches are all working the way they should.”

Light also influences your horse’s hair growth: reduced daylight hours trigger your horse to start growing a winter coat, and longer days promote shedding in a healthy horse. Artificial light can help efforts to keep a lighter coat on horses in training. “As the days get shorter, that triggers the horse to grow its hair coat,” Coleman explained. “You can minimize that by blanketing them so they don’t get cold but also, in many cases, by keeping the lights on.

“Horses moving north to south might need a little help from a set of clippers,” he added, “because it’s going to take them a little while to kick in.”

PHOTOS: SHELLEY PAULSON (TOP), STACEY WIGMORE/ARND.NL (BOTTOM), PAULA DA SILVA/ARND.NL (OPPOSITE)

Consider additives for your outdoor and indoor footing.

Strategize to prevent mud and ice.

Your mud and ice prevention strategy starts well above ground, at your barn’s roofline.

“Make sure your gutters are clear and that you have enough outflow on your downspouts to divert water flow away from the barn and away from your typical high-traffic areas around the barn,” explained Hayes.

“You’re always looking for your downspouts to ‘see daylight,’ and you preferably want that to happen 20 more feet from the barn, so the edges of the barn and the edges of that roofline aren’t dropping water where you’re walking all the time.”

Downspout extensions can help direct water away from buildings, and digging small ditches and swales can also help funnel rainwater out of the barn’s way.

“Watch drainage around barn doors, too, because when it freezes that will be ice,” Coleman noted. And don’t forget run-in sheds, too—make sure the water that comes off the roof edge doesn’t flow into the shed. A little bit of planning, and possibly some digging, can help route water away from your horses’ shelter.

Installing geotextile pads, crushed gravel, or layered geotextile fabric and crushed rock in high-traffic areas can reduce mud and ice in traditional problem areas like pasture gates. Remember to install high-traffic

pads in a large enough area on both sides of the gate to allow you to turn a horse around comfortably and still remain on the pad—and potentially to park a truck or tractor on safely, so you can get vehicles or equipment into the pasture without getting stuck in a muddy gateway.

“If you’ve got a 12’ gate, the pad needs to be able to handle a full open gate, and I’d add four feet on top of that,” said Coleman. “And, as with your barn doors, make sure your gates are in good working order. When it’s cold and nasty out, no one wants to be trying to fix a gate.”

Another good place for a high-traffic pad: around a pasture’s hay feeders or water tanks.

“Keep some deicer, kitty litter, or sand handy,” Coleman reminded, “so when you do get some ice you can deal with it quickly.”

Regularly break and clean out the ice in water buckets and tanks to encourage horses to stay hydrated.

Plan for freezing water buckets.

But what about frozen water buckets?

Coleman cautions against electric or immersion bucket-heaters, which can be a significant fire risk and can produce “stray voltage” that can discourage horses from drinking.

“If you’re using a heater in your outdoor stock tanks, make sure your electricity is good,” Coleman said. “Make sure there isn’t stray voltage anywhere that can keep horses from drinking. And make sure the temperature isn’t too warm. If you see steam coming off the water in the tank, you might find your horses aren’t drinking enough because the water’s too hot.”

Frozen water buckets are an age-old problem, and, unfortunately, safe options for tackling the issue are fairly limited. Hayes notes that positioning water buckets to prevent breezes from blowing over them can help slow freezing, and she added that people have been known to drop a warm brick into water buckets to keep them thawed longer. Coleman suggests using an insulated bucket holder and topping up with warm water (as long as it isn’t so warm the horse won’t drink it) to buy a little time between ice-breaking sessions.

“Topping up your water buckets later in the day can get horses interested in drinking before you leave them for the night,” Coleman said. “You do need to clean the ice out of the buckets each day. Your best bet is to try to keep their water topped up and fresh throughout the day so the horse keeps drinking. That way, even if it gets a skim of ice over it, you’ve probably met the horse’s drinking requirements.”

Coleman favors rubber buckets instead of plastic ones, “because if they do have ice in them, you can throw the rubber buckets up in the air, and when they land on the frozen ground they just pop the ice right out. The plastic buckets will break, but the rubber ones will bounce.”

USEQUESTRIAN.ORG 57

Replace old heat tape on water pipes.

If you’re using heat tape to keep your water pipes open, make sure they’re working—and go on and replace them if they’re more than a couple of years old, appear worn, or are uncertified by the Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Factory Mutual Research Corporation (FMRC), or Canadian Standards Association (CSA). The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission offers advice on using heat tape safely, including only using heat tape with a three-prong plug and always plugging into a three-prong outlet to make sure the heat tape is grounded. Never wrap the tape around itself and always apply it directly on the pipe to be warmed, not on insulation around the pipe—and don’t wrap insulation over the tape.

“For people who have spigots in their barn, especially frost-free spigots, make sure they’re set low enough so that when they drain back there’s no freezing in those water lines,” Hayes said. “The bottom of the spigot where the water line is in the barn should be below the frost line. A lot of times, local building codes and ordinances will tell you how deep your water line should be.”

“You need to have a balance between closing the barn to keep drafts off of the horses and leaving enough ventilation to make sure good air quality is maintained,” said Dr. Morgan Hayes

The change of seasons is a good time to assess your emergency supplies and plan and correct any deficiencies. Are your equine and human first-aid kits stocked and current? Have you got an ample supply of hand sanitizer? Do you have a contingency plan in case power goes out? And what about extra supplies? Restock before the need is critical.

“When the weather is still decent, it’s not hard to run to the feed store so you are ready if you get something like a crippling ice storm, where all of a sudden the power is out,” Coleman said.

“If you have a generator, make sure it’s operational and that you know how to operate it safely.

Think about how much feed and hay you might need. Instead of thinking, ‘Oh, I’ve got five or six bales, so I’m okay,’ you might want to plan a little differently in the wintertime when Mother Nature can throw you a few curve balls. Think about what’s coming, and don’t let your supplies get too low.”

58 WINTER ISSUE 2020

PHOTO: SHELLEY PAULSON

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USEQUESTRIAN.ORG 59

HOLIDAYS!

Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or the Winter Solstice, winter’s holidays are a time for joyful reflection and sharing.

Our 2020 holiday gift guide spotlights a wide range of potential presents, from smileworthy stocking-stuffers to pretty and practical pieces for horse and human alike, for virtually every budget. The winter holidays are also a time for bringing light into the world, and so this year we also unwrap a little inspiration for sharing the gifts of time and priceless joy with barn mates, stable staff, horse caretakers, beloved trainers, and more.

60 WINTER ISSUE 2020

Coast into the Holidays Get the Gallop’s coasters all have the classic George Stubbs painting “Mares and Foals in a River Landscape” background, modernized with some horsey call-outs. Set of four coasters is hand made in Sweden of organic birch veneer and comes in a gift box. $29. getthegallop.com

Wearable Art Fashion meets fine art in handpainted equestrian clothing and decor pieces at Hers Equine. Every item is an original painting, making each a oneof-a-kind gift. Commissions available. $180-325. hersequine.com

Styled for Safety The Amigo Reflectech is ideal in low-light or low-daylight areas and assists in equine safety and identification at dusk, dawn, or in the dark. The striking and futuristic illumination of the reflective weave is clearly visible from distance or close-up, whether you’re using a cell-phone flashlight or vehicle headlights. Tough, durable, and built to withstand a variety of weather conditions. $279.95. shop.horseware.com

Show Your Spirit US Equestrian’s sandwich hat, a favorite with athletes and fans, comes in a great navy and red color combination and features an American flag and adjustable back. You won’t want to be at the barn without yours. $30. shopusef.org

Top Tip for Trunks This rectangular zip pouch fits perfectly in the tray of your tack trunk and holds all of those important equestrian odds and ends. Made with vegan leather, the durable, and washable pouch measures 4 1/2” x 9” x 4” and is finished off with a matching enamel Hunt Club zipper pull. $12. shophuntclub.com

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Your Name in Bling This beautiful custom lapel pin is the perfect finishing touch to your equestrian ensemble. Offered with and without diamonds and available in yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold. Starting at $400. hattiebanks.com

It’s the Tops The Vivian top has classic half-zip styling with an eye-catching scalloped collar. With its extended cuffs, scalloped edges, soft printed fabric, and flattering seams, this is a technical yet feminine take on the everyday riding shirt. $88. bitandbloom.com.

A Warm Hug for Your Feet U.S.-made compression socks that hug your feet!

Built with an enforced layer at the sole, ankle, and heel, as well as a support band around the arch. Colors do not fade when washed. Perfect for all-year-round riding. $25. horseontheloose.com

Feel Comfy in Your Skin Équilibre is the first line of skincare strictly for equestrians, designed to benefit horses as well. With each purchase you help support equine non-profits. So it’s the gift that keeps on giving for equestrians! Prices from $25. equilibre-cosmetics.com

Equestrians Unite A unique, one-of-a-kind scrunchie, designed with the equestrian lifestyle in mind. Made with a custom, machine-washable fabric that is soft, water repellent, dirt repellent, and prevents hair damage. It is finished with the “Equestrians Unite” artwork by Marina Layton. A portion of proceeds from each purchase is forwarded to a Black-owned equestrian organization each month. $9. thepositiveequestrian.com

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GIFTS THAT GIVE BACK Presents are always delightful, but not all great gifts require wrapping. Some just require tapping into your existing skills and talent and putting aside a little time.

The holidays are a perfect time to pledge donations— whether in cash, time, knowledge, or companionship—to the people and horses who help make our equestrian world go ’round.

Donate your time.

Local non-profits and charities like horse rescues often need volunteers. If you can muck a stall, spend a few hours grooming, or offer marketing, communications, or administrative skills, give your favorite local organization a call and offer to help. The same might go for your local lesson barn, too. For example, if you’re social media savvy, why not volunteer to help with your barn’s Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter account? Handy with a camera? Offer to shoot a show or provide current images for the barn website. Or simply pledge to serve as a volunteer at a future competition.

Feed your favorite lesson horse.

During the pandemicrelated lockdowns earlier this year, the Joint Leadership Council came up with this idea to help lesson barns—and it’s a wonderfully timeless way to give back for the holidays, too. The JLC— including representatives from the American Hackney Horse Society, American Morgan Horse Association,

American Saddlebred Horse Association, American Road Horse and Pony Association, and United Professional Horsemen’s Association— suggests reaching out to your barn (or a local lesson stable) and making a contribution toward the care, feed, or supplies needed to provide a favorite lesson horse’s care for a day, a week, a month, or even a year.

Volunteer for barn chores.

Tipping is one way to show your appreciation for barn staff. Another way: give the gift of time by teaming up with other boarders or students to take over barn chores during the holidays so grooms and other support staff can take some well-deserved time off.

Offer to help a fellow student or boarder.

Know someone who doesn’t like to ride alone? Offer to join them for a trail ride or a lesson. Have a busy barnmate who has to rush to make ride times? Let them know you’ll tack up their horse this week. Know a rider who would love a video of one of their lessons to share with friends and family? Make a plan to be ringside with your phone for one of their lessons. There are a thousand small ways we can help our barn family: a week’s worth of tack cleaning, a trailer ride to a show or clinic, a bag of home-baked treats for their favorite equine companion—all are fun, budget-friendly ways to give back to your barn pals.

Stick Up for Diversity One-of-a-kind vinyl stickers designed by The Positive Equestrian, Marina Layton. All stickers are waterproof, weatherproof, and fade resistant. This unique design has captivated the equestrian community and has become a symbol of unity, support, inclusion, and diversity in horse sports. A portion of proceeds is forwarded to different Blackowned equestrian organizations each month. Starting at $4.50. thepositiveequestrian.com

Your Favorite Pillow Add a little equestrian character to any space with this beautiful hands e w n h o rs e - t h e m e d pillow. The front features an elegant equestrian pattern, and the back is solid hunter green. It comes with a soft polyester insert that will retain its shape after many uses, and the pillowcase is machine washable. $54. hamptonivy.com

A Breath of Fresh Air The Discovery Set from Maison d’Etto includes samples of all five artisanal, genderneutral fragrances in spray form. Including Rotano, Karat EG, Durban Jane, Macanudo, and Canaan. $90. maisondetto.com

Solid Sun Protection Sun protection is a thing at Solid Citizen Equestrian. The Haley offers natural UV defense with a sun-shielding neckline. Perforated fabric makes up the bodice and sleeve inseam, while a four-way sun-defense fabric and its tailored seams take care of the rest. Perfect for morning, afternoon, and night lessons—and guaranteed to make you the most chic girl at the barn. $65. solidcitizenequestrian.com

Charming Spur Straps Accessorizing your equipment with fun charms may lead to improved happiness, smiles, and good rides. Mane Jane spur straps feature black leather straps (standard 17” long), stainless steel buckle, two keepers, and custom-made charms. Made with strong, durable leather to ensure your straps do not stretch but still fit into the slots on your spurs. $36. dreamersnschemers.com

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Try Some ThermoBalance Thoughtfully designed to deliver targeted relief and accelerate recovery year-round, the SmartTherapy™ mesh sheet will quickly become an integral part of your program. Ceramic particles in its ThermoBalance™ fabric absorb body heat and reflect it back to your horse as soothing far infrared rays. These rays can penetrate beneath the skin to activate blood flow, which may help decrease inflammation. $199.95. smartpakequine.com Sweet Stable Scents Scents for all seasons to keep you in a “stable” mood at home, too. These will be your favorite candles! Scents include Horse Breath, Sweet Feed, Bluegrass, and Tack R o o m . H a n d - p o u re d b y Kentucky Green Studio and available from the American Saddlebred Museum. $16. shop.asbmuseum.org

Made for Motion The newest Enlite Movement Set features two new colors: mint green and steel blue. Made with a soft and extremely stretchy fabric, they are fitted for any type of movement. Designed for workouts, rides, or staying home all day!

Together, the sports bra and leggings are available as a set or individually. Starting at $18. hartoutfittersshop.com 64 WINTER ISSUE 2020

Cowgirl Up Welcome to the world of Cowgirl Camryn, a spunky, compassionate, and resourceful cowgirl who aims to teach young readers about animal husbandry and farm life. Each book in this series teaches lessons about animal care and farm living, as well as teamwork, communication, antibullying, and more. Follow Cowgirl Camryn as she uses her tools (in real life and within) to navigate her world as a young Black cowgirl. Cowgirl Camryn and the Crazy Hair Day, $10.

Cowgirl Camryn and the Great Escape, $12.50. cowgirlcamryn.com

Your Personal Videographer Let the PIXIO and PIXEM robots film your lessons, shows, competitions, sale horses, and more!

These two will track, film, and zoom in and out automatically— indoor and outdoor. You can also enjoy the livestreaming option for distance coaching, too. Starting at $799. movensee.com

Treat to Train All-natural, bite-sized GumBits pieces are the perfect blend of treat and training tool. Intended for use with or without a bridle, GumBits naturally promote chewing activity, encourage submission, activate salivation, and eliminate teeth grinding.

Dubbed “chewing gum for horses,” GumBits currently are used by a selection of the world’s top competitors. $39.95. GumBits.com

Ideal for Winter Style Get the most cozy for the weight with Ariat’s expertly constructed Ideal 3.0 down jacket. Down insulation offers exceptional warmth with minimal bulk, and Ariat adds the style and durability to keep you looking good all day. $129.95. ariat.com

One Smart Halter The NIGHTWATCH® smart halter™ is an equine distress and wellness monitor that offers automated alerts and objective insight for your performance, pregnant, and high-risk horses.

USEF members save 10% on all orders with promo code USEF10. Starting at $997. smarthalter.com

Sophisticated Ayr The AyrBrush Reflection from Charles Owen blends the latest technology with a sophisticated exclusive design that pairs gloss and matte finishes with the option of crystal piping or pinstripe in chrome or rose gold.

A technically superior fit for both oval and round head shapes with a soft GRpx® technology leather harness to ensure stability and provide greater safety to the rider. $570. charlesowen.com

Deluxe Barn Storage The Champion Deluxe tack locker is stunning and spacious, the largest unit in the Flexi Equine range. It is the preferred choice for the world’s leading riders and top international show jumping professionals. USEF members receive 5% off a tack locker and a free grooming box. $3,775 to $5,890. flexiequinetack.com USEQUESTRIAN.ORG 65

Keeping It All Together The Prestige show backpack is a must-have for horse shows. Two spacious compartments can hold sweaters, laptops, or iPads. Side pockets are perfect for easily lost items like gloves, hairnets, or pins.

The removable front flap keeps your helmet in place and clean. There’s also a loop to secure your riding crop and a pocket for your keys or cell phone. Durable, heavy-duty nylon material. $155. prestigeitaly.com Holiday Rover Range Rover Ride-On Car is the perfect vehicle for little big adventures. Complete with LED lights, “low-noise” tires, and a soft-touch seat. $170. landroverusa.com

Steam It for Health

Luxurious Warmth Cold outside? Bundle up comfortably with the Luxen fleece pullover. Its super-cozy high cowl neck with draw strings keep warmth in and cold air out. Signature Luxen fleece faux-fur fabric provides a soft touch.

A fun kangaroo pouch pocket with a hidden phone pocket keeps essentials secure and out of the way. $89.95. toklat.com

Dust, mold, fungi, bacteria, and other allergens commonly found in even good-quality hay are the equine equivalent of coal in your stocking. Removing them from your horse’s environment is a year-round gift to your horse’s respiratory health. Haygain’s hightemperature hay steaming reduces up to 99% of these respirable irritants. The HG One unit steams about 15 lbs. of hay and is easily portable to ensure consistent hay no matter where you are. This is the smallest of Haygain’s three steamer models, which start at $999. haygain.us

Mesh for the Win

Jump to It Perfect for preparing your horses for the show ring and promoting your brand! Add a new dimension to your jump and showcase your barn or company logo with Dalman Jump Co.’s logo cutout fillers, fully customizable to fit your needs. $325 each.

DalmanJumpCo.com

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The finishing touch to your horse’s winning uniform.

Keeps the ears, poll, and head cool and dry with multidimensional air-mesh. Ears fit comfortably and are unbothered by flies under a spandex mesh. Contoured shape keeps bonnet in place while the durable EverLeather trim maintains a polished edge. $97. Custom starts at $199. equifit.net

FIVE FROM THE BOOKSHELF

Top Notes Delight your rider this holiday season with custom note cards and equestrian stationery. Perfect for thank-you notes, season’s greetings, or good-luck wishes. Starting at $18.50. horseshoegreetings.com

Our holiday book selections this year have broad appeal. They range from the classic to the brand new, with enough practical information and enlightening stories between them to keep a barn full of equestrians reading well past bedtime, through the holidays and beyond. If you’re looking for training tips, they’re here. Seeking entertainment? We’ve got that, too, along with equestrian role models whose stories will both delight and inspire.

Riding for the Team: Inspirational Stories of the USA’s Medal-Winning Equestrians and Their Horses Edited by Nancy Jaffer // USET Foundation & Trafalgar Square Books The Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games are set to take place in 2021. Are you ready to root for Team USA? Riding for the Team will get your red-blooded American spirit pumping with a behind-the-scenes look at some of the personalities, horses, and glorious moments from Olympic, Paralympic, and FEI World Equestrian Games.

Distant Skies: An American Journey on Horseback

by Melissa A. Priblo Chapman // Trafalgar Square Books At age 23, the author—accompanied by a puppy named Gypsy—embarked on a 2,600-mile solo horseback journey from New York to California, with no support team. It was an epic ride that tested her physically, mentally, and emotionally but she also made unexpected connections with the landscape and people she encountered, as well as to her horse and her dog. The result: a story that combines horses, dogs, the great American outdoors, and a new take on the classic road trip.

Anne Kursinski’s Riding & Jumping Clinic: A Step-by-Step Course for Winning in the Hunter and Jumper Rings (New Edition)

by Anne Kursinski // Trafalgar Square Books In this new edition of an acclaimed standard, Olympian Anne Kursinski offers 20 exercises to improve position, feel, and more. The updates include newly reshot full-color images. The content focuses on both jumping and the flat to help you master different jumps on course, including combinations and natural obstacles.

Showing in Style Charles Ancona jackets are made using the finest Italian stretch fabrics to provide both stylish looks and high performance functionality. All jackets are machine washable, water repellent and lightweight to help keep you cool on the hottest days. If you want the Ferrari of show jackets, you want a Charles Ancona. Each jacket’s design is fully customizable and made to order in New York City’s garment district. With thousands of possible designs, no two jackets are alike. The best riders in the world trust Charles Ancona. Starting at $710. To order Holiday gifts, call 212727-3435 or go to charlesancona.com

Fearless Mary: Mary Fields, American Stagecoach Driver Tami Charles and Claire Alman // Albert Whitman & Company This children’s picture book set in 1895 in Cascade, Mont., will also interest adults.

It brings to life the vibrant but little-known story of Mary Fields, a courageous former slave who is thought to be the first African American woman stagecoach driver. Fields, traveling with her pet eagle, drove a mail coach until 1903, when she retired at age 71. Her story is inspirational for all ages—in 1895, while in her 60s, Fields won a driving job when she outcompeted cowboys as the fastest to hitch up a six-horse team—and it adds an important, often overlooked perspective to the history of the American West.

Dressage Between the Jumps: The Secret to Improving Your Horse’s Performance Over Fences

by Jane Savoie // Trafalgar Square Books The legendary—and legendarily thought-provoking—trainer Jane Savoie breaks down six common problems that can hinder horse and rider from achieving their best performance over fences: rhythm, suppleness, contact, collection, and the flying change. Using targeted exercises and top riders’ insights, Savoie’s book demonstrates how dressage can solve common problems and result in a better jumping round.

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WWW.REMIBLOT.COM

Inspiration. Education.

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Title Sponsor of the Emerging Dressage Athlete Program through the United States Equestrian Federation Sponsor of Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, Florida "2020 Sponsor of American Equestrians Got Talent", for the benefit of the United States Equestrian Federation.

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF ARIAT

Equestrian life doesn’t stop when the mercury drops and rain clouds gather. If that sounds like your local fall-to-winter conditions, Ariat has got you covered—literally—with pretty and practical pieces that will get you through the season in fine style.

Designed by equestrians for equestrians, Ariat’s outerwear meets you where you live: at the barn, tack shop, ringside, and feed store, whatever the weather.

Want more inspiration for holiday gifts or your own wardrobe?

Visit ariat.com for more tempting staples and fun accessories and to find your nearest authorized Ariat retailer.

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True Blue It’s no wonder athletes have given the Veracity H20 jacket an enthusiastic thumbs-up for in-the-saddle performance. It’s insulated, resists rain, and stretches for ease of movement with a two-way front zip and the zippered back vents. In addition to the AriatTEK® Cold Series technology, the Veracity H20 has three-layer stretch construction and an EcoDry™ finish.

Its windproof, waterproof, and seam-sealed surface fabric repels water while allowing body vapor to escape. The Veracity H20 is fully lined, comes with a removable hood, and has zippered hand and chest pockets so you can stash keys, cards, and horse treats within easy reach. Complete the look shown here with the Lowell 2.0 1/4zip base layer in open country course and the Tek Team 1/2-zip sweatshirt in imperial violet.

Technical Perfection Pair Ariat’s basic Volt 2.0 insulated jacket with the Attain thermal insulated tights for a sleek look with maximum comfort. The Volt’s AriatTEK® Cold Series technology keeps your core toasty, and the Primaloft Black Eco recycled insulation provides additional warmth without bulk.

The Attain tights, which also feature AriatTEK® Cold Series technology, come in grippy Ariat Hex knee patch or full seat and combine compression fleece for a flattering fit that also retains its shape. Moisture Movement Technology™ wicks moisture away from the skin, so you stay comfortable even in serious cold-weather workouts.

Bonus: dual hip pockets.

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Layer Up

As ornamental, cozy, and cheerful as the holiday season, Ariat’s beanies make staying warm fun. The soft acrylic knit comes in three styles: Salem, Cable, and Aztec. The Salem has a cool, retro-style stripe and a fun yarn pom, the Cable has a faux-chinchilla pom and a chenille lining and cable-knit styling, and the Aztec’s fleece lining is topped with a southwestern pattern and large faux-fur pom.

New Heights New this season, the Altitude down jacket takes warm style to new heights with stretch down construction and sleek, technical styling, plus a dropped tail and a removable hood trimmed in faux fur for added protection from chilly winter blasts. It’s got everything, including zippered hand pockets for your essentials.

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PHOTOS: COURTESY OF ARIAT

Magic Beans

The Lowell 2.0 1/4-zip base layer is worth showing off.

Shown here in grey camo— really a pattern of prancing horses—the Lowell is one of Ariat’s best all-around performers. It combines sporty paneling details for a flattering fit, brushed stretch jersey for ease of movement, ergonomic thumbholes, and all the technology you expect from Ariat, like AriatTEK® Cold Series technology to enhance core body warmth and Moisture Movement Technology™ to keep you dry when you’re at the barn.

Available in fresh solid colors or bright retro-inspired patterns that are worth showing off when you’re back indoors by the fireplace.

Day Brightener Quilted chevron detailing, taping accents around the collar and front, and a novelty print lining make the Ashley vest more than just another layer. But for all its style, the wind- and water-resistant Ashley vest is also designed to succeed at its core function: keeping you comfortable in and out of the saddle. Cool Climate Insulation™ optimizes lightweight warmth, so you can focus on your ride.

Bright Idea The Ide a l 3 .0 dow n jacket, now with updated quilt styling, packs a big punch, providing down insulation’s optimal warmth without being bulky or restrictive. That’s not the only popular factor in the Ideal jacket. It’s also convenient to carry when your day warms up; it folds easily into its attached pouch—perfect for a day that will take you from indoors to outdoors and back again. Shown here in island blush.

Rugged Adventurer Meet your match: the Ketley boot – tough, classic, comfortable and reliably waterproof. The premium waterproof full-grain leather uppers will tempt you to dress it up. And the front-lace detailing (and a convenient full-length back YKK® zipper) enhance the boot’s sleek silhouette, making it an ideal candidate for stepping out in town. But make no mistake: the Ketley is serious about all-day comfort and stability, thanks to ATS® technology, all-day cushioning insole, and a comfy, non-marking rubber outsole.

Easy Fleece Easy, no-fuss style is all the rage these days, and the Chandail sweatshirt brings it on. The eye-catching shoulder zip on this heathered sweater fleece is chic but also convenient, the fit is relaxed, and the fabric is quick-drying—but the AriatTEK® Cold Series technology is all business when it comes to keeping frosty temperatures at bay. Shown here in marine blue.

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CELEBRATING

SALLY IKE Three Decades of Service to Equestrian Sport

BY CARLY WEILMINSTER

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF SALLY IKE

Sally Ike and Evening Mail

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Top: Sally Ike (left) and her twin, Muffin Lord, on the racetrack at the 1953 Monmouth Horse Show Bottom: Sally Ike and Evening Mail competing in Chatsworth, England in October 1967

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PHOTOS: COURTESY OF SALLY IKE

September 1, 2020, marked the end of an era for US Equestrian as Sally Ike, who has been with the organization for nearly 30 years, transitioned from her post as Managing Director of Licensed Officials and Education into an independent contractor role for the Federation.

Ike has been an integral part of US Equestrian’s success and growth since 1989, working extensively with the USEF Sport Department for more than three decades. She has managed countless responsibilities and held numerous titles throughout her tenure, including Chef de Mission, Discipline Director of Eventing, Managing Director of Jumping, and Director of Vaulting Activities; she also served as the Jumping Team Leader for every Olympic Games, Pan American Games, FEI World Equestrian Games, and FEI World Cup Finals from 1990 through 2008.

“I first met Sally in the mid-’80s in Gladstone, N.J., working as a groom for the U.S. Show Jumping Team,” reflected Dan Reed, a top FEI and USEF steward. “I always knew I could count on her for anything I needed. Her devotion to the team and our country always came first. She has always been a top professional in the sport and an inspiration to so many.

When I started stewarding in the 1990s, Sally helped me through many questions and events.”

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Reed’s wife, Colleen, who also met Sally in the 1980s as a groom, echoed similar sentiments, while thanking Ike for her continued positivity and guidance. “After I stopped grooming professionally, many years later, she gave me an opportunity to return to my favorite industry,” she said. “The last eight years working with Sally have been so rewarding, giving back to future generations of horse lovers who are looking for a path into the industry.”

Though inherently tied to the world of jumping for a significant portion of her career with USEF, Ike has always had a passion for eventing and her personal equestrian accomplishments are impressive in their own right.

Ike, who then went by Sally Lord, successfully competed at the Burghley Horse Trials in 1967 aboard her longtime mount, Evening Mail, before going on to complete the Badminton Horse Trials in the spring of 1968, ultimately punching the duo’s ticket to a coveted Olympic team nomination. Ike was selected as a non-traveling reserve for the 1968 Mexico City Olympic Games.

An avid enthusiast of the equestrian sport at all levels, Ike performed the duties of course designer, technical delegate, steward, and judge at numerous three-day events across the country, while simultaneously managing the jumping

department and traveling around the world with top international U.S. umping teams.

“You know if Sally’s there, she’s going to work,” said Marilyn Payne, a longtime USEF licensed official and close friend.

“She’s not going to be one of these people who just sits and listens. She takes the ball and runs with it if you give her a project.

She’s always been very generous with her time, always willing to help out. You can call her anytime and she’ll find a way to help you.

She’d help anybody. She’s always open to new ideas. She’s very easy to discuss things with, and you know if she does a job, she’s going to do it well and put everything into it.”

Appreciation for Ike’s steadfast commitment and leadership within horse sport continues to ripple through the equestrian community today. Her influence is unmistakable, as is the respect for her many accomplishments.

“Of course, there’s her modest attitude towards her athletic achievements, which she would not mention unless you dragged it out of her,” said friend and eventing legend Jimmy Wofford. “Secondly, the development and defining of the role of Discipline Director. She stepped into a position which did not have a mission

statement or a job description and created it. You can’t define her by one role or value her contributions by one role because she has filled so many so well.”

Ike has always been a welcoming and dependable supporter of all equestrian disciplines. Her pledge to ensure the success of US Equestrian’s teams and programs has left a lasting impression not only on the disciplines she has been so deeply tied to throughout her career, but also on those she has mentored and worked with throughout the years.

“What will her legacy be? That’s a good question, because she’s done so much,” said Payne. “Some people would say jumping, but her heart is in eventing. I think that was her niche, to help design programs, teach people, and expand programs. She steps forward and learns different ways to do things. Even though she’s always been busy with her day job, she always finds time to do even more.”

US Equestrian extends its sincerest and deepest appreciation to Sally Ike for her commitment and dedication to equestrian sport in the United States for the past 30 years and looks forward to her knowledgeable guidance in the years ahead.

Left: 1972 Delaware point-to-point champions – Sally Ike and Evening Mail on the right Above: Sally Ike and Hard Times at the 1955 Monmouth Horse Show

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FOR THE RECORD

Hearing Committee Rulings and Administrative Penalties OFFICIAL NOTICES 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 Ineligibility List online at usef.org. Hover over the Compete tab on the homepage. In the menu that appears, click Ineligibility List under Rules, Regulations, and Grievances.

HEARING COMMITTEE RULINGS Below are the official rulings reached by the Hearing Committee following hearings held in these matters and/or plea agreements made.

This is official notice of actions taken by the United States Equestrian Federation, Inc., Hearing Committee on September 28, 2020.

The Committee Members present received and accepted a plea agreement tendered pursuant to Chapter 6, GR617, in connection with the Kentucky Summer Classic Horse Show held on July 28-August 2, 2020, wherein STEPHEN HIRSCH, of South Salem, N.Y., violated Chapter 7, GR702.1e, of this Federation, in that he entered the Judges’ pavilion while a class was in progress and approached and spoke to the officiating Judge without the permission of the Steward.

Hirsch was attempting to speak to the Judge regarding the outcome of a previous class. Hirsch left the area when he was told he did not have permission to be there, and he subsequently wrote an apology to the Judge during the competition.

For this violation, it was determined that STEPHEN HIRSCH be censured pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1a, and fined $1,000 pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1j.

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.

ASHLAND SHOW STABLES LLC of Wayzata, Minn., violated Chapter 4, GR410-411, of this Federation in connection with the Ocala January Classic Horse 80 WINTER ISSUE 2020

Show held January 14-19, 2020, in that they, as trainer, exhibited the horse DURANGO VDL after it had been administered and/or contained in its body hydroxyzine and cetirizine.

For this violation, it was determined that ASHLAND SHOW STABLES LLC 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 DURANGO VDL at said competition must be redistributed pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1g.

MISTI CASSAR of Tulsa, Okla., violated Chapter 4, GR410 – GR411, of this Federation in connection with the Del Mar International World Cup Week Horse Show held on October 16-20, 2019, in that she, as trainer, exhibited the horse VIKING after it had been administered and/or contained in its body flunixin and diclofenac.

For this violation, it was determined that MISTI CASSAR 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 VIKING at said competition must be redistributed pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1g.

ABRAM COTTON of Manchester, Mich., violated Chapter 4, GR410-411, of this Federation in connection with the U.S. National Arabian and Half-Arabian National Championship Show held on October 18-26, 2019, in that he, as trainer, exhibited the horse CELLO SHOTS SS after it had been administered and/or contained in its body clenbuterol. The facts and mitigating factors in this case supported the following penalty, even though it is below the suggested range for Category II Violations outlined

in the Drugs and Medications Penalty Guidelines.

For this violation, it was determined that ABRAM COTTON 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 CELLO SHOTS SS at said competition must be redistributed pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1g.

S T I E N E K E D E G R O O THUMPHRIES of Sulphur Springs, Texa s , v i o l a te d C h a p te r 4 , GR410-411, of this Federation in connection with the Christmas Horse Show held on December 4-8, 2019, in that he, as trainer, exhibited the horse SPOTLIGHT after it had been administered and/or contained in its body clenbuterol. The facts and mitigating factors in this case supported the following penalty, even though it is below the suggested range for Category II Violations outlined in the Drugs and Medications Penalty Guidelines.

For this violation, it was determined that STIENEKE DE GROOT-HUMPHRIES 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 SPOTLIGHT at said competition must be redistributed pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1g.

MICHELLE MAHONEY of Watsonville, Calif., violated Chapter 4, GR410, of this Federation in connection with the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show held on February 13-23, 2020, in that she, as trainer, exhibited the horse PISTOLI after it had been administered and/or contained in its body flunixin in a plasma concentration exceeding the maximum permitted level. The following penalty was issued in

accordance with a third offense under Category I of the USEF Drugs and Medications Penalty Guidelines.

For this violation, it was determined that pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1b and GR703.1f, MICHELLE MAHONEY be found not in good standing, suspended from membership, and forbidden from the privilege of taking any part whatsoever in any Licensed Competition for one month 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 one-month suspension shall commence on February 1, 2021, and terminate at midnight on February 28, 2021. 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.

MICHELLE MAHONEY was also fined $2,000 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 PISTOLI at said competition must be redistributed pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1g.

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