March Digital Edition 2024

March 2024

2024 Equestrian Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Impact Award Honorees

p. 15 HORSE HEALTH Worth a Shot for Spring Vaccinations P. 7

BEHIND THE BUSINESS

Melanie Shinault, Owner of Kindred Spirit Photography P. 9

PEOPLE & HORSES

YOUNG RIDERS

The Many Lifetimes of GarryNdruig Albie P. 10

Spotlight with Dressage Rider: Addy Batcheller P. 11

2 | Mid-South Horse Review

March 2024

CONTENTS

March 2024

Mid-South Horse Review | 3

Features:

Page 4: Publishers Note Why Does Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Matter in our Sport?

By Lauren Abbott

Page 5: News Germantown Charity Horse Show Salutes the 2024 Royal Court Courtesy of Germantown Charity Horse Show

Page 6: Healthy Horse & Rider Don’t Get “Choked” Up

By Kyla Szemplinski, MS | UT TSU Extension Shelby County

Pg. 9 Melnie Shinault: Owner of Kindred Spirit Photography

By Rachel Ledet

Page 7: Healthy Horse & Rider Worth a Shot for Spring Vaccinations

By Kyla Szemplinski, MS | UT TSU Extension Shelby County

Page 8: From the Experts (Sponsored Content) Keeping Calm and Carrying On: How a Green and Red Marker can Make Your Day Easier

By Jonathan Fortenberry

Pg. 10 The Many Lifetimes of GarryNDruig Albie

By Grace Netter

Page 11: Young Riders Spotlight with Dressage Rider: Addy Batcheller A Q&A

Pg. 10 The Many Lifetimes of GarryNDruig Albie

By Grace Netter

Page 12: Training Tips & Horsemanship Saddle Up with a Chess Mindset: Blending Horsemanship with Strategy A

By Ashlee Pigford

Page 13: Greener Pastures Toxic Plants Found in Horse Pastures

By Ashlee Pigford & By Kyla Szemplinski, MS

Page 22- 27: Competition Zone

2024 National Field Trial Championships for Bird Dogs Page 28-29: March & April Calendar of Events Page 30: Marketplace: Equestrian Businesses, Products & Services

On the Cover: Alaina Rankin-Lawrence from Memphis, Tenn., riding BridgeUp GiddyUp Rhonwen, aka “Wendy.”

Photo by Adarryll Jackson, Sr.

4 | Mid-South Horse Review

March 2024

Publisher’s Note March 2024

Volume 34 | Number 7 Publisher & President: Lauren Abbott labbott@thehorsereview.com 901- 279- 4634

Business Office:

Andrea Winfrey: andrea@mshorsereview.com

Editorial:

Ashlee Pigford: Managing Editor Ashlee@mshorsereview.com Gary Cox: Contributing Photographer Grace Netter: Contributing Writer Paul Nolte: Contributing Photographer Kyla Szemplinski, MS Contributing Writer Rachel Ledet: Contributing Writer

Design & Production Melissa Williams Amber Murphy

Advertising & Marketing

info@mshorsereview.com

Mailing:

P.O. Box 451 Nesbit, MS 38651

Subscriptions

Subscriptions are $60 annually for print and digital access. email: info@mshorsereview.com To submit articles, artwork and press

releases please email: labbott@thehorsereview.com

What does Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion mean in our Sport?

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are three words you may hear regularly on the news, business radio, and perhaps in your own companies, but likely not often in the barn. This is a topic that some find to be inappropriate when it comes to horses. When I first announced on our social media platforms that the Mid-South Horse Review was taking nominations for our new Impact Awards series, and one award’s focus was Equestrian Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, there were a few replies that were not well received.

One reply read: “Can’t you just stick to ruining the school system and leave the horse industry alone?”

Well, no, I cannot.

As I read that post my heart began to race, my jaw clenched, and my head shook, and I said colorful adjectives out loud judging the morals and character of the individual who publicly wrote that response for all to see. However, isn’t that 50% of our experience with social media these days?

Why do I feel this is an important topic to cover in the Mid-South Horse Review?

Why do I think it is relevant?

Why do I think we need to recognize and publish the happenings of organizations and individuals who are actively bringing new people into our equestrian communities and sport?

Because it is happening, and it matters!

Our sport has the chance to evolve and grow. This is our opportunity to grow with positivity, openness, and acceptance that every human being; no matter race, socio-economic background, physical and mental difference or disability, can be enriched by horses, and all the gifts they bring.

My mission as the Publisher of the Mid-South Horse Review and Hunt & Field Magazine is to attract as many new people into our equestrian and outdoor sports as possible, and it is important to celebrate the organizations and individuals who are expanding our sport and industry to unexpected communities and individuals. The more people with opportunities to love horses and share experiences with others, the more promotion of equestrian sports helps improve the lives of more horses needing a home and a person to call their own.

I was blown away by some negative responses, but the positive responses affirmed the importance of this topic.

We received nominations from supporters of organizations that actively help underserved communities that teach horsemanship and how the horse enhances lives. We have honorees who assist with helping individuals with mental and physical disabilities reach new goals from partnerships with horses. We have honorees who are saving lives by helping form bonds between man and horse. We have honorees who are blind and physically disabled who inspire others, just like them. They prove that there is a place in the barn for disabled equestrians. We have honorees who give opportunity to individuals who do not have the wealth to attend horse shows. They help those individuals reach new goals and be rewarded for their hard work without show costs and expenses. We have honorees who are recruiting specific demographics and ethnicities into equestrian careers that are in need of more interest and growth to sustain the demands on the industry.

There are an abundance of horse breeds, horse colors, equestrian disciplines, and places for those horses to excel, so why is it not the same for equestrians from all different kinds of backgrounds?

We have the opportunity to grow our sport, our community and have more people caring for horses. Let’s celebrate the individuals and organizations who are bringing new people into our community, teaching them about horses, proper and ethical horsemanship, and who inspire newcomers to be the next horsemen and horsewomen of our sport.

We cannot guarantee publication or return of manuscripts or artwork. reproduction of editorial content, photographs or advertising is strictly prohibited without written permission of the publisher.

Published by

Ford Abbott Media, LLC

www.thehorsereview.com

Lauren Abbott | Publisher & President

March 2024

Mid-South Horse Review | 5

News Germantown Charity Horse Show Salutes the 2024 Royal Court

Germantown, Tenn. Mayor Mike Palazzolo and Queen Natalie Hanisco with Honorarium Horses 10 Sign. | Photo by Alex Ginsburg, Alex Ginsburg Photographics.

Courtesy of Germantown Charity Horse Show The grand ballroom at Woodland Hills Event Center was the setting for the recent Germantown Charity Horse Show (GCHS) Royal Ball honoring its 2024 Queen and Princesses. These working royals perform volunteer services for the community and throughout the annual horse show. Germantown Mayor Mike Palazzolo attended the ball and presented a special proclamation along with a “Horses 10” sign to this year’s queen, Natalie Faith Hanisco.

The ball provided an unforgettable evening for all those who attended, made possible by many GCHS volunteers that gave their time and talents to help create this truly special event. Spring flowers adorned the tables in the ballroom where guests enjoyed a delicious dinner prepared by Paradox Catering and Consulting. The presentation of members of the GCHS Royal Court was followed by dancing to the music of Memphis-based Thumpdaddy. Melissa Beall served as Royal Ball Chair, Teresa Martin served as Invitation Chair, and Anna Pallme and Mindy Hanisco are serving as Princess Co-Chairs this season. Alex Ginsburg of Alex Ginsburg Photographics provided formal portraits and candid photos for the

event.

Queen Natalie is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Collins Hanisco. Natalie is currently a sophomore at Texas Tech University where she is working towards a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology with a minor in Psychology, and plans to pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree after completing her undergraduate studies.

At Texas Tech, Queen Natalie has become an active member of the Zeta Alpha Chapter of the Kappa Delta sorority where she has served as an SET Leader, Sergeant in Arms, and Director of Collegiate Facilities. Working in each of these positions has taught Natalie about leadership and how each position, regardless of how small, is important and contributes to the success of the entire organization.

While Queen Natalie takes great pride in her education, she is equally as passionate about her equestrian life. She is an active member of the Germantown Charity Horse Show and the Nashoba Carriage Club. Natalie’s love for horses began in the heart of Germantown when as a small child, she watched the Germantown Charity Horse Show from the sidelines and then began competing at age seven. She fell in love with the horse community which is a passion that she shares with her family. This common love of horses provided invaluable

experiences that have shaped her life and afforded her many opportunities to ride and compete across the nation.

As Queen Natalie became more serious about horses and horseback riding, her passion expanded to include hunters, jumpers, equitation, carriage driving, and most especially, Welsh Ponies. Natalie has won numerous championships throughout her career in each category. A major component of her successful Junior career was hunter pony competitions. She qualified to compete at the United States Equestrian Federation Pony Finals on three different mounts over three years. Her most memorable was in 2018 when she competed on her very own pony, Ashes, a troubled young horse that was abused in her early life. Natalie began working with Ashes in 2017 and by the summer of 2018, their efforts had paid off by qualifying for the USEF Pony Finals.

Natalie is very grateful for all the encouragement and support she has and continues to receive from her parents, family and friends, and from Ruth and Joanna Wilburn, Sally Ross Davis, and the rest of her Rollingwoods Farm family. She shared that, “Being chosen as the 2024 Germantown Charity Horse Show Queen during its 75th anniversary year is the dream of a lifetime. Since my early childhood, I have wonderful memories of the magical Charity signaling the beginning of summer. This special week is more than a simple horse show but a unique celebration of community, friendships, and

the amazing athleticism of humans and the most graceful animal on earth, the horse. I join with the Princesses in welcoming you to the 75th anniversary Germantown Charity Horse Show this June.”

The 2024 GCHS Princesses and their sponsoring organization are Samantha Bisignano (Hunter’s Edge Stables), Caroline Campbell (Germantown Lion’s Club), Skyelar Campbell (Crews Development), Sarah Cousyn (Oak View Stables), Cassidy Fendley (Mid-South IEA), Eleanor Grace Flynn (West Tennessee Hunter Jumper Association), Linley Fristick (Germantown Women’s Club), Emma Grusin (Suburban Garden Club), Elise Hendrix (Oak Grove Hunt Club), Kathryn Herrin (Nashoba Carriage Classic), Chandler Ince (Nashoba Carriage Association), Abbey Johnson (Haynes Plumbing Company), Avery McEver (Pegasus of Germantown), Lilly Misciskia (Saddles N’ Such), Grace Patterson (Kiwanis Club of Germantown), Sarah Sink (Les Passees, Inc.), Piper Tushek (ExEL Horse Shows), Audrey Wright (Hunters Edge Stables), and Emmalee Lentile (Mid-South IEA).

The Germantown Charity Horse Show is celebrating its 75th anniversary and is one of the oldest and largest all-breed shows in the country. Mark your calendars for June 4-8 and join us for this historic show! For more information, go to GCHS.org.

2024 GCHS Royal Court with Queen Natalie.

Photo by Alex Ginsburg, Alex Ginsburg Photographics.

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March 2024

Horse & Rider Health Do Not Get “Choked Up” emergency that requires immediate attention. If left undetected or untreated, choke can lead to severe health complications. But what exactly is choke? How does choke happen? What are the symptoms? How is choke treated? How do you prevent choke? With the correct tips and knowledge, choke can be easily preventable, managed, and treated by you and a veterinarian.

What is Choke?

Choke in horses is different from choke in humans. When horses suffer from choke, it refers to a blockage in the esophagus, the muscular tube that transports food from the mouth to the stomach. A horse suffering from choke can still breath, but cannot drink or eat due to the blockage.

By Kyla Szemplinski, MS UT TSU Extension Shelby County Have you heard of esophageal obstruction or “choke” in horses? It is an equine health

How Choke Happens The most common cause of choke is when a horse consumes concentrated feed (typically grain) rapidly without chewing it all the way down. The food does not get soft enough from the saliva (fun fact: horses ONLY produce saliva when they are chewing). This then forms a bolus that gets stuck in the esophagus. While grain is the most common food obstruction, choke can happen with anything the horse ingests such as hay, straw, treats or non-food objects. Additional-

ly, horses with poor teeth and unusual esophagus anatomy are more prone to choking.

Symptoms of Choke Choke is recognizable by horse owners when feed material comes through the nostrils in a green, slimy appearance. Other symptoms include horses hypersalivating, retching, avoid eating, act “colicky” or are coughing. If your horse exhibits any of these symptoms, contact your veterinary immediately. After calling the veterinarian, it is important to keep your horse from eating and to avoid giving any oral medications.

How Choke is Treated The most common method of choke treatment is passing a nasogastric tube through the horse’s nostril to flush the obstruction with water to remove the feed material. Following treatment, follow-up care is critical to prevent aspiration pneumonia. Aspiration pneumonia occurs when the feed particles get into your horse’s lungs and cause a bacterial infection. Your veterinarian will place your horse on antibiotics to prevent any secondary bacterial infections along with non-steroidal inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Banamine.

Monitoring your horse’s temperature is important as well as a fever is one of the first signs of pneumonia. Check your horse’s tem-

perature before giving NSAIDs as they can cover up a fever. Depending on the severity of the choke, your veterinarian may recommend withholding certain feed types for several days.

How to Prevent Choke Choke is easily preventable with the appropriate management steps. First, make sure your horse’s teeth receive dental care once or twice a year. Scheduling your horse’s dental appointments is important to avoid your horse developing sharp points on the surface of teeth. These painful points can deter your horse from fully chewing their food. Additionally, owners can soak their horse’s grain, hay cubes, pellets, or beet pulp long enough to make it easier to chew. Make sure to soak long enough for the feed to absorb the water added to soften it. Warm water speeds up the soaking process. For horses that eat their feed quickly, adding large rocks in their feed tubs can help slow down the chow down.

Hopefully, you will not experience a choke first-hand. For those unfamiliar with choke, you now have some helpful guidelines about it’s symptoms, treatment, and some prevention tips to reduce the chances of having this alarming emergency happen.

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March 2024

Mid-South Horse Review | 7

Section Sponsored By:

Worth a Shot for Spring Vaccinations

Kyla Szemplinski, MS UT TSU Extension Shelby County

With springtime, comes the time of year horse owners should be checking and updating their horses’ health records. Every horse should have their own health record (hard copies and digital forms) that should

detail the following information: horse’s name (registered name and barn name,) date of horse’s birth, breed, owner’s information (name, phone numbers, mailing address, email address, alternate contact,) veterinarian’s information (name, phone numbers, clinic’s mailing address, email addresses, alternate veterinarian contact) The health record should also include columns for farrier and dental appointments.

The vaccination column should be the most detailed since equine vaccinations are critical from an environmental health standpoint.

The vaccination column should include: name of vaccination, veterinarian who gave the vaccine, date of vaccination, vaccine dosage, where on the horse the vaccine was administered, vaccination expiration date and vaccinations serial number.

By federal law, the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) requires that all horses in the United States MUST receive core vaccinations. Core vaccinations by definition from the AAEP “protect from diseases that are endemic to a region, those with potential public health significance, required by law, virulent/highly infectious and/or those posing a risk of severe disease.” Core vaccines include: Rabies, Tetanus, Eastern and Western Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE/ WEE) and West Nile Virus.

Other vaccinations are called, “riskbased”, meaning these vaccinations should be included in the vaccination program if a horse has a higher risk of being impacted by a specific disease. Examples of risk-based vaccinations include: Equine Influenza, Equine Herpesvirus, Strangles, Botulism , Equine Viral Arteritis, Rotaviral Diarrhea, Snake bites and Venezuelan Equine Encephalomyelitis.

Horses that have been previously vaccinated just need an annual dose of vaccines. If your horse’s vaccine history is unknown or your horse has never been vaccinated, vaccines will be in an either single dose or two to three dose series.

Consult with your veterinarian about which risk-based vaccines best suit your horse’s lifestyle. Develop an annual vaccination schedule that has core and risk-based vaccines and is consistent.

Possible Allergic Reactions Like most vaccinations, some horses can have swelling or soreness at the injection site.

Other symptoms can include fever, anorexia and lethargy with severe reactions including purpura hemorrhagic and anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis, or allergic reactions, can happen in horses following routine vaccinations. These reactions are taken seriously by veterinarians

and there are precautions taken to prevent an allergic reaction.

According to Dr. Lew Strickland, UT Extension Veterinarian, “My team gives horses an antihistamine and an anti-inflammatory (usually Banamine) when we arrive on site.

We perform other exams and vaccinations that need to be done and come back to the horse that had reactions to give the vaccines.”

As a precaution, Dr. Strickland and his team remain at the farm for an additional 3045 minutes to ensure no reactions take place.

When asked which vaccine causes the most reactions, Dr. Strickland says, “While I do not know which vaccine results in reactions the most, I suspect that Rabies is the usual cause.”

If a horse is known to have an allergy sensitivity to vaccines, please make sure your veterinarian is aware so the appropriate steps are taken to minimize reactions. It is critical to public health that all horses receive, at minimum, the core vaccinations to prevent the spread of deadly diseases.

As always, if you have any questions regarding spring vaccinations, contact your horse’s veterinarian and also contact UTTSU Extension Shelby County at 901-7521207.

8 | Mid-South Horse Review

March 2024

Equestrian Business

From the Experts Sponsored Content

Keeping Calm and Carrying On: How a Green and Red marker can make your day easier.

By Jonathan Fortenberry

If you’ve been following along, I’ve written about insurance coverages that are important to horse owners, the state of the insurance world right now, and how to grow your horse business and the industry as a whole. Today, I’m going to step back and talk about peace of mind.

Typically when an insurance guy talks about peace of mind, the topic is life insurance, a retirement plan, or the right coverages on your home and autos. I want you to know that life insurance is important, you should have it, and I can help. But for today’s purposes, peace of mind is about keeping your sanity while balancing your horse hobby, habit, or business with the rest of your life.

Like many of you, I have a family. My wife Lauren and my son Drew have walked this crazy road with me for over a decade.

They’ve seen what it takes to love a business owner, and I’m pretty sure at times they’ve wondered how much more it would cost.

It’s probably the same for you. Your horses need you, the business needs to run, the shows are scheduled, the weather is coming, and everything has to fall into balance with family commitments, social engagements, church, and your job outside of horses.

So let’s talk about keeping our minds in a great place and making sense of all that is asked of us. For me, it’s a green and red fine point pen or marker and a black pen. Green for go and red for stop. You can use any two colors you like, but those are mine. Those markers and some sort of planner make all the difference in the world. Here are the steps I take to help me keep it all together.

The most important things I have are my family and my faith. So those items get first dibs on my calendar. Go ahead and grab an extra color pen, like black, and square off anything that is non-negotiable for them.

Daddy-daughter dances, mother-son nerf wars, seeing the grand babies, etc. Write them in and block them off. Now that the most important stuff is there, we can get back to our Green and Red times.

Green is anything that moves what I’m passionate about forward. My absolute favorite part of my job is spending time with people like you. Leaning against a fence post, sitting in the barn, riding on the side by side looking at property, all of it. It’s my favorite. It’s where relationships are built and ultimately where my most rewarding business moments come from. So hanging out with you gets a green square blocking out our time together. For you, this could look like scheduling vet visits, researching the show calendar, or loping around the arena.

Time in the saddle, or making the next time in the saddle better, it is a green time block.

Most of your time outside of the non-negotiables needs to be spent in the green.

Red is anything that doesn’t move what I’m passionate about forward, but is still necessary. I absolutely can’t stand preparing my end of month stuff for my accountant. I love my accountant, but I hate getting stuff together. It’s definitely a red time! I have to do it, but it doesn’t move me forward. I’m sure you can think of more than a few examples of your own red times.

Now that we have the premise down, I’d encourage you to go ahead and get all of your tasks out of your brain and on to some paper. Getting things together on a list will help you free up the brain space to process all the decisions you have in front of you.

I’ll give you a bit of a heads up. The list will probably look daunting at first and you might wonder why you started writing a list to begin with, but all that stuff was running around loose in your head and now you’re wrangling it. So good job!

Grab your green marker that moves you

forward and circle all the stuff that you get the most value from. That’s where the fun is. Next, circle all the stuff that doesn’t move you forward in red. That’s stuff that has to be done but is probably not fun at all.

Falling back on my last article, ask yourself if you know someone that would be really great at handling those red tasks for you.

Would referring or hiring those tasks out to someone free up more time for you to do the green things? I bet it would!

If you’re anything like me, you’d rather get the worst of it over and done with and then enjoy the rest of your day. Now that we have our list of tasks and we know which ones are black, green, and red, let’s get to scheduling. First write in your non-negotiables. Then find the time in your day where you have the most brain power and energy.

Commit to knocking out some of the reds each day during the time where you have the most ability to do them. Trying to do

a red when you’re already tired is no good.

Dependable smaller blocks of time each day will get this list knocked out for you. Once you get these scheduled, you can enjoy the rest of your time in the green. Greens are easier on your brain and the time flies by faster. So let’s have as much green as possible.

Studies show that planning out your next day before you go to bed can help you sleep better. That’s going to give you more energy. You’re going to get more stuff done and feel better about it. Your health is going to love you for this. Like anything, it’s going to be work in progress, but any progress is still progress. I’ve really enjoyed the last few issues writing for you all. I hope to see you around soon. Call me and I’ll write you in my planner and circle it in green (John Deere green at that!)

March 2024

Mid-South Horse Review | 9

Behind the Business The Business of Capturing Memories: Melanie Shinault, Owner of Kindred Spirit Photography

By Rachel Ledet

For lifelong rider Melanie Sutton Shinault, equestrian photography was a natural career path in combining love of horses and appreciation for nature and art. As Owner and Head Photographer of Kindred Spirit Photography, Melanie captures horses and their owners in both the English and Western arenas.

Melanie, born a northerner, started riding horses at six years old, but quit soon after due to extremely cold weather in her hometown. Then, her family moved to France, where she found a newfound love for horses and got deeply engrained in the equestrian sport. She began riding Shetland ponies and then small horses, and she truly felt in her element despite the language barrier she experienced while in France. After living overseas for five years, Melanie’s family moved back to the U.S., and she got plugged into a barn locally where she started riding and competing in shows as an English Hunter/ Jumper rider with her Off the Track Thoroughbred her parents bought her while she was in high school.

About four years ago, Melanie switched over to Ranch horses and Western riding.

She purchased her mare as a four-year-old and through that partnership it engulfed her into working with cows and ranch life.

“She’s amazing. It’s so much fun,” Melanie shares about her mare. Melanie is recently married to her rodeo-rider husband Avery, whom she met from mutual friends associated with her barn. Avery runs cattle as his daily job and has been able to teach Melanie all about the cattle world and how to work the horses together. They’ve enjoyed spending that time together while working. “It’s a different lifestyle. Even from the English background that I grew up with,” Melanie shares with the added note that busting ice is her least favorite thing to do!

Melanie now runs her photography business with two main service lines including horse show photography and equine lifestyle photography. She also offers videography services as a support function to her

clients, allowing them to keep high-motion memories in an in-action format, which they love. Melanie started off photographing small weddings, families, newborns, engaged couples, and then decided to get more focused and narrow down her business to one niche. “Horses are always something I’ve gravitated to. I’ve been taking pictures of horses since I started with a camera,” Melanie recalls. She got connected with the West Tennessee Hunter Jumper Association (WTHJA) and started taking photos unofficially before gaining a position as the official show photographer. She likes that

they’re local to her Greater-Memphis area, and that she showed at WTHJA shows when she was a young rider, which is very special to her. The shows keep her busy when they pick up in the spring with four to five shows taking place starting at the end of March and running through May. Melanie’s second major service offering is Equine Lifestyle Sessions, which can range from 30 minutes to two hours, which also can include video. After clients book their sessions, she has a preliminary conversation about their aspirations for the shoot and how many horses they would like to in-

clude. Then she arrives a few minutes early to scout out the barn and surrounding area and meet the horse and owner. Clients often bring a friend or family member to help out with the sessions. Melanie jokes, “Horses are like 1,000 pound toddlers so you don’t know exactly what will happen during the shoot.” By capturing the relationship between her clients and their horses, Melanie values how special those bonds can be and appreciates the opportunity to preserve that memory for her clients.

Additionally, Kindred Spirit Photography now includes videography at horse shows and as part of equine portraits. Videography, especially with vast expansion of social media use, has become increasingly popular. People tend to gravitate towards reels because they capture attention and catch your eye. With her video shoots, Melanie captures the behind-the-scenes moments between horse and rider at shows.

The videos often include warm-up, behind the scenes, exiting the ring, jumping, and other special moments revealing an inside look at the partnership between horse and human. “Clients have really enjoyed having this option. It’s like adding motion to your memories.” Inspired by watching the many hours of home videos from her own childhood, Melanie wanted to do the same thing for people during photo sessions stating, “All that motion… you can remember with your horse, maybe when they’re not here one day.”

In addition to supporting Melanie’s photography business with horse show images or a special lifestyle session with your horse, you can purchase her incredible landscape photography from a recent trip to Montana a few summers ago. She offers prints in her online store https://www.kindredspirit-photo.com/ showcasing life out west-many include horses. After her mother hung some of her Montana landscapes in her own home, Melanie realized that others may enjoy the natural scenery of the mountains as well.

She looks forward to continuing to add on to her landscape photography over time, always with an eye towards nature and the equestrian world.

10 | Mid-South Horse Review

March 2024

People & Horses The Many Lifetimes of GarryNdruig Albie

By Grace Netter There are some horses that seem to have been born to teach, and GarryNdruig Albie is one of them. Over the last fifteen years, this bay gelding has shown the joy of ThreeDay Eventing to three riders, taking not only one, but all three to top-ten finishes at the USEA American Eventing Championships.

Through his scope and “can-do” attitude, it’s easy to see how he is able to fill the role of supporting whatever his rider needs, and look good doing it.

“Albie,” an Irish Sport Horse, started his life in Ireland, being imported to the US as a five year-old to be a Young Rider horse for Felicia Bradley, of Georgia. He seemed to find his stride quickly, as the next year the two competed in the Preliminary Young Rider division at the 2010 USEA American Eventing Championships, finishing in eighth place. For the next few years, Albie and Felicia would work together to compete all the

JJ Sillman

Liz Crawley way to the three-star level, laying down a solid foundation for the both of them. With much to give, it was eventually time for Albie to go on to teach another rider.

The reins were then handed over to Savannah Blackstock, of Florida, who was another Young Rider looking for a chance to be shown the ropes. Much like with Fecilia before them, the pair competed in the Preliminary Young Rider division at the 2019 USEA American Eventing Championships, this time bringing home first place. With the years of experience, Albie was then able to help Savannah compete in her first threestar level event. Later on, while Savannah was navigating the next steps in life, Albie got to have some time off. After his initial vacation, Savannah noticed that he still had the desire to teach, so she began to look for someone to lease him.

When Stephanie Letarte, of Middle Tennessee, got the call about the possibility of leasing such a horse, she jumped at the chance. It was a short three months of leasing before Stephanie was able to buy him outright, knowing that this was the right fit.

Since Albie had had some time off before

they met, the two spent the next few months legging him back up into competition shape, and getting to know each other. During their first cross-country outing together, Stephanie couldn’t help but smile from ear-to-ear, because of how much fun Albie made it feel.

Due to some past riding history, she claimed to not always be the most confident rider, so when she realized that the jumping was so easy, it helped her gain confidence. “You can tell he really enjoys cross-country. He’s ready to go out of the box, looking for the next jump.”

As twice before, the pair qualified for the 2023 USEA American Eventing Championships. Competing in the Training Amatuer division, Stephanie joked on her way to Dressage, “Alright, let’s go win this thing.”

Little did she know that Albie would help make that come true. The pair rode the best Dressage test they’ve ever had together, and landed in first place, continuing to lead the whole weekend. Their goal together was to just have fun and enjoy the opportunity, but leave it to Albie to take it all the way. Stephanie mentioned that out on cross-country, there was a fence where she was not steering

him very well, and Ablie just said, “Alright I got this!” It was an experience that Stephanie will never forget.

When asked what makes Albie such a good teacher, Stephanie laughed and said, “He’s a big, grumpy horse, but he’s also quite sweet and patient. He’s very athletic, and the job is easy for him, so it’s easy for him to absorb his rider’s mistakes. This helps give you the right feel, which you then learn how to be better from. That being said, he can also be a bit lazy, and if you give him a tap he’ll buck, as if to say ‘Leave me alone! I know what I’m doing!’ If you’re not sure in your decision-making, he’ll help you make the right one, without being too annoyed.”

Turning twenty years-old this year, it’s up to Albie to decide when he’s wanting to retire. While Stephanie feels that he still has many years to go, since he’s getting older, she’s looking forward to whatever he thinks is comfortable. She never thought she’d ever make it to the national championship, or even win it, so he’s surpassed every expectation. They aim to take it day by day, as she has a lot to learn from him still. The great shape that Albie is in, Stephanie claims, is a testament to the care he’s had along the way. Albie is truly the horse of a lifetime, for three separate lifetimes, and that is the mark of a teacher.

Erin Gilmore

March 2024

Mid-South Horse Review | 11

Young Riders Spotlight with Dressage Rider: Addy Batcheller How long have you been riding?

I’ve been riding for almost 9 years.

How did you get into horses?

I got into horses through a summer horse camp I participated in when I was 8 years old. I never stopped riding after that!

What trainers have you worked with & how have they helped you grow into the equestrian that you are?

I’ve worked long term with a few trainers in my riding career, but the most influential trainer that I’ve worked with is Alex du Celliee Muller of River City Training Stable. She has taken my riding to places I never thought I could have achieved in the past 4 years, and I couldn’t be more grateful to her for taking me as a client when she did. She’s the best!

Photo by Melisa | Sweetheart Addy Batcheller is an 18- year- old Dressage rider from Little Rock, Arkansas. Addy and her eight- year- old Dutch Warmblood (KWPN), Audi, have been working together as a team and won a regional title in 2023. Her typical day at the barn consists of riding lessons on Tuesdays and Thursdays, while riding multiple horses on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays. Get to know this young Dressage rider better in this Q&A:

love to qualify for NAYC for the 2024 year at Juniors.

What is your favorite brand of Saddle?

Bliss of London What is your favorite hoof oil?

Farrier’s Fix What is your favorite breeches?

Romfh Isabella What is your go to product for everything horse related?

I love LeMieux!

Favorite Quote?

“Everything happens for a reason”

Describe some riding & horsemanship accomplishments?

Recently, my horse, Audi, and I won GAIG Third Level Junior Champion at Regionals 2023. On my former lease horse, Jase, we won GAIG and SWDC Junior Training level champion in 2021.

What is it about Dressage & horses that interests you?

I love the technicality of dressage and how there is always something that can be improved on. It’s a fun journey to be on, especially with a younger horse.

What are some goals this year & longer term that you are focused on?

With a young horse, my goals change every day, but I’d

MIXED GRASS SQAURE BALES: $6.50 MIXED GRASS ROLLS, 4X5 NET, WRAPPED: $60 BERMUDA $9.50 ALFALFA $12

Susan J Stickle Equestrian Photography LLC

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March 2024

Training & Horsemanship Saddle Up with a Chess Mindset: Blending Horsemanship with Strategy

By Ashlee Pigford

Are you ready to elevate your equestrian game to the next level? Let’s talk about why ditching the checkers mentality in favor of a chess mindset, combined with horsemanship principles, can turn you into a true equestrian maestro.

Picture this: you’re in the saddle, navigating the arena like a game of speed checkers, reacting on the fly, and hoping for the best. That’s the checkers mentality for you – fast-paced, reactionary, and sometimes leaving you feeling like you’re one move away from disaster.

Now, let’s flip the script and introduce the chess mindset. It’s all about strategy, foresight, and planning several steps ahead.

You’re not just riding; you’re orchestrating a symphony of movement between you and your horse, with each step calculated and deliberate.

Don’t forget to layer in solid horsemanship principles to this mix. Horsemanship is all about building a partnership with your horse, understanding their behavior, along with your own emotions and body

language, and how to communicate effectively to achieve harmony in and out of the saddle.

How do you blend the chess mindset with horsemanship principles for equestrian success? Here are a few tips: Understand Your Horse: Just like in chess, knowing your opponent’s moves is crucial. Spend time getting to know your horse – his/her quirks, preferences, and communication cues. The better you understand each other, the more harmonious

your rides will be.

Build Trust: Horsemanship is built on trust, and trust is the foundation of any successful partnership. Take the time to develop a strong bond with your horse, both on the ground and in the saddle. Trust goes a long way in achieving fluidity and cooperation during your rides.

Set Goals: In chess, every move is made with a specific goal in mind. Apply this same mentality to your riding. Set clear, achievable goals for yourself and

your horse, whether it’s mastering a new maneuver or competing at a certain level.

Having a roadmap will keep you focused and motivated.

Read the Arena (or board): Just as chess players analyze the board before making a move, equestrians should assess their surroundings before entering the arena. Take note of any potential hazards, terrain changes, or distractions that may affect your ride, and plan your strategy accordingly.

Embrace Patience and Persistence: Horsemanship teaches us that progress takes time and consistency. Don’t expect instant results. Be patient with yourself and your horse, and keep working towards your goals, one move at a time.

By blending the chess mindset with horsemanship principles, you’ll not only become a better rider but also forge a deeper connection with your equine partner. So, the next time you saddle up, approach your ride with the strategy of a chess grandmaster and the heart of a true horseman. Happy riding, and may your moves be as elegant as they are strategic!

March 2024

Mid-South Horse Review | 13

Greener Pastures Toxic Plants Found in Horse Pastures

By Ashlee Pigford and Kyla Szemplinski, MS

Spring has arrived in the Mid-south and with the warmer weather comes lush spring pastures grasses horses love to consume. However, those beautiful, lush green pastures could also contain plants that can be highly toxic to horses when consumed or even come into contact with.

In southern states there are numerous toxic plants that can be found in horse pastures. The toxicity of the plants depends on numerous factors such as: amount consumed, horse’s age, horse’s weight and what stage the plant is in. Generally, horses will avoid eating toxic weeds but if pasture grasses are scarce and the horse is hungry enough, horses might accidentally consume a toxic plant. Additionally, toxins can be found in hay, contaminated grain, ornamental plants and even grass clippings.

Hay fed to horses as round bales or square bales could accidentally be contaminated with toxins. A common toxic found in hay is mold, which can develop when hay is exposed to moisture. Moldy hay is easily identified by mold’s distinctive,

Cherry Trees are toxic to horses. They can be found throughout the mid-south.

Adobe Stock Photos

musty odor and black or white spores appearing throughout the bale. A good management practice step to do before feeding

hay flakes or bales to horses is to inspect each individual flake to prevent contamination. If your hay bales contain any mold,

DO NOT feed part of those bales to horses.

Discard instead as horses fed moldy hay are at high risk of colic. If you suspect your horse has accidentally eaten moldy hay, contact your veterinarian immediately.

To prevent mold from forming on hay, owners should keep hay out of rain and other wet conditions as much as possible.

Remove hay from the fields after it has harvested as soon as possible, place hay bales/round bales on pallets to keep off the ground, store hay under a solid foundation structure and cover hay with tarps.

The Mid-south is home to a diverse range of toxic plants. The most common toxic plants include: Red maple (Acer rubrum,) Pyrolyzadine Alkaloids such as Crotalaria and Senecio, Oleander (Nerium oleander,) Yew (Taxus spp.,) Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum,) Rhododendron, Azalea and Mountain Laurel, Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense,) Cherry Trees (Prunus spp.,) Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana,) Nightshade plants, Jimsonweed (Datura stamonium,) Buttercup (Ranunculus spp.)

Most of these plants have distinct characteristics that help horse owners identify them such as flowerheads, berries, leaves or stems. With proper pasture management steps such as rotational grazing, mowing

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Red Maple Trees are another common toxic tree found throughout the mid-south.

Adobe Stock Photos

and seeding, toxic plants will generally not grow in horse pastures. For more information about these common toxic plants, owners should visit the UT links: https:// utia.tennessee.edu/publications/wp-content/uploads/sites/269/2023/10/W784-A. pdf and https://utbeef.tennessee.edu/forages-poisonous-plants/ However, if owners notice toxic plants growing in their pastures, here are steps owners can do to prevent consumption: Pastures and fence lines should be mowed and checked for weeds, remove horses and apply horse pasture safe herbicides, red maple tree and cherry tree access should be minimized. Check pastures after storms or high winds and remove leaves or down

limbs. Avoid planting these trees on your property if possible.

If owners believe their horse has consumed any toxic plants, contact your veterinarian immediately. Time is of the essence when dealing with toxicity as toxic plants can kill a horse within hours, if not less, and some toxicities are NOT treatable.

As always, if you have any questions regarding toxic plants in your horse pastures, contact your county’s Extension office. For Shelby County residents, please contact the UT TSU Shelby County Extension office at 901-752-1207 during normal business hours Monday through Friday 8am4:30pm.

Left: Poison Hemlock, Right: Crotalaria. Both are two toxic plants that can easily be identified by walking horse pastures. Adobe Stock Photos

Above: Johnsongrass. Horses that graze johnsongrass or other sorghum species over long periods often develop cystitis-ataxia syndrome. “Cystitis” is defined as inflammation of the urinary bladder, while “ataxia” is defined as incoordination of the muscles. The syndrome is caused by nerve damage to the spinal cord.

March 2024

Mid-South Horse Review | 15

Equestrian Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

IMPACT AWARDS

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March 2024

Equestrian Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Impact Award Honorees: Organizations & Leaders

BridgeUp GiddyUp

Detroit Horse Power

Executive Program Director: Mckrell Baier

Founder & Executive Director: David Silver

BridgeUP GiddyUP provides youth with a unique track to personal development through the medium of horseback riding. The program teaches horsemanship and animal husbandry, and provides a rigorous skills curriculum for students which adhere to the European standards.

How many years have you been riding/ been working with horses?

20+ years - As a Three Day Event rider, I was fortunate to compete through the One Star (now Two Star) level and work for Boyd Martin in 2009. I stepped back from competitive riding during college, knowing I could return to the horse community later in life. I feel so lucky to have combined my equestrian background with my passion for education and commitment to equity in this nonprofit journey with Detroit Horse Power since 2015.

Describe your personal goals and overall hope and vision for the Equestrian Community in terms of expanding and sharing horses and equestrian sports with individuals from all walks of life: Curating horse-human interactions in an ethical, time-tested manner while constantly seeking new perspectives on ways to improve. Opportunity to interact and work towards mastery in all aspects of equestrian endeavors enriches every life & strengthens humanity overall.

How do you feel equestrian sports can better diversify our equestrian communities?

Through the understanding not only of the historical privilege which has allowed access to some and denied access to others but also (and most importantly) the benefit to the entire equestrian ecosystem when more of the human population comes to appreciate and practice equestrianism in the ethical ways which provide for the future of the equestrian culture as a whole.

What are ways you/ your organization have successfully introduced horses to new individuals in our community?

Through holistic programming focused on the individual and experienced as a team.

GiddyUP provides equestrian education based on a classical curriculum as well as physical health, personal development, the cultural relevance of a life spent with horses, and most importantly— how every human having learned from horses can positively impact their community, even when not in the saddle or stable!

Describe your personal goals and overall hope and vision for the Equestrian Community in terms of expanding and sharing horses and equestrian sports with individuals from all walks of life: Detroit Horse Power’s vision is that youth growing up in the city of Detroit can have the kind of life-changing access to the benefits of horses that I was so privileged to have when I was growing up. The social-emotional skills: perseverance, empathy, responsible risk-taking, confidence and self-control that horses teach us are important for all young people, but it is especially critical for under-resourced youth with far more barriers on their path to success to access the unique skill-building that horses can offer.

How do you feel equestrian sports can better diversify our equestrian communities?

The equestrian community can: (1) make existing facilities accessible to youth who ordinarily wouldn’t access the benefits of horses by partnering with youth-serving nonprofit organizations; and (2) invest in the infrastructure to add horses in under-resourced communities like Detroit where vacant land needs new and creative purposes like an urban equestrian center.

What are ways you/ your organization have successfully introduced horses to new individuals in our community?

Since 2015, Detroit Horse Power has introduced more than 500 Detroit youth to horses and the life lessons they teach us through free summer horse camps and after-school programs that we offer utilizing generous partner barns around southeast Michigan. We are preparing to break ground in Fall 2024 on a 14-acre urban equestrian center within Detroit’s city limits that will make our youth programming scalable and accessible while turning blight into a community asset and strengthening the communities in which our students grow up.

March 2024

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Equestrian Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Impact Award Honorees: Organizations & Leaders

Philadelphia Urban Riding Academy

The Concrete Cowgirl & Executive Director: Erin S. Brown Philadelphia Urban Riding Academy (PURA) is a nonprofit 501c(3) established in January, 2019 as an extension and outgrowth of the original Fletcher Street Stables in partnership with the late Eric Miller, the riders of Fletcher Street Stables and the filmmakers of Concrete Cowboy.

Describe your personal goals and overall hope and vision for the Equestrian Community in terms of expanding and sharing horses and equestrian sports with individuals from all walks of life: My personal goal is to make a presence in the show world with youth who can compete with horses that are bred and trained here at home. When I was growing up, we couldn’t afford to compete on a professional level, nor did we have the quality of horse that was needed. I’m about to change that!

How do you feel equestrian sports can better diversify our equestrian communities?

Easy. Make the opportunity to Equine related activities and sports accessible and affordable to those underserved.

What are ways you/ your organization have successfully introduced horses to new individuals in our community?

In my community, the children/ individuals introduce themselves. It’s not every day that they see a horse in the city. They wonder into the barn and then the rest is history.

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March 2024

Equestrian Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Impact Award Honorees: Organizations & Leaders

Ride for Success

Southern Reins Center for Equine Therapy

Founder: Cat Hynes

Executive Director: Jill Haag

Ride For Success is a goal-setting program whereby equestrian enthusiasts can participate in various riding and fitness challenges. Our community is supportive, inclusive and motivated by our combined success.

Southern Reins offers equine-assisted services designed to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and hardship including Down syndrome, autism, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, amputation, cognitive and physical disabilities, trauma, and more. Our programs provide access and inclusion, foster compassion and caring, and encourage goal achievement and personal growth.

Describe your personal goals and overall hope and vision for the Equestrian Community in terms of expanding and sharing horses and equestrian sports with individuals from all walks of life: Ride For Success is meant to be to the start of something moving, motivating and multifaceted! It is for everyone who is their own driving force.It is for every age and every body type. It’s for those wanting to set goals. It is for building a community one key stroke and picture upload at a time. It’s someone saying “I see you”, “I got you” and “I reward you”.

Our vision is that of a global equestrian community that provides positive support to their fellow athletes who are striving to reach their personal riding and workout goals. Our comunity is supportive, inclusive and motivated by our combined success.

How do you feel equestrian sports can better diversify our equestrian communities?

How amazing it is that all genders of riders are capable of competing up to an Olympic Level with one another. Isn’t the horse a great equalizer! Through creating a program like RFS we level the playing field even more by reaching a broader audience through affordability. It opens the competition to para and handicapped riders, riders of all ages and all disciplines. Horses don’t discriminate.

What are ways you/ your organization have successfully introduced horses to new individuals in our community?

RFS is a challenge-based program designed to reward success through effort in both riding and healthy active living. Through drawing attention to our social media platforms, giving back to charitable causes, our blog and challenge programs we are making learning about horses more accessible.

Describe your personal goals and overall hope and vision for the Equestrian Community in terms of expanding and sharing horses and equestrian sports with individuals from all walks of life: Southern Rein’s vision is one of inclusivity and accessibility. Our goal is to bridge the gap between equestrian sports and individuals who - due to physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges - may have thought such activities were beyond their reach. By fostering an environment of empathy, understanding, and support, we can unlock the therapeutic power of horses for a broader demographic, promoting diversity and inclusion within the equestrian community.

How do you feel equestrian sports can better diversify our equestrian communities?

Equestrian sports can enhance diversity by actively reaching out to underrepresented groups, offering tailored programs that cater to their unique needs and ensuring physical and financial accessibility. By highlighting the success stories and positive impact of equine therapy, our goal is to inspire a more diverse community to engage in equestrian sports.

What are ways you/ your organization have successfully introduced horses to new individuals in our community?

Southern Reins offers a variety of programs designed to meet the unique needs of every participant. Our flagship Adaptive Horseback Riding Program is an equine-assisted service that contributes positively to the physical, cognitive, social and emotional well-being of people with disabilities and hardship throughout the Mid-South.

Our outreach approach includes offering scholarships to ensure financial accessibility, developing partnerships with local organizations and school systems to reach a wider audience, hosting open house events to build awareness, and providing an affordable fee structure to ensure that our services are accessible to all.

March 2024

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Equestrian Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Impact Award Honorees: Organizations & Leaders

Strides for Equality Equestrians

WarHorses for Heroes

How many years have you been riding/ been working with horses?

Strides for Equality Equestrians’ co-founders, Dr. Anastasia Curwood and Heather Gillette, are lifelong equestrians, joining force with a leadership core of fellow amateur and professionals from the equine industry, academia, environmental biology, and other walks of life.

WarHorses for Heroes is a Mid-south non-profit organization that provides equine-assisted therapy to veterans who have sustained service-related mental or physical injuries.

Co- Founders: Dr. Anastasia Curwood and Heather Gillette

Describe your personal goals and overall hope and vision for the Equestrian Community in terms of expanding and sharing horses and equestrian sports with individuals from all walks of life: SEE began with the goal of promoting inclusion and allsyhip in the eventing community. Heather and Stacy wanted to create a program to make support visible and make the voices of BIPOC equestrians and their allies heard out loud.

From this goal grew the desire to expand diversity in all equestrian sports by reaching out to BIPOC people in their own communities and building partnerships with existing organizations that have developed programs and relationships at the local level.

Through professional pathway programs, mentorship, and financial support, Strides for Equality Equestrians aims to elevate underrepresented communities within the world of horses -- and beyond.

How do you feel equestrian sports can better diversify our equestrian communities?

Equestrian sports boast one equalizing common denominator: the horse. The horse does not care about anything but your communication with them. However, having access to the horse is not something all individuals have. Equestrian sports serve as a catalyst for curiosity and engagement.

Many riders - and other sporting enthusiasts - can recall a particular moment or individual that inspired them to pick up the craft for themselves. By elevating riders of color and from marginalized backgrounds, we can create more visible pathways for involvement and remove some of the long-standing barriers to entry to horses and horse sports.

What are ways you/ your organization have successfully introduced horses to new individuals in our community?

We have successfully partnered with existing equestrian access programs/non-profits such as Detroit Horse Power, as well as organizations such as the Maryland Horse Trials to provide financial donations and opportunity support to aspiring riders. We have also worked to highlight the efforts of individuals and programs within the community dedicated to increasing diversity and representation. Our most successful and recognizable program is the Ever So Sweet Scholarship, which provides fully-funded training opportunities with three-day eventing rider Sara Kozumplik, thanks to support from the USEA Foundation and Edy Rameika. Smaller scholarship opportunities such as our Leg Up Grant have also provided training and educational offerings. We plan to continue to expand and grow our efforts to benefit and grow the equine community.

Co-Founders: Trey Lawson and Pearson Allen Chairman of the Board: Rachel Levine

What are ways you/ your organization have successfully introduced horses to new individuals in our community?

It is an integral part of our mission to introduce horses to individuals who typically wouldn’t have access to them. WarHorses for Heroes is dedicated to the rehabilitation of our veterans through equine therapy. Through our programs, participants learn to groom, handle, and ride horses. Through building skills and creating bonds with our horses and volunteers in a supportive, natural environment, veterans can begin to heal from their service-related injuries.

Many of our participants have never seen a horse up close before, and never imagined they would be able to ride one. Because we are committed to never charging veterans for our services, we can reach any veteran, regardless of their cultural background or socioeconomic status.

Describe your personal goals and overall hope and vision for the Equestrian Community in terms of expanding and sharing horses and equestrian sports from individuals from all walks of life: Our goal has always been to provide a community for our veterans to connect to others through their shared love of horses. Our continued vision is to provide the skills, support, and connections to open the doors for them to participate in equestrian activities, volunteer with local organizations, and even find careers in the industry. We want to help those who think they can’t afford to participate in the horse world discover the avenues that are available to get involved. Even if that involvement is as simple as becoming a companion for a retired school horse, then that is one more horse and human bond created that wouldn’t otherwise have been possible without our support of their journey!

How do you feel equestrian sports can better diversify our equestrian communities?

Equestrian sports could better diversify our communities by spreading awareness and providing support for more entry-level and affordable activities like 4H, pony clubs, and saddle clubs, events like trail rides, hunter paces, and schooling shows, and volunteer opportunities like internships and working student programs.

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Equestrian Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Impact Award Honorees: Leaders & Influencers

Dr. Maria Soledad Ferrer Associate Professor for University of Georgia’s Department of Large Animal Medicine, Reproductive Medicine Service, Veterinary Teaching Hospital

How many years have you been riding/ been working with horses?

I have been riding for 40 years and working for over 25 years.

Describe your personal goals and overall hope and vision for the Equestrian Community in terms of expanding and sharing horses and equestrian sports with individuals from all walks of life: For many of us, our horses are family and are deeply rooted in our culture. For the Hispanic community that I serve, horses are the center of social events, contribute to their well-being, and help them form social bonds with others that share the same interests. However, access to veterinary care and equestrian events is often challenging. As a veterinarian, my goal is to improve equity and access to veterinary care for horse owners from underrepresented groups, and to contribute to the horses’ wellbeing through education. I hope to encourage individuals from underrepresented groups and first-time horse owners to join the equine industry, participate in equestrian sports, and contribute to the genetic improvement of the breeds that they so proudly raise.

How do you feel equestrian sports can better diversify our equestrian communities?

Although the equestrian community is welcoming and excited to receive new and diverse members, underrepresented groups can feel overwhelmed when first considering joining.

Having peers, ambassadors or mentors that can guide new members during their initial years is of tremendous help and minimizes the anxiety of first-time equestrians.

What are ways you/ your organization have successfully introduced horses to new individuals in our community?

Making them feel supported, knowing that they are not alone if they decide to join our community, and that we are here to welcome them and help them build healthy and enjoyable relationships with their equine companions.

Dr. Rachel Cezar-Martinez

USDA APHIS Area Veterinarian in Charge (AVIC) of Mississippi and Louisiana, AAEP DEI Committee Member, And President of National Association of Federal Veterinarians Dr. Cezar-Martinez has been an advocate for DEI for decades. She serves on the American Association of Equine Practitioners DEI committee in which she pushes to enhance the pipeline of equine vets in all areas of the country, especially to those underrepresented in the industry. She also serves on the Louisiana Equine Council as a board member of a district of Louisiana known to have many ethnicities that are horse lovers and enthusiasts.

She strives to give them a voice for the entire horse industry in Louisiana.

Dr. Cezar-Martinez created Double Z Cowboy Corral with her family to bring children and people underrepresented and socially-disadvantaged to learn about horses and how to care for them, and to help promote careers with horses. Her efforts began in Washington DC, in which children from inner city areas could come and learn about horses. Now she is continuing these efforts in Louisiana where the poverty level is high.

Dr. Cezar-Martinez’s efforts are exceptional because she is not only an advocate and promoter of diversity in the horse industry, but she is also a mentor, coach and a sponsor. She guides people and children that may feel like they are the only ones. She takes their hands and tells them they are not alone. She understands how it feels to be the minority, and has always said to herself: “if not me then who?” She has always been the first in many venues, and keeps smiling saying she is just building the bridge to diversity, equity and inclusion.

March 2024

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Equestrian Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Impact Award Honorees: Leaders & Influencers

Taelor Cambre

Mid-South Amateur Equestrian and Barrel Racer with Cerebral Palsy. Cambre actively rides and competes with Panther Creek Stables in Nesbit, Miss.

How many years have you been riding/ been working with horses?

I’ve been consistently taking lessons, and serving as a working student for Panther Creek Stables in Nesbit, Mississippi for 3 years now.

Describe your personal goals and overall hope and vision for the Equestrian Community in terms of expanding and sharing horses and equestrian sports with individuals from all walks of life: My goal and vision is to help people understand the impact horses can have on our mental, and physical health, while also providing people with the perspective of what it’s like to compete in equine sports with a disability like Cerebral Palsy.

How do you feel equestrian sports can better diversify our equestrian communities?

Encourage your disabled friends who want to ride horses, don’t limit them out of fear they will get hurt. Let them decide what they are capable of. I wouldn’t be where I am now without my instructor who never questions my abilities due to my disability. I want that to be the experience of all people with disabilities in the equine community.

What are ways you/ your organization have successfully introduced horses to new individuals in our community?

I have been able to show many different people on social media that horses can majorly improve someone’s well-being through documenting my own progress in my riding ability, and how it has improved my health and fitness.

Gilliland Farms Top Quality Horse Hay All our hay is STORED IN OUR BARN. We have added 52,000 sq. ft. of barn space to preserve the quality of our hay for our great, loyal customers.

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March 2024

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Competition Zone The 125th National Field Trial Championships for Bird Dogs

Photo By Lauren Abbott

Touch’s Gallatin Fire Wins the 125th National Championship Held at Ames Plantation Photos by Jamie Evans | Ames Plantation Written by Steeple Bell Alex and Brianna Rickert of Bozeman, Montana, are the owners Touch’s Gallatin Fire, and their other contestant, Touch’s Malcom Story. Both returned this year for their fifth time running for the Championship, with Touch’s Gallatin Fire, known as “Bob,” winning the National Championship. Bob is eight- years- old and re-qualified for this year with a second place at the Robin Gates Quail Classic. Mark McLean was Bob’s handler.

Bob’s brother, Touch’s Spaceman ran at the National Championship twice in 2019 & 2020. They were bred by Keith Wright and are by House’s Ring Of Fire out of Touch’s Sandy. Your scribe has heard Keith Wright claim that House’s Ring Of Fire had the best nose of any of his dogs, and Keith has had many champions. Your scribe believes this simply because House’s Ring Of Fire was the only dog allowed to sleep on Keith’s kitchen floor.

Touch’s Sandy is by national champion Touch’s Whiteout (by national champion Lester’s Snowatch ex Lester’s Nat) and is out of Touch’s Whippoorwill Road (by national champion Whippoorwill Wild Agin ex Whippoorwill GMA). Her sister, Touch’s Lemon Drop is the

grand-dam of Rester’s Cajun Spirit.

More on all the dogs, handlers and owners who made their runs in the 125th National Filed Trial Championship for Bird Dogs can be found in Hunt & Field Magazine, Ford Abbott Media’s Field Trial, Bird Dog and Outdoor Sporting Magazine that is published

by Lauren Abbott, President and Publisher of the Mid-South Horse Review. Hunt & Field Magazine is circulated to paid subscribers throughout the US. A subscription can be purchased at www.huntandfieldmag.com/subscribe or by scanning QR code below:

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Highlights of National Champion: Touch’s Gallatin Fire Owner: Alex Rickert and Bob

Handler: Mark McLean Scout: Mark Haynes

Bob with with (l to r) Mark Haynes (scout) Alex Rickert (owner) Haily Moreland & Carl Owens

Bob after his successful run

Scan QR to Order Subscription

26 | Mid-South Horse Review

Highlights of National Championship Contenders:

March 2024

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Highlights of National Championship Contenders:

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March Calendar of Events

AGRICENTER SHOWPLACE ARENA

(901) 757-7777 ext.7106 http://www.agricenter.org/events/ March 9-11: Volunteer Ranch Horse Show, April 6-7: TN High School Rodeo April 13: Bill Pickett Rodeo, Cordova, TN April 22-24: Volunteer Ranch Horse Assoc GERMANTOWN CHARITY HORSE SHOW GROUNDS

www.gchs.org (901) 754-0009 March 30: WTHJA Schooling Show April 4-7: WTHJA Springtime in Dixie April 10-14: WTHJA Springtime Encore MISSISSIPPI HORSE PARK

Starkville, MS (662)3250508; (662)325-9350 https://mshorsepark.com/events April 11- 14: Lucky Dog Barrel Race ROANE STATE EXPO CENTER

Roane State Community College, Harriman, TN http://www.roanestateedu/?6497-Events-Calendar March 1-2: JR Drake Rodeo March 5, 12,26: Open Ride March 7-10: TQHA Celebration Circuit March 16-17: SERHS Clinic March 20-24: TN Reining Horse Association March 26: Open Ride April 5-7: SERHS Show TENNESSEE LIVESTOCK MTSU

Murfreesboro, TN www.mtsu.edu/tlc March 20-24: IHSA Western Semi-Finals TENNESSEE MILLER COLISEUM MTSU

Murfreesboro, TN www.mtsu.edu/tmc March 1-2: 2nd Annual CFRC Rodeo March 8-10: Vol State Pinto Horse Show April 5-7: TriStar Open Horse Show April 13: Hwy 43 Auction Company Horse Auction April 27-28: Grand Ole Horse Show TRI-STATE EXHIBITION CENTER

Cleveland, TN 423-476-9310 www.tristateexhibitioncenter.org March 2: Racking Horse March 8-9: NBHA March 23: Mexican Rodeo March 30-31: Centerline Dressage Show April 5-6: Barrel Race April 11: ETSA April 19: Walking Horse Show April 26-27 Alhambra Shrine Rodeo TUNICA ARENA & EXPOSITION CENTER

Tunica, MS (662)363-3299 https:// tunicaarena.com/ https://www.facebook.com/TunicaArenaExpo/

March 8-10: JX2 Team Roping March 15-17: Logo Ranch Prod. Barrel Race April 19-21: MSQHA IHSA

http://www.ihsazone5region1.com http://www.campusequestrian.com/ zone/5zone/5z2r/5z2r-index.html http://www.ihsainc.com/events/ March 23-24: Western Semifinals, Murfreesboro, TN LITTLE BRITCHES RODEO

www.nlbra.com, www.mslbra.org/schedule https://www.mslbra.org/entry March 16-17: Brandon MS # 15-16 April 13-14: Brandon MS # 17-18 April 27-28: Brandon MS # 19-20 PONY CLUB

https://www.ponyclub.org/ Calendars/Events.aspx https://midsouth.ponyclub.org/calendar/ https://deepsouth.ponyclub.org/ https://middletennessee.ponyclub.org/calendar/ March 23-24: Mounted Clinic, Nashville March 23: Open XC Schooling, Nashville March 30: Open XC Schooling, Nashville April 6: MTPC Mini Trial, Percy Warner Park, Nashville April 7: Midsouth Show Jumping Rally, Percy Warner Park, Nashville April 13: Hillsboro Hounds Hunter Pace, Lynnville COWBOY CHURCH

https://blcc.church/ Sarah, MS. 548 Bryant Lane. Bryant Lane Cowboy Church. Info: facebook Wynne, AR. CR 381. Three Trees Cowboy Church. Info: threetreescowboychurch.com; facebook Collierville, TN. 1656 N. Col-Arl. Rd. Old West Special Trails. Sunday 10:30 am.

Cordova, TN: Houston Levee Cowboy Church: Sundays at 4:30 pm at Houston Levee Community Center, 1801 N. Houston Levee Rd. in Cordova, followed

by Open Arena at Circle C Arena next door behind Calvary Church. Visit HoustonLeveeCowboyChurch.com or call 901-355-3204 for more information.

HORSE SALES/ADOPTIONS

FIRST SATURDAY: Houston, MS. Triple E Livestock. Tack 10 am. Horses 2 pm. Info: A.J. Ellis 662-401-9760; 662-266-2808 FOURTH SATURDAY: Holly Springs, MS. Marshall County Fairgrounds. Marshall Co. Livestock Exchange. 662-317-9021 First, Third, Fifth Saturday:Dunlap, TN. American Made Livestock Market. Tack 3pm. Horses 6pm. Info: (423) 447-8119

FIRST SATURDAY: Hattiesburg, MS. T. Smith Livestock Sales. Tack 10:30 am.

Horses 1:30 pm. Info: 601-583-0828 SECOND SATURDAY: Gleason, TN. West TN Auction Barn. 330 Fence Rd. Tack 5:30 pm. Horses 8:30 pm. Info: Chucky Greenway 731-571-8198 BARREL RACING

http://www.nbha.com; https:// ibra.us/shows/US-TN-WEST March 1-3: Legends Of the South, Texarkana March 1-3: Tomorrow’s Legends, Texarkana March 9: Hurricane Mills, TN. River Run Arena March 22-24: IBRA Preferred Show, Tennessee Miller Coliseum DRESSAGE

www.midsouthdressageacademy.org, www.TNDressage.com, kentuckydressageassociation.com, March 16-17: Ida Hammer Clinic March 23-24: Bunny Hop Dressage FIELD TRIALS

https://americanfield.com/calendar https://americanfield.com/calendar Jan 29-Feb 3: USCSDA FutuFeb 27-March 3: NBHA Nat’l Open Championship, Dancyville, TN March 1: Southeastern Quail Championship, Dawson, GA March 1: USCSDA Southeastern Regional Championship, Hoffman NC March 1-3: Cumberland Field Trial Club, LaVergne, TN March 4: Carolina Celebration, Allendale, SC March 4: Masters Open Quail Championship, Albany, GA March 4: National Amateur Shooting Dog Championships, Grand Junction TN. March 6-8: Clarksville Pointer & Setter Club, Myrtle MS March 7-10: NBHA Central Regional Championship, Booneville AR March 7-9: Region 3 (AFTCA) Amateur Shooting Dog Champ. Ridgeland, SC March 7-11: Southern Pines Celebration, Hoffman, NC March 7: Willie “Bird” Owens Derby, Union Springs, AL March 7: Willie “Byrd” Owens Derby Classic, Union Springs, AL March 8-10: Georgia-Florida Invitational Field Trial Club, Thomasville, GA March 8-10: West Kentucky Field Trial Club, Kevil, KY March 9: Shenandoah Classic Youth Trial, Union Springs, AL March 9: United States Amateur Derby Invit.- East Region, Blue Mountain, MS March 12: Derby Field Trial Club, Jackson Springs, NC March 14: Conecuh Station Field Trial Club, Union Springs AL

March 2024

March 14-17: Mid-Carolina Field Trial Club, Camden, SC March 15-18: North Carolina Field Trial Assoc., Hoffman, NC March 21-24: Clarksville Bird Dog Club, Huntingdon, TN March 22-24: McMinnville FieldTrial Club, LaVergne TN March 25: Cedar Valley Classic, Hoffman, NC March 28: Cockade Bird Dog Club, Ahoskie, NC HUNTER/ JUMPER

http://wthja.com, www.brownlandfarm. com, www.mthja.com, www.ethja.org www.gulfcoastclassiccompany.com March 6-10: Gulf Coast Sunshine, Gulfport, MS March 13-17: Gulf Coast Azalea, Gulfport, MS March 20-24: Gulf Coast Spring, Gulfport, MS March 30: WTHJA Schooling Show April 4-7: Springtime in Dixie, Germantown, TN April 10-14: Springtime Encore, Germantown, TN April 17-21: Spring I, Brownland Farm, Franklin, TN April 24-28: Spring II, Brownland Farm, Franklin, TN PAINT & PINTO

www.missphc.com, tphconline11.homestead.com, www. volunteerstatepintoorg.com March 8-10: VSPA, TN Miller Coliseum QUARTER HORSE SHOWS

www.mqha.org, www.wtqha.org, www.midsouth quarter horse.com, facebook Mid-South Breeders April 18-21: High Times in Tunica RACING

www.nationalsteeplechase.com, https:// www.oaklawn.com/racing/calendar/ , https://www.keeneland.com/ www.national steeplechase.com, March 2: The Downthedustyroad Breeders’ Stakes, Oaklawn Racing March 2: The Nodouble Breeders’ Stakes, Oaklawn Racing March 9: The Azeri (G2) March 16: The Whitmore (G3) Stakes, Oaklawn Racing March 16: The Purple Martin Stakes, Oaklawn Racing March 23: The Essex Handicap (G3) Stakes, Oaklawn Racing March 23: The Hot Springs Stakes, Oaklawn Racing March 29: The Temperence Hill Stakes, Oaklawn Racing March 30: The Arkansas Derby (G1) Stakes, Oaklawn Racing March 30: The Fantasy (G3)

March 2024

Mid-South Horse Review | 29

March Calendar of Events Stakes Oaklawn Racing March 30: The Oaklawn Mile (G3) Stakes, Oaklawn Racing March 30: The Matron Stakes, Oaklawn Racing RANCH HORSE

www.americanranchhorse. net, www.volrha.com March 23-24 MRHA, Marshall County Fairgrounds, Holly Springs, MS April 5-7: SRHA, Roane State, Harriman, TN April 27-28: MRHA, Montgomery County Coliseum, Winona, MS REINING

www.tnreining.com, www.nrha.com March 21-24: NRHA Shamrock Slide, Roane State Expo Center, Harriman, TN SADDLE CLUB

Facebook: Ingram Mills Saddle Club. Holly Springs, MS. Marshall Co. Fairgrounds.

Cook’s Lake Saddle Club. 4269 N. Watkins, Memphis, TN. Info: Wes (901) 5703595. Cookslakesaddleclub.com Woodstock Cuba Saddle Club. 7211 Woodstock Cuba Rd. Millington, TN. Info: John (901) 412-0327. mywcsc.com

STOCK HORSE

www.americanstockhorse.org, https://www. mtsustockhorse.org/events.html; www. tnsha.org March 15-17: Clinic and Show Frankfort, KY (Lakeside Arena)

SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS BY SCANNING CODE BELOW:

30 | Mid-South Horse Review

March 2024

Marketplace Business Cards

ay Fa H p a pBermuda Hay r m

T

Bermuda Hay Round & Square Bales

RALEIGH FEED STORE

FEED * SEED * FERTILIZER * BEDDING 4284 Fayette Rd. | Memphis, TN 38128 901-386-0923 Scott Lewis, owner Heather Lewis, mgr.

winter storage available

Mic hael Anderson

find us:

901-277-4198

We carry

1 7 2 9 0 H w y. 7 6 • S o m e r v i l l e , T N

Leigh Ann Carkeet

dog food

© MSHR

New Hope Saddles & Tack

Specializing in

Equestrian Properties

750 New Hope Road Ripley, TN 38063 Cell: 731-697-3356

©MSHR

Email: rlangly@bellsouth.net Saddles & Tack <> Saddle Repair

901-550-8892

leighanncarkeet@gmail.com Akin Equine BC_Layout 1 6/17/2022 10:45 AM Page 1

Custom Leather Work

AKIN EQUINE VETERINARY SERVICES

MARK A. AKIN , DVM Practice limited to Lameness and Performance Issues associated with the Equine Athlete

©MSHR

Charles Mercer, DVM • Chara Short, DVM Allison Parnell, DVM • Miranda Easom, DVM

By appointment only: 601-813-1128 cell 901-854-6773 (85-HORSE) MAkindvm86@gmail.com

Phone: 662•893•2546

6740 CENTER HILL RD • OLIVE BRANCH, MS 38654 Clinic Open: Monday - Friday • 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Marketplace Classifieds BOARDING Boarding at beautiful WHITE OAK FARM: Located on 40 acres in northeast Shelby County at 10023 Rosemark Rd. Full Board $450/month. Board includes stall cleaning/shavings and morning/evening feedings.

Numerous amenities include large stalls with windows, stall fans, heated waterers, turnout pastures, lighted outdoor arena or inside barn riding, crosstie area with hot/cold wash rack, fly spray system, Bermuda hay grown and baled onsite. Gated facility with owners and farm manager living on property. Call Sammy 901-833-3075.

Beautiful Full Service Boarding Barn Located in Eads, TN on a quiet and beautiful drive. Our beautiful farm welcomes all disciplines. Board includes horses fed 2x per day, large stalls cleaned once daily, stall fans, turnout pastures, lighted outdoor arena with excellent footing, a spacious crosstie area for up to 6 horses with hot/cold wash racks. Beautiful tack room with custom cabinet built-ins. Barn manager has over 40 years of experience caring for horses. Friendly and supportive barn culture. Training available in English and Western disciplines with a focus on Horsemanship. Schedule a tour by texting 901-279-4634

Lakeland 14 stall barn for rent.

Wash rack, feed/tack room and hay storage. $1,500/month for the entire barn or $125/month per stall (3 stall minimum). Non public use only.

Nice barn apartment for rent: $700 a month. 901 -338- 9686.

Lakeland 3 acre pasture with 3 stall barn for rent. 2 horses maximum. $250/month. 901 -338- 9686

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Horse-drawn carriage drivers needed in Downtown Memphis. We will train. No experience necessary.

(901) 496-2128. uptowncarriages. com

SALES POSITION- Seeking High Energy, self starter to build prospect lists and meet with horse industry business owners to sell high quality equine related products and services. Text: 901-279-4634 to learn more about position.

Part- Time Social Media & Marketing Coordinator Needed. Help horse business with organizing social media and email newsletters. Required hours: 10 MIN- 20 hours MAX per week in office located in Eads, TN. happymemphishorses@gmail.com

Premier Horse Boarding in Fayette County: Full/pasture board. Retired horses are welcome. Private pastures, grained 2x daily w/senior feed & Bermuda hay. All weather outdoor arena w/ lights. 50+acres of riding, lots of additional amenities. Look us up on FB. Blues City Warmbloods Dana 901-331-3500 HORSE TRAINING

Training your horse, the correct & gentle way. Desensitizing & teaching respect on the ground; trust without fear. We mostly use the Buck Brannaman training methods. Exc. References. Grained 2 x day w/ Bermuda hay & private pastures. $800 Mo. Michael Garner 901-857-8060 Blues City Warmbloods on FB

March 2024

Mid-South Horse Review | 31

32 | Mid-South Horse Review

March 2024

Smell What

Prevention

Does For You #1 Stall Deodorizer, 40 Years & Counting.

Preventing ammonia and odors from building up in your stalls is not simply about odor control.

It’s really about safeguarding your horses’ health and avoiding costly respiratory ailments.

Sprinkle a little Sweet PDZ in your stalls daily and smell what ammonia prevention does for you and your horses.