February 2023 Digital Edition

February 2023

Focus:

The Training Issue

How training can help riders work though behavioral issues, build strength, and regain confidence after a fall.

Pg. 11

HORSE HEALTH

BEHIND THE ART

PEOPLE & HORSES

YOUNG RIDERS

SPRING HORSE CARE

TOM & DONNA HATHAWAY WITH LAKELAND LEATHERWORKS P. 8

JESSICA DALTON & FOX POINTE FARM P. 9

ALLI GILL “SITTING ON THE FUTURE” P. 10

P. 7

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Mid-South Horse Review

January, 2023

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Training Tips pg. 11

CONTENTS News & Features: Traing Tips: P. 5 The Germantown Charity Horse Show Kicks off with Mother/ Daughter Princess Tea P. 5 Field Trial Review rebrands to Hunt & Field P. 6 Heart of the Horse Trainer’s Challenge in full swing

Departments Horse health: P. 7 Spring Horse Care

Behind the Art P. 8 Leather as an Artwork

People & Horses P. 9 From the Flames a Future is Born

Young Riders

P. 11 Solving Behavioral Problems in and out of the saddle P. 14 Ground Poles, Good for all Horses P. 15 Building Strehgth through your horse’s topline P. 16 The Spooky Horse P. 17 Regaining Confidence after a Fall P. 18 Exercises to Enhance your Riding P. 19 Rollingwoods Farm Pony Breaking

Competition Zone P. 20

Markeplace Greener Pastures P. 22-23 P. 10 Alli Gill, “Sitting on the Future”

P. 11 Shelby County Welcomes New Extension Agent, Kyla Szemplinski

Calendar P. 24

Miss Lauren Lewis of Hernando, Miss., was awarded Teen Mid-South Rodeo Queen 2023.

Photo by Paul Nolte.

On the cover: Sloan Sheppard on “Suns First Mate.”

Sloan is a Equine Specialist and Riding Instructor at Panther Creek Stables & Ranch in Nesbit, Miss.

Photo by Melaine Sutton | Kindred Spirit Photography

Mid-South Horse Review

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Alabama: Fayette Farmers Co-op, Fayette Seven Springs Lodge, Tuscumbia Arkansas: University of Arkansas Division of Ag Research & Ext., Jonesboro A-State Equine Center, Jonesboro City Feed, West Memphis Delta Farm Products, Wynne Kentucky: Stockdale’s, Bowling Green KY Lake Trailer Sales, Calvert City State Line Ranch Supply, Hazel Inter. Museum Of The Horse, Lexington Mississippi: Mattox Feed Mill, Aberdeen Griffin Feed, Baldwyn Latham’s Boots, Batesville Panola Co. Co-op, Batesville Tractor Supply Co., Batesville Tractor Supply, Boonville Mid-South Ag, Byhalia Blue Ribbon Riding Academy, Canton Mullins Farm Supply, Charleston Edwards & Son, Coffeeville Hawkeye Feed Mill, Coldwater Lowndes Farm Supply, Columbus Tri-County Feeds, Como Alcorn County Co-op, Corinth Winterview Farm, Flora Boots N More, Florence Cross Country Seeds, Grenada El-Kidd Western Wear, Hamilton Tri-County Farm Services, Hernando Desoto County Co-Op, Hernando Complete Home Center, Hernando Side Alley Gifts, Hernando Louie’s Pharmacy, Hernando Magnolia Lighting, Hernando Southern Eatery, Holly Spings Marshall County Fairgrounds, Holly Springs Cooper Feed & Fertilizer, Holly Springs Sports Corral, Holly Springs Bi County Farm Supply, Holly Springs Ware Farm Services, Houston Todd’s Feed & Hardware, Independence Animal’s Choice Vet Clinic, Iuka Boots N More, Jackson Edge Horse and Tack, Moorville

O C Leatherworks, New Albany Tractor Supply, New Albany Full Circle Equine Vet, Olive Branch Frontier Western Store, Olive Branch Equine Vet Associates, Olive Branch Co-Op, Olive Branch North Grove Equestrian Park, Oxford Oxford Farm and Ranch, Oxford Tractor Supply, Oxford Reeder Farm Supply, Pontotoc Moore’s Feed, Pontotoc Harvest Feed, Red Banks Ripley Feed, Ripley Reed’s Metals, Saltilo Scruggs Home & Garden, Saltilo Tractor Supply Co., Senatobia Tate County Co-Op, Senatobia Agri Farm & Ranch, Shannon Cavender’s Boots, Southaven Paul Battle Arena, Tunica Tractor Supply Co, Tupelo Tupelo Farm & Ranch, Tupelo Tomlinson Farm & Building Supply, Walnut Woods Farm Supplies, Watson Clay Co. Co-op, West Point Tennessee: AG & Nag Supply, Adamsville Mid-South Farmers Co-op, Alamo Ashland City Co-op, Ashland City AG Central, Athens Bedford Tack, Bell Buckle Circle E Quest Ranch, Belvidere Mid-South Farmers Co-Op, Bolivar Stockdale’s, Bolivar Tractor Supply, Bolivar Tractor Supply Co., Brentwood Boot Barn, Brentwood Tennessee Tractor, Brownsville Tractor Supply, Brownsville Brunswick Feed, Brunswick Brunswick Kitchen, Brunswick Benton Co. Co-op, Camden Hickman Feed & Farm, Centerville Tractor Supply Co., Clarksville Bonnie’s Barnyard, College Grove Tractor Supply Co., College Grove Silver Caboose Café, Collerville Hewlett & Dunn, Collierville Hall’s Feed & Seed Store, Collierville Tractor Supply, Collierville United Farm & Home Co-Op, Columbia

Buckaroo Hatters, Covington Tractor Supply, Covington Stockdales, Covington Bob’s Feed & Fertilizer, Crossville Tennessee Farrier Supply, Cumberland Furnace Gin Lot, Dancyville Decatur Farmers Co-op, Decaturville Gibson Co-op, Dyer Tennessee Tractor, Dyersburg Tractor Supply Co., Dyersburg Pennington’s Feed, Dyersburg Tennessee Equine Hospital, Eads First Choice Farm & Lawn, Eads Stewart Bros, Ellendale Humphreys Co. Co-op, Erin Franklin Equine Services, Franklin Brownland Farm, Franklin Dover Saddlery, Franklin Franklin Horse Supply, Franklin Tractor Supply Co., Franklin Saddles & Such, Germantown Agricenter Showplace Arena, Germantown Gibson. Co. CO-OP, Greenfield Tipton Farmers Co-op, Halls Roan State Expo Center, Harriman First Farmers CO-OP, Henderson Tractor Supply Co., Henderson Stockdale’s, Hickson Hohenwald Animal Hospital, Hohenwald Lewis County Co-Op, Hohenwald Horse Stop, Hohenwald Gibson Co-op, Humboldt Goodrich Arena, Humboldt Carrol Farmers Co-op, Huntingdon The Cowboy Store, Huntingdon Loretta Lynn’s Dude Ranch, Hurricane Mills Deming Veterinary Service, Jackson My Animal Hospital, Jackson Reed’s Metals, Jackson Mid-South Farmers Co-op, Jackson Rustic Soul Western Wear, Jackson R & J Feed Store, Jackson Tractor Supply, Jackson Southeast Pack Trips, Jamestown East Fork Stables, Jamestown Old Town Saddlery, Jonesborough Sonny Brook Stables, Knoxville Agra-Feed Supply, Knoxville Unv of TN Inst Ag Vet Med, Knoxville Tractor Supply, Knoxville Penrose Farm, Knoxville

Tractor Supply, Lakeland Digger O’Dell’s Nursery, Lakeland Tennessee Farmers Cooperative, LaVergne First Farmers CO-OP, Lexington Tractor Supply Co., Lexington Perry Co. Farmers Co-op, Linden Weakley Farmers Co-op, Martin Univ Of TN Martin Elam Center, Martin Coyote Run Arena, Mason McKenzie Feed & Grain, McKenzie Novel of Lauralwood, Memphis Raleigh Feed Store, Memphis JP Shelly and Son, Middleton Tractor Supply, Milan Tractor Supply Co., Millington MTSU Horse Science, Murfreesboro Horseman’s Supply, Murfreesboro Rutherford Farmers Co-Op, Murfreesboro Miller Coliseum, Murfreesboro Walnut Trace Farm, Nashville Parnassus Books, Nashville Thompson’s One Stop New, Johnsonville Gibson Co-op, Newburn Josh Quinn / CrossRoads Ranch, Nolensville Stockdales, Oakland Obion Farmers Co-op, Obion Henry Co. Farmers Co-op, Paris New Hope Saddles, Ripley Animal Care Hospital, Ripley Ripley Farm Store, Ripley First Farmers Co-op, Savannah Rogers Farm Supply, Scotts Hill Stockdale’s, Selmer Select Trailers, Shelbyville Somerville Farm Supply, Somerville Teague Store, Somerville Reed Bros. Feed & Seed, South Fulton Tractor Supply Co., Thompson’s Station Equine Performax-Jaeckle Center, Thompsons Station Tennessee Equine Hospital, Thompsons Station Tennessee Tractor, Trenton Gibson Co-op, Trenton Obion Farmers Co-op, Union City Blackberry Farms, Walland Humphreys Co. Co-op, Waverly Waynes Farmers Co-op, Waynesboro Rawhide Feed Store, Whiteville Beckerman’s, Whiteville

January, 2023

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News

Tea Time

2023 Germantown Charity Horse Show Mother Daughter Princess Tea

The Field Trial Review Rebrands to Hunt & Field Magazine Featuring the 124th National Championships at Ames Plantation

Front row left to right: Gracie Hendrix, Taylor Atchison, Lara Eason, Alana Wesson and Sara Stonebarger. Back row left to right: Ava Swords, Megan Wooldridge, Alison Cornelison, Queen Kayla Benson, Amanda Hickerson, Danica Ramberg, Samantha Gattas and in absentia, Sofie Herbstrith. Photo by Alex Ginsburg, Alex Ginsburg Photographics.

The Germantown Charity Horse Show (GCHS), now in its 74th season, kicked off 2023 with a Mother Daughter Princess Tea at the Harvest Moon Pavilion at Bobby Lanier Farm Park on January 8. A long-standing tradition, the tea provides an opportunity for the GCHS queen, princesses, their mothers, and the board of directors to meet each other and review key information and dates in advance of a busy season of activities.

The pavilion was decorated with an array of eye-catching flower arrangements and horse themed items, and the menu included traditional cucumber and shrimp tea sandwiches, jalapeño pimento cheese in phyllo cups, petits fours and other sweet treats, and, of course, hot tea served in china teacups. More than a dozen GCHS members contributed to making this year’s Mother Daughter Princess Tea a memorable event working with the committee chairpersons,

Mindy Hanisco, Anna Pallme, and Sharon Pallme.

The queen and princesses perform a variety of duties throughout the season, including volunteering at the GCHS’s principal charity, Kindred Place, participating as volunteers at one or more sponsoring organization events, serving as ambassadors for GCHS with their communities, and serving as volunteers in preparing for the show and throughout the week of the horse show itself. The queen and princesses make important contributions with their volunteer work while contributing to the Southern charm and warm hospitality that the GCHS is well known for having.

Kayla Benson is this season’s GCHS Queen and attended the tea with her mother, Dottie Benson. The GCHS Princesses and their sponsoring organizations are Taylor Atchison (Nashoba Carriage Association),

GCHS Princesses and mothers learn more. Photo by Alex Ginsburg, Alex Ginsburg Photographics.

Alison Cornelison (Landers Ford of Collierville), Lara Eason (Saddles N’ Such), Samantha Gattas (Planters Bank), Gracie Hendrix (Oak Grove Hunt Club), Sofie Herbstrith (Midsouth IEA), Amanda Hickerson (West Tennessee Hunter Jumper Association), Danica Ramberg (Hunters Edge Stables), Sara Stonebarger (Les Passees, Inc.), Ava Swords (Spring Mill Farm), Alana Wesson (Kiwanis Club of Germantown) and Megan Wooldridge (Pegasus of Germantown). The queen and princesses will be presented at the GCHS Royal Ball at the end of February.

The Germantown Charity Horse Show is one of the oldest and largest all-breed shows in the country and will be June 6 -10 this year. For more information, go to www.

GCHS.org.

Ford Abbott Media, LLC, the media company that owns and publishes the MidSouth Horse Review and the Field Trial Review, announces the rebrand of the Field Trial Review to Hunt & Field .

The Field Trial Review has been the lead publication covering the National Championship since 1986. With the rebrand to Hunt & Field, Lauren Abbott, Owner and Publisher, is dedicated to the coverage of the National Championship while looking forward to establishing the publication as a go- to magazine for Southern Hunt & Field sports. By transitioning the publication from an annual special print publication to a quarterly, multi-platformed print and digital magazine, Abbott hopes to bring engaging content and stories to Outdoorsmen and Outdoorswomen year round.

“When evaluating the Field Trial Review we knew we wanted to maintain the relationship and coverage we established with Ames Plantation and the National Championship since 1986. As Publisher, I feel it is important to rebrand the Field Trial Review to Hunt & Field to continue our coverage of the National Championship, while also covering other field and gun dog sports that take place throughout the year. This rebrand will allow us to maintain our coverage and publish content on all field, bird dog and waterfowl sports throughout the year,” Abbott explains.

The first rebranded issue will be published in February of 2023 in a new Magazine format. It will be titled: Hunt & Field, Special Edition: The National Field Trial Championship. It will cover the 124th National Championship held at Ames Plantation.

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News

The Safe Horse Project’s Heart of the Horse Expo and Trainers Challenge

The 2023 Heart of the Horse Expo and Trainers Challenge kicked off Saturday, January 14th, in Jackson, Miss. Horse trainers from five states met on the Mississippi State Fairgrounds to pick their equine Challenge partner from a line up of over 30 untrained rescue horses. The trainers will have a 120 day training period before they will return to exhibit the results of their training and compete for over $15,000 in cash and prizes.

The public can follow their favorite horse and trainer teams through social media during the 120 Trainer Challenge, attend the final competition at the Kirk Fordice Equine Center in Jackson on May 19th and 20th, and bid on their favorite horse at the live Safe Horse Auction that will conclude the event on May 20, 2023. There are 23 trainers competing in this year’s Challenge: • • • • •

Professional Division Shelby Ahrens from Port Orchard, Wash., is training “Tesoro” (Paso Fino) Melinda Anderson Martinez from McEwan, Tenn., is training “Houston” (TB) Jackie Crowson from Coldwater, Miss., is training “Jude” (QH) Jessica Adams from Water Valley, Miss., is training “Dutton” (QH) Damian de Costa from France currently

Photo by Kimberly Boyd Vickery Jones

• • • • • • •

interning out of Memphis, Tenn., is training “Dallas” (QH) Kaylee Rice from Duck Hill, Miss., is training “Selene” (QH) Betsey Munday from Terry, Miss., is training “Petra” (QH) Lauren Henny from Wilsonville, Ala., is training “Nico” (QH) Benoit Tilhac from France, currently interning out of Memphis, Tenn., is training “Laredo” (TB) Audrey Liddle from Talbott, Tenn., is training “Pilgrim” (Paint) Alicia Liddle from Talbott, Tenn., is training “Doc” (Quarter pony) Madison Brown from Cookeville,

Tenn., is training “Scooter” (grade) Amateur Division • Brooklyn Cook from Stringer, Miss., is training “Millie” (Paint) • Rachel Little from Ashville, Ala., is training “Catori” (Mustang) • Mercedes Sampsell from Sylacauga, Ala., is training “Edward” (grade) • Michele Sandifer from Liberty, Miss., is training “Onyx” (Mustang) • Kevin Little from Ashville, Ala., is training “Mickey” (Paso Fino) • Julia Whitehead from Collierville, Tenn., is training “Merci” (Quarter pony)

Youth Division • Christina Figueroa from Wilsonville, Ala., is training “Rapper” (QH) • Lexi Sones from Madison, Miss., is training “Chief” (Arab/Paint) • Abigail Gipson from Braxton, Miss., is training “Truffles” (Quarter pony) • Skylar Mims from Cascilla, Miss., is training “Loretta Lynn” (Paint) • Mary Claire Allman is training “Razzle” (Paint) The horses participating in the Challenge will be available for adoption through the Safe Horse Auction, along with a number of other horses that have been fully vetted, evaluated and trained. All potential adopters/ bidders must be pre approved for adoption through application to Mississippi Horses (www.mississippihorses.org) and must make arrangements to meet with the horse and its trainer prior to the auction in order to bid. The auction horses will be available for showing to potential buyers by appointment beginning Saturday, April 29th. This type of auction provides the setting to match buyers and horses appropriately to the suitability of the horse and abilities and activities intended by the buyer, ensuring long-term and lasting homes. Visit www.thesafehorseproject.org/ for more information.

January, 2023

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Horse Health

Section Sponsored By:

Spring Horse Care

By Alicia Johnson Before we know it, spring will be upon us again. Most of us will welcome the warmer temperatures and abundant sunshine with open arms. But before we clean our tack and start thinking about spring rides and shows, we need to take a look at our spring equine checklist.

A good place to start is scheduling a physical exam with the equine vet. Make a list of questions you’d like to ask him or her.

Are there any concerns you have with your horse? Have you noticed any bumps or areas of swelling since your horse shed its winter coat? Are there any behavioral issues you would like to address? Are you happy with your horse’s overall body condition?

A spring physical exam is also a good time for the vet to weight tape your horse. This allows you to keep track of weight changes and know what dose of supplements and dewormer to administer.

Rilla Reese-Hanks, DVM, MS asserts the most important reason a spring physical exam is needed is to assess body condition score. A body condition score helps your vet determine how your horse came through winter. If your horse is fat once its winter coat is

shed, foundering on lush, spring grasses is a concern. An overweight horse may need additional testing for Cushing’s or insulin resistance, according to Dr. Rilla. If your equine is skinny once it’s slicked out this spring, your vet can help you determine a feeding regimen to increase calories and put weight back on. Dr. Rilla advises you to look under your horse’s blanket, and “put your hands on the horse and feel it. Feel the ribs. Hair can be deceiving.” This will give you an idea of how your horse is faring as we approach the end of winter and beginning of spring.

A fecal check for parasites can also be done at this time, and, if needed, a deworming too. Dr. Rilla recommends having a fecal count done prior to deworming, as “knowing the parasite load present in your horse will determine how often to deworm.” Equines need deworming 2-4 times per year. It is important to remember to rotate the dewormer used in the spring. Continual use of the same type of dewormer will cause your horse to build a resistance to parasites. Ask the vet what he or she recommends when it comes to a dewormer rotation. Remember, those of us with minis should not use dewormers containing Moxidectin (brand name, Quest), as overdoses are commonly induced in minis

when using this particular dewormer. If you do choose to use Quest with your mini horse or pony, Dr. Rilla suggests letting your vet administer the dewormer, as the “increased potency and smaller margin of safety” is a real threat.

Vaccines are another essential aspect of spring horse care. The American Association of Equine Practitioners lists a series of core vaccines every adult horse in the United States should receive yearly. West Nile Virus, tetanus, rabies, and EEE/WEE (Eastern and Western Equine Encephalitis) are all on this list. Most of these vaccines are commonly combined into one shot called the 6-way vaccine. Dr. Rilla recommends gearing up with the 6-way vaccine in early spring so your horse has built immunity by the time summer and the mosquitoes arrive. If you plan to haul your horse to events, shows, or trail rides where he will have contact with other equines, your horse should also receive risk-based vaccines for contagious diseases, such as strangles, rhino/flu, and equine herpes virus. The clostridium botulinum (botulism) vaccine may be something you wish to discuss with your vet if your horse forages off of a hay roll, as rodent carcasses accidentally baled in hay can give off the botulism toxin. Botulism can also be present in the soil as well, so if your equines are near any type of construction or digging area, a botulism vaccine is well-warranted, according to Dr. Rilla.

The next spring horse care reminder is to get an updated Coggins test. This tests for Equine Infectious Anemia. If you will be hauling your horse, you will need proof of a negative Coggins in your possession while traveling. Keep in mind getting the results of your horse’s Coggins can take up to a week or more, so don’t wait until a few days before that show or organized trail ride to get this test done. Including a Coggins test with your spring vet visit is a convenient way to get most of the spring checklist done all at once. If planning to cross state lines with your equine, you may want to ask your vet for a health certificate too, as many events and shows require this for out-of-state horses.

If your vet performs equine dentistry procedures such as teeth floating, you may want to go ahead and mark that off of your spring checklist as well, Dr. Rilla suggests. Most adult horses need a dental check and floating annually. Senior horses, however, may require dental floating twice a year. If you’ve

noticed your horse resisting the bit or shaking its head, these may be indications of dental pain. If your vet does not perform equine dentistry procedures, he or she can refer you to someone who does.

Spring is also a good time to assess your horse’s hooves. A good trim is necessary to clean out those mucky frogs after standing in the wet, muddy terrain throughout the winter.

A trim will also provide balancing for your horse as you get ready for spring training with your equine companion. This will also get your horse prepared for being shod if he has been barefoot all winter and needs shoes as he gears up for riding.

Also on the spring checklist is a good, old-fashioned spring cleaning of the barn.

Spring is a great time of year to dump and scrub the water troughs, clean and polish tack, and check the status of your equine first aid kit. Refill any supplies you have depleted over the last year. Check the dates on any medications to make sure nothing has expired. If you’ve ever experienced a colic episode with your equine, you probably know having Banamine on hand is a good idea.

This can be purchased from your vet, and he or she can give you detailed instructions on dosing and the route of administering the medication. Writing down your vet’s name and phone number and placing that into your first aid kit is a good idea in case of an emergency.

The final item on our spring checklist is pasture management. The warmer temperatures of spring, plus the rain spring brings with it creates sudden, green growth of everything, especially grass. While this is a welcome sight after the barrenness of winter, lush spring pastures are a direct threat to your equines in the form of laminitis. Do you have a pasture management strategy in place? You may need to control grass intake by use of dry lots, limited turnout, or even grazing muzzles for ponies or horses prone to foundering, or, as Dr. Rilla mentioned, for those horses who came through winter fat.

Springtime is an exciting season for equestrians. However, before you enter that show, sign up for that barrel race, or prepare for that trail ride you must ensure your equine partner is healthy and ready to go as well. A physical exam combined with spring vaccines, deworming, an updated Coggins, hoof care, dental care, and some spring cleaning in both the barn and pasture is the best way to get back in the saddle this spring.

Mid-South Horse Review

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Behind the Art

Leather as an Artwork

Tom at work stamping handmade leather pieces.

Tom and Donna Hathaway with their registered quarter horse, “Zeb”

By Michele Harn, MS Most people have a dominant side of their brain. Leftbrained people are conventionally thought to be good with numbers, sciences, rules. Right-brained people are thought to be creative, artistic, outside-the-box thinkers. So when you’re retired from careers in business and medicine what do you do in retirement? Well, for Donna and Tom Hathaway they let their right brains take over. Tom retired first from a long career in his own business. Donna followed a few years later from her career with a PhD in Nursing.

Both were well experienced in managing people, budgets, and business. Both Donna and Tom had connections with several generations of leather craftsmen. And so Lakeland Leatherworks was born.

The Hathaways enjoy the commute from their home to across the road to the business. From their storefront at 10305 Monroe Road in Lakeland, TN they create custom pieces with the help of Jean Garny and new intern Katy Hinton. Donna describes Jean as an “absolute craftsman who excels in leather carving and tooling.” Katy is “an all around artist working in multiple media such as glass blow-

ing, beading, textiles, and leather,” boasts Donna. While there are pieces for sale in the showroom, Donna says most of their creations are commissioned pieces.

Lakeland Leatherworks can be found at a few local art shows and several larger shows around the country. Clients have also found them through advertising in the Mid-South Horse Review and the Cowboys & Indians magazine. Word of mouth keeps a steady stream of clients coming to them as well. Donna and Tom seem to be comfortably busy in their retirement business which she notes is “everything but boots and saddles.”

When asked about the successful transition to working together in this endeavor Donna confesses, “You have to have some talent and ability in both business and artistic talent.”

For this couple, commuting to work across the road from their home and spending the day together creating pieces that will be treasured is the very best way to spend their retirement.

Lakeland Leatherworks is on Facebook and store hours are generally 9-4 Monday through Saturday and by appointment.

Team Member Jean Garny with several handmade pieces.

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A handmade leather purse.

Call:

731-764-2582 731-764-2847 Open 7-5 M-F | Sat 7-12 In Business 60 Years!

January, 2023

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People & Horses

From the Flames a Future is Born

By Michele Harn, MS People relocate for myriad reasons; some positive, some tragic. When a tornado followed by a massive fire and subsequent drought engulfed Northern California, it soon became apparent to Jessica Dalton that relocation was the right decision. But where to go? Her mom had moved to Nashville several years prior, and friends in the greater Memphis area had been encouraging her to consider the mid-south. After two years of trying to rebuild in dustbowl- like conditions, she decided it was time. Rather than move her entire farm halfway across the country, she sold everything and moved in February 2020.

During the two years after the fire, she took a sabbatical from showing Hunter/Jumpers and spent time with cattle and Ranch horses. Perhaps those two years prepared her in unexpected ways for the next opportunities.

She landed in the Memphis area eager to make connections and start training/showing again. She was ready to return to that which she grew up in: Hunter/Jumper circuit competition. She met Dr. Kakki Wright, DVM

who seemed almost immediately like a longtime friend. Jessica, who set-up her training business at Dr Wright’s personal farm, describes it as a boutique farm that caters to private instruction for horses and riders. “I accommodate each horse in its own special way. Same with riders,” she says of her approach to training. She believes by catering to every horse every day, you can “get inside their mind and dance with them.” She particularly enjoys thinking outside the box for horses that aren’t easily understood. To get a horse to the arena “happy, healthy, and ready to do its job,” is her goal.

Currently there are 14 horses in training at Jessica’s Fox Pointe Farm. In April she will be in Europe selecting a few young and mature prospects for the US Hunter/Jumper market. This is a shopping trip she has made many times before, sometimes with clients looking for that special horse. These prospects, along with her current horses and clients, will likely be seen at mid-south shows this coming summer. For now the focus is on developing local horses and clients, though

Jessica Dalton, Trainer at Fox Pointe Farm in Olive Branch, Miss. she does look to the future and possibly going to Florida for the winter season.

While most of her clients are Adult Amateur riders, she says, “I do love kids and have a walk/trot school horse.” She understands how kids are drawn to barns with lots of other kids, but hopes some day to add Junior

riders to her client list. She notes,”kids tend to be soft riders and horses like that.”

When she looks back over the trials of the last two years, she knows “it was meant to be. I feel very blessed. It was such an easy move.”

Mid-South Horse Review

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Section Sponsored By:

Young Riders

Alli Gill

“Sitting on the Future” and has progressed from starter to competing in her first USEA Training Level event in 2022. Lisa Gill, Alli’s mom, says, “This young lady sets goals and makes a plan to achieve them one step at a time.”

In this Q&A Alli reveals her love for the sport, where she finds motivation and how her trainers help inspire her to work towards each goal she has for herself and her horse.

How old are you and how long have you been riding?

I am 16-years-old, and I have been riding for almost 11 years.

What is your horse’s name and what breed is he/she?

My horse Tessa is an off the track Thoroughbred.

What is it about horses that makes you want to ride?

I love the unique partnership and team in this sport. It isn’t found anywhere else, and I ride for the little me that fell in love with everything about horses and my love for them now.

When Allison Gill, known as Alli, was six-years- old she wanted to ride ponies. Her parents signed her up for riding lessons and soon Alli was hooked. She focused intently on her riding instructor, especially when given direction: keep your heels down, chest up, leg quiet. Alli spent months practicing her flat work before she ever trotted a crossrail. She soon began showing at Memphis- area Hunter/ Jumper schooling shows, and by age nine she was Megford Schooling Show Rider of the Year. Alli started fox

hunting at age 10 with Oak Grove Hunt Club and then focused 100% of her riding on Eventing.

In 2020 Alli and her Chincoteague pony qualified for USEA American Eventing Championship, but sadly the event was canceled due to COVID-19. Alli focused and continued to train. The duo moved up to Novice and qualified for AEC again in 2021.

For the past two years Alli has been training her now seven-year-old OTTB. She trains tirelessly, attending clinics and shows

What is your biggest accomplishment with your horse?

Moving Tessa up to Training Level this season was a huge accomplishment, especially because I have trained her since she came off the track.

Tell us the biggest challenge you had with a horse?

Two years ago Tessa had an accident in the field and lost almost 600 pounds of blood, muscle, and overall body mass. It was a huge journey to get her back healthy, and it was a big setback in our training, but she came back stronger and better than ever.

Ten years from now you want to...

I want to become the best rider I can with the opportunities I’m given and use any chance I can to progress.

What is your short-term goal you have set for yourself?

I want to qualify for the 2023 AEC’s at Training Level.

How does your trainer help you reach your riding goals?

My dressage trainer adapts her training to help Tessa and I work on specific scores from shows and basic things to better our riding all together. My Show Jumping and Eventing trainers make realistic paths to help me get to my goals and aspirations, as well as looking to the next set of goals.

Favorite Quote?

My Eventing trainer told me when I was going into the start box on cross country: “You’re sitting on the future kid,” and that, along with many other little quotes, has given me so much confidence and inspiration when going to a show.

January, 2023

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Greener Pastures News Shelby County Welcomes New Extension Agent

By Michele Harn, MS Kyla Szemplinski, MS is the new Extension Agent I for 4-H Youth Development in Shelby County. Having an extensive background and education in Equine studies made her a natural choice to fill this vacant position. Kyla started in early January and she is eager to meet people and find how she can best be of service in the area.

Her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science specializing in Equine Sciences is from the University of Missouri. After graduation,

she completed an internship at the Middleburg Agriculture Research and Extension Center in Northern Virginia under Dr. Bridgett McIntosh. Her Master of Science degree in Animal Science specializing in Equine Nutrition is from Tarleton State University under Dr. Trinette Jones. Part of her research is published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science: https://www. sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/ S0737080620300794?via%3Dihub Kyla credits both Dr. Bridgett McIntosh and Dr. Trinette Jones as the biggest influences in her equine education. “Both educators are brilliant and compassionate in their fields and want to see their students excel academically and professionally,” she notes. It is the influence of these educators that she brings to her current role which also involves education. She also credits James Hillaery, Ag Natural Resources Agent in Loudon County, VA and Dr. Karen Vines, Assistant Professor at Virginia Tech. She acknowledges both helped her better understand Extension services, history, program development/evaluation, needs assessments in the area, and youth and adult education approaches. “They helped me greatly to be

prepared for this job,” she adds.

Kyla is no newcomer to 4-H, a program that she grew up in. While in Texas she volunteered with both FFA and 4-H, fulfilling part of the 4-H motto pledging “my hands to better living for my club, my community, my country, and my world.”

Over the next six to twelve months Kyla plans to meet people and attend 4-H club meetings and events to discover the needs and roles in Shelby County 4-H. She will be purposefully looking to increase youth involvement in 4-H and also volunteer opportunities. She is particularly interested in S.T.E.M. and Equine teaching. Her family’s deep history with the military has led to a desire to support veteran families as well.

A lifelong equestrian, she has ridden and studied abroad, including Scotland, and studied several types of riding while stateside. She is currently taking lessons in Dressage and hopes to compete in the future.

In Tennessee, Cooperative Extension is the voice of the land-grant universities: University of Tennessee-Knoxville and Tennessee State University. It is tasked with bringing university research to the local counties to improve the livelihood of coun-

ty residents. Shelby County Extension is based at the Agricenter International, 7777 Walnut Grove Road, Memphis, TN 38120.

Kyla says, “We’re here to help! I am very approachable and easy to contact.” Extension has a large variety of programs for a wide array of interests. From Youth to Adult programs, there truly is something for everyone.

The Cooperative Extension offers the following services: 4-H youth development in a multitude of areas (agriculture/natural resources, STEM, healthy lifestyles, in and after school programming just to name a few).

Family and Consumer Science education SNAP Education Soil/forage sampling Master Gardener program Small/urban gardens For a full listing all of Extension resources: https://shelby.tennessee.edu/ Following Shelby County Cooperative Extension on Facebook is an excellent way to find activities and opportunities: https:// www.facebook.com/shelbycountyextension.

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Focus Section: Training

Mid-South Horse Review

January, 2023

13

Training Tips Solving Behavioral Problems: In and Out of the Saddle

By Alicia Johnson Behavioral problems in horses are inevitable. No equine can live up to the unrealistic expectation of being perfectly behaved one hundred percent of the time. As horse owners and riders, we are bound to experience less than ideal behaviors from our horses at some point- both in and out of the saddle.

The main thing to remember when addressing equine behavioral issues is to correct the problem as soon as possible. Letting the problem continue or planning to fix it later will only make correcting the problem more challenging. Depending on the behavioral issue, plan to address it right away if you feel a little extra work can resolve your horse’s bad attitude. Things that can help with minor issues are as simple as lunging your horse in both directions and/or spending a day on groundwork to refresh your horse’s memory on basics. Taking a horse back to its original training foundations can help improve and adjust issues.

If you are dealing with aggressive or dangerous behavior then it is best to consider multiple possible causes, especially if it is new and out of character for your horse. If you do not work with a trainer it is always recommended to consult with one or have your horse’s behavior evaluated by one. If issues arise suddenly it is important to talk more with your veterinarian. Many times when horses experience pain or are not feeling one hundred percent they can display aggressive behavior.

If you are working with a green horse remember that your horse simply may not be ready for what you are asking, or may be confused by your cues. Patience is key with green horses, and it is important to keep notes or write down triggers or red flags you come across when working with a green horse. A young, inexperienced, green horse can respond negatively to training if pushed too quickly, which then can result in your training going backwards.

Problematic behaviors exhibited out of the saddle such as biting, grazing or bumping into you while being led, not allowing you to pick up their feet, or not standing to be mounted can all be remedied with groundwork. Some horses are stubborn by nature and can deliberately test people to establish who is dominant. Patience is key here as well. Sometimes ignoring a stubborn behavior and not making a bigger issue out of it can cause your horse to settle and start listening to you. If your horse refuses to be obedient, try basic groundwork exercises and then try to lead your horse, pick up its feet, or remount again and see if the exercises got the message across. Undesirable behaviors equal more work, whether it is simple groundwork that does not require much physical exertion or groundwork that requires your horse to move forward around you on a longer lead or lunge line. Most equines do not prefer those extra steps and will quickly equate good manners with the privilege of performing less work.

Behavioral problems while under saddle can be more intimidating, as now rider safety is compromised. The

feeling of not being in control of your horse is a scary one. Not only is it dangerous to ride a horse exhibiting bad behavior, but it also means your horse is challenging you for authority. Rearing, bucking, and bolting, simply cannot be tolerated. Again, consult with an experienced trainer. There is no shame in having a trainer exercise or ride your horse. A few training sessions can drastically improve your horse and resolve dangerous behaviors. Also, make sure you talk with your veterinarian to rule out any physical issues your horse may have such as ulcers, back or mouth pain. You should also evaluate your tack. Does your saddle fit properly, what about the bridle? Will your horse respond better to a different or lighter bit? If you feel you are experienced in addressing your horse’s bad behavior then remember, taking a horse back to basic groundwork and desensitization practices can help the rider discover triggers and red flags to resolve issues.

If you get into a situation and you cannot get your horse stopped or your horse begins to buck Mindi Harrison, equine trainer and owner of Broken Wheel Ranch in Trenton, Tenn., recommends using the one-rein stop in situations where the attention needs to be fixed back on you, the rider. The one-rein stop, or using one rein to flex the horse’s neck to the side, will disengage the hindquarters and bring the horse to a halt. Think of it as an emergency brake for a horse who is panicking or out of control. “A horse will usually give you a two second heads up if it’s about to do something stupid,” Mindi states. Being attentive and feeling your horse’s every move will help you be ready with the one-rein stop. It will also help your horse refocus the attention back to you- where it needs to be.

Mindi also suggests having an equine dentist or veterinarian assess and float your horse’s teeth once a year.

According to her, “Taking care of a horse’s teeth can solve so many behavioral problems.” A bad tooth creating pain and discomfort in your horse could be the basis for any sudden, undesirable behaviors you notice in your horse, so it is best to schedule this preventative care once a year. As advised, talk with your veterinarian during your horse’s annual checkup and do not be afraid to consult with an experienced trainer if your horse checks out physically.

Always remember: what you do on the ground translates into the saddle. Horses are creatures of habit; every time they’re ridden, the rider is either training or untraining them, willingly or not. Correct unacceptable behaviors through groundwork. Also, remember your horse has bad days too. Somedays, if you can tell your horse is not in the right headspace to be ridden, spend the day on basic groundwork exercises. Something as simple as leading your horse in hand, over ground poles, or even through water can help engage your horse’s mind. Work on exercises that help improve the bond and trust in you and your horse. Listen to your horse and always lead with patience, attentiveness and graciousness, and your horse will echo the same behavior, even on its bad days.

Mid-South Horse Review

14

Focus: Training

Ground Poles

Good For all Horses

By Michele Harn, MS While it is true that ground poles are most commonly seen in the English disciplines, particularly those that involve jumping, their use can be of benefit to any ridden horse or pony. The value of ground poles lies in their ability to cause a horse to be thoughtful about using and placing his feet carefully.

But there are other benefits to ground pole exercises as well.

Properly used, ground poles will increase a horse’s flexibility and strength while encouraging more engagement of the hind quarters. As with all exercises, it is important to understand the skill and intended results. Whole books have been written on such exercises and a quick internet search will yield many articles and videos with great details. Walking over poles might seem an easy enough effort for the horse, but at the walk there is little forward momentum so all effort is through the horse’s muscles. Thus this is an excellent way to build core and hind strength.

The Fan Shape exercise is used by many to help the horse find balance and rhythm.

Three to four poles are set up in a fan shape with spacing from middle of one pole to middle of the next pole to be about 3 big, human steps. Of course, the distance is shorter towards the inside and longer towards the outside, which gives the rider options to challenge the horse in its stride. This can be ridden at all gaits and is often seen in Western Trail classes at the canter. The horse really engages his hind and core for this exercise.

Ground poles have benefits beyond the physical aspects too. Team Roping and Barrel Racing trainer, Blair Roy of Rafter R Ranch in Somerville, Tenn. says, ”Some-

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times I’ll set up just a couple in the round pen and use them with the young ones. But it’s more of a trust thing that I’m working on. Also to keep them thinking and not get bored with the groundwork.” Horses learn very quickly to be alert to the poles so they don’t trip or step on them.

Robyn Miller of Point Pleasant Farm in Holly Springs, Miss, uses ground poles “with all kinds of horses whether new horses under saddle or older horses for finding balance, foot placement, and mental focus.”

Robyn says they give horses a “sense of going somewhere and the rider a sense of purpose to help accuracy” Her go-to exercise is to put four poles at the quarter marks on a circle. So on a clock shape they would be at 12:00, 3:00, 6:00, and 9:00. She likes this setup because there are many ways to use the poles to change bend and accuracy. She encourages horses to have the same number of steps between all four poles without chipping, stepping short or stepping long. She also has riders do an outside bend and flow back to the same pole or do an inside turn and bend back to the pole (roll back). Horses can be asked to lengthen or shorten strides between poles or even skip every other one, going inside or outside to skip while making the circle. All of these help the horse and rider gain accuracy, strength, and balance.

Robyn notes these exercises keep the horse listening to what you want of them and also keep the rider thinking. Robyn advises riders to always think, “Is my horse with me?

Is he gonna be late because he’s mentally somewhere else?” She encourages riders to “keep the horse in your aids, which can be thought of as a rectangle, and when you feel him come out, then bring him back into the shape (rectangle).”

With all the benefits of ground pole work for both the rider and the horse of all disciplines, a few painted poles seem to be as essential to training as a saddle and bridle.

January, 2023

15

Focus: Training

Building Strength through your Horse’s Topline

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By Alicia Johnson Topline, the area that runs from a horse’s withers, along its spine and and over its hindquarters, is important to assess. Not only is this muscle group responsible for supporting the spine and joints of your equine, it also indicates overall muscle health and nutrition in your horse. The muscles that

comprise the topline: trapezius, latissimus and longissimus dorsi, superficial gluteal, biceps femoris, and more are crucially vital because they act as a buffer to the weight of a rider in the saddle.

We basically want to see topline in our horses for two main reasons: athleticism and appearance. Since topline is muscle, horses with ample topline have more strength and ability to move well and jump with power.

As far as appearance goes, show horses and performance horses are expected to have a well-muscled physique.

Being ridden too young, poor diet, lack of the right kind of exercise, and degenerative muscle conditions are just a few reasons why your horse may lose topline. A racehorse turned riding horse may also struggle with a defined topline due to the different styles in riding during post- track transition.

Despite the reason why your horse’s topline may be lacking, or why you want to improve it, there are specific exercises to help you do just that.

Erica Momrow, trainer at Oak Crest Farms in Eads, Tenn., says “A horse builds topline by stretching his neck and head downward and forward while pushing from the hind end and lifting his back.” A simple exercise she suggests to build topline is to allow your horse to get into a “stretchy trot.”

She states this does not mean for the horse to simply go faster, “but allow it to stretch its topline forward and downward while adding leg and holding your own balance with a larger post.” If the trot simply gets faster, that defeats the purpose. You should see the trot stretch out and the horse’s back round up slightly like a rainbow.

Another simple exercise Erica suggests

to improve topline strength and definition is trotting with a soft hand over poles or Cavalettis. “These poles allow the horse to look down and stretch its head and neck to assess the takeoff and landing while its back and hindquarters come up higher to clear the pole,” Erica states. However, she does caution you to measure correctly. If you use more than one pole, allow room for your horse’s trot step. According to Erica, four to five human toe-to-heel steps equal one average horse trot step. This will allow you to place the poles or Cavalettis appropriately.

Along with these exercises, consider consulting with an Equine Nutritionist if you’re trying to maintain or improve your horse’s topline. A high-protein diet with the correct levels of essential amino acids may be necessary. Supplements, such as lysine, vitamin E, or selenium, may be beneficial in conjunction with a targeted exercise program.

Equine topline is fundamental to your horse’s movement. It allows your horse to exert itself when asked while providing itself protection from injury. A well-conditioned topline is necessary for your horse to perform and recover. Keeping your horse’s topline maintained will provide not only comfort for your horse during a ride, but will increase its overall performance as well.

Mid-South Horse Review

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Focus: Training

The Spooky Horse

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How to overcome nervousness and ride through uneasy situations

By Michele Harn, MS It is well understood that horses are prey animals. They choose flight over fight in most situations. When that instinct kicks in while being ridden or driven, the results can range from scary to dangerous. Even the

most calm horse may have an unexpected flight response. Understanding your horse’s nature and preparing at home can lead to a more predictable response when the flight mechanism kicks in.

Exposure, exposure, exposure is the mantra repeated in barns around the world. Giving your horse controlled experiences in their home environment will prepare him to better handle the unexpected when away from home. Patience, calm, and confidence on your part will go a long way toward helping your horse overcome fear. There are any number of desensitizing strategies that can

be used at home. It’s usually helpful to have a knowledgeable horseman assist in case the horse gets unhinged. A quick internet search can provide many desensitizing activities.

Remember to take it slow to not overwhelm the horse. Once a horse is confident in-hand at slower speeds, you can progress to riding these exercises at the walk and maybe eventually the trot. Let the horse tell you when he is ready to move forward.

Speaking of forward, it is your friend. A horse that stays on your leg and moves forward between lightly held reins is less apt to rear or buck.The horse who is on the aids is listening to you and you are thus the leader.

When the horse looks to you for confident, calm leadership they are less prone to giving in to the flight response.

Horses are naturally curious creatures and that can work to your advantage. When not pushed beyond his comfort level, a spookytype horse will be overcome by his curiosity and eventually want to investigate that which he was initially spooky towards. It is critical to never punish a horse for having a flight response. This could potentially lead to even more fear and possibly a worse spook the next time. Remember, you are the leader and the horse looks to you for the proper response.

Fox Pointe Farm’s Jessica Dalton, confirms the rider’s “only job is to make the

horse feel secure.” She accomplishes this through hand-leg connection, keeping the horse connected to the rider as he is guided through the spook. She notes it’s important to “relax them into the hand/leg and then you can make the track ever wider towards the scary area.” During this she encourages the horse to look to her for what is next. She encourages riders to take time during this process and to “show no emotion. Period!” as the horse is guided through a spook.

Some horses are more flighty than others. It’s important to know if your horse has “spook” as a learned response to unfamiliar things. It could take much longer to undo this type of thinking in your horse. Horses require plenty of exercise too. Make sure your horse has sufficient time out of the stall, or is stalled minimally, to keep his mind healthy. Some horses may have an organic cause for their behavior. A thorough exam by your vet to include assessment of diet, environment, and health may reveal areas for improvement.

A spooky horse can be taught to trust and follow you when in situations where he would otherwise choose flight. Frequent, calm, confident training will help your horse look to you the next time he is confronted by something scary.

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January, 2023

17

Focus: Training

Regaining Confidence after a Fall

By Alicia Johnson The majority of equestrians have experienced a fall. If you’re lucky enough to have avoided one so far, you’ve probably heard the saying, “If you mess with horses long enough, you’re bound to fall off.” Those are intimidating, yet true, words. So when it’s your time and you do have the displeasure of an unexpected dismount, how can you regain the confidence, both in yourself and your horse, to get back on?

In theory, equestrians are expected to immediately get right back in the saddle.

However, injury and fear can get in the way of doing that for some of us, as fear is a natural response. Remember, it is acceptable to take things slowly after a fall. Taking the time to recover both physically and mentally are the first steps in rebuilding the self assurance needed to get back on. Simple ways to help boost your confidence when you’re ready to saddle up again include determining the cause of the fall, riding a horse you trust, and, if possible, working with a trainer.

If the fall was minimal and you’re unhurt, yet shaken, but are ready to get right back on, it’s smart to settle both yourself and your horse before you remount. Hand walk your horse or send him off in circles for a

few minutes. After that, assess both of your nerves and determine if you’re ready to continue the ride.

Young rider, Madison Johnson, experienced a fall from a 15.3hh horse at just six years old. Other than a sore arm and chest, she was physically ok, but her confidence in her riding, and horses in general, was completely annihilated. After the fall, even leading a pony was difficult; riding was out of the question. Two years later, at just eight years old, she is an advanced-intermediate rider in both English and Western disciplines. How did she conquer her fears and get back in the saddle?

First, Madison suggests restarting in the round pen with groundwork. “Earning respect from your horse on the ground will also earn you respect in the saddle,” she says. This will both increase the rider’s confidence and rebuild trust between the horse and rider. Madison’s go-to exercise when working a horse in the round pen is: Walk One; Trot Two; Canter Three. That’s having your horse walk one lap, trot two laps, and canter three laps around, then get a good whoa. She then turns the horse (or pony) and repeats the same process in the opposite direction. Putting the time and effort in through groundwork helped Madison regain the trust needed to realize every ride

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wouldn’t ultimately end with a fall.

Local cowgirl and quarter horse breeder, Jennifer Gitchell, offers the following advice concerning confidence in the saddle: “If you’re thinking it, the horse is feeling it.”

This is a good rule of thumb to follow when assessing if your confidence is at the level needed to ride safely. According to Jennifer, if you’re in the saddle and anxiously anticipating the next spook or reaction, your horse is feeling the same way. Saddling up and riding with confidence will translate to your horse, which is the basis for the eques-

trian-equine relationship.

Other simple ways to regain your confidence after a fall include the purchase of a good equestrian helmet and, perhaps, even a body protector if you sustained an injury from a fall. Consider riding in a controlled environment, such as a round pen or arena, and simply work on the basics for those initial rides following a fall. Although easier said than done, stay positive and be kind to yourself as you work your way back into the saddle. Regaining confidence in your riding and trust in your horse is, indeed, attainable.

Mid-South Horse Review

18

Focus: Training

Exercises to Enhance your Riding Skills

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By Alicia Johnson There are countless English and Western disciplines equestrians can participate in.

However, no matter what events, shows, or trails interest us, we probably all have the same goal: to become better riders. While it’s not necessary to be an elite athlete in order to be an equestrian, fitness can help enhance our riding skills.

A good rider is able to maintain proper posture and stability in the saddle. In order to do this, the upper body, lower body, and core all must work together to provide the alignment and stamina needed to enjoy a good ride. Riding, in general, is good exercise. Calories are burned sitting in the saddle; even more so if you participate in a strenuous discipline, such as cutting, reining, or jumping. So why not enhance your

riding with basic exercises you can perform at home?

Lunges, deadlifts, and squats can build the quadricep and hamstring muscles we need as riders to create that centered, balanced seat we all desire. Each of these movements can be done with dumbbells or with bodyweight only if no dumbbells are available. For those equestrians with bad knees, reverse lunging is the best option. When it comes to squats and deadlifts, remember to keep your weight in your heels and chest up.

A good rule of thumb for keeping weight in the heels is to try to touch your big toe to the top of your shoe.

Our core is responsible for maintaining proper posture in the saddle. Exercises to strengthen the core include sit-ups, planks, and, if you prefer keeping your exercises off the ground, standing crunches. A thirty second to one minute plank, or holding a push-up position in the up position is a great way to develop both core and upper body strength simultaneously. A well-developed core comes especially handy when sitting spooks in the saddle. In this situation, your core strength can be the difference between riding the spook out and falling off. A strong core will further enhance your balanced seat and will promote flexibility in the saddle as well.

Strong chest and upper body muscles

will also further develop riding skills in the saddle. Any weighted upper body strength exercise will do. For example, bicep curls, shoulder presses, or even push-ups and the aforementioned planks as bodyweight only exercises will help you tone the chest and upper body quickly. If dumbbells are unavailable, water bottles or even cans of soup can be substituted.

For those equestrians who may prefer working out with your equine partner, there are exercises that can be performed in the saddle. If you ride a horse you can trust on autopilot in a controlled environment, such as the arena or round pen, try helicopter. This involves dropping the reins and moving the arms laterally while rotating the core. You can also airplane your arms for another variation.

Stretching can also be done in the saddle.

Reach to one side of your horse’s head, then rotate through the shoulders to reach back to its hindquarters. Try this on both the right and left sides, and then reverse the direction and go from the hindquarters to the head of the horse. Riding in a controlled environment with no stirrups and bareback riding are also excellent ways to develop core and lower body strength needed to attain the symmetry and alignment that will make us better riders.

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January, 2023

19

Rollingwoods Farm Pony Breaking

By Michele Harn, MS The weekend between Christmas and New Year’s is an annual right of passage for the coming three-year-olds and a few older ponies at Rollingwoods Farm. Owned by three of the four Wilburn sisters, (Dr. Ruth Wilburn, DVM, Sally Ross Davis, and Joanna Wilburn), Rollingwoods is a United States Equestrian Federation recognized breeder of excellence in Welsh ponies. The farm typically produces 4-10 Section B Welsh foals annually. The mares, a few stallions, and babies are kept with Joanna on the main farm in Olive Branch, Miss. Yearlings spend time on the rolling hills of an associate’s farm in Northern Mississippi before coming home to prepare for training.

Rollingwoods ponies are evaluated during the pony breaking weekend for several aspects of readiness to move forward in their training. The atmosphere of the weekend is intentionally busy to replicate the conditions a pony might experience at a competition. The ponies are tied to the walls in the massive indoor arena while older ponies are ridden and others are worked in a round pen. “It’s important for young ponies to learn patience and stay calm despite lots of activity around them,” explains Joanna.

Ponies are individually worked in the round pen, initially without a saddle then progressing to saddle and if ready, to a rider in the

saddle. Ponies wear a halter, but the focus is on forward movement in the round pen so the rider sits quietly while Sally Ross directs the movement of the pony. Her philosophy is to “let the pony talk to you; do what they’re ready to do.” Some ponies enjoy the new challenge and are deemed ready to move on.

Of these, some will go to Sally Ross’ farm in Ruleville, Miss. and a few stay with Joanna in Olive Branch. Some ponies may go back to the rolling hills for some time to physically and mentally mature a while longer before being reassessed. This weekend is really for evaluation of the pony’s readiness with no pony being pushed beyond that.

Anyone who follows Rollingwoods on Facebook knows there is a herd of Junior riders as well. These kids are an integral part of the pony breaking weekend. They lead ponies around, play games like inhand pony soccer, and introduce the ponies to saddle pads, saddles, crowds, and lots of laughter. The older youth who are advanced riders are privileged to sit on the ponies in the round pen. These are youths who have been showing with Rollingwoods for many, many years and have shown their advanced ability to sit quietly and calmly on a young horse. The young riders are learning right along with the ponies.

For the ponies who show readiness to move on with their learning, they will be brought along at an easy pace as they show

continued readiness to learn more. Most ponies get a break after only a few weeks of training. The development of the ponies’ minds is of utmost importance as most of these ponies will go on to be children’s mounts. Rollingwoods ponies have a reputation for being easy going, willing learners who excel at many disciplines. Several RW ponies qualify for USEF Pony Finals yearly and are national champions in the Welsh Pony and Cob Society of America show circuit. Rollingwoods trains for the long game, so each pony determines its timeline for learning and advancement.

Sally Ross is a firm believer in lifelong learning; “If you ever stop learning then you need to quit.” Their particular style of training has evolved over the years as they

Focus: Training

gain knowledge from their ponies and also from other trainers’ techniques. Sally Ross explains, “Each pony learns differently.

You can learn from anybody, even if it’s something you don’t want to do.” Having fun along the journey is an essential element to the Rollingwoods Way. “If we can’t laugh and cut-up then we don’t want to do it. I don’t care what ribbon you get, there is always something positive to say,” notes Sally Ross. Over the years there have been upwards of 30 kids who grew up with Rollingwoods ponies and now second and even a third generation of “kids” are finding their ponies at Rollingwoods Farm.

It may be called Pony Breaking weekend, but it is truly an exercise in team building, camaraderie, and pony development.

One of Rollingwoods’ young riders working with a pony. Photo by Alex Clark

Mid-South Horse Review

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Competition Zone

Mid-South Rodeo Queen Pageant The 2023 Mid-South Rodeo Queen royalty has been crowned. Here are the results: Pageant Director’s Award: Miss Paisley Swint Best Photo Award: Miss Caroline Wilson Highest Rodeo Ticket Sales: Miss Lauren Lewis Highest Rodeo Ticket Sales second place: Miss Brylee Wilson Princess Horsemanship: Miss Paisley Swint Sr Horsemanship: Miss Josie McGrew Mid-South Rodeo Princess 2023: Miss Paisley Swint of Clinton, Ark. Jr Mid-South Rodeo Queen 2023: Miss Fallon Frisby of Brandon, Miss.

Teen Mid-South Rodeo Queen 2023: Miss Lauren Lewis of Hernando, Miss.

Miss Mid-South Rodeo Queen 2023: Miss Josie McGrew of Cedar Hill, Tenn.

Photos by Paul Nolte Photography

January, 2023

21

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February 2023

Volume 37 | Number 6

Publisher & Owner

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60 Front St., Suite 3 Rossville, TN 38066

MICHAEL BRYAN

901.401.2208 Office Michael@BryanRG.com BryanRG.com

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January, 2023

23

Calendar of Events AGRICENTER SHOWPLACE ARENA

7777 Walnut Grove Rd., Memphis, TN http://www.agricenter.org/events/ FEB. 24-26: IBRA Super Show MISSISSIPPI HORSE PARK

https://mshorsepark.com/events FEB. 10-11: Starkville Breakaway FEB. 11-12: Rotary Classic Rodeo Harriman, TN ROANE STATE EXPO CENTER

http://www.roanestate. edu/?6497-Events-Calendar FEB. 10-12: East TN Cutting Horse Assn.

FEB. 17-19: Flamekissed IEA FEB. 24-26: SE Ranch Horse Series Murfreesboro, TN www.mtsu.edu/tmc TENNESSEE MILLER COLISEUM MTSU

FEB. 11-12: MTSU IHSA Hunter Seat Show FEB. 18-19: MTSU IHSA Western Show UT MARTIN AG PAVILLION

www.utm.edu/departments/agnr/pavilion. php (731)881-7221 FEB. 10: Equestrian team meet INTERCOLLEGIATE/INTERSCHOLASTIC

http://www.ihsazone5region1.com http://www.campusequestrian.com/zone/ 5zone/5z2r/5z2r-index.html http://www.ihsainc.com/events/ FEB. 4: Brooklet, GA; Hunt Seat http://www.collegerodeo.com Coll(731) 658-5867 http://tnhsra.com FEB. 11-12 Harriman, TN (tentative) FEB. 25-26 Rainsville, TN (tentative) TENNESSEE HS RODEO ASSOCIATION

(731) 658-5867 http://tnhsra.com FEB. 11-12 Harriman, TN (tentative) FEB. 25-26 Rainsville, TN (tentative) LITTLE BRITCHES RODEO

www.nlbra.com, mslbra.org/schedule FEB. 4-5: Murray, KY FEB. 18-19: Murray, KY FEB. 25-26: Lebanon, TN FEB. 25-26: Brandon, MS US PONY CLUB

https://www.ponyclub.org/Calendars/ Events.aspx https://midsouth.ponyclub.org/calendar/ https://deepsouth.ponyclub.org/ https://middletennessee.ponyclub.org/calendar/ FEB.11: Mounted Games. Lagniappe Equestrian Center. Folsom, LA. PK Richter pkrichter1026@gmail.com https://4h.tennessee.edu/Pages/default.aspx https://extension.tennessee.edu/western/

4-H

Pages/default.aspx http://extension.msstate.edu/4-h https://ag.tennessee.edu/AnimalScience/ UTHorse/Pages/Shows.aspx#AnchorTop COWBOY 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 HORSE SALES/ADOPTIONS

FIRST SATURDAY: Houston, MS. Triple E Livestock. Tack 10 am. Horses 2 pm.

Info: A.J. Ellis 662-401-9760; 662-2662808 FOURTH SATURDAY: Holly Springs, MS. Marshall County Fairgrounds. Marshall Co. Livestock Exchange. 662-3179021 FIRST, THIRD, FIFTH FRIDAY: Woodbury Livestock Market, 2403 McMinnville Hwy. Tack 5:30 p.m.; Horses 8 pm. 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 pm. Info: Chucky Greenway 731-571-8198 SECOND & FOURTH SATURDAY: Scotts Hill, TN. Scotts Hill Stockyard.

Info: James Linville 731-549-3523. www. facebook.com/scottshillstockyard SECOND & FOURTH SATURDAY: Carthage, MS. Farmers Livestock Marketing.

Tack 1 pm. Horses 5 pm. Info: 601-2677884; 662-317-9021 CLASSES AND CLINICS

FEB. 25: Ring Stewarding, Bit Checking, Scribing and Scoring Clinic. KY Horse Park, Lexington, KY BARREL RACING

http://www.nbha.com; https://ibra.us/ shows/US-TN-WEST FEB. 18: Dash 4 Love 4D Barrel Race.

Holly Springs, MS. Marshall Co. Fairgrounds; Info: Dianne Holman and Callie Eubanks, facebook FEB. 24-26: IBRA Super Show; Memphis, TN; Agricenter Showplace Arena; Info: Jamie White 901-378-7470 MAR. 18-19: Liberty, KY. Central KY Ag Center. Info: 502-239-4000 CUTTING HORSE

www.nchacutting.com FEB. 10-12: Harriman, TN. Roane State Expo Center. ETCHA. FEB. 12-13: Forest, MS. Scott Co. Forest Coliseum. ETCHA. MS CHA Weekend Show.

FEB. 18: Prairie, MS. Infinity Ranch.

Northeast MS CHA Weekend Show.

DRESSAGE

www.midsouthdressageacademy.org, www.TNDressage.com, www.tvdcta.org, kentuckydressageassociation.com, https:// sites.google.com/view/greystonedressage/ home FEB. 25: Ring Stewarding, Bit Checking, Scribing and Scoring Clinic. KY Horse Park, Lexington, KY MAR. 25: Greystone Dressage Virtual Mud Bowl. Kim Carpenter 931-452-9225 dressageshowservices@gmail.com GAITED HORSES

https://nwha.com, www.sshbea.org, www. walkinghorseowners.com, www.shobaonline.com FEB. 11: WHOA Annual Convention & Awards Banquet. James Union Building.

Murfreesboro, TN. HUNTER/JUMPER

http://wthja.com, https://mhja.info, www. brownlandfarm.com, www.mthja.com, www.ethja.org www.gulfcoastclassiccompany.com FEB. 15-MAR.26: 25th Annual Gulf Coast Winter Classics. Harrison County Fairgrounds and Equestrian Center. Gulfport, MS. PAINT/PINTO

www.apha.com, www.missphc.com, tphconline11.homestead.com, www.volunteerstatepintoorg.com FEB. 3-4: Jackson, MS. Kirk Fordice Equine Center. MPHC- Dixie National POR. Info: www.missphc.com QUARTER HORSE SHOWS

www.tqha.org, www.mqha.org, www. wtqha.org, www.midsouthquarterhorse. com, facebook Mid-South Breeders FEB. 7-8: Jackson, MS. Mary Hopkins Memorial Equestrians with Disabilities Show.

Info: http://www.dnqhs.org FEB. 10-12: Nashville, TN. TQHA Annual Convention. Info: Keith Glad 615-8722905 FEB. 14-19: Jackson, MS. Dixie National Quarter Horse Show. Info: http://www. dnqhs.org RACING

www.nationalsteeplechase.com, www. bloodhorse.com, https://www.oaklawn. com/racing/calendar/ Every Saturday through May: Hot Springs, AR. Oaklawn. Info: https://www.oaklawn. com/racing/calendar/ RANCH HORSE

www.americanranchhorse.net, www.volrha. com Info: Parker Bradford 901-651-1145 MAR. 11-12: VolRHA. Agricenter International. Memphis, TN MAR. 18-19: SERHS Clinic. Roane State Expo Center. Harriman, TN. Info: Michelle Turner 423-619-4467; southeastranchhorse@gmail.com

MAR. 31- April 2: SE Ranch Horse Series.

Roane State Expo Center. Harriman, TN. Info: Michelle Turner 423-619-4467; southeastranchhorse@gmail.com REINING

tnreining.com, www.nrha1.com MAR. 24-25: TNRHA. Roane State Expo Center. Harriman, TN. Info: Ronnie Fox 865-388-1780 MAR. 25-27: TNRHA Shamrock Slide.

Roane State Expo Center. Harriman, TN. RODEOS & BULL RIDING

www.ipra-rodeo.com, www.prorodeo.com, www.lonestarrodeocompany.com FEB. 3-4: Shelbyville, TN. Calsonic Arena.

Lone Star National Finals FEB. 4: Tupelo, MS. Bancorp South Arena.

NE Mississippi Championship Rodeo FEB. 10-11: Starkville, MS. MS Horse Park. Starkville Breakaway FEB. 10-12: Bowling Green, KY. WKU Ag Expo Center. 41st Annual Lone Star Rodeo FEB. 10-18: Jackson, MS. Mississippi Coliseum. Dixie National Rodeo FEB. 11-12: Starkville, MS. MS Horse Park. Rotary Rodeo ROPING

www.ustrc.com, www.jx2events.com FEB. 10-12: Memphis, TN. Agricenter Show Place Arena. USTRC/WSTR Super Q Muddy River Classic 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 TEAM PENNING & RANCH SORTING

www.ustpa.com, www.rsnc.us Gould Arena. Ranch Sorting. Info: 901651-1145 FEB. 18-19: City Forest, MS. DJ Cowhorses Show. Info: www.ustpa.com

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Mid-South Horse Review