March 2023 Digital Edition: The Competition Issue

March 2023

The Competition Issue Cover Story: Nicole Harris, Returning to the Saddle after 30 years away.- P. 16

HORSE HEALTH

BEHIND THE BUSINESS

YOUNG RIDERS

HORSE TECH

KEEPING YOUR HORSE SOUND THIS SHOW SEASON- P. 6

MACY CLARK EVENTING: THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT- P. 9

WISE BEYOND HER YEARS: HENLEY MCCUTCHEN- P. 10

HORSELINC: YOUR ESSENTIAL HORSE SERVICES APP- P. 22

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Mid-South Horse Review

March, 2023

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Competition Focus: P. 13

CONTENTS Horse health:

P. 6 Keeping Your Horse Sound During Show Season

Behind the Business:

P. 9 Macy Clark Eventing- The Future is Bright

Young Riders:

P. 10 Wise Beyond her Years: Henley McCutchen

Greener Pastures: P. 11 Spring Gardening

People & Horses:

P. 16 Nicole Harris, Return to the saddle after 30 years away.

Competition Focus:

P. 14 Sports Psychology: Staying Mentally Prepared and Healthy throughout Show Season P. 18 Showing During Economic Slowdowns

Nicole Harris with Le Diplomate- 2022 USEF Zone 4 Adult Amateur 50+ Horse of the Year and “Girl Crush” - 2022 USEF Zone 4 Low Adult Horse of the Year. P. 16 Photo by Kindred Spirit Photography | Melanie Sutton

P. 20 Safe Trailering Practices

Horse Tech:

P. 11 Solving Behavioral Problems in and out of the saddle

Competition Zone P. 22- 27 Markeplace P. 28-29 Calendar P. 30

The 124th National Field Trials took place from February 1321st. Miller’s Blindsider took home the Championship. Above is the Historic Ames Plantation Brick Stables. P. 23 Photo by Lauren Abbott

On the cover: Nicole Harris with both of her 2022

USEF Horses of the Year. Nicole spent 30 years away from the saddle only to return and excel in Adult Amateur Hunter/ Jumper divisions with both of her bays.

Photo by Willam Laurence Bell

Mid-South Horse Review

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Publisher’s Note March 2023

Volume 37 | Number 7

Publisher & Owner

Lauren Pigford Abbott labbott@mshorsereview.com 901- 279- 4634

Office & Accounts Manager

Andrea Winfrey andrea@mshorsereview.com 901-867-1755

Back in the Saddle Returning to riding after having a baby was a daunting task for me. I had been away from the saddle for almost two years, and my body had changed drastically during that time. My confidence in my ability was low, and I felt overwhelmed with emotions at the thought of getting back into the saddle. Was I going to have time to ride consistently, and would it cut into my family time with my husband and new daughter?

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The primary emotion I felt before riding again was excitement mixed with anticipation. Although there were some fears associated with riding, there were also strong feelings of joy and enthusiasm at reconnecting with something which had brought me great joy before.

Contributing Writers & Photographers

The secondary emotion I felt was fear. There were worries about climbing up on a horse again and being strong and agile enough to handle possible spooks, bucks, missteps, and common whoopsies that happen while riding. It had been so long since I’d last been on a horse, and I had this new internal characteristic in me since my daughter was born called “mom fear.”

info@mshorsereview.com

Alicia Johnson Juliana Chapman Michele Harn Gary Cox Paul Nolte

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 594 Arlington, TN 38002 901-867-1755

Subscriptions

Subscriptions are $45 annually for print and digital access. email: andrea@mshorsereview.com To submit articles, artwork and press

releases please email: info@mshorsereview.com

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.midsouthhorsereview.com

“Mom fear” is a very real phenomenon for new mothers, especially when it comes to taking up activities that they enjoyed prior to becoming pregnant. This anxiety can be heightened with the introduction of a baby into the household, as caring for an infant means that there is less time and energy for other pursuits. Additionally, post-pregnancy changes in the body can make it difficult to take up activities which were previously easy or enjoyable. Not to mention, my new horse was right off the track and 17.2 hands.

Despite the fear, I was determined to get back in the saddle. I knew that with a little determination and how I scheduled my days, I could make time for it in my schedule. I set up regular times at the barn. With support and understanding from my husband and barn family, I slowly began building back up my confidence as a rider.

As I get further along, I have plans to take my new horse to schooling shows in the near future. I am excited, but I do have a bit of trepidation at the thought of going out in public with my big, green horse. I have been very conscientious with who I surround myself with as an adult amateur rider, and I am placing all my trust in my circle of barn people. They help hold me accountable with my goals and to take lessons and mount up regularly.

I feel this time next year I will be back to my old self, which is a barn rat that can’t wait to jump in the saddle on the first, warm, spring day!

Lauren Pigford Abbott Publisher & Owner

March, 2023

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Mid-South Horse Review

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Horse Health

Keeping your Horse Sound this Show Season

By Alicia Johnson The excitement of spring and show season is something most equestrians look forward to all winter. With all the variables that come into play while preparing for the season, the one most horse owners and riders focus on is keeping their equines sound.

Dr. Mark Akin, DVM, advises equestrians to exercise this basic rule of thumb when it comes to soundness this show season: “Know what is normal for your horse.” He states all horses cannot be expected to have the same anatomy. Certain bumps, lumps, and swellings can be normal for some horses- perhaps indications of a previous injury. However, being able to convey your horse’s “normal” to your veterinarian, farrier, or trainer is of utmost importance, according to Dr. Akin.

Being proactive in your horse’s care is another way to hopefully keep your horse sound throughout the show season. One way to do this, as Dr. Akin suggests, is schedule a performance exam with your veterinarian every four to six months. This allows the owner and, if possible, the trainer to discuss any specific issues or concerns with the vet. Past exam findings can be compared with the current, and all the “check engine lights,” as Dr. Akin calls them, can be proactively examined. These include “abnormalities in flexions, palpations, or locomotion,” Dr. Akin states.

What warrants a call to the veterinarian this show season? Lameness that does not go away with rest after two to three days, according to Dr. Akin, while “non-weight bearing lameness is an emergency.” If an issue arises at a show, Dr. Akin advises you to speak

March, 2023

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with the show vet if needed, however, keep in mind “a thorough performance exam is best done at home, not the show.”

As far as supplements for soundness through show season goes, Dr. Akin typically does not recommend a lot; however, if an equine athlete has a specific issue there

may be supplements to help. For equines who need a joint supplement, for example, his favorite is Adequan- a seven-dose series every six months.

Soundness and hoof health often go handin-hand. Keeping your horse out of wet andmuddy conditions and keeping it trimmed

and/or shod at regular intervals is a great way to prevent abcesses according to Dr. Akin.

Greg Speltz, a Memphis area farrier with thirty-seven years of experience, states the best way to be proactive against lameness is to “maintain your horse’s feet all year

round.” He recommends a five week schedule for shod horses, with barefoot horses being able to go a little longer in between trims, as their feet wear down naturally without shoes.

As your training ramps up for spring competitions and shows, your farrier can provide shoeing suitable to your horse’s specific needs. According to Greg, the fit and expansion of the shoe can be modified to provide the support needed to accommodate the cadence your horse requires in your specific discipline. As far as supplements for hoof health goes, Greg recommends the original Farrier’s Formula from Life Data Labs, Inc. to maintain healthy hoof structure.

When it comes to keeping your horse sound this show season, Dr. Akin urges you to contact your veterinarian “if something just doesn’t feel right.” He suggests videoing the concern if possible and sending it to the vet- he or she “will appreciate being able to see exactly what you are seeing pre-visit,” he states. A watchful eye on your part combined with proactive care from both the veterinarian and farrier can help keep your horse sound throughout show season.

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From the Experts

Mid-South Horse Review

Sponsored Content by Kentucky Equine Research

Nutritional Considerations for Horses with Myofibrillar Myopathy pled with the amino acid supplementation of MFM Pellet, coenzyme Q10 will boost antioxidant protection.

In summary, consulting with your veterinarian to develop a management strategy that includes careful attention to nutrition and exercise requirements can relieve clinical signs of a myopathy such as MFM entirely in some horses, allowing them to perform comfortably.

Muscle pain and impaired performance that occurs during or after exercise is known as exertional myopathy and more colloquially as tying-up. In the context of athletic horses, any myopathy has the potential to derail performance, either temporarily or permanently. Some myopathies are so severe that, when left unaddressed, horses are unable to be used for any athletic endeavor.

The most diagnosed myopathies are sporadic and recurrent exertional rhabdomyolysis (RER), polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM), and myofibrillar myopathy (MFM).

Other diseases may also cause problems in horses, sometimes by mimicking the clinical signs of RER, PSSM, or MFM. These include shivers, seasonal pasture myopathy (SPM), hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HYPP), and myosin heavy chain myopathy (MHCM), among others. A veterinary specialist can help sort through the clinical signs and diagnostic tests necessary to achieve an accurate diagnosis.

Over the last four decades, research has led to a more sophisticated understanding of myopathies, and one disease continues to gain recognition within the Warmblood and Arabian communities: myofibrillar myopathy. The name myofibrillar myopathy comes from a description of the physical changes identified in the muscle cells of affected horses. These changes involve disruption of the orderly alignment of the contractile proteins in muscle cells called myofibrils.

While researchers remain unsure why these changes in myofibrils occur, MFM

has been identified and studied most extensively in two groups of horses, Warmbloods and Arabians. In Warmblood horses, clinical signs include gradual onset of exercise intolerance characterized by: a lack of stamina, unwillingness to go forward, inability to collect, abnormal canter transitions, and inability to maintain a normal canter; unresolved hindlimb lameness; stiffness; and muscle pain.

A diagnosis of MFM is made through the examination of a muscle biopsy. Kentucky Equine Research now hosts the Valberg Equine Neuromuscular Diagnostic Laboratory (NMDL) website and can assist in answering questions about submitting a muscle biopsy sample for testing.

Nutrient requirements for horses with MFM focus on the provision of high-quality protein and supplementation of specific amino acids. Additionally, oxidative stress is likely involved in the degenerative process, thus antioxidants or precursors of antioxidants are important to support cellular mitochondria.

When developing a feeding program for a horse with MFM, it is recommended that horses with MFM should consume 1.5-2% of body weight per day of hay, preferably high-quality grass or grass-legume mixed hay. If concentrates are required to maintain body condition, look for products with moderate levels of nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC) and lower fat (4-6%), as fat increases oxidative stress.

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March, 2023

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Behind the Business

Macy Clark Eventing: The Future is Bright

By Michele Harn, MS If you focus on today, the future will develop as it should. Macy Clark, of Macy Clark Eventing in Eads, Tenn, thinks and plans in hours, days, and weeks. As a result, her months and years have been filled with personal and professional growth and much success.

As everyone knows, training horses and riders is an all- consuming career. A true love of developing horses and riders is key to success and longevity. Though only 25 years old, Macy has a full schedule with a wide variety of clients. She works equally well with junior and older Adult Amateur riders as she does with young horses and mature 3* horses. Just last fall she earned her United States Dressage Federation Bronze medal riding her fourteen-year-old Swedish Warmblood Mandolin R or “Douglas.” She competed Douglas in Eventing through Intermediate and 2* and she is currently competing Douglas 3rd level Dressage. Most days start well before sunrise and end late in the day to care for horses, ride her own and client horses, give lessons, and manage the business side of her work.

Macy was born into a horse family and started riding her first pony as soon as she could sit up! She has lived and rode horses all over the country including Atlanta, Seattle, Madison (Wis.), Lexington, Ocala, and now Memphis. She has always been the quiet, attentive student/rider. She found her match of a coach at 16 years old in Lexington 5* rider, Allie Knowles. With Allie, Macy rode developing horses, lower level

horses and upper level horses, and her own while at Jim and Katie Obrien’s beautiful Valley View Farm in Lexington. Macy has patterned her own Eventing program after Allie’s and continues to work with Allie.

Windyrein Farm in Eads, Tenn, is home to Macy Clark Eventing. Facility expansions have taken place this winter while Macy made the annual winter move to Windyrein Farm South in Ocala, Fl. More stalls and out buildings were added to the Eads farm to accommodate the business’ high demand.

Eleven horses, personal and client, made the move to Florida this year. While in Ocala Macy not only trains, but continues her education, always learning for herself and her students. In Florida she works with Allie Knowles and gold medal Dressage trainer Bryan Haffner at the beautiful Gold Mark farm. She competes Dressage and Jumper horses at World Equestrian Center (WEC) and participates and competes at local schooling shows. She also competes Event horses at Majestic Oaks at Ocala Horse Park, Rocking Horse, and Three Lakes. The owners/riders of the horses in Ocala visit, lesson, compete, and enjoy the sunny Florida weather.

Macy Clark Eventing is a program based on positive, friendly fundamentals where good jumping always starts with good flatwork. Her program includes lessons in the arena, hacks around the jump field, Cross Country schooling, clinics, and competing, if that’s the student’s goal. Macy focuses on the horse’s positive attitude toward his/her

Macy Clark riding MANDOLIN R, known as “Douglas”

work. Her Eventing program includes correct Dressage work, various types of jumping (cavalettis, grid work, courses) and fitness work including walk sets, trot sets, and relaxed hacking. She incorporates work in the jump field and keeps the horses happy with variety and field trips.

A 2020 graduate of the University of Kentucky with dual majors in Economics and Management, Macy served as President of the UK Eventing team for two years. She remains on the USEA Intercollegiate committee and is now the coach of the Old Miss Eventing Team in Oxford, Miss. During college Macy had an internship at the United States Eventing Federation, assisting with the schedules of international level American Eventing team members. Giving back to organizations that helped her is a natural response for Macy.

Going forward, Macy is planning more time for learning, riding, and teaching Dressage. She hopes to qualify for championships again this year with her Dressage rides. She will clinic and show at Mid-south Dressage Academy and travel to recognized shows locally and surrounding. Macy is campaigning El Regalo, a 17-year-old Andalusian gelding at 3rd level. She rides Scott and Tanya’s Friesian mare Tamina, who they plan to bump up to 2nd/3rd level this year. A solid Dressage score in Eventing is key, as sometimes horses will “finish” on their Dressage score (i.e. with no penalties in Cross Country or Stadium, the Dressage score wins.).

Macy’s unique gift is that she learned to ride many different types of horses at a very early age. She was only eight years old when she started Eventing as a member of Maplewood Pony Club in Seattle. “Switch riding” was the norm for her during this time in her life. It served her well with the ability to not Macy Clark riding DEM El Regalo, ,known as “Reggie” only teach students, but jump in the tack for them as well. She feels the best way to help

a student is to ride the horse herself and feel what the student is feeling. She then develops a program to help that student RIDE that horse themselves.

Training clients who are committed to progress with their horse brings Macy great joy. “I try to keep my lesson fees in a range that encourages students to continue working towards their goals through regular lessons,” she explains. Helping students discover and work towards goals, whether competition or not, is a key tenant at Macy Clark Eventing.

Sometimes that might lead to a change in direction if the horse displays talent and interest in an unplanned discipline. Ultimately, Macy is laser focused on the mental and physical health of the horse and its rider, always seeking the best for each pair.

When asked if she could have predicted her current situation she said, “I never thought I’d have my own business training and taking 11 horses to Florida for the winter, though I knew I wanted to ride the rest of my life.” Macy attributes her success to optimizing good opportunities and exposure and with the support of her parents who are “SUPER helpful!” “My mom, Kim Carpenter Clark, is a voice of reason, helping with tough choices. Dad is the example of investing in everything fully! He always puts in 100% no matter the size of the task. He is so competent. He makes hard things feel easy by a ‘just do it’ philosophy,” Macy emotes of her parents.

Not just a Trainer, Macy feels a sense of responsibility toward the horses and people: “Did I prep them well enough? Are they ready?” When describing a typical week she notes, “There are so many variables.” With as many as 60 students to balance as well as personal horses, her degree in management is put to use daily. Given her long list of accomplishments to date, it’s easy to see the future of Eventing and Dressage in the midsouth are better for having Macy Clark.

Mid-South Horse Review

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Young Riders

Wise Beyond her Years: Henley McCutchen

By Alicia Johnson

Partnership, communication, and confidence are just a few of the life skills young rider, Henley McCutchen, has gleaned from her equestrian career. At just thirteen years old, Henley has been riding for the majority of her young life: nine years. She was first introduced to horses as a toddler; a few years later she began taking a lesson here and there. That led to leasing a pony and finally owning a pony…or three.

Although she is predominantly an Eventer, Henley does compete in Jumper Classes a couple of times a year. Her favorite of the three phases in Eventing is Cross Country.

“Even though it’s a lot of thinking, it kind of clears your mind, and you become one with your horse in the field,” she states. Henley was first introduced to Eventing by participating in a camp, invited by her friend. She and her pony, Roman (bought off of a kill truck and trained by Henley herself), were hooked. Described by her mom, Jordan, as an “adrenaline junky,” it is not surprising the thrill and speed of

Cross Country enticed Henley.

According to Henley, her biggest accomplishment thus far has been moving up to Beginner Novice. She has also won many hard-earned ribbons throughout her career, including the West Tennessee Hunter Jumper Year End Champion Grand Champion Division Award with her pony, Roman. By October 2022, she already achieved two out of three qualifications for the American Eventing Championships (AEC’s) with her new horse, Sunny. Henley is a C1 member of the United States Pony Club and is qualified for the 2023 US Pony Club Championships. She previously won first place in Equitation at the 2021 US Pony Club Championships out of over fifty riders from all over the US and Canada.

Henley’s short-term goal is to achieve the final qualification for AEC’s at Beginner Novice this year. By the end of the year she hopes to go Novice. Henley is likely well on her way to achieving this goal; next month she heads to Ocala, FL to train with a 4* rider who has invited her to her Dallas facility as well. Competing at the top levels as a 5* Eventer and retraining Off the Track Thoroughbreds (OTTB) are her long-term goals.

Challenges over the last year include overcoming a concussion and some health complications Sunny experienced as well, such as ulcers, hoof problems, and weight issues.

Progressing with Sunny and building confidence and trust as partners have also been challenges, but in a good way.

Going from a 13.3hh pony to a 16.1hh OTTB over the last year is no easy feat. However, Henley credits her relationship with Sunny with helping her gain important life skills.

Learning to “communicate without really talking” to Sunny carries through to socialization with people as well, she says. Her time management, goal setting, and social skills are also enhanced by teamwork with her equine partner.

Henley states, “Riding helps me set my goals and not wanting to let Sunny down pushes me to achieve them.”

Sunny is a ten year old OTTB. Purchased over a year ago from Second Chance Thoroughbreds in Jackson, Tenn., he is “calm, extremely athletic, and likes to keep you on your toes,” Henley’s mom, Jordan, states. Sunny raced for six years with over $100,000 in winnings. His thick build and chill personality make him an ideal mount in the Eventing world. Encouraged by Henley, he has had to overcome his own challenges over the past year. Realizing the water complexes are not as terrifying as he thought they were has been a big accomplishment for Sunny.

When asked who has helped her get this far so quickly, Henley credits her parents, Paul Glenn and Jordan McCutchen. She states from the very beginning, “they have always been there supporting me- even through rough shows.” At only thirteen years old, Henley’s maturity is apparent as

she recognizes and appreciates her parents’ involvement in helping her achieve her goals. Her first Hunter trainer who taught her everything about horses, Jamie Kroh-Jones, and her Eventing trainer, Meredith Wilkes-Tipton, are also regarded as influential in getting Henley where she is today.

Of course, there is more to Henley than being a stellar, young equestrian. Jordan describes her daughter as “smart, kind, determined, and excellent at time management.” It takes a lot of work to balance school, extracurricular activities, and the equestrian world, but somehow Henley does it all. She is a straight A student involved in both student council and athletics. In her spare time, Henley enjoys working out to clear her head and spending time with Sunny- not riding or preparing for a competition but continuing to get to know him through grooming and bonding.

Henley’s advice to other young riders is to just keep fighting. She says, “If you fall off, you get back on. Keep trying. Never give up because you’ll want to get back on in the future. Never get mad at your horse.” These are words Henley lives by, as she has experienced first-hand the determination it takes to learn on what she calls “stubborn, little ponies.” However, if it wasn’t for these naughty ponies she doesn’t think she would have the grit she does today. It takes dedication to continue to ride ponies who may want to run you into a fence or tree, Henley states. Although all her experiences combined have made her such a tough rider today, perhaps one of the biggest reasons she’s such an exceptional, young rider is because Henley realizes, “The reward is the love of the horse. It’s not always about the competition.”

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Greener Pastures News Woodstock’s Ghost Riders 4-H Compete at State Contest The Hippology consists of three parts: • Written test • Identification • Horse Judging

Shelby County’s Woodstock Ghost Riders 4-H made history this year! In February 2023, the Woodstock Ghost Rider’s 4-H Junior High Team (grades 6th-8th) traveled to the University of Tennessee Knoxville to compete in the State Hippology Contest. Team members consisted of Kaylee Wooten, Sophia White, Shianne Galayda and John Green Jr. The team is lead by their adult club leader, Ms. Kim Looney, with support from Shelby County 4-H agent Ms. Kyla Szemplinski.

Level of difficulty is based on the youth’s age. Youth can compete at the Junior level (4th-5th) and Senior level (high school age). Scores are tallied and youth are awarded on individual scores, and 4-H clubs are awarded on a team level.

Shelby County competed against 12 other Tennessee county 4-H clubs. While the team finished in last place, the youth are grateful for the learning opportunity, state competition experience and exposure to campus. They are eager to come back next year even stronger with more team members competing at all the age levels! Woodstock’s Ghost Riders cannot say thank you enough for the support from the county, club leaders/volunteers, youths’ parents, and 4-H agents!

Woodstock’s Ghost Riders are always looking for new members. Members do not have to own a horse to participate in 4-H. One must only need to love horses and want to learn. 4-H is a great way to have fun, make new friends and learn. Woodstock’s Ghost Riders 4-H Group is open to all ages. For more information about how to join the Woodstock’s Ghost Riders or other Shelby County 4-H clubs, please contact the Shelby County Extension office at 901752-1207.

Programs on agriculture and natural resources, 4-H youth development, family and consumer sciences, and resource development.

University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture and county governments cooperating, UT Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.

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Mid-South Horse Review

March, 2023

13

Focus:

Competition & Show Season

Horse shows and competitions require both horse and rider to be at their peak form. It is important to approach the new season with a plan, starting with analyzing past performances and setting achievable goals.

To reach desired performance levels, horse and rider must keep up their physical conditioning while having a positive outlook towards upcoming events. Equestrians should also make sure their horses are in good health by providing appropriate nutrition and routine maintenance, such as regular dental check-ups, hoof care, and de-worming. As you prepare for the season ahead with rigorous practice and proactive maintenance, horse shows will be enjoyable experiences open to many possibilities!

Mid-South Horse Review

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Focus: Competition

Showing During Economic Slowdowns: How to Plan, Budget, and Fund your next Show

By Alicia Johnson Most Americans are feeling the financial crunch of the current economic times. As the price of almost everything rises, some of us are having to get creative in the ways we

budget and spend our money when it comes to horses and showing. Traditionally, owning and riding horses is a sport of privilege, as horses, and all things equine that come along with them, are notoriously expensive. So, if you are one of the millions who are affected by the current economy and

inflation, what can you do to make showing and competing still attainable this year?

Ashley Fant, owner and head trainer at Ashley Fant Show Stables, has numerous realistic budgeting ideas to help keep you in the show ring. Her first piece of advice is to “budget what’s realistic for you.” Competing and showing are vital learning experiences for both the equine and equestrian, so choosing not to show at all should be a last resort if at all possible. Instead of bowing out completely, there are other options to help you budget and fund horse shows this year.

Make a list of what you can do at home to prepare. Perhaps there are little sacrifices here and there you can make to create space in your budget to show. For example, can you learn to body clip at home? What about braiding or grooming? Could you learn to pull your horse’s mane yourself? If so, Ashley recommends learning and practicing these grooming skills and techniques well-ahead of time so that you’re prepared by show time. These grooming practices are also services you can offer to other competitors at the showgrounds to generate income. Do you have a barn and trainer you mesh well with? Maybe you can become a working student and save money on lessons by feeding and cleaning stalls at the barn where you train.

Other simple things you can do to save money while at a show include packing a picnic lunch and bringing your own water bottles. Ashley states that while it’s important to support vendors at a show, it may not be practical to buy every bottle of water plus three meals per day. If feasible, camp

March, 2023

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Focus: Competition

out of your trailer instead of booking a hotel if you travel to an out of town show. If you don’t have a trailer with living quarters, share a hotel room with a friend or fellow competitor. Can you carpool with anyone to split the cost of fuel?

The second piece of advice Ashley offers is to plan: plan the same way you would for a vacation. Ashley notes, “getting organized ahead of time will help you end up saving money.” If you can’t do a show every month, she suggests picking a couple- maybe one in the spring and one in the fall you can work towards and look forward to. Be “judicious in choosing extra classes,” Ashley states. Do you really need the warm-up classes? That depends on the horse, but if you don’t need them, that can be a potential area in which to save some money.

Consider the levels of shows. “If one large show will blow your budget, consider a few schooling shows and a local A-rated show instead,” Ashley says. Here in the MidSouth we are lucky to have a variety of shows in our region.

Maybe a couple of one-day schooling shows and a two to three day A-rated show fits into your budget more easily.

Areas you should definitely not cut back on include lessons, vet care, and farrier services, Ashley says. Of course, these are vital to the health of your equine and the success of your progression as an equestrian, so you don’t ever want to decrease spending in these areas. Instead, get creative in budgeting, funding, and planning your shows. “Making decisions with a little more gravity,” as Ashley says, will help keep you in the show ring.

Mid-South Horse Review

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Focus: Competition

Nicole Harris with both her 2022 USEF Horses of the Year: Girl Crush and Le Diplomate. Photo by Kindred Spirit Photography | Melanie Sutton

L

Nicole Harris, Returing to the Saddle after 30 Years Away

By Lauren Abbott

ike most equestrians Nicole Harris of Memphis, Tenn., started riding as a child.

She rode Hunter/ Jumpers and competed as a junior rider. Many things have changed in the Hunter/ Jumper world over the last 30 years. When she was younger the Thoroughbred was the top horse in the Hunter ring, now Warmbloods rule the ring. Riders rode in full length chaps and rust colored breeches. Now, even while schooling, Hunter/Jumper riders practice in tall boots and breeches. And while the rust breeches have reappeared here and there at Hunter shows, they are few and far between compared to the 70’s and 80’s.

However, when Nicole grew older, got married and had her son, riding and showing took a back seat. Like many female, amateur riders who become mothers, once her son was born she focused her time entirely on him. She was involved with every aspect of his day-to-day, supporting him completely with his sports and extracurricular activities. When he set off for college at Vanderbilt University, Nicole had time for herself again. She started to think about her time with horses and decided to revive her life as a barn rat.

When she was seeking a trainer to start taking lessons again she remembered Jason Schnelle, owner and head trainer at Autumn Chase Farm in Collierville, Tenn. “I remembered Jason as a kid with his pony. He was always a wonderful rider, always so polite but serious. I felt he would be the ideal trainer for me to work with,” Nicole described.

Nicole recalled her first ride after a long hiatus. She rode a school horse named “Leo,” show name: Muddy Waters. She trotted around the ring one time and she was exhausted. It was very physically tough, and she knew if she was truly going to return to riding she would have to commit 100% and get back into shape.

She began leasing a horse. This allowed her to ride multiple times a week. That escalated quickly, and when her 30 year wedding anniversary rolled around she told her husband she wanted a horse as her gift. Luckily, her husband was on board and they started their search for Nicole’s match.

Nicole began imagining her new horse. She pictured a big beautiful and fancy dappled gray. She knew she wanted a gelding because that is what she always rode. She trusted

March, 2023

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Jason completely during their search and recalled, “Jason is great at picking the right horse for his riders.”

Not too long into their search, Jason sent Nicole a video. It was a “plain bay” mare. It was not anything Nicole envisioned. However, once she pressed play and watched the video she booked a flight, got on a plane and met her girl, Girl Crush, known as “Käte.” “Käte” is a 14 year old Holsteiner mare. Nicole fell in love with her immediately. She was in Wilmington, Ohio. “Käte” was owned by Jeff Gogul, who was, at the time, the personal trainer to the Roberts Family, owners of the World Equestrian Centers. She was living at their personal barn at the World Equestrian Center. For Nicole, it was the best decision she ever made, purchasing her new “Girl Crush” and bringing her home to Collierville, Tenn.

Käte taught Nicole how to jump again, and in November of 2019 they showed in their first Hunter Derby. They became a consistent pair in the Adult Amateur 50+ showring. As they schooled and prepared for competitions Nicole said, “Overall, I wanted more time in the saddle.” Soon Jason was searching for a second horse for Nicole. The process was a long one, but again, Nicole was confident Jason would find the right horse.

Finally, there was a video of a prospect. Le Diplomate known as “Gooch” is a 12 year old Deutsches Sportpferd. Nicole was smitten and the gelding was going to be at the Kentucky Horse Park for a show. It was the perfect setting for Nicole to try him. She first saw “Gooch” in person while he was standing on the grass side of the ring. She recalled, “he was the most beautiful horse I ever saw. He was just striking!” “Gooch” was purchased in June 2021 from Michelle Gauchet, who was riding him in the 3’6” Amateur Owners with Amanda Lyerly and Madison Hills Farm based in Gates Mills, Ohio. Nicole said, “I’d say that Ohio has been very good to me!”

Fast forward, Nicole had her mare and her gelding and they soon were traveling to places she dreamed of as a child. They showed at WEC, Tryon, Lamplight in Chicago, Wellington, Gulf Port, and Brownland Farms just to name a few.

In 2021 Nicole had the opportunity to show at Wellington. The first time she jumped a course at the pristine facility she enthusiastically stated, “you cannot create that experience anywhere else. Wellington is on a whole other level. I was literally pinching myself.”

Nicole’s mounts are both very different. She describes Käte as a horse that is super broke on the flat. She has a big motor like a sports car. The biggest things they work on with her mare is straightness and lead changes.

Gooch, on the other hand, is the longest horse she has ever ridden. Nicole said, “Gooch is like driving a bus. Keeping him together with the leg is the top priority.” She focuses on straightness at home with him as well. Even though Nicole is constantly mindful of her leg while riding Gooch, she notes, “He is an incredible horse to sit on. He has a giant, rocking horse stride. He is so comfortable to ride.”

Nicole takes six lessons a week, riding each horse 3 times per week. They focus on their flat work. Jason will jump both horses early in the week, and Nicole will jump later that week. It is important to keep jumping at a minimum and refine their flatwork.

At 55 years old, Nicole encourages anyone looking to get back into riding to just do it and without consideration to age. She remembers how physically exhausting it was when she

started riding again. She honestly did not know if her body would be able to do it, but she committed to bringing her strength back. More time in the saddle helped her achieve this goal. She practices pilates for overall core and body strength. Walking was another way she was able to build up her endurance, and she said cardio pilates is most like riding. It is a full body workout that builds core strength and balance.

The 2022 show season was a season Nicole will never forget. She has not one, but two USEF Horses of the Year.

2022’s competitive highlights include: Le Diplomate USEF Zone 4 Horse Of The Year Champion - Adult Amateur Hunter 50+ WTHJA Year End Champion - Adult Amateur Hunter 50+ Winner of the 2022 WTHJA Overseas Trophy as the overall high point Adult Amateur hunter Girl Crush USEF Zone 4 Horse Of The Year Champion - Low Adult Amateur Hunters WTHJA Year End Champion - Low Adult Amateur Hunters To be a Zone Horse of the Year in the Adult Amateurs, a horse must exemplify not only great character, but also great soundness of both mind and body throughout the competitive year.

Nicole said she could have never dreamed of owning one Horse of the Year, let alone two.

Looking back over the last four years, Nicole realizes how blessed she is to be able to show at a level to be considered as year end champions. She went from not riding for 30 years to fully committed and re-emerged as an Adult barn rat.

“Although I didn’t ride in the Adults until I was in the ‘Champagne & Caviar’ age group, I have many friends who show in both the youngest (18-35) and middles (35-49) as well.

Every age group has its own challenges. Of my Adult Amateur friends, I have friends who are still in college or just out of college and beginning their careers. I have several friends who have very young children and others with kids in middle and high school dealing with all of the challenges and time commitments that are involved. I still have other friends who have huge career commitments.

I also compete regularly with amazing people who are very much my seniors, such as the legendary Mrs. Betty Oare , who rides beautifully and wins at the highest levels in her 80’s.

I am constantly in awe of the talented group of people that I ride with and also compete with!

The Adult Amateurs are wonderful divisions to ride in, as they are very competitive, and yet there is a lot of camaraderie. We all have a sense of humor about what happens in the ring. We all know that we are going to make mistakes, and we do! I think we as a group know how to wear them as a badge of honor! And of course, above all, we are eternally grateful to our horses. Adult Amateur horses are truly angels in disguise! I’ve said many times that both of mine frequently earn their ‘Ammy Rescue Patrol’ badges,” Nicole graciously describing her community of riders.

Nicole riding Käte - Lamplight Equestrian Center, Chicago

Nicole riding Gooch at 2022 North American League Adult Amateur Hunter Finals Prince George’s Equestrian Center, Upper Marlboro, Maryland

Mid-South Horse Review

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Focus: Competition

Sports Psychology: Staying Mentally Prepared and Healthy throughout Show Season

By Alicia Johnson As show season approaches many equestrians become nervous thinking about competing and showing. For some riders there is a lot at stake when it comes to progressing and qualifying during a show season. As we all know, stress is easily projected onto our equine partners. How can we stay mentally prepared and healthy in order to be the leaders our horses need us to be throughout show season?

Nicole Rocco-Lapinski, Licensed Certified Social Worker and Lead Therapist at Panther Creek Health, says, “Performance anxiety is incredibly common, especially in athletes.” It is comforting to know that this is normal. She suggests acknowledging, accepting, and verbalizing these anxious feelings to your trainer or another trusted person. The person you share these feelings

with will most likely be able to relate and provide support. “Furthermore, it builds trust with your trainer and creates an environment for problem solving and developing strategies for reducing anxiety,” Nicole states.

Throughout the show season, there are several things you can do to help alleviate fears and keep nerves at bay. Mindful grooming is one technique. This involves focusing on one aspect of grooming while blocking out everything else. For example, how does it feel when you run your brush over the horse? According to Nicole, this is relaxing for both the human and horse and is called “co-regulation.” Practicing positive affirmations is another way to decrease stress. Choose a simple mantra over a complex one. Nicole suggests something like, “I am calm, I am strong, I am confident.”

Positive affirmations combined with deep breathing can be amazingly soothing.

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If you find yourself thinking about all the possible bad scenarios that could happen throughout the show season, Nicole suggests reframing your thoughts. Turn your negativity into positive and realistic thoughts. “Changing your mindset helps reduce feelings of anxiety and self-doubt,” Nicole asserts. When on the go this show season, there are relaxation apps, such as “Calm,” that can help reduce anxiety. If you feel like your anxiety is at too high of a level for these techniques to reach, Nicole advises you to seek a professional sports psychologist to help work through anxiety.

Should you train right up until the next show? Or should you take a few days off to relax and prepare beforehand? According to Nicole, this is up to the equestrian as an individual. Some riders may prefer to keep working and gaining confidence as close to the show as possible, while others may want to take a day or two off and focus on show

preparations or just relax by changing up their routine.

Sleep and nutrition both play a vital role in keeping yourself mentally and physically prepared. “When we do not sleep and eat well, we are more likely to struggle with increased irritability, anxiety, and low mood,” Nicole states. If you already have a solid sleep schedule, “maintaining it during a stressful show season is key to [developing] good mental health,” according to Nicole. If you do not have a good sleep routine, try to identify the cause and correct it. “Eating habits can dramatically impact your energy levels and ability to deal with stress,” Nicole asserts, so take time to plan for nutritious meals. Consult with a doctor, nutritionist, or dietician before making any drastic changes to your diet, as athletes are prone to disordered eating, Nicole points out.

As mentioned, human stress and anxiety is easily projected onto our equine partners.

“Horses are able to sense our heartbeats and knowing that we are calm will also encourage them to feel safe,” Nicole states. Once your horse is stressed, behavior changes and even eating habits can be affected, leading to colic, ulcers, and other unwanted health problems. Therefore, it is even more important this show season that we keep ourselves as mentally prepared as possible.

Nicole recommends keeping your horse in a routine and gradually exposing it to unfamiliar things well in advance of the show to help prevent it from becoming stressed.

This show season give yourself grace when needed and understand that it’s perfectly normal to have performance anxiety.

Use the tools and techniques that work for you to stay mentally prepared. Remember, both you and your horse need breaks from training. Make sure you get enough sleep and adequate nutrition. Keeping yourself mentally prepared and healthy will help create success for both you and your horse.

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Focus: Competition

Trailering: Safe Practices to Load and Haul

As horse owners and riders gear up for spring shows, competitions, and rides most of our time and energy is spent focusing on the readiness of the equine itself. However, there is something most equestrians have parked near the barn that warrants a thorough inspection as well: the trailer. After sitting for most of the winter, a quick check of trailer basics can save you time and trouble as you prepare to haul this spring.

A visual inspection of the trailer is a good place to start. Look at the tires- are there signs of dry rot? What does the tread look like? Brenden Thompson of Munford Tire

recommends replacing the tires when there is 30-35% of the life percentage of the tire remaining. Parking on grass or dirt will shorten the life of the tire, so, if possible, park on concrete or gravel. It is a good idea to check the wheel bearings once a year, as these are “a vital part of keeping the wheel on the trailer,” Brenden says. Are they properly greased? According to horse husband and former Firestone Tire employee, Ryan Johnson, bearings may need to be repacked more frequently depending on how often and how far you haul. What about your lug nuts?

Ryan states, “They shouldn’t be so tight that you can’t remove them with a 4-way.”

Ensuring the lug nuts and studs are in good shape, “not too swollen or rounded off,” provides easier access when removing the tire, Brenden adds. Check the brakes- do the drums or shoes show signs of wear or have any broken components?

The trailer suspension system should also be visually inspected. Look for any worn out parts, cracks, or breaks in the leaf springs, for example. What about the floor- is it in good shape? Check for rotting wood (lift up rubber mats if you have them) and any fasteners that may be protruding from the floor. Also check the walls, roof, and door for any sharp objects or deteriorating metal, as these can be safety hazard lessons learned the hard way.

Are your safety chains in good condition and

installed properly? Ryan recommends oiling the door hinges and trailer ball coupler with a thin oil to ensure they move freely as well.

Once you’ve gone through your trailer, you’re now ready to expose your horse to it. Don’t surprise your horse with the trailer. Keeping it in your horse’s sight for several days before loading is ideal. Tie your horse to the trailer while grooming or tacking. Consider feeding outside of the trailer, or even placing the feed pan inside so your horse gets used to the idea of loading up. After exposing your horse to the trailer you can move on to loading.

Even the calmest of equines can become stressed when it comes to loading and hauling. For a horse new to trailering, or one who just isn’t hauled often, anxiety can be an issue- for you and your equine. Take your time when it comes to loading; rushing and impatience will only complicate the situation.

Lunging before loading can help alleviate nervousness.

Being a herd animal, your horse may load better if you can haul a pasture mate with it.

If hauling more than one equine, loading the dominant horse first may help its subordinates decide to follow more easily. If hauling two full-size horses is not feasible, consider a donkey, goat, or mini horse to keep an anxious horse company in the trailer. If that’s not a possibility, at least keep horses in sight

of each other when both loading and unloading. Assuring the equines can see each other the whole time should calm their nerves.

When unloading, do the same; tie the first horse you unload nearby so the others can still see it as they are unloading if hauling multiple animals.

Once loaded, keep your horse loose or long tied with a quick release knot. Being able to move its feet helps keep the horse calm. Offer hay and water (if hauling for more than four hours), but no grain while traveling. If the horse is stressed, gut function can be affected. Grain can sit and ferment which increases the chances of a colic episode. When hauling, drive as though you have a cup of water sitting on your dash. Taking caution not to “spill” should create a smooth ride for your equine.

Finally, ensure you travel with safety necessities. Take along a well-equipped breakdown kit. This should include warning triangles, flares, a high visibility jacket, equine first aid kit, and a list of emergency numbers.

Make sure your spare is in good condition.

Ryan recommends traveling with two if possible. “Bringing along a good quality floor jack will make changing a tire faster and easier than a bottle or scissor jack,” he says. A trailer aid ramp in addition to the floor jack is ideal. Preparing in advance should take the stress out of loading and hauling this spring.

Mid-South Horse Review

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Focus: Competition

Horse Tech HorseLinc: Your Essential Horse Services App

By Julianna Chapman Misty Pleiness, founder and creator of HorseLinc, has been immersed in the horse world ever since she was little. “I grew up on a dairy farm and saved up to buy my first horse when I was 11 years old,” recalled Misty. “I started braiding horses for competition professionally when I was 17. After a frustrating three hour wait to get a check for braiding horses at a show in 2017, the idea for HorseLinc was born on the long drive home.

“My goal was to create an app that would make life easier for the trainers, riders, owners, and service providers and to be able to link all the services that go with owning a horse.”

Simplifying Service Payments Knowing the struggles of getting paid, connecting with the right people, and keeping track of assignments all combined to form the idea of HorseLinc. The horse industry is unique in that the person paying for the service is rarely there at the time the service is rendered. Horses have on average 12 different service providers, and each gets paid in a different way: from checks taped to the stall door, to a paper invoice left in the

barn for the owner, online payment apps, or emailed invoices that invariably go to your junk folder. HorseLinc offers a platform for all this and more to be managed in a consistent manner right from your smartphone.

“I knew there must be a better way to keep track of services performed for our horses, including services such as farriers, training, and veterinary care,” said Misty.

HorseLinc is an app for the horse industry that saves time and money for both sides: the owners and the service providers and helps the industry as a whole run more efficiently and effectively while providing a tool to take better care of the horses themselves.

Solving the Horse Equation HorseLinc combines both sides of the horse equation into one platform – horse managers + service providers. Horse managers are the owners/trainers/barn managers that create horse profiles and “Linc” with their trusted service providers. They can add notes and attachments to each horse’s profile, and all invoices that come through can be paid in just a few taps. Invoices are automatically tracked and searchable within the horse’s profile as well, so you don’t have to spend precious time with data entry.

Get Linc’ed = Get Organized + Save

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Focus: Competition

Time “Service providers can send invoices in seconds to the horses managed by people they are “linc’ed with or can invite their clients to the platform with a new invoice via text or email, it is as simple as that,” shared Misty. Service providers can keep notes within each horse profile private or public to share with their horse managers.

Throughout this process, your horse’s service history is automatically maintained within their profile, saving up to 500 hours per year in data entry for trainers and barn managers.

Payment Security is Paramount Misty’s day job is a Certified Information Systems Auditor, testing the security of systems in use by some of the largest corporations in the world. “By levering the knowledge I have from my career and understanding the security industry, I selected Stripe as the backend payment processor for HorseLinc,” she states. Stripe is a trust-

ed provider and supports payment processing for most of the apps on the market today. Other profile information is securely housed in a cloud service provided by Amazon.

What’s Next Misty competes on her horse throughout the year in the amateur jumper division. “I value the time I spend riding and competing, and it allows me to be in front of my customer base, to receive feedback and ideas for enhancements,” said Misty. HorseLinc is always working on new features to continue making everyone’s lives easier, saving time and money.

HorseLinc is free to download on the Apple App Store & Google Play HorseLinc Website Instagram: horselinc Facebook: HorseLinc

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Mid-South Horse Review

March, 2023

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Field Trials Competition Zone 124th NATIONAL FIELD TRIAL CHAMPIONSHIP

MILLER’S BLINDSIDER NAMED NATIONAL CHAMPION

Scout, Judd Carlton with Miller’s Blinsider before release | Photo by Jamie Evans

Miller’s Blindsider | Photo by Jamie Evans

Handler: Jamie Daniels |photo by Vera Courtney

By Steeple Bell Miller’s Blindsider is the 2023 National Champion. He made his third run at the Nationals having re-qualified by winning the Masters Open Quail Championship last spring. He has also taken two runner-up titles this season, at the Georgia Quail and Southeastern Championships, and a first at the American Quail Classic. Sam is a six year old, white, orange, and ticked pointer dog bred by Fran and Jack Miller. He is by Just Irresistible, who is out of Miller’s Bring The Heat. Jamie Daniels handled Sam for Nick Berrong and Judd Carlton scouted.

Just Irresistible (call name Stud Muffin) was inducted into the National Bird Dog Museum’s Hall of Fame this year. He was by Riverton’s Funseekin Scooter out of Just Wait Bess, and was a contestant at the National four times starting back in 2014.

Miller’s Blindsider’s dam Miller’s Bring The Heat has been a notable producer of champions herself, as was her sister Miller’s White Wall (dam of two time national champion Lester’s Sunny Hill Jo). They were by national champion Lester’s Snowatch out of L G White Lily (and she was a sister of Phillips Silver Star another national champion’s dam, Miller’s Dialing In). Miller’s Blindsider’s son, Rester’s Cajun Spirit is another competitor this year.

Owner, Nick Berrong says what sets Sam apart from other dogs is his endurance.

“This dog does not get tired. Even at the end of his three hour run he had his tail up.”

Sam made his run early in the week. He was in Brace three that set out in the morning under cloudy skies and 54 degrees. Ames Plantation’s daily synopsis shared, “Miller’s Blindsider had a find at :04 in the Out Front Field, a find at :15 at the south end of the Morgan Field, a find at :25 at the Turner House Crossing, a find at :33 at the end of Turner Neck, a find at 1:29 at the north end of New Basin and a find at 1:47 at Edward Clark South. Blindsider finished the three hours.” He had six total finds, leading early and maintaining his impressive run for the remainder of the Championship.

Owner: Nick Berrong , Handler: Jamie Daniels, and Scout: Judd Carlton.

Photo by Lauren Abbott

Mid-South Horse Review

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Ranch Sorting

2 Man Ranch Sorting CONTENT AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MORGAN CAGLE FISHER

Hart Productions started the 2023 season off February 11.2023 at Marshall County Fairgrounds with a 2-Man Ranch Sorting. The goal of a 2-Man Ranch Sorting is to move 10 head of cattle in numerical order from one pen to the other, in 60 seconds. The pens set in an “8” configuration holding the cattle numbered 0-9. When the team enters the pen and judge declares ready, a random number is called, time starts and the team begins sorting the cattle, starting with their number. If the number is 3, the team must work together to move the cattle in numerical order to the “front pen” without letting the wrong number cross the gap. A “foul” is called if the wrong number crosses the gap or if a cow that has already been sorted crosses in to the “back pen.” A “Clean” run is one that the cattle are moved in the correct numerical order in the 60 second time frame.

The Favorite classes to watch are always the Youth and PeeWee classes as they are so excited to compete and they have a comradery that is amazing to watch. The Youth especially love getting to compete with the Open Riders and the Open Riders will tell you that is one of their favorite rides. The February Sorting had 189 team in 7 Classes: Open, Novice, Youth, PeeWee, Open/ Novice, Open/Youth, and Novice/Youth. Winners were as follow: • Open: 1st David Rainey/Cody Lorick 9/59.48, 2nd David Rainey/Allen Lorick 8/58.14 3rd Jeff Koontz/Joe Agee 8/59.58 , 4th Jeff

Koontz/Chelsea Byrd 6/49.23 5th Jeff Koontz/Ricky Barnhart 5/52.64, 6th Joe Agee/Christian Agee 5/53.53 • Novice:1st Karen Vaudry Edge/Karen Huey 5/57.42, 2nd Clay Johnson/Hannah Branson 4/43.23 3rd Karen Huey/Danny Inmond 3/50.38, 4th Karen Huey/Danny Inmond 1/25.52, 5th James Huey/Karen Huey 1/28.42, 6th Clay Johnson/Morganna Cagle 0/60 • Youth: 1st Blayke Skelton/Loni Hart 5/51.21, 2nd Anna Chadwick/Shayna Collins 4/52.81, 3rd Shayna Collins/JD Little 4/60, 4th Blayke Skelton/Vince Skinner 3/50.46, 5th Blayke Skelton/ Johnson 3/53.82, 6th Taylor James/Brady Herring 2/45.88 • Open/Youth: 1st Vince Skinner/Johnny Neergard 6/53.43, 2nd Shanya Collins/Natasha Mounsey 6/58.51, 3rd Logan Dye/Vaudry Edge 5/52.61, 4th Blayke Skelton/Jeff Koontz 4/51.69 • Open/Novice: 1st Jeff Koontz/Alan Lorick 9/56.85, 2nd David Rainey/Alan Lorick 9/59.36, 3rd Bev Schraeder /Jeff Koontz 6/57.97, 4th Chelsea Byrd/Natasha Mouncey 5/50.93, 5th Bev Schraeder /Chelsea Byrd 5/55.25 • Novice/Youth: 1st Ernie/Gracie Lane 4/47.93, 2nd Bev Schraeder/Blayke Skeleton 3/50.16, 3rd Morganna Cagle/JR Ivestor 2/40.9, 4th Ernie/Wyatt 2/59 • PeeWee: 1st Scarlett Crabtree/Lane Brumfield, 2nd Paisley Cooper/Lane Brumfield

March, 2023

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19th Annual Bill Lipscomb Memorial Rodeo CONTENT AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAUL NOLTE

The 19th Annual Bill Lipscomb Memorial Rodeo took place February 25th with two performances.

The IPRA rodeo took place at the Batesville Ms. Civic Center and was a packed, sold out event, for the evening performance. This annual rodeo featured entertainment for the whole family. For the kids there was the best dressed cowboy/cowgirl event as well as a candy gold rush which had a candy for all. For the men it was an egg toss and then for the women a diamond dig for one lucky lady. The Rodeo event winners can be found on the IPRA website.

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Mid-South Horse Review

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Barrel Racing

Dash 4 Love Barrel Race at the Marshall County Fairgrounds PHOTOGRAPHY BY GARY COX

March, 2023

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Ingram’s Mill Saddle Club at the Marshall County Fairgrounds PHOTOGRAPHY BY GARY COX

Barrel Racing

Mid-South Horse Review

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Marketplace Classifieds & Business Cards BOARDING

Hillside Stables – Boarding with 2x daily feeding, stall cleaning and turnout. Retired/aged horses welcomed.

Wound care/rehab available. Riding lessons English or western.

Includes covered arena, round pen and wonderful wooded trails. Full board $500.00. We are located south of Collierville/Germantown, east of Olive Branch. www.HillsideStables. wordpress.com 901/857-7500

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

Boarding at beautiful WHITE OAK FARM: Located on 40 acres in northeast Shelby County at 10023 Rosemark Rd. Full Board $400/month. Board includes stall cleaning/shavings and morning/evening feedings.

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.

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 901833-3075.

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

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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

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Lakeland 3 acre pasture with 3 stall barn for rent. 2 horses maximum. $250/month. 901 338 9696

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March, 2023

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We carry

dog food

© MSHR

Elaine Haw, DVM Kakki Wright, DVM

3718 MS-309N Byhalia, MS 38611

Specializing in Trailer Repair & Trailer Brakes Akin Equine BC_Layout 1 6/17/2022 10:45 AM Page 1 We handle all automotive needs

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AKIN EQUINE VETERINARY SERVICES

MARK A. AKIN , DVM Practice limited to Lameness and Performance Issues associated with the Equine Athlete By appointment only: 601-813-1128 cell 901-854-6773 (85-HORSE) MAkindvm86@gmail.com

©MSHR

p Hay Far p a Bermuda Hay m

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Bermuda Hay Round & Square Bales winter storage available

Mic hael Anderson

901-277-4198

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

Office: (662) 895-7943 Fax: (662) 893-0048

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

Phone: 662•893•2546

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

619-436-9884

© MSHR

RELIABLE hobby or backyard farm sitting service Fee based on your individual needs, number of animals and specific tasks Veteran owned and operated | References available

Mid-South Horse Review

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Calendar of Events

AGRICENTER SHOWPLACE ARENA

http://www.agricenter.org/events/ MAR. 11-12: VolRHA. www.volrha.com MAR. 17-19: Battle in the Saddle. www. safeharborevent.com MAR. 31-APRIL 2: TN High School Rodeo Assoc. tnhsra.com MISSISSIPPI HORSE PARK

https://mshorsepark.com/events MAR. 9-11: Fabulous $50,000 Payout Barrel Race MAR. 23-24: MSU Artificial Insemination SchoolHarriman, TN ROANE STATE EXPO CENTER

http://www.roanestate. edu/?6497-Events-Calendar MAR. 3-4: J.R. Drake Rodeo MAR. 10-12: TQHA Celebration Circuit MAR. 18-19: SERHS Clinic MAR. 24-25: TNRHA MAR. 25-27: TNRHA Shamrock Slide MAR. 31- APRIL 2: SE Ranch Horse Series TENNESSEE MILLER COLISEUM MTSU

Murfreesboro, TN www.mtsu.edu/tmc MAR. 3-4: LoneStar Championship Rodeo MAR. 10-11: APHA Madness Circuit Show #1 MAR. 11-12: APHA Madness Circuit Show #2 MAR. 17-19: Southern Equine Expo TRI-STATE EXHIBITION CENTER

www.tristateexhibitioncenter.org MAR. 4-5: Scenic Flight Dressage MAR. 10-11: NBHA MAR. 17-18: Scenic Flight Dressage MAR. 24-26: JX2 Roping UT MARTIN AG PAVILLION

utmsports.com/sports/equestrian/schedule/2022-23 (731)881-7221 MAR. 10: Equestrian team scrimmage WILLIAMSON COUNTY AG EXPO PARK

https://www.agexpopark.info/calendar.php MAR. 18-19: USTRC Team Roping Championships INTERCOLLEGIATE/INTERSCHOLASTIC

http://www.ihsazone5region1.com http://www.campusequestrian.com/zone/ 5zone/5z2r/5z2r-index.html http://www. ihsainc.com/events/ MAR. 18-19: Western Semi Finals. MS Horse Park. Starkville, MS NATIONAL INTERCOLLEGIATE RODEO

http://www.collegerodeo.com MAR. 16-18: East MS Community College. Meridian, MS. Info: Morgan Goodrich (601)480-1629 MAR. 23-35: Pearl River Community Col-

lege. Poplarville, MS. Info: Frank Graves (770)335-9097

TENNESSEE HS RODEO ASSOCIATION

(731) 658-5867 http://tnhsra.com MAR. 18-19: Tuscumbia, AL TENNESSEE YOUTH RODEO ASSOCIATION

(731) 855-1860 www.tennesseeyouthrodeo. com MAR. 11-12: PPP Arena TYRA and Cinch LITTLE BRITCHES RODEO

MAR. 4-5: Columbia, TN. PJ Farms Whitney Watts- (573)421-2890 bwatts0612@yahoo.com MAR. 11-12: Searcy, AR. White Co. Fairgrounds.

Hillmon Davis- 501-396-9250 centralarkansaslbra@gmail.com MAR. 11-12: Montgomery, AL. Garrett Coliseum Melissa Cerezo 1291 Duncan Rd Nauvoo, AL 35578 (205)522-5677 albra.rodeo@gmail.com MAR. 18-19: Brandon, MS. Rankin Co Multipurpose Pavilion Ashley Eakes 601416-6658 mslbra@hotmail.com MAR. 25-26:Lebanon, TN. James E Ward Ag Center Frann Mabry - tristarlbra@gmail. com 931-626-4475 US PONY CLUB

https://www.ponyclub.org/Calendars/ Events.aspx https://midsouth.ponyclub.org/ calendar/ https://deepsouth.ponyclub.org/ https://middletennessee.ponyclub.org/calendar/ MAR. 4: Hillsboro Hounds Youth Day MAR. 11: Possible Mounted Meeting; Percy Warner Park MAR. 19: Covered Bridge Combined Test; Prospect, KY.

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: Carthage, MS. Farmers Livestock Marketing.

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

MAR. 18-19: SERHS Clinic. Roane State Expo Center. Harriman, TN. Info: Michelle Turner 423-619-4467; southeastranchhorse@gmail.com MAR. 23-24: MSU Artificial Insemination School. MS Horse Park. Starkville, MS. BARREL RACING

http://www.nbha.com; https://ibra.us/ shows/US-TN-WEST MAR. 9-11: Fabulous $50,000 Payout Barrel Race. Starkville, MS. MS Horse Park MAR. 10-11: NBHA. Cleveland, TN. TriState Exhibition Center MAR. 17-19: Battle in the Saddle. Memphis, TN. Agricenter Showplace Arena www.safeharborevent.com MAR. 18-19: Liberty, KY. Central KY Ag Center. Info: 502-239-4000 CUTTING HORSE

MAR. 18: Prairie, MS. Infinity Ranch. NE MS CHA. MAR. 17-18: Lakeview, AR. Paradox Arena. 2023 White River CHA Weekend.

DRESSAGE

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.

www.midsouthdressageacademy.org, www.TNDressage.com, www.tvdcta.org, kentuckydressageassociation.com, https://sites.google.com/view/greystonedressage/home MAR. 4-5: Tom Noone Clinic MAR. 4-5: Scenic Flight Dressage. Cleveland, TN. Tri-State Exhibition Center.

MAR. 17-18: Jos Sevriens Clinic MAR. 17-18: Scenic Flight Dressage.

Cleveland, TN. Tri-State Exhibition Center.

MAR. 19: 2023 Hollywood Schooling Show MAR. 25: Greystone Dressage Virtual Mud Bowl. Kim Carpenter 931-452-9225 dressageshowservices@gmail.com MAR. 25-26: Bunny Hop Dressage Show

HORSE SALES/ADOPTIONS

FIELD TRIALS

COWBOY CHURCH

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.

https://americanfield.villagesoup.com/calendar/ facebook: Region 6 AFTCA Field Trial, https://region6fieldtrial.com/ MAR.3: Cumberland Field Trial Club.

Percy Priest WMA, LaVergne, TN MAR. 9: Prairie Field Trial Club. Hell Creek WMA, Blue Mountain, MS MAR. 16: Woodlawn Field Trial Club.

Huntingdon, TN MAR. 23: Montgomery Co. Field Trial Club. Huntingdon, TN MAR. 24: U.S. Amateur All Age Derby Invitational. West TN FTC Grounds, Dan-

cyville, TN MAR. 30: McMinnville Field Trial Club. Percy Priest WMA, LaVergne, TN PAINT AND PINTO HORSE

www.apha.com, www.missphc.com, tphconline11.homestead.com, www.volunteerstatepintoorg.com MAR. 10-11: Murfreesboro, TN. TN Miller Coliseum. Madness Circuit Show #1. www.volunteerstatepintoorg.com MAR. 11-12: Murfreesboro, TN. Madness Circuit Show #2 MAR. 25: Brandon, MS. MPHC. QUARTER HORSE SHOWS

www.tqha.org, www.mqha.org, www. wtqha.org, www.midsouthquarterhorse. com, facebook Mid-South Breeders MAR. 9-12: Harriman, TN. TQHA Celebration Circuit. Info: Korry Cole 931-2654657 RACING

www.nationalsteeplechase.com, https:// www.oaklawn.com/racing/calendar/ MAR.-APRIL.: 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 MAR. 3-4: Harriman, TN. Roane State Expo Center. J.R. Drake Rodeo MAR. 3-4: Murfreesboro, TN. www.lonestarrodeocompany.com MAR.10-11: Greenville, KY. www.lonestarrodeocompany.com MAR. 31-APRIL 1: Magnolia, AR. Magnolia Stampede ROPING

www.ustrc.com, www.jx2events.com MAR. 18-19: USTRC Signature Series.

Franklin, TN. Ag Expo Park MAR. 24-26: JX2 Roping. Cleveland, TN. Tri-State Exhibition Center

March, 2023

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