November Digital Edition

November

Focus: The Thoroughbred Pg. 12

the overall Thoroughbred Makeover Champion Knockemdown, trained by professional Alison O’Dwyer of Lake Worth, Florida.

Photo by Sara Farrell

2 | Mid-South Horse Review

November, 2023

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CONTENTS

November, 2023

Page 4: Healthy Horse & Rider Unleashing the Power of a Strong Core in your Horse

By Amy Van Sickle

Mid-South Horse Review | 3

November 2023

Volume 34 | Number 3 Publisher & Owner:

Page 5: Healthy Horse & Rider Sitting Tall in the Saddle, A Strong Core in Riders

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

By Amye VanSickle, RN, BSN

Business Office:

Page 7: Training Legging up the Field Trial and Hunt Horse

By Lauren Abbott

Page 9: Behind the Business: Horse Talk Podcast Recap Aimee Robinson, Content Marketing Manager for Valley Vet Supply

By Lauren Abbott

Page 11: Greener Pastures Optimizing Winter Turnout

By Chris Cooper, PhD, and Kyla Szemplinski, MS

Page 12: Focus: The Thoroughbred Why Thoroughbreds Still Ideal Partners, A Tribute to OTTBS

By Lauren Abbott

Page 14: Focus: The Thoroughbred 2023 Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium Raises Bar for Thoroughbred Second Careers

By Retired Racehorse Project

Page 16: People & Horses | Focus: The Thoroughbred Megan and Hub Corbett, RRP Thoroughbred Makeover Competitors

By Grace Netter

Page 18: Young Riders | Focus: The Thoroughbred Mia Bagnato and Her Success at RRP with Red Eagle

By Lauren Abbott

Andrea Winfrey: Office & Accounts Manager andrea@mshorsereview.com

Editorial Contributing Writers & Photographers: Ashlee Pigford: Training & News Writer Amye VanSickle: Horse & Rider Health Writer Gary Cox: Event Photographer Grace Netter: People & Horses Feature Writer Paul Nolte: Event Photographer Rachel Ledet: Equine Business Writer

Advertising & Marketing Amye VanSickle: Multimedia Account Executive Amye@mshorsereview.com

Mailing:

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

Subscriptions

Subscriptions are $55 annually for print and digital access. email: info@mshorsereview.com To submit articles, artwork and press

releases please email: labbott@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

4 | Mid-South Horse Review

Horse & Rider Health Unleashing the Power of a Strong Core in Your Horse

By Amye VanSickle

We have all heard the term “Legging a Horse Up,” when referring to reconditioning or building up a horse’s endurance and muscles to a more athletic state, after a period of time off, whether due to injury or just more time out in the pasture just being a horse.

However, most of us have not ever really stopped and thought about the importance of making sure that our horses abdominal muscles are strong. The abdominal or core muscles are vital for providing balance, stability, and overall athletic performance, in both equines and equestrians. And just like in humans, the lack of a strong core leads to issues

for the equine athlete.

A strong core in the horse has many benefits. The benefits include enhanced performance and athleticism, ability to maintain better coordination and balance and maneuverability, increased stamina, by supporting the respiratory system, improved endurance, and overall health by supporting circulation, digestion, and well-being which contributes to a healthier happier horse. Strong abdominal muscles are also necessary for a horse to engage their hind-end. As the horse is raising their hind leg, contraction of the abdominal muscles are required for the movement to occur.

According equinephysicaltherapist.co.uk, “Transforming their posture by engaging their core, stretching out the top-line, and being in a more ‘submissive’ lower neck position can actually take your horse out of flight mode another benefit. And once this has happened, the more ‘flighty’ type of horse can actually relax properly, and then you have access to their brain - all from core engagement!” That is something equestrians from every discipline desires to achieve.

You may be asking yourself, what do I need to do to increase my horse’s core strength?

Just like in humans, mobility, balance, and strengthening exercises are the basis for a

strong core.

Mobility exercises include having the horse reach for a treat by putting his chin between his knees, to his chest, to his girth line, to his flank and toward his rear fetlock on each side.

Balance exercises can be as simple as performing the mobility exercises with one hoof lifted. This forces the horse to engage core muscles to maintain his balance while stretching into the position that you ask.

Basic core strengthening exercises from the ground include the belly lift exercise, and the hind end tuck. To perform the equine belly lift, place your palms flat on the horses belly just behind the where the girth goes, bend your fingers and apply pressure until the horse lifts up his belly. You should see his topline rise and lengthen. This also causes the horse to tighten his abdominal muscles. Once the desired tightening of the abdominal muscle and lifting of the spine occurs, hold this position for 10 to 30 seconds. The hind end tuck, also promotes core muscular development, and strengthening. To perform this exercise, use hands with fingers held tightly together and run hands down from the lumbar region of the back. Hands should smoothly separate as being pulled toward the tail as if you are trying to part the horse’s hair on his rump. When performing this exercise, keep a slow steady pace, when the desired hind tuck is reached, hold that position for 10 to 30 seconds. (Debranne Pattillo MEEBW, Anatomy of Equine Bodywork: The Equinology Approach, 2012) It is worth noting that, on the first attempt to

November, 2023

work with strengthening your horse’s core, it is helpful to have someone assist you. If it is the first time that these exercises have ever been performed, the horse many not understand, at first, what is being asked of him.

Maintaining a safe position for the equestrian is of the utmost importance.

Once a horse masters these exercises then a rider can start performing ground exercises on a lead with the horse. Asking the horse to move forward on a circle, and then laterally is an excellent exercise prior to mounting your horse. These lateral movements, when the inside hind leg steps up and over the outside hind end in a forward motion contracts the horse’s core and builds a strong topline and hind end strength. This conditions and prepares the horse to be able to carry the weight of the rider, while also building stronger muscles needed for overall balance and collection.

Understanding that we place saddles, other equipment , and weight of the equestrian, on our horses backs and expect them to perform, as athletes, is worth asking yourself have I set my horse up for success by spending the time to make sure all of the important muscles are activating as they should. A well developed core in your horse promotes optimum athletic performance. It is the key competent to an athletic, healthy, well performing horse.

Incorporating core strength and development exercises in your horses training routine, you can help them develop a strong core, leading to more balance, healthy, and overall athletic horse.

November, 2023

Mid-South Horse Review | 5

Section Sponsored By:

Sitting Tall in the Saddle, a Strong Core in Riders

By Amye VanSickle, RN, BSN

If you have ever ridden under the guidance of a trainer, coach, or even a parent, I am sure you have been told to: “sit tall,” “sit up straight,” or some version of those sayings.

Most have never thought about what is involved in sitting tall in the saddle unless they have had back issues.

We discussed the importance of hip flexor flexibility last month in the article Healthy Hips Equals Happy Riders. Core stability is the second important part of the equation when it comes to balance. A stable, strong core is the key to sitting up straight and bal-

ancing yourself atop your horse while riding.

What exactly is core stability? “Core stability is defined as the ability to control the position and motion of the trunk over the pelvis to allow optimum production, transfer and control of force and motion to the terminal segment in integrated athletic activities.” (Kibler, Press, Sciascia) So what does that mean? A strong core allows you to be in control of the position of your body, but most importantly a strong core keeps your back protected from injury.

As we age, there is a tendency to allow posture to get “lazy.” Keeping our core engaged and muscles tight keeps our spine secure and in the proper position. Actively engaging the muscles of your abdomen naturally helps the rider hold the proper position when in the saddle.

There are several muscles that make up the core. The main muscles are the: obliques, rectus abdominis, transverses abdominis, pyramidalis, and the erector spinae. This group of muscles creates a natural back brace for us by protecting the spine during movement. If you have ever had a back injury and tried to ride a horse, you completely understand the importance of these muscles.

We have all heard “Prevention is the best

medicine.” When it comes to protecting our back, there was never a more true statement!

Developing a strong core helps distribute the rider’s weight more evenly, reducing the risk of overloading specific muscles, minimizing the likelihood of injury. In order to get the best use out of our core, riders must invest a little time on developing a strong, stable core. Remembering that there are several muscles that make up the core, multiple exercises must be utilized to make sure that all the muscles are worked.

The plank is an excellent abdominal exercise. It allows the equestrian to work multiple muscles, including the transverses abdominis, rectus abdominis, and the internal and external obliques. To perform this exercise, start by positioning yourself face down on the floor.

Your elbows should be bent and aligned with your shoulders. Extend your legs straight out behind you, shoulder width apart. Keeping your toes on the ground, raise your body up onto your toes and elbows. Hold this position for 20-30 seconds to start out; gradually increase the duration as you build up endurance.

It is important to make sure you breath while doing a plank and keep your core muscles tight. Your hips should stay in alignment with your shoulders and toes; keeping your neck and back straight are important while performing this exercise.

Another great exercise is the crunch. Po-

sition yourself on your back on the ground.

Bend your knees and put your feet flat on the ground. Slowly squeeze your abdominal muscles and raise your shoulders off of the ground. If you are putting your hands behind the head, stay aware not to pull the head or neck. This exercise needs to be completely focused on working the core muscles. Start by doing 15 crunches, rest for 30 seconds, then repeat for 3 times. As it becomes easier to do crunches, increase the number of times you do the exercise. To make this exercise harder, raise your feet off of the ground and hold them in the air while you perform the exercise.

Core stability is crucial for the equestrian athlete to unlock their full potential, whether it is in the dressage ring, on the rail in western pleasure, making a turn and burn run, around the barrels, cutting a cow, or on the trails. The impact of the core for endurance, balance, stability, and overall injury prevention makes it one of the most important muscle groups riders have. In order for the equestrian to perform at the top of their game, they must do their “groundwork” and invest time in developing core strength.

(Kibler WB, Press J, Sciascia A. The role of core stability in athletic function. Sports Med. 2006;36(3):189-98. doi: 10.2165/00007256200636030-00001. PMID: 16526831.)

6 | Mid-South Horse Review

From the Experts

November, 2023

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“Feed form may also play a role in how well the horse eats its meals. Some horses simply prefer textured or pelleted feeds,” Fowler said. “Preferences also may be due to health concerns. Textured feeds with whole grains, for example, require more chewing power than pelleted feeds, so horses with dental issues may have a harder time finishing a meal of textured feed.”

If a horse leaves feed over the course of several weeks or months, it is not getting the proper amount of nutrients, potentially leading to unwanted weight loss or nutrient deficiencies, according to Fowler.

Horses require different feeds for dif- hindgut acidosis. EquiShure is a time-referent stages of life. Make the switchover leased hindgut buffer designed specifically from one feed to another as seamless as to combat hindgut acidosis in horses. possible with these tips.

Take the time to weigh the new feed to Above all, make feed changes gradually. ascertain any difference in the weight of Offering new feed can be approached in old and new feeds. two ways: (1) taper off the old feed comDifferent feeds have different densities, pletely and then begin the new feed slow- meaning one scoop of feed may not weigh ly, increasing intake 0.25-0.5 lb (0.1-0.3 the same as another. Feeding directions on kg) every two or three days, or (2) replace the bag or tag are often given in weights, a portion of the old with the new, starting so it is important to know what that weight with about 10% of the feed and then in- looks like in the feed scoop you use. Some horse owners find digital kitchen scales creasing every few days.

“Slowly introducing new feed into the useful for weighing horse feeds, as they are diet is important, as it allows the beneficial inexpensive and easy to find.

Depending on the nutritional composimicrobes in the digestive tract to adapt to the change,” said Ashley Fowler, Ph.D., a tion of the feed you are introducing, the nutritionist at Kentucky Equine Research. feeding rate may change. Pay attention to “Further, horses have some ability to al- the feeding directions on the bag to make ter how well they digest and absorb non- sure your horse’s nutrient requirements are structural carbohydrates, primarily sugar met.

Typically, grain meals should be limited and starch, based on their diet. Horses fed more nonstructural carbohydrates can in- to a maximum of 0.5 lb (0.23 kg) per 100 crease the amount of glucose transporters lb (45 kg) of body weight at each feeding, in the small intestine over time. Without al- which is about 5 lb (2.3 kg) for a 1,000-lb lowing time for the digestive tract to adapt, (450-kg) horse. If you need to feed more nonstructural carbohydrates may not be than 5 lb (2.3 kg) per day, it is best to split digested and absorbed as efficiently, which the meal into two or more feedings. can cause overflow into the hindgut,” she Be vigilant about feed refusal. Check the explained.

When nonstructural carbohydrates arrive feed tub daily for refusals.

Refusal of a new feed could indicate that in the hindgut that has not been acclimated, they are rapidly fermented, resulting the horse simply finds the new feed unpalin increased volatile fatty acid production atable. Sometimes a horse will warm up to and a drop in pH, a condition termed hind- a new feed if given time. Other horses can gut acidosis. Targeted supplementation be persuaded to eat by adding appetizing with EquiShure can mitigate the effects of flavors or favorite ingredients (molasses,

Be aware of any physical changes in the horse.

Though rare, some horses can have allergic reactions to ingredients in feed, so hives that appear with a feed change could indicate an allergic reaction. Compare ingredients lists of the old and new feed and try to determine if the new feed contains an ingredient not in the old feed. Switching back to the old feed or performing an elimination diet may help you determine the source of the allergic reaction.

Loose manure or diarrhea may indicate digestive disturbances. Contact a veterinarian if you observe changes in your horse’s health that occur with feed changes.

Monitor behavior changes.

Horses fed high levels of sugar and starch, often required to fuel certain types of exercise, can have more energy as they become acclimated to the feed. Switching from a low-starch feed to a traditional feed may cause more reactive behavior. Some horses might benefit from extra pep in their step, but others may have more regulated behavior on a feed containing less starch and sugar and more fat and fermentable fiber.

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November, 2023

Legging up the Field Trial and Hunt Horse

By Lauren Abbott Field trial and hunt season is here. Professional and amateur handlers worked their bird dogs throughout the summer, and masters of hounds condition their pack of hound dogs leading up to fox hunt season. But what about our hunt horses?

With high heat and humidity during the summer many field trial and hunt horses may start the season off in less than ideal condition. If your horse is one that did not have the benefit to train in the prairie throughout the summer prairie training season or attend summer horse shows or horse trials, then here are a few ways to help your horse build the strength, stamina, and overall fitness for hunt and trial season.

Focus on aerobic and anaerobic exercises Focusing on a horse’s aerobic and anaerobic condition is key to making sure the horse’s overall fitness is well established for field work.

Anaerobic work includes short trot and canter/ gallop work that last for 20 to 30 minutes. Short and consistent anaerobic work will help build

muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, and skeletal system strength. It is important to condition your horse with anaerobic exercises consistently and start with lower levels and slowly progress to moderate and higher intensities as the horse builds overall fitness.

A consistent schedule that will help improve a horse’s fitness includes low to moderate intensity work at least three times per week. Ideally you will want to start this training schedule eight to twelve weeks out from consistent hunts or trials to ensure your horse has a proper fitness level going into the season.

As you put consistent time on your horse, you can then begin to increase the mileage and time in the saddle. A rider can begin to drop from three shorter, moderate riding sessions to two per week. A longer riding session can then be added.

These longer sessions should last for two to three hours, once per week. This will begin to condition your horse’s aerobic strength and metabolism and prepare your horse for longer trials and hunts that have horses working over hundreds of acres.

These longer training rides can be thought of as your “wet saddle pad” rides. It is important to make sure your horse is well conditioned for these types of riding sessions to help protect your horse from fatigue and potential injury. Remember walking is a crucial part of your longer training rides and are just as important as short trot and canter sessions while building endurance and strength.

Protect against bone and soft tissue injuries The good news is, as your horse builds its overall fitness, it will already have begun to

Mid-South Horse Review | 7

Training Tips build strength, protecting your horse from injury. As your mount builds aerobic and anaerobic strength, it also builds muscle tone and ligament strength. Strength training reduces the risk of injury by 50%. It helps stabilize joints and reduces strain on ligaments and tendons.

This is extremely important for field trial and hunt horses due to the terrain these horses work over. The winter hunt and trial season is during the wet months of the year. This means horses are working over wet, slick, and muddy terrain.

Deep mud is one of the top culprits for tendon injuries in trial and hunt horses. When a horse is trotting or cantering through deep mud there is an increase in potential twists and sprains to the lower leg and hoof causing injury to delicate lower leg tendons and ligaments.

When focused on anaerobic exercises and rotating between active trot, canter, and working walk sessions, this will help stabilize loose and unconditioned muscles, tendons and ligaments.

On top of consistent training between multiple gaits and speed work, hill work is very important for overall strength training and muscle development.

Remember that hoof health and shoeing is a pivotal piece to keep horses injury free. Make sure you work closely with your farrier to ensure your horse’s hooves are healthy and that they have proper shoeing or routine trims to help protect their hooves from a wide range of terrain.

Selecting the right nutrition Nutrition is the fuel that keeps our horses going and helps develop overall fitness. If a horse does not have proper nutrition it cannot perform and progress in training and strength. As your horse uses short bursts of energy, it is important to make sure your horse’s feed has adequate levels of carbohydrates and sugars to fuel higher

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energy levels.

As your horse progresses and shifts to longer training sessions that require a good amount of cardiovascular and muscle strength, consider a performance feed that has good amounts of fat and amino acids to keep your horse’s energy and overall body condition at peak levels to support long endurance rides that last three or more hours.

Consulting with a specialized performance equine nutritionist can be very helpful if you have a horse that is a hard keeper or who is displaying chronic fatigue. Discussing ideal nutritional plans and supplements with your veterinarian is essential for all performance horses, especially trial and hunt horses who may be ridden for upwards of three to five hours at a time.

Build in Rest and Recovery time for horses Just like humans, bird dogs, and hounds, make sure your horse has periods of rest and recovery after intense exercise. Every time a horse works, tiny fibers in the muscles tear. As the muscle recovers and the fibers mend the muscle becomes stronger. Giving proper time for recovery is key to building strength and fitness. If the horse does not have rest and down time, it can lead to overuse injuries and poor condition.

As we enter the trial and hunt season, make sure you don’t neglect your horse’s overall fitness and readiness for high intense rides. It is unfair to the horse to not take proper time to build up endurance, stamina, and strength prior to the first field trial or fox hunt. Remember, horses are just like humans and dogs: with the lack of consistent training, the overall performance will suffer. With proper conditioning, the risk of injury will reduce and keep our horses healthy throughout a busy season.

8 | Mid-South Horse Review

November, 2023

November, 2023

Mid-South Horse Review | 9

Behind the Business: Horse Talk Podcast Recap Aimee Robinson, Content Marketing Manager for Valley Vet Supply

By Lauren Abbott Aimee Robinson is a lifelong equestrian.

Her parents raised Appaloosa race horses on their Oklahoma ranch when she was a very young girl. She evolved into a ThreeDay-Event rider and rode off-the-track Thoroughbreds. Her life with horses at a young age made a lasting impression on her as an equestrian and animal lover.

Going into college Aimee knew she wanted to be a journalist and her horse trainer at the time encouraged her to consider a career with horses. Her trainer told her, “You know the equine industry needs writers who understand horses, who understand the industry and what the horse needs. You should really think about that.” She has always kept that in the back of her mind, as she reflects on the beginning of her desire to work in the equine industry.

After graduating from Oklahoma State University with a degree in journalism, Aimee got a job with one of the largest printing

companies in the world. She worked on the floor of the print house, learning the insides and outs of how publications and magazines came to fruition. She even learned how to drive forklifts and found herself working 12hour shifts.

As soon as she graduated from that corporate training program she got on with Milwaukee Magazine as a staff writer. She loved to write about the city, its history, the architecture, and the culture in Milwaukee. But from there she took a position with Bader Rutter, a national advertising and marketing agency that worked with Zoetis, a global animal health company. That shift from a staff writer to a marketing account executive catapulted Aimee to work alongside her lifelong passion for horses and animals. “It was just like a dream come true. It wasn’t even something I was really looking for, and I’ll be very honest, I really wasn’t. I think I knew that it was a possibility (marrying her love of writing with horses) that the need was out there, but it honestly just kind of fell into my lap and I couldn’t be more grateful for that,” Ai-

mee recalled as she explained how she found herself working in the equine and animal health industries.

In 2019 Aimee became Valley Vet Supply’s Content Marketing Manager where she has built Valley Vet’s content library from the ground up. She works in a three-prong approach. They work on byline articles to be published each month. They maintain their content library which benefits SEO (search engine optimization) and it serves as educational content for the many products Valley Vet Supply has for their customers, and they work on news releases that are editorially formatted and go out to their beef and dairy and equine publications they have relationships with.

Outside of overseeing and managing educational, SEO driven, and news release content for the national brand, Aimee also oversees thousands of product descriptions on their website, and manages all social media content. She explains, “there is really never a shortage of content to be created.”

Aimee encourages equestrians and equine business owners to utilize content to help increase their brand awareness and position themselves as a thought leader in their community. “There’s so much information that needs to be shared, no matter the topic, so in the case of if you own your own veterinarian clinic, or if you own your own tack store just think about what would you want to read if you were your customer. What are some key points that you would have concerns about.

If you are a tack store owner, maybe discuss buying a new saddle. There are a lot of questions when it comes to buying a new saddle: how do you fit yourself, how do you fit your horse, what do you need to know, what are some different and newer features that are around today that maybe weren’t around ten years ago when someone might have bought their last saddle.”

This kind of thought leadership content has been hugely impactful for businesses and developing personal brands. Equestrians have a very specialized wealth of knowledge and expertise when it comes to the industry.

This kind of educational content helps build trust with customers, and also social media followers. Aimee shared that there are many different ways to share content. It does not always have to be in the written format. Video is hugely popular on social media platforms and can reach a wide audience.

Aimee and her content team have found Facebook live to be a very powerful tool,

especially when getting live questions from their customers and social media followers.

It is something that has been a huge resource for them in developing content, but by also connecting with potential and current customers. E-newsletters are also another excellent way to connect with customers. And she encourages everyone in the equine industry to not forget about print media and publications. “You can absolutely pitch story ideas to an editor. You can look at different formats and some tips I would share, above all, keep it newsworthy, timely and accurate,” Aimee encourages. She also mentions that self promotional articles are not articles most editors will publish.

If a business owner does not have a newsworthy story or a timely news release then most publishers and publications do offer sponsored content where a brand and business can align their expertise and thought leadership within the publication to reach a targeted, existing and established audience. This can save a business owner a huge amount of time because they do not have to slowly build their own audience, but can position themselves and their expertise in front of a publication’s existing audience for a specified rate. Sponsored content articles are controlled by the business owner or marketing team as opposed to editorial articles, which are controlled by a publication’s editorial team of editors and writers.

Aimee encourages young equestrians to look at careers in the equine industry, “no matter where your passion is, whatever your skill set is, I fully believe there’s a job available in the equine industry. Don’t be afraid to sketch a web and see what opportunities for internships might be available. Talk with your professors at your college, but don’t be afraid to go above and beyond that and use a resource like LinkedIn to connect with a professional at an equine company you respect.

I guarantee that if you were to reach out to someone in the field you will most likely get a response.”

To learn more from Aimee on impactful content marketing and content creation as an equestrian athlete or equine business owner listen to the Horse Talk Podcast, episode four: Content Marketing and Creation and Why Every Equestrian and Equine Business Can Benefit at https://www.midsouthhorsereview.com/horse-talk-podcast.

10 | Mid-South Horse Review

November, 2023

Greener Pastures Optimizing Winter Time Turnout

By Chris Cooper, PhD, and Kyla Szemplinski, MS with UT-TSU Shelby County Extension Office Winter is coming in the Mid-South area and there is still time for horse owners to prepare their horses and pastures for the winter season. Winter comes with all sorts of challenges for horse owners but if planned accordingly, winter horse and pasture management should overcome obstacles owners face.

Shifting from Nighttime Turnout to Daytime Turnout As winter approaches, a common management step is transitioning horses from night turnout to day turnout. This management step is common for barns that do not have the ability to do 24/7 turnout. Ideally, turnout time shifts from nighttime to daytime should occur once the daytime temperatures are not consistently above 75 degrees and before the daylight time gets too short.

For horses on 24/7 turnout, there are considerations owners must take into account

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as winter weather approaches. Obviously, horses should have access to stalls that will provide them with protection from intense winter weather such as freezing temps and wet weather. However, for owners with horses that do not have a designated barn, their pasture must have adequate shelter to protect horses from winter weather. The size of the shelter should be 240 square feet for two horses and an additional 60 square feet for each additional horse. The shelter should be three sided to protect horses from high winds and other winter weather.

If a shelter is not accessible, blanketing horses is strongly recommended. Typically, horses keep growing out their winter coats until December 22nd (winter solstice). For owners who want their horse to have a full winter coat, do not blanket until December 22nd as you will decrease the natural coat.

However, there might be times before December 22nd where blanketing should be done. Blanketing horses should also be done in the following scenarios: 1. There is a chance the horse will get wet (ice, snow, rain, sleet) 2. The horse has had its winter coat body clipped 3. The horse is very young or old 4. The horse is NOT acclimated to the cold

5.

The horse has a body condition score of 3 or less As little as 0.1 inch of rain can cause cold stress since hair will be matted. When a horse’s hair coat gets wet, the hair cannot stand up and circulate warm air around the horse’s body as it would when the horse’s body is dry.

Blankets should be fitted properly to the horse and waterproof. Owners should also have multiple blanket options for their horses in the event a blanket gets damaged or needs to be cleaned/dry out. Owners should NEVER put a blanket on a wet horse.

Winter Temperatures and Pasture Grass In the winter, pasture grass nutrient content such as crude protein (CP) and carbohydrates like non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) are at their lowest nutrient content even in cool season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, Timothy, tall fescue, ryegrass, wheat and orchardgrass. Cool season grasses will start to go dormant when air temperatures are consistently below 60 degrees. Warm season grasses like crabgrass, Bermuda, foxtail and Bahia will be well into their dormancy as those grasses stop growing when air temperature drops below 65 degrees consistently.

In terms of winter laminitis, horses and

November, 2023

ponies that are insulin resistant can still founder in the winter, mostly due to the physiology of their hooves. The exposure to the cold can decrease the blood flow to and from the hooves, in addition to fluctuating hormonal changes to help horses cope with the cold. For owners with horses that are insulin resistant, there are management steps to prevent possible winter laminitis. Keep to your horses’ hoof trimming schedule (6-8 weeks), maintain a diet low in NSC and offer supplements containing zinc, biotin, methionine and iodine to help promote overall hoof health.

Hay supplementation and Round bale VS Square bales As the temperature starts to drop, pasture grasses will become less lush and not as abundant. To combat this, owners should start supplementing pasture grass with quality hay before temperatures start to reach below freezing during nighttime. Hay should be given to horses under a shelter and off the ground to minimize hay waste and contamination from wet weather conditions and horse waste.

Whether an owner gives their horses a round bale or square bales depends on how many horses an owner has and also storage space for hay not in use. Round bales work

Mid-South Horse Review | 11

great if an owner has numerous horses on their pasture since it will last longer than throwing multiple square bales two-three times a day. For owners with a few horses on pasture (two-three), square bales are effective and also allow an owner to better monitor hay intake and adjust as needed. All hay regardless needs to be stored in an enclosed building (separate from where horses are kept) and off the ground on pallets. Hay should also be covered with tarps to prevent contamination from possible water and wildlife waste.

Owners should consider herd dynamics as with any group feeding settings. If possible and if there is a strong pecking order, make sure to have multiple hay feeding stations for horses that are at the bottom of the pecking order. If absolutely necessary, the most submissive can be fed separately to ensure they are receiving their share of grain and hay.

Regardless if an owner feeds round bales or square bales, ALWAYS inspect the hay before feeding to horses. Feel, smell and visually inspect the hay for any signs of mold, trash or other foreign contaminates. A good saying to remember about hay, “When in doubt, THROW IT OUT”.

Tip and Tricks for Winter Horse Pasture

Enrichment Having horses on 24/7 turnout is ideal but in the winter months, pasture grass is more scarce and some horses do not have 24/7 access to hay. Without access to as much food, horses could develop stereotypical behaviors such as cribbing, wood chewing or wind-sucking. Luckily, there are several DIY, inexpensive enrichment options owners can do for their horses.

1. Grooming: reinforce your bond with your horse. Use this time to find your horse’s favorite spots for scratches and rubs. Additionally, winter time is more critical for owners to pick their horse’s feet everyday especially in snow and ice. Snow and ice can accumulate in hooves, making horses more prone to slipping in addition to more stress on tendons and ligaments. Always have a hoof pick ready whenever you check your horse during the winter.

2. DIY toys: got empty, plastic milk or juice jugs? Recycle them into pasture shelter toys similar to commercial horse toys like Jolly balls. Clean out the plastic jug, attach a cord (sturdy piece of twine) to the neck of the bottle to tie somewhere inside your pasture’s shelter then cut slits in the jug to grip treats or make big enough holes from which

small treats will drop when your horse moves the jug around.

3. Enrichment walk: change the scenery for your horse by going for a walk around the pasture or your farm. Besides enrichment, this is also another good social bonding opportunity between horse and owner.

4. Scavenging/Enrichment box: take a cardboard box (no staples and tape), fill the bottom of the box with food as a reward and add in horse safe filler of choice. Fillers can be water bottles filled with rocks or bells, toilet paper rolls, crumpled up paper or pinecones.

The box will need to be deeper than a regular feed pan.

5. Egg carton: take carrots, apple slices, celery sticks or any other of your horse’s favorite treats and place them in an egg carton or cardboard drink tray.

Getting the food out of the grooves can be challenging for your horse, especially if the carton is closed.

Any further questions about late winter pasture management, please do not hesitate to contact your county’s Extension office.

UT-TSU Shelby County Extension can be reached at 901-752-1207 during normal business hours Monday through Friday 8am-4:30pm CST.

12 | Mid-South Horse Review

November, 2023

Focus: The Thoroughbred

Why Thoroughbreds are Still Ideal Partners A Tribute to OTTBs

By Lauren Abbott

BushHog, MerryDan, OunceOfLuck, BuckontheGo, Fire Makers Star, HowGreatThouArt; these were and are my family’s Jockey Club Thoroughbreds. These off-thetrack-Thoroughbreds made me the equestrian I am today, and some are still shaping me as a rider, but most of all a person.

The days of seeing Thoroughbreds as a leading breed in the show ring are gone.

Now, there are incentive programs for Thoroughbreds in about every discipline to help rebuild and rebrand these once leading sport horses as reliable, competitive, versatile and suitable choices for equestrians who are looking for a show and competition horse.

Thoroughbreds are not better than other breeds, and other breeds are not better than them. Every rider is not suited to own or ride a Thoroughbred, and I believe as horsemen and horsewomen we should always be accepting, encouraging and celebrating all breeds in open competition divisions and shows. In my opinion, the more the merrier.

But what makes the Thoroughbred a fantastic choice as a sport horse? There are several things and many well known competitors, olympians, and trainers have said “There’s just something special about the Thoroughbred,” but if you want to know my personal opinion, based on my personal experiences, then keep reading.

I’m an amateur rider, but my “green” Thoroughbreds have given me a sensitivity, a feel, a confidence and an awareness needed as a rider. BushHog, aka Sampson, was my sister, Ashlee’s Children’s Hunter horse. He was a beautiful blood bay with a striking head. He had perfectly set ears (or devil horns as we remember them). My mom bought him for Ashlee when she was 12 and she has always said, “I bought him because I knew if I didn’t his next stop was the kill pen.” He had horrible rain rot, corns on his feet from ill fitted racing plates and you could count every rib.

If you are as old as me and grew up in the greater Memphis area then you probably remember Dr. Andy Livingston. When he first looked at Sam he took a deep sigh, asked

Above: Fire Makers Star , “Kevin,” out of Star Guitar. Kevin won $41,625 with 18 starts, 2 firsts, and 3 seconds before retiring. Photo collage by Coady Photography. our mom, “Are you sure?” and when she nodded he knew this was more about saving a horse then finding a show horse. He then said, “Well, let’s get him under saddle and see how he moves.” After seeing him work in the ring my mom said Dr. Livingston lit up and said, “Well, that’s not bad, I think we can work with this! Let’s put weight on him and work on his feet.”

Soon after rehabbing his feet and putting weight on Sam, 12-year-old Ashlee was on the back of her Children’s Hunter. The other kids at the barn were terrified of Sam. He’d squeal and turn circles coming in from the

pasture. He’d snort at the stall door for his food, and trail ride, forget it! He’d overjump so much that he’d send you flying through the air, the kind of dismount where you’d see your feet flip over your head at least five times before coming to a slow roll.

But, when you have a mother who was a horsewomen like we had, this was something you worked through with your horses.

You learned and evolved with them. You see, our mom rode and showed all the horses no one else would. She rode the horses only trainers rode. She rode the rejects, the hot ones, the problem ones and she would

take them into the show ring and win. She had a World Champion whose photograph sits in the Hall of Fame at the Kentucky Horse Park. She was born into a Thoroughbred Racing family and that calmness she had when riding was something she knew Thoroughbreds would teach her children.

Ashlee always got back on Sam and when they would connect and hit every jump at the perfect spot with his rhythmic canter, and change his elegant and natural lead changes, they would always place in the top of large classes with over 15 riders. Sam taught Ashlee how to manage stress, how to remain steady and calm no matter the size of his jump or twirl around her on the ground.

And riding an athletic horse like Sam proved to her that she knew how to ride and handle a horse other riders wouldn’t come near. He was also the first horse I sat on and started riding at six years old. And, naturally, the first horse that took off with me in the field and bucked me off. He shared the sensation of what it felt like when feet flip over your head at least five times before finally coming to a slow roll. Thanks for that right of passage Sam! MerryDan, aka Sketch, became my trusted mount. He was a 14.2 large Thoroughbred pony, and he was a striking dappled gray. He was my heart horse from the time I was 10 until my twenties. He would never bolt and buck a rider off, but he was sensitive, hard in the mouth, and you never had to ask him to move off your leg, but he was spooky.

He was gentle but if a leaf passed by his outside eye he’d leap his entire body off the rail and into the middle of the ring without missing a single step. Teaching a kid how to properly ride a spook was his expertise.

I loved that horse. We connected so deeply that when I thought it he’d do it. I don’t know if I will ever find another horse like him. We jived perfectly and it made me fall in love with the sensitive horses.

He taught me to be centered and balanced.

He taught me to be a quiet rider and how to be aware of his body, my body and our surroundings. He taught me to be calm and keep my own nerves in check if he spooked.

He taught me how to be fluid in the moment and how to let things roll off. He molded me into a laid back and forgiving rider and how

Above, Left to Right: Horses- Sketch, Bucky, Gage. and Evan.

November, 2023

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Above: Sampson competing at the Germantown Charity Horse Show, 1987 to keep my emotions under control.

Ounceofluck, aka Gage, was my first personal horse that I trained completely. He came out of Keeneland and was used as a break away horse. He is a solid, big boned, flashy chestnut Thoroughbred and the biggest horse I sat on at the time. He stands at 16.3 hands. Gage required a good amount of leg, a big change from Sketch. He has a fabulous rhythmic trot but his canter, yikes. His stride was almost too big and getting him fit and balanced behind was always the hardest thing for me to do as his rider.

I took him over his first jumps and man, what a fabulous jump he had. I really loved to jump this horse. Once he built more balance behind he always got to the perfect spots. He moved around the course with his ears up and forward, but where we really loved to work was out in an open pasture.

He was fabulous working over hundreds of acres with and without company. He took me over our first cross country jumps and I crossed trained him because he was steady, trusting and bold. He however, needed consistency. He bucked me off probably five times, maybe more now that I’m actually counting. He was the hardest horse I have ridden to date. He taught me about pressure and when to stop once things came together.

My only regret is I trained him in my young adult years, when life was more about socializing than focusing on evolving myself as a rider. As much as he was a gentleman on the ground, he could always humble my 20-year-old ego, and man, do we all need that horse, the one that humbles us!

Buck on the Go, aka Bucky, was Ashlee’s first horse again after Sam passed away. He was a 15.3 hand bay and he came to us as a three year old. We soon realized he had anhidrosis and that brought a level of horse health knowledge and care that he needed in order to live as long as he did. Bucky was sweet, with his people. He’d sneer at you when walking past his stall, but it was all for show. He was naturally balanced, soft in his mouth, a little trooper we called him. He was the perfect Children’s horse. He passed away at 17-years-old and we always suspected he had a compromised immune system with being anhidrosis, but he was one that learned quickly, behaved wonderfully under saddle, and had tons of personality.

Fire Makers Star, aka Kevin, and HowGreatThouArt, aka Evan, are our new OTTBs. We did not plan their names to

rhyme by the way! They are both seven and were restarted and retrained in a completely different training program than any of our other horses. They are two totally different horses, but with steady consistency and desensitizing groundwork they are proving to be lovely sport horses. I am extremely proud of their advancements and it has made me see how restarting and retraining OTTBs has evolved over the last thirty years. There are many different ways to train horses and restart them for new careers. One method isn’t better than the other, but some are more suited for specific types of horses and I think we finally found a great training program for our OTTBs. Our Thoroughbreds have taught us more about ourselves and who we want to be, than what we have taught them. Our Thoroughbreds have taught us grit and resilience.

They have humbled our egos and honestly we don’t feel the need to show our skills to the world; we are happy right here at home, hacking in our rings and fields and enjoying their companionship. They’ve taught us how to be accepting, how to have grace, how to be forgiving, how to focus on one task at a time, how to be aware of the energy we are putting into them, and how to soften our asks. They have taught us about proper nutrition, how to care for hard keepers, seniors, and ones with degenerative illnesses.

They have taught us patience, and how this sport is a roller coaster of experiences and emotions. They have taught us how to grieve and they have helped us heal. They’ve given us their hearts on our worst days, and shown us compassion and empathy.

Any breed can do this, but, if you ask me, there is just something special about a Thoroughbred.

Above: Kevin at his first show after retiring from racing.

14 | Mid-South Horse Review

November, 2023

Focus: The Thoroughbred

2023 Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium Raises Bar for Thoroughbred Second Careers

the overall Thoroughbred Makeover Champion Knockemdown, trained by professional Alison O’Dwyer of Lake Worth, Florida. Photo by Sara Farrell

By Retired Racehorse Project

Returning to the Kentucky Horse Park for the eighth time since 2015, the 2023 Thoroughbred Makeover and National Sympo-

sium, presented by Thoroughbred Charities of America, took place on October 11-14 and welcomed 320 Thoroughbreds taking their first foray into new careers. The banner event of the Retired Racehorse Project (RRP), a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing demand for Thoroughbreds

beyond racing, the Thoroughbred Makeover is the most visible aspect of the organization’s work and is meant to inspire more equestrians to get involved with the breed.

Showcasing the trainability and versatility of former racehorses, the Thoroughbred Makeover offered competition across ten riding sports, with entrants selecting one or two disciplines in which to compete.

All competitors participated in preliminary rounds of competition across two days, with the five top-placed horses invited back to compete in the Finale Championships for top honors and a share of $100,000 in prize money. The Finale Championship welcomed spectators as well as live streamed to a global audience.

New for 2023, the Thoroughbred Makeover offered a pilot Former Broodmare division, sponsored by Claiborne Farm, which welcomed over 20 recently-retired Thoroughbred broodmares transitioning into third careers. Broodmares in the pilot program competed alongside the traditional retiring racehorse entries, and were awarded their own pot of prize money. The inaugural class of trainers in this pilot program were enthusiastic about participation with their former broodmares, and industry-wide reception was widely positive.

“The Thoroughbred Makeover continues to play a vital role in aftercare in this country and represents a confluence of the RRP’s mission and core tenets,” said RRP executive director Kirsten Green. “Whether it’s expending service by offering a retirement outlet for broodmares, educating new owners by providing direct support throughout the transition and offering hands-on learning opportunities at the Makeover, or simply inspiring riders by proving there’s a Thoroughbred for everyone, the event’s influence on positive aftercare outcomes is undeniable.”

Before competition began on October 11, all horses underwent an Arrival Exam, sponsored by Keeneland with additional support from After the Finish Line and official veterinary partner Hagyard Equine Medical Institute. The Arrival Exam set a benchmark for the basic health of equine competitors at the Makeover, requiring competitors to show necessary health paperwork including vaccination records before veterinary teams recorded vital signs, looked horses over for blemishes and swellings, noted body condition, and assessed basic soundness at the walk to ensure horses could move about the Horse Park comfortably. This year’s Arrival Exam was led by RRP board member and

November, 2023

consulting veterinarian Dr. Shannon Reed, DACVS-LA of Texas A&M, with support from veterinarians from Hagyard and Boehringer Ingelheim. The Arrival Exam has also become a mentorship experience for vet students, facilitated by Dr. Reed to welcome 30 students selected from over 300 applicants to participate in the exam process.

Horses and their trainers could compete in one or two of ten riding disciplines offered at the Makeover, including barrel racing, competitive trail, dressage, dressage, eventing, field hunter, polo, ranch work, show hunter, show jumper, and freestlye (a free-form discipline in which trainers can demonstrate skills of their choosing). Preliminary competition took place over two days at various venues around the Horse Park, with rankings announced at Friday night’s Awards Party. Winners of each discipline, as well as the first place juniors, amateurs, teams and broodmares were honored, as well as special award winners, sponsored by individuals and organizations to support their own causes and initiatives.

The top five in each discipline qualified for the Finale championship: horses presented on Friday for a jog-up, with a panel of veterinarians ensuring that they were fit to compete. The Finale itself took place on Saturday, October 14 with all ten disciplines performing in the TCA Covered Arena for an in-person audience as well as a global live stream audience. Judges from all ten disciplines ranked discipline champions to select the overall Thoroughbred Makeover Champion, sponsored by Churchill Downs.

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That honor went to Knockemdown (American Pharoah – Ancient Goddess [FR], by Iffraaj [GB]), trained for dressage by Alison O’Dwyer. A text-in vote determined the People’s Choice Award, sponsored by Achieve Equine; the 2023 People’s Choice winner was multiple graded stakes winner Arklow (Arch – Unbridled Empire, by Empire Maker), trained for field hunter by Gina Gans.

The ASPCA Makeover Marketplace and ASPCA Right Horse Adoption Barn welcomed horse shoppers and adopters all week long; the RRP marketed the event as a horse shopping opportunity for both buyers and adopters to watch horses perform, take trial rides on property, and easily vet horses with veterinarians from Hagyard on call for pre-purchase exams. The Marketplace was reserved for Makeover graduates competing that week, while the Adoption Barn was for all Right Horse partner organizations with adoptable Thoroughbreds available from any life stage. With these combined efforts, the Thoroughbred Makeover remains a horse shopping or adoption destination for individuals seeking Thoroughbreds as their next partner for recreation or sport.

Educational opportunities continued to be a key draw to the Makeover as well: a revamped seminar series designed to be interactive and hands-on welcomed participating Makeover trainers as well as spectators to learn more about a variety of topics.

Wednesday’s seminar, Neurological Exam Demo & Discussion, was sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim and featured Dr. Sar-

Mia Bagnato showing Red Eagle in Show Jumping. Photo by Rachel Milewski

ah Reuss of Boehringer Ingelheim and Dr. Steve Reed of Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital. Thursday’s seminar, Body Condition Hands-On Demo, was sponsored by Rood & Riddle and featured Dr. David Alexander, also of Rood & Riddle.

Formal event dates for 2024 as well as the release of the 2024 rule book will be announced later this fall at TheRRP.org.

16 | Mid-South Horse Review

People & Horses Focus: The Thoroughbred Megan and Hub Corbett, RRP Thoroughbred Makeover Competitors Makeover, a yearly competition that is open to trainers with Jockey Club-registered retired racehorses that have not had more than 15 retraining rides prior to the application period. Boasting divisions for professionals, juniors, and teams, in 10 different disciplines, the competition’s goal is to highlight the versatility of off-the-track horses. This English and Western duo decided to pursue the Competitive Trail competition for their first time competing in the Thoroughbred Makeover, which was held October 11-14, at the Kentucky Horse Park, in Lexington, Kentucky. Together they share more about their journey with the Q&A below.

Hub competing Mamba in Competitive Trail at RRP. Photo by Briana Banachoski

By Grace Netter Megan and Hub Corbett tackled this year’s 2023 Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover not only as a

team, but also as spouses. Based at their own Hillside Haven Farm in Upton, Kentucky, they share a passion for off-the-track Thoroughbreds and their transition into second careers. There was no better place to exhibit this than the RRP Thoroughbred

How did you two meet, and what are your equestrian backgrounds?

Megan: We met training horses while at a riding stable where I was teaching lessons.

I am a Three-Day Event rider who buys and sells thoroughbreds off the track, and I also compete Thoroughbreds myself, as well.

We both do this to take care of our personal farm, so that we can continue doing what we love there.

Hub: I’m a lifelong horseman who is a horse-starter turned professional truck driver, currently driving a fuel truck for Thornton.

November, 2023

Can you tell us a bit more about your RRP Thoroughbred? What is her name, and how did you acquire her?

Megan: We decided to keep her race name, which was Mambacita, or “Mamba.”

She was named after the late Kobe Bryant’s daughter, Gianna. I had bought her through a friend of a friend who knew that she was coming off the track in Indiana after being trained by Tim Glyshaw. I actually sold her half-sister, so I was familiar with the bloodline. I then purchased her through the owner, Harlan Malter. She has baby pictures, a detailed history, and everything, which is a testament to the owner’s and trainer’s dedication to getting their horses into good homes post-career.

Why did you choose the Competitive Trail discipline, and how was the training process for the Retired Racehorse Project?

Hub: Mamba wouldn’t usually be the best candidate for Competitive Trail because she’s a firecracker. However, this was perfect to not put too much pressure on her with her future career in Eventing. Going straight into the Eventing or Show Jumping discipline would be too much of an ask for her

November, 2023

and would push her too far too soon. Knowing this, that is why we chose the direction we did. I believe that it is beneficial for all horses to know to put their feet where you want them to go, as you have to ask them specific feet for specific movements. This will help make an event horse that is more quiet and easy to get along with. We wanted to enter her in something we thought we’d get her to do and would be beneficial for her and help in the long run.

Megan: We actually thought about doing the Ranch Work discipline, but she was scared of cows. She was out for two months from being lame from pulling a glute muscle, so she had to be worked slowly. Due to Hub’s work schedule, I did most of the training, and we chose the team competition because of this.

What was your experience at the competition itself?

Megan: What’s fun about the Thoroughbred Makeover is that there are so many disciplines, and it was just so electric. Thoroughbreds’ work ethics are second to none.

They do seem wild, but you give them a job and they’re down to business. Once they know their job, they’ll do it. Even with that, it was a challenge to see what we could do in 10 months. I believe that, “to compete was to win” in this competition. There were people from all over the country here, and there were a lot of people who had a lot of money invested in this particular show. That’s what I love about the Retired Racehorse Project: the incentive and prize money to better the breed.

Hub: There were many people doing disciplines that they actually didn’t know how to do before the competition. Not in a negative way, but there were a lot of competitors that were there to have fun and learn new things. I will say that since we live so close, it was nice that we could just pack up and go home each day, instead of staying the whole weekend.

How did you score overall?

Megan: We ended up as the 3rd placed team and 29th overall. They split it up so that Hub and I each rode half of the obstacles. However, we were only scored through obstacles 1-7 and did not finish 8-10 as the timer ran out before Hub could get Mamba into the water. She was at 66/70 points, so if she had gone into the water we would have scored better, but that’s just where Mamba was at that point.

Hub: I knew that you were allowed to go around an obstacle if your horse didn’t like it, but I was thinking more like a trainer than a competitor, so I wanted her to address the water instead of worrying about the competition score.

What did you think about training and competing a horse as a team?

Megan: I enjoyed being on a team! Since he works in trucking now, it was cool to see Hub have all of his skills and give him a reason to go work with the horses instead of just doing farm work.

Hub: It goes without saying that no two

Mid-South Horse Review | 17

people train a horse exactly the same way, so it was interesting to have to train a horse as an item. The horse realizes this and it made her a bit more difficult to train consistently between two people. She is not a horse that I would say is game for competitive trail because she’s a live wire. During the competition, a judge noted that Mamba responded more to Megan because Megan was with her more and because she is a sensitive mare. I can see how this came up in the competition after having two people working with her. She would thrive as a one-rider horse, but we wouldn’t know this until we started working with her for this competition.

What are your plans for the future with her?

Megan: Right now she’s not for sale, and I plan to eventually event her. There is definitely more competitive trail in the future too as that is just less stressful.

Megan asks Hub: After working with Quarter Horses your entire life, how would you promote the Thoroughbred breed to those who haven’t ridden them, since the Retired Racehorse Project is about promoting the breed?

Hub: In general, if you’re trying to find a horse for yourself and find an off-the-track Thoroughbred that you get along with, don’t not choose it because it’s off the track. Each horse is an individual and can do all jobs.

You have to just go off the individual horse and not the stereotypes of the breed. The good thing is that most Thoroughbreds will stand for the farrier already and know how to load onto a trailer already. The cost evens out if you’d go buy a different breed and then have to train it to work with the farrier or trailer.

Megan and Hub are excited to continue representing the Thoroughbred breed in second careers, and are grateful to the RRP Thoroughbred Makeover for giving riders the opportunity to show off the breed. For more information on the Retired Racehorse Project, please visit www.therrp.org.

Megan and Mamba preparing for RRP.

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November, 2023

Young Riders Focus: The Thoroughbred

Mia Bagnato and Her Success at RRP with Red Eagle took place in October in Lexington, KY. Mia competed with Red Eagle, a 6-year-old Thoroughbred that came through her trainer, Stella Manship’s barn in Wellington last winter. Mia and Red Eagle competed in the Show Hunter and the Show Jumper divisions. She was the only Junior competitor among professional and amateur riders who placed in both divisions, 4th place in Show Hunters and 5th place in Show Jumpers.

In this Q&A we talk with Mia about her love for horses, competing, and her RRP experience.

Mia Competing Red at the RRP Thoroughbred Makeover. Photo By Kacy Brown

By Lauren Abbott Mia Bagnato is a 17- year- old Junior rider from Fishkill, New York. She was based out of Salem, NY for the summer and showed at Princeton, Upperville, Lake Placid, Old Salem Farm, and Michigan Horse

Shows throughout the year. During the winter months Mia heads south and shows in Wellington, FL. This past summer Mia won the national Grand Prix in Ottawa, ON and she jumped clear for 8th place in her first 2* Grand Prix there as well.

While managing a busy show season Mia was also preparing for the Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover that

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

How long have you been riding? How did you get into riding?

I have been riding my whole life. The first time I sat on a horse was when I was just a couple of months old. I think at that point my mom knew what she was getting herself into. She was already a trainer when she had me, and had a barn so I grew up with it.

What type of riding is your favorite?

AND what’s your favorite thing about riding?

My favorite type of riding is anything that involves jumping. I love it. My favorite thing about riding is being able to build a connection with my horses. I think it’s a very important thing to do.

Was this your first RRP? Why did you want to compete in this event?

This was my second RRP. Last year I showed at RRP with Stella Manship’s Flashy Shaq, who was second in the show jumping finale. At the time Stella had bought Flashy Shaq I honestly didn’t know about RRP. Once I did, I was very excited to compete at the event to take a part in promoting the aftercare of Thoroughbreds.

Tell us about your recent RRP experience with Red Eagle.

My RRP experience with Red Eagle was so much fun! He is an all around great horse and he made our time there very exciting.

Tell us more about your Red Eagle: age, how long have you owned him, what type of temperament and athletic ability?

Red is a 6-year-old Thoroughbred that had one start on the track. He came to Stella’s farm in Wellington last December. She saw one picture of him and said “Yup, that’s the one for this year.” He has a great temperament and is always trying his best. He’s the most athletic Thoroughbred I’ve ridden yet and he definitely has the potential to continue to move up in the sport.

November, 2023

Mid-South Horse Review | 19

Young Riders Sponsored By: What was your biggest challenge throughout your preparation for RRP? Preparing Red for RRP was pretty seamless. He is a very fast learner and starts right where you left off the next day. I’d say the hardest part was getting him good at picking up the left lead!

What surprised you most while training for RRP? The thing that surprised me the most while training for RRP was how willing Red was, and how quickly he learned.

Who taught you how to ride? Do you train with anyone? If so, where?

My mom, Susie Bagnato, taught me how to ride and I train with Stella Manship too at her barn in North Salem.

Who has influenced you and helped you get where you are?

My parents have been the biggest part of getting me where I am now. The early mornings, the time put in, driving me wherever I needed to be when I didn’t have my license yet, etc. And with the help of Jordan Coyle and Stella Manship, I have been able to move up a lot in the last three years.

Where do you hope to be in five years?

Do you have any short term goals/aspirations? Do you plan to attend future RRP events?

In five years I hope to be jumping some bigger FEI classes. A short term goal I have is to just stay consistent and have good results. I also definitely plan on coming back to RRP! What other hobbies do you have besides riding? What do you like to do that doesn’t involve horses?

To be honest, I am always in the barn.

I don’t really have time to do much else, but when I do I enjoy hanging out with my friends.

What are important experiences or life lessons you’ve learned along the way?

An important life lesson I’ve learned is to just keep at it. Whatever you’re doing might be hard but you have to keep going if you want a good result in the end.

What are you most thankful for?

I’m most thankful for the opportunities I’ve had so far at Elan Farm with Stella Manship, and also for my parents/family supporting me along the way in the sport.

What would you like other equestrians to know about Thoroughbreds as competition/ sport horses?

Thoroughbreds are just as capable as Warmbloods are to jump the bigger classes.

You just have to find the right one and put it in a good training program.

Mia Competing Red at the RRP Thoroughbred Makeover. Photo By Kacy Brown

20 | Mid-South Horse Review

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

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

Numerous amenities include large stalls with windows, stall fans, heated waterers, turnout pastures, lighted outdoor arena or inside barn riding, crosstie area with hot/ cold wash rack, fly spray system, Bermuda hay grown and baled onsite. Gated facility with owners and farm manager living on property. Call Sammy 901-8333075.

Hillside Stables – Bill and PK Theobald have been professionally caring for horses for 23+ years. Spend time with your horse while full board covers all the daily chores. Horses fed 2x daily, stalls cleaned daily, same sex turn out. $450 per month. Happy, healthy horses – friendly, knowledgeable people.

Covered arena, round pen, lighted outdoor riding area and wooded trails!

Check us out on Facebook, website www.HillsideStables.wordpress.com or call 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 901331-3500

HAY & FEED

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

SADDLE REPAIR SADDLE & TACK REPAIR: Van’s Leather Craft. Custom gun holsters, belts, knife sheaths, photo albums etc. For sale: Used & new saddles and horse health products.

Off Hwy. 309, 1909 Bubba Taylor Rd., Byhalia, MS. (662) 838-6269.

Classifieds Work!

Place yours

4x5 Hay Rolls for sale:

Composted top quality mixed grass.

Text or call Suzy 901-497-1131 Nice friendly barn located in Cordova/ Memphis, TN. Located 15 minutes from Germantown, Bartlett, East Memphis and Shelby Farms.

Owners are on site. Retired or Aged horse’s welcome!

High dry barn, trails, and small arena. Call Rob (901) 359-3341

901-497-0630

today.

Email: Andrea@ MSHorse Review.com

November, 2023

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Mid-South Horse Review | 21

Marketplace Business Cards 60 Front St., Suite 3 Rossville, TN 38066

MICHAEL BRYAN

901.401.2208 Office Michael@BryanRG.com BryanRG.com

BRokER/owNER 901.849.5185 CELL

p Hay Far p a Bermuda Hay m

T

Bermuda Hay Round & Square Bales winter storage available

Mic hael Anderson

901-277-4198

©MSHR

Leigh Ann Carkeet Specializing in

Equestrian Properties ©MSHR

901-550-8892

leighanncarkeet@gmail.com

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

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

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

RALEIGH FEED STORE

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

We carry

dog food

© MSHR

BOLIVAR, TN 38008

14840 HWY. 18 SOUTH

731-658-3931

HOURS: M-F: 7:00AM - 4PM

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

Phone: 662•893•2546

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

AKIN EQUINE VETERINARY SERVICES

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

©MSHR

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

THE ORIGINAL EQUINE PROTECTAVEST BLAZE ORANGE HORSEWEAR

FOR HUNTING SEASON AND RIDING SAFETY & VISIBILITY WWW.PROTECTAVEST.COM

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

22 | Mid-South Horse Review

November, 2023

November Calendar of Events AGRICENTER SHOWPLACE ARENA

(901) 757-7777 ext.7106 http://www.agricenter.org/events/ Nov. 3-5: Volunteer Ranch Horse Association Nov. 11-12: JX2 Team Roping Nov. 16-19: Charmayne James Barrel Clinic Dec. 1-3: Lucky Dog Barrel Race

GERMANTOWN CHARITY HORSE SHOW GROUNDS

www.gchs.org (901) 754-0009 Nov. 3-5: WTHJA Schooling Show Nov.9-12: WTHJA Havest Time Nov. 16-19: WTHJA Memphis Charity Dec. 1-3: ExEL Show MISSISSIPPI HORSE PARK

Starkville, MS (662)325-0508; (662)3259350 https://mshorsepark.com/events Nov. 9: MSU BSU Barn Party ROANE STATE EXPO CENTER

Roane State Community College, Harriman, TN http://www.roanestate. edu/?6497-Events-Calendar Nov. 10-12: Southeast Ranch Horse Show Nov. 14: Open Ride Nov. 18: NBHA Nov. 21: Open Ride Nov. 30-Dec 3: TQHA Hillbilly Classic

TENNESSEE MILLER LIVESTOCK CENTER MTSU

Murfreesboro, TN www.mtsu.edu/tlc Nov.7-9 MTSU Block & Bridle Nov. 18-19: Stones River Pony Club

TENNESSEE MILLER COLISEUM MTSU

Murfreesboro, TN www.mtsu.edu/tmc Nov. 2: National Academy Championship Finals Nov. 10: MTSU YEDA Show Nov. 14: TN State FFA Horse Judging Contest Nov. 15-19: Stock Horse Region II Championship Show TRI-STATE EXHIBITION CENTER

Cleveland, TN 423-476-9310 www.tristateexhibitioncenter.org Nov. 4: TN High School Rodeo Nov.11: Reining Horse Show Nov. 18: Scenic Flight Dressage UT MARTIN AG PAVILION & EQUESTRIAN

utmsports.com/sports/equestrian/schedule/2022-23 (731)881-7221 Nov. 18: UTM VS South Dakota State NATIONAL INTERCOLLEGIATE RODEO ASSOCIATION

http://www.collegerodeo.com Nov. 2-4: Southern Arkansas University Nov. 16-18: Murray State University TENNESSEE HS RODEO ASSOCIATION

(731) 658-5867 http://tnhsra.com

Nov 4-5 - Cleveland, TN (with TN Jr High Division) Nov 9-12 - SouthEast Showdown - Perry, GA (NOT a points rodeo) LITTLE BRITCHES RODEO

APPALOOSA SHOWS

RANCH HORSE

https://www.appaloosa.com/showcalendar Nov. 17: SPOTTED RUMP JUMP - Grubville, MO

www.american ranch horse.net, www. volrha.com Nov. 3-5: Volunteer Ranch Horse Association

www.nlbra.com, www.mslbra.org/schedule https://www.mslbra.org/entry Nov. 11: WESTERN KY LBR - MURRAY, KY Nov. 11: MSLBRA - BRANDON, MS Nov. 18: MISSISSIPPI LBR - BRANDON, MS Nov. 18: MISSISSIPPI LBR - BRANDON, MS Dec. 2: MISSISSIPPI LBR - BRANDON, MS

http://www.nbha.com; https://ibra.us/ shows/US-TN-WEST Memphis Area Nov. 11-12: JX2 Team Roping- Agricenter Memphis Nov. 16-19: Charmayne James Barrel Clinic- Agricenter Memphis Dec. 1-3: Lucky Dog Barrel Race- Agricenter Memphis

US PONY CLUB

DRESSAGE

https://www.ponyclub.org/Calendars/ Events.aspx https://midsouth.ponyclub.org/calendar/ https://deepsouth.ponyclub.org/ https://middletennessee.ponyclub.org/calendar/ Nov. 17: DSR Hosted National Testing Nov. 18: MTPC Hunt Tea

www.mid south dressage academy.org, www.TNDressage.com, www.tvdcta.org, kentuckydressageassociation.com, https:// sites.google.com/view/greystonedressage/ home, https://www.flightlinedressageshows.com Nov. 5: Candy Crush Schooling Show (Mid-South Dressage Academy) Nov. 18: Turkey Trot (Mid-South Dressage Academy) Nov. 18: Scenic Flight Dressage( TRISTATE EXHIBITION CENTER)

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 West Special Trails. Sunday 10:30 am.

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

by Open Arena at Circle C Arena next door behind Calvary Church. Visit HoustonLeveeCowboyChurch.com or call 901-3553204 for more information.

HORSE SALES/ADOPTIONS

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

Info: A.J. Ellis 662-401-9760; 662-2662808 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: Carthage, MS. Farmers Livestock Marketing.

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

BARREL RACING

EVENTING

http://useventing.com; www.river-glen.com Nov. 10-12: Fall Horse Trials- River Glen FIELD TRIALS

https://americanfield.com/calendar Nov. 6: Dixie Open Shooting Dog Classic, Union Springs, AL Nov. 13: Conecuh Station Field Trial Club, Union Springs, AL Nov. 16: Dixie Classics Field Trial Club, Greensboro, AL Nov. 18: Conecuh Station Open Shooting Dog Classic, Union Springs, AL Nov. 24- 26: Georgia-Bama Classic- Hatchechubbee, AL Nov 27: Gulf Coast Open Shooting Dog Championship- Hatchechubbee, AL Nov. 30: Bama Quail Classic- Tuskegee, AL HUNTER/ JUMPERS

http://wthja.com, www.brownlandfarm. com, www.mthja.com, www.ethja.org www.gulfcoastclassiccompany.com Nov. 3-5: WTHJA Schooling Show Nov.9-12: WTHJA Havest Time Nov. 16-19: WTHJA Memphis Charity Dec. 1-3: ExEL Show QUARTER HORSE SHOWS

www.mqha.org, www.wtqha.org, www. midsouth quarter horse.com, facebook Mid-South Breeders Nov. 11-12: Alabama Heart of Dixie Show

ROPING

www.ustrc.com, www.jx2events.com Nov. 24-26: USTRC Four States Winter Classic- Texarkana, AR SADDLE CLUB

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

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

www.americanstockhorse.org, https://www. mtsustockhorse.org/events.html; www. tnsha.org Nov. 3-4: REGION 3 CHAMPIONSHIP CLINIC & SHOW-Springfield, MO Nov. 17-19: TNSHA, Murfreesboro, TN TEAM PENNING & RANCH SORTING

www.ustpa.com, www.rsnc.us Gould Arena. Ranch Sorting. Info: 901651-1145 Nov. 3-4 James K Taylor Memorial Arena – Huron, TN

Submit your Upcoming Events to info@mshorse review.com or call: 901867-1755

November, 2023

Mid-South Horse Review | 23

W A R HO R S ES FO R H E RO E S INVITES YOU TO JOIN US AT OUR ANNUAL

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ADVANCE TICKETS: $20 DOOR TICKETS: $25 CHILD TICKETS: $13 VIP PACKAGE: $50

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24 | Mid-South Horse Review

November, 2023