Horse & Academy • April 2012

Comprehensive Resource for Young Riders

April 2012

Magazine

Inside: Understanding Event Judging Be a Good Sport

plus lots more!

Photo by Dave & Andy

With nearly 900 consignors and counting, we have what you need for your World Champion, Academy or grass roots rider.

Heather Marchiafava • 859-552-5983 • hmarchia@aol.com • www.shopcommotion.com

April 2012

contents special features Nadia’s Story

4

Be a Good Sport

5

Horse Haikus

7

Interview with a Horse Show Photographer

9

Understanding Event Judging

10

When to Start Horseback Riding Lessons

14

Meet Our Editorial Board

16

Fun Facts

17

What’s Up at Starlight?

18

What Kind of Girl Are You?

24

monthly features Waiting for My Hay

6

Breed of the Month: Morgan Horse, Go Figure!

11

Breed of the Month Pull-Out Calendar 12-13

To many, the words love, hope, and dreams are synonymous with horses. ~ Oliver Wendell Holmes April 2012

Calendar of Events

15

Ask the Instructor

20

Book Club

21

It’s All Fun & Games

22

Craft Class

23

Parting Shot

25

Advertisers Index

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Magazine

Kansas City’s Newest Voice for the Horse Riding Industry

Publisher Access Publishing Group Senior Editor Nancy Norton Managing Editor Julie Kidrowski Multimedia Developer Nicholas Liddeke Web Maestros Chet Davis Megan Ruth Print Design & Production Deanna O’Byrne Editorial Advisors Emma, Emma, Ezri, Hallie, Lauren, Macie, Madison, Mary, Noah, Ryenn, Sammie, Sarah Advertising sales@horseandacademy.com Online www.horseandacademy.com Facebook Horse & Academy Magazine Twitter @HorseAndAcademy Horse & Academy Magazine 2001 Grand Boulevard #501 Kansas City, Missouri 64108 p: 816.423.8888 f: 816.842.1219 Horse & Academy Magazine is published every month by Access Publishing Group, 2001 Grand Boulevard, Suite 501, Kansas City, Missouri 64108, 816.471.1577. Horse & Academy Magazine is distributed free of charge in the greater Kansas City metto area with additional distribution sites in select cities of Kansas and Missouri. If interested in distributing Horse & Academy Magazine at your place of business, please contact Publisher at address above.

Submissions of news, tips, stories, artwork and other relevant material are welcomed. We will not be able to return unsolicited material.

Horse & Academy Magazine reserves the right to accept, reject or edit any submitted material. Submissions may be made online to info@ horseandacademy.com or mailed to: Horse & Academy Magazine, 2001 Grand Blvd, Suite 501, Kansas City, MO 64108.

Copyright © Horse & Academy Magazine 2012 Magazine and its contents may not be sold or reproduced in any form whatsoever without the expressed legal consent of the copyright owner.

FOR SUBSCRIPTION QUESTIONS, including renewals, address changes, email preferences, billing and account status, email subscriptions@ horseandaccademy.com or write to Horse & Academy Magazine, 2001 Grand Blvd, Suite 501, Kansas City, MO 64108.

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Nadia’s Story

by Tania Rowe, Contributor

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One family learns how the benefits of animal therapy extend far beyond the actual lessons.

eing an equestrian has some great advantages. It will help to increase your discipline and your happiness, plus it’s just a lot of fun. And, if you like fashion, the riding attire is really cute!

When it comes to kids, parents have always liked riding lessons because they teach responsibility, dedication, and compassion.

But for our family, being around horses gave us some unexpected additional gifts.

Our eldest child, Nadia, was diagnosed at four with Asperger’s Syndrome, a form of autism that is characterized by poor communication and social skills. Nadia was transformed within minutes of her first meeting with a horse! She was alert and happy and completely comfortable around horses from the beginning.

When she was five we enrolled her in private lessons, and she took to horse back riding like a goldfish swimming in water. The advantages of her lessons stayed with her even after she left the stables after each lesson, and Nadia became able to keep and hold onto a new level of calmness in her everyday

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life. She was able to set and achieve goals, listen to and follow directions, and for the first time gained the ability to feel for others and express emotion, all through working with and caring for horses.

NaJulie, dia’s instructor, patiently worked with our daughter for years, building a strong bond with her. Nadia as well as her Dad and I looked forward to those lessons every week. Our Nadia daughter started reading anything she could get her hands on that had to do with horses. A devotion to horses and riding was born that has lasted to this day. And she does looks awfully cute in her riding attire!

Riding lessons have changed Nadia’s world. There are many other children who could benefit from the companionship offered by a horse and the attention of a trainer knowledgeable in animal therapy. Maybe you know someone whose life would be changed from contact with horses and with the help of a good trainer. Ask them to go to the stables with you sometime – you might just make a difference in their life. n

S P O R T S M A N S H I P

Be A Good Sport

by Nancy Norton, Editor

It really isn’t whether you win or lose, but how you play the game!

W

hether you are playing hangman or competing in a National show, you’ve heard it a million times: be a good sport. So how does a “Good Sport” behave?

Most good sports tend to share these general characteristics: • They treat their teammates, their competitors and themselves with respect.

• They listen to the coaches and sport officials.

• They show up to practices and competitions on time.

• They follow the rules.

• They play fair.

• They support their teammates.

• They play their best without showing off.

• They don’t pout when they lose.

• They say “good game” whether they win or lose.

• They are the girls that everyone enjoys playing — with or against.

Does this sound like you? Or are you the one who has a tough time if you lose? While everyone wants to win, it is possible to learn how to lose like a champion. It may be tough at first, but like anything you will get better with practice.

The first thing to do is stop and give yourself a minute to accept the outcome. You will then be ready to congratulate your opponents with good grace, whether the loss was fair and square or Stock Photo

not. Sometimes life won’t be fair!

What happens if you are playing a game of tennis with some friends, and there is a disagreement about a play?

If it’s a close call, you are being a good sport if you vote to let the other side get the call. The next time there is a close call the others playing may follow your lead, and your side may get the point. Even if they don’t, it just feels good to have a reputation as a fair player. In the long run, everyone will have more fun in a game where there is a give and take.

Just as you will always work on your athletic or academic skills, you should always keep working on being a good sport. Being a good sport is like playing the piano or riding a horse; if you don’t practice it all the time, it will be harder to do it well when when you really need to. So be a good sport every time you play hangman, and you will be ready for anything the Nationals can bring. n

How Can You Spot A Good Sport ?

A GOOD SPORT...

DOES NOT: Gloat DOES: Say “good game” DOES NOT: Show off DOES: Act respectfully DOES NOT: Cheat DOES: Play fair DOES NOT: Blame others DOES: Take responsibility

April 2012

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S T R A I G H T

F R O M

T H E

H O R S E ’ S

M O U T H

Waiting for My Hay...

by Christy Chajon, Contributor

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Goldie gives riders a lesson in the importance of correct diagonals.

ince this is my first column, perhaps I should spend a few minutes introducing myself. I’ll tell you who I am, since some of you may see me trotting around the ring on a regular basis.

The Riding Instructor calls me Heart of Gold, but you can call me Goldie.

I’m here to give you some exclusive insider information.

Surprisingly, not many people take the time to talk to me, even though I am clearly the most well-informed expert in the place. I want to help you join in conversations with your Riding Instructor and Trainer. If you read this, you’ll be an expert in no time. You will see I have written some words in bold. No, my hooves did not get in the way of my typing. These bold words are to help you understand horse people when they talk and hopefully help you add your two cents.

I’ve got time to help you.

Stick with me and we’ll go far. Plus, I’m waiting for the hay wagon, so I’ve got a few minutes to kill…

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Photo: Karen Robertson

DIAGONALS

Believe me when I tell you I have heard this word more than any other in my career as a lesson horse. By the time most riders realize that diagonals are a win-orlose situation, it’s too late to ask what, exactly, a correct diagonal is. Let me begin by stressing that diagonals are of the utmost importance. It is one of the first thing English riders learn, so by the time they go to a show, they should have diagonals down.

Now, what on earth is a diagonal? Well, when I am walking, riders just sit. But

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when the Riding Instructor says to trot, I pick up the pace and you riders start to go up and down. This is called posting. Posting is crucial in English riding because most English horses are quite bouncy when they trot. You have two choices: post or bounce all over the place. Kind of a no-brainer. Western riders don’t have to worry about such things because those horses are slow and not nearly as bouncy as we English horses are.

When I walk, each leg moves individually and at a pretty slow pace. Even if

I get a bit too excited and start to prance, I don’t get too bouncy until I move into a full-fledged trot.

Remember what happens when I start to trot? You start to post because I make it too bouncy to sit. The reason I get bouncier is not just increased speed, but mainly because instead of moving each leg separately, I move two at a time. I move my left front leg simultaneously with my right back leg, and then switch. And switch. And… Okay, I think you have the idea.

Diagonals are used to help me balance when I go around the corner. Sure, I’m huge, and riders can be quite small, so it may seem as if it shouldn’t matter how you post, but it does! It shows the judges that you are knowledgeable enough to be on the correct diagonal.

Posting on the wrong diagonal is still posting, but it is wrong!

Okay, so I vented a bit about the wrong diagonal. How can you tell if you are on the correct diagonal or not? This is where it gets a bit tricky. continued, see ‘hay wagon,’ page 17

Horse Haikus Oratory class You’ll get an A, Mr. Ed A horse for a course

— John S. Black

Trouble When the Highwayman Comes Riding, Riding, Riding I’ll hide in the barn.

Show Time Sanding hoofs, bathing.

Show sheen, gloss, cowboy magic.

Ready for the ring

Phil Loves you, forgiving, BIG BAY, loves to eat hay, yay, Always wants some treats

— Sarah

I love ponies Unbeatable love, Let them show you how it’s done Willing not to quit

— Bess’s Sister

— Noah

Lovely Whiskers in my hand Soft horse breath against my neck Here in my day dream

— Claire Mission

— Noah

Ears up and head back Looking out the open door Two sugar lumps please

Lucky Girl Blessed with three horses And two great parents, that love.

Riding is my dream.

— Sarah

As One Minds working alike Beauty is in the making Horse and I as one

— Francine Taylor

— Maggie Marshall

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Magazine

Articles Photography Poems Artwork Jokes

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To share your idea with us, write to us at info@horseandacademy.com

Have a General Horse Write to us at Related Question? julie@horseandacademy.com April 2012

Hunters • Jumpers • Equitation • Lessons and Training Lauren Arredondo

785.330.3526 www.hilltoppers ridingacademy.com

l HO R S E ANDACADE MY.COM 7

Magazine

The Comprehensive Resource for Young Riders and Horse Lovers

Magazine ng Riders

urce for You

ve Reso Comprehensi

April 2012

Subscribe TODAY! 12 Fun Issues for only $15.00 Visit us at

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Inside: g Understandin ging Jud nt Eve rt Spo d Goo a Be plus lots more!

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I N D U S T R Y

I N S I D E R

An Interview With a Horse Show Photographer

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by Christy Chajon, Contributor

An area horse show photographer shares what she has learned working at the local shows.

aura Elcock has been a professional horse show photographer in the Kansas City area since 2005. She is a life-long horse lover and has been riding horses since she was five.

How did you get started as a professional horse show photographer?

When I started going to horse shows, I made friends with Maggie VanMeter. Maggie was the photographer for the local shows, and she offered to give me advice and help me get started. She is a very talented photographer and a great friend.

equestrian studies

great, because you can take a picture and then look at it right away to see if it is a good one or not.

Do you have some tips on how to take a good picture?

When I first started, I would count in time with the horse’s front legs: one, two, one, two. Once you get the beat down you know when to take the picture. You want the horse to have one leg straight on the ground and the other one at the height of its motion.

Fulton, Missouri

What is your favorite thing about being a photographer? william woods university  First university in the United Statescapturing to offer a four-year What advice would you give someone the bond beI love Equestrian Science degree who wants to be a professional horse tween the person and the horse.

Laura Elcock in action. Photo provided.  Equestrian Science & Equine Administration majors with equine show photographer?

It is great to catch the joy of the journalism, legal studies, art, pre-vet and a therapeutic focus Practice! Go out to the barn and What kind of equipment does some- horse and rider in the ring. You  Offers Equestrian Studies degree take pictures. It takes lots of prac- one need to start taking pictures of General can see that the horse loves what it  Applied instruction in is dressage, tice to get the timing down. Just horses? doing. I am keeping a history of hunter/jumper, saddle seat get a camera and start shooting, so At first, all you really need is a those memories. n and western you can figure out what you like. basic camera. Digital cameras are  Active exhibitor in open USEF, AQHA and USDF-recognized events

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P E R S O N A L

B E S T

Understanding Event Judging

by Annalisa Hall, Contributor

Your goal for each ride should be achieving your personal best.

J

udging has you could still win the Remember this – you up, you will succeed. many components. It blue ribbon with your can’t judge your success And yes, it is perfectly can be hard for kids and 4.0. This is one of the by the color of the ribbon. fine to be disappointed, their parents to figure out hardest things to wrap You can have a great ride and perfectly fine to cry. how these components your head around - that and be last or a poor ride Then we’d like to see you come together when rib- a blue ribbon does not and still win. In the long come back, determined bons are awarded to keep improvat a horse show. ing and fighting!

It would seem The next that if you had a challenge you’ll really good ride, have is when you you would get a finally win that really good ribfirst blue ribbon bon, and if you and you think had a poor ride, you’ve “arrived,” you would get and that you’ll a low ribbon or always win from even no ribbon. that point on. But But the thing is, the competition is it’s not just about also working hard how you perto improve, and form, it’s also there are always about your comnewcomers workpetition’s perforPhoto: Karen Robertson ing hard, nipping mance. You could at the heels of the have a fabulous champions. Every You can’t judge your success by the color of the ribbon. ride, say a 9.5 on competitor has to a scale of 10, but learn not to rest others in the class have always mean you rode term, you will experi- on past successes, but to a 9.7, 9.8, or 9.9. So you well, and a low ribbon ence both. keep on training hard.

Experience makes a For sustained success, can be really good, but does NOT automatically BIG difference. But in you have to love what they can still be better. mean you rode poorly.

Other times, you may I teach kids that their order to gain show ring you are doing and enhave a poor ride, like goal each time they show experience, you just have joy the practices and the maybe a 4.0 on a scale is a PERSONAL BEST, to keep on going out process as much as the of 10. But it is possible as you can only control there and trying. It may successes. So work hard, that the other riders have your own performance, seem like it takes forev- and good luck! n even poorer rides, and and not how others ride. er, but if you don’t give 10

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B R E E D

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M O N T H

Morgan Horse, Go Figure!

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Meet Figure, the Founding Father of the Morgan Breed.

he Morgan horse traces its hooves back to 1788, when Justin Morgan came to Randolph, Vermont. Within a few years he owned a foal he named Figure. Little did he know, Figure would be the founding father of the Morgan breed.

There is some debate on who was Figure’s sire, but many agree that he was the son of True Briton and a mare from Wildair. As Figure grew from foal to stud he developed a compact muscular body, with distinct fluidity when he moved. The villages and towns of Vermont and New England talked of his beauty and strength.

When Justin Morgan died, Figure was sold to successive owners, and spent the remainder of his life working on farms and hauling equipment.

Although Figure died in 1821 after a kick from another horse went untreated, by then he had sired many colts and fillies, guaranteeing his line would continue.

by Jackie Emory, Staff Writer

The Morgan Horse reputation didn’t die with Figure, either. In fact, Morgans were the horse of choice during the Civil War. Because of their loyalty, brute strength and ability to march for days, the Morgan Horse became a standard for the cavalry soldiers.

T h e American Morgan Horse Association shares sevPhoto: by Dave & Andy eral letters from soldiers about their beloved Morgans. One reads: “The other day, a very fine horse being offered at the Inspection Ground, I bought him…”

It continues: “He is of the Morgan breed, proud and high spirited, yet fearless…In fact, he is a prince among horses, and I doubt not that I shall be envied my treasure when I rejoin my regiment… continued, see ‘morgan horse,’ page 26 April 2012

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April 2012

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[-- Iowa Arabian Horse Association Spring Show Des Moines, IA

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816.423.8888

www.horseandacademy.com

WWW. BOYS GROW .COM

[------------------------------------------ Des Moines Springfest -------------Des Moines, IA

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Friday

[------------------------- Bridlespur MHSA Kickoff -------------------------] Lake St. Louis, MO [-------------------------------- Oklahoma Centennial Horse Show ---------Oklahoma City, OK [---- All Seasons Jumper Show, Cleveland, MO--

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A R E

Y O U

R E A D Y ?

When To Start Horseback Riding Lessons

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by Nancy Norton, Editor

Do you have the mental and physical strength it takes?

irls dream about ponies and horses, but at what age are they physically and mentally ready for riding lessons? This is a question instructors get asked all the time, and while there is no magic age to start lessons, there are some basic guidelines to follow in determining whether you are ready for instruction.

Young kids may be passionate about horses, but that is not enough of a reason to start lessons. It takes a lot of strength and coordination to manage a horse. You will also need enough emotional development to be able to sit and listen to your trainer and follow directions. You and your parents will be the best judge of whether you have both the temperament and the physical stamina required for riding lessons.

Generally, kids younger than six will not have the attention span or the coordination required of riding lessons. Many reputable barns will not even begin lessons with children younger, because of the safety issues that can develop.

Even the gentlest horse can have an off day. It is a parent or an instructor’s re14

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sponsibility to make sure you are able to focus on your horse’s movements and actions as you tack up.

Will you also be able to take care of your horse? There is a lot of responsibility involved in riding!

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When it comes to emotional readiness, you have to consider the extensive technical requirements of horseback riding. You will be getting a lot of directions from the trainer, as well as constant evaluations and commentary on your progress It takes a lot of strength and and technique. It can be rough coordination to manage a horse. to have someone always making comments on your efforts! Can you continue to pay attention to instructions from your trainer when you are feeling frustrated and tired? You always need to be listening and following directions from your trainer.

Then, if a tricky situation develops, you will be ready and able to respond quickly and responsibly for your saddle safety.

If you truly believe you have both the physical strength and the emotional stamina to handle yourself around a horse and in lessons, then see what your parents think about your ambition to take horseback riding lessons. Don’t forget that it is a privilege and not a right to take lessons; there may be reasons other than your abilities that cause your parents to vote Stock Photo against lessons. n

Calendar April

12-14 12-15 14-15 21-22 26-19

May

4-6 9-12 10-13 18-20 24-27 26-28

Bridlespur MHSA Kickoff Lake St. Louis, MO Oklahoma Centennial Horse Show Oklahoma City, OK All Seasons Jumper Show Cleveland, MO

Come Join the Fun! Riding Lessons Horse Camps • Showing • •

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Iowa Arabian Horse Association Spring Show, Des Moines, IA

Quality Saddleseat, Hunt and Western Apparel available at all times.

Des Moines Springfest Des Moines, IA

MidwestSaddleseatConsignment.com mscapparel@aol.com Jen Nelson 612.598.2427 Kristen Dull 319.981.5406

Red River Classic Ardmore, OK

2011American American Royal 2012 Royal Spring Fling Joint Show KCPHA, KHJA & GPHA, Cleveland, MO UPHA Chapter V Horse Show Kansas City, MO FASH St. Paul, MN Great River Benefit Horse Show Cedar Rapids, IA

Livestock, Horse Horse Show Livestock, Show&&Rodeo Rodeo

Summer KALF Program (Kids Activity Learning Festival)

Youth Summer Camp Spring and Summer Horse Shows Fall Season starts September 8

Visit our website:

www.americanroyal.com

Madison Classic Madison, WI IA-AHA Annual Memorial Day Show Des Moines, IA

The American Royal is a 501 (c)(3) organization contributing over $1.4 million annually to support youth and education.

for June Calendar of Events, see page 26 April 2012

l HO R S E ANDACADE M Y.COM 15

H O R S E

&

A C A D E M Y

Meet Our Editorial Board

by Nancy Norton, Editor

Horse & Academy Magazine has an Editorial Advisory Board to help us, and we want you to meet them! We asked them for responses to some really random questions — see what they had to say!

Lauren I want to be either an author or a journalist and live in LA.

Ryenn My most proud accomplishment so far has been winning a Reserve World Title, 2008.

Ezri One of my favorite words right now is “brouhaha”. It means chaos, and it is so appropriate and underused.

And I just love the way it sounds!

Hallie When I am grow up, what I will miss most about being a kid is being able to fit into small places.

Madison I wish I could spend more time in school on art, because it gives me a chance to express myself.

Mary If I could, I would spend all my free time riding my horse.

Sarah One of my best memories is of watching a good friend win World Championship.

Emma If I could be any character in fiction I would want to be Rapunzul in Tangled – I just loved what she did with her hair!

Noah If I could be any food, I would want to be a Snickers bar, because I am sweet on the outside and crunchy on the inside.

Emma I make a sound that is just like the roar a lion makes.

Macie If I could trade places with anybody else it would be the racehorse Secretariat.

Sammie I am so afraid of snakes — it’s the way they can sneak up and bite you.

What is your favorite activity? ALL: Riding my horse!

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‘hay wagon,’ continued from page 6 It is hard to see at first, so practice a lot. Once you get it, though, you will know it for the rest of your life, so it is worth the effort. Watch my shoulder blade go up and down while I trot.

When my rail-side shoulder blade is down, you should be sitting down in

the saddle. When my railside shoulder is up, you should be up in the stirrups.

If you are on the wrong diagonal, sit one bounce and then start to post again, which would put you back on the correct diagonal.

One word of warning: don’t say “right” diagonal

when you mean “correct” diagonal. There is a huge difference between the two, so don’t mix and match.

It confuses everybody, even me.

Well, I’d better wrap this up. I hear the hay wagon. n

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v Became a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF in 1988.

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v A US Postal Services Commemorative Stamp was issued with a painting of her on it in 2003.

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Audrey’s Quotable Quotes: Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible’!

I believe in pink… I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls.

I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles.

As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.

— Audrey Hepburn

April 2012

Specailizing in: Hunters, Jumpers, Equitation All Ages Welcome Good School Horses and Indoor Arena

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l HO R S E ANDACADE M Y.COM 17

Broadway 2012 Season In The Heights The Addams Family

June 5-10 July 3-8

Memphis

July 10-15

Peter Pan

July 24-29

Aida La Cage Aux Folles

Aug. 3-12

A B O U T

T O W N

What’s Up at Starlight

by Nancy Norton, Editor

There is more going on at Starlight than ever before. If it’s been a while since you’ve been, it’s time for another visit.

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Aug. 28 - Sept 12

For ticket information visit www.kcstarlight.com or call 816.363.STAR (7827).

Starlight Theatre Academy Need information about Starlight Theatre summer classes and camps? Email education@kcstarlight.com or call 816.997.1134.

f you have lived around Kansas City all your life or just moved here, chances are you know about Starlight Theatre. Starlight has been operating as an outdoor theatre since the summer of 1950, and is one of only three left in the United States today.

We thought it would be fun to take a peek behind the scenes at Starlight.

Although productions are typically held during the summer, it might surprise you to know that the schedule of Broadway shows is chosen and set long before summer arrives. Each year, Starlight audiences are surveyed to find out what they want to see in the next few years. The staff works hard to come up with a mix of Broadway show types, including everything from Tony Award winners and classic titles to family friendly musicals.

The final list of Broadway shows is ready by October or November for the next summer.

The musicals with na-

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Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

Narnia the Musical April 6-8, 2012 Friday, April 5 Saturday, April 7 Saturday, April 7 Saturday, April 7 Sunday, April 8 Sunday, April 8

7:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m.

3:30 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

2:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

For ticket information visit www.kcstarlight.com or call 816.363.STAR (7827).

H O RSEA NDA CA DEMY. C O M

tional tours bring their own cast to Starlight, while auditions are held in New York and Kansas

does it? Acting is a lot harder than it looks!

While we are on the subject of hard work,

Photos courtesy Starlight Theatre

Starlight at night. Photos courtesy Starlight Theatre

City to cast parts in Starlight’s own productions.

Most Starlight productions get just over one week for rehearsal! The exception in the 2012 season is Aida, Starlight’s only regular season show being performed at the Kauffman Center.

This will allow Aida to get between 11 to 13 days of rehearsal time. That doesn’t seem like much time when you consider that most Broadway productions are about two and a half hours long,

keep in mind that the actors work in all kinds of weather. While guests can exchange tickets within 24 hours of a show if a weather forecast looks bad, performers will keep working until seeing a lightening storm or other dangerous condition. The stage is climate controlled, which helps when actors are in heavy costumes and it is 100 degrees outside. And if you are the Cowardly Lion, a little ice packed into your costume makes

Students of Starlight Theatre Academy.

Starlight Children’s Theatre production of Aladin at Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.

a big difference. Starlight is an outdoor theatre after all, and The Show Must Go On! Starlight Theatre has its own ghost, known to actors and staff as Colonel Swope, for the man who once owned the property where the theatre now stands. He is

the one who takes the heat when stage lights mysteriously turn on and off, and odd noises are heard at night. If nuts and bolts are missing from theatre seats, Colonel Swope is thought to be the one behind it. And when the public address system suddenly turns Your Local Source For All Your Horsey Needs!

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on while the security guard makes his rounds at night... well, you can guess who gets blamed for that, too.

Starlight is always a fun night out, and if you get there early you can take a free Backstage Tour before the show.

The tours are at 6:30, 6:45 and 7:00 p.m., and you meet your Starlight Ambassador tour guide behind Terrace, Section 1, at the top of the hill. From there you will get to see the performers’ dressing rooms and the Green Room where they hang out between scenes, the stage, and the stairway to the historic

light tower, as well as other back stage secrets.

When planning your family outings, keep in mind Narnia at the Kauffman Center as well as the other kid-friendly musicals, like Peter Pan, in this summer’s Starlight Theatre line-up.

After all, there’s no business like show business! n This year, Starlight Theatre, one of Kansas City’s most loved performing arts organizations, is teaming up with the city’s newest star, the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, to bring something new to theatre lovers of all ages. The result is Starlight Children’s Theatre, with two productions in its first series. After a big success in February with Disney’s Aladdin, their “next act” is set for April, with Narnia the Musical.

Janet Green Stables Quality American Saddlebreds Training v Sales v Lessons Janet Green, manager

17100 West 53rd Street • Shawnee, KS • 66217

913-631-4677 • www.cmtack.com

Liberty Meadows v 2015 Hillview v Liberty, MO 64086 816.415.0755 barn janetg@janetgreenstables.com 816.415.9954 house www.janetgreenstables.com April 2012

l HO R S E ANDACADE M Y.COM 19

R E A D

A

B O O K

Book Club

by Nancy Norton, Editor

A classic tale of love for a horse, and what it can push you to accomplish.

R

“

Title: Misty of Chincoteague Author: Marguerite Henry Paperbook, 160 pages Reading Level: Third Grade – Seventh Grade

ecently I asked a young rider friend of mine for the titles of some of her favorite horse books, and Misty of Chincoteague was right at the top of her list. Misty is a story about a band of wild horses that live on an island and how a girl named Maureen and her brother Paul set about catch-

volves around Pony Penning Day, an actual annual event on the Island as early as the 1700s. “Penning” has been the traditional way livestock owners could claim the loose herds of ponies roaming the islands. Customs of penning evolved over the years, and by the 1920s, locals would round up

ponies. The kids love their grandfather, but they want a horse of their own, to keep and love. To make their dream come true, on the next Penning Day they plan to claim the Phantom, the most famous horse of them all. The day turns out to be full of surprises, and they find how many twists

”

Four miles off the eastern shore of Virginia lies the tiny, wind-rippled isle of Chincoteague. It is only seven miles long and averages but twenty-one inches above the sea.

Assateague Island, however, is thirty-three miles long. Just as Paul Beebe says, Assateague is an outrider, protecting little Chincoteague from the rough seas of the Atlantic. The outer island is a wildlife refuge for wild geese and ducks, and the wild ponies.

ing the wildest one for their own.

The story starts hundreds of years ago, on a Spanish galleon with a cargo of valuable Moor horses that will be traded to the Viceroy of Peru for gold. It is near the end of a difficult journey when a terrible storm wrecks the ship on the shoals off the coast of Virginia! The captain and all the crew drown, but the horses are able to swim to safety.

Fast forward to Chincoteague Island in the 1940s. The book re-

— Excerpt of map from Misty of Chincoteague

the ponies on Assateague Island, swim them across the narrow channel to Chincoteague, then sell them to raise funds for the Volunteer Fire Company. Pony Penning Day is still held there every July.

The book’s central characters are Maureen and Paul, who live with their grandparents. While it’s not clear, their parents might be missionaries in China. Grandpa has a ranch on the island of Chincoteague, where Maureen and Jim help him break and sell

and turns a dream can take before it comes true.

Misty of Chincoteague received the Newbery Honor soon after it was published in 1947. It has never been out of print in all the years since, and has been published in several languages. It is beautifully illustrated, and led to several sequels as well as a movie. If you are looking for a well-told story about love for a horse, then you will enjoy the classic tale of Misty of Chincoteague. n

April 2012

l HO R S E ANDACADE M Y.COM 21

it’s all fun & games

etcetera

1

2 3

[Applesauce]

Cris Cross Puzzle

>

4 5

Across: 2. The horse color that consists of a brown body and black legs 5. The term for the very back portion of a saddle’s seat 8. A golden horse with flaxen mane and tail 10. All of the equipment a horse uses 12. A person who helps to improve your riding through regular lessons 13. Attaches to the saddle billets to secure your saddle 16. Schooling level shows for lesson students 17. The French word for “training” 19. The point just above a horse’s shoulder blades 22. The front part of the saddle 25. Hay bales break down into individual sections called 27. Secures the bridle to keep it from slipping off 31. White hairs intermixed within the horses otherwise solid 29 coat color 30 32. Refers to a horse back rider

6

7 8

9

10

11

12

14

13

16

15

18

17 19 20

21 22 23 25

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24 28

27

31

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Down 1. A reddish/orange body color with no black 2. The tack used to help navigate and stop a horse 3. Helps to hold a horse’s mouth closed with riding 4. A training aid used to help set a horse’s head, can be either a German, running, or standing 6. Refers to the animation a horse shows at different gaits 7. A three beat gait 9. Dropping your irons while riding 11. Western trot I P E RU V I AN P A SOBNON 14. Horses only eat plant matter making them considered…

T E S O Y AG P A R A B I A NWT 15. A new born horse of either RHR F S DANRAGE Z AAN E gender HCOE R I A S AU Y I T L OAR 18. Refers to which leg you raise with A L HRN P HAA T P I E H L I U while posting N Y R T O I RUR P S A I A S S T 20. Upper portion of the neck where the mane grows OD E T RUQB I U Y UA F HUA 21. Rising at the trot with the rhythm V E T E E T G L L N V SML Y L I of the horse E S R O HWO H S L A N O I T A N 23. Holds your foot in place while R DAGC T S RBDN I ANHD I riding 24. A slow four beat gait I AU Y R L BNDRNA SGRNM 26. Area used to school horses A L Q Z E HO L S T E I N E RAA 28. The foot of the horse N E TWP A E S P F RD I R I OD 29. Referring to the behavior or JWA RMB L OOD J R L A A RM characteristic attitude of the horse U F YGRUBN E D L OE I OR F 30. Another name for the double bridle AOY E NKCAHOBAROMYO

Why did the pony go to the doctor?

Word Search

NUDOOP N E T A I S Z DAOR

22

H O RSEA NDA CA DEMY. C O M

Andalusian

2012 l Ap r i lFjord Hackney

Holsteiner Miniature

Arabian Friesian Haflinger Lippizan Morab

Clydesdale Gypsy Vanner Hanoverian Lusitano Morgan

Andalusian Arabian Clydesdale Fjord Friesian Gypsy Vanner Hackney Haflinger Hanoverian Holsteiner Lippizan Lusitano Miniature Morab Morgan Mustang National Show Horse Oldenburg Paint Percheron Peruvian Paso Quarter Horse Saddlebred Shire Thoroughbred Warmblood Welsh

Craft Class

Did You Know?

Horse Pony Bead Pattern You need: 20 Tan Pony Beads 2 Brown Pony Beads 4 Black Pony Beads 1 White Pony Beads 2 Feet of Satin Cord 1 Lanyard Hook

The racing scenes in the movie Secretariat are recreations except for the Preakness.

It is seen on a TV in the Tweedy’s family room and is the actual footage of the race.

Basic Instructions: Fold your cord in half to find the center. Use a half hitch to secure it to lanyard hook. Lace beads using pattern at right as a guide. Finish by tying off with a double knot. reprinted courtesy 2006 MakingFriends.com, Inc.

Horse & Academy Salutes You!

Because she was a little horse!

Best Birthday Wishes to Penny Chenery, the owner of Secretariat, Thoroughbred Racing’s 1973 Triple Crown Champion, who celebrated her 90th birthday on January 27!

April 2012

l HO R S E ANDACADE M Y.COM 23

P O P

Q U I Z

What Kind of Girl Are You?

by Jackie Emory, Staff Writer

T

ake our quiz to discover your personality just by answering questions about yourself. Please note: This may be off by a landslide — it’s only for fun!

What is your dream vacation?

A. Spending two weeks in Paris, visiting all of the haute couture stores. Chanel, here I come!

B. Me and the guys mountain biking in Colorado.

C. Jumping out of a plane 13,000 feet in the air and parachuting down into the Grand Canyon.

D. Spending an entire week with the characters from Anne of the Green Gables.

What is your favorite ice cream?

A. Baskin Robbin’s Bubble Gum flavor.

B. Ben and Jerry’s Late Night Snack, those chocolate covered potato chips, mmmm!

C. Glacé’s goat cheese and lavender flavors.

D. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough.

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H O RSEA NDA CA DEMY. C O M

What is your favorite movie?

A. The Princess Diaries, duh!

B. Pirates of the Caribbean.

C. Tintin.

D. Pride and Prejudice.

What is your favorite activity?

A. Shopping, shopping and more shopping!

B. Chillin’ with the guys.

C. Anything that gets my adrenaline pumping.

D. A nice quiet afternoon, reading a good book.

How many pairs of shoes do you own?

A. Too many to count!

B. Do skate shoes count?

C. I don’t own shoes, I have Hobbit feet.

D. A few pairs, I like to stick to the basics.

What is your favorite color?

A. Seriously? It’s pink, any shade of pink.

B. Blue C. Neon green D. Lavender What is your favorite accessory?

A. My clutch, filled with make-up supplies.

B. Who needs accessories?

l Ap r i l 2 0 1 2

C. My sense of adventure!

D. My library card.

What can’t you live without?

A. My parents’ credit cards!

B. My friends.

C. The outdoors.

D. Characters, they are so interesting and fun to read about!

Who is your favorite female celebrity?

A. Taylor Swift B. AnnaSophia Robb C. Selena Gomez D. Emma Watson What’s your favorite TV show?

A. My Little Pony B. How Stuff Works C. Wipe Out D. Myth Busters Answers: Mostly A’s: Princess: You enjoy pampering yourself, hanging with the girls and everything pink! You want to sleep until noon and dance until dawn: why don’t your parents understand? You see yourself in the lap of luxury, traveling the world – while wearing your Manolos, baby.

Mostly B’s: Tomboy: A day outside, getting dirty and romping around with the guys, is your idea of a good time. You would rather clean a barn than clean your room, and you would put on jeans before anything else.

That doesn’t mean you don’t have a feminine side, you just like hangin’ with the guys.

Mostly C’s: Daring: Adrenaline pumping activities get you going! You love being on an adventure and feeling your heart race. Your parents are always asking you to be careful! Don’t they know that girls just wanna have fun?

Mostly D’s: Bookworm Chic: You are down to earth and love a good read. That doesn’t mean you don’t know how to have fun. You just prefer to choose your moments. You are smart and confident and don’t need to be crazy to have a good time.

What is your idea of a perfect day?

A. Mani-pedi’s followed by a shopping spree!

B. Spending the day hanging out with your buds, playing a game of soccer.

C. Climbing on top of the garage and jumping onto the trampoline to see who can bounce the highest.

D. Curled up next to the fire reading a good book.

U N T I L

N E X T

T I M E

Parting Shot

Photo: Karen Robertson

To be able to look upon one’s past with satisfaction is to live twice. ~ Lord Acton April 2012

l HO R S E ANDACADE M Y.COM 25

Magazine

American Morgan Horse Association 4066 Shelburne Road, Suite 5 Shelburne, VT 05482 802.985.4944 www.morganhorse.com See our ad on page 8 American Royal Kansas City, MO www.americanroyal.com See our ad on page 15 Boys Grow www.boysgrow.com See our ad on page 13 CM Tack 17100 West 53rd Street Shawnee, KS 66217 913.631.4677 www.cmtack.com See our ad on page 19 Commotion 859.552.5983 www.shopcommotion.com See our ad on page 2 Laura Elock Photography 913.469.4282 www.lauraelcockphotography.com See our ad on page 27 Janet Green Stables 2015 Hillview Liberty, MO 64086 816.415.0755 barn 816.415.9954 house www.janetgreenstables.com See our ad on page 19 Hilltoppers Riding Academy Laren Arrendondo 785.330.3526 www.hilltoppersridingacademy. com See our ad on page 7

Advertisers Index IsaMia www.isamiashop.com See our ad on page 17 Kirin Farms Riding School 23000 Switzer Road Bucyrus, KS 66013 816.809.6162 See our ad on page 17 Mariways 913.710.1489 www.mariways.com See our ad on page 15 Midwest Saddleseat Consignment Jen Nelson 612.598.2427 Kristen Dull 319.981.5406 www.midwestsaddleseatconsignment.com See our ad on page 15 Photos by Dave & Andy 978.729.2558 www.photosbydaveandandy.com See our ad on page 11 R&R Stables Lee’s Summit, MO Robert & Rachalle Stezovsky 816.246.4001 See our ad on page 9 Terry Bennett’s Tack 23820 South State Route 291 Harrisonville, MO 64701 800.729.2816 www.bennettstack.com See our ad on page 7 William Woods University Fulton, MO 800.995.3159 www.williamwoods.edu/EQS See our ads on pages 2 & 9

‘morgan horse,’ continued from page 11 On the street his proud bearing attracts much attention… the rascal gets more admiring glances than his rider.”

– Capt. William C. Hazelton, 8th Illinois Cavalry, letter to his mother, June, 3, 1864.

The Morgan Horse has thrived for over 200 years since the little foal Figure was born

and cherished by Justin Morgan. If you are ever in the Vermont area, stop by the town of Chelsea, to visit the grave of the father of the Morgan Horse. This breed did much for the men in the Civil War and continues to be a staple on many farms throughout America. Go Figure: who knew what you had started! n

Calendar June

7-10 12-16 22-23 27-30 28-30

continued from page 15 Wheat State Morgan Horse Show Valley Center, KS Midwest Charity Springfield, MO Longview Charity Horse Show Raymore, MO Tanbark Calvacade of Roses St. Paul, MN Oshkosh Charity Horse Show Oshkosh, WI

Are you hosting an upcoming event? We’d like to know!

Send us your event specifics for upcoming issues. Email us at info@horseandacademy.com. All submissions are subject to publication deadlines.

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