Sandhills Equestrian Magazine Oct 2023

Equestrian living at its finest! 63 rolling acres, mostly cleared and fully fenced nestled on the 4000+ acre Walthour-Moss Foundation. This land has been professionally dev eloped by Knollbrook Farms with up to two years of established pasture. Access trails are in place to connect the fields separated by the woods/wetland area. Possible pond site with applicable approved permits. This tract of land would make an exceptional training facility for all types of equestrian riding and training as it has direct access to the Walthour Moss Foundation with miles of trails for ridi ng, driving and fox hunting

Why

Publisher

Sandhills EQM, LLC

Layout and Design

Sandhills EQM, LLC

Contributors

Ray Owen

Jan Leitschuh

Mary McCashin

Fran Severn

Cassidy Oeltjen

Koby Robson

Greg Girard

Lynn McGugan

Tom Shea

Daryl Kinney

Lisa Miyamoto

Jason Jackson

Anne DeKeyser

Moore County Hounds

Ines Ritter

Jennie Acklin

Advertising & Subscriptions

Jennie Acklin 814-688-0083

Jennie@sandhillseqm.com

General Inquiries info@sandhillseqm.com

Cover Lincoln Saddler & Nicole Zardus with MCH

Photographed by Lisa Miyamoto/ Makana Photography

Hello Sandhills Equestrians!

Welcome to the third issue of our equestrian magazine! This issue is our “Turn the Calendar to Fall” edition - the perfect season for “Riding the Foundation”, the start of the Hunt Season, and the end of show season Championships. We’ve included some October-ish stories of Barn 13, Fear and Riding, how-to articles and informational articles so we can all learn something new.

Our issues have been warmly received by this community - thank you everyone who picked up a copy to read. Sandhills Equestrian Magazine is published monthly in print and digitally on our website. Follow us on our social media pages and enjoy new information. Register for our emails and giveaways at sandhillseqm.com. Please share the news about Sandhills Equestrian Magazine with your fellow equestrians!

Thank you for reading our magazine. Thank you to our advertisers who support this magazine.

www.sandhillseqm.com

PILATES

What is Pilates and How Can it Make You a Better Rider?

Pilates develops the body uniformly, corrects wrong postures, restores physical vitality, invigorates the mind and elevates the spirit.

- Joseph Pilates

The Pilates method, founded by Joseph H. Pilates in the 1920s, is based on a unique and proven philosophy of exercises and training that incorporates a precise and highly refined approach to teaching movement.

Pilates is taught with either the use of studio equipment, such as the reformer, tower or chair, or it can be done on a yoga-type mat on the floor. With many different exercises and variations, this allows the workout to be gentle for a person with low physical fitness or rehabbing from an injury. Workouts, however, can also be increasingly challenging for a person who is fit and wants to help improve their sports performance.

The exercises are designed to uniformly strengthen the entire body, training several muscles at once so that no muscle group is over- or under-trained. A body with balanced strength and flexibility is less likely to be injured and better able to move efficiently. Exercises become progressively more

Anne DeKeyser

Certified Pilates Instructor, Dressage Instructor USDF Bronze Medalist

Anne is a certified pilates instructor, dressage instructor and coach located in Southern Pines, NC. She trains and coaches all levels and disciplines focusing on rider position and body awareness. Find out more at www.adkdressage.com

demanding and, at the advanced levels, the core must be engaged while flexing, bending, rotating and extending the spine as well as giving the fullest range of motion possible in all joints of the body. Can you see the amazing correlation between Pilates and, say, dressage or jumping?

If you start a Pilates journey, you will become more aware of your body in general and, more importantly, aware of your body on the horse.

are affected by and depend on each other. It is very much like the “scales of training” we have for horses, which are rhythm, relaxation, suppleness, contact, impulsion, straightness and collection.

What you will also discover is that many of the same Pilates exercises are working the same muscles you ask your horses to use: rounding the back, lifting through the top line, engaging the core, connecting muscles diagonally and being straight. This can give the rider the sense of how the horse remains engaged while elongating the spine from collection to extension.

While focusing on developing good alignment, core stability, flexibility and balance, you will also create a good mind/body connection so you can become aware of your position on the horse. So, to review, Pilates creates:

• Strength

• Flexibility/Suppleness

• Coordination/Balance

• Stamina/Energy

• Straightness/Alignment

• Body Control/Self Carriage

The great thing about Pilates is it can be done at home, in the barn or at a studio. Even 20 minutes can improve your posture and alignment while riding, making it easier to communicate in the saddle—all while building a deeper and more confident bond with your horse. DO

Are you centered (over the horse), concentrating, in control of your body, precise in what you’re asking, flowing with the horse, breathing and in alignment with focus? These are all principles of Pilates and these principles are interconnected—they

As riders, all of the above are familiar ideas and it’s also what we want in our horses. If we expect all of the above for our horses, how much more should we expect of ourselves as well?

Can you TROT it?

Trotting fences may be what is missing in your horse’s training!

How often do you implement trotting fences into your training and the training of your horse?

Horse shows usually require the rider to jump fences from the canter, except for some equitation or Handy Hunter classes that can require a jump from the trot. Many riders do not realize how beneficial trotting fences can be for both the horse and the rider. We often chose to canter rather than trot for a variety of reasons. When cantering fences it is

much easier for the rider to judge when the horse will take off, and the jump becomes part of the canter stride. The rider has a lot more influence on the horse’s takeoff point when cantering. When we are trotting jumps, it becomes more of the horse’s responsibility to make that decision. Trotting fences is a great way to get your horse thinking a bit more for themselves and allows your horse to be more responsible and careful before takeoff.

The young horse

Starting young horses over fences in the trot teaches them the first part of their job: going from one side to the

Daryl Kinney

other while working on their timing and balance. In the early phases of their training, they are usually easier to regulate in the trot than in the canter. Initially, the young horse may trot the jump like a trot pole with no jumping effort or they may overjump it. The idea is to keep it simple for them to become confident enough to casually trot right down to the fence, rock back and jump appropriately over the size of the fence. At the early stages of jump training, trotting fences will help the young horse gain confidence, develop their eye and train them to judge their distance without entirely relying on the rider’s influence.

Upper Level Event Rider and Trainer

Daryl Kinney is an upper-level event rider operating out of Vass, NC. Daryl spent many years working and training with Denny Emerson at Tamarack Hill Farm. During this time, Daryl competed several of Denny’s horses, bringing them up through the levels. In 2015, Daryl and long-time partner, Union Station, were able to make the move up to Advanced Level.

The experienced horse

More experienced horses can also benefit from jumping exercises from the trot. Setting up a gymnastic line that requires trotting in, trotting single fences with a takeoff or landing rail, or even just trotting single fences with no assistance from poles on the ground, can be helpful for a variety of horses, particularly horses who lost their confidence, spooky horses and horses that like to rush to fences at the canter. Trotting fences require the horse to sit and push from their hind legs as they cannot use speed and momentum to negotiate the jump as they do in the canter.

When approaching a jump from the trot, it is mainly up to the horse to decide and figure out when to leave the ground. If a horse cannot think for themselves and figure out where to jump from, they won’t know what to do with their bodies when we make

a mistake and get them to the wrong distance in the canter. Horses with a lot of experience trotting fences have a better sense of what to do with their bodies and will rely less on their rider in situations where we are not quite perfectly getting to the correct takeoff point.

The rider

Riders are often pushed out of their comfort zone when asked to trot fences because judging the distance to a jump may not be as apparent as it would be in the canter. However, it is equally as valuable for them as it is for the horses.

Trotting fences can help with rider problems such as jumping ahead of the horses or getting behind the horse’s movement because the trot approach gives the rider time to focus and teaches them to stay with the horse’s movement over the fence. The key is to be patient with your upper body and not jump ahead when you think they may leave the ground. Instead, allow the horse the

So, next time you’re jumping, try to add in some trotting fences and see how your horse does. Have fun with it, and even alternate between cantering jumps and trotting jumps to see how your horse feels jumping out of each gait.

time to do the footwork, rock back and jump up to the rider.

Letting the horse make decisions can present a challenge for some riders

By Ray Owen

The Pinehurst Harness Track is a piece of history located in the heart of Pinehurst, North Carolina. The track has been a winter training center for Standardbred horses since 1915, including ten champions. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it is the oldest continuously operating equine sports facility in the state.

The site has a complex of barns, stables and paddocks arranged around two oval-shaped race tracks designed for Standardbred trotters and pacers, Thoroughbred racing. The dominant building of the complex is the Fair Barn, a two-and-one-half story exhibition building constructed in 1917. Among all the buildings one is conspicuous by its absence – there is no Barn 13 on the grounds.

Various racetracks still don’t have a barn bearing this nearuniversal symbol of bad luck. Superstitious notions pass from generation to generation and touch even the logical mind. Almost everyone in horse racing has a superstition that is uniquely theirs, and many people rely on with something for good luck. Jockeys often have winning boots or vests, and many believe it’s very bad luck to put a hat or helmet on their bed. Others wrap dollar bills in their horse’s bandages

the night before a race and avoid betting with $50 bills. It is said that marking programs with red pens brings misfortune, along with hanging pitchforks or rakes with straw stuck in the prongs.

Such believes were common among the settlers of the Sandhills, many of them Highland Scots. Knots tied in a horse’s mane were thought to be “witch’s knots.” Pine trees were used to take a spell off, the operation consisting of boring a hole in the trunk, cramming it full of the animal’s fur, then driving a plug over the hole to seal it shut. Certain phases of the moon were believed to influence earthly events – animal behavior and the propagation of crops.

Warding off the Devil seems to have been a real concern. Horse brasses were believed to divert the Devil’s eye and protect the home from evil. Carrying a wooden whip might prevent a curse from being placed on your horse and braiding its tail with ribbons offered protection from demons.

The settlers had come to a brave new world, yet they held onto views rooted in the pre-Christian beliefs of Celtic society. For them, a gray horse has been said to be a

“Almost everyone in horse racing has a superstition that is uniquely theirs”

harbinger of good fortune, while a horse with four white legs brought bad luck. A horse marked with a black line down its spine was foreboding, and reins falling to the ground was an ominous sign to be avoided at all cost. Various omens preceded death, the “away-going” that would come for us all, such as a grey horse appearing in a dream for three successive nights.

Horses have been associate with sicknesses and cures, such as the believe that a horse neighing at the door of a house meant the inhabitants will become sick. Others believed that horse breath had curative properties, and that sitting backwards on a horse would alleviate toothache and cure snake bites. Old wives’ tales abound among the horsey set, such as the idea of never wearing anything new out hunting or competing, and for breeders to avoid naming horses after themselves or for owners to change the name of a horse.

Of course, horse shoes are a universal fix for many misdeeds, the iron warding off evil spirits – but be careful to hang them with ends up, otherwise all your good luck will drain out .

“...horse shoes are a universal fix for many misdeeds, the iron warding off evil spirits...”

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Does your horse need help focusing, but you do not want to feed a daily supplement so that you can enjoy riding? The Fenwick Liquid Titanium mask may be the solution. We tried the mask, and even the most anxious horse could rest while stabled at a horse show, something that was impossible before. We used the mask together with earplugs, and we give it a thumbs up! The masks are not compression-based. The fabric is a Far Infrared (FIR) therapy based on the dispersion of titanium in water at the nano level by water-soluble metal technology. Fenwicks masks are made in South Carolina and available on their website at:

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Why are the judge’s comments so negative?

“Why are the judge’s

and “That was the best test I’ve ridden! Why is my score so low?” are the two most common questions I’m asked by my students and in casual conversation with other dressage riders.

The first question is much easier to answer than the second. When giving a score for a particular movement, the judge is telling you why they took away your points and gave a score lower than 10.0. If you got a 7.0 on a 20-meter circle and the comment

is “Could have more bend,” the judge is telling you that it could have been a 7.5 or an 8.0 with just a little more bend.

It is also very important to pay attention to the particular wording the judge uses. As judges, we are extremely careful with how we phrase our comments. If I use “Must have more bend,” for example, or “Must over track”, the score is 5.5 or lower. The comment “Should have more bend” or “Should have more over track” is somewhere in the 6 to 6.5 range and “Could have more bend” or “Could have more over track” can be 7.0 or higher. Which brings us to the next question ...

“Why is my score so low?”

The Formula

Every single score you receive on a dressage test is calculated with the formula of B + C +- Modifiers = Score. B stands for basics and C stands for criteria. Plus/minus modifiers equal the score for each movement.

So what exactly are the basics?

According to the USDF glossary, “The basics include pure rhythm with suitable tempo; relaxation/suppleness/ elasticity/looseness; correct contact/ connection; impulsion, straightness, and longitudinal balance suitable to the level and exercise.” In other words, all the criteria of the Pyramid of Training/ Training Scale. The basics form a correct foundation from progressive

comments so negative?”

Koby Robson

USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold Medalist, USEF “R” Judge

Koby Robson is a USEF “R” Dressage Judge, USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medalist, with Silver and Gold Freestyle Bars. She actively teaches and trains horses and riders from Training Level through Grand Prix.

training independent of the execution of test movements.

Remember, too, that basics start with the gaits because all the other elements of basics influence the quality of gaits. If a horse trots for a 6.0, that is where your score starts. If your horse trots for an 8.0 but is short in the neck and behind the vertical, you will start lower than the inherent quality of the trot because other basics are lacking!

The criteria for each movement are printed on your test in the directives. Read your test! It is full of useful information. The criteria are listed in the order of importance, so it’s a mini-lesson provided by our National Federation.

Now, back to our 6.0 mover. They trotted for a 6.0 but nailed the criteria of the movement. I can reach for a 7.0 to reward the correct training on an

average horse. Our 8.0 mover, however, with a short neck, low poll and behind the vertical, also lacked bend on the 20-meter circle. That could easily drop the score to 6.5, even though it is a much higher-quality horse.

What about those pesky modifiers?

The essence of each movement is the “meat” of the movement. In a halt reinback, the essence is the reinback and the modifier is the halt. Our 6.0 mover trots into a very square, balanced halt, perfectly on the bit and soft to the rider’s hands. The reinback is supple, straight and the required number of steps. This is easily an 8.0 or higher because the criteria were met and the modifier, the halt, was excellent. However, our better-moving horse, braced into its rider’s hands, trailed the left hind in the halt and the reinback was stiff and above the bit. That horse

will score below 6.0, even with a much higher overall quality of horse.

Before you retire your 6.0 mover because you are sure your dressage dreams are dashed, let’s talk about non-brilliant movements. Non-brilliant movements are a select few instances in a test where almost any horse could score a 10.0. These include centerlines (this is the only 10.0 I have personally ever received), halt reinbacks, walk pirouettes and turns on the haunches. These movements are highly weighted to training and correct execution with very little influence from gaits, as long as the gaits are pure. So practice your centerlines! Practice your reinbacks! Practice your turns! But most importantly, read your tests! Both before and after your ride. The test itself contains a wealth of information and so do the judge’s comments.

HEATHER RIDGE FARM

NCDCTA Recognized

Saturday October 28

NCDCTA Recognized

Wednesday November 22

(HRF Championship Show)

2024 HRF Picnics & Ponies Show Series

Saturday December 16

Fear and Horses: You are not alone!

By Fran Severn

“It’s always said with a sense of shame. And then they find out that they’re the fifth person this week who admitted feeling this way. It’s a great relief when they realize that they are not alone.”

Reacting to fear

While you think that fear would drive us away, we are still drawn to the stable, the aroma of hay and sweet feed, and the nickers of our horse, all the while fighting everything from nagging worries to downright trembling terror.

We rarely tell anyone about this. We’re embarrassed and worry that we’ll be ridiculed. We probably think that we’re the only person who feels this way.

Not so, according to sports psychologists and confidence coaches. “When I’m with riders, sooner or later fear becomes part of the discussion,” says Meredith Brisson, LISCW, who specializes in working with equestrians.

“There’s this weird barrier about fear,” says Heather Wallace, author of The Timid Rider. “It’s as though we’re not allowed to admit it. Trainers often pretend that it doesn’t exist either their fears or that of their clients.”

Yet fear and anxiety are normal responses to situations we cannot fully control or anticipate. They keep us safe. It’s part of the human makeup as much a part of our DNA as the color of our eyes. We’re hard-wired to detect danger. Early humans developed that sense to detect and avoid trouble. Those who didn’t were usually removed from the gene pool. That ‘gut feeling’ or ‘sixth sense’ isn’t our imagination after all, but the result of centuries of evolution.

When interacting with horses, some anxiety is proper. We are, after all, several feet off the ground, riding a creature that weighs half a ton and has its own priorities and concerns. One misstep or miscue and a pleasant day in the saddle can end in disaster.

Being injured is the number one concern of riders, and we become more worried about that as we age, says Anne Gage, whose program, The Horse Riding Confidence Coach, explores techniques to understand and respond to fears. “We are afraid of getting hurt and not being able to work or care for our families. We recognize that injuries are often more severe and take longer to heal when we are older.”

When you are in danger, your brain sends out messages that act like the check engine light on the car dashboard. Your

It’s a great irony of the riding world. Our passion for horses often equals our fear of riding them.

IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO START A LIFE WITH HORSES

Are you a woman at midlife or beyond? Have you just discovered you have a passion for horses?

Or maybe you've now found time for them after years devoted to a job and family? Surveys show that riders over the age of 40 are the fastest growing segment of the equestrian world—so you are far from alone!

With carefully curated guidance collected over years of horsing around, rider and writer Fran Severn wants to embolden and empower you with tips, lessons, and advice as you begin enjoying a life with horses in it. In these pages, you'll find options for:

• Riding…and not riding (but still having horses in your life).

• Finding an instructor and being a good student.

• Coming to grips with what your body can and can't do in terms of fitness, weight, and fear.

• Understanding the realities of arthritis, menopause, and changing vision, hearing, and breathing.

• Knowing the rules for buying, leasing, and boarding horses.

• Dealing with family and horse-related finances.

... and much more!

body prepares to defend itself by either taking action or by running away. Your heart rate increases and your breathing becomes shallow. You focus entirely on the imminent threat, sometimes to the point of being unable to move or think rationally.

If you’re in the saddle, you tighten up, grip with your knees, clench your fists, and stop breathing. You start to lean forward into a defensive fetal position. This transfers to your horse. The ultimate in sensitivity and responsiveness, your horse picks up on these none-too-subtle cues and also begins to worry. That can easily degenerate into jigging, a bolt, or a buck.

How can some riders tackle a crosscountry course or whip through a barrel race cloverleaf with gusto while some of us tremble at the thought of riding outside an enclosed arena? Often, it’s the understandable aftermath of an accident. But just as frequently it’s the accumulation of many small events.

For Gage, it was being bucked off a horse she’d bred and raised. She trusted him totally. Then, “one day he bucked me off so suddenly and severely that my confidence was shattered. Here I am, a coach and a trainer and I could not put my foot in the stirrup. And I couldn’t tell anyone. That wasn’t done. The stigma of being a frightened trainer was too great.”

For Brisson and Wallace, it was the accumulated years of pressure as competitors and professionals. “I had a reputation for riding horses other trainers did not feel confident on,” says Brisson. “I started to worry about what might have happened on a ride. My confidence was chipped away. It drained the joy.” She ended up leaving the horse world and earning her master’s degree in social work. That morphed into her business, Mindset Coaching for Courage-Seeking Equestrians.

Wallace tells a similar story. “I rode as a kid and was given trouble horses because I was good with them. By the time I was 16, I was on the bucking broncos, the horses that rolled, and correcting horses of bad behaviors. I was pushed to be more competitive. The fun began to turn into anxiety. My last ride ended when my horse spooked when someone slammed a car door. He bolted into a string of horses on a trail ride. Somehow, we all survived, but I said, ‘That’s it. I’m done.’ I did not get back to horses for 17 years.”

The power within you

While you can take comfort in knowing that you are not alone with your riding fears, that doesn’t help you solve the problem or ease your anxiety. Commiseration is not a cure. All three coaches say that the ‘cure’ is developing confidence in yourself. That comes from understanding yourself and your horse. Knowledge is power. You need to develop the skills to plan for controlling a situation.

First, take an honest assessment of your relationship with horses. “Ask yourself what you really want?” suggests Wallace. “The only answer for me is to have fun with horses, but you have to decide what that is for you. For most people, that’s probably riding. But it’s just as valid to decide that you don’t want to ride but to be around horses in another way. Whatever it is, it’s your decision. Don’t let others try to decide that for you.” Also, consider whether you and your horse are a good match in both abilities and temperament. Clarifying that gives you a sense of empowerment and direction.

Then you can focus on your fears. People often chide themselves for feeling insecure when they are rational adults. “You can’t ‘logic’ your way out of being fearful,” says Gage. “Our subconscious mind controls most of our responses to things. You need to bypass the critical mind and access the part of

your brain where belief is stored. Then you can start to change your patterns of thinking.”

She uses hypnosis in her program. “I can guide someone and make suggestions, but they are the ones who make the changes. When they are ready and want to do so it happens. And most people are very eager to see this.”

Brisson echoes the idea of acceptance. “There’s the concept that what we focus on expands. If we concentrate on what can go wrong, it’s more likely to happen. You have to accept that anxiety is normal. You’re looking for ways to control it and not the other way around,” she says.

A lot of fear comes because you don’t feel in control. Learning to predict what might happen and having a plan to deal with that is a big boost for your confidence. Gage delved deeply into the study of science-based equine behavior. It helped her to read her horses better and improve their communication.

“Evaluate each situation with a positive frame of mind,” suggests Brisson. “Don’t think ‘here’s where he always goes off-balance.’ Instead, think, ‘How do I keep my balance here?’ It keeps your attention on the task and the horse’s attention on you.”

Visualization is another commonplace technique. “Your subconscious mind can’t tell the difference between imagination and reality. Imagine a successful response to a situation in as much detail as possible. Repeat that until it becomes ingrained in your thinking and your response is automatic.”

Replacing tension with a calming routine encourages relaxation. Breathing is the key. Exhale longer than you inhale. Repeat that several times. Develop ‘soft eyes,’ a technique used by Sally Swift and Jane Savoie. This is where you defocus your gaze,

look into the distance, and activate your peripheral vision. That eliminates tunnel vision and shallow breathing. Try it the next time you’re riding and start to fret. Your horse will often take a deep breath with you as you both relax.

All three coaches say to ignore timetables and the expectations of others. “Performance pressure” is part of the fabric of our society. That’s not the performance in the show ring but in our daily lives. We think that we must constantly work harder and see immediate results. That’s not the case with horses, where pressure leads to tension and tension leads to fear.

Instead, take your time and celebrate every little step. For some people, grooming a horse without flinching at every turn of its head is a huge accomplishment. Or standing on the mounting block and holding the reins—even if you don’t mount. Or walking across an open field to the barn instead of dismounting and leading. Congratulate yourself and recognize that each step brings you closer to the feeling of confidence and joy you want.

While the return to riding for each woman is impressive, perhaps the most dramatic recovery is Wallace. After nearly two decades away from horses, she gradually began riding again. That culminated in her participation as the official photographer and media liaison for the Gobi Desert Cup, a 300-mile race across the steppes of Mongolia, often considered the toughest horse race in the world. While she was not a competitor, she joined the other staff in a mad 2-mile race on the semi-feral horses at the end of the event. It was something she could not have imagined a few years earlier.

While you may never have an adventure quite like that, with time, patience, and a plan, you’ll rediscover the joy of horses.

Saddle Ridge

Saddle Ridge, West End, NC 27376

This gorgeous custom home with a southwestern feel, built by

builder

Stewart is a one of a kind property with a WOW FACTOR. This 4-acre farm is nestled near the back gate for ease of entry to the beautiful lake and equestrian community of McLendon Hills. The farm offers trail access out your back door and is a quick drive to Seven Lakes or Pinehurst golf. With an open yet split bedroom floor plan you will enjoy the rustic mountain-cabin feel that makes you feel like you are on vacation! The three bedroom, three bath home features two owner’s suites on opposite ends of the house for the utmost in privacy. The barn features a tack room with custom wood cabinetry and shelving. The barn also has fabulous under roof storage space for farm equipment and horse trailers. Every detail was thought of in the design of this barn and garage. Every equestrian’s dream! The pastures feature two Ramm fenced pastures as well as a paddock area all with views from the inside of the home. McLendon Hills is one of the few lake and equestrian communities in North Carolina. It offers a full service equestrian facility with a private barn, a covered arena with premium footing as well as two outdoor rings.Come home to this wonderful farm in McLendon Hills.

Whether you call Saddle Ridge home or are looking for a unique farm or parcel of land, let McDevitt Town and Country Properties help you find your dream farm! Jamie McDevitt and Liz May offer over 28 years of real estate experience and have listed and sold more farms than any other agency in the area. Give us a call or text anytime.

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Mark

McDevitt

Charles Owen “Halo”

Managing Hay During the Winter Month

Winter is approaching , and with our warm-season grasses going dormant, horse owners will have to start feeding more hay. Whether you feed square or round bales, it is essential to manage how you feed and store your hay.

Pastures

During the cold winter months, warmseason grasses go dormant. These dormant grasses need to be protected by minimizing traffic on the pasture. This can include keeping the horses in a sacrifice area that removes the horses from the pasture until it is ready to graze in the spring. A sacrifice area can be a dry lot or a paddock that you are OK with producing less forage. Often your least productive paddock is the easy choice for this area. If this is not an option, consider where and how you feed hay and your water source. Moving where you feed and water is a challenging feat. Water sources are often fixed or limited to where your hydrant is located. While moving

your water can have a huge impact on your pasture damage, it is often not practical. That leaves us with moving hay. Simply put, putting out hay is a pain. Feeding round bales involves starting up a tractor, opening gates, cutting off the net, fighting off your horses and hoping you got the angle right so you don’t tip or crush the hay ring. Feeding square bales can be just as big a pain—opening gates one-handed, fighting off the horses, walking across the pasture or throwing it over the fence. I am guilty of throwing it over the fence in the same place every day, and eventually, that spot and about 50 feet around it was dirt with no chance of grass growing.

The areas where we feed and water horses are high traffic and where horses will spend most of their time. This high traffic is what causes pasture damage. Feeding hay in a different spot daily or weekly will reduce the damage, with the added benefit of spreading organic matter and nutrients back into the soil in different spots. Remember, where you feed is where your horses will spend most of their time, meaning that is where they are most likely to release manure and urine. This takes the nutrients that the horses cannot use from the hay and puts those nutrients into your soil. The leftover hay will also act as mulch and will add additional organics to improve your soil and pasture health.

Tom Shea

Extension Agent, Agriculture - Livestock, Field Crops, Moore County.

Tom comes from a background in small ruminants and beef cattle focusing on pasture management and sustainability. He is also an avid horseman, specializing in moving livestock on horseback and practices roping .

Storing hay is just as important as where you feed it. Storing round bales is easier than storing square bales. The

in netting are mostly weatherproof when stored end to end in a row on the ground.

Square bales are a different story. They have to be under a shelter away from moisture and critters. Placing bales on a wood floor or pallets again helps avoid moisture being absorbed into the bales. When stacking bales, make sure that the string side of the bale is on the ground and the “open” sides are facing out, alternating the open sides as you stack. This helps with the circulation of air through the bales, making sure they stay dry and avoid mold and fire.

Lastly, it is easy to have bits of hay pile up in the alley of your hay storage area. Be sure to sweep this up and keep it clear before it becomes a large pile and reduces circulation.

When buying hay, it is best to purchase all your winter hay needs in the summer or early fall. This is the time of year when hay is most abundant. Supply and demand dictates the price of hay, and it is cheaper in the summer and early fall. Hay can see up to double a price increase during the winter, especially in a drought when hay inventory is low. If you need help calculating hay needs for the winter, reach out to your local extension agent.

best practice for storing round bales is to place the bales under a shelter on pallets. Make sure that there is enough airflow at the top of the shelter. When under a shelter, bales can be lined up in rows on their sides or stacked on their ends like soda cans. Placing the bales on pallets helps reduce the moisture absorbed by the bales. If you don’t have an extra shelter available or pallets

Ensuring your shelter’s roof is watertight and doesn’t build up condensation that will drip on your bales is critical. Wet hay is very dangerous and can spontaneously combust with little warning. When stacking hay, stack older bales at the front so that you have access to use them first. If you don’t, before you know it, you will have bales that are several years old.

If you want to learn more, visit ces.ncsu.edu

DYNAMIC EQUINE Saddle Fitting

Properly stored hay will help prevent issues such as mold and fire.

Walthour-Moss Foundation

Part 1: The Beginnings and Vision

By Ray Owen Photos: Lisa Miyamoto

Walthour-Moss Foundation

For much of its history, the Sandhills of North Carolina has been a dynamic enclave of people from everywhere. Nowhere is its history better sustained than at the Walthour-Moss Foundation, one mile north of downtown Southern Pines. The Foundation is a keeper of the town’s namesake forest, held within the arc of Young’s Road and North May Street, its location among the highest geological points in the region.

The preserve lies at the heart of a world-class equine district, radiating outward to encompass the town of Carthage in the north, east to the Carolina Horse Park in Hoke County, south to the Hoffman in Richmond County, and west to the Village of Foxfire. Its preservation lands reflective of a conservation mindset that sustains more than 4,100 acres of longleaf forest – among the most biologically diverse and endangered ecosystems on earth.

Virginia Walthour Moss established the preserve in 1978 after the death of her husband, William Ozelle Moss. Known as Ginnie and Pappy, their vision of a special place for wildlife and equestrian sports created the gateway to Southern Pines from the north. Its sandy trails are now a haven for sportsmen and nature lovers alike – the center of a world-class equine district that is home to some of the most celebrated champions in every horse discipline.

The roots of the Foundation span the generations. Until the railroad came through in late1870s, the region was virtually cut off from the outside world making it among the last frontiers on the East Coast. Its isolation was due in part to its sandy soil that had little agricultural value. Post-Civil War clearcutting left behind a wasteland and with the camphor smell of sap hanging thick in the air, the cash-poor district began marketing itself as a health resort, touting the medicinal benefits of “ozone” exuded by the bleeding stumps of longleaf pines.

This marketing plan lured Austrian chemist Dr. Balduin Von Herff to the area, and he accumulated 5,200 undeveloped acres around Southern Pines prior to World War I. In 1917, his land went under government custody according to provisions of the Trading with the Enemy Act. Various real estate

Ginnie and Pappy Moss loved Southern Pines hunt country, made it their home, and a home for others who loved horses. Their vision of a special place in the Sandhills took shape in 1974 when the Walthour-Moss Foundation was formed as charitable trust – to preserve open land, to protect and improve wildlife habitat, and to offer a place for equestrian purposes.

Imagine a woodland where time has stood still and where nature is protected and will never fall victim to bulldozers and concrete

speculators succeeded in buying the land, and through a patchwork of subsequent transactions, much of the Walthour-Moss Foundation occupies the former Von Herff property.

Landscape designer Warren Manning set the stage for what would become the Foundation with his “Plan for the Great Park.” Manning was sent to Pinehurst in 1895 by Frederick Law Olmsted’s firm to manage the creation of the village. A visionary, his designs extended outward from Pinehurst for 30 miles to encompass the surrounding territory. Describing the plan in a 1921 interview, Pinehurst Resort owner Leonard Tufts predicted that Von Herff’s former land would become “a big community of winter homes for the well-to-do who would establish a unique settlement.” He envisioned handsome farms ranging from 5-30 acres, “a wide-reaching kingdom of semi-rural grace and opulence.”

Manning’s vision would come full circle after the organization of the Moore County Company in 1929. Formed in association with novelist James Boyd, the group acquired an option to purchase some 2,300 acres for foxhunting and other equestrian sports.

An aristocrat of vast wealth, Boyd’s family came to Southern Pines around 1904 and began developing the resort community. A sportsman at heart and a lover of the land, Boyd and his family were pioneers in the American forest preservation movement.

In 1937, the Boyds conveyed their recreational hunt lands to the Pappy and Ginnie Moss. Ginnie was from Savannah, Georgia. In the 1930s, she opened a school in the mountains of North Carolina to train riders and show horses, and met Pappy at the Blowing Rock horse show in 1932. Pappy was from a Durham family that ran an amusement park on their farm. A skilled horseman, he sometimes made money jumping cars and live subjects. The couple moved to Southern Pines in 1934 at the height of the Great Depression.

The Mosses created a vision and lifestyle that would shape the future of Sandhills horse culture. Pappy bought and sold horses while Ginnie established herself as one of the region’s finest teachers and show judges. The couple soon purchased 98 acres a mile north of Southern Pines and named their new home “Mile-Away Farm.” They built a large barn on their property and lived in two modest rooms at the front of the structure for over a decade. Pappy

The barn of Mile-Away Farm today.

The Hunt leaving from Mile-Away Farm

began speculating on local real estate, aiming to acquire all the adjoining land – keeping them forever on the edge of going broke.

By the end of the WWII their fortunes had changed, with Pappy actively selling property to wealthy equestrians, expanding lands available to riders and foxhunters alike. Mile-Away Farm became the centerpiece of horse country, and over the next decade the community hosted impressive shows that showcased the splendors of Sandhills life. People who might otherwise have gone to Camden or Aiken began acquiring large parcels of land, fortifying the Moss’s dream of a world-class equestrian paradise.

What the Mosses accomplished by establishing their Foundation was amazing, its pine forest is crisscrossed by ravines and

waterways that add to the scenic woodlands and habitat. There are over 47 miles of trails, an extensive system of jumps and fences, and man-made fox dens. For the most part, the property is

buffered from the road by private estates backing up to the preserve, giving the area has a rural-suburban appearance. Sand-clay lanes lead off the curving path of paved roads encompassing the district, with houses, stables and related buildings at the end of sandy lanes on sizable lots that are extensively fenced for pastures, paddocks, and along property lines.

This sensitive ecosystem exists today much as it did historically with rolling sandy hills, once the shore of an ancient sea, divided by a network of streams and swampy creeks. Carroll’s Branch is the principal waterway, flowing in a generally west to east direction near center of the woods, bordered by a thicket of wetlands. More than 20 heads and branches crisscross the landscape. Several man-made ponds exist across the acreage, created to enhance the view and

Entrance to Fire Lane 2

An illustrated map by Danila Devins, located in the the MCH Clubhouse.

for watering holes. The remainder of the land drains well and provides good footing for horses.

The landscape is gridded with fire lanes, an extensive network of narrow sandy trails used for riding and walking. Ecologically dependent on fire for regeneration, the forest would not have survived were it not for controlled burns and the conservation practices carried out over the last century. Meandering paths of primary trails intersect the fire lanes at regular intervals, and are the chief route of travel for riders. Most crossings and jumps carry culturally significant names such as Fell-In Bridge, Refugio and Roller Coaster, reflective of the land’s equestrian use. Tactical features also bear names like Van Urk’s Bridge, Edmisten Crossing and Murtagh, in honor of former hunt members or friends of the hunt.

There are guide rails and trail signs at major crossings along fire lanes

to identify important intersections. Jumps can be found across the park, strategically placed to test skill and agility. Some are free-standing and others are incorporated into fence lines. Many of the jumps are located along primary trails as they approach streams. Historically, fences on the perimeter of the Foundation left out a top rail within the fence to accommodate passage. In most cases, there is a side trail around jumps to accommodate different skill levels.

On a high wooded knoll, the Mosses established Hill Top Cemetery as a final resting place, with views extending for miles across the land they had hunted and managed for over seventy years. The site is indistinguishable from the surrounding forest except for a painted wooden sign, brick bench and wall. The sign includes a poem titled “Tranquility,” which pays homage to Ginnie Moss. The brick wall contains the engraving, “In Memory of Happy

Days with Moore County Hounds, Horses, Foxes, and Friends.”

Pappy and Ginnie Moss made horses such a part of the landscape that they are forever linked to Southern Pines. Today, the Walthour-Moss Foundation attracts equestrians from 45 North Carolina counties and three adjacent states, with the surrounding horse community a destination for seasonal guests from across the world. Aside from public events, such as a Hoedown, Fun Dog Show, Trick or Treat Trail Ride, and Horse Country Social, the Foundation is the heart of an equine district comprised of championshiplevel cross-country courses, show rings, trails, and a derby field. Around 2006, the Walthour-Moss Board began protecting trails through a system of easements. People originally had very large farms with open trails across the land, but as bigger tracts were broken up into smaller ones the trails were often lost. Now, more than

100 easements branch out from the Foundation, forming a fabric that ties the community together. Totaling over 12 miles and ranging in size from one mile to 140 square feet, the network is comprised of access points across farms, historic bridle trails and newer trails.

In 2013, 2,500 acres of the Foundation were listed on the National Register of Historic Places. More recently, the preserve earned national accreditation from the Land Trust Accreditation Commission for its strong commitment to public trust and conservation excellence. Every year its existence becomes more critical as unspoiled land becomes developed and we lose land for natural purposes. Thanks to the Walthour-Moss Foundation, Southern Pines ranks as one of the top equestrian destinations and remains a place of pristine ecological beauty.

Preparing for Championship Season Having a plan can make all the difference

By Cassidy Oeltjen

Whether it’s the looming championship show season or the threat of extra-frisky horses, the crisp mornings of fall start to elevate the excitement level of every ride. After surviving the preparation period of the spring season, and sweating through the summer sauna, this excitement is (hopefully) met with joyous anticipation of a year’s worth of hard work paying off.

While competitors in the Sandhills run the gambit of equestrian disciplines, so do the opportunities to test their skills against other best-of-the-best competitors in year-end championship shows. For dressage riders, their fall plans might include a trip to the Great American Insurance Group/USDF Region 1 Dressage Championships, the CBLM Championships or the NCDCTA Dressage Championships. For eventing competitors, they may include a trip to the USEA American Eventing Championships, the USEA Area 2 Championships or The Southern Pines Equine Associates War Horse Event Series in their yearend goals. For hunter/jumper riders, they may culminate their season at the USHJA Pony Finals or the NCHJA “C” Circuit Medal and Hunter Finals.

Part of the appeal of residing and competing in the Sandhills area is the close proximity of schooling and recognized shows. A competitor could realistically carry out a robust competition schedule without traveling more than an hour or so all year—a convenience that can sometimes lead to a complacent hurdle that has to be overcome when looking beyond the comforts of local competitions. That, combined with the added demands of a championship atmosphere, can feel like a pressure cooker of stress for even the most seasoned competitor.

Overcoming these mental hurdles before big competitions can be just as important as making sure your tack is cleaned and your horse has perfected each transition. It’s a process that can be trained, just like a flying change, and planned for a year (at least) in advance.

For Heather Mehal, dressage trainer and USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold medalist based in Raeford, the yearend championships are on her team’s radar from the beginning of the season. “My mindset is ‘Why wouldn’t you go?’” she says. “We focus on training, though not exactly the championships. The training takes care of the plan and, of course, things happen to change that plan.”

For her “Big Dog Stables” team, that plan starts with a thorough vet exam for all the horses and a carefully planned calendar that includes all vet, farrier, show dates and “extras,” like bodywork.

“We plan out a show schedule that is heavier in the spring when it is a bit cooler and we get all of our qualifications out of the way first,” Mehal explains. “Yes, sometimes it’s a stretch, but this allows us to remove some pressure to ‘get it done’ at the end of the season. We then use the rest of the shows to improve the areas we are struggling with or need improvement in.”

Mehal works to develop a system of success at each show—one that can be replicated each time. “Going to several shows during the year and having the horses stay over prepares not only you but your horse for the best you can be,” she says. “Having the schedule in your head of arriving early at the show, setting up, hand walking around the rings until you and the horse both take a breath, then go back and have a schooling ride. If that is your routine every show, it will help you both settle into the bigger show environment and make you both more comfortable.”

She also encourages her students to be the best they can be each ride, no matter what the show or circumstance may be. “I tell my students that nobody cares. I know that sounds horrible but what it means is everyone is so concerned about what they have to deal with, they have no more head space to be concerned about what you are doing. They are not watching you.”

Mehal sees many of her students struggle with being “perfectionists and full of self-doubt”, so she often uses her own riding mistakes as examples to show them it’s not the end of the world. “I think it really helps them to see me have bad things happen and survive and even succeed,” she says. “We focus on our training goals, not what the judges are holding us to.”

In addition, having a solid team that supports one another makes it much easier to deal with the rollercoaster of emotions that these stressful situations can bring. “We are all so driven and we love showing with our group.

Everyone supports each other and everyone understands each other’s struggles. Sometimes it is fear of failure, sometimes naughty horses, sometimes exhaustion. It is all different but we all support each other. So, we bring horseshow cake, go to dinner Saturday at the show, cry and cheer with each

typically don’t start out talking about championships at the beginning of the season but as the season progresses and a student is doing well, the conversation does come up,” she shares. “Then we decide if it’s the local schooling championships, AECs or the area championships.”

She encourages competitors to feel over-prepared for the level they are competing and consider the reality of how other influences might affect their confidence. “As a coach, I train my students to a level above where they will be competing. Being fully prepared will help them mentally relax,” says Mahaffey. “The training process will look different for each horse/ rider combination. Most adult students have a job, family, etc. All this has to be taken into account and can affect the student mentally and sometimes goals have to be reassessed.”

other. And adult beverages can always celebrate or commiserate.”

Sanford-based eventing trainer, rider and judge Karen Mahaffey tends to let the flow of the season dictate who culminates their season at a championship. “As a coach, we

Mahaffey also sees the added stress of trying to qualify for or competing in a championship changes the way her students overcome adversity. “I think the hardest thing for students is admitting they may need to scratch because they aren’t ‘in the game’ that day. Eventing

Sandhills Dressage Rider Beth Bird and her horse Farenheit, 2019 USDF National Champions at 3rd Level, Adult Amateur Musical Freestyle.

Photo: Susan Stickle

is a very tough ‘adult’ sport. You have to be focused and committed no matter what the circumstances might be.”

As a judge, she also recognizes that the pressure changes the way people usually ride. She says, “Most often nerves taking over result in things like under-riding in the dressage test or in show jumping. Nerves can get in the way of focus. Remember, you have earned the right to be there! I see riders being intimidated in warm-up, especially jump warm-up. Ride with confidence! Remember you qualified! Now, leave the outside world behind for your four to six minutes of each phase and FOCUS!”

Getting qualified is the first step in a detailed process in the program of Triangle area hunter trainer and judge Phillip Long. “I always tell people that qualifying for year-end finals on any level is a major accomplishment, and I want to know what they expect

by attending these finals. Just because someone is qualified, doesn’t necessarily mean they are qualified to achieve their expectations,” he says. “Especially as a judge, I see a lot of people get upset when the big dream doesn’t happen right away or at all. This doesn’t do them, or the industry, any good. So, I stress patience, education and reasonable thinking.”

This journey takes different amounts of time for different people, but Long emphasizes that the first experiences at a year-end final should be about gaining confidence. “No matter what level they are competing, generally they are going for the experience and as they become more focused and relaxed, then the goals can change.”

Part of the process of finding this focus and relaxation under pressure comes from practicing the different variables that might come up in a finals situation. Long encourages his clients to find

their weaknesses and work to overcome them well before the year-end season starts. “If you’re not comfortable indoors, find as many indoors to ride in as you can,” he says. “Practice riding right off the trailer. Practice latenight rides, and early mornings. Ride multiple times a day. Horses get used to showing and being done for the day, so a finals schedule with different times can lead to unhappy horses. But you can prepare ahead of time to avoid getting flustered.”

No matter what discipline or level, there is no denying the thrill of being involved in the culmination of a year’s worth of hard work. Being prepared to bring your mental A-game will ensure you and your horse put your best hoof forward when it counts. Oh, and bring horseshow cake … always bring horseshow cake.

Hosted by the North Carolina FTA Sandhills Wildlife Management Area

Talking Hounds with Lincoln Sadler ~ Huntsman for Moore County Hounds

By Ray Owen Photos: Lynn McGugan

Since 1914, Moore County Hounds has been part of the cultural landscape of the Sandhills. Founded by Jackson Boyd and his brother, writer James Boyd, the group continues to sustain the region’s foxhunting tradition. Lincoln Sadler is their huntsman, a position he assumed in 2016 after retiring as a state wildlife biologist. A Sandhills native and lifelong foxhunter, he has natural affinity for the hounds.

As a huntsman, he says life is much easier if your horse gets along with the hounds. He’s had two, maybe three, great fox hunters that didn’t care about the hounds or the hunt whip. If you can use your hunt whip freely it accommodates moving the hounds through a crowded area, or to and from

a meet. In terms of horses, the ones that will walk and trot and stand make the best huntsman’s mount.

Nothing makes Sadler prouder then when he’s standing on the line with the whole field, and the hounds come full cry through and not a horse moves.

“It’s imperative that you expose your puppies to horses as soon as possible,” he says. “It can’t be too soon because they’re very curious. You have to have a horse you can trust to not lash out at an inquisitive, little puppy, and you need the hounds to be relaxed enough so they’ll stay tight around your horses if you have to track them down a hard surface road. I think that it’s great for the community to see the horses and hounds out on the road. So, you have to be able to tighten up without those hounds being frightened of the horses or vice versa.”

Horses and hounds are a natural fit. There are three aspects of a hound that are the most breedable: biddability,

aggressiveness and shyness. The Masters of Foxhounds Association currently recognizes four breeds: American, Crossbred, English, PennMarydel. “Penn-Marydel is an awkward name for a breed of American hound,” says Sadler. “The breed was developed for setting ability and its big voice so that the huntsman could stay with it in the hills of Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware. My predecessor, David Raley, did a great job breeding that shyness out because a hound that won’t pack up and doesn’t work for the team.”

“If you go to another pack of hounds that is Crossbred or English, it’s very different. Four times, I’ve hunted with another pack of Crossbreds. My PennMarydels have not honored those hounds until another Penn-Marydel opens up and says this is right. The other breeds sound so similar to what puppies sound like on riot, so PennMarydels don’t want to honor them. Once somebody gets in there and they open, everybody’s chiming in and eager to be on the job.”

knows what to do with it. “Everybody says that they’re slow,” says Sadler. “But I always say that they run as fast as their nose allows. Whereas other types of hounds may overshoot the line, the Penn-Marydels rarely do, and when they do they correct a lot faster than some of the other breeds.”

“Jody Murtagh bringing the PennMarydels to Moore County is perhaps the best things that’s happened in its equestrian history, that and arrival of the coyote has been a blessing. I whipped into Clive Rose for 14 years and we never had days or cry like we have now with the Penn-Marydels foxhound.”

When it comes to safety, Sadler tells whipper-ins that next to their own safety, safety of the hounds comes first. The biggest potential problem is highways. Whipper-ins must look to upgrade their position, always trying to be at the next danger point. Other than that, a hound sometimes gets kicked but rarely does a hound get truly hurt.

hound truck. If I see a deer move off, I stop the truck and unload the hounds. I’ll make a big loop until I come back across that line, and if the hound doesn’t babble I put him back in the truck. If he does babble, I don’t care if he smells it and even moves a little bit on it. But if he takes vigor and intent, then you discipline him. Generally, after a session like that and they’re back on the straight and narrow. The hounds want to do what they’ve been bred to do.”

Training exercises like this build camaraderie between the huntsman and whipper-ins. Often times, a new constituent comes along who might have an interest in seeing how it all works. There are a lot of people out there that want to be on a horse and in the woods. They also want to see the hounds and the horse is a vehicle for that.

When asked what the hound’s thinking, Sandler replies: “Damn...I wish I knew. I hate to anthropomorphize the fox out. Being a biologist, that’s hard for me to answer. I would turn that question around and ask what’s driving the hound rather than what’s the hound thinking – that scent mush be so cathartic, such a powerful vehicle for that hound.”

The Penn-Marydel is renowned throughout the hound world for its great scenting ability. As someone said, all dogs can smell the same it’s just that some know what to do with it. If that’s the case, certainly the Penn-Marydel

“I’m constantly evaluating performance,” says Sadler. “If I have a hound that may be having issues with riot, I’ll get some whipper-ins, a bag of popcorn, five or six hounds with track and train collars, and load them in the

“Case in point, it was a murderously hot day, I mean soggy as a wet blanket. We were trailing and trailing for 45 minutes. This was early part of the season and I got tired of it because nothing’s coming out of it. Tongues are hanging out, so we took the hounds down to Carter Crossing to water them and wrap it up. We’re an hour and a half into the day. We get along the south side of the Rice field in the middle of the Walthour-Moss Foundation, when this coyote came shooting out in front of us offering full cry. We had a hell of a go. And hounds that look like they’re about to expire all of the sudden just energized and totally unrecognizable

as the hounds that we’re just about to collapse moments before – that scent is driving them.”

“Folks can say the Penn-Marydel dwells too much. Dwelling means they can smell something right here and they’re not promoting forwards. I see that and that’s more of a horrible scenting day. On those same days the Penn-Marydel is dwelling, the Crossbreds are not smelling anything. Or other hazards. They were reluctant to upgrade to somewhere where the scent is not holding. When they could smell something right here, it can be a blessing and a curse. That powerful nose of the Penn-Marydel can be a blessing and a curse.”

Are you covered?

Accidents happen. Liability insurance can offer you peace of mind!

By Cassidy Oeltjen

Horses aren’t exactly known for being predictable creatures. Logic and reason are not two attributes usually associated with how they go about their daily lives.

As horse owners, we shield ourselves against their erratic responses. We wear helmets to protect ourselves in the event of an unplanned dismount. We wear boots for when their foot forgets to stay in its own lane. And there is always wine to protect our egos when they unexpectedly decide not to load on a trailer.

When a horse finds the one raised nail on the one fence post in the one field they have been in for years, we protect our bank accounts with medical and mortality insurance, which covers injury or death to the horse listed on the policy. Trainers and barn owners also protect their businesses with business liability coverage, which covers the business in the event of a third-party injury, damage to property or other liability cases.

In North Carolina, it is illegal to even operate a vehicle without liability coverage, but are you, as a horse owner, protected if someone gets injured or something gets damaged as a result of your horse’s actions?

While some horses live out their lives tucked away behind indestructible fencing on a homeowner’s property, many others are boarded on property owned by someone else, and/or travel to other locations (e.g., competitions, trail riding, vet visits, farrier, etc.). No matter what the horse’s situation is, unplanned events can occur—after all, unplanned events are a part of being a horse. The fairytale versions of these actions include your horse escaping to find a lost puppy or canoodling the newly weaned foal who just needed a friend, but it’s far more likely that they will be involved in things like damage to a golf course after breaking their halter, backing into the side of a truck after being scared by the neighbor’s barking dog or even injuring someone who has reached into their stall (whether invited to or not).

For those who keep their horses on their property, a conversation with your homeowner’s insurance agent is paramount to ensure you are adequately protected. While many homeowner policies cover incidents that occur as a result of pets or property, being frank about exactly what activities you and your horse participate in, plan to participate in or could potentially (unavoidably) participate in will prevent surprises if an incident occurs. Some of these questions might include:

• Are you covered if someone unexpectedly enters your pasture or barn and gets injured?

• What about if your horse gets loose and damages property?

• If you take your horse to a show or other activity, are you covered if they damage property or injure someone?

• What if they damage a visitor’s vehicle on your property?

• How much is your liability limit? (Many homeowner policies are far lower than the average claim.)

• Is there an umbrella add-on that would provide more thorough coverage?

For those who board their horse, having a thorough understanding of the stable’s boarding agreement is paramount to ensure there are no surprises should a situation happen. Many professionals carry “care, custody, and control” coverage. This is to cover the legally obligated amount of a horse they do not own, should it be injured, die or get stolen while under their care. While this amount may include other things, like tack being damaged or stolen, it does not include the liability of that horse damaging others’ property or injuring a third party. Many boarding agreements also include an indemnity clause that holds the stable harmless should any damage occur as a result of the horse’s actions.

So who would be held liable if the horse damages property or causes injuries?

When thinking about the answer to that question (really any of the questions we ponder in this article), remember that anyone can sue anyone else. While we, unfortunately, live in a very litigious society, a scan through many of the relatively recent equine-related lawsuits shows that most of them rule in favor of the legislative statutes from North Carolina’s Chapter 99E Equine Liability Act. But that doesn’t prevent both parties from the stress and hassle of being caught up in a legal struggle. While the weight of being liable for a 1,200-pound animal who regularly makes poor decisions may seem heavy, obtaining personal equine liability coverage is a simple way to cover your assets and lessen the burden.

Just as a horse’s unpredictable behavior knows no bounds, having liability coverage keeps you covered for the things that you may not even consider, like:

• Medical bills for someone injured

due to the actions of your horse.

• Lost wages of someone injured by your horse.

• Problems that happen away from home but that you are responsible for, such as your horse damaging property at a show.

• Legal costs if someone sues you.

• A death benefit to a family whose loved one had a fatal accident for which you’re legally liable.

The North Carolina Horse Council (NCHC), a volunteer-run organization that aims “to serve as the voice of the North Carolina Equine Community through education, communication, and representation,” highly recommends that boarding facilities require boarded horses to be covered by personal liability coverage.

Fortunately, NCHC members can purchase personal equine liability coverage at a very affordable price as an add-on to their membership dues. This

coverage is stackable with other policies (including existing homeowner policy), which would increase the total amount beyond the $1,000,000 in coverage provided by this policy. Considering all

The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) also offers its members the opportunity to purchase personal equine liability coverage from Equisure. Like the NCHC policy, it is also for $1,000,000 of coverage and is stackable with other coverage. Both policies are “in excess of any existing valid and collectible insurance,” which means that if you have homeowners coverage, that policy will pay out first. If there is no other coverage, the membership policy will become the primary coverage and be the first to pay out.

accident happens anywhere in the world. This coverage is for the member getting injured, not a third party (like the liability policy).

For those who operate as professionals, collecting payment for equine-related activities, coverage for any of the personal equine liability policies will not cover any activity or horse that is used in their business operation. If a horse is personally owned, however, and not a part of their business in any way, it can be covered.

the costs you could be found liable for, having adequate or even excessive coverage would be ideal.

The USEF coverage also includes an additional accidental death and dismemberment insurance that covers the member if an equine-related

Ownership of a horse is a privilege that brings unmatched joy, friendships and experiences. We protect other privileges, from auto and homeowners’ insurance, with liability coverage so it’s logical to do the same with our horses. The options to obtain coverage are so easy and affordable that we can reallocate our stress to other important matters … like thrown shoes or which end of the arena is going to be scary today.

Paul Striberry

The dreaded broken fence! Do you know where your horses are?

Hoof pick for Screweyes

Use the end of your hoof pick to screw in and secure Screweyes! The handle provides enough leverage to make this task easier and much less frustrating. Use the picking part to start your hole if needed.

No More Mess!

Does your horse require crushed pills for his medicine? Place the pills in a syringe, suction a small amount of water into the syringe and wait for the pills to dissolve. Voila! Now you can feed the paste directly to your horse without any mess.

Carolina Horse Park’s 25th Anniversary Casino Royale Event Hosted at Village Pine Venue

By Audrey Wiggins, Local Equestrian Specialist Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Lifestyle Property Partners

The Carolina Horse Park celebrates its 25th anniversary this year!

With over 30 events and horse shows throughout the year, the Park is a huge draw for equestrians of every discipline. The Park’s proximity to the Sandhills creates an economic impact of over $8 million annually in hotel stays, dining and shopping.

The Park also significantly impacts our local Real Estate market by enhancing property values within Horse Country. Many people do not realize that the Carolina Horse Park is a 501c3 non-profit which makes your donation or sponsorship tax-deductible!

In recent years there have been many improvements at the Park completed through donations and fundraising including the addition of

the James Baker Show Pavilion, permanent bathrooms, new arenas, and equipment purchases such as tractors and water trucks. As with any large venue that manages numerous events, the list of needed improvements is ever changing and growing.

In honor of the 25 th Anniversary, we are hosting a Casino Royale fundraising event Friday, October 13th, from 6-10pm, at the Village Pine Venue in Carthage, NC.

Melissa McPeake, owner of Village Pine Venue, is a longtime supporter of the Carolina Horse Park as well as a 2019 Painted Pony Artwalk and Auction Sponsor.

Melissa and her family are in the hotel business and own numerous hotels in the Southern Pines and Pinehurst area. Due to their involvement in the hospitality industry, they are also aware of the impact the Park has on our local community - both in economic impact and real estate values. The CHP is honored to partner with Melissa at her new venue for this special celebration. This stunning venue offers a main hall with a veranda overlooking a private pond, English gardens, pathways, and courtyards along with private spaces for brides and grooms. This Charleston-inspired, modern industrial venue sits on 8 acres and has versatility to accommodate almost any event. Melissa McPeake says “This area was lacking in a space that could host large events and provide a variety of options for both indoor and outdoor festivities. As the area continues to grow and thrive, options and opportunities such as this new venue, provide benefits to residents new and old. And provides a fabulous, exciting new backdrop for non-profit fundraisers like the Casino Night!”

So, as you plan your Fall social schedule ... think Bond, James Bond ... as our Casino Royale is a cocktail party offering casino style games of Black Jack, Poker, Craps and Roulette. The night will be professionally catered and there will be raffles , an extensive LIVE and silent auction added to the fun! Tickets can be purchased at www.CarolinaHorsePark.com or contact Shannon Habenicht, the Director of Development, at Shannon@carolinahorsepark.com.

The Sandhills area has so much to offer the equestrian enthusiast. It’s truly a remarkable area to live in and have horses. If you are in the market to sell or buy, hiring a Realtor who specializes in our local equestrian lifestyle is key! Lifestyle is where it begins, and I am your Equestrian Lifestyle Property Partner! - Audrey Wiggins

SAVE THE DATE: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 6PM - 10PM

Tickets can be purchased at www.CarolinaHorsePark.com or contact Shannon Habenicht - Shannon@carolinahorsepark.com.

OCTOBER

October 1st

MCH Informal Hunt Season starts

October 4-8

Wed-Sun

NC State Fair H/J AA

Hunt Horse Complex, 4 601 Trinity Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607

Sat-Sun, WHES October HT

Carolina Horse Park, 2814 Montrose Road, Raeford, NC 28376

October 14-15

Sat-Sun SATP FALL NCHJA C Show

Carolina Horse Park, 2814 Montrose Road, Raeford

Sunday Prancing Horse Farm Tour Southern Pines

Sunday Buckhorn D/CT

Buckhorn Farm, 434 Youngs Rd, Vass, NC 28394, USA

FARM TOUR PRANCING HORSE 2023

C JAMIE M DEVITT

MCDEVITT TOWN AND COUNTY PROPERTIES

dvance tickets each day of event

o charge for children and younger

lso available through the following retail outlets it sed arn oor onsignments abin ranch ack hop oast ce inehurst

October 21- 22

Sat-Sun NCHJA C Finals

Carolina Horse Park, 2814 Montrose Road, Raeford

Sunday Trick-and-Treat Trail Ride Walthour Moss Foundation

October 27- 29

Fri-Sun SATP Haunted Classic

Carolina Horse Park, 2814 Montrose Road, Raeford

Saturday HRF D/CT/HT/WD

Heather Ridge Farm, 875 N Horace Walters Rd, Raeford, NC 28376

Eventing

Welcome to Idlewild Farm Stays

A Full Service RV/LQ Farm Stay Campground on 25 acres, 1 mile to Carolina Horse Park.

A welcoming place to relax and recharge after a horse show day, golf round, parachuting, or travel. Ask about Introductory rates & special discounts.

reservations: michelle @ idlewildfarmstays.com

NOVEMBER

November 3-5

Fri-Sun

Autum Leaves NCDCTA

Dressage Championships

Carolina Horse Park, 2814 Montrose Road, Raeford, NC 28376

Fri-Sa

Triangle Farms Indoor C Finale

Hunt Horse Complex, 4 601 Trinity Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607

Saturday

Mythbusters Clinic:

Pleasure Driving Shows

Moore County Driving Club with Don Stewart

November 8-12

Wed-Sun

Jump For The Children

Benefit AA

Hunt Horse Complex, 4 601 Trinity Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607

November 11-12

Sat-Sun

WHES October HT

Carolina Horse Park, 2814 Montrose Road, Raeford, NC 28376

November 15-19

Wed-Sun Jump For The Children

Benefit AA

Hunt Horse Complex, 4 601 Trinity Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607

Sunday Buckhorn Farm D/CT 434 Youngs Rd, Vass, NC 28394, USA

November 22

Wednesday

HRF D/CT/WD

Heather Ridge Farm, 875 N Horace Walters Rd, Raeford, NC 28376, USA

November 30

Thursday, DUE: NCDCTA Annual Scholarship Application

“We use NibbleNets exclusively in our stalls and round pens. I love the XL size. We fill them twice a day and almost feed a bale of alfalfa hay a day. We have young Thoroughbreds, all right off the track, who can be hard on things. These last unlike any other product!

—JESSICA REDMAN Owner/Trainer, Benchmark Sport Horses

Carmen Elisa Franco

Content Sponsored By:

The Conlin Family Southern

“It’s so EZ”

Age: 10

Gender: mare

Breed: Thoroughbred (OTTB)

Tattoo # Q05828

Color: Bay

Introducing EZ, a beautiful Thoroughbred mare with a heart of gold! At 15.3 hands, EZ stands out from the crowd with her stunning bay coat, excellent conformation, and willing attitude. She is great under saddle and would be an excellent candidate for someone looking for a nice Hunter/Equitation or trail horse. She requires very little maintenance and is looking for her forever home, preferably with one special person who she can bond with.

EZ is available for adoption through the Santana Center, Aberdeen NC

For inquiries contact: 619-241-0918 or visist: www.santanacenter.com

SandhillsEquestrian Marketplace

Help is needed in many ways at the barnvolunteers are asked to come to the barn anytime between 2:30pm - 6:30pm

26 & Oct. 26. Thank You!

VOLUNTEER at the PARK

Support your Equestrians at the War Horse Series, Dressage at the Park, and the Tree House Series.

Volunteers needed: • Dressage Scribe, Warm-up Steward, Bit Check, Timer, SJ Scribe, Jump Judge, Hospitality & so many more!

We Need Volunteers! Contact Maggie Cline at volunteers@carolinahorsepark.com or call

M & M Tack Shop in Raleigh is looking for a talented and hard-working Mobile Horse Show Rig Manager to join our team!

Do you have a passion for horses and love traveling? Are you familiar with Hunter/Jumpers, Dressage and Eventing? Can you drive a truck and trailer? Can you lift up to 50 pounds? Then this job is perfect for you! As our Rig Manager, you’ll be traveling to 2 to 3 events per month, usually from Thursday to Monday, and covering a radius that includes NC, SC, and VA. (We are based in Raleigh, NC)

Responsibilities include packing/unpacking the trailer, setting up at the event, assisting customers, processing sales, and taking the lead with one associate. You will also assist with stock acquisition for the rig.

But wait, there’s more! In addition to a competitive hourly rate, you’ll also receive commission, food allowance, and lodging. It’s the perfect opportunity to turn your love for horses into a career. If you are a hardworking, organized, and enthusiastic individual who loves horses and has a passion for sales, then we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Please email your resume to michele@mmtackshop.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

Emerald Valley Mashes are a healthy alternative to bran mash, high in fiber and low in sugar. Our mashes are packed with the super hydration power of Speedi-Beet or Fibre-Beet, allowing them to absorb 3 to 5 times its weight in water! Emerald Valley mashes are topped off with healthy grains, seeds and fruit or veggies. Horses that tend to drink less at shows, traveling, hot summer months or during winter will devour Emerald Valley mashes. Excellent for hiding meds. Eight great flavors to choose from!

Advertising Index

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BARNWARE / INDUSTRIAL METAL PRODUCTS

CAROLINA ALL-AGE & DERBY JAMBOREE

CAROLINA HORSE PARK VOLUNTEERS

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CAROLINA TRAILER SALES

DYNAMIC EQUINE SADDLE FITTING

ELITE ROOFING

EMERALD VALLEY NATURAL HEALTH

FLOWLAND COUNTER-CULTURE OUTLET

FLUFF MONKEY

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HARDY’S EQUIPMENT

HASSINGER EQUINE SPORTS MEDICINE

HEATHER RIDGE FARM

IDLEWILD FARM STAYS

JAMIE McDEVITT TOWN & COUNTRY PROPERTIES

JASON JACKSON PHOTOGRAPHY

M&M TACK SHOP

MABUS FARM AND GENERAL CONTRACTING

MAKANA PHOTOGRAPHY

MOORE EQUINE FEED & PET SUPPLY

MULE CITY SPECIALTY FEED

NIBBLE NET

NORTH STATE INSURANCE ADVISORS

PAUL STRIBERRY

PRANCING HORSE CENTER

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REVITAVET THERAPEUTIC SYSTEMS

STACKHOUSE SADDLES

THE COUNTRY SADDLER

TRAFALGAR SQUARE BOOKS

WEYMOUTH EQUESTRIANS

Janet & Wayne Rasmussen

“Horse of a different color”

HRF Halloween Horse Show 2022

Photo by Jason Jackson

Concept • Design • Build

Our Team serves Moore, Hoke, Cumberland, Harnett, Lee, Chatham Counties, Fort Liberty and the surrounding areas.

RESIDENT IAL • EQUESTRIAN • FARMS • COMMERCIAL

Select a team that understands the complexity of building a Custom Home on acreage, establishing an efficient Hobby Farm or the development of a safe and functional Equestrian Facility. Our Team of Veterans, Veteran’s Spouses, Equestrians and Hobby Farmers are well versed in every aspect of the journey from working with local real estate agents to assist in finding your land, connecting you with multiple lenders who have a firm understanding of lending options and planning every detail in your forever home and barn to meet your individual needs. Every member of our Team owns a working farm themselves so we fully understand everything that goes into building on acreage and the daily work that goes into sustaining it. At MFGC, Inc. we live our motto “We don’t just build Farms, we build your future” everyday!

“We don’t just build Farms - We build your Future”