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Starting Anew

Rescue Horse Gets Second Chance at Life with NC State Eventer

Starting Anew Rescue Horse Gets Second Chance at Life with NC State Eventer

Born in the Sandhills

Married with Horses

E quin e Sandhills

Publisher BIC R Media, LLC

Editor: Cassidy Oeltjen

Layout and Design

Ines Ritter

Contributors

Ray Owen

Mary Kate Murphy

Cassidy Oeltjen

Veronica Green-Gott

Jeremy Law

Moore County Hist. Assoc.

Whitney Weston

Andrea Grelewicz Brakie

Jason Jackson Ines Ritter

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General Inquiries info@sandhillseqm.com

Cover

Alyssa Perkins and Ultraviolent

Photo: Andrea Grelewicz Brakie

JSK Photography

Sandhills Equine Monthly owned by BIC R Media LLC 360 Fairway Dr Southern Pines, NC 28387

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Hello Sandhills Equine Enthusiasts

Back to school time always seems to bring a fresh perspective. It's a time to start on a new slate, and build a strong foundation. Whether you have kids or are a kid, it's that same feeling, with the promise of fall weather breathing life back into our motivation.

This month, we take a look at the Fall Finale and Schooling Show Championship - a competition worth being motivated to attend! Correct Connect also helps us stay motivated with innovative products that help us ride better. And Alyssa Perkins gives us all motivation to never judge a book by its cover and enjoy the process.

We also go back to basics with learning what straightness really means, and how we can help our horses with the practices of the Masterson Method.

Be sure to check out the online exclusives and follow along on our social media channels, where there are fun giveaways and deep dives into equestrian life in the Sandhills!

Cheers!

Cassidy Oeltjen Editor

Masterson Method of Integrated Bodywork®

The Masterson Method of Integrated Bodywork® is an innovative, uniquely integrated method of equine bodywork developed by Jim Masterson. Jim Masterson worked over the past decades with sports horses and slowly developed a method of helping these horses release deep, accumulated restrictions and tension in the muscles and connective tissues through use of light touch and gentle movement in a relaxed state.

Anyone observing Jim at work will readily recognize that this method is different in that it works with horses rather than on horses. This working “with horses” goes well beyond the effects of equine massage. Masterson Method Integrated Bodywork® works not just on the superficial muscles but taps directly into and works with the horse’s nervous system. The horse must be an active participant with the

practitioner in this work or the method just will not work. This conversation between practitioner and horse is not only quite fulfilling for those doing this work but it is also transformational to the horse.

Improving Movement and Performance

Years of stored tension or restriction in the superficial and deep muscles can be released by the practitioner in a series of Masterson Method sessions with the horse. This can result in major improvement in movement and performance.

Such improvements do not only benefit the sports or competitive horse but also the trail horse or horses that are coming back into work. Retired horses with conditions such as joint arthritis or chronic injuries also benefit from

maximalization and maintenance of optimal functioning.

The Masterson Method of Integrated Bodywork® accomplishes this by accessing the horse’s parasympathetic nervous system using the lightest possible touch and allowing the horse to respond to this. The horse communicates where restrictions and reactivity need to be released by bodywork along the essential core muscles and in the muscles and soft tissues of the key junctions in the body. The horse then accesses its own nervous system to accomplish these releases.

Additional Benefits of Masterson Method® Bodywork

A Masterson Method Integrated Bodywork® session has additional

Sabine Maas Masterson Method Certified Practitioner (MMCP)

Sabine Maas is specializing in equine bodywork that helps horses release tension and improve overall well-being. She became interested in this method after seeing its positive effects on her own horse, leading her to pursue certification. Sabine is the owner of Silver Mane Equine Bodywork, based in Raleigh, NC. She travels throughout Wake and surrounding counties for her clients. Learn more here: www.silvermaneequinebodywork.com

benefits of calming a horse who has become aggressive, “busy” or nervous behavior which often can be the result of deep discomfort in the spinal and postural muscles. Sometimes, these changes can be drastic, particularly if the discomfort is chronic in nature.

People sometimes take the Weekend Course (Introduction) or the 5-day Advanced “Beyond Horse Massage” courses of the Masterson Method® so they can help their horses. Working with your horse using this method increases connection onto a deeper level and increases trust between you and your horse. There is also an option to take a weekend “Light to the Core” course where the lightest touch techniques taught can result in tremendous deep tissue releases.

Progressive Training and Education

I became interested in this method of bodywork after my mare was going through a period of heightened sensitivity to touch, injury and decreased performance. I became interested but was “sold” completely to the benefits after seeing a Masterson Method Certified Practitioner working with my horse and the transformation that ensued. She is quite a different horse today because of this method. I enrolled in the weekend course and went straight through to become a certified practitioner.

People having completed the weekend or 5-day courses may sometimes offer their services to horse owners but it is important to note this level of training and education is not equivalent or even remotely a substitute for the training of a Masterson Method Certified Practitioner (MMCP).

An MMCP not only has completed the 2- and the Advanced 5-day courses but also a home study course, an anatomy course, three blocks of submitting fieldwork cases to a mentor for review,

feedback, and training. Each block of fieldwork concludes with a 1:1 skill and knowledge evaluation by a coach. It is after the third block of fieldwork that the person can apply and complete a certification course and call him/ herself an MMCP. This training trajectory takes a minimum of 426 hours. Some MMCP’s have completed the Light to the Core course as well. MMCP’s also may continue to invest actively in continuing education areas expanding their knowledge in farrier issues, saddle fitting basics, as well as knowledge of the various bits and their functions. MMCP’s may also choose to shadow a veterinarian or veterinary dentist for further understanding of common problems affecting the horse’s body and functioning.

A typical MMCP will continuously seek ways to expand knowledge including incorporating additional Masterson Method techniques as well. Since this method is not invasive, the method is safe in most all cases. There are only a few contraindications to the use of this method’s techniques. If in doubt, the practitioner will ask you to contact your veterinarian for clearance and guidance.

and can provide a demonstration of this method at your barn. There is a particularly powerful technique which most equestrians can do with their horse. This Bladder Meridian technique demonstrated during the demo meeting is also practiced by you with a horse. I have helped riders as

young as 7 years of age and upward perform this technique to their benefit and that of the horse.

Scheduling a Masterson Method® Certified Practitioner to Work with a Horse

You may wonder if this method is something for you or your horse. An MMCP can answer your questions

You can find out if there is an MMCP in your area by going to the Masterson website: https://mastersonmethod. com. There is a locator for all MMCP’s all over the world, just click on your area on the map. You can also find information at the Masterson website about courses scheduled to be taught and you can order books or online course work about this work with horses. There are now also resources for working with dogs.

P erformance Lin e

We are Equine Industry Innovators who create performance products to improve your horse’s training & show experience. Just like you, we are riders, competitors, and equine enthusiasts. EHI originated and is located and operated right in the heart of the Sandhills, NC!

Your performance is our passion!

Straightness

What does straight mean?

Literally, straightness is the horse's hind hooves falling into the exact hoofprints the front feet were in just a moment ago. This is how you can be "straight" even when on a curving figure, like a circle.

I like to think of the inside limbs of the horse as being on one railroad track, and the outside limbs are on the other. A rider can prod at a limb that leaves the track to return the horse to straight, but that always leaves the rider a step behind in the process, catching the mistake after it has already happened. Instead, use your baseline of communication to consistently guide the horse's body onto the tracks.

If our horse isn't straight, we can't expect to get symmetrical geometry in a dressage test, and finding your way to an obstacle when jumping is pretty hit

or miss! Straightness is also important when building the quality of your horse's gaits. If your canter is unpredictable and falling left or right, all that nice energy that could be used to create a more fluid/expressive/powerful gait is lost outside of the boundaries of railroad tracks.

Think of the idea that we, as riders, are creating energy and then must decide where to put it and use it for good not evil!

One of my favorite exercises to check in with your horse's straightness is the Square Turn. Here is a detailed map of how we can efficiently keep our horse's straightness, with no change in rhythm or energy, while still navigating a precise turn and be ready to jump an obstacle out of the turn.

Set-up:

Find a rectangle or square in your workspace. You will try not to deviate from that track during the exercise. Ideally there are no obstacles

Eliza Sydnor Romm,

on your rectangle line, and no walls or fence lines (arena walls can tend to pull your horse to them like a magnet, and you won't have a good gauge of his straightness). Just you, your horse, and an imaginary rectangle. I like to use an open field or pasture.

Position:

Start with your baseline of communication - pulsing leg, seat, following low(ish) and wide hands. Imagine you are forming a triangle, with your two hands and the horse's bit being the corners, the reins two sides of the triangle, your hands staying a consistent distance apart from each other, forming the third side of the triangle. Keep his head straight in front of his chest. We do not want an overly bent horse in this exercise, but suppling the inside jaw can be helpful for a better connection if your horse is heavy or bracing

Eye Markers:

Starting in the walk, find a marker at each corner to guide your turn. For example, if you

Whitney Weston Advanced Level Eventer

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 .

Whitney Weston is the owner and head trainer at Valkyrie Sporthorses, located in Southern Pines, North Carolina. Whitney developed a passion for horses at a young age, beginning her equestrian journey with riding lessons at the age of four. She has trained under prominent figures like Olympians Phillip Dutton and Boyd Martin, and has represented the United States in international equestrian competitions. Visit www.valkyriesporthorses.com to learn more.

are traveling right and about to get to a corner of the rectangle, turn your chin to your right shoulder to stare at a tree that is at the end of your next line. At every corner, stare at your next marker as you ride the line. This keeps your gaze up, and allows you to feel what's happening underneath you. It is very tempting to look down and observe, but that tends to get the horse behind the leg and get even more wiggly.

The Turn:

With all this talk of baseline communication, now is the time to test if your horse notices when you make a change. Start traveling along one side of your rectangle, as you near the corner, half-halt and slow your aid rhythm to tell your horse something is coming up ahead. Then, add extra weight in your outside seatbone and stirrup, and extra outside rein pressure (I imagine my elbow connecting to my ribs). We are asking the horse to make a square turn without changing connection, rhythm, or speed. No bend in the corners, no using extra or openin g inside rein to turn.

To our human brains, that doesn't make sense! Since we were old enough to ride a tricycle as kids, we all learned to turn by leaning into the turn, your inside hand pulls the handlebars, and your outside arm opens.

But horses are the opposite! From birth, horses learn to move away from pressure. Mom nipps at butt, baby scitters opposite direction. In cross ties if we want our horse to move, we poke/push at shoulder or flank. If we try to turn our horse like a car, we end up putting more weight on inside seat bone/stirrup, pulling the inside rein to turn. From the horse's perspective, we have just put pressure on their body but only on the inside. They feel the lighter outside seatbone, the lighter outside rein, so of course they think they should move from inside pressure to the outside of the circle! Resist these human methods of communication in order to speak horse.

Leaving the Corner:

Turns take up energy. They slow the horse. For example, you need to add extra leg when riding a 10m circle vs. a 20m circle. Within the established rhythm, add enough ounces of pressure in both legs as you leave the turn, hands wide and staring straight ahead at your marker.

Travel toward the next corner, and repeat. When you are able to have a consistent and soft rein connection (horse not using head and neck up/ down/sideways for balance), straight out of your turn and on the side of the rectangle, with a consistent rhythm each direction, you are ready for the trot, and then the canter! You should find that your horse is more supple, balanced, steady, and feels soft and strong as they navigate the turns and straight lines. Not only have you now accomplished ‘straight’, but your horse is underneath you, has positive energy coming from behind, and is communicating well with you. This is an exercise I especially pull out on hot days, as it provides an efficient warmup and we can get to the meat of your workout quicker, or provide plenty of exercise and training for a day’s workout.

The first time you attempt this exercise, the goal, especially with a greener horse or rider, is to achieve the horse turning inwards off the outside aids. If communication or understanding is a bit off, I see horses rush forward, brace or wiggle. Let the horse’s response to your “ask” be feedback to what they are feeling from you as the rider, and how we can adjust our aids to better assist the horse. Below are some common mistakes in the exercise revealing that the horse is asking for clarification and assistance from the rider:

-Horse does not slow before the turn, or even tenses and braces rushing forward instead of turning: He is not understanding that we applied more leg to ask for a turn instead of leg to go

forward. Look at the ratios of pressure you are using in your aids. The horse in this instance is feeling leg, but also needs to acknowledge more outside seatbone, closing outside thigh, and outside rein pressure back to hip to ask the horse to turn inwards. Try adding a halt before turning to be clear to your horse that the goal is a pivot/sideways motion instead of forward in that instance.

If this is where your horse struggles, I give the rider full permission to allow their horse to turn even if falling inwards on their inside shoulder, accidentally counterbending, opening the inside rein to guid the horse, or missing their line by turning too much. That is ok! When the horse understands the half halt and outside aids mean turn, we can then address the inside aids.

-Horse turns too quickly or falls into the rectangle, missing the straight line they would like to leave the turn on: Good! Your horse understands the half halt and outside aids mean steady then turn. Now apply a little extra inside seatbone down, and let your inside leg support them more at the girth, closer to the shoulder than the haunch. Use a touch of suppling inside rein in the turn to help the horse’s neck stay straighter. The bend assistance you give your horse will allow him to feel supported, take more rhythmic steps and then be able to travel out of the turn accurately.

-If your horse is wiggly, that's a sign you need more leg to pulse them into your steady hand. We don't want the rhythm to change, even though we are making small adjustments, those adjustments are what keep the horse looking straight when traveling from point A to point B.

Although it may seem simply to ‘ride straight’, understanding what that means to an animal who has four legs, why we need it, and how to achieve it is a concept we can all improve upon!

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Tack Cleaner Mitt

We all know tack cleaning is a never-ending job. But these Belvoir Tack Cleaner Mitts help simplify that job. Each mitt is tough on grime and ready to use, with no additional product necessary. They are perfect for a quick wipe down on the go, pre- or post-ride.

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NEW TO HORSES

A Beginner's Guide to Finding the Right Riding Program

As a parent, introducing your child to horseback riding can be an exciting and memorable experience. However, when it comes to finding the right riding school or program for your kids, it's crucial to consider several important factors to ensure a safe, educational, and enjoyable experience. Whether your little one is a budding equestrian or simply looking to explore horse riding as a hobby, here are some essential points to research when finding a new riding school/program.

Safety Measures: The safety of your child should be the top priority when selecting a riding school. Research the safety measures in place at the school and inquire about the instructor's certifications. Ensure that the school has a well-maintained and secure riding area, safety gear for all riders, and trained staff to handle any emergencies.

Lesson Structure: Look into the lesson structure offered by the riding school. Beginner riders, especially kids, require a well-planned and progressive learning environment. Inquire about the curriculum, lesson duration, and how the school handles different skill levels. Understanding the teaching approach will help you gauge whether it aligns with your child's learning needs and expectations.

Horse Care and Welfare: A reputable riding school should prioritize the care and welfare of the horses. Research how the school manages the horses, including feeding, grooming, and general wellbeing. Knowing that the school values the welfare of their horses will not only provide a great learning environment for your child but also instill important values of empathy and responsibility.

Facilities and Amenities: Explore the facilities and amenities offered by the riding school. Adequate stables, riding arenas, and well-maintained equipment are essential for an enriching riding experience. Additionally, inquire about the availability of restrooms, viewing areas for parents, and other amenities that can contribute to a comfortable and convenient experience for both riders and their families.

Community and Atmosphere: Consider the community and atmosphere of the riding school. A welcoming and supportive environment can make a significant difference in your child's overall experience. Look for a school that fosters a sense of belonging, encourages teamwork, and provides opportunities for social interaction among riders and families.

Parental Involvement: Some riding schools encourage parental involvement in their programs. If you value being an active participant in your child's riding journey, inquire about any opportunities for

Finding the right program will help creating safe, and confident future riders.

parental involvement, such as observation sessions, informational workshops, or volunteer programs.

Reputation and Reviews: Lastly, take the time to research the reputation of the riding school. Read reviews from other parents and riders to gain insight into their experiences. A well-established and reputable riding school with positive feedback from the community is more likely to provide a high-quality learning experience for your child.

In conclusion, finding the right riding school for your kids involves thorough research and consideration of various factors. By prioritizing safety, lesson structure, horse care, facilities, community, parental involvement, and reputation, you can make an informed decision that sets the stage for a fulfilling and enjoyable riding experience for your child. Lastly, consider taking a trial lesson or observing a class before making a commitment.

Remember, choosing the right riding school is not only about learning to ride but also about fostering a lifelong love and respect for horses and equestrian activities.

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Married with horses

Jeremy Law

Kimberly and I met while she was visiting Denver on business and spent three months doing the "long-distance thing." We got engaged and I moved from Colorado to North Carolina to be with her. I was a city boy living in the country with a fiancé and a horse. I barely knew what to do with a fiancé. I didn’t have the slightest clue what to do with a horse.

There is nothing like owning a horse. They are such unique animals and such unique responsibilities are required of those who care for them. We cannot throw just any food their way as some may do with cats or dogs. (Just try feeding a horse your table scraps.) The equine digestive

system is as delicate as its host is majestic. Yes, we’ve all heard that hay is for horses, but not just any hay. If there’s sand in it, or if there is too much or too little protein it can create total chaos. What is one, completely new to horse ownership, to do?

When I first moved to North Carolina to be with my fiancé and her horse, I was, needless to say, a bit overcautious about caring for him. Feeding time would arrive and I would break out in a cold sweat just thinking about the scoops of moistened beet pulp, grain and various supplements. Good grief! If I did actually succeed in mixing everything correctly and with the

proper amount of water, what if some contaminant went undetected and the horse developed a stomach ache or something worse, like EPM? Additionally, I had the erroneous impression that the slightest problem, such as a simple equine head cold, warranted “putting the horse down.” I was completely depressed and I hadn’t even done anything yet.

Kimberly informed me that I was worrying myself unnecessarily. She was right, but with all the concerns of a new, life-changing romantic relationship I was further concerned with the possibility of injuring an animal that was worth more than my car. Admittedly, care needs to

be taken, but I realized that there is a fine line between ‘caring’ and ‘worrying’. Fortunately, I soon learned to relax and actually enjoy feeding time. In fact, I so looked forward to feeding the horse that, on occasion, my fiancé and I argued about who would get to do it. Go figure.

Even though I had settled into the feeding and basic care routine with our horse, I was still overwhelmed by all that one could know about equines. I felt an immense responsibility to Kimberly and our horse to learn as much as I could about horses in general. My parents’ response was to send me an entire equine reference library. My parents pride themselves on having a sense of humor. Among the numerous, informative volumes they sent was

the ever-flattering title, Horses for Dummies. Thank you, Mom and Dad.

So I read and read. I poured over descriptions of horses throughout history. There were descriptions of tiny, four-toed Eohippus, which seemed too much a modest beginning for these amazing creatures. After thousands of years they lost some toes and got bigger, so, we hunted them for food while painting images of them on our cave walls. Later, they pulled our chariots and plows. No wonder some horses don’t care much for people. I also tried to memorize the equine skeletal structure. Wow! There is actually a knee and an elbow on the same limb. Coffin bone, point of hock, withers? Who comes up with these names? Chapter after fascinating

chapter I became less certain if my brain wouldn’t pop with everything I was trying to stuff into it.

My head was a jumble of trivia and I didn’t feel any closer to understanding equines. I was, however, forming a fairly solid impression of horses based on my experience with ours. This was not because of my readings, but by virtue of my spending time with him. Strangely, few aspects of my impression appeared anywhere in my books. Nowhere did it state how brilliantly intuitive horses are. They are acutely aware of their surroundings. They clearly react to, and in some cases actually assume the mood or energy of the people or other animals around them. But horses also embody a clear duality. I was unable to articulate this

particular perception until just a few weeks ago. Our brilliant horse, who can probably do complex calculus problems and possibly even speak English, ran about eight miles into the woods to escape from a plastic bag being blown by a gentle spring breeze. I was dragged along at my end of the lead line for approximately seven of those miles.

The duality of the horse is one of seemingly polar opposites. They are delicate giants. They are primitive and sophisticated, physical and metaphysical. On occasion they are brilliant goofballs. How do horses do it and how are we to figure them out? From all the reading, I realized that books are great for reading about equine history, for

learning the multitude of breeds or for studying charts of their complex anatomy. I also realized that the only way to truly understand horses is by being with them.

During those first months as a fiancé and new horse owner, I arrested many sleepless nights with a 2 a.m. walk to the stable with a little snack for him and me. We spoke silently. I told him about my restlessness. He told me everything would be fine and sent me back to bed. I snuggled up next to Kimberly and fell comfortably asleep with the faint fragrance of carrots on my hands— and an intense curiosity about what our horse would teach me next.

Jeremy and Kimberly

Born in the Series Sandhills

Modernizing Equine Sports

How Sandhills-based company is helping transform equestrian products

Cassidy Oeltjen

Innovation is a funny thing in the horse world.

Some practices have stayed basically the same for centuries. We’ve been putting saddle trees on horse’s back since the second century, the ancient Egyptians started putting horses in shoes, and metal bits have been giving riders more control since somewhere before the 8th century BC.

When we use innovation to advance our sport, it can be with mixed results. Things like anatomical tack have championed the need for horse comfort and functionality. But things like draw reins and bits made out of machinery parts have been put in the hands of riders who use these inventions to replace horsemanship.

education in an industry that in many ways is just catching up to the advancements of other sports.

For Mary Cook, co-owner of Correct Connect, it’s a balancing act of furthering a company that is based on innovative ways to further rider

“Equestrian sports are still very steeped in tradition,” Cook explained. “Other sports embrace new techniques and training systems based on increased knowledge of how people learn. We get a pretty good amount of push back that the ‘only’ way to learn how

to ride is the way riding was taught 100 years ago. There is always a place for traditional training systems but the kind of horses we ride has changed, our lifestyles have changed and the number of older riders that are riding for pleasure and competition has greatly increased.”

The increased accessibility of horses has broadened the client base for the industry. This has allowed more people to experience the joys of horses, and also has changed the demand.

“Our biggest customer base is women over the age of 50 who maybe did not grow up riding or took a long break to raise a family and have a career,” Cook reflected. “We need to help them become as good as they can as fast as they can while overcoming physical and mental challenges that they may have.”

Correct Connect started as a rein and glove system with velcro to help riders feel and keep the correct rein length

to establish connection. Cook was introduced to the product by her friend and fellow international event rider, Buck Davidson.

“I found it to be a great tool to help teach correct rein length so I contacted the owner and bought into the company,” she recalled. “At that time I was living in Kansas and was teaching a lot. Having a tool to use rather than just saying ‘shorten your reins’ was really exciting. It also helped many of my older riders who had arthritis and weak hand grip.The idea of inventing some innovative teaching aids to help riders was really exciting.”

A few years later, Cook found herself back in the heart of horse country as a Southern Pines resident when she, along with her business partner, Beth

"...we love being able to give our nearby riders some great customer service and advise them on fitting,"

Allen got the opportunity to buy the company in its entirety. They took a bit of time to develop the company into more products, but soon the secret spread and word was out that they were local.

“Now we love being able to give our nearby riders some great customer service and advise them on fitting,” said Cook. “We can even allow them to try before they buy. Cabin Branch tack shop also carries our products and we really like working with the owner, Trish Warren. It is also pretty awesome to see so many riders at local shows in our equipment!”

Those local competitors have helped fuel the innovation train that has led to

Left: Mary Cook

Below: Beth Allen

an explosion of product development and business growth.

“We have also been working on our international markets and expanding into non-english disciplines,” Cook reflected. “We have a REALLY amazing product in manufacturing that is a serious game changer! We can't wait for it to come out!”

“We will always be looking for equipment that will first and foremost improve riders and improve horse and rider comfort,” she continued.

“Recently we have been contacted by a number of osteopaths and trainers who have developed equipment that helps horses carry themselves better, aids in rehabilitation, or helps riders handle their horses in a more humane and safer way. I think we want to work on those products that are humanethat don't force horses into frames but encourage riders to think about ways to improve their horses way of going without excessive force.”

The industry’s lackluster view on innovative products haven’t slowed the need for these products that allow horses and riders to improve without excessive force or incorrect practices.

“Even though I have been riding my whole life, I am always struggling with improving my riding (aren’t we all?). I have taken thousands of lessons and

“We have a REALLY amazing product in manufacturing that is a serious game changer! We can't wait for it to come out!”

one of the most frustrating things is that many instructors work on fixing the horse,” she said. “It is hard to find someone who will really take a deep dive into fixing YOU, the rider. As

an instructor myself I also know how hard it is to teach ‘feel’ and explain to someone how to use their body when I have no idea what it is like to be in their body. So I have kind of taken the reins in coming up with ways to improve myself by taking a really honest and hard look at my riding.”

“My partner Beth, is a very enthusiastic adult amateur and I usually come up with an idea that might help both of us,” she continued. “Then we put together prototypes, test them and tweak them until they are ready to market. We also have had the opportunity to work with some really accomplished trainers and instructors who have developed some great training tools. It is really fun that we are becoming the go to company for people to bring their ideas to and that we can take an idea and make it a reality.”

As an accomplished equestrian herself, Cook has to continually restructure things to balance improving the

Do what you love...

company with improving her own equestrian pursuits.

“I've taken a bit of a step back from judging as I really want to ride more and enjoy being here in Southern Pines,” she acknowledged. “This business takes a tremendous amount of time and I still need to make riding a priority. It is true

“There is no magical fix but there are many ways that we can help people on their journey with their horses.”

that when you own your own business you avoid working a 40 hour week by working an 80 hour week! We have some amazing employees right now so we have been blessed with finding some wonderful help!”

“Judging does however keep you very aware of what riders struggle with and makes you appreciate how difficult this sport is,” she noted. “There is no magical fix but there are many ways that we can help people on their journey with their horses.”

Acknowledging that there is no magic fix, but rather just using modern ability to help people feel correctness is the difference between creating ‘shortcut’ gadgets and helping advance the sport.

“We owe it to our horses to do the best we can be,” she concluded.

Photo: Hightime Photo

STARTING ANEW: Rescue Horse Gets Second Chance at Life with NC State Eventer

Veronica Green-Gott

When Alyssa Perkins first met her horse, Ultraviolence, he was tied to a hay rack in an abandoned field with hooves so long, they looked like slippers. Now, three years later, Alyssa and Ultraviolence just competed in the Intercollegiate Championships for North Carolina State University.

“He came in with a little pony named Fargo. When we picked them up, they were tied to a hay feeder and their feet were like slippers,” Alyssa said. “So, we took him and that little pony home. Originally they were supposed to be lesson horses, and then we figured out that, hey, this horse actually moves really nicely.”

Alyssa thought Ultraviolence, barn name ‘Comanche,’ was beautiful from the moment she first saw him, despite his long feet and ill treatment. Over the last three years, their relationship together has blossomed, both in and out of the saddle.

“He's a sweet boy,” Alyssa said. “He likes his alone time, but he also likes to cuddle. He loves smiling for treats and he loves to be groomed, and he really, really likes his massages. He's just a sweetheart.”

When Comanche first came home, his past was a little uncertain. All that

Alyssa knew was that he had previously been used as a trail horse. “He really didn't know anything but how to carry a saddle and bridle. That's about all he knew.”

“The first time I sat on him is a pretty special memory to me.”

Curious about his breeding, Alyssa had a DNA test done on the gelding, which came back with an interesting mix of Quarter Horse, Hanoverian, and Trakehner. However, something wasn’t adding up. With the help of a Facebook group, Alyssa believes he’s actually a Quarter Horse/Tennessee Walking Horse cross, a combination that you hardly ever see in eventing.

While Comanche would trot beautifully around the arena without a rider, Alyssa quickly discovered that he moved quite differently under saddle. Her favorite memory is the first time she sat on him. “It was so funny, because I was so excited to sit on this horse because he was trotting around gorgeously in the arena, and then I got on him, and he started pacing! I was giggling about it. I just had a good feeling as soon as I

sat on him, and I thought, ‘Oh, I like this one.’ Honestly, the first time I sat on him is a pretty special memory to me.”

Alyssa spent the next year and a half teaching Comanche to stop pacing and start trotting. The key to getting a horse to stop pacing is simply consistency, elbow grease, and, according to Alyssa, a lot of back pain.

“The first year was just a bit frustrating. It was a lot of trot poles and just posting when he would pace to help him find a rhythm. He was getting it in bits and pieces, but then when he got uncomfortable, he'd pace, and then you’d go back to the trot,” Alyssa said. “Really I just kept riding until he figured it out.”

After 18 months, all of her hard work paid off. Today he trots consistently under saddle, and while dressage is not his favorite phase, he’s becoming a cross country machine.

“Dressage is his weakest phase. We're learning a lot of things and changing his diet to help him build the muscle he needs,” Alyssa said. “I know it'll come but it's been really hard. He's definitely a cross country horse. He is very, very brave. You just point him at anything and he jumps it.”

While Alyssa has taught Comanche how to trot under saddle, Comanche

has been teaching her new things, too. In Comanche’s School of Hard Knocks, Alyssa has discovered the syllabus has one main thread: stop doing so much and let him do his job. “He’s so sensitive,” Alyssa said. “I ride with Jasmine Hobart and she tells me to whisper to him because he doesn’t like being told anything loudly. I have to whisper to him to get him to respond.”

It’s very rare to see a gaited horse in eventing, as they’re colloquially known to struggle in dressage and be difficult to jump. However, competing with a non-traditional horse is nothing new

“It’s very rare to see a gaited horse in eventing, as they’re colloquially known to struggle in dressage and be difficult to jump.”

to Alyssa, who used to event a pony. “I used to have a little Halflinger named Barbie Girl, and I evented her all the time at the [Carolina] Horse Park. She’s a little pocket rocket, but she just didn't really want to do anything above novice, and I want to go training,” Alyssa said.

Riding against a sea of imported warmbloods would make many riders feel intimidated, but Alyssa approaches her competitive career with a good sense of humor. “It kind of makes me chuckle a little bit, honestly. It's definitely not anything new for me, and I enjoy watching the big fancy horses and everything. I'll look through the class list, and say, ‘Oh, a Dutch warmblood! Oh Comanche, I don't know how we're gonna do!’ and laugh.” While she hasn’t gotten any negative comments about her horse’s breeding, she was on the receiving end of some

odd looks early on in their competitive career. “Before [he stopped pacing], people would look at him like, ‘what is that?’” Alyssa said. “I've taken him to clinics and other trainers, and I've never really had any negative comments about this horse. Surprisingly, everybody really likes him, so I won’t say there's been any limitations.”

In terms of whether or not his gaited background will hold him back, Alyssa says she doesn’t particularly care. “I definitely like the diamond in the rough type horses,” Alyssa said. “Placing has never really been a huge thing for me at shows. Of course, it feels nice to place, but I mainly go to shows to see where my training is at and how far we've come. So I wouldn't really say I get intimidated; I kind of get a chuckle. I know the dressage judge probably gets a chuckle too, when they see his breed on my score sheet.”

What matters more to Alyssa is what Ultraviolence, who’s named after a song by Lana Del Ray and her mother’s

favorite color, violet, can teach her about how to be a better rider. “Really the big thing he’s taught me is to stop being a really controlling rider. I can't

“Finding that little community where I could have people with the same interests and I could talk about my passions with them just really rounded me out...”

do that with him, otherwise he will pace around and act like a maniac,” Alyssa said. “So he's taught me to really just be a quiet rider and listen to my horse more.”

Alyssa and Comanche joined the North Carolina State Eventing Team just last year. Joining the team has been an overall positive experience for the unique pair. “The team has been incredibly kind, and very, very welcoming,” Alyssa said. “Even when we went down to Intercollegiate Championships at Stable View and I didn't have the best ride, they were just so supportive. It's definitely given me more of a community.

“I'm not the most outgoing, social person and I think finding common interests in a club is really, really important in college, especially at NC State, where there's so many people,” she continued. “Finding that little community where I could have people with the same interests and I could talk about my passions with them just really rounded me out and gave me a lot of good people in my corner.”

Looking to the future, Alyssa isn’t focusing on winning ribbons or going

Photo: Brant Gamma

to the Olympics. Instead, she just wants to enjoy the time she has with her oneof-a-kind gelding. “I'm not a super ambitious rider, and I don’t want to compete at the Preliminary level with him,” Alyssa said. “He has the scope for Training, and that's kind of my goal– to build a horse up to the Training level and enjoy it.”

“I really poured out my heart and soul into this horse, and he's come a really, really long way,”

When Comanche spent his days tied to a hay feeder with his little buddy Fargo, I’m sure he never imagined that his life would change in such a gargantuan way. But the day Alyssa untied him from that hay feeder was the day his life started all over again. “I really poured out my heart and soul into this horse, and he's come a really, really long way,” she said.

Whatever his breeding, Alyssa knows what really matters is what’s inside.

“He's

got a heart of gold.”

Photo: JSK Photo

Fantastic Fall Finale Big show opportunity with a schooling show vibe

SEQM Staff

Oh, hello USEF. What new rule are you implementing now?

The United States Equestrian Federation, or USEF, is the national governing body for most of the equestrian disciplines. These shows are ‘recognized’ shows, counting towards various regional and national advancements and year-end awards.

Beyond making rules regarding things like what to wear, what memberships are necessary, and what education officials need, the USEF is also a champion of horse welfare, with funds going towards drug testing and research.

As the national governing body for our sport, they also have a lot of focus on the upper levels of each discipline, like those traveling overseas to compete or the teams representing our nation.

So why, as a competitor, do you need to compete at a ‘recognized’ show? Competing for year end awards that are breed or level related.

• Going for a cumulative rider or horse award, such as earning a medal or an achievement award

• Needing a record for a horse for sale

• Qualifying for the regional or CBLM Championships

There are also strict guidelines for these shows: what licenses the officials are required to have; quality of footing; facility requirements; and score consistency is monitored (to name a few). These guidelines help ensure each show is run to the same high standard and competitors can expect a quality show, but they don’t come without a cost. Before even entering a class, competitors can expect to pay over $100 just to be on the grounds (double that if they get a stall). In order to compete, they also need around $200 in active memberships (nearly double that to have the registrations to compete for national awards or qualify for regionals).

But, not every competitor needs to show at recognized shows.

In North Carolina we are lucky to be inundated with quality ‘schooling’ shows. While the term ‘schooling’ may lend itself to a more relaxed atmosphere, the competitors, facility, and judging are typically top notch.

The North Carolina Dressage and Combined Training Association recognizes these schooling shows, and does require that the USEF rules be followed, except for a few deviations. They allow competitors to work towards

year-end Horse of the Year Awards.

In the past, members could use schooling shows to help qualify for the organization's championship. The caveat to that is the culmination competition is a recognized show, complete with all the fees, memberships, etc…

Patti Hildreth and Cassidy Oeltjen, owners of Sporting Services Dressage, managed the last few years of the NCDCTA Dressage Championship show and recognized the disconnect this caused for competitors. For those who had spent an entire season or longer at schooling shows, having to then enter a recognized show was a steep learning curve and financial chunk to bite off.

Patti and Cassidy being seeking out dates and a facility to produce a championship-level show, with a schooling-show feel. They decided on

the Historic Pinehurst Harness Track.

Although this venue hosts several recognized shows throughout the year, the general vibe of the facility is casual and friendly, making it a perfect site to host the championship.

And the weekend of October 11-13, 2024 was open for the track, meaning

and running, utilizing the same great shows and venues that are NCDCTA recognized. One of the goals of the series leading up to the championship show is to promote the hard work

that while some of competitors with other goals for their year would be away at the USDF Regional 1 Championships, the schooling show championship competitors would be having their own party in Pinehurst.

the fuss, resonated with a large number of competitors and business owners.

Tara Mebane, owner of Mebane Equine Bodyworks, was immediately intrigued, and wanted to support the competitors by signing on as the Presenting Sponsor.

And as timing would have it, this year the USEF got involved with the NCDCTA qualification rules.

In May, the NCDCTA was informed that by allowing competitors to use schooling shows to qualify for the championship classes, they were in violation of USEF regulations. This was a national crackdown, with many of the GMOs (general membership organizations) around the country finding out that they were not in compliance.

When this announcement was made, the Sandbox Series was already up

50 show opportunities to fulfill the qualifications of competing in six classes at a level, at three shows. They can also choose to fancy prance in either traditional dressage, western dressage, or eventing dressage - all of which have championship classes.

The Fall Finale may not take place until October, but there are already expansions in the works for 2025, including tracking scores at the participating shows throughout the year, with culmination awards presented at next year’s Championship show.

When the Fall Finale was first announced on social media, the response was overwhelmingly positive. The idea of having a show run like a recognized show, without the stigma, the fees, and

“I grew up competing in mostly schooling schools because that was the budget my family had,” she explained. “Some of my fondest memories and accomplishments were in those rings, and I would have loved the chance to compete at a championship show because everyone should be able to have that experiencehorses are for everyone. A show like this is long overdue in this area and I knew I had to be a part of it in a big way. I’m giving away a Cavaletti Dressage saddle because I feel this show is a great match for what this brand represents, quality affordable to everyone.”

Tara is joined by a long list of local and national companies who feel that same connection to the concept. These great companies ensure that the championship competitors will be awarded prizes consistent with a championship level

RYE PLUS

Winter Annual Forage arthage arm upply

Superior Range and Pasture Blend

recognized show, and also give ALL the competitors (not just those who qualified for the champ classes) the opportunity to win wonderful prizes, like custom leatherwork, artwork, apparel, and tack.

The show will be taking place over three days. Friday will give competitors an opportunity to show in the ring, get feedback and prepare for the weekend.

Saturday and Sunday will have full days of Championship classes, and a full selection of non-championship tests.

Being held at the Pinehurst Harness Track means that participants will experience the full ‘big show’ feel with stabling, paddocks, and RV hook-ups all available. There will also be vendors, educational seminars, and several of the hospitality activities that Sporting Services have become known for (including a Competitor’s Party and the Fiesta Fun Cart).

There are still sponsorship opportunities available at all levels and the Sporting Services crew would love for you to join in the fun! More information about sponsorship and competing can be found at www.ncsandboxseries.com.

3 Questions with

Susan DiFelice

Equestrian and professional Illustrator

Susan DiFelice, a lifelong equestrian and professional illustrator. She creates surface design patterns tailored specifically for equestrian brands and serves equestrian businesses, riding schools, educators, and authors.

She created and illustrated AllPony, Horsemanship for Kids, which is an educational website aimed at teaching children about horses and horsemanship through interactive courses, games, quizzes, and printables. Allpony won a 2023 American Horse Publications award for excellence in the Equine Media Website category and has been purchased by the United States Pony Club to serve as a learning resource.

1. What inspired you to combine helping people learn about horses with your love of art?

I created Allpony to share my love of horses with my children after deciding to stay home with them following a career as a designer in the corporate world and higher education. While I wasn't able to ride as much as I wanted at the time, I had a strong desire to stay connected to horses. Allpony grew naturally from my passion for learning and illustrating, and as more children discovered it, their excitement for learning about horses inspired me to continue expanding the content.

2. What have the biggest challenges been in conveying equestrian concepts in visual form?

Horses have complex anatomy, and accurately depicting them is so important when teaching specific riding skills or equine anatomy. Striking a balance between being informative and visually appealing to a young audience who may have a short attention span is the most challenging part of creating educational content for kids. Equestrian concepts

often involve intricate details, such as the position of a rider’s hands, the correct tack, or the placement of a horse’s legs. Capturing these details while keeping the illustration clear and not overly complicated is tricky.

3. As a mom, artist, entrepreneur, how do you go about finding time

and balance?

It's a constant balancing act, and I'm almost always busy with work projects, riding, and family responsibilities. To manage stress and improve my sleep, I make sure to exercise outside of riding at least a couple of times a week. I prioritize tasks each day and use a whiteboard to stay focused. I find that deadlines, even self-imposed ones, are the best way to accomplish my goals.

Calendar

SEPTEMBER OCTOBER

Sep 2

Sunday

Labor of Love II

Hunt Horse Complex, 4601 Trinity Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607 www.ncdcta.org

Sep 6-7

Fri - Sat

Five Points HT

Carolina Horse Park, 2814 Montrose Road, Raeford, NC 28376 www.carolinahorsepark.com

Sep 14

Saturday

Triangle Farms Schooling Show

Triangle Farms, 3301 Silver Water Lane, Wake Forest, NC, 27587 www.trianglefarms.com

Sep 8

Wednesday

HRF Picnics&Ponies D/CT/HT/WD

Heather Ridge Farm, 875 N Horace Walters Rd, Raeford, NC 28376, USA www.HeatherRidgeFarm.org

Sep 22

Sunday

Buckhorn D/CT

Buckhorn Farm, 434 Youngs Rd, Vass, NC 28394 www.BuckhornFarmSP.com

Sep 27-29

Fri-Sun

Triangle Farms Fall Fling Indoors 'C' Show CANCELLED due to conflict with NCHJA ‘C’ Medal Finals

Sep 28-29

Sat-Sun

Pinehurst Fall Dressage

Pinehurst Harness Track, Beulah Hill Rd, Pinehurst, NC 28374 www.sportingservices.net

Oct 2-6

Wed-Sun

NC State Fair

Hunter & Jumper Premiere 'AA' Show

Hunt Horse Complex 4601 Trinity Rd., Raleigh, NC, 27606 www.ncagr.gov

Oct 5-6

Sat-Sun

WHES October HT

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

Oct 11-13

Fri-Sun

Sandbox Fall Final & Schooling Show

Championship

Pinehurst Harness Track, Beulah Hill Rd, Pinehurst, NC 28374

www.sportingservices.net

Oct 19

Saturday

Triangle Farms Schooling Show

Triangle Farms, 3301 Silver Water Lane, Wake Forest, NC, 27587 www.trianglefarms.com

Oct 20th

Sunday

Buckhorn D/CT

Buckhorn Farm, 434 Youngs Rd, Vass, NC 28394 www.BuckhornFarmSP.com

Oct 26

Saturday

HRF Picnics&Ponies D/CT/HT/WD

Heather Ridge Farm, 875 N Horace Walters Rd, Raeford, NC 28376 www.HeatherRidgeFarm.org

NOVEMBER

Nov 1-3

Autumn Leaves

NCDCTA Dressage Championship

Carolina Horse Park, 2814 Montrose Road, Raeford, NC 28376 www.ncdcta.org

Nov 1-3

Fri-Sun

Triangle Farms Indoors 'C' Finale

Hunt Horse Complex, 4601 Trinity Rd., Raleigh, NC, 27606 www.trianglefarms.com

Nov 6-10

Wed-Sun

'Jump for the Children I' Hunt Horse Complex, 4601 Trinity Rd., Raleigh, NC, 27606

Oct 8-10

Sat-Sun

WHES October HT

NCDCTA Eventing Championships

Carolina Horse Park, 2814 Montrose Road, Raeford, NC 28376 www.carolinahorsepark.com

Nov 13-17

Fri-Sun

'Jump for the Children II' Hunt Horse Complex, 4601 Trinity Rd., Raleigh, NC, 27606 www.trianglefarms.com

Nov 27

Saturday

HRF Picnics&Ponies D/CT/HT/WD

Heather Ridge Farm, 875 N Horace Walters Rd, Raeford, NC 28376 www.HeatherRidgeFarm.org

13.3 hh

Age: Aprox. 5 yrs

Gender: Gelding

Breed: Pony Cross Color: Bay

Valor is a stunning pony gelding, ready for training. He exhibits nice ground manners and is a pleasure to handle. Valor loads easily on a trailer, stands patiently for the farrier, and remains calm and wellbehaved during vet visits. He pastures well with other geldings, making him an all-around good guy.

We plan to start Valor under saddle soon. However, he is currently available for adoption to a home that can demonstrate an appropriate training plan for him. Valor is not available as a sales prospect.

Don’t miss the chance to give Valor the loving home he deserves!