Seasoned Rider Magazine by Cathy Childs

Seasoned

RIDER

“Over 40 Riders Rock”

73 YEAR OLD STILL RIDING , TRAINING AND L OVING IT!!

BOB GODDARD On the Other Side of the Fence

HEALTHY RIDER Fiv e ex er cises to impr o v e y our riding

Introducing:

Seasoned Rider

Challenge

One Horse! One Rider (40 or over)! Any Discipline/Any Breed! Four Phases That Test Your Skills, Your Horsemanship & Your Confidence! Four Phases That Test Your Horseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Trust and Confidence in You!

Do you and your horse have what it takes to meet the challenge? Phase I Horsemanship - Arena Class Tests your riding skills! Phase II Trail Obstacles - Outdoor Trail Course Tests your trail skills and confidence!

Scan barcode with your phone to visit website:

Phase III Ground Horsemanship/Trust - Arena Obstacles in Hand Tests the partnership you have with your horse! Phase IV Freestyle Use of props, costumes, music and telling a story is encouraged. Tests your horseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s confidence in you!

November 3, 2012 Valley Water Mill Park Equestrian Center Springfield, Missouri www.SeasonedRider.com

Seasoned

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“Over 40 Riders Rock” TABLE OF CONTENTS

Feature Articles 7 CAMPING & VACATIONING WITH YOUR HORSE By Seasoned Rider Staff 9 73 YEAR OLD STILL SHOWING & TRAINING Pat Ross still loves to train young By Cheryl Childs horses 12 COOL HORSE WINS HOT PRIZE 14 SOUTH AFRICA’S OUTENIQUA MINIATURE HORSES By Caroline Irish

16 ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE FENCE Seasoned person not a seasoned rider By Bob Goddard

18 I WANT TO RIDE Coming/coming back to riding after 40 By Cynthia Spalding

21 KNOWING WHEN TO LET GO Making the decision to retire your horse

By Cheryl Childs

Departments 5

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK

10 SECOND TIME AROUND Horses & Retirement 20 THE LIGHTER SIDE The Great Escape by Michelle Jackowski

25 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT/REVIEW 26 IT GET BETTERS WITH AGE Photos Submitted by Seasoned Riders 28 HEALTHY RIDER Five Exercises to Improve Riding

22 REVIEW CORRAL Horse Camping by George B. Hatley Reviewed by Carol M. Upton

29 LEGENDARY HORSES

23 EQUESTRIAN LIFESTYLE Catering to the Equestrian Lifestyle

30 TRAVEL ADVENTURES African Horseback Safaris

24 HEART AND SOUL The Miracle of George

By Rallie McAllister MD

From The Editor’s Desk:

First of all I want to say congratulations to Dusti Purdue. Dusti’s name “It Gets Better With Age!” won the most votes in our “Name the Photo Page” contest on Facebook. (She won a Seasoned Rider T-Shirt). Also kudos to Cathy Childs for her layout of the page- it’s great. Check it out on pages 26-27. Thanks to all the great seasoned riders who sent in their photos via Facebook, yeah let’s keep them coming. Speaking of Facebook the number of Seasoned Rider Facebook friends is growing every day. To quote a character in a Dick Francis book “The magic word is horse,” and it knows no boundaries - we have friends in Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Spain, New Zealand, Mexico, Australia, South Africa, Denmark, Czech Republic, Sweden, France, Italy, Belgium and, of course, all over the United States. I enjoy hearing from all our friends. We just keep widening the horse circle and that’s great. Oh, I also want to thank Cowboy Magic for sending people to us back in January. We received so many heartfelt stories for the Heart and Soul feature it was very difficult to choose just one for this issue. I want to thank everyone who sent in their stories. One Heart and Soul story will be featured in each issue of the magazine. It seems each story is a testimonial to how much horses bring to our lives - the joy, confidence, humor, and strength to get through the hard times we have all experienced because of horses. I’m amazed by some of the stories we have received and want to thank those who shared their experiences with us. Be sure and check out Heart and Soul on page 24. You might want to have a box of tissues handy. If you would like to share your story with us - whether it’s about how horses changed your life, helped you over a rough time or a special horse in your in life then be sure and submit it us. I’m going to be honest I had no idea that the Seasoned Rider magazine would take off the way it has. I want to thank all the subscribers in 43 states for taking a chance on this new magazine. I also want to thank those of you who have spread the word about not just the magazine, but the Seasoned Rider Club and Community. Even though our staff is small at the moment I feel as if we have thousands of people out there who are part of our extended staff and are working to promote and grow the Seasoned Rider Magazine. That extended staff is not only nationwide it’s also worldwide, so thank you all soooo much! We are all looking forward to the continued growth of the Seasoned Rider Magazine, community and club. We invite you to grow with us. Remember our motto “Over 40 Riders Rock”. Lets spread the word and show the world what Seasoned Riders can do.

Cher

Cheryl Childs - Editor

Seasoned Rider

Seasoned

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Publisher: Winning Colors Media Editor: Cheryl Childs E-Mail: Editor@seasonedrider.com Associate Editor/Art Director: Cathy Childs E-Mail: Marketing@seasonedrider.com Associate Art Director: Judith Evans E-Mail: PrePress@seasonedrider.com Contributing Writers: Tandy Anderson Tera Childs Iain Davis Bob Goddard Jan Herman Caroline Irish Michelle Jackowski Cynthia Spalding Carol M. Upton Senior Marketing Consultant Cathy Childs E-Mail: Marketing@seasonedrider.com Advertising/Marketing Consultants Western United States (California, Oregon, Washington Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico)

E-Mail: AdsWest@seasonedrider.com Central United States (All other states) E-Mail: Marketing@seasonedrider.com Eastern United States (Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida)

E-Mail: AdsEast@seasonedrider.com

Seasoned RiderTM Magazine is published bi-monthly by Winning Colors Media. Seasoned RiderTM does not endorse the content of any advertisement in this publication, nor does it warrant the accuracy of any advertisement. All photographs and copy are subject to publisher’s approval. The publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertising for any reason. At no time shall the publisher’s liability exceed the cost of the advertising space involved. © Seasoned RiderTM. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited.

SUBSCRIBE: On our website: www.seasonedrider.com Click on subscribe Pay by PayPal Or Submit Your Information Online and mail a check Or Fill out subscription form below: Name: __________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________ City:____________________________________________ State: ________ Zip:____________ Phone: ________________________ E-Mail: __________________________________________ Mail with $18.00 check to: Winning Colors Media P.O. Box 1968 Ozark, MO 65721

Camping and Vacationing With Your Horse Consider your and your horse’s necessities when packing for camping trip.

by Seasoned Rider Staff Horseback riding vacations are becoming more popular these days. Camping with a horse is a great way to enjoy the beauty of nature while enjoying your horse. Equestrian campgrounds are on the increase around the country. They have facilities available from primitive camping to lodging accommodations for both horse and rider. If this your first time camping you might want to start by going out with an experienced group that can show you the ropes, as it were. Remember camping with horses is rather like camping with children, they aren’t too helpful and often will get themselves into trouble, so having an experienced camper there will ease the stress for and your horse. Here are some checklists for overnight or multiple night packing: Checklist For You: Plan meals and snacks Canteen/water bottle/extra water First aid kit Compass and maps Sunscreen Insect repellent Jacket Rain gear Pocket knife or multi-tool Toiletry Items Repair kits (include duct tape and safety pins) Cellular phone Flashlight and extra batteries Hat/cap Sunglasses Gloves Extra clothes Whistle to alert others of trouble Reflective gear for you and your horse (for night time rides) Radio Checklist For Your Horse: Hay, Grain and Treats (bring extra just in case)

Water from home Feed and water buckets Hay bags First aid kit Grooming supplies Fly spray, fly masks and blankets Hoof boots Saddle and pads Extra tack Halter and lead (bring an extra) Leg wraps Copy of health papers and owner papers Portable pen or tie line Manure fork and muck bucket Electrolytes Checklist For Your Trailer: Essential Items to keep in your trailer in case of emergency Buckets and sponges Cell phone battery and charger Change for pay phone Electrician's tape Emergency phone numbers Extra halters and lead ropes Fire extinguisher First aid kits Flashlights with extra batteries Spare bulbs for trailer lights Extra fuses Spare tire, jack and tire iron Tire changing kit Tool box Water WD-40 Checklist For Your Campsite: Cooking and eating utensils Aluminum foil Charcoal Garbage bags Can opener Canteens Food Fuel Iodine water- treatment tablets Moist wipes Soap Rope

Pillows Tarps Waterproof matches and lighter Ziploc plastic bags Double checking your lists before you hit the road is always a good idea. Consider your and your horse’s necessities when packing for your camping trip. Always try to arrive at campsite to set up during daylight and have an hour or so to ride. First time campers may find it takes longer to set up the campsite than they planned. You should always set up the horse's area first and then your personal camping area. . If, for some reason, you have to leave the campsite ( like to make a trip to a store for forgotten items) be sure to ask someone to watch your horse. If the camping experience is new to the horse, stick around until you're sure that the horse will be OK. Horses like routine, so try to stick to the routine your horse is used to at home. Feed them at the same time you would at home. When possible let the horse graze evenings and mornings. Grass provides moisture and the grazing allows the horse to relax in an unfamiliar environment. A number of portable corrals to enclose your horse safely are available on the market. Some facilities provide corrals or stalls. Running a picket line to tie a horse to while camping is another option, but you need to know the requirements and how it’s done properly to be safe for the horse and not harm the environment. Always respect mother nature when camping and always be aware of the rules at the campsite. Be sure you know all the rules about tying your horse, removing manure and the rules of the trail. Please remember to be courteous on the trail and just leave hoofprints behind nothing else. There are some great websites out there full of information on camping and vacationing with horses. Google “camping with your horse” and check out the book review on page 22.

Seasoned Rider

Do you and your horse have what it takes to meet the challenge? Seasoned Rider magazine is pleased to announce the Seasoned Rider Four Phase Versatility Challenge. The event will be held November 3rd in Springfield, Missouri. This will the first of a number of Versatility Challenges to be held in different locations across the country and perhaps around the world. This is a chance for riders 40 and over to test their horsemanship

May/June 2012

skills and show the world what a Seasoned Rider is capable of doing. It’s also a chance to have fun with your horse while connecting with fellow Seasoned Riders. What is the Seasoned Rider Versatility Challenge? It’s one horse, one rider (40 or over) riding any breed or discipline competing in a four phase challenge that tests your horsemanship skills and your confidence. It also tests your horse’s trust and confidence in you. All four phases are designed to challenge both horse and rider. Phase 1 is Horsemanship and it tests your horsemanship in an arena. It’s similar to a performance class at a horse show. Judged on overall riding ability, teamwork of horse and rider, and horse's attitude. Phase II is Trail Obstacles- It’s held on an outdoor trail course and tests your trail skills and confidence. They are challenging, but not outrageous obstacles. Judged on willingness, responsiveness, correctness, and general attitude. Phase III is Ground Horsemanship/Trust. Arena obstacles in hand that test the partnership you have with your horse. Judged on the connection between you and your horse. Phase IV is Freestyle where the use of props, music and telling a story is encouraged. Test your horse’s confidence in you. Judged on teamwork, creativity and entertainment. This phase is always fun and popular with both competitors and spectators alike. These four phases test your horse's training, your horse's confidence, and your horse's trust in you while still being fun and safe for all involved. You will compete for High Point Awards and Prizes - to be announced . In today’s world where youth seems to be in the forefront in so many things in our life, our goal is to put 40 plus riders in the forefront with this competition. We invite all of you to come out and prove what a Seasoned Rider can do with their horse. Let’s show everyone that Over 40 Riders Rock! For more information please visit the Seasoned Rider website at www.seasonedrider.com and click on the Seasoned Rider Challenge logo.

73 Year Old Still Showing and Training by Cheryl Childs Pat Ross is an owner and trainer at Foxwin Farm located in Elmira, New York. At Foxwin they raise and show Morgan horses, train, and give riding lessons as well as board horses and even at 73 years of age Pat still does it all and doesn’t plan to retire any time soon. Pat jokes that her first word as a child was “ horse”. Her father, who passed away when she was only three years old, shared her love of horses and would always take his daughter around horses whenever he could. Pat’s first real exposure to horses came when she was a kid and found a hole in the back fence at Yonkers Race Track. She would crawl through the hole and hang out in the stable area of the track. Pat claims “the trainer put me to work so they weren’t tripping over me all the time”. When Pat’s Aunt bought a farm in upstate New York the opportunity presented itself for her to have a horse of her own. “I talked my Aunt into buying a horse,” Pat explains. Owning a horse was a dream come true and Pat Ross has been living that dream ever since. When Pat reached a point in her life where she could go out horse shopping, as it were, she first looked at the Arabian breed, but at that time Arabians were a little out of her price range. It would be the Morgan Horse that Pat fell in love with. It was in 1962 that Pat purchased her first

Morgan horse-Monarch's Ladson (a 2 yr. old) and the rest is history, as they say. Pat formed a breeding partnership in 1974 with David F. Fors, Sr. and Ethel Fors and Foxwin Farm was born. In 2007, sadly, David lost a battle with cancer and passed away. In 2009 Ethel made the decision to retire, but Foxwin Farm is still going strong with a new generation. Trish Pierce, a boarder at Foxwin, and her husband, Marty, stepped in to help keep the farm running smoothly during David’s illness. It was the Pierces, Pat realized , who should become her partners and represent the next generation of horsemen and stewards of the land. They, of course, were honored by the opportunity. In 2009 Foxwin celebrated 25 years in business. Pat has a passion for the sport of Dressage. She was bitten by the Dressage bug after seeing J. Cecil Ferguson's stallions, Parade and Broadwall Drum Major, on tour in the United States with the Spanish Riding School back in 1973. She had a rather humble beginning in Dressage. She bought a book about it and would place the book on the fence rail and read it while she rode her horse. Of course Pat later found a good instructor who gave her a solid foundation in Dressage. Today Pat is a Dressage instructor herself. She prides herself in using time-tested, classical methods of instruction. Pat offers traditional schooling for riders in all disciplines and she specializes in longe-line lessons to help riders at all lev-

els develop, or improve, an independent seat. Pat is still active in the show ring with the Morgans that she has raised. Last September Pat took her young stallion Sonny (the horse she is riding in our cover photo) to New York State Morgan Horse Society Regional Show. It was the first first show where he competed under saddle and he did very well. Pat was quite satisfied, given Sonny's inexperience. Pat not only bred Sonny she trained him as well. “ I love working with the young ones” Pat explains. While some her age might be considering stopping training young horses - Pat is definitely NOT. When people comment to her that she could get hurt she says, “I could get run over walking to the mailbox,”. Safety when handling young horses is, of course, the utmost consideration in Pat’s mind - as it always has been. Pat is looking forward to a great breeding and show season in 2012 and doesn’t plan on slowing down. Like so many Seasoned Riders Pat feels the horses keep her young and that she has a lot of knowledge to offer to people.

Seasoned Rider

AROUND

n d Ti o c e

By Cheryl Childs: The Mangalarga Marchador Horse is the national horse of Brazil. They are of Iberian descent, meaning they descended from breeds such as Andalusians and Barb horses. There are over 350,000 registered Mangalarga Marchador horses in Brazil and others registered in countries outside its Brazilian home, but the horse is virtually unknown in the United States - with just a few hundred Marchadors registered here. Rick and Susan Schatz fell in love with the Mangalarga Marchador horse during the five years they lived in Brazil. After moving to Brazil, they started riding the Marchadors on Fazendas ( ranches). “ My wife started going out riding with friends,” Rick explains and they became familiar with the breed. Riding the Marchadors led them to purchasing and raising the breed. They were able to lease an Old Brazilian and English family owned Fazenda during their time in Brazil. “ I was glad to get out of the city”, Rick commented. The Schatz were fortunate to have a good friend that had been raising the horses for many years and had produced several champion stallions and mares. “We followed his line of breeding and we were able to bring a few of those superb horses to Oklahoma,” Rick explains. Flying Oaks Ranch is located in Kaw City, Oklahoma. Their goal is not only to breed Mangalarga Marchadors here in United States, but to educate people about this gentle natured, lovely and versatile horse of Brazil. Importing horses from another country is a long process. There is the expense, of course, involved in shipping the horses and the waiting process while they are in quarantine. If the horses don’t pass a rigorous health test they can be sent back to Brazil. Rick and Susan found that out when only 8 of 18 horses that they and another breeder were importing were 10

May/June 2012

Horses & Retirement

Rick and Susan Schatz fell in love with a rare breed of horse and now own the largest herd in North America

allowed into the country. Flying Oaks Ranch is a certified breeder and member of the US Mangalarga Marchador Association and the ABCCMM (the Brazilian Mangalarga Marchador Association). Their horses are inspected by the Brazilian Mangalarga Marchador Association and the Schatz take pride in producing top quality performance horses in the Brazilian tradition. “ These horses excel in endurance, competitive trail riding and are great ranch horses,” Rick explains. “ Best cow pony I ever rode,” Rick comments. They excel in dressage, jumping and polo as well. The Marchadors are considered extremely intelligent and easy to train. They are known for having a smooth stable walk, canter and gallop as well as two natural ambling gaits: the diagonal batida and the lateral picada. The Marchadors that Rick and Susan are raising are athletic and very versatile horses suited for just about anything. They feel that the Marchadors are the performance horse of the future. They will tell you that the Marchadors will out perform and out last any breed being ridden in the U.S. today. Flying Oaks Ranch is now home to the largest herd of Marchadors in North America. Rick and Susan offer start up

opportunities for other people to breed the Mangalara Marchador horse. They invite people to visit Flying Oaks Ranch and experience the Mangalarga Marchadors for themselves.

FLYING OAKS RANCH Mangalarga Marchadors

Regal Intelligent Beautiful Willing Stamina Endurance Unique Gait www.flyingoaksranch.com Flying Oaks Ranch 2345 S. Sage Ln. Kaw City, OK 74641 580-269-2967 Seasoned Rider

Cool Horse Wins Hot Prize

Jim Edmondson Photo

Sedalia, Colorado, USA Press Release In 2011, history making Awesomes Fire N Ice, a Half-Arabian, swept down from the Colorado Rockies to earn NATRC’s highest award, the President’s Cup, presented at the recent 51st annual convention. The flashy red dun gelding was home bred, raised, trained and ridden by his owner Ken Wolgram of Craig, Colorado. “Ice”, as he’s known at home and on the trail, took more than the President’s Cup in his second year of competition. Together, Ken and Ice made history by being the first team to ever win NATRC’s top four awards! Together they took home the President’s Cup (high point horse in the nation), the high point combined horse and horsemanship, the high average horse, and the high average horsemanship awards, plus Ice’s second National Championship; all of this in his second year of competition!

Along the way, to keep in shape, Ice placed 6th at the Wyoming Big Horn 100 mile endurance ride on July 16th and 22nd in the famous California Tevis Cup 100 mile endurance ride on October 8th; two of the toughest 100 mile endurance rides.Says Ken, “Riding Ice in both endurance and competitive trail and mastering the skills needed in NATRC has made him a much more versatile horse; a horse with a brain who takes care of himself and listens to his human partner. Ice has a lot of try and absolutely no quit. He has natural trail smarts. He is a very special horse.” Ken’s wife, Betty, who helped and supported Ken & Ice in their journey to the top, agrees. NATRC distance competitive trail rides are fun, challenging and open to all breeds and folks from all disciplines. Riders are invited to see what they and their horses can achieve. www.natrc.org Jim Edmondson Photo

May/June 2012

Heroic Teens Save Horses from Barn Fire An Illinois teenager is being hailed a hero after helping to save 25 horses from a barn fire that killed 18 horses in McHenry County last week. Before tankers arrived at Black Tie Stable, the property of long time Arabian horse trainer and judge Richard Wright, 15 year-old Madison Wallraff pulled up to the property with her step-father and saw flames from the 64 stall, 25,000 squarefoot barn. After dialing 911, Wallraff ran into the barn and began pulling horses from their stalls. Returning to the blazing barn repeatedly, Wallraff, later joined by Shannon Weitzman, 21, pulled at least 25 horses to safety. The fire ripped through Black Tie Stable shortly after 5pm. With no hydrants in the vicinity, at least 21 fire departments were needed to help out, along with tankers. “Madison Wallraf is one brave young lady and some 25 horses, many of them Arabians, are alive today because of her incredible bravery in the face of life-threatening circumstances,” said Lance Walters, Arabian Horse Association (AHA), president. “This act of selfless courage by Madison and fellow rescuer, Shannon Weitzman, with no concern for their personal safety, exemplifies the bond between the horse and the people who love them,” Walters added. Seeing animals and members of their own community in need, many near McHenry jumped into action to support Wright and his clients by offering care for the surviving horses. Those not as close or without the means to help directly turned to the Internet to express their sympathy with donations

to the Arabian Horsemen’s Distress Fund (AHDF) at www.horsemensdistressfund.com. “It’s amazing the scope and breadth of the people who want to help in these situations. Everybody cares, and they care in the same way,” says Mary Trowbridge, an AHDF Board Member. “We didn’t even really reach out, but the outpouring of support actually crashed our server for a short time,” says Trowbridge. AHDF is accepting donations that can be earmarked directly toward the Richard Wright fire. The fire is believed to have started in the southeast corner of the stable, and while the cause has not yet been established definitively, it was considered accidental.

Seasoned Rider

South Africa’s Outeniqua Miniature Horses

By Caroline Irish

Over the years Cheryl and I have chatted, and recently she asked me to write an article about Outeniqua Miniature Horses, our stud in South Africa. Oxbow Farm is our home and also the home of Outeniqua Miniatures and is 8 kilometers out of a well known holiday town called Knysna. It is as far south as Cape Town at the bottom of Africa, but 500 kilometers East of it, on the Garden Route. The name “Outeniqua” comes from the range of mountain about 60 kilometers back from the coast and the surfers’ beach at Buffalo Bay. Oxbow farm besides being home to Outeniqua Miniature Horses has holiday cottages, we sell lawn turf, grow our own hay, and we used to grow our own vegetables! The farm is bordered on three sides by the Gouakamma River, is 82 acres in extent, and has lovely indigenous bush on the river banks which are home to a number of animals. Also wonderful bird life and two species of buck, wild pig, porcupine and even the occasional leopard, and of course our resident troop of vervet monkeys with whom we have a love hate relationship. We love them because they are so enchanting, but hate them because they strip the fruit trees, and plunder and trash the feed room. Nothing is sacred! Just recently I was stocking a fridge before a guest arrived and heard a sound behind me and out of the bathroom scampered a monkey with a bar of soap in its mouth. It had crept in whilst my back was turned, cheeky little devil! The vegetable garden was monkey heaven and they ate at least half the crops. We had put protective mesh cages over the carrots as they just adored the carrot tops, but after battling for a number of years we capitulated, and the vegetable garden is now a paddock, and we buy our veg! They are enchanting destructive pests. Outeniqua Miniatures started when we imported a mare from the USA from Twin Creeks Miniature Horses in Durand, Illinois. I had a couple of pet miniatures, and I must stress just pets! Chatting to a friend who was about to embark on a Clydesdale stallion shopping trip to the USA the idea popped up that I might join her to look for a miniature. Well it seemed that in no time I was winging my way to America. Twin Creeks Dust of Elegance (Ellie, a filly because we didn’t want to breed) and 3 Clydesdales were purchased and two months later the reverse trip was made. Ellie was wonderful, and grew up so beautiful and elegant that once she had won every class we put her into, and was judged Champion Miniature Horse in Cape Town I felt I had to breed her. I literally traveled South Africa looking for a suitable stallion; but nothing met the standard of a colt “Buckeroo’s Rocky Rapids” that I had seen at Moe and Judi Patterson’s stud “Twin Creeks”. Over the past couple of years we and the Patterson’s had kept in touch, and a great relationship developed between our families. We have traveled to USA on a number of occasions and the Patterson’s to South Africa, and it was whilst holidaying with the Patterson’s in Wisconsin that I picked up a copy of “Pony Press” 14

May/June 2012

and first wrote to Cheryl. Moe Patterson kept us abreast of Rocky’s many show successes which culminated in his induction into the AMHR Hall of Fame, so when we were offered the chance to buy him we jumped at it. We have imported a number of horses for ourselves and clients and are proud to say that with Rocky we had the first Buckeroo blood in South Africa. Sadly, Rocky lost an eye to a dog bite shortly after arriving in South Africa, but even with that dreadful handicap has become a fabulous carriage horse, and is my school master, teaching many to drive. Rocky has won at all the major shows in South Africa, and has stamped his progeny with that wonderful Buckeroo “look at me” attitude. Over the years he has sired over 100 progeny, they are now winning at major shows. He is a joy; is dignified, his manners are impeccable, and he does his Grand sire proud! Ellie died two years ago in a premature birthing. It was a dreadful day, and as I sit at my computer and look out over her paddock I still see and miss her. She had just three beautiful colts by Rocky, and the first two went out as potential herd stallions, so we have her third who started covering late last year. When we started breeding I bought all the tall leggy mares I could find and in no time had a sizeable herd. Local breeders at that time bred for size, the smaller the better, and it appeared that movement and conformation wasn’t the issue, though over the years this has changed. We secretly think that Rocky and Ellie lead that change. There have been a number of studs importing some very fine horses, and the show ring is proving that we have turned the cor-

Oxbow Farm is home to miniature horses as well as bird life, wild pig, the occasional leopard and a troop of vervet monkeys.

won Reserve Senior Stallion, Champion Junior Stallion and a few other places. Almost better was that the Senior Champion mare was won by one of our clients with a mare that we bred. My last trip to the USA was in 2008 when I came over to celebrate Boones Little Buckeroo’s thirtieth birthday. It was a wonderful trip, and going through customs I enjoyed a funny look when my reply to the question “Ma’am what is the purpose of this trip?” was “To attend a miniature horse’s 30th birthday party”. ner as far as the squat coffee table shaped little horse that was the norm and the winner. As a consequence there are fewer tall mares on the market as movement and elegance has become much more important. The quality of the horses has improved in leaps and bounds, and some lovely horses are now being bred in South Africa. So much so that I think we would begin to give you Americans a run for your money in the show ring, and as a breeder this is very exciting. Our market is improving and buyers are becoming discerning, not just going for the “cute “but for the refined and correct little horse. This is wonderful, but now we have to educate some of our judges who seem to think that the smallest horse must win, but we’re getting there. It is easy to spot the breeders who have visited your shores and shows by the 10 gallon Stetsons appearing in our show rings! Consequently however, horses are better behaved and being shown better, though we still have a long way to go in ring technique.

I had packed stringently knowing that I was going to be indulgent as far as horsy items were concerned, and I was! No restraint, it was wonderful. Recounting my trip to a friend shortly after my return she enquired about my shopping. I told her about my new harness, amazing de-wormers, stallion halter, neck sweats, books etc. and I saw a look cross her face of total disbelief, “no” she cried “shopping”…… like clothes …shoes! When I told her that my personal shopping was a 5 pack of socks and a pack of 3 knickers she threw up her hands in horror and disbelief! Whilst eating our lunch we watch the news and weather, rarely missing out on the USA weather and news, and of course whilst you are freezing we are inevitably cooking, and in fact while you are beginning your day we are half through ours. Your snow looks wonderful at the moment as we are suffering through a drought and heatwave that seems to go on and on.

My husband and I are in our sixties and slowing down, from a stud with over 60 horses breeding 20 foals a year, we are down to 28 horses; 16 brood mares, 2 stallions, a driving Welshy, some nice colts and sundry other retirees and rescues. This year we have bred just 4 mares and I plan to spend lot more time getting a couple of young geldings into carriage and playing with clicker, both exercises that I love. Mind you as long as I smell horsy I don’t really mind what I do providing its equine.

Our days are getting shorter and the horses are shedding summer coats as yours will soon be shedding or have shed your winter coats. One of the joys of winter for us is that the threat of African Horse sickness eases, as you probably know AHS is a killer, it’s a midge born disease and though we vaccinate and dip and take all manner of precautions against it, it’s a worrying time for horse owners, and though we in this part of the country don’t suffer as badly as some parts, its always in the back of our minds if a horse is off colour.

South Africa like the USA is a big country and the distances between towns are huge. Recently we had our Miniature Nationals, and for the first time ever it was in a town only 400 kilometers away. What a pleasure that was for us. Some of the competitors had traveled over 1200 Kilometres to attend, and would have been three days on the road each way. We took just 4 young stallions that we had bred, and were pleased to have

There are no trips planned for the future but any person visiting our shores please know that you would be so welcome at Oxbow Farm, equally I look forward to hearing from any like minded people. We have a Facebook page under Outeniqua Miniature Horses and our little web site at www.knysna-miniaturehorses.co.za

Seasoned Rider

On the Other Side of the Fence by Bob Goddard When I was a kid, my father converted a chicken coup into a makeshift stall for my sister. Well, it was for my sister’s horse, actually. Although at the time I thought it would be good place to keep the girl and suggested this. I couldn’t understand it. Why a horse? Why not just put chickens in there as nature intended? With six kids in the family and some of them heavy eaters, we certainly didn’t have money to feed a horse as well. And my Dad didn’t know the first thing about horses. That probably had a lot to do with why my sister was able to talk him into it. Mystery solved. Modifying the chicken house was just the start. He actually went out to the far reaches of our one-acre spread and built a barn. He did this bit-by-bit and paid cash as he went along. Our friendly next-door neighbors had forty acres and allowed him to put a fence on their property so that the horse had room to graze. A friend of Dad’s came out and helped build stalls. Everyone seemed to be in on this. Don’t get me wrong. I liked the barn. It was like having a huge, ground level tree fort in the back yard. It was a nice place to hide behind whenever there was some blame pending. It’s where I learned to appreciate the aroma of fresh sawdust and hay. That still gets to me. I learned other things as well. I learned of a club called “4H”. This was a mysterious underground organization of girls who seemed like communists to me. They met in secret and always stopped talking whenever I entered the room. And they would never tell me what the four “H’s” stood for. For years, my best guess was “Hogs, Horses, Heifers and Hounds”. The Troublemaker The horse, Prince Thomas Littlebit or “Tommy”, was a Welch/Quarter horse and a bit of a rascal. He escaped on regular basis, usually to raid the Arabian farm just down the road. The farm’s stud, “Desert King” (this was the early 60’s prior to the more imaginative part of the decade) didn’t quite know what to make of this plucky little gelding hanging around the periphery of his kingdom. It was the closest thing to a rival His Highness had ever experienced and he, no doubt, looked upon this bizarre little half-horse with a mix of anxiety and curiosity. As long the Tommy Threat was present Desert King seemed unable to perform his primary function. The owner of the farm threatened to sue Dad. He did this at church during the coffee and cookie fellowship session. He made it clear to my father that “I could take you for everything you’ve got” – which consisted of a wife, six kids, a barn, a chicken coop (converted) and a little horse. So nothing came of it. I don’t know how much Dad paid for Tommy, but I know it wasn’t cheap to keep him. In addition to his lodging, his food and the attorney fees, Dad had to pay for a better fence. And there were the usual vet and farrier bills. Also, Tommy somehow learned to turn on the lights in the barn. He would do this at all hours of the night and our electric bill reflected that. At 16

May/June 2012

least Dad complained enough about it. My Turn You would have thought I would have learned something from all of this. At least enough to not let it happen to me when I had kids. But, nope… As soon as Jamie and Hiliary got old enough to form intelligible words, they began talking about horses. The talk turned to ideas and the ideas to plans. And plans to demands. I had warned Jenny not to teach them how to talk. I held out for as long as possible, but in the end I surpassed my father’s horse-related efforts, by a wide, wide margin. I had two horse-crazed girls. This is why we went from just leasing and boarding a single horse to buying a second horse. Two girls, two horses. How could you not? Then came the truck and the trailer. What good is having two horses if you can’t provide them with transportation? I hear tale that there was a time when this arrangement went the other way around. We didn’t build a barn in the back like Dad did. By our time, local units of government had come up with laws that prohibited that kind of nonsense. Instead, we sold our house in town and bought a place in the sticks that had acreage. Then we built a barn. People often say that horses are great teachers. There was, in fact, a lot of learning going on in those days. I learned how to back a horse trailer. After I learned how not to back a horse trailer. I learned how to haul and stack hay. I learned all about manure: where it comes from, how to compost it, how to use a dilapidated spreader and how to fix a dilapidated spreader. I

learned how to spend my weekends at horse shows. And I learned that “five stalls” means “five horses”. I never rode. Eventually all this horse related expansion went into a kind of counter spin. The girls got older. Jamie moved out and Hiliary developed other interests. We went from five to two horses. Then none. The barn went empty, we sold the place and moved back to town. For a few years, the embers of our horse-life burned dimly. Hiliary was busy with a husband and school. Jamie had a horse, but she lived eight hundred miles away. There was still a box of equestrian stuff in the attic: a derby, a riding crop, a few trophies and little jar of dried up hoof black. The box was moved from place to place, but went unopened for several years, out of fear of the Pandora Effect. Then… For reasons that I’m still trying to figure out myself, I started taking riding lessons. At age 54. Maybe I’m like Tommy and just curious about what’s on the other side of the fence. For most of my life, I had lived with all the fuss but never bothered to see for myself what all the fuss was about. Let’s be clear here: I’m definitely a rookie rider and my progress is slow. So yes, I’m seasoned and I’m a rider, but I am not quite a “seasoned rider”. But, I’ve been having a blast. And maybe I can really learn something this time. I’ll let you know.

Editor’s Note: Bob Goddard is a columnist and author of Horse Crazy - A Tongue in Cheek Guide for Parents of Horse Addicted Girls Watch for more of Bob’s columns about his experiences as a “Seasoned” person becoming a rider for the first time in his life.

Join Today! Connect with other “Seasoned Riders”TM Subscription to Seasoned RiderTM Magazine Affordable $1,000,000 Excess Equine Liability Insurance Policy Discount Registration for Seasoned RiderTM Conferences More Great Benefits Local Chapters Forming (or form your own) Subscribe today to join: www.seasonedrider.com Seasoned Rider

I Want to Ride

by Cynthia Spalding

“I want to ride!” it is the thought that keeps popping up in your head while you are busying yourself with all the things you have put into your life. Your career, your family, that whole network of things and people that depend on you. You are over 40 and you might have spent time around horses while your kids rode. You might even still have that horse that the kids left behind for college, marriage and family. Or, you could be a person that always admired horses from a distance and now wrestle with the idea of whether pursuing your dream of riding at this age is wise or even possible! Whatever the reason, the thought of riding lingers in your mind. I wanted to be a horse when I was nine years old – but, I modified my dream to the more realistic goal of “ride a horse, and ride it so well that we become ‘as one’”. I was born in Springfield, Missouri, but my opportunity to learn to ride came after we moved to Guayaquil, Ecuador. The Military Police had a civilian riding school there and I was determined to be in it! So, at age nine, I embarked on my 50+ years of competition riding and training. I was lucky, I had access to great instruction, great horses and youth. But at 44 years old I suffered a major surgery – surgery to repair three broken vertebrae with 7 inch Titanium rods and bolts. This event would awaken me to the most important questions a person can ask themselves. The statement “I want to ride” kept rolling around in my head. Doctors and family would be happy if I could just walk again – riding, to them was out of the question. So I found myself at 44 asking many of the same questions you are: “Should I ride?” Who will want to teach me like this?” “Can I be good at it?” “What if I get hurt?” The three things that make riding a successful pursuit are: Great instruction, Great horses, and Experience. Young people assimilate experiences without the filters that adults use. Kids are empty vessels that do not have to make room for knowledge or tactile sensations. Adults are different – we measure everything against what we have experienced before – decide if it is relevant – then accommodate it or reject it. A rider that begins as an adult will have many challenges to overcome, but they can be overcome! Before you start riding, there are some steps that you can take to save you time and money.

May/June 2012

1) Research your personality type and learning style. The Enneagram and Myers Briggs tests can be taken online for free and will give you valuable insight about your needs as a student. 2) Do some physical assessment of your coordination, balance, and stamina. These can be done on a mini tramp, in the pool at water aerobics, or by a professional. Balance and suppleness are more important than aerobic fitness. 3) Seek out the right instructor and horse for yourself. Once you know what discipline you are interested in, find an instructor that specializes in that style of riding. You will need a good lesson horse or part lease a trained horse for your lessons. DO NOT EXPECT YOURSELF TO TRAIN A HORSE! If you are a beginner, you will need a beginner’s horse. The horse must be tolerant of your balance mistakes, be willing to respond to correct aids, and not the type of horse that will test you to the point that you will have to do incorrect things to handle it. ( word of caution – it is harder to find the right horse than it is to find the right instructor!) However, a good instructor can compensate for a less than “perfect” horse!

It is important that the instructor you choose is experienced with the breed of horse you are going to ride, so I suggest getting the instructor that suits your personality and temperament, and most likely she or he, will have the right horse to match! It is equally important to clearly define your goals. The horse that you start on will probably not see you all the way through to your goals – but then again, he just might. If your goal is to compete at the local level, a school horse is just fine. But if your goal is to compete nationally, you will have to move up to a better horse and develop more skills as a rider. Some of you will not want to compete at all, choosing instead to set different goals – riding the trails with your friends or just riding at the stable. Any goal is acceptable, but you need to define it to yourself and to your instructor.

safely and slowly. If someone like me, who at one point was riding in Olympic trials, can start over at 44 after major surgery and a less than perfect waistline – so can you! My advice after “coming through the knothole” ? Live your dream – go slowly – stay safe – and put the right horse under you with an educated instructor that will suit your learning style! Happy Riding!

DO NOT SKIMP ON SAFETY EQUIPMENT! Wear an ASTM approved riding helmet, boots with smooth soles, and no loose clothes! Do an equipment check each time you ride. Make sure the stirrups fit your feet correctly, look for cracks, weak spots, and missing stitching in the leather. Part of learning to ride is to become a good horseman. Learn the proper way to handle the horse on the ground and to groom and tack it up, as well as identify lameness. The United States Pony Club Manual is a great book to start out with as it covers many aspects of horse care along with riding instruction. Learning all the safety rules will save you from a silly mistake that could injure you or someone else! When I had my surgery, I had to learn to ride all over again. I sold all my high octane warmbloods and bought a well trained, soft riding, even tempered Morgan to start back on. The after a year, I bought a big crossbred gelding – still quiet, but more horse. I finally went back to riding high octane Trakehners and Holsteiners, and on my first outing won the Region 4 Fourth Level Dressage Finals! I did not score well on the two rehab horses, but that was not their purpose – their job was to let me start back into riding

Seasoned Rider

THE LIGHTER SIDE: The Great Escape By: Michelle Jackowski A few months ago I was gathered with family and we began reminiscing about days gone by. One of the stories that came up was the day that my aunts’ horses escaped from our pasture. It’s funny how 25 years can completely change the perspective of an event. I’m pretty sure that the day this actually occurred no one was laughing, but as I recounted the events of that day laughter ensued until there were tears in all of our eyes. I was probably around seven or eight years old when my aunts, my dad’s sisters, had entrusted us to care for their horses for a while. It was no problem because we were well equipped with a decent size pasture, small barn, and strong fencing. At least we thought it was no problem. Though I don’t remember all of the specifics I do remember the chaos. My dad and I were tending to the garden just outside the main gate. My dad was near the gate when Omar, my aunt Cheryl’s grey Arab-Escape Artist gelding, made his move. Before I knew it my dad was standing in front of the gate with his arms spread yelling “Whoa”! He realized this was a fruitless effort as this stubborn and determined animal nearly five times his size was determined to run free regardless of who he had to run over in the process. My dad dove out of the way as Omar and his co-conspirator, Squire, a smaller but equally stubborn grey gelding, charged their way to freedom. My dad jumped up and was running after the horses faster than the speed of light while hollering for me to go get my mom. The next thing I know we are in the van, somewhat hysterically, searching the neighborhood for the escapees. Keep in mind that we lived in Orangevale, California at the time. This was a very busy suburb of Sacramento and we lived very close to a main thoroughfare. Though I can’t remember all of the logistics of the event, I do remember my dad uttering more than one “cowboy word” that

Co-conspirators Omar (right) and Squire (left) some time after the “great escape”. Taken at the scene of the crime. evening. (A family friend once used that term to describe profanities and I just had to share it.) From what I have been told, the horses did find their way down the busy street and to a neighbor’s farm that also had horses. I guess he helped my folks wrangle the beasts and we were able to return them back to the safety of our pasture. The gates were reinforced and I was instructed not to tell Cheryl and Cathy about the event. What they didn’t know wouldn’t hurt them. We almost got away with it, too. I guess my mom and dad forgot to tell the neighbor not to tell them because one day as Cheryl and Cathy took a leisurely ride past his place the beans got spilled. It was mentioned in casual conversation that he had recently had the honor of meeting the two critters. I’m guessing that Cathy and Cheryl quickly forgave my folks, as they knew that the important thing was the horses were both safe, but I am pretty sure that my dad never spoke to Omar or Squire again after that little stunt.

Editor’s Note: Even though Omar passed on to greener pastures in 1997, he is still missed greatly and is still somewhat of a troublemaker. When the prepress department inserted his photo in this article the first time it caused an error message and the document crashed. Very funny, Omar! (Squire’s probably laughing along with him.)

Retirement Equestrian Style Retire With Your Horse at Loree Ranch

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931-879-1985

May/June 2012

Knowing when to let go and retire your horse

by Cheryl Childs As your beloved horse reaches his late teens and early twenties there is a nagging question in the back of your mind that you try to ignore, but can’t - “ Should I retire my horse from riding?”. There are signs your horse will give when it’s time to retire him- reduced vitality or chronic lameness that worsens with work. Lack of enthusiasm for work and activities that formerly interested him. Swaying as you mount, indicating weakness and/or loss of balance. Stumbling on smooth footing, or other signs of reduced coordination. I strongly believe, from experience, that making the decision to retire your horse is almost as hard as the decision we all face at the end of the horse’s life. So we tend to avoid the decision and we just keep telling ourselves our horse is still fit and ridable, but the truth of the matter is that if we are telling ourselves that it may already be past time to retire that horse. Facing the realization that the horse we have logged so many miles on the trail or in show ring with over the years may no longer be able to do that with us is not easy. Our faithful old friend, that we have logged all those miles on for all those years, has become like Linus’s security blanket for us. We don’t want to give up the security we have found in that relationship. We trust that horse with our life and we aren’t prepared to give that up, but for our old friend’s sake we have to. I know from experience how difficult it is to let that old trusted friend go into retirement It was a nice fall day back in 1995 when I saddled up my gelding Omar to go for a nice fall trail ride. We started down the gravel driveway in front of the barn and Omar stumbled. He went down on his knees, but because he had so much heart he scrambled back to his feet. My heart sank at that moment. I dismounted Omar and I knew that was the last ride for us. I gave him a tearful pat on the neck and said to him “ I know, I know Omar it’s alright we won’t do this anymore, you’re a good horse”. Omar had never stumbled before in his life, even on rough trails, so I knew it was time and there would be no more rides. The truth of the matter was I knew before that day, but I just didn’t want to face it. One of the reasons I couldn’t face that reality was Omar was my first horse. I had been riding him since I was 12 years old and he was my security blanket. He was the horse that I could

do anything with -from riding with just a halter on the trail, to riding down a Parade route, to ponying young horses off to being able to unload him from the trailer on a road trip to stretch his legs at a Holiday Inn parking lot - he did it, did it all, and I trusted him. Even though at the time I had a young Arabian mare I was training to step in for Omar, that I thought the world of, she still wasn’t Omar. We all need to keep a couple of things in mind as we face that decision. First you need to consider your horse’s health and well being. You don’t want to cause your horse pain, discomfort or injury. If you’re not sure consult a Veterinarian and have them examine your horse. A Vet can give you an idea of your horse’s overall health and should discuss whether retirement is the best for your horse or not. Your retiree will need to be with horses that don’t harass him, have plenty of room to exercise himself without over doing it, a shelter and, of course, a good nutritional feed for his age. Retirement doesn’t exclude some quality time with your old friend - grooming, in hand exercise or even an occasional ten minute ride at a walk around the stable yard, just don’t over do. You need to remember that building a releationship and bonding with that younger horse will take time, so be patient and don’t expect it to be the same as it was with your retiree. It can be difficult bonding with a younger horse, but it will come and, while it may not be the same type of relationship as with your retired horse, it can still be a good. Try not to make comparisons to your retiree. You just have to realize that, like humans, horses are all different with different personalities, weaknesses and strengths. Sometimes finding something new and different to do with your new horse will help you bond. Take your time and don’t forget it’s alright to miss riding your retiree, just make sure you don’t get caught up in that to the point that you stop riding entirely or make a bad choice. I found myself in that place and I almost made a really bad decision and sold a great Arabian mare who I trained myself. That mare is 22 years old now and has found a place in my heart along with Omar. “ No ride is ever the last one. No horse is ever the last one you will have. Somehow there will always be other horses, other places to ride them.” - Monica Dickens.

Seasoned Rider

ReviewC o r r a l Horse Camping by George B. Hatley Reviewed by Carol M. Upton “Horse campers enjoy the role their horses play. The horse is not only a means of getting campers into the wilderness, but is also a partner in an adventure. Part of the excitement is our awareness that the partnership of man and horse goes back to the earliest times.” ~ George B. Hatley This practical guide is a must if you are headed into the backcountry on horseback.Hatley draws on his years of experience as a rancher/outfitter to cover everything you need to know, from trip planning to horse gear, safe camp set-up, and striking the next day. Both the beginning and the seasoned horse camper will appreciate the wealth of material and the strong storytelling Horse Camping offers. Getting into the wilderness on horseback promises an unparalleled adventure, one that folks in our hurry-up world often crave, but guidance and organization are needed to do it safely. Hatley says that horses are capable of doing much more work than people realize. He believes that, properly conditioned and outfitted, both saddle and packhorses are capable of being used in either capacity. One chapter includes sections on horse disposition, size, trail training, common horse sense and rider conditioning. Excellent and often dramatic photos by Lewis Portnoy draw the reader into planning their own wilderness adventure. This book is definitely the place to start. George B. Hatley has a passion for both the Pacific Northwest’s Palouse country and the horses named for it. He is nicknamed “Mr. Appaloosa” and is a legend revered among Appaloosa enthusiasts. Now in his nineties, George has slowed down at last, but his sage advice endures.

Seasoned RiderTM Clinics • First Time Horse Owners • Confidence Building • Overcome Fear If you’re over 40 and need to build your confidence due to a bad experience, need a tuneup if you’re coming back to horseback riding, just bought your first horse, or are looking for more challenging activities with your horse let a “Seasoned” professional instructor help you. Scan barcode with your phone:

Over 20 years of experience. Contact us for more information and program schedules.

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spirithorsetrng@gmail.com www.winningcolorsequinecenter.com 22

May/June 2012

Horse Camping George B. Hatley Washington State University Press Soft Cover, 2009, $24.95 ISBN: 978-0-87422-303-3 Available from www.wsu.edu Reviewed by Carol M. Upton – www.dreamsaloud.ca

EQUESTRIAN LIFESTYLE Celebrating the Spirit of the Horse with Equestrian Home Decor for all Horse Lovers!

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An Experience That Shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Be Missed On the banks of the beautiful Jackâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fork River

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Visit us, and you will enjoy three meals a day, horse shows, dancing, swimming, horse sales, tack sales, Nashville entertainers and much, much more! 75 acre campground 63,000 sq.ft. indoor arena Miles of trails

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Pay tribute to an accomplished show horse, honor a faithful friend or remember your beloved companion with a gallery wrapped watercolor canvas made from your photo.

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H <

Heart and Soul-

Stories from Our Readers

The Miracle of George

By Tandy Anderson Early in 2010 I fell in love with "George's Best Bet" through one of Heaven's Gait Farm's sale videos. I always watch their videos but this particular one became an obsession. He was 300 miles away and out of my price range, but I could not get this horse out of my mind! Eventually he was sold but I continued to watch the video and this horse was always in my dreams! It seems like I constantly dreamed about him. In February, 2011, when I should have been getting dressed for Uncle Mickey's funeral, I saw this same horse for sale on craigslist, only an hour away and within my price range! Trapped by family obligations, I could do nothing until Monday, terrified he would be gone again. On Monday I talked to his owner and was told he knew nothing about horses, just fell for the video and bought him. He told me the horse just needed his manners refreshed, that he was perfect at first and then things started going wrong. He said some of his cowboy friends had tried to help him show George, who was boss, but it didn't help and he just wanted to sell him. Arriving there the next day, I was shocked to find my dream horse near death...weak and wormy with a skin infection covering most of his body. He stood alone on a hill, in the freezing cold, with no food, water or shelter, with nothing but a black moldy bale of hay, not fit for anything, to eat. His eyes were completely lifeless, as though he had given up long ago. We tried to

Tandy and George move him around a little to at least see if he was somewhat sound but he was just too weak. After only a few minutes, his eyes began to dimly glow with a little bit of hope that maybe we were going to help him. My husband whispered "what do you want to do?" I told him I didn't care how, but I was not leaving this spot without George! Crying and praying all the way home that by some miracle, George would still be standing when we got there. It was one of the longest hours of my life. The next day my vet asked me if I had any idea what a risk I had taken and said that they should have given me the horse. He said George's organs were shutting down and if he was going to die, it would probably be between the 3rd and 5th day, as his body tried to relearn how to process food and

water. The 5th day was his worst, but after that things started looking up. Those first few days, he would stand beside me as his water bucket filled and I would feel this incredible thirst. So many times he would stand with his head against my chest and just sigh deeply. Now, 10 months later, George is happy and healthy! He never fails to move me to tears and make me laugh out loud every single day! Love glows in his eyes and his silly personality captures everybody's heart instantly! There are no words to describe the bond I have with this horse. Most of the time it's like we hear each other's thoughts! I know God put this obsession into my heart for a reason and I thank him everyday for the miracle that is George!

If you have a touching, heartfelt story to tell submit it toThe Seasoned Rider E-mail: seasonedrider@gmail.com Subject: Heart & Soul Story should be approximately 550-600 words. You may submit one high resolution color photograph (300 dpi, jpg). Be sure to include the name of the photographer. 24

May/June 2012

By Seasoned Rider Reviewer The Monty Roberts Dually Schooling Halter is a gentle and effective training tool to have in your tack room. The Dually Training Halter, designed by Monty, is a patented schooling halter which effectively rewards horses for acting in partnership with the handler. This useful training aid will help get the most out of your work when leading, loading, long-lining, as a bitless bridle and more. I was graciously given the Dually halter after my gelding was used in a Farrier’s Demo at a Horse Expo. I have always been a Monty Roberts fan and respected him as trainer so I gladly accepted the halter. I took it home and hung it up in my tack room, not giving it much thought again, until I started training a 4 year old mare who had a bad habit of gettting ahead of you on the lead or planting her feet and not moving. I went and got the Dually halter out of my tack room. I carefully read the instructions that came with it then slipped it onto the mare. After about four sessions with the Dually halter the mare changed her attitude when being led. What I like about the Dually halter is the fact that it does not cause the horse pain. As Monty puts it - the Dually is uncomfortable for the horse when he is being uncooperative and comfortable when he is being cooperative. Pain is not involved with the Dually halter at all. The horse really is training himself with the Dually. I used it on the 4 year old and even a couple of times as a refresher for my trained horses when they would rush out the gate when being led. You can use the Dually when lunging a horse or long-line lunging or even when you ride your horse - it has so many uses. I would highly recommend the Dually Schooling Halter. The Dually halter comes in four sizes (Pony-Small-

Medium-Large) to fit all horses. I have the Medium and it fits my Arab, 1/2 Arab, Paso Fino and Rocky Mountain Horse so that gives you some idea about the sizing. It comes with instructions or you can go to Monty’s web page and watch a video of Monty himself explaining the uses for and use of the Dually halter. For information go to http://www.montyroberts.com/ and click on the store. To submit your product to be reviewed contact: The Seasoned Rider Reviewer e-mail: seasonedrider@gmail.com Subject: Product Review

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT/R eview

Monty Roberts Dually Halter

Dressage & Equestrian Instruction for Riders of All Levels Horse Training • Instruction • Clinics • Horse Tours Private ~ Semi-Private ~ Group Lessons Mary Rose Member British Horse Society, USDF, USCTA Dripping Springs, TX www.maryrosedressage.com mary@maryrosedressage.com 512-589-3796 Seasoned Rider

s t e G t

Bett er

! With Age

HEALTHY RIDER Health, Fitness, and Safety

Five exercises you can do at home to help improve your riding by Rallie McAllister, MD

Riding horses is great exercise, but working on your fitness and core strength when you're not in the saddle will make you a more effective equestrian. Here are some exercises for riders recommended by fitness expert Rallie McAllister, MD Seated Ball Squeeze: This is a great exercise to work the muscles of the inner thighs (called adductors), which are critical to riding. Sit on a chair with your feet flat on the floor and shoulder-width apart. Place a 10-inch diameter rubber ball (a kickball or soccer ball will work just fine) between your thighs, just above your knees. Squeeze the ball firmly between your thighs, holding the muscle contraction for 5 to 10 seconds. Allow your muscles to relax for 5 to 10 seconds. Do eight to 12 repetitions. 2. Bridge with Ball Squeeze: Strengthens the muscles of the inner thighs, gluteus and core. Lie on your back on the floor with your knees bent. Hold the ball between your thighs just above your knees. Lift your buttocks off the floor toward the ceiling, contracting your gluteal muscles and squeezing the ball between your thighs. Hold the position for 8 to 15 seconds, relax, and repeat the exercise for a set of eight to 12 repetitions.

May/June 2012

3. Forward Lunge: Strengthens the quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteus and the core, including the abdominal muscles and the spinal erector muscles of the back--all important for the rider's seat. Stand upright with your feet together, with or without light dumbbells in both hands. Keeping your head up and your back straight, take a big step forward with your right leg and bend your knee, allowing your left knee to hover above the floor. The right leg should be far enough forward so the left leg is almost straight. Push yourself back up to the starting position with a strong, smooth movement, bringing your feet together. Step forward with the left leg and repeat the exercise to complete one repetition. Do eight to 12 repetitions for one set. 4. Skater Style Lateral Lunge: Strengthens the muscles of the inner thighs, as well as the quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteus and core. Stand with your feet together, and take a large step to the right, bending the right knee and touching your right foot with your left hand. In this position, you should resemble a speed skater, bent at the waist so your chest touches the thigh of your right leg. Keep your back flat, your head up, and your right knee directly over your right foot with your toes pointed forward. Now, push off of the right foot and return to

the starting position. Repeat the exercise on the opposite side and alternate legs for a set of eight to 12 repetitions. 5. Front Squat: Strengthens the muscles of the inner thighs as well as the quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteus and core. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Keeping your back straight and your head up, bend your knees and lower yourself until your thighs are slightly lower than parallel to the floor. Push up from your heels and return to the starting position without locking your knees. Perform this exercise in a slow and controlled manner, making sure your back remains straight and your knees are over your feet. Repeat for a set of eight to 12 repetitions.

Rallie McAllister is a physician, equestrian, and author of the book Riding for Life

L E G E N D A RY HORSES Bint Sahara Arabian Mare Bred by John Silver Owned by Frank McCoy The gray mare changed the face of Arabian breeding in the United States for years to come.

Above: Bint Sahara (left) with 5 of her daughters. Top Right: Bint Sahara Bottom Right: A 5x great grandaughter of Bint Sahara in 2002. Bint Sahara, her name translates from Arabic as “ Daughter of the Desert”. She was foaled May 21, 1942. She was bred by John C Silva of Cottonwood, California. She was purchased by Frank and Helen McCoy of Chino, Califorina when she was four years old. Bint Sahara built a dynasty of championship winning show horses for the McCoys and numerous other breeders. The gray mare changed the face of Arabian breeding in the United States for years to come. That kind of statement is not often made about a mare, but rather a stallion who begets far more offspring than a mare each year. A mare is limited to one foal a year, but Bint Sahara earned her place in history. She is the only mare featured in the book Arabian Legends. In the mid-forties there were fewer than 4,000 Arabian horses registered with the Arabian Horse Registry. Arabians were rare and also rather expensive, but that mattered little to Frank McCoy, who was determined to

have an Arabian horse. When the McCoys purchased the mare as a 4 year old she was in foal to a stallion named Nusik. On May 2nd she foaled a bay colt. The McCoys weren’t planning on being in the breeding business at that time, but of course that changed. Frank McCoy took Bint Sahara and her colt to an all Arabian show. With Frank showing her Bint Sahara won her halter class and her colt took fourth. Frank McCoy was hooked and he knew, then, he wanted to breed Arabian show horses. The stallion Frank chose for Bint Sahara the next time was Ferseyn, even though many at the time thought Frank was crazy for making that choice. It is said people were just gettting into Arabians then and they wanted chestnuts with flaxen manes and tails, but Frank wanted a gray. On April 24th 1947 Bint Sahara gave birth to a filly who would be called Fersara and the Arabian breed in America was changed forever. Fersara

became almost as famous as her dam. In 1952 Fersara produced one of the greatest stallions in the Arabian breed, Ferzon, who would become the foundation stallion for Daniel Gainey. Frank McCoy bred Bint Sahara a total of nine times to Ferseyn. Bint Sahara produced 11 champions from her 18 foals, and 9 of them sired or produced national champions themselves. Her son Fadjur and her daughter Fersara become famous in their own right. Bint Sahara’s show record is rather short, 1st place mare class in 1946 California All-Arabian show, but her progeny show record is much longer. Today Bint Sahara’s offspring are still winning in the show ring. They can also be found trail riding, driving, competing in distance riding, pleasure riding, dressage, hunter/jumper - just about anything anyone could choose to to with them.

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African Horseback Safari By Jan Herman

As part of my career break I spent a month in southern Africa, which led me to the Okavango Delta in Botswana, where I took a six day horseback safari. It is one of the most amazing places in the world, and exploring it on horseback was beyond amazing. The Okavango River Delta is 5 million acres of fertile land that shelters many different native animals such as lions, elephants, giraffes, kudo and even cobras. Traveling on horseback offers a very different safari experience than being part of a more traditional "jeep" safari. You are at one with nature, and with that comes a higher level of both excitement and risk, and ultimately in my case, greater rewards. I traveled with African Horseback Safaris, although there are many different outfitters to choose from. I really enjoyed their unique version of adventure travel, providing well-kept horses, an amazing staff and luxurious camp accommodations (or at least as luxurious as tent camping can be!). During the rainy season (November through February) the tours run out of a base camp, which is comprised of a main tent, guest tents and the staff tents. During the rest of the year, guests may have the opportunity to ride from the main camp to satellite "fly" camps in other parts of the Delta. Days in the Delta begin early, since that's when some of the best game viewing takes place. Our five o'clock wakeup call consisted of a staff member delivering hot coffee or tea and biscuits in bed, followed by a light breakfast and then the morning ride. Our last ride of the day was usually followed by "sundowners"- cocktails on the deck while we watched the sunset, followed by a full dinner spread for the hungry riders. As a special treat on my trip on the last ride the staff arranged a surprise champagne brunch in the bush. They caught all of us off guard by telling us to look at the snakes in a particular tree. Finally we turned the corner to see a beautiful spread laid out for us. Sipping champagne that day while enjoying the sounds and smells around us is something I will always remember. Most of the riding we did required a fair level of experience, as there were extended trots and canters, as well as short gallops. The team of guides and grooms paired each rider with two different horses that they traded between during the safari. This gave me the opportunity to get to know the horses I was riding, and really helped me settle into the whole adventure. The horses we rode were Namibian Hanoverians, Arabians, and Kalahari/Arab crosses. A vet made frequent

May/June 2012

trips to the camp to check up on the horses and I learned about some of the homeopathic remedies he uses. Although the safari was only 6 days, there was plenty of time to see elephants, zebras, giraffes, and lots of other wildlife. It was only when we rode up to a "breeding herd" of fourteen elephants with three babies that the reality of where we were and how close we were to the wildlife really sank in. One elephant started flapping his ears as if to charge, and we all mentally planned our escape routes. Not just another day at the zoo! From suddenly spotting a hippo surfacing in a lake, to waking up to "Scarface" the baboon on your porch, you never knew what you were going to see and experience.

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