June/July 2013

THE

a r a b i a n

Maurine L. Webb

JUNE/JULY 2013

Poeme D’Amour and Misti Cassar

2

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

June/July 2013

3

JUNE/JULY 2013

16 HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL

by Rebekah Savage

22 HILDA GURNEY

Q&A with Dressage Olympian

28 WINGS & SPRINGS

A modern day Pegasus

34 WARREN PARK STUD

by Dick Warren

46 BRUSALLY RANCH

The Sport Horse Legacy

54 BACK TO WORK

by Cindy Tobeck

60 KEEPING THE FAITH

by Katie Keim

72 ONE IN A MILLION

A tribute to Cal Dorado

82 DRESSAGE AND THE HUNTER & JUMPER

9

The Base for Equestrian Disciplines by Sue Kolstad

Bits & Pieces

64

A Tale of Two Sisters

12

Profiles in Courage

67

From Roses to Rehab

24

Inspection Prep

76

The Comeback Queen

38

Trainer Close Up

80

Biomechanics

40

Life with Horses

86

Back to Basics

58

In-Hand Training

92

Classifieds

62

Reading Reflections

93

Service Listings

4

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

Century Club: Amie Phoenix+ A series featuring Arabian members of The Dressage Foundation’s exclusive horse & rider teams whose combined ages meet or exceed 100 years

by Trisha Swift

Norm Brown and family after his Century Club ride with Amie Phoenix.

M

y grandmother, Marie Welch,

my brother and I co-owned. We were go-

got her first Arabian in 1949,

ing to start our own breeding farm and

so Arabians are in my blood.

call it “Amie Arabians” (Amie = “friend”

In 1974, when I was just five years old,

in French). Phoenix was sired by Moniet’s

my family moved back to Colorado from

Echo, an Ibn Moniet El Nefous son that

Pennsylvania, to live on her farm and

my grandmother had leased for one year.

help her out. My dad was an extension

His dam was NBD Prudence, a mare my

agent and my mom stayed at home with

parents had bred who was out of my first

will do his third

my brother and me when we were young-

dressage horse, NBD Peace by The Phoe-

er, then later returned to teaching. My

nician+++. Prudence’s sire was Mt. Vu

Century Club ride

parents also bred Arabians; they still do,

Zaabafar, a *Mustafar son that my grand-

although they aren’t as active about it as

mother bred.

If all goes according to plan, he

in June...the day before his 30th birthday.

they used to be. I’ve been riding Arabians

Since we were teenagers, Phoe-

ever since I was five, and I grew up show-

nix was our pet. We’d catch him out of

ing them with my grandmother.

the field—and take him away from his

Amie Phoenix+ (AKA “Phoenix” and

mom—to play with him. She didn’t care

“Mr. Bean”) was born in 1983 to a mare

and neither did he! We taught him tricks

June/July 2013 and taught him to ground drive when he

Donna Brown, at the Estes Park Arabian

was a baby.

Show. That will be the day before his 30th

I started training him to ride when

birthday, so I plan on having a birthday

he was 4, but I didn’t get serious about

bash for him at the show. That way eve-

his training until he was about 12. I had

ryone can celebrate with him! Although

spent two years after college in the north-

he’s had some health issues in the past

east U.S. being a working student at dres-

(he had pneumonia when he was two, and

sage stables, so I was ready to get serious.

has had several bouts of laminitis during

Phoenix and I had many show successes,

his 20s—this has been under control ever

including two regional Championships in

since we figured out he has Cushing’s dis-

dressage. I also competed him in the first

ease, and he’s on medication for that), he

two Sport Horse Nationals. All of his win-

is doing well right now, so I expect he’ll be

nings in dressage contributed to his Le-

celebrating his birthday in style.

Phoenix is a lot of fun, but he’s also a

gion of Honor.

I taught him to jump when he was 19,

trustworthy guy - I can put just about any-

and though it took him a couple of years

one on him. He has gone to both coasts

to warm up to it, he finally started enjoy-

to compete at Nationals, and just like his

ing himself.

He even won a couple of

grandma (Peace), he gave me his all when

schooling two-phases. As he got older, it

I showed him. He can be stubborn, but

was clear that he still wanted to be ridden,

he might just get that from me!

even though he could no longer advance

taught countless people how to ride and

through the levels. He truly gets depressed

will hopefully continue to for many more

when he’s not worked. I started teaching

years. Phoenix is just amazing!

lessons, so I used him as a lesson horse, and he was much happier. I still bareback

Amie at 2003 Sport Horse Nationals

ride him around some if no one rides him

had to learn to post the trot at 79 years

that week; otherwise, he’s not happy.

old! It just shows that you can do anything

Because we played with him so much

you put your mind to.

when he was a foal and when he was

The second rider was my dad’s friend,

growing up, I think he thinks he’s a person.

Jim Snook. Jim has trained many horses,

He loves people, and loves being messed

but he had mostly ridden western and

with. He has a sense of humor; if you laugh

done ranch work. The world of dressage

at something he does, he will do it again.

was completely new for him. However, he

He has a playful streak in him. I have one

wanted to give it a go because my dad kept

boy who rides him now, and Phoenix likes

talking about how great it was (as well as

to throw in a little playful jump sometimes

showing off his ribbon, plaque, and photos

when he goes to trot. The boy thinks it’s

of the ride). Again, Jim rode at the Estes

hilarious, and so does Phoenix.

Park Arabian Show, and once he figured

Phoenix’s first Century Club rider was

out the test, he did a great job.

my dad, Norm Brown. Although my dad

After Jim’s ride that day, I had a little

has always been involved with horses and

fun with my then 29-year-old gelding. I

showed them, most of his involvement

entered him in pole bending and barrel

was on the ground. He rarely rode. When

racing… with my dressage saddle that Jim

I signed on to help revitalize the Estes

used for his test. Neither one of us had

Park Arabian Show, I got a bee in my bon-

ever done either event! We got last place

net that my dad should do a Century Club

in both, but it was hilarious fun, especially

ride. He was reluctant at first, especially

when Phoenix jumped the chalk line at the

after the horse he was supposed to ride

start of the pole bending race. He does

passed away, but I offered Phoenix for the

know how to jump!

ride (Phoenix’s trot is a little bouncy; that’s

If all goes according to plan, he will do

why he wasn’t the first choice). My dad

his third Century Club ride with my mom,

He has

5

6

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

G ame On! A

cute little bay Arabian named Game On and his junior

later be looking at buying an Arabian pony jumper. When she got

owner/rider, Kaitlin Miller-Roberts, so impressed the

on him for the first time she recalls that, ” It was an instant con-

judges at both the 2010 and 2011 USEF National Pony

nection and I fell in love. When I jumped him, I knew he had the

Jumper Championships that they unanimously voted them as

heart to be a jumper, because every ride he gave 110%. “

winner of the “Short Stop Pony Jumper Style Award.” This award

Kaitlin had shown hunters up to 2’9”, but had never done

is reserved for the one rider they feel exemplifies the best classi-

jumpers more than a few times, and Tiger was the perfect confi-

cal jumper horsemanship. No one rider has ever won it twice.

dence builder. In 2009 they did the local circuit puddle jumpers

Add to that the Team Gold Medal in 2011 and Team Silver Medal in 2010 for Kaitlin and her Zone 7 teammates, and you can clearly see that this pair’s talent is world class.

2’6”-2’9”, won Reserve at their second show and she subsequently bought half-interest in him.

Then in 2010 they started competing in the “A” show pony

This winning partnership started off in 2009 when Kaitlin’s

jumpers 3’3”-3’7”, with their sights set on Pony Finals in August.

trainer, Tracey Badley, got him as a trade from his previous owner

Kaitlin and Tiger were winning in both pony and low children’s

who

had

out-

jumpers,

easily

grown him. “I’ve

qualifying for the

always been par-

USEF

National

tial to Arabians,

Pony

Jumper

as I grew up with

Championships at

a

pony

Pony Finals. The

hunter

that

half-

Zone 7 team, of

Arab, and Tiger

was

which she was a

reminded me of

member, finished

that pony,” says

in

Tracey. They de-

overall,

cided on a career

a Silver Medal. In

in

addition,

jumpers

for

2nd

place earning Kaitlin

him as he had a

won the coveted

tendency to cross

Style Award.

canter,

which

This

bold

would not work

pair finished the

for hunters.

2010 season with

Tracey she

says

a USEF Reserve

wouldn’t

Champion in Zone

trade her Arabian

7 and a National

jumpers for the world. “ I love Arabians, they have so much try

5th place in Pony Jumpers, a 5th in Childrens Jumpers and a year

and so much heart. They shouldn’t be able to do what they do,”

end Reserve Champion in Pony Jumpers at the Texas H/J Associa-

she says. Nicknamed “Tiger” for his fierce determination, Tracey’s

tion. Kaitlin then bought Tiger outright - he was now a part of the

admiration for him comes through in her voice. “He is so charis-

family and she wanted to take him to Pony Finals again in 2011.

matic, he loves to run and jump. It’s like he’s built on springs - he

Their 2011 season was even better than 2010, with Tiger plac-

doesn’t know or care how big the jumps are, he just goes over. We

ing 1st or 2nd almost every class. Again they headed to Kentucky

even jump him 1.20m (4’) at home!”

for the Championships, but this time, Zone 7 won the Team Gold

Kaitlin had ridden a 7/8 Arabian in 2007 in the local pony hunters, but at the time would have never thought she would

Medal! “That was our greatest accomplishment, winning Gold at

continued on next page

8

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine GAME ON continued from page ?? the Championships, in addition to finishing 8th individually after a very technical 1.10 meter course,” says Kaitlin. Additionally, she was again selected for the Style Award!

They were also Zone 7 Champion in Pony and Childrens Jumpers, Champion in Pony Jumpers and Reserve in Childrens Jumpers in Texas H/J Association.

2012 was a transitional year for Kaitlin as she prepared to head off to college, and therefore didn’t show much. This year, he is leased out to 10-year-old Alissa Brandt, who is learning the ropes.

“I learned so much from Tiger, I am still learning from him,” says Kaitlin. “I think the most important thing he taught me was to not let someone tell you that you don’t stand a chance. No one would have thought the Arabian pony that cross-canters would be able to do the pony jumpers, but he showed everyone that he could the exact same thing as the big expensive horses, only even better. “ “Arabians have the best personalities, Tiger is very funny to be around and always makes me laugh. I also admire their athleticism, I never knew how athletic they were before I got Tiger. But my favorite thing about him is his heart, I haven’t ever felt a horse want to win as much as Tiger.

He loves to jump and go fast, and half the time I think he could read my mind about what turns and what spots I wanted to do.

If I was nervous, he would prance into the ring, or do a little playful ‘jump’ before the buzzer and it always made me laugh and relax. He is just a great teammate!”

Photos courtesy Kaitlin Miller-Roberts

June/July 2013

BITS and pieces

DRESSAGE NEWS

HUNTER & JUMPER NEWS Half-Arabian mare Ability+/(MHR Nobility x Nikita {KWPN})

Ashleigh Flores-Simmons and Anglo mare Athena+++// (LS

with Kristin Hardin on placed 2nd in both the 1.10m & 1.15m

Zane Grey+// x Little Badger Baby) made their debut together at

Jumpers out of 20+ entries at the Memorial Day Classic at LAEC.

the CDI*** Golden State Dressage Festival and earned a 69.7% in

Ability is owned by Gregg & Nancy Shafer.

FEI Grade 2 Para Equestrian test.

Arabian PA Sebastion (Oh Canada x Crystal Vision) and owner

They also earned a 67.2% on First Level Test 1 and a 62.4% on

Sarah Ingram on winning a 1.0m jumper class (of 46 entries) at an

First Level Test 2 at the AHANC show Saturday. This was their first

open show in May. They were named Reserve Champion.

time at First Level and just their second show together. . Athena is

Photo below is by cwillsphotography.com

owned by Rita Mason. Photo above is by Grey Horse Photography.

The newest members of The Dressage Foundation’s Century Club: 89 year old Sy Budofsky and Arabian gelding Romeos Krystalbay (Romeo VF+/ x Krystal Charm {AAF Kaset+}), who have a combined age of 105. They performed their required dressage test yesterday at the Palm Beach County Mounted Posse Dressage Show. The horse is owned by the Livecchis of Desert Rose Ranch.

We will have their story in our next issue.

Carla Scarmazzi and her Half-Arabian RS Royal Edition (Balliance V x Rosa Linda {KWPN}) won the High Score Adult Amateur Award at the VA Dressage Assn. Central Chapter Open USDF Show with a score of 68.973% in First Level.

Coming in a close 2nd was Carla and her purebred Arabian CR Ice Storm (My El Sahib x JA S Hannah) with a 67.069% in First Level.

After a 2 year break from serious competition, Arabian gelding

Arabian H/J rider and trainer Michael Desiderio was hand cho-

Comandr-N-Chief+// (Rio De Janiero x Shilo Liberation) and owner

sen by George Morris to participate in Morris’ USET Show Jumping

Stacey Burdick-Taul won their Prix St. Georges test at the KY Dres-

Program in May at the USET headquarters.

sage Assn Spring open show. The judge was a British FEI 4* judge.

Only 10 riders were chosen from hundreds of applicants. Cri-

Stacey & Chief were our April/May cover story.

teria were 18+ years old, competing successfully at 1.45m or high-

Half-Arabian Arosenthyme MA+++/ (Rosenthal {Hann} x Alu

er and ability to represent the US in international competition. The

Minchah) cleaned up in First Level at Whidbey Eq. Ctr. Open Dres-

application included videos and a written essay.

sage Show with scores up to 71.6%. She is owned and bred by

9

10

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

Photo by Liz Hall

BITS and pieces (continued)

Pics of You

Oz Poof of Purchase

Rite From The Start Shawna Macauley and trained/ridden by Nicol Hinde. Alu Minchah was the top dam of Half-Arabians at the 2012 SHNs. She also produced Imnaha+//.

EVENTING NEWS The 2013 Eventing season continues to be a great one for Arabian horses!

The big tune-up event before Rolex for many at The Fork. Will

Michele Judd and her homebred Half Arabian mare Rite From

Faudree & Anglo Riesling De Buissy were tied for 7th after dres-

he Start (Routinier {Old} x Rahsema Jewell) earned the overall

sage in the CIC** and Houston and Daniel Clasing were in 44th in

High Score award at the Va. Dressage Assoc./N. Va. Chapter show

the CCI*** out of 56 entries.

with a 74.107%! It was their first rated show. Photo above by Kara Hite/Pics of You. Half-Arabian PL Lucky Tammy (Its The Luck Of The Irish {RID} x PL Shirley) with owner/trainer Glenda Player earned a 69% their

Final results were: Will and Riesling De Buissy finished 7th in the CIC**. Daniel Clasing and HOUSTON jumped up to 25th in the CIC***. Both horses went double clear in a VERY tough cross country!

first time in Third Level Test 3 at the PVDA Spring Open Dressage

At the Ocala International 3 Day Event, the dynamite British-

Show. Tammy & Glenda performed a dressage demonstration at

bred Half Arabian Erodium, ridden by Olympian Jessica Phoenix,

the 2010 World Equestrian Games. She was bred by the Player

were in 5th place after Dressage in the CCI**, held that place with

family of Playland Farm.

a double clear Cross Country. They went double clear in Stadium

Half-Arabian ONLY A DREAM (Nico {AWS} x Nisrs Navianna)

to finish in 5th place.

competed in May in Prix St. Georges at the Lexington Spring Dres-

Rolex Kentucky 3-Day Event ended very well for Anglo Arabian

sage Show, earning a 60%. She is ridden by Sarah Doyle, owned

Houston and Daniel Clasing, they went double clear on that mas-

by Janet Lewis and bred by Susan McAdoo. Photo by Pics of You.a

sive cross country course and finished after stadium in 21st out

Congratulations to Half-Arabian KB Kalila Fahim+++/ (by KB

of 50 entries.

Omega Fahim) who earned a 73% in Fourth Level to win at an

The Maryland Combined Training Assoc. Horse Trials is a popu-

open dressage show at just her 2nd show at that level. She is

lar fixture on the spring eventing schedule. Held at Shawan Downs

owned by Chrissie Bailey and trained/ridden by Chelsea Sibley.

in Baltimore, this year was well attended by riders and horses with

Arabian stallion Bonne Vivant++++// (Monogramm x Bonne

big names and not-so-big names.

Cherie) and rider Kassandra Barteau earned a 63.29% in Prix St

Lauren Kieffer had a string of horses there, including her

Georges and a winning score of 63.684% in I-1 at the Chatta-

young Anglo-Arabian Vermiculus. This writer was present to watch

hoochee Hills Open Dressage show. Kassandra had only recently

them do their stadium round and go right out onto cross coun-

gotten the ride. Bonne Vivant is owned by Cheryl Showah.

try. Unfortunately, a miscommunication in a combination caused them to have to circle, counting as a refusal. They finished 15th in Preliminary.

June/July 2013

11

Jenni Autry/Eventing Nation

Riesling De Buissy

Jenni Autry/Eventing Nation

BITS and pieces (continued)

Erodium Denise Nader and Anglo Zurick competed in Open Novice,

dium and Jessica finished the CCI** in 8th place.

finishing 8th. Denise donated a perpetual trophy named for her

Tami Pacho and her Half-Arabian mare WALL STREET STATUS

Arabian Octavius to be awarded to the winning Senior Beginner

(Back Street x Sea Symbol RF {ASB}) placed 4th at Galway Downs

Novice team.

Spring Horse Trials in Sr. Beg. Novice after a 3 year hiatus from

Half-Arabian PL Irish Thunder (PL Diamond Hill {ID} x PL Elad-

competition.

dinns Lite) and owner Rose Lehnig placed 2nd at the Redland

Anglo Arabians Tatchou and Hito CP finished Badminton Horse

Hunt Horse Trials in Training last month. PL Irish Thunder was bred

Trials in 60th and 64th places respectively out of 84 entries. One

by Playland Farm, who have been breeding Arabians & HAs since

of the toughest tests of horse and rider on the planet!

the 1970s.

Saumur in France had 5 Anglos in the 3* and 15 in the 2* as

Oz Poof Of Purchase, homebred Anglo ridden & owned by

is to be expected in the birthplace of this breed. The final results

Katy Groesbeck, won the CCI2* at Twin Rivers Spring 3-Day after

of the CCI3* for the Anglo Arabs: Olympe d’Eos - 12th; Junco CP

double clears in XC & Stadium. Their next outing will be Rebecca

- 15th; Iberon CP - 19th; Piano Star - 20th and Neo De Breuil -

Farm in July along with Poof’s brother, Oz The Tin Man, who was

22nd.

laid up with an injury since fall. Katy is fundraising for the trip donate by visiting www.kgeventing.com.

Katy and her awesome horses will be featured in the August/ September issue.

Mid-May was the very popular Jersey Fresh event. Half-Ara-

Arabian BF Amigo (NV Congo x Tema Amira) who competes as “Figjam” was recently sold to a young rider, Hayley Miller, and they placed 2nd & 3rd in Novice Rider on their first two outings. Figjam was previously competed at Prelim by Elisa Wallace. Best of luck to this new pair!

bian ERODIUM and Olympian Jessica Phoenix finished dressage

The 26 year old Arabian mare Black Moons Molly (Nahr Ra-

in 5th place in the CCI3* with a 55.4. Anglo Arabian Riesling De

ban x Mistanny El Aswad) and her junior rider Melissa Morris, who

Buissy and Will Faudree were in in 3rd place in the CCI2* after

placed 16th at the Mill Creek Pony Club Horse Trials. Molly stands

dressage with a 49.8.

just 13.3 hands.

After an exciting cross country on day 2, Riesling De Buissy wound up in 2nd place in the CCI** with a double clear while Ero-

Melissa & Molly have qualified for the USEA Area IV Championships the last 2 years! Molly is owned by Cassie Phelps.

dium jumped clear, but had time penalties and was sitting in 7th

Vermiculus and Lauren Kieffer finished the Preliminary divi-

place in the CCI***. There were only 2 double clears on this tough

sion in 4th place at the Virginia Horse Trials. The pair moved up

3* course, which 6 horses didn’t even complete.

from 7th after dressage, thanks to a double clear cross country

Showjumping concluded in the CCI** with Riesling De Buissy and Will finishing in 2nd place after a double clear course. Ero-

and just 4 jump faults in Stadium.

12

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

Profiles In Courage

by Karin Foley

Walking in the Shadow of a

Rainbow

Mary Jo Hoepner & Made In The Shade+/ Kathleen Bryan Photo

June/July 2013

V

ery few Arabian-bred horses compete in the Open Dres-

rider, further testament to the cooperative partnership necessary

sage world. Even fewer compete at the FEI (internation-

between them. The time and effort it takes to arrive at that place

al) level. But only one is doing all of this with an Amateur

is akin to the time and effort it takes to achieve the “wonderous,”

rider, and that is Mary Jo Hoepner and her Half-Arabian/

part two of Walking in the Shadow of a Rainbow.

Percheron gelding “Made In The Shade+/” by the late Arabian stal-

Several years ago when I first heard about Shade and his Percheron heritage it made me smile. Going back probably a dozen

lion Ravenswood Flag.

There is a concept in Native American thinking called “Walk-

years ago now I stopped at a friend’s place mid trip to layover with

ing in the Shadow of a Rainbow.” The concept is

my Percheron driving horse “Wild at Heart.” By coincidence that

two-fold. The first part being that relation-

same weekend Thomas Ritter was conducting a dressage clinic at

ships develop not from some monumen-

my friend’s farm. Wild at Heart was turned out in a paddock and

tal happening but from the constancy of

Ritter, glancing out the window, commented with his most Ger-

day to day things…sharing. So for instance,

man attitude that he (Wild at Heart) was not any good for anything

humans develop meaningful realtionships by

except plowing. Almost instantly Wild at Heart began doing canter

simply doing simple things together such as

pirouettes in the field and Ritter’s lower lip hit his chest. I could

taking walks, planting a garden together, or sharing meals.

not control my laughter.

Percherons are one of the few breeds of draft horses capable

The second part of concept has to do

of doing mid level or higher dressage. They often cannot do FEI

with experiencing something “wonderous.”

levels only because their size, as a matter of physics, makes it im-

We have walked in the shadow of a rainbow

possible. Many Percherons have the structure and brain to do the

when something “wonderous” is seen or expe-

work. So while I thought MJ’s choice a bold one, it made perfect

rienced. Now at the basis of part two is part one.

sense.

The “wonderous” is always there in everyday

Mary Jo told me she searched for Shade for two years before

things for us. We have to open our eyes to see

finding him as a green four year old. He needed to be “the one,”

it.

meaning the right fit personality wise he needed to be capable This Native American concept is deeply

of doing FEI level dressage. In addition, to meet MJ’s needs he

rooted in the belief that all humans have ani-

needed to have size, be athletic, sound, and he had to fit within

mal spirit guides and teachers. Furthermore, we

a certain price range. Mary Jo told me, “I had a fantastic Anglo

journey with our guides and teachers through our different life

Arab bred by Dr. John Aldred. I was not going to settle for anything

times since Indians believe we are souls with a body and not bod-

less.”

While it is an indisputable fact that it takes steady, consist-

ies with a soul.

The moment our beloved horse makes us his or hers is the mo-

ent, grueling work to bring a horse up through the levels it is

ment at which we Walk in the Shadow of a Rainbow. It is those

the relationship with the horse that makes all things possible. To

day-to-day moments of riding, feeding, grooming, and visiting

achieve greatness with a horse you must first Walk in the Shadow

that make that particular “wonderous” moment possible. Such is

of a Rainbow. Like many of the most successful horse and rider

the experience of Mary Jo and her boy, “Shade.”

combos, Shade and Mary Jo utilize other disciplines in Shade’s

There is a reason this column is called “Profiles in Courage”

training, such as Working Western, jumping and trail riding. It is

and not “Profiles in Check Writing.” To bring along a horse on your

a well-known fact that the FEI horses under Steffen Peters care

own takes not only total commitment it requires the courage of

take regular trail rides as part of training and reward for a job well

your convictions and a level of emotional toughness that few of

done. I hear Weltino’s Magic loves to trial ride because he loves

us can rally. Yes, it does cost money but it also cost time and fortitude. There is a big difference between paying a pro to train a horse and bringing a horse along yourself.

to look at things.

At an AHA show about five years ago I visited with Carter Bass during a break between judging dressage tests and asked Carter, if

According to the United States Dressage Federation,

in her experience most dressage riders in the open world trained

Dressage is a French term meaning “training” and its

and rode their own horses or had pros do the work for them. She

purpose is to develop the horse’s natural athletic

kind of snickered (as only Carter can do) and replied, “At the upper

ability and willingness to work making him calm,

levels either the pro rides the horse or the owner does. A combi-

supple and attentive to his rider. Currently, com-

nation of the pro schooling the horse and the owner hopping on

petitive dressage involves nine progressive levels

for shows is ridiculous and does not work.” MJ trains with Grant

incorporating multiple tests within each level. Special tests are

Schneidman and relayed a similar comment from Grant. “You can-

also written for musical freestyle. To the untrained eye, dressage

not fake the upper level movements by having someone else train

at its best appears as though the horse is without cues from its

continued on next page

13

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine COURAGE continued from page 13

lege of interacting with Mary Jo over the

Janet when I mentioned that the horse

and school and then hop on.” So for the

years know the tough Mary Jo. That is the

and rider pair I was writing about was Mary

eight years Shade was at Grant Schnei-

Mary Jo who represents her region with

Jo and Shade from Janet’s home state of

dman’s, he was ridden by MJ 99% of the

USDF, the Mary Jo who works towards im-

Colorado. With great glee Janet said, “MJ is

time.

provements for dressage riders with AHA,

a GREAT gal. She often takes lessons from

One imperative when an amateur

the Mary Jo who is not afraid to say what

works with a pro is to find the pro that

she thinks based on her experience. The

works with you and your horse. Mary Jo

Mary Jo who has the courage of her con-

says about Grant, “He figured out right

victions. You might not always agree with

away that Shade tried so hard. He even

Mary Jo yet you have to respect her right to

admonished me that I needed to be more

voice an opinion because she has EARNED

sensitive with my sensitive horse.“ From

the right to voice it. So the Mary Jo who

riding many, many mares through the

brought along Shade…the soft, quiet Mary

years, I learned that there are some hors-

Jo who loves Shade was quite a surprise

es you have to ask and some horses you

to me. You cannot miss Mary Jo’s love for

have to tell. Additionally, you have to real-

him.

me. I love her to death!”

Mary Jo and Shade have won both Bronze and Silver Medals in the USDF and Horse of the Year honors in All-Breed Awards and USEF rankings. They have earned higher median scores than many professionals they compete against.

They were selected as demo horse and rider for the Intermediare II / Grand Prix group for “Through The Levels” Symposium with Olympic rider Steffen Peters and judge Janet Foy. This accomplished pair have been recognized for their achievements by Foy. There were over 80 applicants for this honored position!

Throughout their career together, Mary Jo has promoted Shade’s Arabian heritage to judges, trainers and spectators alike. They participate in clinics, educational demonstrations, training sessions, etc. Each time, the comments from spectators and participants illustrate a change in their perception of the capabilities of Arabian-breds in the elite upper levels of dressage.

Kathleen Bryan Photo

14

ize that some horses will just try too hard

How much of success has to do with

and those horses without a kind hand will

intangibles by definition cannot be quan-

get disheartened. So for those like Mary Jo

tified. It is impossible to think that any

with a sensitive boy like Shade it is imper-

horse could be brought along year after

ative to work with someone who sees and

year by an owner if the relationship was

understands a sensitive horse…not all do.

not harmonious. I asked FEI 4* judge Janet

My first dressage trainer announced

Foy if when she is watching a horse and

to me that “anyone who thinks their horse

rider pair if she can see the special bond

loves them is crazy.” I filed that one away.

between them. Janet said, “Yes, think of

My first dressage horse, Lilly, DID love me

Brentina and Debbie MacDonald or Ed-

and I her. Lilly has long since retired from

ward Gal and Totilas. Not every rider gets

the dressage arena, is happier as a fox

that perfect partner.” I could not help but

hunter, and she remains a constant horse

ask Janet how that affected a test score

love in my life. That unloving trainer was

and her response was perfect. “In the USEF

quickly replaced.

test, ‘harmony’ is the last score in collec-

I could not miss in my conversations

tives and is a great place for a ‘10.’ In the

with Mary Jo about Shade how much she

FEI tests, the submission and rider score

loves Shade and how in tune she is with

would be the place to do it.” It was not un-

him. Those of us who have had the privi-

til near the end of my conversation with

About Karin Karin Foley has written for numerous equine publications including The Blood Horse, Middleburg Today, Equus Magazine, and Modern Arabian Horse. She currently lives in the Finger Lakes region of New York with her husband Willis. Together, they breed Arab and Welsh bred sport ponies for adult dressage, eventing, and foxhunting riders. They also raise English Labrador Retrievers to be PTSD service dogs, therapy dogs for autistic children, and great family dogs.

Karin has studied riding and horsemanship with many wonderful instructors including Sally O’Connor , Thomas Ritter, and Conrad Schumacher . She attributes her sticking seat to a year of lunge line lessons with the fabulous Kayla DeArmis, a student of Conrad Schumacher’s and the encouragement of her long term friend, Sue Fanelli.

Karin’s interests include sport horse breeding, the biomechanics of riding and unusual horse adventures. Karin also enjoys writing about courageous horses and their riders and individual experiences with great teachers. If you have a unique story contact Karin at karinfoley@rocketmail. com.

June/July 2013

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The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

June/July 2013

s g n i r

Hope

by Rebekah Savage

p S Eternal A

Photos courtesy Kristin Hardin

leap of faith, a skilled trainer and a gifted mare combine to make a winning partnership in both the Arabian and open jumper circuits. Hope Springs Eternal+/, a 2000 bay purebred mare by

multi-National Champion Park Horse stallion Allience+// and out of the mare Pajarito Esprit, has proven herself time and again in the jumper division.

In 2005, Hope was bought by trainer Kristin Hardin of Kristin Hardin Stables in New Cuyama, Calif. Hardin was returning from Sport Horse Nationals and had just lost her horse, DDA Springtime, to colic. With an empty spot in her trailer, Hardin stopped to look at Hope and decided to buy the mare and take her home. Hope was unpapered and unproven as a show horse but Hardin recognized the potential of the mare and, wanting to show her on the Arabian circuit, had her DNA tested in order to have her registered.

Hardin was pregnant at the time Hope was being started, so she had a friend help her. Once Hope was well broke, they created a sale video.

In 2006, Lynn McAlister of Shadow Acres Farm in Mountain Home, Arkansas, was looking for a horse for her two daughters. McAlister saw the video and although she hadn’t seen Hope in person, she made the decision to buy her. “I never laid eyes on her and I never talked with my husband,” said McAlister. “I had bought an unpapered horse. It was a big leap of faith.”

McAlister finally met Hope in person in Scottsdale where Hardin showed her what the horse was capable of. The original plan was after the show, McAlister would trailer Hope to her new home. Hardin, after starting and showing Hope, knew how talented the mare was and given her somewhat hot-headed temperament, McAlister decided to let Hope return to California and continue training with Hardin. McAlister ended up also buying Hope’s sister, a quieter horse, for her daughters.

Under Hardin’s guidance, Hope blossomed into a fierce competitor in the jumper ring. Together, the pair have won numerous awards in the Arabian and Open jumper circuit. Her first year at Sport Horse Nationals, they won the Arabian Open Jumper class. Since then, they have won the class three more times and finished second once. They also won the Mini-Prix twice and the Speed Class once.

On the open circuit, Hope dominated the 1.00m Jumpers and the 1.07m True Green Jumpers in 2009 at the Santa Barbara National II. In

continued on next page

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The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

18

HOPE continued from page 17

In between her competitions, Hope

health issues. She is a poster child for Plat-

2012, at the Memorial Day Classic, she won

earned a sponsorship with Platinum Plus.

inum.” Despite her lack of health issues,

in the 1.05m Jumpers and 1.00M multiple

“She has been on it since she came to my

McAlister had a concern. “If something

times. At the Camelot Classic, she won the

barn,” said Hardin. “She has never had any

happens to Hope, we don’t have some-

$1500 .95m Speed Stake and .95m

thing of her,” said McAlister. So, the

Speed Stake Championship. Also in

decision was made to pull Hope

2012, Hope showed at Showpark

from competition to breed her. Af-

June Jamboree Festival, Santa Bar-

ter several attempts to breed her,

bara National II and Pebble Beach

a foal was not produced. After dis-

Equestrian Classic II, where she once

cussion amongst Hope’s vet, trainer

again dominated the 1.05m Jump-

and owner, the decision to switch

ers.

stallions was made. Hope then was The unique partnership between

bred to Cortez, a Holsteiner Grand

Hope and Hardin was proven when

Prix jumper, owned by Hardin.

Hope jumped an ATV as part of a

In 2011, Hope gave birth to

demonstration. “She is so trusting of

a filly named Hope and Dreams,

me, if she feels I want her to jump it,

whom they call Harmony. Harmony

she will,” said Hardin.

Hope and Harmony

is now 2 years old and “looks like a tiny version of her Mom,” said Hardin. Harmony, who is still growing, is slowly being

Blind Squirrel Labradors

handled and started. “Hopefully she’ll be as good of a jumper as her Mom,” said Hardin.

After two years away from jumping and competing, Hope’s owner and trainer questioned whether she would still enjoy showing. They needn’t have worried, Hope quashed their doubts even winning the 2012 Arabian Horse Association Open Competition award. The Open Competition Award is given to a Purebred or half-Arabian or Anglo Arabian in areas of outstanding achievement in representing

English Labs for Sport, Service, Therapy & Love

Chocolate, Black and Yellow puppies ready to go home with you July 2013!

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the Arabian breed in Open Competition.

“Hope is the most competitive horse I’ve ridden,” said Hardin. “I’m glad she won it, she deserved it.”

Since her big return, Hardin cannot help but notice Hope’s love for competition and jumping. “She loves to jump and work. She loves to show, she gets quite an attitude at a show. Getting on her is like sitting on loaded dynamite.”

McAlister is tossing around the idea of breeding Hope again, but for now, Hope will continue to blast her way through the jumper ring.

Not bad for a leap of faith purchase on an unpapered, unproven and unseen mare.

June/July 2013

Photos courtesy Kristin Hardin

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The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

Winds of Mag Arabian Pony Blows Away the Competition

fields, every morning I found him grazing in my front yard. We put rails on top of the posts but nothing worked.”

When Betsy acquired some green Thoroughbreds, she realized it was time to find Magic a new home. Many potential buyers came and went after he took them across the arena his way until a young girl, Christine Lonsdale, and her mother showed up.

Christine was looking for an eventing pony, she had shown a little bit in the jumpers both locally and rated, was active in pony club and fox hunted. She had even ridden a few Arabs for other people from Parker/The Book LLC Photo

time to time.

“Christine rode him beautifully, she

M

had a perfect position and Magic some-

A Winds of Magic was born in West Virginia on April 11, 1996. His sire was Half-

how knew she was worthy. They came

Arabian Moment of Magic, sired by Saddlebred Harlequin Magic Maker. His dam

back with her trainer and the trainer saw

RAS Wind Dancer was an Ivanhoe Tsultan granddaughter.

the potential and a deal was struck,” re-

Purchased as a two-year-old by a man on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, he made his

calls Betsy. “ The rest is like a fairytale.”

way to eventer Betsy Brawner of Humphrey’s Point Farm in Rock Hall, Maryland. Betsy

It was June of 2008, and Magic was

recounts the story, “Magic came to me as a trainee, meaning his owner did not know what

Christine’s 14th birthday present. They

to do with him. He was no use to her as he made all the students cry, such was his ‘fun

bonded quickly, as the perfect horse and

loving’ temperament. One girl was able to ride him, she would jump him over the fences

rider partnerships do. Christine describes

and that was all she did with him, but she moved away and nobody could or would ride

him, “Magic is incredibly intelligent, al-

him until he found his way to my farm.

most human like. He’s the sweetest, most

“I put him in the round pen and he ran around with his nose straight up in the air, tail

lovable animal I’ve ever encountered. He

high, prancing on air it seemed. I thought ‘what a beautiful animal!’ Magic and I bonded,

will sleep in his stall or field and I can just

I was a very daring rider and had a deep admiration and respect for him, plus I adored his

lie next to him and relax. Magic is very at-

personality. After over a year, I decided to purchase him, taught him some dressage and

tached to me, and he’ll watch me when I

off to the horse trials we went. He managed to gather many blues at the novice level and

go walk the course when my mom holds

became quite well known in the area.“

him, she says he never takes his eyes off

He was also a bit of an escape artist. “I found it nearly impossible to keep him in the

me. Magic is a once in a lifetime pony, he’s

gic

June/July 2013 massively talented and athletic, and he’s my best friend.”

Christine and Magic started out in eventing, until they both realized that dressage was not a favorite for either of them. So in 2011, they decided to give jumper shows a shot. They enlisted the help of trainer Kenny Krome, who immediately saw the potential in Magic.

Christine admits that it took her a little longer to polish her skills.

By their fourth show, Magic and Christine were winning every class they would enter at the 1m level, even winning the Championship at the Maryland National Hunter/Jumper Show. The new kids on the block were definitely the ones to beat!

In 2012, they set their sights on qualifying for Devon, hoping to compete in the $2,500 North American League Pony Jumper Championship. The pair did very well leading up to the Championship

Photo courtesy Christine Lonsdale

class, earning firsts and seconds in the other classes. Their strategy during the championship jump off was to go cautiously as no rider ahead of them had gone clear. Christine and Magic had already jumped 5 clear rounds that day, and she knew he could give them another. Christine rode the course conservatively, and they left up all the jumps. Although they incurred three time faults, it was still good enough to give them the win and the Championship.

Their next outing was the Pennsylvania National Horse Show in Harrisburg where they would compete in the $4,000 North American League Pony Jumper Finals. After jumping a clean round their first trip, they pulled one rail in the jump off but still earned Reserve

Christine and Magic in the Winner’s Circle at Devon.

Championship.

“Winning Devon was the best moment of my life and was my biggest accomplishment. But Reserve Champion at Harrisburg was cool too!” Christine says.

Christine’s Senior Prom photo with her pony.

In 2013, they haven’t shown except for an outing in January where they placed second in the NAL/WIHS/M&S Children/Adult Jumper Classic at 1.10m. Because of Christine’s school schedule, they weren’t able to qualify for Devon this year but have plans to go up north to compete over the summer.

About her special pony, Christine says, “Magic has taught me so much! He’s so talented that he’s been able to easily transfer into the various stages of my riding as I’ve progressed. I was not nearly as smart on course as I am now, because of Magic. Magic has gone from babysitting me around the courses to becoming my greatest partner in winning the big classics. Magic has also taught me a lot outside the ring. He’s taught me the value of hard work and patience.”

Christine is planning a professional career in horses, but states, “I will own Magic forever, no matter where the future takes me, he Photo courtesy Christine Lonsdale

will stay by my side.“

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The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

You have to have a horse with three good gaits, and the ability to really have power to be a sport horse.

Q & A with

Hilda Gurney The Olympic rider and trainer answers readers’ questions about Arabians and dressage

What do you think Arabians can bring to the table as sporthorses?

When I judge the sport horse halter

they are an individual.

classes, which are really popular, usually

Arabians are wonderful animals, full of

I’m giving nine on the head and eight for

Do you see Arabians, Half or Anglo Ara-

vim and vigor, they like to work, and they

the shoulders and saddle position and

bians as being competitive in open com-

are beautiful. They bring energy, lightness

eight on the legs. Hindquarters I go down

petition at a regional, national & interna-

off the ground, which is what we want in

to a six. It’s the articulation of the hind-

tional level?

the sport horse type, and buoyancy and

quarters, especially in the Egyptian Ara-

Not regular Arabians, but Half-Arabians

beauty. They are tough horses so they

bian, it is wrong for sport horse. The Polish

absolutely. I taught a clinic with a horse

bring resiliency, they’re long-lived plus

Arabian is the best line and more suitable.

by Aul Magic (Laine Sklar’s Paladin SF} that

most of them stay pretty sound.

You have to have a horse with three

was really, really tops. That was in Arizona.

good gaits, and the ability to really have

And I judged the Young Show Horse Series

What are the weakest aspects of Arabi-

power to be a sport horse. Whether you

Finals at Spy Coast Farm in Florida with

ans?

are jumping, doing dressage or eventing,

$25,000 prize money and a Half-Arabian

you need power. They need to be able to

{Samantha Werner’s Uphoria} was Cham-

articulate the hind leg under them to cre-

pion in the halter. They didn’t say he was

ate that power. So you want the longer,

Half-Arab, but he was really fabulous, by

more sloping croup and the forward slop-

far the most outstanding horse that day.

The conformation of their hindquarters.

How do you compensate for this?

Well I think now Arabian breeders are breeding for different types. Some breed

ing femur.

Half-Arabians have been competitive on the international level, just not pure-

for Western, some breed for show hack,

Do you do anything different when rid-

some breed for Park horse type. I think

breds. One, they’re too small generally;

ing/training Arabians?

and two, the articulation of the hind end.

now that people are starting to breed Ara-

No, nothing different. I probably have

bians for sport horse, they need to pay at-

As far as Anglos, probably the other cross-

10 different breeds and I train each horse

tention to the hindquarters.

es would do better, the Thoroughbreds are

as an individual, not as a breed, because

no longer competitive in the sport horse

June/July 2013 world. Sometimes in eventing but pretty

ment. He certainly could carry more en-

mostly on relaxation, same with our young

much in dressage and jumping you don’t

gagement in the gaits, but he is capable

horses. And we have a lot of Half-Arabians

see Thoroughbreds anymore.

of very good engagement. His piaffe and

too, but they are part Trakehner so they are

passage are as good as it gets.

more than half Arabian. In fact, most of my

Do you think there is breed prejudice among dressage judges?

Hilary Clayton’s stallion carries very, very good engagement and he’s competi-

stock is more than half Arabian but they are called Oldenburg or whatever.

Maybe a little. But I’m a dressage judge

tive in the open world too. But they’re not

They are so willing and you don’t have

and I’m about to bring my Arabian up to

going to make it to the Olympics, they’re

to be so tough. We spend more time on re-

I-1 and Grand Prix very shortly and I’ve

too small and they don’t want small horses

laxation and just waiting, it’s a nicer train

done well with him. It’s not that they are

in the Olympics. There shouldn’t be that

frankly. I love horses and I don’t like get-

breed prejudiced, it is that the horse has

prejudice but there is.

ting after them. But you teach them to wait

to perform in a suitable manner. It is the

and you do it in a patient way. You know I

horse not the breed. I mean purebred Ar-

What observations do you have about

don’t spend a lot of time, I ride 15 horses

abs aren’t bred to move across their backs,

horses that ‘think too much’ or ‘think

in five hours. And in half an hour I can do

which is really important in dressage. Most

they know better than the rider’ and do

a lot of training on a horse. But it doesn’t

Arabs tend to move hollow in their backs.

you have some insight into how to handle

have to be tough or repetitive, you know.

All dressage judges want to see a horse

these personality types?

You don’t get impatient with them. They

using his back and most purebred Arabs aren’t bred to move that way. But some

First, no horse knows better than I do, we don’t go there.

try so hard to please you.

The biggest thing is usually getting

of the crosses tend to move that way as

So many of my horses are registered

them used to competition. I always school

they get positive characteristics from both

Oldenburg but they’re at least half Trakeh-

at a show before I show. The first time in

sides. And then you have exceptions. The

ner and they are hot. They have similar

a show ring is never in a test. I usually

Arab stallion I ride has very good move-

dispositions as the Arabians. So we work

take the day before to school the horses in the ring. With young horses, we take them to shows and just hang out. We school the day before the show or school the day of the show when it’s allowed, just to get them where they’re confident and you don’t over face them. You just have to be really aware that you can’t over face them, let them build confidence. It’s the same way you do with a child, it’s something you build. You don’t take a child and throw them into a swimming pool; you introduce them gradually.

What is your first impression when you see an Arab come down the centerline?

I usually think, “How pretty!”

I like seeing non-Warmbloods.

Hilda with purebred stallion Cal Dorado, National Champions in Prix St. Georges in 1997. Rob Hess photo.

23

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The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

Prepare Your Mare for an Inspection Conditiioning and training tips before your Arabian mare gets inspected Story & Photos by Tamara Torti

F

or us breeders of Arabian bred sport

placed her as the highest scoring Arabian

2. Lunge in a relaxed forward fashion.

horses, it’s that time of year when

mare in the AHS Breed Books. Carli re-

3. Lunge in long/low contact with side

we start to think about which mares

ceived an extremely rare “10” and scored

reins.

to take to an inspection. The regis-

“8’s” for elasticity and impulsion.

4. Lunge with quiet transitions, while

try that you choose will ultimately decide

The following is my training routine for

the breeding direction you choose, but

preparing my mares for Inspections. My

getting your mare ready is the same for all

hope is that I can share what worked for

of them. Arabians are beginning to make

me to help others who want to take their

1. The above process as a warm up for

their mark in sport horse breeding with

Arabian mare to an Inspection and get

your ride. (2-3 days a week)

more and more Arabians making their way

good results.

2. Riding over ground poles/cavalettis

to Warmblood registry inspections.

Beginning 8 to 12 weeks before the

staying forward into the contact.

5. Lunge over ground poles.

For Riding Mares:

3. Trail Riding (Hills and Galloping)

How we prepare our mares for this

inspection, following this very easy con-

Finding out the date of your chosen

process can make a world of difference

ditioning routine will have your mare well

inspection location is the first step. Let’s

the day of the Inspection. I’m writing this

prepared and looking her best for the in-

say for the sake of this article that our tar-

from my personal experience of taking my

spection process:

get inspection is in late August, so I would

mare, Caraechstrodinair, to her AHS In-

1. Hand walk for a pre-warm up to lung-

begin in early May. All you need to get

spection, where she received scores that

ing.

started is a decent place to lunge, a bridle

They are not looking at pedigrees...

They are looking for Arabians with correct conformation and good gaits...

June/July 2013 with a simple smooth snaffle, surcingle,

to walk, always looking to keep the horse

add a couple more poles and set them for

side reins and ground poles. Relaxation,

forward into the contact while maintaining

a working trot stride. I usually have any-

suppleness and impulsion along with very

relaxation. I will also begin doing transi-

where from 3 to 5 set for the trot. This will

good conformation are key to having a

tions within the gait, working to medium

help muscling through the neck, shoulders

good inspection.

back to working, really keeping the hind

and over their topline while teaching them

end engaged.

rhythm, impulsion and reach.

I like to begin with working on the

Ground

lunge with side reins. I do this 3 times a

Moving onto the canter, I like them to

poles should be added after a good warm

week for about 20 minutes each session.

be forward, but not running. The canter

up, so you get the most out of the exer-

Always begin with walking first. I actu-

needs cadence and balance. Many of our

cise.

ally like to hand walk my mare around the

Arabians that have been trained for other

If your mare is a riding horse, you have

arena a few times before and after each

disciplines tend to “run” around in circles

a huge advantage in conditioning options

session. This gets your horse loose before

very quickly; if you have one of these,

for the Inspection. Warmblood Registries

your begin and helps the cooling process

do not worry, it can and will change with

are looking to accept mares that will im-

after.

some work. Always keeping relaxation in

prove their gene pool and create better

On the lunge, I like them to be forward,

mind, let your mare find her comfort zone

riding horses, so if the mare is rideable

walking with a purpose, while stretching

and encourage her to relax by bending her

that is a plus. If you are already compet-

down into the contact of the side reins. If I

to the inside then letting her back out; re-

ing within a sport like Dressage, Hunters,

can paint a visual, you want to see big over

peating until she starts to slow down and

Jumpers and even Endurance, you are

stride while the horse rounds over its top-

find her rhythm. This may take some pa-

ahead of the class. Use the lunging exer-

line and all the moving parts should look

tience and a couple of sessions, but it will

cises as a warm up to your ride, or as a light

freshly oiled and loose. Many Arabians

get better. Even though the “canter” is not

day of work within your weekly routine.

find this to be the most difficult, but they

scored at an inspection, during the Liberty

You too will see improvement in muscling

will learn if you stay with it. If I’m working

part they will see the canter and you want

over the topline. During your rides add

with a green horse I will take my time and

it to be a good impression. It should be

some ground poles and cavalettis to your

walk quite a bit, hand walking and lunging.

cadenced and well balanced and these ex-

routine. Really ask your mare to reach and

When I get relaxation with contact I will

ercises will help get good results.

stretch over her back when going through

proceed to trot.

During the lunging sessions you can

the grid.

The trot work should also be forward

and should mix it up a bit by adding ground

Getting out of the arena and out on the

with stretch over the topline in the contact.

poles. Start with a single ground pole on

trails can also be very beneficial, especially

If the horse stays in the contact I then start

the circle, when you have walk, trot and

adding transitions walk to trot and back

canter in a forward and relaxed manner

continued on page 94

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The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

www.tranquillityhorsefarm.com

June/July 2013

27

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

ON THE

Nancy Rosen nancyshoots.com

28

continue

Wings and Springs!

A modern day Pegasus takes the West Coast by a storm

A

s the old adage goes, you don’t

over 100 years of Anglo-Arabian breed-

From 4 to 6 years of age, he was com-

know what you are capable of

ing. Jacinthe had previously produced

peting in France under Cedric Hurel, one

until you try. If you ask Poeme

the National stallion Fusain du Defey.

of the country’s top jumper riders. His

D’Amour, he’ll tell you nothing is impossi-

Previously, Cendrine Dutrait and her

6-year-old season ended with an ISO

ble. The 10-year-old Anglo-Arabian geld-

partner Jean Bernard Anizan had bred

(show jumping index) of 131, having

ing has a “cheeky, I can do anything” atti-

Ryon to their mare by embryo transfer

qualified for the final in Fontainebleau,

tude, according to his owner Misti Cassar.

and gotten the colt Nid d’Amour de Buis-

and competing twice with no faults at

And so far, he’s been right!

sy, who now stands at the French Nation-

the Championships at the Lion d’Angers.

al Stud. They had really wanted a filly, so

Shortly thereafter, he was sold to Belgium

they tried again and Poeme was born.

where his breeders lost touch with him.

Born and bred in the Limousin area of France, a region considered the cradle of Anglo-Arabian horse breeding, at the

He was an impressive big colt, gray

Misti Cassar, an experienced jumper

well-respected Elevage De Buissy, Poeme

like his mother. He was selected for the

rider based in California, had competed

came to the United States in 2009. He is a

famous elite sale, “FENCES,” and sold to

on an international level for several years

a son of Ryon d’Anzex, who competed in

the National Stud., although he stayed at

and was looking for a new horse in 2010

the World Championships, and Jacinthe

home until he was three, when his educa-

when a friend in France told her about

Du Maury (by Fol Avril), both products of

tion began.

Poeme. “How does a horse who has

June/July 2013

COVER

This horse is my first Arabian,

had only one jump down in 29 classes

the ride and had success in some high

sound?” he asked Misti. She had no idea

jumper classes and a few Grands Prix.

what an Anglo Arabian was, but his record

Then she took Poeme back to Europe to

spoke for itself.

show him there. “It is so much less expen-

Misti flew to Italy to try him, although

sive to show there. You only spend about

she was about to go through a much-

300 euros per week compared to $3,000

needed knee replacement after having

per week in the U.S.,” she explains.

fractured her knee in eleven places. She

It was back to California after a few

but I can tell you,

had been living in a lot of pain, although

months for family reasons, and into the

riding was much more comfortable than

jumper arena there with some prestig-

he won’t be my last!

walking. Poeme was one of two horses

ious placings in 1.3 and 1.4 meter classes

she tried that day and there was no doubt

for the pair.

ed on next page

in Misti’s mind that she wanted him. She

But it was in the summer of 2012

sealed the deal from her hospital room

when Misti and “Mister,” as she calls him

the day of her surgery, despite knowing

(since everyone thinks he’s a mare) set

she wouldn’t be allowed to ride for an-

the world on fire. They placed 10th in the

other 9 months. She left him in Europe

$30,000 Pebble Beach Grand Prix. In Sep-

for 2 months before bringing him home.

tember, the crowd cheered wildly when

So while Misti busted her butt in re-

they won the $30,000 LA International

hab – her physical therapist said she and

Welcome Stake class and placed 3rd in

a 3-time Iraqi veteran were his superstars

the hotly contested $50,000 LA Interna-

- Poeme was being shown a little by John

tional Grand Prix!

French in some 7 & 8 year old jumper classes, even winning a few.

In the spring of 2010, Misti took over

A couple of weeks later, they were 3rd in the $35,000 Sacramento International Welcome Grand Prix (1.5 meters). Misti and Mister followed that up three weeks later at the National Preview Horse Show with two wins in the $30,000 Grand Prix and the $30,000 Grand Prix Championship!

They’ve been to a few shows so far this year, placing 5th in the $33,000 HITS Desert Classic, garnering a win in a 1.4 meter class and an 8th in the $15,000 HITS Desert Circuit Level 8 class.

“He is so brave, but sensible and really game. He would go through fire if I asked him,” says Misti of their connection. “He can just walk around these big courses and win as long as I don’t mess him up. He hates to touch a rail!” Their routine each day, after ring work consists of a 3 or 4 mile hack down the road.

“There is no substitute for the time we

Poeme with his dam, Jacinthe Du Maury, at the FENCES auction. Photo courtesy Cendrine Dutrait.

spend together, we have a true bond.

When he sees my car pull in each day, he whinnies more and more insistently the

continued on next page

29

30

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine WINGS continued from page 29 shows; we hack for about 25 minutes until

plus a meaningful half-halt. I can’t wait to

That isn’t to say Mister is an easy ride.

he takes a deep breath and relaxes. Then

try it again.”

“Not everyone can get along with him, al-

he’s ready. Once on course, it is a very

Their long range plan includes the pos-

though he’s quiet enough for my daughter

technical 90 second ride. The way he kicks

sibility of attending the 2014 World Eques-

to ride. George Morris just loves him, I can’t

up his hind end over the jumps comes

trian Games in Normandy with syndication

get him off the horse!” Misti explains. She

naturally to him, but it also means I have

a probability to make that happen. Misti is

says that she’s always ridden the French

to keep my eyes up on the backside of the

also looking at a brother of Mister’s as a

horses with a lot of blood very well, which

jumps or else!”

new mount.

longer I take to get to him.”

may explain the almost telepathic communication she has with Mister.

“We have a warm up routine at the

Misti says she’s still learning about her boy, having just found a new bridle that gives her a “connection with impulsion,

“This horse is my first Arabian, but I can tell you he won’t be my last!”

June/July 2013

by Adrien Cugnasse

DROM photo

About the Breeder - Elevage de Buissy

The Elevage de Buissy is settled in an historical Anglo-Arabian breeding re-

lion are 3 years old now and they already

de Buissy (that was one of the best young

have shown a lot of quality.

eventers of France at 6 and 7 years old in

gion, near Pompadour, in the south west

Jacinthe du Maury, from the famous

France before being injured), Olympe de

of France. It was created a decade ago by

dameline of Yasmine (mother or grand

Buissy CCI2* in France, Riesling de Buissy

Cendrine Dutrait and Jean Bernard Anizan.

mother of a lot of Grand Prix Showjumpers

CCI in the USA, and the amazing Looping

Without any doubt there is no breeding

in France), is really the foundation mare

de Buissy that is already competitive at

operation in Europe with such a collec-

of the stud. Her first foal Fusain du Defey

the CCI3* level and considered as one of

tion of quality Anglo-Arabian mares. The

(co-bred by Jean Bernard Anizan) was born

the most promising eventers in France for

success of this stud is the result of a very

and raised at the Elevage de Buissy. He is

the top level competitions. Fillies sold by

selective breeding process. The quality of

now the father of international eventers

the Elevage de Buissy to other breeders

pedigrees and especially damelines is the

and showjumpers after long sport career.

have already produced top jumpers like

key of any successful breeding, whether

Ridden by Michel Faumont he was really

Quenelle du Py (competitive at the 1m50

you breed thoroughbreds for flat races,

hard to beat at the 1m45/1m50 level and

level in France) or Rock’N Roll Animal (one

chasers, sports horses or dairy cattle…

won prizes up to the 1m55 Grand Prix Lev-

the best French horse at 5 and 6 years old

In addition the education, mating skills,

el. Jacinthe du Maury also produced two

in showjumping).

feeding and preparation of young horses

other international showjumpers: Poeme-

The Elevage de Buissy is without any

are very important and these elements are

damour de Buissy and Illusion d’Amour.

doubt one of the best Anglo-Arabian

also mastered by the Elevage de Buissy

Nid d’Amour de Buissy, the full brother

breeding operation in Europe. Competitive

crew.

of Poemedamour de Buissy, is at stud in

horse for showjumping and eventing are

Fleur d’Anis (born out of two parents

France as a stallion and his offspring is

born there. They give a lot of satisfaction

that won at the Nations Cup level) pro-

very promising. The Yasmine dam line also

to their owners, even at the amateur level.

duced Olala de Buissy (Cook du Midour

produced Printemps de Buissy (successful

A place where competitive and beautiful

AA x Laudanum TB x Arlequin AA) that won

at the 1m30 level in Spain) and Shamdala

Anglo-Arabians have found their best pro-

at the Nation Cup and 1m60 Grand Prix

de Buissy (winner at the 1m30 level in

moter.

level last year with the French Equestrian

France).

Team. He’s an amazing jumper, with a lot of

Out of other mares (all selected in the

blood, very careful and a fantastic canter.

best damelines of the French Stud-book),

The first offspring of this dark brown stal-

the Elevage de Buissy produced Quotkijet

31

32

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

PART 2

Excerpted from “It Only Took 50 Years,” by Dick Warren, a manuscript he plans to publish one day.

Photos courtesy Warren Park Stud

I

n February 1982, an acquisition and breeding took place

The next year, we met Owen and Roz Wagstaff at the Crabbet

that would have profound effects on our breeding program

Convention in Denver along with Beatrice Paine from England. We

and prospects even thirty years later. And like everything

mentioned Aur Vanity and the three of them came soon after to

else that Sandy did, while there was a plan and a vision,

see him and the other horses. The Wagstaffs bought Aur Vanity

there was no guarantee of success. We bought Daurita (Daufin x

and he went to Australia where he won championships right and

Tamarita) in foal to Ibn Awad++/ from Ken and Laura West, and

left and for a time was considered the fifth winningest imported

bred Shawzi (Pepe x Miidj) to Ibn as well. At this time, Daurita was

Arabian in Australia. The sad part is that he died way too early, just

only the third horse Sandy had ever bought. Their stories will show

about like Aulrab.

how by mere chance but guided by intuitive knowledge and “gut

We also met David Ward in Denver. Sandy had heard of him

feeling,” results were achieved that probably have a lesser chance

through a magazine article and when he saw Aulrab, he wanted

of happening than winning the lottery.

him of course. This meeting started a great friendship and associa-

Aur Vanity

tion that has benefitted both of us over the years.

Aulrab bred Scimitar Leniah, a Binis daughter out of Bint Lebnaniah of Pico out of the desert-bred mare Lebnaniah and on May 15, 1982, she delivered Aur Samari. Sandy’s sister, Donna and her husband Geoff Barton formed the Aur Samari Partnership to show and breed him and he sired 23 foals. His daughter, Aur Magic Ali, born in 1987, is one of our most important mares. After being sold and then rescued, Aur Samari was lovingly cared for by Marci de la Torre until his death.

In 1983, El Shama was born out of Aurieha. (El Shama sired 22 foals; 18 purebred and 4 half Arabs.) That same year, Shawzi gave us Shawmai and Daurita presented Seranetta, all by Aulrab.

Of course, both mares are gone, but their daughters Shawzina and Aur Alexandria respectively have produced some of the finest

June/July 2013 horses in our herd.

Aur Samari

Aurniaha (Aulrab x Scimitar Leniah) was also foaled in 1983.

Her 1988 colt, Star Magic Jeriel, by Lewisfield Magic+/, sired 5 purebreds, including Aur Magic Mustafa and Dawn Jones-Low’s FCF Robin Goodfellow.

Georgia Cheer, GF Silver Mystery’s owner, was born in England; the daughter of a Chinese father and English mother. She was aware of the Arabians that were bred there and had an appreciation for them. When she and Sandy began talking horses and Sandy told her what she knew of the bloodlines of her horses, Georgia got an idea. Why not a magazine about the horses that came from England bred by the Crabbet Stud? By this time, Sandy had met Michael Bowling and Carol Mulder, both of whom had explained about the lineage of the horses that she had acquired and bred.

So it was, that in September 1983, the premier issue of Georgia Cheer’s Crabbet Influence came out. On the cover was a painting by a friend of ours and on the back cover was a great color ad featuring Aulrab along with two inside ads. One featured Aurik and Aulrab, and the other had a picture of GF Silver Mystery with her colt, Aur Vanity. (The magazine ran from 1983 to 1992 in printed form and Sandy has every issue. It has proven to be an excellent source of information for this story.)

In 1983, an experiment that would be tried two more times with equally outstanding results, Sandy bred Aulrab to his full sister Aurieha. She had talked about the idea for some time based of the fact that both horses were outstanding in their conformation, athletic ability and disposition. And I said to her, “What have you got to lose? If you don’t like the result you can lock it in the attic.”

But the result was very good when Auriel came on April 1, 1984.

Sandy gave Auriel to her sister Donna who owned, with her husband Geoff, the 400-acre Saddle Rock Ranch in Sonoma. (Geoff had a knack for making money and I always hoped that some of that skill would rub off on me. I’m still waiting.)

Then, out of nowhere, on Friday May 11, 1984 Sandy suffered a stroke. Rushed to the hospital, we found her to be fairly alert but with weakness on one side and having trouble speaking. Sandy worked hard at getting better and in about a year she had recovered.

In 1984, GF Silver Mystery was again bred to Aulrab and a year later, Aur Mystic arrived. In the spring of 1988, Charles Justice from Hendersonville, North Carolina, came out of the blue down the drive to ask Sandy if she had any stallions to sell. Because we had Aulrab for breeding and Sandy needed to buy hay, she sold Mystic to him. In the 17 years he was in NC, he bred only two mares; the rest of the time he was a pet.

The famous Aul Magic+/ arrived on May 9, 1985. He was a special colt; handsome and very gentle. Our daughter Debbie started working with him when he was a long two-year old and by the fall of ‘87 she was ready to get on him. She asked me to hold his

continued on next page

Aur Mystic

33

34

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine WARREN PARK continued from page 33 halter while she got on and we walked around the corral a couple of times. She said, “Let go.” I did and he was broke. He was too good to sell but, like Aur Mystic, we had Aulrab that was doing all the breeding. When Judy and Cody Thornton said they would like to lease (take care) of him we agreed and they had him as a family pet for the next ten years in Burley, Idaho. Not long after they returned him, Betsy Teeter and Sharon Byford-Ruth bought him and the rest is history.

Aur Destiny (Aulrab x Daurita) foaled in 1985 and was bought

by Mike and Pam Chapman, becoming a top competitive trail and endurance horse. There is a very dramatic picture of him and Pam charging up a rocky slope on one of her rides.

Georgia Cheer bred GF Silver Mystery to Ben Rabba++/ that produced CR Silver Monarch in 1986. He sired 39 foals of which 31 were purebred. His show career netted 2 firsts, 7 seconds, and 6 Top 5s in 12 shows from May 1988 to July 1996.

On June 2, 1986, Lewisfield Magic sired Amberr Magic out of the Ab Salute daughter Ferriffa Farwa for David Ward. In 2002, her daughter WW Aur Mystique Ambeer by Aur Mystique was born and would later be the first mare we ever lost to a foaling accident.

It should be noted that in her entire career Sandy has only lost one other foal at birth.

Aur Minx by Aulrab came along in 1987 out of Shawzi. Her

Aul Magic and Sandy

greatest contribution was Aur Magic Mustafa by Star Magic Jeriel that in 15 shows in two years won: 1 championship, 10 firsts, 14 seconds, and 20 top 5s.

Aleeiaha came along on June 18, 1987, by Lewisfield Magic+/ out of Aurieha. She produced two notable fillies: Aulieraba and WW Miss Ga’zi.

Aurik (Aurab x Naulana) sired 22 foals, one of which has become our most treasured mare, Shawzina, foaled in 1988 out of Shawmai. She is a beautiful bay mare that David and Shirley Henderson of OTB Arabians bought in 1994. Her son, the gelding Aupollo, was foaled in March 2000 by OTB Auryan++/ (Aulrab x Basktiana). He performed in 17 shows from April 2002 to October 2009 and won 3 championships, 5 first places, and 16 Top 5s. In May 2005, Auryans Legacy, a full brother of Aupollo, was born. In 15 shows, Auryans Legacy won two championships, 2 firsts, and

Aur Destiny

Shawzina

June/July 2013

GA Topaz

Mystic Aulrab

Rieba 14 Top 5s.

to send Aulrab, GA Topaz (Galan x Aurtama by Aurab) and some

In May 1989, Aur Aurelia by Aulrab was foaled. She was the

selected mares to Cal Poly in a group that was called the Heritage

second result of the full brother/sister cross that had worked so

Herd to try to restore some of the original Kellogg bloodlines that

well the first time. She produced four foals and one, Aur Midnight

had been diluted through the years. What seemed a good idea

Magic by Aur Mystic was given to Otto Hackel.

didn’t work out all too well.

One of my favorite mares is Rieba, born May 13, 1990. She

First of all, Topaz, a very sensitive stallion, fretted at being

is the third member of the select brother/sister breeding project.

away from home so much that he was brought home to our place

She is one of those horses that is always “in your pocket.” Plus she

where he thrived and remains today. It became apparent shortly

has a special attitude. She produced two foals for us: Aurieba by

that Aulrab was not feeling so well and at first shipping fever or

Argonaut, and Mystic Legacy. Dawn Jones-Low bought her in 2005

the like was suspected. In an early attempt to breed him, he was

and before her death in 2012, she had given Dawn two great foals;

unable to perform. An examination was done, and a stomach tu-

FCF Robin Goodfellow by Star Magic Jerial (Lewisfield Magic+/ x

mor was found. Normally, once a horse is at the college’s stables

Aurniaha) and FCF As You Wish by AAA Legion of the Seas, a rising

they stay there forever., but in Aulrab’s case, he was allowed to

dressage star.

come home where he died a short time later. He is buried here

Another very nice mare, Aur So Vain, came along on March 27,

along with his full sister Aurieha.

1991 by Aulrab out of GF Silver Mystery; a full sister to Aur Vanity,

You don’t need to be told how it crushed Sandy. I found out

Aur Mystic, CR Silver Monarch, WP Bright Magic, and Aur Mystique.

much later that David thought about giving up the horses until

Aur Mystic and Aur Mystique have been responsible for much of

Sandy talked him out of it. Well, Aulrab was that kind of horse.

the success of our breeding program.

In 1998, Sandy bred Aur Mystique, a gray, to Aurieha and got a

While being treated for loss of weight due to a thyroid issue

colt the next year that was almost a mirror image of Aulrab. Virtu-

just before Christmas of 1994, we got the dreaded news that

ally the same blaze face, the socks and leg runs but on the other

Sandy had leukemia.

side, and little white spots here and there. Sandy thought Aulrab

For the next year or so Sandy went into a slump and pretty

had been reincarnated and named him Mystic Aulrab. But I think

much climbed into a hole and stayed there. We wondered if we

that in the back of her mind she knew what was going to happen.

could continue keeping the horses. At the time, some of Sandy’s

A South African named Johan Theron was looking for a stud for

friends came forward to help out. David Ward finally got his dream

his Crabbet bred mares and he eventually flew over, saw Mystic

to come true when Aulrab was sent to his ranch in British Colum-

Aulrab and bought him.

bia in the Okanagan Valley. Marci de la Torre took a mare or two and Eva Marie Casparite took several mares as well.

Around this same time, a freak accident trying to free a cast mare during a storm landed Sandy in the hospital once again, this

By 1998, Sandy started to feel better and some of the mares

time with a broken neck. For six months she had to wear a halo,

came home. Aulrab stayed at David’s and a scheme was hatched

continued on next page

35

36

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine WARREN PARK continued from page 35

away from the other horses and feed him up. Soon enough he was

the device that secures the head in place to keep it from moving.

It rests on the shoulders and has four screws that anchor into the head at forehead level. Doctors were amazed Sandy wasn’t para-

fit and started breeding some mares. He was bred to two mares in

Aur Mystic Diamond

lyzed.

After Aulrab died, Sandy had sent Aur Mystique to David. Mystique was always a little harder to handle and with her physical

Aur Mystique

2003 and the next year we got two nice colts; Aur Mystic Diamond (out of Aur Aurieana) and Aur Mystic Heir (out of Aur Alexandria).

All told, he has sired 22 purebreds.

Around this time Sandy got a call from a man named Ed Dodd, who explained that he had been directed to us by a friend of ours when Ed told the lady what kind of horse he was looking for. Ed was in his 30’s and was running an online motorcycle supply busilimitations she felt David could do a better with him, which he has.

ness. He had trained Arabs in his earlier years but had never found

One day in 2002, we were headed into town when Sandy said, “I

any that suited him. Ed was immediately taken with the horses

wish I had never sold Aur Mystic.” I knew instantly what she was

here and was impressed with their quality and athletic ability. He

talking about.

knew a little about Crabbet/Kellogg bloodlines and appreciated

In 2003, Sandy called David to cry on his shoulder about Aur Mystic, “I want my chestnut stallion back.” Two weeks later David called to tell her that he had bought him back. It was easy enough

Sandy’s efforts to keep her program authentic. Ed ended up buying Aul Vanity (Aul Magic x Aur Alexandria).

In early 2007, Shirley Henderson called to ask if we knew anyone who might be interested in buying Shawzina. She would be willing to take 500 bucks for her. “Holy cow, send her up as quick as you can,” screamed Sandy. So it was that Shawzina was sent to

Aur Jesse James

Aur Mystic to find the owner and when David called him the guy said “You

Ed Dodd’s place in San Juan Bautista and bred to the fantastic Aul

should have called me sooner, I gave him to my neighbor,” but

Vanity, resulting in the bay colt, Aur Jesse James. Shawzina later

David managed to track him down.

produced Aur Naulana by Aur Mystic.

Mystic got to David’s place in British Columbia a couple of

Sandy was due to start chemotherapy due to an enlarged

weeks later. He had never been near other horses and he was put

spleen and lymph nodes in January 2009, and we weren’t sure

into a paddock next to the mare field where he immediately start-

how it was going to come out. David Ward, Johan Theron, Otto

ed pacing the fence. It didn’t take him long to drop a lot of weight,

Hackle and Ed Dodd all arrived to show support. David and Johan

so David sent him to us where we could put him in a paddock

stayed for a week and Otto and Ed came for the day.

June/July 2013

Aur Mystic Alexander Later, Sandy started having trouble breathing. She was diagnosed with pneumonia and it was discovered that part of her

medicine to help control it and continues to use oxygen 24/7. I call her my Timex Girl - she takes a lickin’ and keeps on tickin’.

right lung was so infected that it was removed. We were told later

We have had a great run. For most of the time we simply stayed

that there was a three-day period when it was questionable if she

here in Sanger and quietly bred Arabians on a shoestring budget.

would recover. She did, of course, but her days of handling studs

Once in a while something would sell and in some cases the horse

and so forth were over.

would excel. Fortunately, Ed Dodd came along and decided that

We haven’t tried all that hard to sell any horses with the econ-

Sandy’s horses were the answer to his dream and is now a partner

omy the way it is and also at this point most of them are too valu-

who is in a position to promote these fine animals and to that

able as breeding stock. Ed’s 40-acre ranch at San Juan Bautista

end is having four stallions: Aul Vanity, Mystic Diamond, Aur Jesse

is the home for two stallions, a gelding riding horse and seven

James (soon to be a gelding), and Aur Mystic Alexander trained

mares. At our place we have nine stallions, seven mares or fillies,

with more to follow.

and one gelding. David Ward keeps two more of our stallions and two mares at his place as well as his own forty plus herd.

Now at ten years old, Vanity is an incredible colt with massive

Thanks to Ed setting us up with a Reverse Mortgage company, the last five or six years we have been able to make a lot of improvement here and keep the horses going as well.

legs and an unbelievable trot. His first foal, Aul Jesse James, is a

This is an exciting time for Sandy. It is the realization of a

coming five-year-old 16 hand bay. He also sired a yearling filly out

dream that started almost fifty years ago. With Ed’s involvement, it

of our Aur Samari daughter, Aur Magic Ali.

will continue for at least another fifty years.

Today, Sandy is holding her own. She suffers from COPD, takes

37

38

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

I let my horses shape their destiny, rather than paint them into a corner.

Interview with

Mark Schuerman

Interview and photos by Sherry Conrads

I met Mark Schuerman when I brought my Arabian gelding, Rawhide V, to him for training.

I asked Mark to get Rawhide V trained and experienced, so that I could safely ride him on trails. Then I left the country for 6 weeks … confident that Rawhide V was in good hands.

Upon my return, I not only had the beginnings of a good trail horse, I also learned from Mark that I had a very good dressage prospect. Three years later, Rawhide V +/ is my trail horse and dressage performance horse extraordinaire. I hope the following interview will explain why Mark is able to train happy horses that excel in several disparate disciplines.

Sherry: Why do you do so many different things with your horses.

Mark riding Di Shambolea across the finish line of the Tevis 100 mile endurance ride.

Mark: I let my horses shape their destiny, rather than paint them into a corner. I keep options opens so they can do what they want to do.

Sherry: Why did you come to be a trainer of Sport Horses?

Mark: I like to compete in Sport Horse, because those events are judged on an international standard … the same standard used in open venues for all breeds. Sport Horse judges use the same criteria and score the same as open shows all over the world. It’s a tough field out there, so I’m even more excited when our Arabs win.

June/July 2013

Mark: To enjoy themselves and for them to feel like their dollars are well spent.

Sherry:

Besides showing, what other

horse related activities do you participate in with your clients?

Mark: Well, we do horse camping, trail riding and a lot of endurance conditioning. I like to do a variety of activities, because I enjoy it and because it keeps both the horses and the riders having fun and maintaining a fresh attitude.

Ashley Young and Mark with Surreal Bey, Ellexus Bey+/ and Rawhide V+/ at Pacific Slopes Regional Show.

Sherry: How long have you been training

blood that has helped me earn a bronze

Sport Horses?

medal from USDF. The rest of my barn is all Arabians.

Mark: In the 1970’s I was training Sport Horses and competing in Sport Horse

Sherry: Why do you like to train Arabi-

events before they were called Sport

ans?

Horses.

Mark: I never get tired of looking at them, Sherry: What shows do you and your cli-

and they are an athletic and intelligent

ents participate in?

breed.

Mark: AHA Class A, AHA Regionals, Pacific

Sherry: What is your proudest Sport Horse

Slope Championships, USDF Open Shows

show accomplishment?

and Sport Horse Nationals.

Mark: Every time one of my students wins Sherry: Besides Sport Horses, what other

a blue ribbon. The smiles on my client’s

disciplines do you and your clients partici-

faces are my proudest moments.

pate in?

Sherry: Tell me about your clients.

Mark: We do a lot of endurance training and competitions, including AERC distance

Mark: Well, my students range from be-

rides, FEI endurance rides, Tevis Cup and

ginners to those winning National Cham-

Open Dressage. I finished the 2012 Tevis

pionships. I also have several clients who

Cup in 11th place and several of my cli-

are being reintroduced to riding after a

ents have also completed the Tevis.

long time off. I don’t limit myself to upper level riders, because we all have to start

Sherry: Do you train other breeds, other

somewhere.

than Arabians?

Sherry: What is your most important goal Mark: Yes, currently I’m training a warm

for your students?

Sherry: What are some of your goals for 2013?

Mark: Win it all … or go down swinging.

Mark trains out of Lakeside Equestrian Center in Loomis, California and can be contacted at msshowhorses@yahoo.com

39

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

Life With

MCFull Photo

40

Horse Shopping and Finding the ONE

A

by Karin Foley

bout a year ago, after a break of

rideable age. I thought about the geldings

good reason. The available horses were

several years, my husband Wil-

and trying to persuade him to give one

spread over a vast area, and the territory

lis announced that he wanted

of them a go. Then I remembered a story

was relatively unsafe. Davenport and his

to start riding again. Willis and I breed

Willis had told me years ago about why he

entourage selected Arabian mares to carry

Arab hybrids for eventing, dressage and

loved Arab mares so much and decided to

them to the horses for sale. Mares are saf-

jumpers under the Solar Hill Sport Horse

leave it alone. One thing you learn in mar-

er as they are built to carry weight, do not

banner so we had just about every com-

riage is sometimes you just have to leave

call out to other horses as stallions do, and

bination of Arab bred on the farm. At the

things alone.

consequently were the preferred horses

time Willis made his announcement we

Willis’ story was this, “Homer Daven-

had at least two perfectly lovely well un-

port was an extremely influential and pow-

Mares used by Davenport were typical-

der saddle Anglo Arab geldings in the field

erful American political cartoonist at the

ly in the 800 lb. weight category, and were

plus my personal saint of an Arab-Welsh

turn of last century. He became wealthy

expected to carry one- third of their body

cross. Each was available for Willis to ride.

due to the demand of his political work,

weight representing rider, tack, food, gold/

He wanted an Arab mare.

and he saw his first Arabian horses at the

silver, guns and ammunition. Often they

Chicago World’s Fair. He quickly planned

had to reliably cover 300+ miles in four to

an expedition to the Saudi Peninsula re-

five days. Davenport did not initiate this

gion to buy horses.

ordeal of the percentage of horse-carried

I was mostly thrilled by Willis’ announcement.

What girl doesn’t want a

sweetie that rides? It just would have been so much e-a-s-i-e-r if he had been willing

In those days, the nomadic Bedouins

to ride a horse we already had. The thing

and Sheiks would not accept any currency

is we did not have a purebred mare of

other than gold and silver, probably for

for battle.

weight; the nomads had been doing it for centuries.

So, in my simplistic way, what worked

June/July 2013 for them works for me. I have always loved

what I would call a mid-priced horse - an

er to 2x Canadian National Champion,”

the mares.“

odd price range for buyers and sellers. We

“Sweepstakes nominated 8 year old,” and

Willis is a distance rider at heart. That

wanted certain things and we were willing

“Scottsdale TT by National Champion.” Se-

works because any kind of riding I do re-

to pay for them. We were not willing to

riously, for an endurance horse?

quires my horse to be super fit. There is a

pay for things that were irrelevant to us

Under discipline one mare’s listing

nothing better in a hacking buddy than the

This might be a good time to mention

said, “English, Trail, Endurance, Dressage,

ability to go the distance. Willis’ idea of a

that Willis is the encyclopedia of Arabian

Western, Hunter, Working Western, Brood-

pleasant stroll is a swift 25 miler.

pedigrees. I have yet to stump him when I

mare.” Since several of those are contradic-

I needed to find Willis an Arabian

mention a stallion or a mare for that mat-

tory, I passed. Most of THOSE horses were

mare of a certain age, started under sad-

ter. He always knows all about the horse.

priced for the headlines, not for hubby.

dle, with an agreeable disposition, a super

Moreover, he can tell you about the grand-

I moved onto dressage and driving cat-

work ethic, hopefully a horse that had not

parents or great grandparents in Russia,

egories. Dressage for a horse designed to

experienced too much emotional trauma

Poland, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia,

use itself well. Driving you may ask… have

that required rehabbing, sound without

Argentina, or Spain. He knows who was ex-

you ever seen what a combined driving

any previous injuries, and good feet. Wil-

ported or imported, when and to or from

horse does? They are super athletes. The

lis cares about pretty. Me, I think you don’t

where. He knows the chain of ownership

ones on AHA’s website were of the fine

ride the head. I added pretty to the list.

for horse after horse. He also knows all

harness type and seemed to be wilting

One thing I know from selling so many

the back stories so playing “Stump Willis”

flowers by comparison. We passed. The

horses through the years is that what

is never any fun. He had some definite

listings went pretty much the same way

people often say they want is not what

ideas about the heritage of the mare we

as the endurance horse listings includ-

they end up bringing home. Many a time

selected.

ing the headlines with nothing to do with

a buyer has come by insisting that they

We decided to narrow our search by

dressage or driving. There were a few that

wanted a six year old bay and ended up

country of origin. We breed horses with

fit but price or geography excluded them

leaving with a ten year old buckskin be-

primarily Crabbet and Spanish Arab blood-

from consideration.

cause horse selection often has an unpre-

lines. So we know their capabilities. Willis

We moved on to Dreamhorse, Horse-

dictable, emotional component. There is

added Polish to the list because as he says,

ville, Horseclicks, Equine Hits and includ-

often something intangible to the exact

“Polish stallions were not used for breed-

ed a few regional for sale publications

right fit. Since I was shopping for a horse

ing unless they were winners at the track.

and equine websites. We asked friends

for someone else I vowed to make a list

They have to be athletes to get a breeding

for referrals. Anyone who has ever done

and stick to it.

license, “ and we’re looking for an athlete.

it knows it is dangerous to post anywhere

Willis’ mare had to be comfortable to

So the list of requirements grew to

that you are shopping for a horse. The re-

ride and built to stay sound. She needed

include an athlete with a good brain that

sponses are likely to be thinly related to

good bone and decent joints since riding

was pretty AND of Crabbet, Spanish or

the request and often snips or quips will

out in the open sometimes requires scal-

Polish descent. It did not seem like too

ensue about your choices as a buyer. It is

ing stone riddled mountains, climbing

much to ask.

not for those without some emotional for-

over rocks, and wading through water. She

If you think that our list of “must haves”

would have to be capable of stepping up

would be easy to find then you have not

A few months ago I asked my friends

underneath herself and popping over small

spent much time reading the for sale ads.

on the Arabian Sport Horse Alliance what

logs, using herself properly so she could

There is not a for sale ad that reads, “Ath-

they looked for in a prospect for a particu-

go the distance sound and she had to be

letic, pretty horse with good brain of Crab-

lar discipline. Regardless of each person’s

comfortable to ride. This mare, whoever

bet, Spanish or Polish descent”. The real

discipline their overwhelming response

she was, was going to have to be a horse

ads require translation.

was that they wanted a horse with a good

I could ride in between our “couple rides”

titude.

I started the search on the Arabian

mind. Mind first, no surprise! Made for

I might want to take her

Horse Association website purebreds for

the job at hand ran a close second. Most

hill topping with the hunt or ride a lower

sale section and selected “endurance” as

people said they would consider a horse

level dressage test with her for fun. I was

the first category. While there were horses

with a past not related to their discipline

not looking for an upper level prospect. I

whose tagline read clearly for distance rid-

of choice.

was looking for a great all around horse.

ing it appears that the advertisers tend to

Let’s face it, no one horse can be all

Simply put we were looking for an athlete

check every box possible in order to get

things to all people. Some horses, while

with an intact brain who was also pretty.

the most number of views. I had to sort

perfectly suitable for one job, are simply

These requirements made our target horse

through ads along the lines of “Half broth-

to keep her fit.

continued on next page

41

42

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine Thoroughbred does not always a Kentucky

LIFE continued from page 41

Derby runner make. The great breeders look for “heart.” Arabian horses are the same. There is nothing more pleasant to ride than a willing, happy, brave Arab because the best ones have heart. The sport horse disciplines require a certain amount of bravery, a willing spirit…..the horse has to want to do the job.

We decided to skip the ads that tried to be all things to all people and concentrated on the ones that talked about the mares mind, athleticism and descent. After all, we were NOT looking for a “show horse” we were looking for an athlete…..

BIG difference.

We looked at video after video of horses bred to be one thing then advertised as being suitable for “Sport Horse” as if “Sport Horse” was a generic horse. I even considered the ones claiming that the horse was both a serious hunter AND a dressage prospect because you just never know. Not one of those horses it turned out was suitable for any of the sport horse disciplines. I have burned the one video of a horse whose advertisement declared her to be an “FEI dressage prospect” when she was exactly everything contrary to a dressage horse. It is a serious misconception that because a horse has pretty movement that it has dressage potential let alone the highest level of potential.

not built to do all jobs. We can debate

now through the years when a potential

The whole process was exasperating.

what good basic conformation includes

buyer has come to see the advanced pros-

While I am not really sure why someone

and we would probably agree on the ba-

pect we had for sale when what they really

chooses, for example, to try and sell a horse

sics. I am not talking about that. I am talk-

needed was the mid level packer. To ride

clearly bred to do, say, western pleasure as

ing about being built for the job at hand.

a true upper level dressage horse, for ex-

a “Sport Horse,” I have my guesses and they

At minimum an equine athlete has to have

ample, the rider needs a good amount of

are not exactly complimentary to those of

is a good amount of bone and large joints

ability to be able to sit the giant trot. My

us serious about our sport.

plus the right angles for the job they are

first experience with a true FEI level trot

think badly of people who make it obvious

expected to do. The angles on a hunter

left me hanging on to the barn rafters for

that they think so little of me. My mother

and an eventer are different as are the

dear life. It is not an uncomfortable trot it

always told me that you cannot respond to

hind legs…or at least they ought to be.

is very smooth and fluid. It is just vertically

rudeness with rudeness or a demeaning

Each discipline puts its own unique re-

huge. It is not an experience for the unpre-

attitude with a demeaning attitude. There

quirement on a horse’s body. Many adver-

pared.

are few humans with better manners than

I try not to

tisers offering Arabian horses for sale do

The other thing any horse for sport has

not seem to get that. Or maybe the pool

to have is heart. Steeplechase racing runs

of buyers has diminished to the point that

in my blood. One thing you learn about

The other thing we saw over and over

sellers ignore the rules.

steeplechase horses is that you cannot

again on the videos were horses being

A horse also needs to be suitable for

force the horse to do it. The great ones love

hand ridden, horses being ridden so tight

the rider. There have been many times

it. This explains why even the best bred

that their backs were unable to move free-

my mother. I try to remember her words in my dealings with horse people.

June/July 2013 ly, horses in pain being ridden by oblivious

of these I have found) is that the original

riders, saddles sitting on the horses shoul-

breeder has serious money tied up in just

ders, horses being ridden by riders with no

getting a horse like our girl on the ground.

apparent balance, ill fitting saddles, harsh

They are married to the idea of recouping

bits, horses hating to work, horses tired of

their investment. No buyer can afford to

it all. Pass, pass, pass! Ever wonder where

be insulting if they expect to bring a horse

a hunter bump comes from? I can send

home.

you the links to the videos showing how it happens.

I was surprised how many breeders use outside stallions where the stud fee

Eventually, we settled on a sweet,

alone exceeds the value of the horse pro-

pretty bay mare; an eventing type of Polish

duced. You add vet cost, mare care, bring-

descent. She was one of the first horses

ing the horse up until it can be started un-

I looked at and I was instantly smitten by

der saddle and then in many cases there

her. It took me months to decide to bring

are also trainer’s fees. The number gets

her home because I could not get over her

pretty large pretty quickly and still a horse

sire. I kept thinking about her and compar-

is only worth what it is capable of doing

ing her to every prospect I saw. I under-

or the value to the person that can utilize

stand that you ride the horse in front of

the horse’s talents. Or as Willis has said

you. But it is nice to know that if a riding

for years a horse is worth what someone is

mare were to have a career ending occur-

willing to pay for it.

rence that it would be possible to breed

Our girl had been for sale since she

her. Eventually, I made the observation

was a weanling with no takers. She is now

that she defied her pedigree and I made a

six. While lovely she was not worth what

deal with myself. I simply would not breed

the breeder had tied up in her. For our

her since those traits I found undesirable

purposes she was a PROSPECT that pre-

would always be a part of her. Our girl was

sented some risk and we were not will-

bred to be something other than the little

ing to pay for a show horse pedigree that

eventer that popped out. She does have

was of no value to us. I assume that if the

the heart of an Arab race horse and a “can

breeder had been able to sell our girl into

do” nature. I am sure she got those traits

a show horse family that would have been

from her Polish ancestors.

concluded long before we came along.

Probably one of the toughest things in

A variety of experiences is a good thing

this situation (and there are many, many

in a sport horse prospect. Variety and cross

...a horse is only worth what it is capable of doing or the value to the person that can utilize the horse’s talents.

training are highly desirable when considering any young horse. It is a big plus if a horse has been out some to local shows or similar for experience …totally different concept from a “show” horse. While the horse needs to have certain experiences to make them safe and fun, that experience can be gleaned at the local 4-H show, at a fox hunt’s hunter pace, or in your own backyard pond. I like schooling some on baby cross country courses with young horses because they get to experience a good variety of water, jumps, terrain, etc. I am a big fan of ponying a young horse to

Willig Willig Photo

let them see the world.

A purchaser cannot pay for all the class A shows the horse was taken to as a baby to be shown on the line when it adds no

continued on page 93

43

New A Motivation I (AO Breeze x Marvfelous)

Good Vybrations RLC (BA Vyagra Bey x Allie Bint Kedar) Dafina Mazal (Masada Mazal x Majarres Halan Fujai)

Riviera (Rosenthal x Maraekar)

Colt (CJ Fflash x Daughter of Legends)

Arrivals!

Filly (Rubignon x WF Khemilla)

Rivers Run I (TTT Little Dan x Three T Big E)

James Bonne ASA (Bonne Vivant x MWF Algerina)

Filly (Piaff x Virag)

46

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

The Sport Horse Legacy of Brusally Ranch

by Tobi Lopez Taylor

This article is adapted from a chapter in the new book, The Polish and Russian Arabians of Ed Tweed’s Brusally Ranch (Mare’s Nest Books, 2013)

K

nown today as a pioneering breed-

Brusally, after their son Bruce and daughter

er and one of the founders of the

Sally, and Ed set about designing a house,

Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, Ed-

horse stable, and cattle barn. The Tweeds

win J. “Ed” Tweed was born in 1893 and

purchased some riding horses, and Ed be-

grew up in Chicago, where he trained as

gan breeding cattle and pigs.

an architect at the Lewis Institute. In 1917,

Although Tweed had heard about Ara-

he married Ruth Phillips. By the 1920s, he

bian horses, he came into contact with his

was a partner in a Kansas City, Missouri,

first purebred Arabians during a 1940 visit

architectural firm specializing in bank de-

to the Scottsdale farm of early Arizona

sign and engineering.

breeder Merle Cheney. Tweed, a lifelong

Unfortunately, the need for new bank

horse fancier, saw something special in

buildings evaporated during the Great

these animals. His granddaughter Shelley

Depression, and Tweed moved his fam-

Groom Trevor recalled, “My grandfather

ily to Independence, Missouri, where they

was very aesthetically minded, which is

rented a portion of a bank that Tweed had

what attracted him to Arabians. He also

designed and converted it into a cafe. In

liked the creative aspect of breeding —

1935, the Tweeds returned to Chicago, so

cattle, pigs, and horses — and he had the

that Ed could take over his father’s falter-

finances to do it.”

ing business. The family’s fortunes im-

Ed “semi-retired” in 1949, and the

proved along with those of the company,

Tweeds moved to Scottsdale. He and Ruth

enabling Ed and Ruth to buy part of a farm

bought a house with acreage on Cheney

belonging to meatpacker Gustav Swift in

Road, and purchased two horses bred by

Lake Forest, Illinois. They named the farm

Cheney, the first of hundreds of Arabians

SCRABBLE A grandson of Brusally’s Comet daughter, *Salinaa, Scrabble+// (Monogramm x *Saletra), ridden by Mary Claire Massey, has twelve National titles in dressage, including 2007 U.S. National Champion Grand Prix. Photo courtesy of Kathy Massey.

...Classic beauty, good size, correct conformation and athletic ability must be combined to create our idea of the perfect Arabian.

June/July 2013

they would buy, breed, and sell over the

quality Arabians were to be had in Po-

years. Later that year, the Tweeds bought

land. The first Polish Arabians to arrive in

That month, Tweed sent Brusally’s

a quarter section of Scottsdale desert, and

Scottsdale, imported by Robert L. Aste in

trainer Steve Spalding and manager Dean

Ed drew up plans for a 160-acre ranch,

1961, piqued the interest of local breed-

Cantrell on a buying trip to England, Hol-

also to be called Brusally. Once the ranch

ers. In late 1962, Tweed’s friendly rival

land, and Poland. On their first stop, the

was built, Tweed went about designing an

Dr. Eugene LaCroix, of Lasma Arabian

pair met English breeders Musgrave Clark,

Arabian horse breeding program. First, he

Stud, breeder Dr. Howard Kale, and their

Margaret Evans, and Patricia Lindsay.

acquired well-bred broodmares from es-

two sons traveled to Poland to purchase

Having received a crash course in Polish

tablished breeders, and then he purchased

horses. Prior to the arrival of the Lasma

Arabian breeding from Lindsay, Spalding

a high-quality stallion, Skorage (Gaysar x

importation, Tweed saw the Polish import

and Cantrell proceeded to visit various

Rageyma), bred by Daniel C. Gainey, owner

*Muzulmanin++, the 1963 Scottsdale

Polish state-run stud farms. They selected

of the well-known stallions Ferzon and

show’s champion stallion. The horse was

two stallions and nine mares before re-

Gai Parada. Although Skorage was already

taller and more athletic than contempo-

turning to England, where they continued

a halter champion when Ed bought him,

rary American-bred Arabians, and he made

shopping for horses. Cantrell eventually

Skorage kept up a rigorous show schedule,

a positive impression on Tweed.

went back to the United States, leaving

racking up a total of 112 blue ribbons and

ed from Poland would arrive by airplane.

In March 1963, the Polish horses cho-

Spalding in England to close the deal on

sen by LaCroix and Kale arrived in Scotts-

the Polish horses. Spalding also used the

In 1954, Tweed contacted the roughly

dale. The shipment included the famous

time to see some Russian-bred horses.

twenty Arabian owners and breeders in the

stallions *Bask++ and *Naborr (the latter

Impressed by their high quality, Spalding

state, and together they formed the Ara-

imported for Anne McCormick), as well as

purchased a Russian stallion, *Park, and ar-

bian Horse Association of Arizona (AHAA),

several broodmares. The horses had en-

ranged to buy two Russian mares, sight un-

with Tweed as the club’s first president.

dured a grueling forty-four-day sea jour-

seen, based on their excellent pedigrees,

That year, the AHAA held an exhibition of

ney, during which most of them had lost

from horse importer/exporter and art col-

Arabians at the Wrigley family–owned Ari-

a great deal of weight. One mare aborted

lector Peter Provatoroff.

zona Biltmore Hotel in Phoenix.

her foal, and then died. Tweed decided

At this point, Tweed was committed

then and there that any horses he import-

continued on next page

twenty-two championships.

The AHAA’s first All-Arabian Horse Show, sponsored by the Tweeds, Fowler and Anne McCormick, and Philip and Helen Wrigley, was held in Phoenix, again at the Arizona Biltmore, in February 1955. Tweed served as the master of ceremonies. Following a hiatus in 1956, in 1957 the show was held for the first time in Scottsdale, at the McCormicks’ Paradise Park. For many years, the McCormicks hosted a pre-show barbecue for exhibitors, with the Tweeds providing a post-show luncheon.

Tweed, meanwhile, was breeding Skorage to his band of broodmares. Skorage’s get made their entrance on the national stage in 1961, when his daughter Skorata was named a U.S. Top Ten Mare and his son Pulque++ was named a U.S. Top Ten Stallion.

Tweed began searching for better mares to breed to Skorage and new stallions to breed to Skorage’s daughters. In the early 1960s, word spread among the Arabian-breeding community that high-

Skorage

The champion stallion Skorage (Gaysar x Rageyma) was the horse who put Brusally on the map. He is shown here with Ed Tweed (center) and his rider, Earl Craig.

Photo courtesy of Shelley Groom Trevor.

47

48

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

Brusally Orin+ (*Orzel++ x *Algorina), bred by Ed Tweed, ridden by Joyce Thomas. Winner of seven National titles in the hunter over fences division in the 1980s. Photo by Wright

A descendant of Brusally’s Comet son, *Centaur, Royalzon+/ (Hagazon x Royal Expectation), ridden by Tamara Cook, was 1996 Canadian National Champion Jumper and 2004 U.S. Top Ten Jumper. Photo courtesy of Tamara Cook.

Royalzon

Photos courtesy Shelley

Brusally Orzetyn (*Orzel++ x *Gontyna), bred by Ed Tweed, ridden by Shelley Groom Trevor. Shown here competing at a horse trial in Flagstaff, Arizona, in the early 1980s.

y Groom Trevor

June/July 2013

Brusally Orzetyn (*Orzel++ x *Gontyna), bred by Ed Tweed, ridden by Shelley Groom Trevor. This stallion won the title of 1980 U.S. National Champion Third Level Dressage, and went on to compete successfully at the Prix St. George level. Photo by S. Gail Miller.

Brusally Gwiousa (*Gwiazdor x Arrousa), bred by Ed Tweed and ridden here by Janet Blakely in about 1972, was also a Western Pleasure champion and Scottsdale Top Five Novice Cutting. continued on next page

49

50

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine BRUSALLY continued from page 49 to buying eleven Polish horses and three

and *Centaur (Comet x *Sabaa), imported

and English-bred horses, Spalding felt that

by Frisco Mari.

chances were good that the registry would

Russian horses. Upon learning that the air-

Brusally Ranch was entering its most

accept Tweed’s Russian purchases as well.

plane he had chartered in Poland would

successful phase. The Polish imports *Cz-

He and Tweed were well aware that the re-

hold fourteen head, Tweed directed Spald-

ester++, *Gwiazdor, and *Faraon++ all

cently imported *Naborr had been born in

ing to return to that country and buy three

earned U.S. and/or Canadian Top Ten Stal-

Russia and was of Russian parentage, even

more horses. The entire Polish contingent

lion awards, and *Centaur was named a

though he had been shipped from Poland.

was shipped to the United States in late

U.S. Top Five Novice and Open Cutting

Furthermore, whereas *Naborr had been

May, and the three Russian horses arrived,

Horse. Tweed’s herd sire, Skorage, was

graded “I” by Russian officials, Tweed’s

by ship, the following month. The fourteen

bred to some of the Polish mares with

stallion *Park had been rated even higher,

Polish imports were: *Abhazja (Omar II x

good results; Skorage daughters were later

and given the grade of “Elite.”

Arfa), carrying the filly *Brusally Czortja

bred to the Polish stallions with even bet-

(by Czort);

ter results.

*Algorina (Ali Said x Alga);

However,

AHRA

president

Daniel

Gainey, from whom Tweed had purchased

*Almeriaa (originally Almeria) (Faher x Am-

Along with its successes in the show

the stallion Skorage a decade earlier,

bara); *Basta (Comet x Bajdara); *Chlosta

ring, Brusally Ranch also experienced

disagreed with this line of reasoning. In

(Faher x *Carissima); *Czester++ (Comet x

some hard times. *Almeriaa, one of the

March 1966, he informed Tweed that “the

Cerekiew); *Daszenka (Trypolis x Daszma);

1963 imports, broke her leg and was eu-

American Registry has come to accept the

*Genua (Grand x Gwara); *Gontyna (Dok-

thanized soon after arriving in this coun-

records and papers of the English and

tryner x Gazella), carrying the colt *Brana-

try. *Gwiazdor, a full brother to the well-

Polish Registries at face value, just as they

bar++ (by Branibor); *Gwiazdor (*Naborr x

known stallions *Gwalior++ and Grandorr,

accept ours. . . . It is quite possible for the

*Gwadiana); *Miroluba (Faher x Mira); *Na-

died young, after siring only a handful of

English or the Poles to accept horses from

wojka (Wielki Szlem x Najada), carrying the

foals. But Tweed’s worst, longest-lasting

Russia if they wish. We don’t accept them.”

colt *Brusally Chazan (by Chazar); *Rifata

headache was caused by the Russian Ara-

Apparently, Tweed had brought up the case

(Faher x Rasima); and *Warna (*Naborr x

bians that Spalding had acquired in 1963

of *Naborr, to no avail. “*Naborr was in the

Wielka Zorza).

from Provatoroff.

Polish Registry,” Gainey explained. “He

The three Russian imports were: *Na-

The Russian Arabian breeding program

passed inspection and was accepted for

Nomenklatura);

at the time was based on Polish horses

American registration. Your three horses in

*Palmira (Arax x Provincja); and *Park

seized during World War II and on Eng-

question were not owned by Poles or Eng-

(Knippel x Ptashka). Tweed soon augment-

lish horses bought from Crabbet Stud.

lishmen, nor were they in either Registry,

ed his first “Polish invasion” by purchasing

Because the Arabian Horse Registry of

and thus they are not subject to registra-

two more Polish-bred stallions: *Faraon++

America (AHRA; now the Arabian Horse

tion in our registry.” Unfortunately, Tweed

(*Naborr x Forta), imported by Leon Rubin,

Association) accepted both Polish-bred

could not call upon Provatoroff, the seller

paika

(Pomeranets

x

Comet offspring Three of Brusally’s five Comet offspring (left to right): halter champion *Salinaa (x Salwa), champion producer *Basta (x Bajdara), and *Zbrucz (x Znachorka), U.S. Reserve National Champion Park. *Salinaa is the granddam of National-winning grand prix dressage horse Scrabble+//; *Basta is the great-granddam of Jayel Super, an international-level endurance horse; and *Zbrucz is the sire of Bruyuri, U.S. National Third Level Dressage ATR, as well as other National winners, race winners, and endurance horses. Photo by S. Gail Miller; courtesy of Shelley Groom Trevor.

June/July 2013 of the three horses, for help in this matter, as he had died only a few months after

show.

etuszok x Ofirka, by Ofir); *Salinaa (origi-

Three of the Tweeds’ granddaughters

nally Salina) (Comet x Salwa, by Kuhailan

came to visit in April of that year. Although

Abu Urkub), carrying *Brusally El Azrak (by

It was not until 1978, fifteen years

all enjoyed riding, one granddaughter in

El Azrak); *Wislica (Branibor x Wataha, by

after their importation, that Tweed’s Rus-

particular—Shelley Groom Trevor—felt

Duch); and *Zbrucz (Comet x Znachorka,

sian horses, and their offspring, were fi-

that she had found her calling. Trevor went

by Rozmaryn).

nally recognized as purebred Arabians

to work at the ranch, mucking out stalls,

Brusally’s two new imported stal-

and issued AHRA registration papers. By

cleaning tack, bathing horses, and taking

lions, *Zbrucz and *Orzel++, changed the

that time, Tweed’s Russian stallion *Park

riding lessons in a variety of disciplines.

direction of Tweed’s breeding program

was long dead, and Tweed’s two imported

Eventually, she went out on the horse-

yet again. *Zbrucz, a big bay, was a born

Russian mares were at the end of their re-

show circuit, winning awards on Brusally-

show horse. He won several halter cham-

productive lives. An article published in

bred horses at events across the country,

pionships and was named a U.S. National

Arabian Horse World in 1984—a year after

including the U.S. National Champion-

Reserve Champion Park Horse. *Orzel++,

Tweed’s death—finally gave Tweed credit

ships.

a tall, rangy chestnut, had been favored

they were imported to the United States.

as a pioneer importer of high-quality Rus-

Also in 1967, a second shipment

to win the 1967 Polish Derby prior to his

sian horses. Also in 1984, the Arabian geld-

of horses from Poland arrived at Brus-

purchase. Tweed built a half-mile track on

ing Brusally Skoraik (Brusally Skorage x

ally. Sending his new trainer Denis Scully

the ranch to condition his new horse, and

*Napaika), a son of one of Tweed’s Russian

overseas to choose the horses, Tweed

then sent him to the races. *Orzel++ won

mares as well as a grandson of Skorage,

purchased nine Arabians for himself and

four races for his new owner, including a

completed the first of what would be four

imported two (*Paleta and *Prowizja) for

win over the great Kontiki, and was named

consecutive finishes in the yearly Western

other buyers.

the first U.S. National Racing Champion.

States Trail Ride (known as the Tevis Cup),

The imports were: *Bulawa (Laur x

Later, *Orzel++ became Tweed’s most suc-

in which a horse and rider traverse 100

Bulgotka, by Witraz), carrying the filly

cessful show horse since Skorage, winning

miles in a single day.

*Brusally Bulawa (by Almifar); *Cerera

U.S. Top Ten titles in halter and English

During this dispute over the Russian

(Ferrum x Cerekiew, by Wielki Szlem): *La-

Pleasure, and being named the first U.S.

horses, Tweed sought out other challenges

wenda (Doktryner x Laguna, by Opal), with

National Champion in Sidesaddle.

with characteristic optimism. With advice

foal *Laura (by Ariel) at side, and carrying

While the ranch was at its zenith, Ed’s

and help from his friend Bazy Tankersley,

*Brusally Gwarny (by Gwarny); *Manna

wife Ruth—whom he referred to as his

owner of Al-Marah Arabians, Tweed built

(*Naborr x Manilla, by Doktryner); *Paleta

“balance wheel”—became increasing ill,

an indoor sales arena and held Scotts-

(Comet x Planeta, by *Naborr), sold to Dan-

and she died in 1971. Tweed, now near-

dale’s first Arabian horse auction, timed

iel Gainey; *Prowizja (*Ego x Prowarda, by

ing eighty, had his own health problems

to coincide with the February Scottsdale

Korej), sold to Leo Knight; *Orzel++ (Pi-

continued on next page

A trio of Brusally’s Stallion ads, courtesy of Shelley Groom Trevor.

51

52

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine BRUSALLY continued from page 51

moon Zela+/ (descended from *Orzel++

to contend with. He turned over more of

and *Miroluba) and National Champion

Brusally’s management to Trevor and to

Scrabble+// (via *Salinaa)—as well as

the ranch manager, Lee Staheli. He also

Brusally Orzetyn (*Orzel++ x *Gontyna), a

encouraged a younger couple, Joe and

Prix St. Georges winner who was also 1980

Martha Ann Cassel, to start a Polish breed-

U.S. National Champion Third Level. Other

ing program. Using Brusally bloodlines as

Brusally-related National winners in dres-

a base, the Cassels went on to breed sev-

sage include: ARR Autumn Shades+// (via

eral successful race horses and National

*Orzel++ and *Manna), U.S. National Cham-

winners.

pion Third Level ATR; Bruyuri (by *Zbrucz),

In October 1976, eighty-three-year-old

U.S. Top Ten Third Level; Wistar Ananda+/

Tweed wrote a letter informing his friends,

(via *Faraon++, *Basta, and *Palmira),

as well as current and former clients, that

U.S. Top Ten Third Level; Brufire++// (via

he was retiring from Arabian horse breed-

*Orzel++, *Zbrucz, *Genua, and *Mirolu-

ing and offering his horses “only to those

ba), U.S. National Champion Second Level;

who already own Brusally Arabians or have

Armendeus (via *Lawenda), U.S. Top Ten

expressed an interest in doing so . . . . [I]n

Second Level; Staleys Fadjura (*Faraon++

this way perhaps your hopes and dreams

x Brusally Skorenua), U.S. Top Ten Second

may merge with mine, and my retirement

Level; RR Gar-Sun (via *Faraon++), U.S.

may be brightened by the knowledge that

Top Ten Second Level; Annapolis++// (via

the Brusally bloodlines are in good hands

*Orzel++ and *Abhazja), U.S Top Ten First

and will continue to represent the fin-

Level; Copper Chancellor+ (via *Faraon++,

est in Arabian breeding.” He sold about

Skorage, and *Genua), U.S. Top Ten First

fifty horses, keeping five. Trevor selected

Level; Blyth (via *Lawenda), U.S. Top Ten

twelve Arabians for herself, and tried to

Training Level JTR, 14 to 17; and Moshe

keep the ranch going as best she could.

O Zel+/ (via *Orzel++ and *Miroluba), U.S.

In early 1977, Tweed suffered a stroke that paralyzed one side of his body. De-

National Champion Training Level JTR, 13 and Under.

spite his doctors’ dire predictions, Tweed

Jumpers and working hunters of Brus-

lived at the ranch for another six years.

ally lineage with National titles include:

He died in his sleep in June 1983, a few

A Leader+// (via *Zbrucz), Canadian Na-

weeks shy of his ninetieth birthday.

tional Champion Jumper; Annapolis++//,

It is fair to ask how relevant Tweed’s

Canadian National Champion Regular

breeding program is today, sixty-odd years

Working Hunter ATR; Kingo The Road (by

since he purchased his first Arabian hors-

*Faraon++), U.S. National Champion Jump-

es. After a few years of relative obscurity,

er; Royalzon+/ (via *Centaur), Canadian

his breeding acumen has come to be ap-

National Champion Jumper; Indian Jewel

preciated by a new generation of Arabian

(via *Orzel++), Canadian Reserve National

breeders and riders, especially those spe-

Champion Hunter Over Fences; Brusally

cializing in racing, endurance riding, and

Orin+ (*Orzel++ x *Algorina), U.S. Top Ten

the sport horse disciplines.

Hunter Over Fences; and WP Dal-Fyn++

Tweed’s granddaughter has remarked that “If my grandfather were alive to-

Ten Working Hunter.

A few Brusally horses have even taken

horses.” In fact, since the 1970s, horses of

part in eventing. Brusally Orzetyn, men-

Brusally breeding have excelled in dres-

tioned previously as a dressage horse,

sage, show jumping, hunter over fences,

also competed in horse trials with Trevor,

and eventing.

under the tutelage of eventing trainer

Upper-level dressage performers with

Andrew Popiel. Brusally Orlin (*Orzel++ x

Brusally bloodlines include two grand prix

*Salinaa), ridden by Popiel’s wife, Danielle

Champion

Bey-

ARMANNI - A descendant of *Orzel++ and *Abhazja, Armanni (Monogramm x SS Annita) was named 2008 U.S. Top Ten Sport Horse Stallion.

Photo courtesy of Robbin Stewart.

(via Skorage and *Genua), Canadian Top

day, he would be breeding Arabian sport

competitors—Regional

Brusally Orzelyna+ (*Orzel++ x *Algorina), bred by Ed Tweed, ridden by Shelley Groom Trevor. Competed at Third and Fourth Level dressage in the late 1970s, won two National titles in Western Pleasure, and was a halter and English Pleasure champion. Photo by S. Gail Miller; courtesy of Shelley Groom Trevor.

continued on page 78

Brusally Zelyna (*Orzel++ x Brusally Zbruyna), bred by Ed Tweed, ridden here by Shelley Groom Trevor, around 1990. This mare was named 1986 Race Mare of the Year, competed briefly as a dressage horse, and went on to produce two race winners. Photo courtesy of Shelley Groom Trevor.

June/July 2013

Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Ed Tweed’s Groundbreaking Importation of Polish and Russian Arabians

53

$39.95 8.5 x 11 paperback, 212 pages 286 photographs Published by Mare’s Nest Books/Screenfold Press

Forewords by Ed Tweed’s daughter, Sally Tweed Groom, and granddaughter, Shelley Groom Trevor Featuring chapters on *Orzel++, *Zbrucz, *Czester++, *Faraon++, *Gwiazdor, *Chlosta, *Genua, and twenty other imported horses, this extensively researched history is a valuable addition to the library of any serious breeder of Polish and Russian Arabians.

Available at Amazon.com and Screenfoldpress.com

54

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

Back to Work Cross Training to Re-Condition a Retired Sport Horse

By Cindy Tobeck

The bad news hit like a hammer blow, “You’re not going to be showing in Idaho this year.”

M

y veterinarian announced this to me after confirming

Before my vet left he rolled down the window of his van, “He

my half-Arabian working hunter mare, SMF Annie Get

can do it; you’ve got enough time to get him ready. What have you

Yourgun++/ had injured her right hind annular liga-

got to lose?” I smiled and rolled my eyes doubtfully as he drove

ment. It meant six months off for Annie,

off.

and unfortunately for me, the 2012 Ara-

Surprisingly, the tears didn’t come, but

bian Sport Horse Nationals in Nampa,

instead a strong sense of determination

Idaho were exactly six months away.

took over. I walked right back into my barn,

We had enjoyed a stellar 2011 season,

put my old gelding, Khajun Bey+++// in

amassing seven regional championships

the cross ties and looked him over with a

in working hunters, hunt seat equita-

critical eye. Dirty, he was as hairy as an old

tion and hunter hack between the west

goat, with a distended underline that was

coast regions of 4 and 5. Annie and I

the result of a 2007 life-saving explorato-

had gained a lot of valuable experience

ry surgery to remove an enterolith. He am-

over fences since her first trip to Nation-

bled around the property, rarely moving

als in 2010. That year she was the Re-

beyond a walk any more, and the years of

serve National Champion Half-Arabian

showing left my old retired friend some-

Hunter Hack for Amateurs to Ride. I felt

what stiff. The last time I rode him was at

that 2012 was going to be our year to

the 2010 Arabian Sport Horse Nationals,

take home the big red rose blanket. That

nearly a year and a half ago.

dream was now crushed.

Khajun had been a wonderful show

Standing in her darkened stall star-

horse and I was proud of the fact that I

ing blankly at the image of her fetlock

bought him as an unstarted 3 year old and

on the computer monitor, I told my vet

trained him myself, together earning every

in a soft, pleading voice, “But I really

point of his Legion of Supreme Merit and

want to go to Idaho…” As he packed up his equipment to leave,

Legion of Excellence awards. Despite the fact that I’m a do-it-your-

he looked over at my other horse, a retired chestnut gelding and

self amateur on a tight budget, we had won many sport horse and

offered, “Why don’t you take him to Idaho?”

dressage regional champions and reserves, as well as National Top

I laughed out loud, “He’s retired!”

Tens and even a Reserve National Championship…but I reminded

“How old is he?” my vet asked.

myself that was all accomplished on a younger Khajun.

“Well, he’s 18 or 19...and in no shape to be going back to Nationals.”

Evaluation and Goal-Setting After clipping what seemed like the equivalent of enough hair

June/July 2013 to re-carpet my entire living room, I took Khajun out to the arena

a single pole on the ground. While lunging Khajun, I would add up

and lunged him. He had the exuberance of a much younger horse,

to four poles, spaced at about four feet apart. Eventually, I would

snorting and prancing with his tail over his back. He held his head

raise up the poles using my plastic Blocs to a height of six to eight

high and his trot had beautiful expression and suspension. I was

inches. I would do this twice a week, one day with side reins, and

beginning to believe that maybe he could be competitive again.

the other day without. I would spend no more than 20 minutes

When it came time to canter however, I could tell that his hocks

doing these exercises. Right away, it was apparent that this caval-

were quite stiff. He couldn’t maintain the canter for more than a couple of laps and his right lead canter depart was difficult for him. In order to maintain it he circled around me counter-bent to the outside. In no time, he was at a full sweat from lack of condition.

I made the decision to move forward and after riding Khajun the following day I was able to further evaluate his current level of

The Program: Cross Training and Joint Comfort Sunday ………Cavalletti work / free lunging Monday……..Hill climbing

fitness and suppleness. It was clear that I was essentially starting from scratch. As I rode him, it was evident that the training was all still there, but despite his enormous heart, his body was simply unable. I knew that it would be unfair to ask him to pick up where he left off performing at second and third level dressage movements, he was stiff and as uncoordinated as a youngster. So, we went back to the basics: training level. I kept in mind that although he might be ready to get back to second level in six months, there was the problem of getting him qualified for regionals in a mere eight weeks!

Tuesday…….Day off Wednesday…Cavalletti work / lunging with

side reins Thursday……Dressage lesson Friday………Dressage

The countdown had begun. I had eight weeks until my first qualifying show. There were four months until Regionals, and six

Saturday……Low jumping / hunter lesson

months until Sport Horse Nationals. I’m a goal-setter; it’s what motivates me. I had already set my goals for Annie and had a hard time giving up those ambitions. I decided that even though

letti work was helping him to develop strength over his back and

I couldn’t compete with him over fences, I could still rely on him

to bring up his fallen underline.

to be my partner for hunt seat equitation not to jump. I also made

Every Monday, I would get home from work and hook up the

it a goal to compete in dressage training and first levels as well as

truck and trailer for my favorite conditioning activity: hill climb-

sport horse under saddle at the Region 5 Championships and the

ing. I found a grassy, long, moderately steep hill about 3 minutes

Arabian Sport Horse Na-

from my house. Hill climb-

tionals.

ing was an excellent activkeep

ity to build Khajun’s hind-

Khajun’s work varied and

end strength and develop

interesting to him, while

thrust. Of course, I had to

at the same time minimize

be careful of the footing

risk of injury by using a

as well as avoiding over-

cross-training approach.

stressing his stifles with

I

wanted

to

I like the method of us-

too much work. On the hill,

ing cavalletti to improve

I would trot him up while

condition, balance, confi-

staying off his back and

dence and rhythm. Since

maintaining a two-point

Khajun didn’t need any

position. It was wonder-

more training per se, cav-

ful to feel the power of his

alletti work enabled me to

hindquarters as he lowered

stay off his back but still

his croup and pushed off

get maximum conditioning

behind. We would always

results. When working with the cavalletti, I started with

continued on next page

55

56

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

He had transformed from an old, fat, hairy, stiff retiree to a sleek, conditioned, muscled and bouncy show horse...

Vern L. Serex Photo

walk back down the hill, and I would lean back, shifting my weight over his rear while maintaining a soft contact with his mouth to balance him. Khajun and I would go up and down our hill in this manner 8 times, which took about 15 minutes. After such short, but intense work, I always made sure he got the next day off in the pasture.

On Thursdays and Fridays I did dressage. I found that working

coming softer and more flexible. In addition to the walk and trot

with my elder statesman, the warm-up was critical in order to cre-

low-stretchy-bendy-circles, I added the canter to our repertoire

ate suppleness. In the tests for Training and First Levels, there is a

and would switch between gaits, circle sizes and directions fre-

movement called the ‘free walk’ where the horse walks on a loose

quently.

rein, and reaches for the contact by lowering his head, stretching

Once he was relaxed and loose, I was able to work on lots of

over the back and through the neck while actively stepping un-

strengthening exercises. Among my favorites for his inside hind

der himself. There is a similar movement at the trot in both tests

leg (which I needed him to build-up if I wanted quality canter de-

where the test directive reads, “Quality of stretch over back, for-

parts) were the shoulder-in, half pass and turns on the haunches.

ward and downward into a light contact while maintaining balance

My number one secret weapon for improving the overall quality

and quality of trot.” In my warm-up, I would work for about ten

of his canter was simply to counter canter. I would canter figure

minutes on these two movements on 10, 15 and 20 meter circles

eights with no change of lead while maintaining his tempo and

in both directions with an exaggerated inside bend and a focus

keeping his shoulders up. I’d canter serpentines with no change

on pushing Khajun to the outside of the circle with a strong inside

of lead between loops. Eventually his canter became soft and bal-

leg. Going to the right was initially tough for him because he could

anced.

hardly bend, but persistence paid off, and he was increasingly be-

Every Saturday I would get a hunt seat / jumping lesson. Al-

Suzanne Sturgill Photo

June/July 2013

though Khajun wasn’t going to be competing at recognized shows

of a chicken around jumps, I would add one element at a time to

in the working hunter division, I felt it was important for me to

build up his confidence. Building his confidence over fences was

‘keep my jumping legs’ and continue to build my skills while main-

part of my overall plan because I knew that it was highly likely our

taining my confidence over fences while Annie was recuperating.

flat hunt seat equitation classes at Regionals and Nationals would

Working over low fences and through gymnastic exercises proved

be in the working hunter arena, where he would have plenty of

to be a great way to increase Khajun’s fitness. Jumping over fenc-

fences to look at, and (I hoped) NOT shy at!

es, one of the rider’s paramount jobs is to create and maintain a

I knew that this was going to be Khajun’s last shot at Nationals,

steady rhythm. As I gallop around a course or over a series of fenc-

so I spared no expense and did everything I knew possible to as-

es, I have trained myself to count in my head to keep the tempo

sure his comfort. This aggressive approach to joint comfort made

the same. I can’t get on a horse now and trot or canter without that

me feel like I covered my bases, and it certainly made Khajun feel

counting metronome automatically droning in my head. This work

better as evidenced by the spring in his step!

was carrying over into my dressage, where a steady tempo is just as important.

He received a daily supplement of Cosequin ASU in his feed.

In addition he had his hocks injected. Midway through the show

My favorite gymnastic exercise with Khajun was to trot over a

season as Nationals drew near, I gave him a series of Adequan

pole on the ground, land in a canter, jump over a cross rail (7’ away

injections as well as doses of Legend. Finally, to top it all off, he

from the trot pole) one stride (18’) to a small vertical fence, then

was adjusted by his chiropractor twice and had an acupuncture

another single stride (21’) to a second vertical. Since Khajun is a bit

continued on page 55

57

58

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

Formula for Success

by Michael Brown

Winning strategies from a top in-hand trainer and handler

Most of the problems we have with our horses stem from pasture learned behaviors and bad timing on the part of the trainer.

Michael presenting a 2 year old on the farm.

M

any trainers have experienced

is why its important to be able to formu-

the muscular and skeletal systems; with-

both the positive and negative

late a program based on your horse, in his

out stressing either to the point of fatigue

influences of improper train-

or her current needs.

or failure. I like to break these down into three categories:

ing methods, whether this is your horse’s

The ground formula for career prepa-

misunderstanding of the use of aids, or a

ration consists of your horse’s physical

A. The Level of exercise (lungeing/mild,

problem area that needs addressing. The

and psychological variables. We must first

golf cart/moderate, or long lining/ad-

foundation at which your horse is built

ask ourselves how much physical activity

vanced).

upon is the key ingredient to your horse’s

should we include into a young horse’s ex-

B. Type of exercise (walk, trot, or can-

successful career.

ercise program?

ter).

C. Duration (the length of activity).

As a trainer, you must determine how

To answer the question about the

much exercise and training should be in-

amount of physical activity, we must de-

The conformation of your young horse

cluded routinely in your horses develop-

termine the length and the frequency of

is very important in determining the level,

ing stages. As well as how often you should

training. There are too many variables to

type, and duration that he or she is capable

modify your horse’s training program. You

take into consideration in order to make

of. If the horse is weak over his topline, or

must formulate a program that suits the

young horse exercising a “one size fits all”

has a “baby” under neck, you could incor-

needs of each horse individually. There is

program. What we can conclude, is that the

porate some advanced Levels of exercise

not a single, universal, consistent program

goal of physically exercising a young horse

when the horse was ready to strengthen

that could be used for every horse. Which

is to stimulate the proper development of

his or her topline. If your horse is croup

June/July 2013 high, or high at the withers, you will probably find that certain Types of exercise will be a struggle for them as they advance.

Young horse showing resistance to pressure.

This is not a huge concern, as the horse is still developing. In which case, you would either only introduce the type of exercise, or keep it to a very minimal in Duration.

For all horses, exercise programs should begin at conservative levels and increase as positive results are achieved.

Now that you have an understanding of how much physical activity should be included into your horses exercise program, you can now begin to understand the psychological (mental) aspect of your horse’s preparation.

Like any relationship, it is important to understand what one likes, as well as what one dislikes. Sensitivity, resistance, and pressure are all factors in discovering what temperament your horse has. If your horse is willing to give to a little resistance to the contact (i.e. half halt), or is willing to lift its leg with the slightest touch of the

nesses. A wild horse wouldn’t allow you

prepared for his or hers career. So what

fetlock, then you have a horse with a train-

to put a halter on, just as a two year old

motivates a horse to be a willing partici-

able mindset from the get go.

might not allow you to put a bit in his

pant?

Don’t be discouraged if you do not. Not

mouth. Your relationship with your horse

Horses are instinctual and behavioral.

all horses start this way, but it is important

should carry over these values to build the

They react in different manners based on

to know what type of horse you have so

bond between trainer and equine. Which

the way they feel, and they way they were

you can build on his or her strengths, and

is why the mental preparation is just as, if

taught.

improve and strengthen his or her weak-

not more, important than being physically

Exhibiting a matiure horse

A. Instinctually, horses are known to be “flight or fight”, “herd bound”, and/or very brave or insecure. Get to know your horse so you can build on their strengths, as well as recognize their weaknesses.

B. Behaviorally, they learn from both the herd and the handler (i.e. what they can get away with). Make sure the learned behavior comes positively in their training. They need to be happy with their surroundings (pasture management), and feel safe with their handler in an unfamiliar environment (bond development).

Most of the problems we have with our horses stem from pasture learned behaviors and bad timing on the part of the trainer. Horse’s become aggressive, or stimulate aggression, based on their herd rankings. Make sure that the attention the horse is getting in the pasture is related to

continued on page 90

59

60

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

Warmowski Photography

Keeping the Faith Reggie’s Story

by Katie Keim

Z

LA Pepets Regalo+// is a small

and peer into their coffee cup as if to say

him again around May, but he was three-

14.2 hand purebred gray Arabian

“Do you have anything for me?” Of course

legged lame. I was devastated. Many of

gelding whose registered name

no one could resist that cute face and pink

my “horse friends” pretty much told me to

nose.

give up on him, that he would only maybe

reflects his Spanish breeding. Regalo in

be a children’s pony. I would do no such

Spanish means “gift, ” which is appropri-

In my first year of showing him, we re-

ate because I consider owning him a gift.

ceived two Arabian Sport Horse National

Reggie, as we call him, was eight years old

Top Tens at Training Level. I remember

At the advice of my vet, I rode Reggie

when I purchased him.

that moment like it was yesterday; I was

several times a week. We would happily

Reggie is very intelligent and has a laid

so happy I was almost in tears. As we were

move along in what I can only describe as

back easy-going personally. Rarely does

waiting to enter the awards ceremony, my

a really bad western pleasure jog trot. I

he spook and even then, it is more of a

mother looked up at me and said, “Re-

could only ride straight lines and then walk

flinch in place without even breaking his

member this moment, you might never

through the corners and the short side of

gait. Then he seems embarrassed about

experience this again.”

the dressage arena. One day, I noticed

thing, I could never give up on him!

his reaction and realizes that it took more

In the winter of 2009 while prepar-

maybe 25 to 30 minutes into my ride, Reg-

effort on his part than it was worth. Not

ing to show Third Level, I noticed Reggie

gie got a little more pep in his step. What I

only is Reggie intelligent and very safe,

wasn’t moving quite right.

Something

finally noticed is that at some point, Reggie

but he also is a talented dressage horse.

looked off in his right hind. After giving

became a little looser. No he still did not

He had shown Training and First Level

him rest, then trying a chiropractor, we had

move like he used to, but it was perhaps

dressage and had competed in hunter/

our vet check him out. Reggie had chang-

a little better. Eventually I tried trotting

jumper at local Class A shows.

es in his right hock, it was a bone spur.

through the corners and 20 meter circles.

I quickly learned that Reggie’s favorite

We had no idea what happened as there

He would slow down for these movements

color is pink (coincidently my favorite

were no external signs of injury or trauma

because they were difficult for him, but

color). So we would go to shows with our

to the leg or hock, but the internal injury

each ride became a little better.

pink lead rope and pink sheet. I would

was severe. As if it couldn’t get any worse,

In June of 2010, we returned to the

over hear little girls say to their mother as

he also had moderate navicular changes

show ring. We were only able to show

we walked the show grounds “Look mom!

in both of his front feet. The vet injected

Training Level, but I was not complaining.

It’s the pink pony!” Reggie would eat up

the hock and front feet and put Reggie on

The fact that not only could I ride Reggie,

the attention, walking up to total strangers

stall rest for several months. I tried riding

but show him at any level, was nothing

June/July 2013 short of a miracle. Reggie came out winning virtually every class.

He even received Top Five at Regionals.

Throughout the next year Reggie improved with every ride. In June of 2011 I noticed a slight bluish discoloration in his right eye.

About Melanoma of the Eye

My vet came out to examine it. He was not sure exactly what was going on and sent the photographs to the University of Illinois. He

by Dr Amber Labelle

explained to me, “We can’t rule out melanoma because of his history, but I don’t think that’s what it is.” What?! Melanoma?! On his

Melanoma is a type of cancer that comes from pigment-

eye?! I had never heard of such a thing. I didn’t even know that

containing cells in the body called melanocytes. Melanocytes

was possible. When Reggie was 11, we had found a golf-balled

are responsible for the color of the skin and other organs. Horse

sized melanoma along with many other small melanomas in the

skin is usually pink or brown. The more melanocytes in the skin,

usual places grays get them. Given his relatively young age, there

the darker its color. Cancer results when cells in the body start

were more melanomas than one would expect. The University

growing uncontrollably. Melanoma is a well-recognized cancer in

of Illinois said, based on the photographs that it did look like a

horses. Grey horses are at a greater risk of developing melanoma

melanoma and to bring Reggie to the University as soon as pos-

of the skin than non-grey horses. Breeds of horses for whom grey

sible.

is a common coat color (such as Arabians and Lippizaners) are

Dr. Ralph Hamor and Dr. Amber Labelle, veterinary ophthal-

also at greater risk of developing skin melanoma. Skin melanoma

mologists, confirmed a melanoma in Reggie’s right eye. They also

occurs most commonly under the base of the tail, at the commis-

found a smaller one in Reggie’s left eye. A typical outcome of this

sure of the lip, around the genitals and around the eye. Melanoma

rare circumstance is removal of the eye, but I was going to do eve-

usually appears as hairless skin masses that can vary in size from the size of a dime to the size of a grapefruit.

Melanoma can also occur inside the horse’s eye. Melano-

mas usually arise from the colored part of the inside of the eye called the iris. Intraocular melanomas can lead to blindness and glaucoma (painfully high pressure inside the eye) and ultimately may necessitate removal of the eye. Meeting Katie Keim and Reg-

Studio 131 Photography

gie in 2011 piqued my interest in intraocular melanoma. Up until

rything in my power to not let that happen. Reggie has so much expression in his eyes. After weighing the options, we decided to laser the melanoma in both eyes. The melanoma in the left eye completely flattened (and is still flat). The melanoma in the right eye did decrease some in density.

Reggie coped well with the treatment and we were all very excited about a successful outcome. We decided to laser the right eye a second time in the fall of 2011. Again, more matter was destroyed and everything appeared a success once again. Then several weeks later, back at home, Reggie began to have discharge from his eye and it was swollen. We took him back to the University of Illinois and found that Reggie had an infection. After a couple of months, the infection cleared and he was able to return

continued on page 91

now, not much has been known about intraocular melanomas in horses. The lack of scientific knowledge about the long term prognosis for intraocular melanomas in horses and the relationship between skin melanoma and intraocular melanoma made it difficult for me to answer Katie’s questions about Reggie’s prognosis and treatment options.

continued on page 91

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62

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

Reading Reflections

Goals & Choices R

ecently, I’ve been confronted with changes in circumstances that offer me new opportunities and choices. Transitions are often unsettling, but they

really do help to clarify priorities and to open space to consider how best to achieve goals.

Denny Emerson’s recent book How Good Riders Get Good: Daily Choices that Lead to Success in Any Equestrian Sport is both aspirational and inspirational.

Denny Emerson is a (retired) world class 3 day eventer with an exceptionally broad and deep involvement in equestrian activities including Morgan breed shows, endurance riding (he’s owned and ridden Arabians in endurance including completing the Tevis), leadership positions in several national equestrian organizations, stood stallions at stud for purpose breeding top eventing horses, as well as coached riders and trained horses to elite levels.

Although elements of the advice in this book can be utilized by equestrians with modest goals, the core intent is aimed at assisting horsemen and women who wish to attain a high level of achievement in some aspect of equestrian activity. There’s no mollycoddling. Denny makes it clear that in order to achieve high goals, hard work is constant and difficult choices and sacrifices are necessary.

The book provides a number of examples to illustrate the principles of the consequences of the choices that a rider (trainer/breeder) makes in each of several critical areas that include discipline, life circumstance, support network, character traits, physical fitness, attaining knowledge and experience, and the horses. If

by Dawn Jones-Low Books have always been important to me. As a child, I spent countless hours reading at home and at the public library. Growing up in the suburbs in a non-horsey family, books were also my main entryway to the world of horses and provided fuel for my dreams. Several decades into adulthood, books are still a treasure to me as they continue to inspire and inform all areas of my life –including riding and horsemanship.

While there is no substitute for real life experience handling, training, and riding horses -- books and other media can broaden and deepen the knowledge base that we apply to the practice of good horsemanship.

riding is a true passion-and

June/July 2013 you wish to become the best rider (or

infusions of Thoroughbreds are still ben-

trainer, coach, breeder, judge, etc.) that

eficial, the question of whether breeding

you can be in your chosen discipline, this

horses for amateurs and for profession-

book illuminates paths to building the

als is necessarily different, to what extent

skills, knowledge, and access to resources

data analysis is useful in breeding selec-

that are indispensable to that goal.

tions, viewpoints on specialization for

“I’ll bet that in every equestrian dis-

dressage

and

jumping,

challenges

cipline, if you analyzed it, you would find

of presenting and evalu-

that the best people have the horseman’s

ating young horses at the

equivalent of a very full ‘quiver’ [of ar-

Bundeschampionate, market

rows]. They have the emotional and char-

pressures on stallion selection,

acter traits that help them in their quest,

the importance of the mare base, and

they’ve built a support network, they live

so on. There are plenty of divergent

in the right places, they’ve developed

viewpoints in the book which helps

good physical skills, and they know a lot

to illuminate the complexity and

--about pedigree, about vet issues, and

diversity that exists in what super-

soundness, conditioning, and so on. They

ficially seems to be a uniform sys-

have those pieces –those ‘arrows’— at

tem.

hand when they need them …To have that

One of the cautionary tales in the

arrow in your quiver, in other words, is

book regarding goals and choices relates

very often the result of a conscious choice

to the Trakehner breed which suffered in

to put it there.” [pg 186]

reputation in the 70’s and 80’s due to an

Consciously making choices focused

admitted focus on the aesthetic aspects of

on attaining long term goals is an essen-

the breed over competitive performance

tial part of good breeding practices as

traits. [In the 70’s] ”The idea of having

much it is for achievement in training and

something special led to a false goal –

riding. In breeding for sport horse abil-

beauty. It was no longer performance that

ity, the Warmblood studbooks of Europe

was important but beauty.

have the “fullest quiver” to borrow Den-

More and more Trakehner breeders

ny’s metaphor. The recent book by Chris-

concentrated on beautiful faces, straight

heavily marketed young stallion champi-

topher Hector, The Making of the Modern

limbs, and forgot about things like ride-

ons. “In former times the breeders had no

Warmblood: from Gotthard to Gribaldi, may

ability or jumping ability.” [pg 608] The

chance [to breed to distant stallions] --they

seem far afield from the Arabian horse,

section describes how breeders changed

used the stallions that were sent to their

but for those interested in breeding the

course and by the 90’s, the breeding goals

district, and then several years later they

Arabian as a sport horse, there are appli-

had been altered to prioritize performance

would see which stallions were the best,

cable lessons to be gleaned.

qualities resulting in a rejuvenation of the

and often it would be the stallion that they

The book’s examination of the de-

desirability of the Trakehner as a sport

didn’t think was going to be the best, and

velopment of the

horse and for breeding in other registries.

the one they thought was going to be the

modern

There are certainly parallels with concerns

best was not so good.” [pg 167]

Warm-

expressed within the Arabian breed com-

blood

munity.

That reminds me of a nugget of wisdom from the great Arabian breeder, Bazy

s p o r t

The widespread use of shipped

Tankersley, who clearly had a “full quiver

h o r s e

cooled and frozen semen is a concern

of arrows” in regards to breeding achieve-

from the more

in the Warmblood world just as it is for

ments with Arabians (including for sport

old-fashioned util-

closed studbook breeds like the Arabian.

horse disciplines). In A Field of Arabians:

ity types for agriculture,

The paradigm of regional production test-

Bazy Tankersley and the Horses of Al-Marah,

war, and general riding is

ing has changed to reflect a global market,

by Susanne and Jake Page, Mrs. T. is quot-

constructed around profiles of

and there is concern that “fashion breed-

ed as saying, “Learn to identify end products as opposed to horses that are part of

the major studbooks and influential

ing” may be obscuring the discovery of

stallions with auxiliary sections address-

excellent breeding stallions who are slow

ing specific issues faced like whether

maturing or who are less exciting than the

continued on page 90

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64

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

From great promise – to tragedy – to beating overwhelming odds – to success Countess of Piaff and her new 2013 baby sister– their story

by Shayna Dolinger

T

his cross of Polish Arabian Piaff

Piaff (Eldon x Pipi). Piaff is a tremendous

for hours on the merits of the stallion and

and Hungarian mare Virag produc-

athlete, big powerful mover, has excellent

requesting his racing records from Po-

es more than Sport Horse athletes

confirmation, and is a great match for your

land. The stallion had to prove to me he

for the big ring; it produces horses

Hungarian mare; do not say no until you

was more than just a pretty face, he must

look at him.” Kelly knew I would be quick

be a performance horse and he must be

that are an affair of the heart.

In 2006, I was extremely fortunate to

to say NO because it was an Arabian, es-

able to pass-on his athletic abilities. Piaff

obtain and import from Germany Virag, a

pecially since I was from the open hunter

exceeded my expectations, not only was

Hungarian Warmblood mare sired by Colo-

and warmblood world and with that comes

he conformationally correct and moving

nado (Contender) and carrying the impor-

the stereotype thoughts of crazy Arabian.

horse, but he was a great racehorse with

tant German jumping/dressage lines of

She also knew I had Arabians years ago

multiple wins on the track, dressage, clas-

Landgraf and Ramiro Z, some of the most

that were jumping machines and saw the

sic hunter, native costume and while in the

influential and successful lines in Europe

window of opportunity to twist my arm a

USA started over fences.

today. Virag was a dream come true after a

bit because I was bored with business as

long search for a hunter/jumper mare.

usual with the open hunters.

Understanding

the

importance

of

breeding for performance and form to

Having the same interest in Sport

So, the research on Piaff began. Comb-

function, Piaff was approved for Warm-

Horse prospects, a long-time Arabian horse

ing the internet articles and blogs, maga-

blood breeding with the German Rhein-

lover/competitor and dear friend Kelly Ro-

zines and film in various languages finding

land Pfalz-Saar (RPSI) as a Book I stallion.

driguez contacted me with what would be

every scrap of information I could on the

Their criteria states, “The RPSI stud book is

a turning point in my Sport Horse program.

stallion: Multi-International Champion of

divided into Stallion Books I and II, and is

I remember Kelly starting off with say-

Poland, the Netherlands; Multiple Stakes

open to mares and stallions of recognized

ing, “Shayna, I want you to keep an open

Winner, to interviewing representatives

Warmblood breeds, as well as Thorough-

mind and look at this stallion, his name is

from the Pride of Poland/Piaff Partnership

breds, Arabians and Anglo-Arabians. RPSI

June/July 2013 (“Zweibrücker”) horses are bred for quality

Region 15 Halter Futurity as a 3 year old

the veterinarians could do, the filly did not

of movement, correctness of conformation

and Sport Horse In-Hand Region 15 Top 3,

have a good leg to stand on and I asked

and clear character. This foundation pro-

in addition to wins in SHIH at various rated

the attending vet to put her down immedi-

duces a superior athlete with high train-

Arabian Shows, but she was bred compete

ately and end her suffering.

ability and competitiveness for any of the

in the jumper/hunter ring!!

Everything with Countess seemed so

At 4 years old, I started Countess under

surreal - like it was not happening, but it

Piaff met my list of criteria and addi-

saddle. She was easy, with a smart, willing

was. I just wanted to be left alone, but

tionally, in order for offspring to be eligible

attitude and wanted to work more than

wasn’t. Within a few hours, a friend who

for a full Passport and Brand, both parents

eat or do anything else; you could turn on

was announcing for the VAHA show an-

MUST be approved in Stallion/Mare Book

the outside arena lights and she would run

nounced the loss of Countess of Piaff.

I and only those offspring may be consid-

and stand under the lights waiting for her

Friends were ringing my phone; trainers

ered stallion candidates with the possible

saddle. After getting the basics started—

and competitors shed tears with me giv-

chance of breeding on later. (If one parent

walk, trot, canter; I sent the filly out for fin-

ing hugs and their condolences. Online

is missing approvals and does not have ac-

ishing. In just a few short months and at

The Arabian Breeders Network and Face-

ceptable bloodlines/paperwork, then the

her first Arabian show, she won the SHUS

book messages of condolences, love and

offspring is only eligible for a Certificate

with a professional and won the SHUS se-

support from the Arabian and warmblood

of Pedigree -- no chance of a colt having

lect rider class with me. We were excited

communities came in from all over the

a chance to go threw the approval process,

and looking to our next show in 2 weeks

world.

thus cannot breed on through the registry.

and Region 15 in 6 weeks.

sport horse disciplines.”

The Arabian Horse Community is the

So, the deed was done. In 2007, Piaff

Just when you think you are on top of

most amazing, generous and supportive

and Virag blessed us with the arrival of

the world and have the highest expecta-

group of horse owners and family I have

Countess of Piaff, a huge, correct, power-

tions for your horse tragedy strikes and

ever experienced; offers of breedings,

ful moving grey filly who shined during

everything comes crashing down.

young horses, horses with training, etc.,

her RPSI inspection and was approved as

While attending the Virginia Arabian

came pouring in – all were appreciated

a Premium filly; something that was ex-

Horse Association Show (VAHA), I received

more than the English language would al-

tremely important to me as I was striving

a call saying that Countess had injured

low me to express, but I was not ready, my

to breed a performance horse.

herself in the stall at the training barn.

heart was too broken.

For an approved RPSI Arabian/Warm-

The veterinarian recommended the filly

For 2 years, I sat grieving, missing my

blood cross, Countess had enough Arabian

go to an emergency veterinary hospital for

filly and Arabian horse friends and family;

type to compete in halter, which she loved. I

treatment. We immediately shipped the

so I knew I needed to do something! So I

will never forget the squeals of excitement

filly to Blue Ridge Equine, a hospital ca-

started horse shopping, looking online, at

and joy from the very successful Arabian

pable of handling trauma and severe inju-

inspections, visiting to training barns and

stallion owner and breeder Denise Gainey,

ries. After evaluation of the filly’s injuries

breeders, auctions, magazines etc., I lost

“OMG, look at her TROT, that is just wrong,

and every treatment performed possible

count after looking at 2K plus horses (no

she is a Warmblood!!!” Countess’ handler

over a 24 hour period, Countess’ diagno-

kidding). I saw many fabulous horses with

was a former track competitor and she just

sis was a compromised tendon sheath in

excellent breeding and talent, but ALL

about trotted him off his feet. The filly

one hind leg and laminitis in the opposing

would have to follow in the footsteps of

earned a Top 4 Region 15 Yearling Halter/

hind hoof. There was nothing more than

Countess, so I respectfully stepped back

continued on page 96

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66

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

June/July 2013

Photos by Suzanne DeGeorge

Stan Phaneuf Photo

From Roses To Rehab

By Susan Winslow

Sun streams through the windows, casting long shafts of soft, morning light across the expanse of the indoor arena. Dust motes dance as the sound of children’s laughter rings through the rafters . . . continued on next page

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68

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine THERAPY continued from previous page

new job as a therapy mount was a natural progression for some of

Two riders with special needs, ages nine and ten, are assisted

the family’s show string.

by leaders and side walkers in a rollicking game of “Walk-Whoa

Khlassicstatement is a bay gelding born in Boxford, MA in

Red Light/Green Light.” They cheer each other on as their elegant

1997. Karen knew his dam, Khalico, and witnessed the foaling, an

horses, a bay named Khlassicstatement and a chestnut named Mr

event which formed a strong bond between her and the young

Wise Guy, respond to their riders’ physical and verbal cues, mov-

colt. She says, “I bought Khlassic, as we call him, and after he was

ing with the easy, natural grace of the Arabian breed. The horses’

weaned. I was at the barn one evening and saw his mother with

delicate, curved ears flick forward and back as they listen atten-

her face pressed up against the bars of the stall across the aisle

tively for direction from their riders. When the game ends in a tie,

just watching us. I was so touched by that, I bought her too, so

there are high-fives all around, and one rider leans forward, wraps

she would always have a good home with her son nearby.” Khalico

his arms around the chestnut horse’s neck and whispers, “Good

was a daughter of the famous sire, Khemosabi, and she was known

boy, Wiser! I love you.”

in the barn for her strong maternal instinct and kindness, living a full life to the age of 32.

The Arabian horse as one of the world’s oldest breeds, has a long and illustrious

Khlassic inherited that kindness, along with

history going back thousands of years;

a whimsical sense of curiosity and a busy mind.

having been prized by such leaders as

Karen says, “He loves this job as a therapy horse!

Mohammed, Ghengis Khan, Napolean,

We once had a puzzle game in the ring that had

and George Washington. Today, as they

big wooden pieces. Khlassic loved to pick up

safely carry their riders through stretch-

the pieces in his mouth and put them on the

es, riding exercises and games, Khlassic

puzzle board. He is so smart, you really have to

and Wiser are representing yet another

see it to believe it! At a 9:00 a.m. lesson Khlas-

aspect of the breed’s versatility in their

sic walked around the arena with his leader and

role as trusted therapy mounts. In fact,

his young rider with a full, bold stride, but then

they are two of a small herd of full and

at the 12:00 pm lesson he intuitively changed

half-blood Arabian therapy horses at

his gait to mirror that of a different little rider

Wings and Hooves Therapeutic Riding,

who walked on her tiptoes. We’ve done about

Inc. in East Kingston, New Hampshire.

everything with him including jumping here at

The farm’s mission is to enhance the

the farm, but he really excelled in the show ring

lives of individuals with physical, emo-

in the Arabian Hunter Pleasure classes.” As a

tional, and developmental disabilities by building confidence through equine as-

Mr. Wise Guy

sisted activities and partnerships.

youngster, Khlassic started out in Arabian Halter before transitioning into Arabian Hunter Pleasure in local and New England Regional level competitions.

Karen Cuneo founded Wings and Hooves, a registered 501(c)3

Khlassic competed at the Empire State Arab show with Rebecca

nonprofit organization, in 2008 on the 169 acre farm where she

Eddy and they took a first place and Champion in the Arabian

lives with her husband, Paul and daughter, Kristen. Thirty-three

Hunter Pleasure 18-39.

years ago, Karen was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythema-

Mr Wise Guy+//, a handsome 15 hand chestnut gelding, is

tosus disease and in the ensuing years, she has undergone three

known for his unique appearance, as his tongue can be seen at

kidney transplants while maintaining her commitment to her fam-

times hanging out of the side of his mouth. This is a result of nerve

ily and a busy career in the financial industry. She says, “There

damage sustained early in his life, but this supremely talented

is no doubt that my horses helped me through my illness, and

horse never let it slow him down. While people are initially drawn

my dream throughout the many health challenges I faced was to

to his unusual appearance, it’s his intelligent, gentle nature that

share the healing power of horses with others.”

leaves a lasting impression. “He’s a superstar,” says Karen with

Before founding Wings and Hooves, Karen enjoyed competing

pride. The Cuneos purchased him from John and Lisa Jo White

her Arabian horses in local and regional “A” rated Arabian Horse

for their daughter Kristen in 2001. Mr Wise Guy already had an

Association competitions. She and Paul also supported Kristen’s

impressive show record, and Kristen went on to win multiple Re-

show career that took her to the National level of competition.

gional and National titles with him. Mr Wise Guy’s five page show

Along the way, they purchased a number of Arabians and Half Ara-

record spans twenty years and includes multiple Regional, United

bians, and they consider each of them as family members. As the

States and Canadian National Championships as well as the pres-

horses aged, Karen realized that they still had much to offer, so the

tigious Legion of Excellence.

transition from the rigorous life of a competitive show horse to a

“This horse really has done it all. He drives, rides, and has

June/July 2013

shown in those capacities all over the United States and Canada.

he really stepped up his game when he knew he was at a horse

He has never let his physical challenge slow him down, and it’s

show- I remember the first time I rode him at a show the night

something our riders and volunteers can relate to,” says Karen.

before his class. My mom asked me how it went- I told her ‘He’s

Marjorie Carr, who showed him to Youth National Champion re-

amazing- I just hope I can keep up with him!’ Wise Guy took care

calls, “Wise Guy was one of the most fun horses I have ever rid-

of me and he taught me how to ride a top English Pleasure horse.

den. He was an incredible athlete and he loved to show. In fact,

On the ground he was as sweet and loving as could be. Wise Guy embodies what an Arabian horse should be: a great athlete and a close friend to those around him.”

These aren’t over the hill, tired show horses. They are active, healthy horses that have achieved regional and national titles and have gone on to a second, rewarding career in their golden years.

Karen says, “The innate intelligence and willingness to please in the Arabian horse makes them ideally suited for this job. In addition to a Clydesdale and three Norwegian Fjords, we have a number of Arabian and Half Arabian horses and ponies in our program: Almost a Lady, a Half Arabian pony; Goldie, a Half Arabian mare; two Half Arabian Geldings: SS Lord of the Dance and Bobo Show+/ plus the two full Arabians, Khlassic and Mr Wise Guy. The Arabian is generally a long-lived breed, and our therapy horses are still going strong well into their mid twenties. They thrive on having a job, and being cared for and loved by so many people. Because these horses have been active campaigners on the show circuit, they have a been-there, done-that attitude and they are extremely well schooled. These are qualities that make excellent therapy horses.”

Karen admits that in some spheres, there is a misconception about the Arabian breed that her horses are helping to overcome.

She explains, “Because Arabian horses have such a proud, majestic carriage, and can really turn on the fire in the show ring, people often think they are a flighty, hot type of horse. I was at a P.A.T.H. International Conference where more than once a person said that they would use any type of horse for therapy except for Arabians.

That type of statement just comes from a lack of true knowledge about the breed, and our horses disprove that stereotype every day.”

Khlassic, Wise Guy, Lady and the other horses with Arabian bloodlines at Wings and Hooves are evidence that this breed can do it all, from winning national titles in the show ring, to carefully carrying a four year old with Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome through his therapeutic riding lesson. “They are so incredibly smart,” says Karen, “You can see them watching and feeling their riders, and adjusting their way of going for them. With their keen intelligence and their highly developed sense of the human/horse bond, Arabians make great therapy horses.”

69

70

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

My Own Rehab Tale My heart horse, Silver Run Sohn (Gai Torero x Bint Lea Rouge) wasn’t the fanciest or the bravest horse, but he certainly had a

fashioned a neck strap for me to hold, stationed someone on each side of me and started to walk.

kind, gentle soul. I bought him from a friend in 1994 when my

He walked so slowly and carefully, helping me maintain my

children were still small. We showed at local hunter shows, ama-

precarious balance for a good ten minutes. It was heaven. I had

teur Arab shows, trail rode and had lots of fun. My kids and sever-

ridden (sat on?) a horse a couple of times since my injury, but not

al friends learned to ride

one of MY horses. What a

on him. He was patient,

difference it made! I had

quiet, sweet and beauti-

zero fear knowing him in-

ful – the perfect teacher.

side and out as I did.

Veteran Arabian breeder

My daughter hopped

Ann McKay called him a

on him and took him for a

saint in horseflesh.

spin around their outside

misgivings

course of jumps, swapping

about some jumps was

leads and over jumping

often

like a young horse. What a

His only

overcome

great day!

by a firm application of leg, and perhaps fear of

We lost him a few

getting in trouble. He

months later, but not be-

was adored by all who

fore he had endeared

knew him, despite his

himself to even more spe-

“leave now-ask ques-

cial riders. He was truly a

tions later” philosophy. (Every ring had its boogie man corner and

saint.

he wasn’t going to get eaten!) Nonetheless, his reaction with an

{I still own his half-brother, who shares Sohn’s quiet disposi-

experienced rider was completely different than when he was

tion and gentle nature. I even got to “ride” him when he was five

carrying a novice. He knew the difference.

and we visited him at a horse show.} - Peggy Ingles

We showed just a couple of seasons at rated Arab shows and he did quite well. Sohn earned East Coast and Region 15 Championships culminating in a trip to US Nationals in Kentucky in 2002 at the age of 20. He earned a Top Ten in Working Hunter AAOTR before I retired him from competition that year.

After that, he hung out at my farm, trail riding and living a life of leisure as I had promised him. When I was injured in 2004, Sohn even came to visit me in the hospital. In 2005, I was forced to close my farm and disperse my horses, so I leased Sohn out to a friend in Pennsylvania who taught lessons to children, some with special needs.

In April 2007, I went to visit Sohn for the first time in 2 years.

My plan was not just to visit, but to try to sit on him once more, not a simple task for someone with my physical limitations. My heart soared when I saw him, he walked right up and seemed to know me, even though I was now in a wheelchair. I was thrilled to just kiss him and pet him.

We took him up to the ring, racking our brains about how to get me on him. My son finally threw me over his shoulder and just tossed me up into the saddle. We got my feet into the stirrups,

Russian Roulett

FR Hercules

June/July 2013

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72

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

One In A Million

Cal Dorado Photos courtesy Barbara Parkening

F

rom an inauspicious beginning,

the centerline on his back legs, passage,

Cal Dorado certainly made his

piaffe, Spanish walk, pirouette, bow and

presence known. Given away as

much more. She used him in her “Danc-

a 4 month old to Californian Barbara Park-

ing With Horses” traveling theatrical show.

ening, “Flash,” as he was known by his

“He could piaffe and passage all day and

friends, became an international star.

loved doing it. You can still go to Arabian

He was sired by the *Bask son Cal-OBask and born in February, 1979. With 2

Magnificent Dancing Stallion on You Tube and see his whole act,” says Barbara.

club feet and way too much white to suit

When Flash was 17, Barbara went to

his breeder, the sire’s owner agreed to

her friend Hilda with a plan. She asked

take him back. Barbara happened to go to

Hilda to make him a Grand Prix horse and

the farm to visit Cal-O-Bask and spotted a

win a National Championship on him.

weanling in a nearby corral. “It was love at first sight,” says Barbara.

Hilda recalls, “First, I had to teach him lead changes, which I did. But the tricky

Barbara had gotten her first horse, a

part was getting on him – when you swung

half Lippizan, when she was fourteen and

your leg over, he’d drop his head. He didn’t

put her in training with the famous Circus/

have a huge shoulder, so when he’d put

High-School trainer Albert Ostermaier. She

his head down and buck there was no way

trained with Albert until she started to

you were staying on. After I got dumped

show competitive dressage and has been

a couple of times I always had someone

training with Olympic dressage rider Hilda

hold his head when I mounted.”

Prix St. Georges. Flash and Hilda won the

Gurney ever since. In the mid-eighties she

In spite of that, Hilda says she really

class with a score of 65.93%, following

earned her bronze, silver and gold medals

enjoyed him. “He wasn’t mean, he would

that up with a dressage demonstration be-

from the USDF.

prance and dance but he wouldn’t kick

fore a crowd of 5,000 spectators, earning a

After taking on the little guy, Barbara

or bite or anything like that. Until the day

standing ovation.

hauled Flash long distances to receive cor-

they put him down he’d come out of the

Later, the years of walking on his hind

rective shoeing to improve his feet. Bar-

stall and he would prance and dance. Flash

legs caused him some soreness in his

bara recounts, “I started him under saddle

was always a character, very vibrant, prob-

hocks, so he was retired from competition.

and the put him on long lines. It didn’t

ably the most vibrant horse I’ve ever seen.

His offspring have carried on his winning

take him long to figure things out and he

An absolutely beautiful horse.”

legacy. Fancy Trick was trained and shown

taught himself how to canter on three legs,

Hilda showed him in open shows at

by Hilda to 2 National Championships in

we thought that was a pretty good trick.”

Grand Prix, earning scores in the 60s. In

Grand Prix and one at I-2. His purebred son

Barbara taught the gorgeous flashy chest-

1997, they took Flash to Albuquerque to

Aleros+/ earned a National Championship

nut how to do high school dressage move-

compete at U.S. Nationals in the highest

in 3rd Level, is almost ready to compete

ments in long lines. He would walk down

dressage level they offered at the time,

at Grand Prix this year and is planning on

June/July 2013

Cal Dorado performing (left) and with Hilda Gurney after winning his National Championship in Prix St. Georges (below).

another trip to SHN in 2014.

Of Flash’s offspring Hilda says, “Aleros a really a fabulous mover. And we now have grandkids from Flash that are super movers and really talented in piaffe and passage.”

His daughter, CD Gold Fever+++/ is a 2 time Reserve National Champion in Halter with Regional wins in Show Hack.

Rhythmandbluesscr+// is a multi National Top Ten winner in Dressage. MC Stars Nstripes+/ is a Reserve National Champion in Show Hack and multi-Top Ten winner in Carriage Driving and Sport Horse Show

continued on next page

73

74

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine CAL DORADO continued from page 73 Hack. CB Endeavor+ is a Canadian National & Reserve National Champion in Hunter Pleasure. April Moonsong+ is a Reserve National Champion in Sidesaddle.

And one last foal is due this month, conceived from some frozen semen harvested from a testicle that was herniated and subsequently removed. The dam is a large Hanoverian mare who has produced one foal by Aleros already.

On April 18 at the age of 34, Flash tore the wall of his rectum while trying to pass a hard fecal ball. There was nothing the vets could do, so he was laid to rest.

For an unwanted baby, he has certainly left an incredible legacy.

Cal Dorado performing (left and above) and with h

June/July 2013

Half-Arabian daughter Fancy Trick with Hilda Gurney performing a dressage demonstration at Sport Horse Nationals

his son, Go For The Gold (below).

Purebred son Aleros+/, a breeding stallion competing at Grand Prix in open dressage shows.

75

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

Photo by Tamara Torti

76

by Karen Ernst

Aurora MR+// The Comeback Queen

T

so off we went. After the first day of the Championships, Jennifer and Aurora were ahead of the rest of their class by a solid 5% and just had one more ride to go to be named Champion.

On day two, during the warm up for

here are some horses that are super-

sage movements and had fun jumping the

their last ride, while cantering on a 20 me-

stars because they have a superstar

jumps that were set up in the arena. When

ter circle Aurora stepped on a large rock

as a rider and there are some horses

it came time to start showing, the trainer’s

that had been thrown into the arena and

that are just born to be a superstar regard-

schedule did not blend well with our Ara-

tore her right hind suspensory ligament

less of their rider. Aurora MR (JRPadrov x El

bian Show schedule, so she sent one of

right below the hock. It was so bad we had

Disar Eve) is the second kind of horse. Now

her 12-year-old students, Jennifer, to ride

to bring the trailer to the arena to take her

don’t get me wrong, all of her riders have

Aurora. Here we were at a show with a kid

home.

been great, but it is not often that a horse

that we really did not know, riding a horse

During the vet examination it was de-

is a superstar with every rider they are

that had less than 6 months of formal train-

termined that she had a large hole in her

paired with. Aurora is just that, and I think

ing and with no trainer to school them!

suspensory and the vet felt she would be

after reading her story you will agree.

Jennifer and Aurora were stars at this

only be broodmare sound for the rest of

Aurora was started under saddle in the

first show, so we continued attending Ara-

her life. Well I was not willing to accept

fall of her 5th year. Right away the trainer’s

bian and Open Shows with Jennifer as her

this, so I took her home and put her in a

12-year-old daughter was riding her and

rider. The pair qualified for the 2004 CDS

paddock for 6 months, after which we

fell in love. Together they practiced dres-

Jr. Championship show in Training level,

took her back to the hospital and had her

June/July 2013 leg scanned. Much to their surprise, they

show year as Sport Horse Reserve National

ing Aurora and the pair started compet-

could not even find the scarred tissue from

Champion at 3rd Level and Top Ten at 4th

ing at Prix St. Georges in open shows and

the tear and gave us the go ahead to start

level.

doing very well. In July of that year, they

conditioning her to return to work.

In 2009, Jennette became pregnant

added Intermediaire1 to the schedule and

In the spring of 2005, Jenny Breen

and was unable to ride, so she enlisted

again were holding their own at the open

agreed to ride and show Aurora for us at

one of her young students, Samantha, to

shows.

Open and Arabian shows (still schedule is-

ride Aurora. This new pair started show-

At the 2010 Sport Horse National

sues with trainer) and so a new team was

ing at 3rd level in June of 2009 and right

Show, Aurora and Jenette earned a Top

born. Together they won not only at Ara-

away were stars. In their first two shows

Ten in PSG dressage and was just out of

bian Shows but also almost every Open

together they qualified for the 2009 CDS

the ribbons for Int.1, but knowing this was

Show class they entered. We traveled to

Jr Championship show at 3rd level.

In

a new level for them, we were not discour-

Canada for the 2005 Canadian National

August of 2009 they attended the CDS Jr.

aged by her placing. Aurora did end the

Show that year and they earned Aurora’s

Championship show and were named CDS

year as USDF All Breed Reserve Champion

first National Top Ten Award - at Training

Jr. Championship Reserve Champion 3rd

PSG level and Champion Int.1 level.

Level. They ended the show year winning

Level.

USDF Young Rider Training Level Award and several AHA awards.

In 2011, Jennette added Int. 2 to Au-

Things were going so well with this

rora’s schedule and we started attending

new pair that we decided to add 4th level

open shows, where she again held her own.

In 2006, Jenny became Aurora’s own-

to their schedule. Aurora was already qual-

All was going well when she came down

er and the team returned to the show ring

ified for Nationals in Open, so they just

with a rear leg lameness. After examina-

at First and Second Level, again winning in

needed to qualify at the amateur level,

tion it was felt that she had a bad case of

Open and Arabian competitions. They were

which they did at their first show.

thrush and medical action was taken.

named USEF Dressage Horse of the Year,

Samantha and Aurora showed at the

Aurora was taken out of work, hand

and added 4 more National Top Tens (First

Region 3 Sport Horse Championship show

walked and in a couple of weeks all was

and Second Level) and a Reserve National

in 3rd and 4th level Open and Amateur

well, so back to work she went. We started

Championship at First level to Aurora’s list

and were named 3rd and 4th Level Cham-

noticing that her angle seemed wrong on

of awards.

pions in Amateur and Reserve Champion

her left front foot and asked about it - the

In 2007, this team continued with their

3rd Level Open with a Top Five in 4th Level

farrier insisted that everything was fine

success at Second level winning two Re-

Open. They ended the show year as USDF

and not to worry.

gional Championships and two Top Fives.

All Breed Champions in 3rd & 4th Levels.

About 2 months after we first noticed

Meanwhile, back at home, I lost Aurora’s

Not bad considering that this pair was only

the angle change on Aurora’s left front

little sister to a pasture accident and I

together for 3 months!

foot, she was lame. We were told that it

asked Jenny if she would sell Aurora back to me. Aurora’s mother was a very special horse to me and I really wanted to have one of her daughters. Jenny agreed to sell Aurora back to me, but would no longer be her rider.

We then went to Jennette Scanlon of Scanlon Training and asked her to evaluate Aurora for further advancement in Dressage. We were happy to learn that Jennette felt she was in fact talented enough to become an FEI Dressage horse, so a new team was born.

In 2008, Jennette and Aurora attended the Scottsdale Arabian Show and were stars just like Aurora had been with all her other riders. They ended the show with Aurora winning 4th Level High Score Champion.

Aurora and Jenette ended the 2008

In 2010, Jennette was back to rid-

continued on next page

77

78

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine AURORA continued from page 77 was just stiffness from her trailer ride to the show and that she would work out of it.

When she did not get better, an appointment was made with the vet. Upon his examination, it was found that her left front angle was off so badly that as a result she had strained or possibly torn her collateral ligaments within her hoof and she was set up on a hand walking schedule and stall rest for 3 months.

At the end of 3 months, Aurora was taken back to the vet and was found to still be at a grade “3” lameness and at that time the vet said she was probably not going to return to full soundness. He felt that she may become sound enough for a junior to ride her at Training Level, but would not perform at the FEI level again.

Again I was not ready to accept this future for Aurora, so I brought her home and returned her to the same paddock she stayed in when she tore her suspensory 7 years earlier.

Aurora was not happy not working but she adjusted to a life of rest for the most part and enjoyed hanging out watching the other horses play in their pastures. I kept Aurora home for 13 months this time and let nature take it’s course in healing her.

In October of 2012, we took Aurora to Danielle Casalett of Casabrook Training to

start conditioning her for a return to work

BRUSALLY continued from page 53

if she was sound. Aurora has been sound

*Salinaa), ridden by Popiel’s wife, Dan-

since her first day with Danielle and was

ielle Leader, was a winning eventer, and

so happy to start back to work. I believe

Litawor (out of *Lawenda) was a cross-

that Aurora is happier with Danielle than

country and fox-hunting horse in England.

she has been with any other rider and in a

No doubt Tweed would be gratified

short period of them they have become a

to learn that descendants of his breeding

beautiful pair.

program continue to win at the highest

Danielle has taken Aurora’s return to

levels of Arabian competition. In 2008, a

work very seriously and all proper precau-

racing colt named Abu Alemarat, who de-

tions are taken for Aurora’s safety. They

scends from *Orzel++, *Zbrucz, and Skor-

spend 4 days per week in the arena and

age, became a Triple Crown winner in the

then at least 1 or 2 days out at the lake

United Arab Emirates. The same year, Zbro-

where they enjoy a trail ride with one of

ja Fata (via *Orzel++ and *Chlosta) won Po-

Danielle’s students. Danielle also takes

land’s Criterium Stakes, and in the United

the time to take Aurora out to graze grass

States, MVA Scarlet Orzel+/ (via *Orzel++,

and they enjoy girly time together. Aurora

*Zbrucz, *Chlosta, and *Genua) won her

loves her girly time!

seventh National title in Reining. Also in

On March 17, 2013 five months after

2008, the brothers Armanni and Annapo-

returning to work, 18 months after being

lis++// were both named U.S. National Top

told she would not return to work at the

Ten Sport Horse Stallions. In 2009, Mukata

same level she was at before her injury,

Fata (via *Orzel++ and *Chlosta) won the

and 21 months after her injury, Aurora and

Polish Oaks. Riverwatch (via *Faraon++),

Danielle attended their first show. They

won the 2011 Tevis Cup, and in 2012, TM

showed at the PSG level and although

Super Bird (via *Orzel++ and *Chlosta) was

they did not win their class it was a ma-

named Darley Older Mare of the Year.

jor win for Aurora as she again proved the

As Tweed noted in 1975, “Our purpose

vet wrong and she performed every move-

here at Brusally is clearly defined: first, to

ment of the test without difficulty, even

prove that classic beauty, good size, correct

obtaining a qualifying score for SHNs and

conformation and athletic ability must be

the Region 3 SH Championship Show.

combined to create our idea of the perfect Arabian; and secondly, to make available in America a select pure Polish breeding group to be used by those who feel such a goal is worth accomplishing.”

Join Us On

Mobile Horse Supply

June/July 2013

79

MOBILE HORSE SUPPLY Unique/Creative •• York, SC www.mobilehorsesupply.com

Bob Haarmans

Your personal shopper for the dressage enthusiast, is happy to add the work of yet another local artisan, Sue Kolstad, to our collection of unique gifts. Sue does beautifully hand painted in porcelain glassware in many styles that make great gifts and prizes. Her work has been used at several CDI’s as prizes, with great response. Personalized work is also available upon request. At MHS, we also create custom coats, browbands, matching ties and many other items that you will not find elsewhere. We also carry a full line of tack and clothing that have been tested and approved by local trainers. Please visit our website and soon-to-be online store.

Sue’s work will also be available for sale online. We also embroider several of her designs on clothing.

We also carry a full line of quality tack and supplies and specialize in the hard-to-find and special order items. If we don’t have it, we will do our best to find or make it!

Happy Riding! mobilehrs@aol.com

80

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

Biomechanics Working with the Mind of the Horse A Series by Lisa May Forty years ago Mary Wanless set out to

The importance of contemporary re-

fascinating evolution of horses’ involve-

discover what makes riders ‘talented’. Now

search on horse behavior and learning is

ment with people and debunks myths

with six books, multiple DVDs, and clinics

recognized in RWYM. Wanless calls these

about horse intelligence and learning. He

worldwide, her “Ride With Your Mind”TM

horse-starting and training methods the

writes, “Only by looking at the environ-

(RWYM) method of coaching explains how

“Ground Zero Toolkit.” Senior Coaches

ment and circumstances that an animal

the talented rider’s body shapes the horse’s

incorporate the work of innovative horse-

has adapted to through evolution, can

athletic use of his body. Her pioneering

men of the past like the Dorrance broth-

we begin to understand the fundamental

work has seeped into that

reasons it does what it

of many others who refer to

does.” A detailed pic-

“rider biomechanics”. Wan-

ture of horses’ highly

less’ strategies can be un-

evolved

derstood most clearly from

critical to understand-

the source.

ing how to work with

RWYM begins by clari-

them.

behavior

That

is

picture

fying where the rider’s

emerges as Budiansky

body is in space, noticing

reviews horse behav-

the impact on the horse

ioral science including

and taking the next most

McLean’s research.

accessible step to improve

Here

are

a

few

skills. Wanless’ strategies

things

of mental awareness and

shows.

body control are her “First

skilled at associating:

Toolkit.” These are the hu-

they have the abil-

man skills that underpin

ity to anticipate based

good riding. Different from

on barely perceptible

other instruction methods,

cues. As they evolved,

this is a coaching strategy

those that were sen-

that recognizes different

the

research

Horses

are

sitive to smaller and

people’s learning styles. In daily life we

ers, as well as contemporaries like horse-

smaller clues from the environment suc-

rarely experience communication styles

man & Aikido master Mark Rashid, and

ceeded in mastering their environment.

that coach rather than direct. From the

Australian equine behaviorists Manuela

Horses are also skilled at habituation. They

unique starting point of each rider’s body

and Dr.Andrew McLean. These horsemen

become desensitized to repeated events

and mind, RWYM coaching methods make

insightfully describe how to communicate

that may arouse their fear, but aren’t actu-

it possible for us to map the territory we

with the horse’s mind. The “Ground Zero

ally a danger. As a prey animal the horse

ourselves have to cross to arrive at good

Toolkit” encompasses tools that help hors-

evolved to conserve energy unless needed

riding. The method guides people to dis-

es and humans communicate.

for flight. Those able to conserve energy

cover how to learn independently in collaboration with the horse.

In his wonderful book, The Nature of

by distinguishing actual threats from other

Horses, Stephen Budiansky recounts the

stimuli thrived. Those that unnecessarily

June/July 2013 expended energy were less robust - less

is unclear they become confused. Some

into account a particular horse’s past his-

evolutionarily successful.

spend more time trying to figure out what

tory, maturity, intelligence, confidence,

Association in combination with ha-

is being asked than attempting a response.

dominance, physical abilities and toler-

bituation makes horses highly teachable.

Others nervously run so fast through their

ance for physical and mental strain may

Our ability to perceive and control very

whole repertoire of trained responses that

be more humane and ultimately more suc-

specific stimuli is more limited than that of

people say the horse is being evasive.

cessful.

the horse. We are less focused. Our minds

When fear accompanies a learning experi-

tend to wander or attempt to multi-task.

ence, equines hesitate, shutdown or dem-

RESOURCES

While we work with a horse our attention

onstrate what McLean calls “Conflict Be-

Budiansky, The Nature of Horses: Exploring

is often diverted to internal thoughts or

haviors”. We often call conflict behaviors

Equine Evolution, Intelligence, & Behavior

external observations. While our minds

“evasions, disobedience or disrespect”.

Dorrances, True Unity; True Horsemanship

are busy we miss the questions horses

Some horse’s flight or conflict behaviors

Through Feel

pose: May I walk a bit faster while being

are subtle: loss of attention, dullness to

May, “Crossing the Species Divide” Idyl-

led? Can I take a bite of grass? The horse

aids, “zoning out”. They may express their

wildFarm.com, Articles Section

experiences our lack of response to the

confusion with tension, shying, difficulty

McLean, The Truth About Horses; Equitation

question as permission. After the horse

with steering or speed. Others panic,

Science, “Articles” at www.aebc.au.com

has interpreted our inaction by walking

showing that they are overloaded or short-

Rashid, Horses Never Lie; Horsemanship

ahead of us or stopping to graze we notice

circuiting through dramatic flight respons-

Through Life; Whole Heart Whole Horse

the change, often labeling it disrespect or

es like bucking, bolting or rearing.

All organisms need a predictable world.

As athletes on horseback we can use our

When we correct the mistake after the

The less predictable, the more stress they

own anatomy to communicate to the horse

fact, we create confusion for horses: We

show. By unintentionally making the envi-

a streamlined framework for movement.

unintentionally agreed to the speed or the

ronment unpredictable, our human incon-

Find out more about these strategies for us-

intent to graze when we missed the subtle

sistency can trigger horses’ flight instincts.

ing the brain to communicate with horses

questions? Horses struggle to figure out

Innovative horsemen and behavioral scien-

through behavioral science and biome-

what part of the subsequent action we did

tists have found that rewarding the horse’s

chanics! There’s a wealth of information at

not want since we did accept the faster

approximation of correct responses and

www.Mary-Wanless.com including coaches

walk and the thought to graze. Riding ex-

ignoring - rather than punishing - a mis-

worldwide - with five in the USA at www.

amples:

take more effectively reaches the equine

RideWithYourMindUSA.com.

1) The continuous pressure of strong

brain. As Mark Rashid says, “Reward the

Working with Wanless since 1997, Lisa

hands or the nagging pressure of hands

try”, and, “Focus on what you do want. Not

May is the first US accredited RWYM coach

that don’t distinguish clearly between a

on what you don’t want. Whatever you fo-

& a horsemanship student of Mark Rashid

desired or an undesired response lead to

cus on you’ll get more of. Focus on what

since 2000. Also a Professional Association

habituation.

you want.” Human action makes sense to

of Therapeutic Horsemanship International

horses when it helps them.

instructor, she travels for clinics from her

disobedience.

2) Lower legs that continuously cling, kick, or don’t release when the horse

All energy expended on behavior is

makes small changes lead to habituation.

communication. By understanding what he

Becoming habituated is becoming desen-

is communicating we begin to work with

sitized.

the horse rather than against him. Strate-

Humans tend to perceive a desensi-

gies for working with rather than against

tized horse as resistant, hard mouthed or

horses’ natural behaviors can be found in

evasive. Yet, it is our own hand contact or

Mark Rashid’s many books. In a very enter-

leg use that has trained / habituated the

taining style, he helps us understand our

horse in a way that we don’t want. When

world through the mind of the horse, “If we

we get a response we don’t want, we typi-

are only students of technique our knowl-

cally use an even stronger aid or punish

edge has limits - If we are students of the

the horse, which furthers the vicious cy-

horse learning is unlimited”.

The research indicates that while train-

cle.

Reward and punishment both rein-

ing methods that claim effectiveness with

force behavior. When horses get punished

all horses may eventually work with most

for a mistake or when the correct choice

horses, individualized training that takes

home in Maryland www.IdylwildFarm.com.

81

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

Wilson Hui Photo

82

The Hunter & Jumper

W

herever there is a horse and a man, there will be a competition to suit the needs of their

immediate surroundings. Ours is a history of wars, a history of two sides competing against each other for supremacy. It is the nature of man to challenge the power above him, attack and conquer. It is because of our nature that we have created competitions and we have created breeds words “The Dressed” horse. Alongside

dressage can be applied to hunters and

Where does it all begin? In my last arti-

Xenophon’s classical balanced seat, from

jumpers, I have been exposed to the po-

cle I introduced Xenophon, a Greek Warrior

which the rider can gather his horse, he

litical diversities and attitudes which com-

from 400BC who is credited with leaving

does not neglect useful advice concern-

pose a bigger discretion than the tech-

us with the first written word of training

ing the importance of letting the horse

niques of applying common sense training

the horse. Not only did he write a series of

and rider stretch into a more horizontal

(e.g. dressage) to train the horse to jump.

manuals which are the foundation of dres-

balance when galloping across country.

There is a long steadfast attitude between

sage training, but his works also include

Jumping ditches and riding up and down

the two forces and I have enjoyed not only

the basis for the hunter, jumper, and all

hills is also explained with reference to

learning the history but also watching the

horse sports which include flat out racing

the varied head carriage as the horse bal-

‘wall crumble” before my eyes in this gen-

and galloping with no collection or balanc-

anced himself.

eration, and I feel like I have been a small

of horses to fit these needs.

ing of the horse on to his hocks, or in other

In my great quest to understand how

part of its demise.

June/July 2013 Anyone who has been exposed to both

class in England and the private ownership

With the Thoroughbred came a com-

worlds can’t help but notice the sarcasm

of land resulting in the erection of fences,

plete change of riding style, former prin-

and long engrained attitudes of both dres-

walls, hedges and ditches led to excellent

ciples of balance, collection and control

sage riders and hunter/jumpers towards

hunting obstacles. Prior to this period, the

were happily abandoned by the majority,

each other. Hunters mock dressage rid-

only jumps known had been the leaps and

and seen as counterproductive to goals of

ers and refer to them as DQ’s (Dressage

airs of the High School. It was with the ev-

speed and freedom. Now all that mattered

Queens) while looking down upon

was the propagation of an aestheti-

them as fearful cowards who hide

cally beautiful horse with fine limbs,

behind the enclosed walls of the

a delicate head, sensitive and excit-

arena to stay safe on the ground.

ing to ride at great speed with stam-

Correspondingly, the dressage rid-

ina. English nobility and commoner

ers look upon the hunters and jump-

alike were able to enjoy their own hot

ers from snooty eyes mimicking ar-

blood, priding themselves on a lack

istocracy which is the origin of their

of formal riding style, with their own

passion and devotion, and the base

daring and the natural ability of their

for the throne upon which they see

excellent horses, they were able to

themselves sitting.

chase at breakneck speed over every

None of this is new, the split be-

manner of obstacle in the country.

tween the two goes back as far as

It was England that led the way

history holds records. The Mongolian

by abandoning Academic study which

warriors travelled in a flat easy can-

was based on principles of balance,

ter on the forehand in the manner of later day hunters, the nomadic tribes gripped with their knees and leaned forward with their bodies, which

Federico Caprilli (top) revolutionized the world’s jumping style. The study of photographs of a horse in action (by Muybridge, below) offered proof of the benefits of his methods.

collection and control for the sake of speed and freedom. Although the British led the way because of hunting, it was the advent of show jumping

was the logical start of the forward

at the turn of the twentieth century

seat. From Mongolia and Greece, the

that gave rise to the development of

Medieval Period engulfs nearly a

the sport which not only abandoned

thousand years until we arrive in the

classical dressage, but was the cause

nineteenth century to find the cur-

for the separation and disparagement

rent situation of today’s two raging

between the two worlds.

worlds of competitions as a continu-

Frederico Caprilli, an Italian cav-

ation from 400 B.C.

alry officer, (born 1886) studied the

War tactics changed with the

mechanics of the horse over jumps

Renaissance Period and the need for

and thanks to the invention of the

a smaller swifter more agile horse

camera, was the innovator of the

necessitated the re birth of the Ibe-

forward seat, a radical change which

rian horse and the development

revolutionized the world of jumping.

of the Thoroughbred. As cavalry

Caprilli was diametrically opposed to

schools sprung up across Europe,

dressage, proclaiming one excludes

they continued training and improv-

and destroys the other. His methods

ing the breeding of horses. And as

were happily adopted throughout the

is always the case, exhibitions and

jumping world, requiring no literary

competitions became a popular way

study or social standing, traditional

to entertain the royalty along with

background or special premises.

the public during non war time as a

olution of the English Thoroughbred pro-

Two influential men brought the

way to demonstrate the best trainers and

duced from the three foundation Arabian

Caprilli system to America. They were

armies in the time.

sires; The Darley Arabian, Godolphin Barb

Col Harry D. Chamberlin and Vladimir Lit-

Historical events facilitate change,

and Byerley Turk that the racing and hunt-

tauer. Chamberlin received a portion of his

jumping horses is only around 200 years

ing world would completely revolutionize

background at Saumur, but abandoned all

old in the history of man’s partnership with

the world of riding across Europe and into

the horse. The development of the middle

America.

continued on next page

83

84

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine DRESSAGE continued from page 83

skills required of the former.

never got a wrong feel, but I still had to

forms of collection in favor of the Italian

I consider myself very lucky to have

method after having studied in Italy. His

trained with a Ukrainian Cavalry Officer,

When he moved to the United States

reasons being, the forward seat method

Mykola (Nick) Pawlenko, who immigrated

after the war, he ended up in the Chi-

was easier to teach to the great numbers

to the United States in 1950 after the Sec-

cago area where he was first involved in

pay my dues!”

of cavalry officers and the meth-

the jumper world, when his

ods of high school dressage

children became interested

weren’t necessary.

in dressage; he converted

Chamberlin was a brilliant

his best moving jumpers to

jumper and won a silver medal

dressage and was instrumen-

in Show jumping at the Los

tal in starting dressage in the

Angeles Olympics in 1932. He

Chicago area. All his jumpers

went on to become the most

had a dressage foundation

sought after teacher at Fort Ri-

which is why they were so

ley Calvary School and was very

easily converted.

influential in the propagation

I trained with Mykola

of the forward seat and dispar-

for nearly a decade, he was

agement of collection and any

a master horseman for not

high school movements which

only dressage and jumping,

require the horse to engage and

but work in hand, lunging,

bring the hocks under. He en-

long lining and driving. My

couraged the development of

insatiable thirst for knowl-

the low sweeping stride close to the ground, the standard for today’s mod-

Col. Harry D. Chamberlin

edge was the spark for our student-master relationship. I never tired

ern hunter, discouraging any flexing of the

ond World War. He was trained in the tra-

of watching him supple his jumpers and

hocks, bending the knee or lowering of

ditional military way and fought in World

use gymnastic training techniques to

the croup which would be the result of a

War II on horseback. His father, Ivan, was

strengthen and teach his horse agility and

horse having been trained with dressage

a pupil of James Fillis, one of the most

balance in jumping. He also taught me how

methods. Chamberlin’s intent was to

to free jump horses to retrain them

separate the two disciplines and to

from bad habits or form over jumps.

insist that the techniques of one were

He was highly educated in the his-

not applicable for the other.

tory and theory of training horses and

Vladimir Littauer, a Russian cavalry

the methods of all the great masters,

officer and refugee, is highly credited

retaining many of his methods from

with the innovation of the Caprilli sys-

the German system. He understood

tem in the United States. He helped es-

how to apply dressage methods to

tablish a riding school in New York City,

each horse according to the conforma-

Boots and Saddles, where forward rid-

tion and character of the individual ani-

ing took its hold and prospered across

mal. Upon settling in the United States,

the East Coast.

he fell in love with the thoroughbred

Littauer is recognized today as one

horse although he was one of the first

of the most influential teachers, lec-

people to import warmbloods in the

turers and equestrian authors in the

1960’s. I spent years totally engulfed

country, his influence extending through

Vladimir Littauer

in learning the art of training horses with

many competitive riders and Olympic

influential dressage trainers of the cen-

a foundation of dressage methods, since

gold Medalists. Littauer’s background, like

tury from St Petersburg Cavalry School; he

then I have continued using my education

Chamberlin’s, included a formal education

graduated from Pinerola Italy and Saumur

to apply it to all the horses and varied dis-

in high school dressage, which he aban-

France cavalry Schools as well. Mykola’s

ciplines I have participated in.

doned for the forward system designed

first love was jumping even though he had

When the hunter/jumper world first

to make riding easy and natural, yet he

been brought up on the best trained dres-

starting recognizing the value of dressage

retained a respect and admiration for the

sage horses available, he would tell me “I

training, they couldn’t bring themselves to

June/July 2013 use the term “dressage” so the word “flat”

gradually changed in the U.S. and today

became a standardized vocabulary word.

you see mostly warmblood horses with

I spent many hour “ flatting” hunters and

solid dressage training sweeping the hunt-

jumpers early in my career. I took a job

er and jumper championships across the

in a sale barn with the intent to learn the

country. As I said earlier in this article, I

hunter world, and to my surprise, all the

feel I had a small part of the “wall” crum-

horses I regularly schooled were the ones

bling. I doubt there will ever be a complete

that sold. The hunter trainer noticed the

unity between the two arenas, but they

pattern and a year after I had moved on,

are blending together today due to the

contacted me to thank me for showing him

understanding of balance and apprecia-

the value of flat work, which he incorpo-

tion in the eye of the beholder for a well

rated into his training regime.

trained, obedient, and adjustable horse

Although hunters are allowed to com-

that follows the arc of the line of travel

pete on the forehand, I discovered that

and can be ridden with ease and grace.

by combining the methods of dressage

Today, dressage methods have infiltrated

to strengthen the loins through collec-

the hunter and jumper arenas and even

tion, the horse could perform with more

though the long held attitudes between

strength and agility when returning to the

the two forces remains intact due to hu-

forehand. It was in the 90’s that I started

man nature, the horse tells the truth as the

importing warmbloods from Europe and

performances are being awarded by the

I soon discovered there was a market for

best trained horses with suppleness and

a horse which had a dressage foundation

agility, a testimony to the training.

that could also jump. All horses in Europe

To sum it up; Dressage for hunters and

are started in jumping before specializing,

jumpers when stated in simple terms is

and since there are no hunters in Europe,

“training” relative to the need.

I brought over many talented dressage

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About Sue Sue Kolstad is an S rated Dressage Judge, a recipient of all three USDF medals, Bronze, Silver and Gold. She has been active in Dressage for over 30 years. Her resume includes a teaching degree in education, Riding Instructor Certification from UW River Falls Wi., Vi Hopkins Symposium for Riding Instructors, participation in all educational potions of the USDF Instructor Certification program.

Sue has trained and competed many horses through FEI levels including three at Grand Prix. Her background includes training extensively with a European Master for several years as well as continuing to train and clinic as often as possible with top clinicians and respected professionals both in the US and abroad. She is an avid reader and student of the history of dressage.

Her love for the horse has led her in many directions and she has enjoyed horses

in multiple disciplines into which she has incorporated her background of dressage.

Sue has evented through prelim, competed in combined driving, hunters, jumpers, endurance races, as well as showing sport horses, including stallion presentations.

She has imported many horses from Europe which have gone on to produce champions in the US. Many of her students have won medals and championships through all the levels up to GP. Sue is devoted to education and the classical development of the sport of Dressage, which consumes her life. Not many people can say, “I love what I do and I do what I love!”

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85

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The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

Back to Basics Series

Show Ring Etiquette

by Ashley Wren

W

ith show season upon us

and the other person, for the safety of both

very excited and I had to wrestle to rein in

and in full swing, both

the horses and riders. The rule of thumb is

and to regain complete control. However,

schooling and show ring

to leave enough room that another horse

there have been many sad cases, through-

could fit in the space.

out the nation and in all disciplines, where

etiquette is very important. In order to keep us all safer. Over the last 10 years, as

The rider on the inside is responsible

the stallion’s rider couldn’t regain control

I have traveled the country showing, I have

for the space since the rider on the outside

of the stallion and in which the stallion

noticed a marked decline in basic safety

has the rail preventing them from moving

injured or killed the mare’s rider as he

and etiquette, especially in the school-

farther over. There will be times during

mounted the mare. These incidents, along

ing ring, which resulted in some unneces-

schooling that the basic left shoulder to

with others involving another rider “cut-

sary accidents. When showing, we want to

left shoulder rule is not ideal for what you

ting off” someone in the ring, have lead

show our horses to their full potential, but

are doing with your horse. In these cases

to senseless accidents which could have

we need to remember that we share the

you can yell out to the other person “In-

easily been avoided by following simple

schooling and show ring with others.

side!” for the inside track or “Outside!” for

riding etiquette.

When jumping in the schooling ring,

First and foremost is safety. Over the

the rail. Just remember to give enough

years, many unspoken rules of the ring

time so that the other rider can safely re-

remember to be aware of others.

spond to your request

same goes for those hacking while riders

have been passed down, and we all need

The

to remember and respect them for every-

When it comes to passing another

are jumping their horses. Do not cut or cir-

one’s well being. Remember that you do

horse/rider who is moving slower than

cle in front of a jump while a horse is ap-

not know the other horses in the ring; the

you and in the same direction, in either the

proaching it. This can cause a horrible col-

horse could be green and inexperienced,

schooling or show ring, be considerate!

lision. If you are approaching a jump it is a

nervous, an aggressive horse that kicks,

Pass with enough space between you and

good idea to “call your jump.” For example,

a stallion, etc., so following some simple

them, again leaving a space at least equal

if there is a vertical and an oxer present,

rules of etiquette I am going to discuss will

to another horse. Before moving back

then yell out the jump you intend to jump.

help keep everyone out of harm’s way.

over to the rail, glance over your shoulder

Yell “Vertical!” or “Oxer!” as you are about

When hacking a horse to warm it up

to make sure that there is enough room.

to turn to approach the said jump in order

along the rail in the schooling ring, there

About two horse lengths would be my sug-

to make the other riders aware where you

will be other horses and some will be

gestion.

are going.

traveling in the opposite direction. When

I cannot stress how important this is,

Another helpful tool in the ring or

a horse is coming towards you, remember

especially if you are riding a mare passing

anywhere on the show grounds, is yell-

that it is like driving a car. Pass left shoul-

a stallion. On multiple occasions I have had

ing “Heads up!” This is a very useful tool

der to left shoulder, so if you are traveling

a mare pass me while I was riding a stallion

in countless situations.

to the left you have the rail and the horse

and the rider moved over too soon, plac-

someone is about to cross in front of a

For example, if

traveling to the right is on the inside. Be

ing the mare’s hind end directly in front of

jump (either another rider or a grounds

sure to give plenty of space between you

the stallion’s nose. This made the stallion

person) then yell “Heads up!” to get their

Hope Carlin Photo

June/July 2013

attention to prevent a potentially bad

while in the schooling ring is something

The schooling and show ring rules

situation. “Heads up!” can be used when

we all are probably guilty of, but it is still

of etiquette, along with simple common

there is a loose horse, when someone is

very dangerous. Cell phones distract us

sense, are important in keeping everyone

not paying attention and about to cause a

from both our own horse and others in the

safe. Shows are meant to be fun and safe-

collision, etc. Please remember that if you

ring, and could keep us from responding

ty is a key to having a good, fun show for

hear it, to make yourself aware of the situ-

quickly in a bad situation. Another danger-

you and everyone else. If everyone were

ation and respond quickly.

ous practice is lunging in the school ring,

to follow these simple rules of etiquette, it

Another great tool, and one which al-

and it shouldn’t be done if there are riders

would allow you to more efficiently warm,

lows others to know information about

jumping. If there is no other area to safely

school, and show your horse.

your horse, is a colored ribbon in the tail.

lunge your horse and people are just hack-

This tradition is one that has been slowly

ing, be aware of your whip. Do not crack

fading, but it is one I strongly encourage

your whip as someone is riding near you

and which I hope to see become more com-

as it could easily spook the other horse

mon again. There are four different colors

and cause an accident.

Have a great and safe show season this year and for many years to come.

of ribbons used, each of which has its own specific meaning to convey to others at the show. Red is a very important color. It represents a horse that is more prone to aggressive actions towards other horses.

Most commonly it denotes one that is known to kick at other horses but, on rare occasions, it can also include a biter.

Another very important ribbon is a blue ribbon. This means the horse is a stallion, so if you are riding a mare, please be very aware of horses with a blue ribbon for reasons like the one I described earlier in the article. Green is a ribbon denoting a horse that is a young and inexperienced, easy to remember because the green color correlates to green horse. The last color that is used in ribbons is white, showing that the horse is for sale.

Using cell phones to either talk or text

About Ashley Ashley began riding at age 2 and showing on the national circuit at age 6 on the east coast. During her junior career she had the opportunity to work with some of the Southeast best hunter jumper trainers. During college Ashley competed in IHSA and also coached various teams, was Regional Cacchione reserve champion 3 times, multiple zone and national placings, and 2006 National Sportsman Rider of the Year.

Ashley became a professional in 2008, she owns and trains at Rimrock Equestrian Center a 160 acre 54 stall facility in Billings, MT. Since becoming a professional trainer, she is a certified equine appraiser, certified hunt seat and jumper trainer, a Montana Hunter Jumper Association board member, and USEF “L” judge. Ashley’s specialty is starting and training hunter jumpers, and

also likes working with difficult horses.

Ashley holds many state, zone, and national rankings throughout her amateur and professional career. She also has trained successfully junior and adult riders, and has had students accepted in the USHJA EAP program. Ashley is also a Voltaire Design rider, Kerrits ambassador, and has various other sponsors.

87

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The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

Lorenzini Titanium Bits High tech and your horse’s mouth

T

he name Titanium comes from Greek mythology, according to which the Titans were sons of the Sky and the Earth, forced to live hidden underground among flames.

Titanium was discovered in Great Britain in 1791 by William Gregor. The specific characteristics of this metal are: strength, lightness, resistance to pitting, biocompatibility, nonmagnetic and very low heat conduction.

Titanium is chemically extracted from ilmenite and rutilio, that are present in the earth crust. Titanium is the only metal among 11,000 alloys and nonalloys known thus far to be completely biocompatible with the human body.

Titanium is, by nature, covered by a layer of dioxide which destroys bacteria with great power, (not only staphylococcus, but also streptococcus, bacillus anthracis, legionella bacteria and so on) it’s effective against high polluting agents in the atmosphere (nitrogen dioxide, benzene, sulphur oxide, carbon monoxide, ozone and certain fine particles).

Furthermore, it is a very low heat conductor and therefore it always

keeps a pleasant temperature to the touch. Being nonmagnetic, it creates a high protection net against the earth’s magnetic fields responsible for much dysfunctional behaviour both in humans and, even more so, in animals.

Benefits It’s resistance to acid based elements in the horse’s mouth make for the bits extreme biocompatibility.

Coupled with it’s lightness (the steel version weighs double) a bit in titanium is a valid alternative to the many bits on the market.

As a number of tests have shown, once the bit is inserted inside the horses mouth, an abundant amount of saliva is produced with relaxation of the neck muscles while also reducing TMJ. Hand Tooled Every single piece of this unique collection from Lorenzini of Italy is produced with extreme care. Each component is made either by hand, such as the mouthpieces, threaded bars, melt welding, or by using high precision tools ( e.g. water-jet cutting system) as well.

All this, together with a long craft

of tradition makes every bit a unique masterpiece.

Selecting your bit Horses have different shaped mouths, which can include a high or low palate, thick tongue or lips. As a horse grazes it pushes the grass up into the palate with the tongue, then moves it to the back molars for the grinding action.

When we place a bit in the mouth we should understand that the tongue would like to be able to move the bit somewhat. A Loose ring style allows the mouthpiece to move up or down on the ring, and the tongue. A fixed mouthpiece may float or lightly rest on the tongue or may be positioned higher in the mouth thereby creating the nutcracker action which is very uncomfortable.

A horse will open his mouth to get away from the bit hitting the roof of his mouth. There are many shapes of mouthpieces, the single link, the lozenge three piece - which lays flatter and an anatomical shape to name a few. It’s important to pay attention to your horse and what he seems most happy with.

June/July 2013

The first step is to measure the mouth correctly for your new bit.

Measure the width of the mouth either with a bit you have or a bit measurer.

Secondly, examine the inside of your horses mouth. Does he have a fleshy tongue, thick lips and is his dental work up to date? Mouth peices come in varying thicknesses, 14mm, 16mm, 18mm, 21mm. Most horses are quite comfortable with the 18mm. If your horse doesn’t have much room in the mouth then a 16mm may suit him better.

Arabians and Arabian sporthorses tend to have a lower palate and some attribute this to the concave or dish face - the muzzle tapering towards the mouth. Arabs tend to be very sensitive and appreciate the lightness of the Lorenzini Titanium bit.

It lays softly on the tongue and bars. In our tests the Arabians seem most responsive to the taste and even

smell of the titanium. Some horses have an aversion to particular metals and may become fussy or even allergic to a bit for example; with nickle in the alloy.

The endurance riders have embraced Titanium for it’s low heat conduction. It remains the same temperature in the mouth and does not heat up during a long ride. The increased amounts of electrolytes given to the competition horses may be reacting with certain alloys in the mouth causing the corners to burn, which are grounds for elimination. Not so with Titanium.

There are many styles and sizes covering every discipline.

For more information about the award winning Lorenzini Bits feel free to contact Kitty Garrity, Smith-Garrity, Ltd. sales director at 1-800-800-4261 or www.Lorenzinibits.com

89

90

The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine IN HAND continued from page 59

psychological capabilities. Some would

still safety for both the handler and the

authority.

conclude that a yearling not be lunged for

horse, by implementing relaxation through

Not from a rude, or otherwise aggressive

more than 10 minutes. Reason being: he or

leadership and trust. Young horse’s are in

horse.

disobedience,

or

elder

she is unbalanced (create improper mus-

a constant state of changing balance, both

A trainer must also know when to step

cular development), could damage growth

physically and psychologically. It is up to

in at the right moment when handling the

plates, and/or joints are not developed cor-

you to be witness to the developing stages

horse. In order for the horse to understand

rectly. A two year old might have excellent

of your horse, and adapt a program that in-

what’s required during a training session,

balance, straight legs, and/or solid feet; but

fluences positive results.

a handler must act immediately and in a

could be mentally unprepared for a bridle.

Michael Brown has been handling

timely fashion. For example, when intro-

Its possible that a 16 hand three year old

young horses and stallions, and building

duced to the bridle or halter, it is best if

have a great temperament, but have issues

trust and confidence from the ground up

the horse does not pull away from the

working through building muscle from its

for many years. With well established

handler in avoidance of the bit or strap.

size and awkwardness. By understanding

ground work horses become easier and

This could turn into a very tough habit to

your horse, you can develop a program

safer to handle, and are able to be shown

break, both now and in the future, with ac-

that will enhance his or hers strengths, by

to their full potential. Michael is currently

ceptance of the bridle/halter and/or bit.

avoiding his or her weaknesses.

working towards his DSHB “r” Judges Li-

Think slow and methodical, rather than quick and abrupt.

Discover your horse’s physical and

GOALS cont’d from page 63

A horse’s purpose in life is to seek

cense through USEF.

safety and to feel comfortable in its surroundings. As a trainer, your goal is to in-

of and dedication to the Arabian breed in

by knowledge and experience-- and mak-

your long term program. I had to make a

the early to mid-twentieth century helped

ing choices focused on achieving those

very hard decision some years ago. I had

to fuel worldwide interest in the breed.

goals –with necessary corrections along

the national champion stallion, Count Bazy

(She can certainly be credited with a “full

the way-- riders, trainers, and breeders of

++, … and I had his three-quarters brother,

quiver”!)

Arabian, Anglo-Arabian, and part-Arabian

AM Count Rafla, who never won a halter

In The Authentic Arabian Horse she ob-

sport horses can help reveal the wonder-

class in his life. But he was a tremendous

serves, “Arabians are pre-eminently riding

ful qualities of the Arabian to the wider

athlete. … I sold the national champion

horses and they have all the attributes that

sport horse world.

and kept AM Count Rafla. That was not a

make riding a delightful thing. An Arabian is

mistake, but one of the times when I was

more than a mere horse: he soon becomes

right. AM Count Rafla was a better breed-

as great a friend and companion as a dog,

ing horse. He was an ingredient not an end

and his beautiful action and kind temper

product. Count Bazy was not very success-

and his great intelligence make him a valu-

ful in the stud --he was an end product.”

able asset to the stable.” [pg 269] and “The

[pg 129] Mrs. T. understood that planning,

Arabian will, we hope, always remain the

testing, making adjustments from lessons

great regenerator of every breed under

learned, and aiming for improvement in

the sun, to be called in when others fail,

each generation was essential to devel-

to improve all qualities in all breeds, ex-

oping a solid breeding program. A wealth

cept speed in the Thoroughbred.” [pg 267]

of insights and lessons –“arrows for your

To what degree these assertions remain

quiver” can be found in And Ride Away

true must be tested and proven, but that

Singing: the Breeding Philosophy of Bazy

should not deter individuals who are truly

Tankersley and the History of Al-Marah Ara-

committed to exploring and cultivating

bians by Mary Jane Parkinson as well as in

the potential of the Arabian in the sport

A Field of Arabians.

horse realm.

The Arabian was once renowned both

This is an exciting time for the Arabian

as an exemplary riding horse and as an im-

sport horse community.

prover of other breeds. Many of us in the

exist to strengthen and expand interest

Arabian sport horse community believe

in and involvement with the Arabian as a

that many Arabians still possesses these

sport horse and in sport horse breeding.

qualities. Lady Wentworth’s lifelong study

By setting ambitious goals --tempered

Opportunities

About Dawn Dawn has been interested in the sport disciplines since the late 1980’s. She rode on the IHSA team in hunter equitation on the flat in college, has dabbled in low level eventing, and then fell in love with riding according to classical dressage principals.

In 1998, Dawn sold her talented young Warmblood and bought her first Arabian after discovering the athleticism and delightful temperaments of the Arabian horse.

After studying the history of the Arabian in the sport horse world, Dawn started Faerie Court Farm on 40 acres in Addison County Vermont where she is breeding and raising Arabian sport horses from CMK bloodlines with the help of her husband, Thom, who is perhaps the best horse husband in the world.

June/July 2013 REGGIE continued from page 61

another laser treatment on his eye since

of Illinois Veterinary Team, especially Dr.

home.

the fall of 2011, however, we continue to

Ralph Hamor and Dr. Amber Labelle, and

monitor the growth and return to the Uni-

Dr. Thomas Monfort.

This episode was the first time since Reggie’s hock injury that I had not consist-

versity of Illinois for checkups.

ently ridden him. Not only was I worried

When Dr. Labelle at the University of

about his eye and what the future held for

Illinois first met Reggie, it inspired her to

that issue, but also how he would move

start a research project on equine melano-

once he was able to be ridden again. I

ma. She has several horses participating

was pleasantly surprised by how great he

in the study and presented her findings at

moved from the start - it felt as though we

an international veterinary conference in

had not lost those couple of months under

Scotland in June of 2012.

MELANOMA continued from page 61 As a direct result of meeting Katie and Reggie, I began a study of intraocular melanomas in horses. I initially contacted members of the International Equine Ophthalmology Consortium (www.horseeyes. com) about cases of intraocular melanoma that these member veterinarians have seen in their careers. This study has spanned the Atlantic Ocean and now includes over 50 horses from 5 different countries. I collected information about the horses’ breed, age and sex in addition to information about the appearance of their intraocular melanoma and any skin melanomas. If the eye had been surgically removed as a result of the

Warmowski Photography

melanoma, we also looked at the removed eye tissue to analyze the pattern and features of the melanoma. At this time we are still collecting cases, but our preliminary results have been very interesting.

The average age of horses affected with melanoma in this study was 12 years, and 25% of the horses were Arabians. A whopsaddle.

I will continue to never give up on my

ping 85% were grey, although cremello,

In the 2012 show season, we won the

Regalo, or “gift”. Reggie has blessed my

chestnut and bay coat colors were also ob-

Region XI Training Level ATR class and re-

life in more ways than I ever could have

served. Not all horses had a complete physi-

ceived Top Five in Training Level AAOTR.

imagined.

He taught me how uncondi-

cal examination by the ophthalmologist at

We received our highest score to date of

tional love can be. He taught me perse-

the time they were diagnosed with intraocu-

76.07% all helping Reggie earn his Legion

verance.

He taught me to never give up

lar melanoma, but of the horses for whom

of Excellence. For the first time in Reggie’s

on my dreams. He taught me to never give

physical examinations were recorded, 67%

career, we placed first in the USDF All-

up on those I love. He reminded me that

had evidence of skin melanoma.

Breeds Year-End Awards for both purebred

miracles do happen.

We are still collecting and analyzing

Training Level Open and Training Level

Every day, I am thankful for Reggie be-

information and thus no final conclusions

Adult Amateur. We also ranked eighth in

ing in my life. I am reminded of that as Reg-

have been made, but we are looking forward

the USDF Adult Amateur Year-End Award

gie just had his fifteenth birthday. I never

to sharing this information with the veteri-

for Training Level! My little gray Arab, who

take any moment with him for granted. I

nary community in 2013. My hope is that

had overcome so much, who I was told

know we will face many more challenges

this information will spur further studies

would never be more than a children’s’

in the future, but that is ok. We will get

about the causes of intraocular melanoma

pony, was ranked nationally with the big

through them together and I will always

and the development of effective treatments.

boys!

fight for him.

Katie and Reggie have been the source of

Reggie has not had maintenance injections in his hock since January 2010.

**Special thanks to all of those who love

I have him on a joint supplement, he has

and care for Reggie including Dr. John

corrective shoeing and every day, he con-

O’Keefe and Dr. Rachel Boyce of Heartland

tinues to move better. Reggie has not had

Equine Health Center, LLC, the University

inspiration for this research, and I hope to honor their bond by bringing new information about intraocular melanoma to light.

91

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The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine

On The Market PHOTO CLASSIFIED ADS - $10 per ad per issue Austins Black Arabians presents Octavius, a beautiful designer future sport horse. A stunning grey Anglo Arabian, he should mature 16+hhs. His mother has awesome movement an a nature Dressage and Hunter. Octavius is reasonably priced at $10,000. For more information or to see our Black Straight Egyptian Arabian, and more Designer Sport horses call 913-5796276 or 913-579-3772 or view our web sites at www.austinsblackarabians.net or www.foreverarabianfarms.webs.com

Sheikspere In Love (Perry) 2007 bay 15.0h arabian stallion. Sired by Regal Actor out of an Eternety mare. Old Crabbet and Abu Farwa lines. Super disposition, very sweet and willing. Under saddle 30 days with FEI rider and doing very well. Recently Region 7 sporthorse stallion champion in-hand at his first show! MUST sell. Asking 5k but open to terms. 480-330-0380

I Roses Bloom - Fillies like this are few and far between. Roses Bloom is by the incomparable Hanoverian stallion *Rosenthal and out of a Pure Polish, GOV Main Mare book approved Arabian mare. At her inspection, GOV inspectors described this filly’s type as “exceptional” and “her legs and feet are perfect, just what we are looking for.” This dual registered GOV/HAHR filly has unlimited potential in the dressage, eventing or hunter ring for both the arabian and open venue . A gorgeous filly, with an exquisite, expressive face, Roses will also make a tremendous companion with her loving and trainable disposition. This truly is a once in a lifetime filly from a tremendous pedigree. $9500 Contact: morgan.millner@gmail phone: 214 770 5711 Motivation I - Athletic, beautiful, tall colt with unlimited performance potential. Motivation I is a son of the Reserve National Champion Jumper AO Breeze out of a excellent 15.3hh daughter of *Doran SBFAR (sire of Oration) who is out of *Mufka PASB, one of the leading racing dams of the Polish imports. Here is a rare chance to own the blood of the great Doran in combination with AO Breeze- the only living Arabian stallion with wins in Open Jumpers and US National Halter (per Arlene Magid). $5000 Contact: morgan.millner@gmail phone: 214 770 5711 Moryah Wind I - Incredible yearling filly already off to a great show start!

Sport horse in hand winner and 2x Reserve Halter Champion with 2 months of professional halter training. Sired by Reserve National Open Jumper Champion AO Breeze and out of the Pure Polish US National Top 10 Hunter Futurity and winning SHIH/SHUS mare TA Mariella (*Kordelas x Makarena). Definite National caliber halter with unlimited dressage and hunter potential. Steal this filly at $7500. Contact: morgan.millner@gmail phone: 214 770 5711

June/July 2013

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Services Our Services Directory is available for just an annual fee of $25 (6 issues).

Subject Headers created as needed. Not for Stallions or Horses for Sale.

FARMS RIMROCK EQUESTRIAN CENTER, Ashley Wren, Billings, MT• Hunters, Jumpers, Equitation www.RimrockEquestrianCenter.com • rimrockequestrian@yahoo.com MYSTIC RANCH ARABIANS, Karen Ernst, Herald, CA • Breeders of Arabian Sport Horses www.MysticRanchArabians.com • mysticrch@softcom.net Blue Moon Farm & Training Center • Sophie H. Pirie Clifton, Tryon, NC Training, Clinics, Instruction thru the FEI levels • sophie@montana.net

15.1 h Registered Anglo Arab mare for sale. EF Serendipity is a 2008 bay mare who is ready to get her serious training off the ground. She has been started by a professional dressage trainer and cross-trained by a professional eventer/jumper trainer. She has been out on trails alone and in groups. She has gone over logs and galloped thru fields alone. She has been to a rated show at 16 rides u/s and took it all in stride. She is currently hacking and schooling just 2 days a week as her owner has no time for her now that show season is in full swing. Come get her and finish her off your way, priced to move at $4900, bring offers. VIDEOS AVAILABLE. Pam Dors, Evergreen Farm 540-955-0529 evergreendors@juno.com LIFE continued from page 43

Our girl came fairly quiet under saddle,

It has been a very long time since ei-

I assume they

with a few random holes in her education,

ther Will or I had gone in search of a riding

were shown on the line to begin with in

and some amount of emotional baggage.

horse. It made us appreciate the buyers

the hope of selling them. Therefore, that

I like mares and I choose to think I under-

that do arrive at our barn door. The whole

cost falls under the category of market-

stand them, so I felt comfortable that any

search process was a good reminder of

ing expenses and not training. I think that

of those issues could be resolved amica-

how buyers consider a horse for sale. Usu-

competitors in the various sport horse

bly. Early on we realized that her previous

ally, I go shopping in my own back yard.

disciplines would be much more open to

rider had used force. Our girl prefers to be

It was educational, to say the least, to be

considering a horse with “show” horse

asked rather than told. Like many mares

on the other side. We are happy with our

experience if the asking price had some

she hates to be nagged by your leg. I can

little girl. It took us only a month or so to

correlation to the horse’s ability AND they

say with some certainty that she was like-

find her. Yet another six months to decide

could figure out from the advertising if the

ly hobbled to produce an unnatural gait.

to make her ours and we could not be

horse was remotely capable of performing

Hobbling makes a horse unsure of where

more sure that we made the right choice.

the task required. Every time I encounter

to put their feet and is something that only

After all, according to Willis, there is noth-

the term “well bred” I think, “well bred for

miles and miles at the walk can undo. She

ing better than an Arab mare for riding the

what?”

came to the right place for that.

wind.

value to the purchaser.

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The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine INSPECTIONS continued from page 25

you’re riding, bending and counter bend-

motion and better use of the shoulder -

if you can gallop. Galloping will lengthen

ing on a circle at the walk allowing the

benefiting everything you do in sport.

the muscles, help your mare really get in

horse to stretch into a free walk frame is a

I’d like to end this with a little pep talk.

front of your leg and it encourages them

great way to stretch as a warm up and cool

I truly encourage all Arabian sport horse

to be forward. Trail riding also allows you

down exercise. This also allows your mare

breeders to attend and participate in a

to add some hill work, which is very good

to step bigger in a relaxed frame, which re-

warmblood inspection.

for building muscle and strengthens their

ally helps for a better walk in hand.

exercises will increase your chances of

Following these

hind ends. I like to mix things up on the

Next, I’d like to point out key factors to

getting good scores and being accepted

trail with bending and transitions. I find

getting good scores in your gaits is free-

into the registry you choose. The judges

that if I get my mare out once or twice a

dom through the shoulder, relaxation and

will appreciate a well conditioned and

week she has a better mind set for work-

impulsion. Ground poles and cavalettis

well groomed mare that is well prepared

ing. I’ve also seen big improvements in

will help stretch out the shoulders and

for their process of selecting outside

her walk and canter work.

teach them to really reach and have a bet-

breeding mares into their registry’s breed-

I want to take this time to really ad-

ter range of motion. Under saddle you can

ing books.

dress the walk. As I mentioned before,

add some simple exercises to your warm

Go with confidence and have an open

this is where most Arabians will fall short

up and cool down that will really help free

mind. I have found that many judges, even

in their scores. Spend a lot of time hand

up the shoulder. Again, while walking on a

if Arabians are not their cup of tea, will

walking. Walk with a purpose having your

big circle in a long and low relaxed frame,

really give an honest evaluation of your

mare stay right with you, lengthen your

start moving your horse’s shoulder. Push

mare. They will approve the good ones.

stride to get your mare to lengthen hers.

the shoulder in on the circle maintaining

Most important thing to remember, they

Do not walk quicker, just walk with a big-

contact, then push the shoulder out on the

are not looking at pedigrees and they are

ger stride, your mare will learn to stay with

circle. Fall in, fall out.

not looking for the perfect Arabian. They

you and follow your lead.

When hand

As you do this allow your horse to

are looking for Arabians with correct con-

walking I like to do some little exercises

stretch through the contact into a free walk

formation and good gaits to help create

that mix it up a bit. “Whoa/Go” is fun to do

frame. Some instantly take the stretch and

top of the line riding horses. With this

at the walk and teaches your mare to not

allow you to move the shoulders in and

in mind, go and enjoy the education and

only pay attention, but helps her engage

out easily, others you will have to be pa-

process that comes with participating in an

her hindquarters.

tient and keep asking. Once they get it,

inspection.

While walking, half halt before you

this will be a very easy exercise and will

halt. Then back to walk. Repeating this a

fit perfectly into your everyday routine.

few times will get your mare under herself

By loosening up the shoulders before you

for a better length of stride in her walk. If

begin working, you will see more range of

June/July 2013 BACK TO WORK cont’d from page 57 treatment once.

Prior to leaving for Idaho, I went to a du-

and how no stone was left unturned in

al-judged Region 4 and 5 show to tune up

Khajun’s conditioning and joint comfort

and confirm my horse had enough stamina

program. I believed that after all these

Throughout Khajun’s regimen, I felt

to compete in multiple classes and cuts. I

years, I was bringing the best version of

like I owed him a couple of concessions.

was excited because one of the dressage

Khajun to Nationals: a horse with the con-

First, since his ‘retirement,’ he had become

judges was also a Nationals judge. There

fidence that comes with age, possessing

an outside horse. He liked it this way, and

I competed in Sport Horse In-Hand, Under

the correct training, and enough fitness to

I allowed him to continue to live outside

Saddle, Dressage Training and First Lev-

get through the week.

in his field throughout the show season.

els, and Hunt Seat Equitation Not to Jump

An Unlikely Champion

Khajun certainly delivered: Reserve

The only time he got stalled

National Champion in Dressage

was when we went to shows

Training Level AAOTR (20 en-

during those six months. In

tries); Top Ten (3rd overall out

hindsight, this was beneficial.

of 22) Dressage Training Level

He didn’t ever get stocked up

ATR; Top Ten (3rd overall out of

in the legs and he maintained

10) Hunt Seat Equitation Not to

good respiratory health that

Jump ATR; Top Ten (17 entries)

he often didn’t have in earlier

Dressage First Level AAOTR; and

years where barn dust aggra-

Top Ten Dressage First Level ATR

vated his breathing giving him

(15 entries).

bouts with heaves. Secondly,

The cross-training condition-

when I initially turned him out

ing program that I used turned

to pasture, I cut off his long

my diamond-in-the-rough into a

tail to his fetlocks and told

shining super star while keeping

him he’d never have to have

him sound and taking the mo-

his tail wrapped again. I kept

notony out of his work by add-

that promise. His beautiful

ing variety. Although it wasn’t

flaxen tail was just as lovely,

my plan to take my old gelding

and looked more legitimately

to the 2012 Arabian Sport Horse

like a sport horse’s tail prob-

Nationals, in the end, it felt like

ably ought to look, which is

it was meant to be. There will be

an important consideration

another opportunity for Annie

since us sport horse exhibi-

and me in 2014, and believe me,

tors show to open judges.

I‘ll be ready.

Come

show

season,

Khajun exceeded my expectations. He had transformed from an old, fat, hairy stiff retiree, to a

and took home 12 firsts, 3 seconds and

sleek, conditioned, muscled and bouncy

a third. Additionally, Khajun and I earned

show horse whose enduring willingness

a 71.61% and a whopping 74.8% in our

so typical of an Arabian inspired me. At the

dressage tests - with the nationals judge!

Region 5 Championships he was Champion

Needless to say, I was believing our cross-

Arabian Sport Horse Under Saddle ATR (16

training and hard work were paying off!

entries), Reserve Champion A/HA/AA Dres-

In September, I drove nine and a half

sage First Level ATR (11 entries), Reserve

hours to Nampa, Idaho. My husband and

Champion in Hunt Seat Equitation ATR (7

daughter came along for the ride in our

entries), and earned Top 5’s in A/HA/AA

¾ ton truck and two-horse trailer. As I

Dressage Training Level ATR (3rd overall

parked it alongside the mile-long row of

with 15 entries), and Arabian Sport Horse

semi-trucks and mega trailers, I could have

Under Saddle Open (4th overall out of 17).

easily been beaten mentally before even

If there were any doubts before about his

stepping hoof in the ring. But I thought of

competitiveness, they were gone now!

the last six months, how hard we worked

95

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The Arabian Sport Horse Magazine SISTERS continued from page 65

North American Anglo-Arabian Horse Association

National Show & Year End Awards for Anglo-Arabians in the Sport Disciplines

explained to me the management of a

from horse shopping knowing that “the

Kenney Garde 2B mares; I had realistic ex-

heart wants what it wants” and sought af-

pectations and gave the okay to proceed.

ter Piaff again.

Dr. Stanford bred the mare 5.5 hours post

Dreams and accomplishments can

ovulation with frozen semen; she ovulated

never happen by saying “I cannot, it is

3 follicles, so utrasounding for twins at

impossible or I give up,”negative actions

day 14 was mandatory. Found twins and

never get positive results.

one was pinched off and placed mare on

During spring 2012, I was very fortu-

Regumate – hoping she would hold onto

nate and blessed to purchase a breeding to

the foal. For 11 very long months, under

Piaff; excitement and anticipation of own-

Dr. Stanford’s care directives, guidance

ing another Piaff x Virag offspring began

and office visits, we successfully managed

again. I knew breeding Virag at 14 years

the mare at home to term.

old may hold some challenges and had a

On April 29, 2013 Virag delivered at

uterine culture test performed. Lab results

Woodside Equine a healthy, vibrant bay

concluded the mare was rated as a “Ken-

filly by Piaff! Yet to be named, as we are

ney Garde 2B,” not for the faint of heart

holding out for a very special name, as she

because mares statistically only have a 10

is truly a miracle baby for Virag and Show-

to 50 percent chance of conceiving and

biz Farm.

caring a foal to term.

This article is dedicated to Bill and Sarah Dolinger, Woodside Equine-Dr. Stanford and Dr. Hammond; Cabin Point Equine-Dr. Cupp, Dr. Janey, Dr. Hillyer; Janow Podlaski Stud; Piaff Partners; The Galluns; Kelly Rodriguez; Bruce and Cindy Carpenter; Susan and Temple Robinson; Karen Martin; Andrea and Matt Bulifant; Robert and Denise Gainey; Judy Getter; Donald and Angie Williby; John and Sharon Turnbull; Gene Sober; Dana Donahue; Cathy Davis;The Garlands; Greg Peak; Rob Simpson; Beth Conti; Gretchen McCormick; Shelly Ellsworth Brown; Kara Hite; Janet Bellows; Kathy St. Martin; Dr. William Ley; Bill Payne; Margret Gafford; Arabian Horse Community, RPSI, friends and family, without your support, successes of Countess of Piaff and our new 2013 filly may not have happened.

When you see the filly out at the shows or come to the farm for a visit, please take your picture with her and know YOU were part of her history in the making.

What to do now? There is nothing in the world like a great support system, and I found the Arabian Horse Community to be the very best. I contacted many Arabian breeders and asked “What would you do?”

I received honest pros and cons; as well as, researching on the Chronicle of the Horse breeders forum from others who had Kenney Garde 2B mares. Cindy Carpenter of Watching Hawk Arabians told me “You need a vet that performs miracles, one that specializes in equine reproduction.”

I sought out the expertise of Dr. David Stanford, Diplomat of Equine Reproduction at Woodside Equine.

Dr. Stanford

completed an evaluation of Virag and

Learn more at NAAAHA.com

B

Preserve Your

June/July 2013

Winning Moments

Bob Tarr Photography • Cincinnati, Ohio • (513) 851-8529 • www.BobTarr.com • Bob@BobTarr.com

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