The Standardbred Connection - January 2015

January 2015 Features: Going the Distance Horses in the Big Apple In the Hunt

Inside this edition: Going the Distance

Standardbreds That Are Going the Distance

Page 3

Mounted Caroling

Page 9

New England Regional Awards Program

Page 10

Making The Grade

Page 11

Racing Under Saddle Update

Page 13

Standing Guard

Page 15

In The Hunt

Page 16

Horses in the Big Apple

Page 19

Myths and Truths

Page 24

Unique Icon

Page 25

Brag Page

Page 28

Page 6

On the Cover

Amy Durga’s view through Wise Promise’s ears.

Comments, article suggestions or brag page news can be sent to Kathleen Haak at KathleenHaak@Ymail.com.

Going the Distance: Standardbreds in Endurance Riding

By Kathleen Haak

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he wind in your hair; the feel of a fit horse beneath you; miles of trails to cover - a state of bliss for many riders and something that many Standardbred riders strive to achieve on a weekly, if not daily basis. For some, they take it one step further and compete in endurance riding where ‘to finish is to win.’

What are the distance riding sports?

Endurance riding is for horses what cross-country marathons are for runners. Horse and rider cover pre-marked, pre-measured trails within an allotted time, with the allotted time being determined by the AERC. The American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) is the official national governing body for endurance riding in North America. Endurance rides typically range between 50 and 100 miles. Not quite up to a 100 mile ride? The AERC also offers a Limited Distance (LD) program, which range anywhere from 25 to 35 miles in length.

The health and well-being of the participating horses is paramount and rest stops with vet checks are designated throughout the ride. Although awards are based on the fastest riding times, many people compete not to race, but to finish. The AERC allows up to 6 hours for completing 25 miles; rest stops/vet checks range from 15 minutes to an hour. At the vet checks, the horse must show that they are fit to continue. Their pulse must be within a parameter set by the vets, typically 64-60 beats per minute, the horse must be metabolically stable and sound at the trot.

Longevity Endurance riding evolved from the calvary. In the early 1900s as a military test calvary horses were required to go on a 5-day, 300 mile ride carrying at least 200 lbs. During the 1970’s the distance and weights were adjusted for civilian life. Although the sport continues to evolve, that fundamental toughness needed to cover miles of terrain still exists in competitors.

The Western States Trail Ride, popularly called The Tevis Cup, is the most recognized endurance ride in the US. It is a tough ride with a completion rate of only 54%. Daniel Schafer, who competes with Rosie, a 19-year-old STB/Arab cross mare, had a great ride for the first 90 miles before Rosie decided to run away, taking them off course. Just competing can be counted as a success for Schafer. At age 70, he had an accident while riding a different horse that resulted in a broken knee, hip and collarbone and about 100 staples in his head and arm. His comeback, just a year later, is inspirational. While Schafer didn’t finish the Tevis Cup in 2014, don’t count him out in 2015.

While Arabs are the primary breed, other breeds have been making their presence known including Standardbreds, Standardbred/Arab crosses, and Tennessee Walking Horses. While most compete at the walk/trot/canter there is no regulation against pacing and racking, any gait is accepted.

Shorter horses are preferred as they are easier to mount on the trail. Standardbreds, with their steady attitude, good feet, and brisk paces, are a good fit for the endurance world.

Ival McDermott and Extra Virgin (Clover) on the Ride for the Ribbons. Clover was adopted through the Standardbred Retirement Foundation.

Photo by Dominika Nawrot

Left: East Meets West joins other horses at the Vet Check. Here his heart beat will be monitered, hydration checked, and examined for any signs of pain (saddle sores, pulled muscles, etc). Before being allowed to leave he will also trot out for the vet. It is very normal to have multiple horses going through vet checks at the same time.

Bottom: East Meets West tackles Bobcat Rock at Million Pines. Photos by Becky Siler Pearman

Ride Your Own Ride Getting Started

Every horse has an area they excel in - for some it is the woods, for others it is the hills - which is why riding your own ride is so important. By knowing your own horse’s strengths and weaknesses you can take advantage of the strengths and minimize the weaknesses. This is true whether you are doing a training or competion ride, the number one rule is to listen to your horse.

Whether you’re 70 or 10, endurance riding is open to you. To compete in AERC rides of 50 miles or longer, horses must be at least 60 months old, limited distance horses must be at least 48 months old. As long as your horse is of age, you’re technically good to go. It isn’t quite that simple though.

A successful ride begins with proper conditioning of the horse as well as planning and preparation for the trip.

Spending the necessary hours in the saddle to condition your horse will build a new bond beTo help you get started, the AERC has a Rider tween yourself and your equine partner. Just one Handbook available on their website at www.aerc. more reason to give endurance riding a try. org. Additionally there are many groups on Facebook. Beginners are often referred to as Green Beans and will be offered a green ribbon to wear at their first event.

A frequent question, “Is how do the divisions work?” According to the Rider Handbook, “endurance rides have five divisions. There are four weight divisions for senior riders: Featherweight (up to 160 lbs.)

Lightweight (161 to 185 lbs.)

Middleweight (186 to 210 lbs.)

Heavyweight (211 lbs. and up).

These weights include tack. The junior division is for children under 16 years old.” Completion awards are given to everyone completing the ride, in keeping with the theme “to finish is to win.” Additional division awards are also give out at the event, with the points going toward regional and national awards.

Standardbreds That Are Going The Distance Fiddle Fiddle was adopted from Greener Pastures by Aarene Storms in 2006 as an unraced four-yearold. Aarene and Fiddle took a few years to acclimate to each other before starting endurance riding in 2011. They took much of 2012 off so that Fiddle could be spayed, ending some long term, low grade pain that she had been demonstrating. Since the surgery they have consistently completed 30-55 mile rides. Storms maintains a blog, http://haikufarm.blogspot.com, to document her conditioning rides, photos and thoughts. She has also completed a book titled, Endurance 101: a gentle guide to the sport of long-distance riding.

Photo by Triangle Ranch Communications

Wise Promise Showing Standardbred pride in Colorado is Amy Durga and Wise Promise, aka Whiskey. The pair started doing Limited Distance rides in 2013.

“Whiskey was out most of [2014] healing an abscess and so I wasn’t able to get him in shape by the end of the season to do any 50’s.” Durga reports, “I hope to have him going early next season that way I can try a 50 on him.” Despite the abscess they did complete two rides in October 2014. Their first 25 miler at the beginning of the month saw them finish in 37th place. Just a few weeks later they finished in 8th place at the Foothills of the Cascades ride.

Photo by Cassidy Rae Photography

Pureform Bunny The Oregon 100 Ride was the highlight of Heather Wimer’s season with her STB, Pureform Bunny. It was their first 100-mile competition and they finished 7th, with good vet checks the whole trip.

“Bunny just got better and better as the season went on,” Wimer said, “and I can’t wait for next season.” Together they completed six AERC rides for a total of 385 miles. They are on track to win the AERC High Mileage Standardbred award for the second time and are currently in fourth place among the 2014 AERC regional standings for middleweights. The AERC High Mileage Standardbred award is given to the Standardbred that has the most miles ridden during the riding season. As they finished their third year together, Wimer is very pleased with her adoption of Bunny from Greener Pastures, the British Columbia Standardbred Horse Adoption Society.

Photo by Out of Stream Photography

East Meets West Moving over to the East coast we have East Meets West (Eli) being ridden by Patricia Clark.

Clark explains a bit about her Biltmore Challenge ride plan via her blog, http://racknaboutstable. blogspot.com. “This ride was a 4 loop 50 with 40 minute holds. We finished this 15 mile loop in about 2 hrs 15 and vetted through with no problems. We were out next on the 17 mile loop again across the river on Orange. We came in off this loop in about 2 hrs 30 min and Eli vetted through super. On to the hold and then out on the toughest loop of the day, 12 miles on short red with lots of climbs and roots, roots and more roots. We went out on the last 10 mile loop around 4:37 and boy was Eli ready to eat. I had changed him over to the hackamore and we ate sporadically all around this lovely loop. We came in sometime after 6:30 pm and finished with sound and healthy horses.” Eli is an ambassador for New Vocations and as such has his own Facebook page, just look for his name.

Photo by Becky Siler Pearman

Mounted Caroling

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Submitted by Katie Flaherty preading Christmas cheer was the name of the game on Friday, December 12th in Scarborough, Maine as a group of harness horsemen and women, along with their horses, assembled at local nursing homes to bring the Christmas spirit to residents. This is the 2nd Annual Mounted Caroling event, and a favorite of the residents of Scarborough Terrace and the Scarborough Veterans home.

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he Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society is very pleased to announce that Agribrands Purina Canada has come on board as a major sponsor for the organization.

Agribrands Purina Canada will now be providing two bags of feed per month for OSAS horses in foster care awaiting adoption. Purina has been providing quality products for more than a century and OSAS is very pleased to have the opportunity to work with them.

“We are so thrilled to establish this partnership with Purina and I want to thank their Equine Feed Representative Jill Atkinson and Equine Technical Service Manager Marc Blouin for working with us to make it happen,” said Joanne Colville, OSAS’s administator.

Eight horses took part in the event and among them were 3 retired Standardbreds, 2 racing Standardbreds, a paint , a Halflinger and a mini. The mini was welcomed into the homes to meet residents and spread the joy to those who could not come outside.

“Purina is proud to support OSAS with their efforts to enrich the Standardbred racing industry by allowing these terrific and versatile athletes to go on after their track careers and give them new opportunities in other disciplines,” said Atkinson.

Some residents had never even touched a horse before. Many memories were made as the residents enjoyed petting and feeding treats to all the horses. The residents also enjoyed the carols, singing along to “Jingle Bells” and “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer”. Fun was had by all! By the end of the day, everyone was definitely in the Christmas spirit!

Founded in 1996, OSAS has fostered, trained and placed hundreds of retired Standardbreds into loving homes.

Paricipants included: (clockwise from top) Dawn Gray and “Too Bad Honey” caroling “Fulla Fire” and a home resident Casey Gasbarro and “Hotdonhobluegrass” Kirsi Bertolini and “Fulla Fire” along with our police escorts from the Scarborough PD Katie Flaherty and “CC Bagaluck” receiving a treat.

Photo by Jill Cole Sekera

The Standardbred Pleasure Horse Organization of Maine to Sponsor New England Regional Awards Program in 2015 The Standardbred Pleasure Horse Organization of Maine (SPHO-ME) has announced its sponsorship of a 2015 New England Regional Awards Program (NERAP) designed to recognize and promote the talent and versatility of the Standardbred breed for its abilities as a pleasure horse, both in the show ring and on the trail.

The new program offers annual high point Standardbred awards through participation in horse shows, trail rides and public demonstrations. Ranging from in hand to carriage driving to eventing, there are over 20 different divisions for the Standardbred exhibitor. The program is designed to encourage moving up through the levels, balanced with a varied and broad range of choices. Points may be earned by both junior and senior exhibitors participating in open classes and classes restricted to Standardbreds only.

To support the program, SPHO-ME is seeking interested individuals and organizations to join the United States Trotting Association and other committed partners in sponsoring NERAP divisions.

Sponsor names will be featured on the SPHO-ME website and Facebook page.

Exhibitors and Standardbred owners residing in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont are encouraged to enroll in the NERAP program at a reduced rate prior to March 1, 2015. Additional eligibility details, forms and rules are located at www.sphomaine.net. Contact SPHO-ME at sphome80@gmail.com for division sponsorship information and all other questions.

Making the Grade:

{Judging a horse’s condition in person and in photos}

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e’ve all had that moment when we’ve looked at a horse and thought they were underweight.

Some are truely underweight and others are just fit.

Do you know the signs of a fit horse verses an underweight horse?

Learning to identify an underweight horse vs a fit horse may be tricky to some. A horse is an athlete, they train, just like humans do. They will develop into well-muscled athletes. A horse that is a healthy body weight has rounded hindquarters and shoulders, a solid back and a nicely muscled neck. You will see smooth muscle tone without dips and valleys in their confirmation. These horses do not carry much body fat, they are lean and strong. They will have a healthy coat that has a shine to it.

A horse that is underweight may have very pronounced withers. The spine may easily be felt under the skin. The ribs and hip bones may be visible with their haunches appearing to be sunken. They will have a dull coat that lacks shine.

The terms “skinny”, “thin”, and even “fat” can have different meanings to different people. The Henneke Body Condition Scoring System was developed as a standard and is used to determine the condition of the horse, regardless of breed, age, sex. This will eliminate the need to guess “is that horse too thin?”

Evaluating a Horse In having a boarding stable and caring for many off the track horses, we must make that determina

By Trina Clouser tion when a horse arrives at the stable if they are race fit, too thin or emaciated. Having knowledge of the Henneke scale makes this job much easier. A general assessment is made of the horse’s over-all health, any injuries and knowing some back ground on the horse helps to determine the care it will receive. This is not only a visual inspection but also a hands-on one. A Standardbred in training will typically rate a four or five on the scale. If a horse rates lower than a four there are many factors to take in to consideration.

Did this horse receive proper care during training?

While we would like to believe that everyone takes care of their horses to the best of their ability, that ability may vary based on education and experience. Each horse has a different metabolism and nutritonal needs that may not be fully addressed.

A talk with the trainer may allow us to determine if that is the case.

Is there an underlying medical condition this horse has?

A vet can assist in determining if the equine has ulcers - roughly 80% of race horses do - and this can be cause for weight loss. An evaluation of the teeth can also be done to assure he/she is eating properly.

Is it abuse or neglect?

Generally speaking, neglect deals with actions that passively harm the horse, such as providing them with no grass, hay or grain. Equine abuse, on the other hand, deals with overt actions designed to hurt the animal, such as beating.

Henneke Body Condition Scoring System Score Description 1 POOR Horse is extremely emaciated. The backbone, ribs, hipbones and tailhead project prominently. Bone structure of the withers, shoulders and neck easily noticeable. No fatty tissues can be felt.

2 VERY THIN Horse is emaciated. Slight fat covering over vertebrae. Backbone, ribs, tailhead and hipbones are prominent. Withers, shoulders and neck structures are discernible.

3 THIN Fat built up about halfway on vertebrae. Slight fat layer can be felt over ribs, but ribs easily discernible. The tailhead is evident, but individual vertebrae cannot be seen. The hipbones cannot be seen, but withers, shoulder and neck are emphasized.

4 MODERATELY THIN Negative crease along back. Faint outline of ribs can be seen. Fat can be felt along tailhead. Hip bones cannot be seen. Withers, neck and shoulders not obviously thin.

5 MODERATE Back is level. Ribs can be felt but not easily seen. Fat around tailhead beginning to feel spongy. Withers are rounded and shoulders and neck blend smoothly into the body.

6 MODERATELY FLESHY May have a slight crease down the back. Fat on the tailhead feels soft. Fat over the ribs feels spongy.

Fat beginning to be deposited along the sides of the withers, behind the sholders and along the neck.

7 FLESHY A crease is seen down the back. Individual ribs can be felt, but noticeable filling between ribs with fat. Fat around tailhead is soft. Noticeable fat deposited along the withers, behind the shoulders and along the neck.

8 FAT Crease down back is prominent. Ribs difficult to feel due to fat in between. Fat around tailhead very soft. Area along withers filled with fat. Area behind shoulders filled in flush with the barrel of the body.

Noticeable thickening of neck. Fat deposited along the inner buttocks.

9 EXTREMELY FAT Obvious crease down back. Fat is in patches over rib area, with bulging fat over tailhead, withers, neck and behind shoulders. Fat along inner buttocks may rub together. Flank is filled in flush with the barrel of the body. *Modified from: Henneke et al. (1983) Equine Vet. J. 15(4):372.

Not sure you fully understand the Henneke scale? Look over these Standardbreds and make your decision.

Answers are on page 14.

A)

R B)

acing Under Saddle (RUS), is also known as Monte, the racing of trotting Standardbreds under saddle.

This sport has caught on in the United States the last three years following a fifteen-year hiatus when USTA had a Boots and Saddle series. Other notable RUS events include Moni Makers time trial with Julie Krone when they broke Greyhound’s North American mark.

During these three years, we have brought new attention to the harness industry, bringing new equestrians to RUS. They, in turn, have also got into harness racing; buying and racing Standardbreds.

We have limited racing opportunities for RUS, since US track and state laws forbids betting on RUS races. Currently, all purse monies are coming from private sponsors.

C)

There are other countries racing Monte very successfully. This fall, the rules from Sweden were translated and sent to the USTA for formal approval. They will be voted on at their yearly meeting in March.

It is very important that our governing body has a set rule book for RUS, so we can continue to sell our product and pursue gambling in some states.

We ask for your support going into the March meeting.

If anyone has questions or is looking for more information about RUS contact Helene Gregory atkickan@comcast.net or visit Monteamerica.com.

We’re also on Facebook at RUS America.

Continued from page 13

Did you make a decision on where these Standardbreds fall on the Henneke scale?

Picture A This horse is very thin (2). You can clearly see his backbone, ribs, and hipbones. Withers, shoulders and neck structures are discernible.

Picture B This horse is moderate (5). Despite the low light you can see the withers are as rounded as his confirmation allows, with the shoulders and neck blend smoothly into the body. Due to confirmation this animal may never exhibit a flat back.

Missy Rothfuss and her “Easter Pony� greet their fans at The Meadows. Photo by Chris Gooden

Picture C This horse is moderately thin (4). This animal is racing shape, meaning that he is carrying little fat but has a muscle mass. His healthy looking coat also helps place him in this catagory.

What you may not have noticed is that all of these photos feature the same horse. Photo C exhibits the gelding a day after a race. Photo A was taken during his recovery from a fractured cannon bone. Pain and stall rest resulted in a thinner animal that lacked muscle tone. Photo B was taken after the gelding had recovered from his injury and was preparing to enter his pleasure riding career.

What to do if you suspect horse neglect:

Beth Cumberland saves the day, catching a loose horse on the infield of Freehold Raceway. Photo

by Helene Gregory

If safe to do so, speak to the caretaker in a calm, unacusitory manner to see what is happening with the animal. Experts say 50 percent or more of the neglect and/or abuse cases arise from ignorance, others may not be neglect at all but rather a horse recovering from an injury. Be careful to not trespass.

Document the case including photos that you can turn over to authorities. Authorities differ depending on your location but typically include the police, animal control, and/or the humane society.

Local rescue groups may also be able to assist.

Neal Stalhiem, in red, makes the pickup at Hoosier Park. Photo courtesy of Hoosier Park.

Standing

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Guard

opefully you’ve never had to experience that horrible feeling of having your vehicle break down while driving down the highway. You turn on your emergency blinkers, trying to move off the road without endangering yourself or fellow drivers. Picture the same issue while driving a Standardbred going 30-mph in a pack of racing horses. Not for the faint of heart!

in to save the day. Meatball was able to catch Park Lane Deputy and their riders/drivers were able to pull everyone up without incident. No doubt about it, Meatball earned his carrots that day!

A memorable event for Rothfuss was when a crupper broke. The crupper goes under the horse’s tail and helps holds the harness in place. Without the crupper, when the driver tried to stop the horse the entire race bike moved closer to the horse’s back While accidents can and do happen on the track, legs, putting the driver in danger. Rothfuss had to track officials work to minimize them by putting catch that racehorse, using her own horse to help safety precautions in place. One of the most visible hold the race bike in place. A well-trained horse is precautions is the outrider. An outrider is a person a must. who rides a horse on the track and provides risk management in real time. Kind of a police officer In between the adrenaline rushes and fan interand AAA all rolled into one horse friendly package. action on the track, outriders often have other activities happening. Rothfuss, for instance, was Missy Rothfuss, an award winning outrider at The chosen to be a trainer for the Home for Every Meadows, says that most of the day-to-day activi- Horse- Equine Comeback Challenge. Canadian ties of an outrider are fun. Rothfuss and her horse, outrider at Hippodrome 3R, Anne-Marie Veilleux, Salem, are often seen interacting with fans, espe- was approached about appearing in a music vidcially during the holidays when Salem is decked eo with her Standardbred, Wedding Crasher. Afout in his holiday best. That’s not to say she isn’t ter seven hours of shooting, their part in making keeping a close eye on her charges. “Some hors- the video for Horseshoe Woman by Caracol was es need help turning after warming up,” she says, complete. (A link to the video is on our FB page) “we average three of those a day. The toughest horses are those that rear, you have to wait for Outriders tend to truly enjoy their jobs and often them to come down before grabbing them.” turn it into a career. Rothfuss has been an outrider for eighteen years while Freehold Raceway Although major accidents are relatively rare they honored Beth Cumberland for fifteen years of serdo happen and that is when outriders spring into vice in 2014. It is not uncommon for an outrider to action. In 2013, Hoosier Park’s outrider, Neal begin their career as a teenager, acting as a partStalhiem made the news with a fantastic catch. time outrider or as a parade marshal.

Driver Trace Tetrick had a broken left line about halfway through the race. With a full field thunder- Photo by Chris Gooden features Missy Rothfuss ing to the finish, Stalhiem sent his horse, a retired Standardbred named Survive This, aka Meatball,

In the

Hunt

“I consider myself extremely lucky for my pacer Sidney (aka Sid the Superpacer) to have found me. It was amazing when I first saw him - I knew he was my horse!” - Barbara Hard-Chadbolt

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id and I met after he was taken in by the SPCA in Burlington (near Toronto, Canada) from a farmer who was unable to care for him anymore. A work friend took me to see him in his foster home. It was love at first sight! I had no idea how old he was, if he had been ridden before or anything about his history. All I knew at that point was that he was from Australia (based on the unusual symbols on his neck). I later found out that Sidney was a pacer from southwestern Australia, came to Canada at 10 years old and raced at Woodbine and Mohawk Racetracks until he was 13-years old. When I adopted him he was 17-years old. Arriving at his new home, I just put a saddle on him, got on and off we went across the fields. It was as if it was the most normal thing for him and it turned out that we both love racing across the fields in a full gallop. Never mind dressage in the indoor arena, this was what we enjoyed the most!

Upon meeting a member of the Wellington-Waterloo Hunt, I just knew that this was what we wanted

to do. I hunted in Germany many years ago and loved it. I was sure that Sid would share my enthusiasm.

The Wellington-Waterloo Hunt The Wellington-Waterloo Hunt is located in (south western) Ontario, Canada and are members of the Masters of Foxhounds Association of America. They are a drag hunt, meaning that they don’t hunt live animals, rather one of the members is the “fox” and lays a scent across the fields or through the woods and our hounds “chase” the scent. The Hunt has about 25 fox hounds and a membership consisting of 50 riding members, in addition to 50 supporting members. The Wellington-Waterloo hunt season runs from mid April to the end of May and mid August to the end of December, every Wednesday and Sunday.

The hunt usually has two fields. First field stays closest to huntsman and hounds and consists of experienced riders and horses, is quite fast and takes the jumps. Second field consists of riders who don’t want to jump, is somewhat slower and may consist in part of green horses and green riders. Occasionally, there is a third field (the “hilltoppers”) which only walks and trots, quite often with

very green horses or riders and horses and riders that are returning from time off. Each field has a field master and whippers-in who assist the huntsman in hunting the hounds. Our social members help as road whips, they stop traffic so the hounds and riders can safely cross the roads. After a great day of hunting we all gather to enjoy a hunt breakfast in the home of the hunt host. A hunt is usually between 2 1/2 and 4 hours long, depending on the available land.

The Exhilaration

Our First Hunt Our first hunt started with us riding in second field.

We watched the first field chase after the hounds down a corn field and couldn’t wait to move up to first field! And so we did, but unbeknownst to me at that section of the hunt there was no way around the jumps, so Sid and I jumped our first jumps in the hunt field without having ever jumped before!

And Sid was a super star that day, he jumped all the jumps, stonewalls, banks, logs, everything!

Not bad for an 18 year old horse! We raced across the fields after the hounds and just had alot of fun!

It was such an amazing day that I joined the hunt and have been an active member since.

Hunting is the most exciting equestrian discipline and it bonds you with your horse like no other. You work together under sometimes difficult conditions and tricky terrain and you look out for each other.

Standardbreds are perfect for hunting, they are seasoned athletes, love racing across fields, have great legs and are easy keepers, and added bonus for me- Sid always hunted without shoes!

Following hounds in full gallop across the fields as they are in full cry after the “fox” is the most exhilarating thing you will ever do with your horse!

Once you try hunting and you are hooked - nothing you do with your horse after that will compare or even come close and your horse will have a blast!

Sid the Superpacer just turned 24 this November and, although I know he still wants to hunt, comonsense has prevailed. Sid is now retired from first field hunting. Probably the hardest thing I have ever had to do, but he and I still race across the fields, just not for 4 hours chasing after hounds. I take comfort in the fact that he has retired safe, sound and well deserved after 5 years of hunting Sid has this hunting thing all figured out - it didn’t spring and fall seasons! He is the most amazing take him very long at all. He knows the hunts- horse and a fabulous athlete! I love my horse, Sid man’s horn and he watches the hounds, knowing the Superpacer rocks! exactly when they are ready to move off and that Barbara Hard-Chadbolt is the Vice President of the chase will be on within minutes. He knows WWH, you can email her at when and where to stop, when to take a rest while newsvixen@wwhunt.ca. the hounds are gathered and we have a check.

Photos courtesy of Barry Chadbolt.

Visit WWH on facebook or via their website www.wwhunt.ca.

Written by

Christina Hansen

HORSES FOR IN THE BIG APPLE

NYC

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hey may have been bred to trot a mile in two minutes, but these days a group of Standardbreds spend their new careers walking a loop of a mile and a quarter in about 20 minutes. They’re carriage horses in Central Park. A couple dozen of Standardbreds spend their days in a new career pulling carriages full of tourists at a leisurely pace through New York’s most-visited attraction, snacking on sweet feed and carrots.

said something about his time being 1:55, but that doesn’t mean anything to me. Our horses walk in the park.”

Lucky has taken well to his new job in New York City. His experience around the race track hustle and bustle probably has helped him easily adapt to the busy city. He’s also now a union horse - the City of New York has strict regulations about his working conditions. Lucky can only work 9 hours a day, from the time he leaves Byrne’s stable in the Once registered with the USTA with names like morning until the time he returns in the evening.

Lightning Myky, Wonder Again and Trinity Sim, He has a box stall, upstairs, in a building equipped now these horses are registered with the NYC De- with fire sprinklers and 24-hour-a-day stable help. partment of Health with more plebeian names like Every NYC carriage horse is licensed by the health Raspberry, Matty and Billy. department, has to be up to date on vaccinations and be seen by a veterinarian for a full physical One of the biggest fans of Standardbreds in Man- exam twice a year. Lucky and all of his equine cohattan is Neil Byrne. He owns a carriage stable on workers each get at least five weeks vacation outW. 37th St. in Hell’s Kitchen. Byrne’s stable, which side the city per year. Carriage horses are shod was built around 1910 and which he purchased in every 4 to 6 weeks with road shoes for traction.

1979, houses 17 horses, the majority of which are And because Lucky works, he is guaranteed high Standardbreds, either off the track or farm horses. quality free choice hay at home and good grain while at work.

The son of a horse-drawn cab driver, Byrne has been in the business his whole life. Upon entering In Byrne’s opinion, Standardbreds also steer the carriage trade full time as an adult, the second better in city streets and have a livelier walk that horse Byrne bought in 1972 was a Standardbred makes for a better ride. “Of course,” says Byrne, named Patrick Joseph. “I bought him when he was laughing, “all the other guys out there on 59th St. 11, and I had him for 21 years,” Byrne says, rem- think their horses are the best horses in the world, iniscing. “He was here so long he accumulated too, and they all absolutely are, in their own way. more names, and by the time he retired at age I’d just rather have a good Standardbred.”

32, he was Patrick Joseph McGillicuddy O’Hara. I retired him to a farm and he lived another 4 years, till he was 36.”

Longevity is one of the qualities of Standardbreds that makes them a favorite of Byrne’s. “I can buy a horse at 10 or 12 years of age - they’re perfect then - and expect them to be able to work here in the city for 10 or 15 years. Then again, I just bought a new horse, Lucky, at the auction, and he’s only 6.”

Lucky, a grey Standardbred just off the track, is Byrne’s newest addition. He bought him, as he buys most of his horses, at the New Holland auction. “I got a good deal on him because of his color. If he’d been brown, the Amish would have paid three times as much as I did. The auctioneer

A carriage horse settles in for the night at Clinton Park Stables.

Central Park Was Built For Horses Central Park was designed in 1857 by Frederick Law Olmsted. He designed it first and foremost around the broad, curving carriage drives that looped through the park. Olmsted considered every bend in the drive for what kinds of views and experience passengers would have from the back of a carriage. Soon, the wealthy were holding daily carriage parades in Central Park. People who couldn’t afford to own horses - which has always been most people in New York City - wanted to see the park the way Olmsted had intended it to be seen. The solution was to hire a horse-drawn cab parked along the southern edge of the park and take a tour with them.

The mid- and late-nineteenth century were a hey- King approves the feed menu before starting out for the day. day for trotting horses. The speed limit on the anything wrong with them.” In fact, the Standardpark drives was 7 mph, a stately park trot, and breds often win over customers on the sidewalk horse-racing was prohibited, although that didn’t with their equally people-oriented personalities. stop some intrepid horse owners from drag racing on the segment of the East Drive that runs nearly Retirement After a Second Career straight for 2,000 ft between the reservoir and Fifth Avenue.

Carriage horses in New York City now have a Byrne notes that Standardbreds are perfect for the mandatory retirement age of 26, and most Cenwork they do in the park. “It’s a fairly flat terrain, tral Park carriage horses work into their late teens they walk nice and easy, and on the downhills, or early twenties. The carriage industry has a rethe drivers use the brake. This is well within their tirement program through Blue Star Equiculture, a capabilities. You don’t need a giant draft horse to non-profit draft horse sanctuary and organic farm do this work. Just because the Standardbreds are in Palmer, MA, which opened in 2009. Two of Bysmaller than the Percherons doesn’t mean there’s rne’s Standardbreds now reside at Blue Star, Rosie (Salisbury Rita) and Romeo (Monmouth Maine).

Romeo worked as a carriage horse in New York City for 16 years. He was quite a local fixture, having participated in weddings and other special events, and appearing in several articles in the New York Times. Foaled on March 25, 1988, he raced 136 times, hitting the board in 65 races. His earnings on the racetrack of $35,464 pale in comparison to his earnings for owner Neil Byrne and long-time driver John Phair.

Billy shares a morning greeting with a friend from the NYPD. The NYPD Mounted Unit has 112 human uniformed officers and approximately 120 horse officers.

John is a Standardbred buff, and knows the pedigree and race record of the Standardbreds he works with. He’s quick to point out other Standardbreds on his tours. “There, that’s Billy. He’s a retired racehorse, too. All Standardbreds are de-

scended from a horse named Messenger…” John now drives Matty (Wonder Again), a 14 year old gelding, but drove Romeo for many years. John recalls that Romeo still treated the walk through the park like a race to be won for several years after he left the track. “And then one day, it was like he ‘got’ it, John says, “and he slowed down and walked regular.”

Finally, after 16 years in Central Park, Romeo retired in 2013 to Blue Star Equiculture. At first the transition from work to retirement was difficult for Romeo, and, as has often happened for retiring carriage horses, he became depressed and lost his appetite. Fortunately, Blue Star Equiculture executive director Pamela Rickenbach Moshimer has experience with transitioning retired working horses, especially urban carriage horses.

Why his former owners would tell the registry he was dead remains a mystery, but as Billy arrives at Central Park South, one of the busiest streets in the world and starts pawing for his bucket of grain, he’s obviously very much alive and well, enjoying the privileges and protections afforded him by his second career as one of the famous Central Park carriage horses.

How long Billy will enjoy his current home in Manhattan is uncertain. Mayor Bill de Blasio has had a bill introduced into the City Council to ban horsedrawn carriages from New York City. De Blasio is attempting to fulfill a 2013 campaign promise made to animal rights extremists and real estate developers. Billy’s stable on 38th St., West Side Livery, and Neil Byrne’s stable around the corner on 37th St. were rezoned several years ago for 70-story luxury high rise condominiums, and are “Romeo needed a routine, and so we were sure currently in the way of a potential residential buildto give him regular walks and grooming. We even ing worth several hundred million dollars. ground-drove him some.” Soon Romeo found his own “job” as a constant companion to another The Mayor and his small group of special interest Blue Star resident, an elderly Arabian mare named supporters say that banning the carriage horses Cassie. Cassie passed away this summer, and is not about real estate, but about “progress.” He Romeo has taken up hanging out with fellow re- says that horses simply don’t belong in midtown tired carriage horses Sarah (from NYC) and Noo- Manhattan anymore, even though that’s where dle (from Philadelphia), both Percheron crosses. Standardbreds like Billy have been for as long as On one occasion he even “helped” the local vol- there have been Standardbreds, and there have unteer fire department train their firefighters how been carriage rides in Central Park since the day to evacuate a stable in the event of emergency. the park opened.

Romeo is now 27 years old, fat and happy, and although he’s slowed down, he definitely hasn’t Christina Hansen is a New York City carriage drivstopped loving life. er. For more information about the NYC carriage horses, visit www.savenychorsecarriages.com or on Facebook at “The Famous Horse-Drawn CarThe Future for the Horse in the City riages of Central Park.”

It’s a Monday morning and Billy the big black gelding trots merrily up 10th Avenue on his way to Central Park. Billy is a Canadian Standardbred, foaled April 25, 2003, and one of the sweetest horses I know. I’ve been driving him for 2 1/2 years, though he’s been working with my boss and his owner Frank Ciancio since September 2008.

Billy was registered as Trinity Sim in Ontario, Canada. His record with the USTA lists him as being “deceased” as of September 2008, the same month he entered into the NYC carriage business, via the New Holland auction in Lancaster County.

a forward seat. Dressage saddles are fantastic, and general purpose saddles work very well. Most properly fitted saddles will work just fine.

Myth 3: Gaited Horses require heavy shoes or angles to gait.

False! There is no need for heavy shoes to achieve gait, and in fact, shoes are not even required to gait. All that is needed is a properly trimmed and balanced foot (which is what all horses require).

If you do go barefoot, there are some incredible boots available for rocky terrain and roads. Somehorses benefit from having shoes in front to encourage the rack before hitting a pace.

Myth 4: Gaited Horses can’t canter.

False! In fact, many Gaited Horses have actually very comfortable “rocking chair” canters. A very lateral horse may require more time to develop the muscles and coordination to learn the canter, but almost every horse can canter with adequate time and conditioning.

A

s explained in prior issues, the Standardbred is capable of several Smooth Saddle Gaits. Even if you have no idea yet which gait comes most naturally to your horse, the same foundation is Myth 5: You have to ride either hunched or leaning back. used for all gaits.

False! The Centered Seat is the best seat for encouraging good gaits, and it has the added benefit of ensuring that the rider doesn’t interfere with the Let’s dispel the many myths surrounding gaited horse by being out of balance or riding over senhorses so that you and your horse can enjoy the sitive loins.

Smooth Saddle gaits humanely.

MYTHS

MYTH 1: Gaited Horses need long shanked bits.

False! There are no special bits required to get the Smooth Saddle Gaits. Many horses have good quality gaits on snaffle bits, mild curbs, and even bitless.

MYTH 2: Gaited Horses need Gaited Horse saddles.

False! Any well-fitting saddle from English to Western, from Australian to Treeless is good to start. If Five-gaited Standardbred, East Meets West, you are riding in an English saddle, avoid using covers the trails in a Western saddle, a shortjumping saddles or any saddle that encourages shanked pelham bit and wears EasyShoe shoes.

Unique Icon:

W

People’s Choice Champion

ith the dust now settled on Equitana Melbourne 2014, it’s an opportunity to reflect on Standardbred superstar Unique Icon’s remarkable achievement and celebrate those who played a part in the fairytale result.

When “Henry” was plucked from a retirement paddock a mere five weeks before the event, who could have imagined the promotional dream which would unfold, culminating with a him being sashed Reserve Champion in the Equitana Horse of the Year Breed Showcase and Champion in the People’s Choice Award.

handled the 17-year-old throughout the Horse of the Year event.

Rebecca’s work behind the scenes involved teaching Henry to lunge, yield to pressure and by whip placement, trot out with a handler, and stand square.

The Redwood family at Shepparton bred and raced Unique Icon, who enjoyed a stellar career notching more than $230,000 in stake earnings.

They had also provided optimum care and attention to the stallion in his retirement, testament to which was the condition in which he arrived in preparation for his Equitana campaign.

Kudos also to top trainer David Aiken who suggested Henry would be an ideal breed ambassador for Standardbreds Australia Unharnessed at Equitana and shod the horse twice to ensure his feet were in tip top condition.

Proving you can teach an old Standie new tricks, A special shout out as well to Broadfeed Produce he took the education in his stride, enjoying play at Broadford, Victoria who sponsored Henry’s feed time and mock work outs with stable buddy MP leading up to Equitana, and Hygain who came on Ataya Secret. board for the event itself.

He did, however, find the property’s resident kanUnique Icon was prepared for his showing debut garoo family a challenge and was mesmerised by

by Rebecca Lund at Muzzagne Park who also their regular appearances.

But there were no such concentration lapses on game day, when Unique Icon handled an entirely foreign environment like a professional and despite some understandable nerves, completed lovely trot workouts, stood beautifully and looked stunning.

Facebook page announcing the Equitana results, which reached more than 17,000 people.

“To be honest the whole event was a dream come true. To take a one-time star racehorse, who happens to be a stallion and hope to prepare him in just over a month for a major competition after eight years in retirement was fairly ambitious.

“But Henry is very well named and truly a unique individual – we all had absolute faith in his abilities and he flew the Standardbred flag proudly, showing an amazing willingness to embrace every new challenge, and perfectly represented his breed’s beauty, quality and temperament,” Rebecca said.

Rebecca Lund and Unique Icon, pictured with the Equitana 2014 Horse of the Year Breed Showcase judges. (Photo supplied with thanks to Equitana).

Photo credit: Stephen Mowbray.

Members of the public will have the opportunity to see Unique Icon again in a showing environment in January – Rebecca has been convinced to enter Henry for the 2015 Summer Royal.

Content and photos provided by Standardbreds He was turned out for the event impeccably, thanks Australia Unharnessed. http://www.standardbredto the efforts of seasoned show preparation pro- saustraliaunharnessed.org.au fessionals Kat Mullan and Lisa Veitch.

“There was a big team behind ‘Project Equitana’ and we were so fortunate to have the opportunity to present a beautifully conformed Standardbred with a true gentleman-like demeanour,” Rebecca said.

“Aside from the amazing results, the greatest pride came from the fact that Henry was there representing the entire racing and pleasure Standardbred community Australia wide.

“He clearly captured the imagination of two judges in particular who awarded him a nine and a 10 respectively; he finished with 25 points, just half a point behind the overall Breed Showcase Champion which was a wonderful result.”

Rebecca said Henry’s success in the People’s Choice Award was a fantastic demonstration of the strength of the Standardbred movement.

This was further endorsed by the response to a post on the Standardbreds Unharnessed Australia

Saturday February 28, 2015 9am to 4pm An indoor/unmounted clinic to introduce you to the sport of AERC Endurance Riding and other distance riding sports-- we will review how the competitions work, how to prepare the horse and rider and how to have not just success, but fun! This will include a powerpoint presentation and some hands-on demonstrations , as well as plenty of time for questions and answers. The clinic is geared toward riders new to the sport, either contemplating trying it, or in their first season or two of competition.

Hosted at Crooked Creek Horse Park, Ford City, PA Costs: $45 (non-aerc member) $35 (AERC member) $25 (youth) Includes lunch, presentation materials, and hand outs Email Tina Zanotto at mareena31@hotmail.com for registration form or questions about the clinic.

DEB SHAFFER has over 4000 completion miles in endurance. This year her 20 yr old horse is poised to take the prestigious AERC Decade Team award. Together they have achieved over 20 1st place finishes and numerous Best Conditioned awards gaining her horse Legion of Honor, Legion of Supreme Honor, and Legion if Excellence and has also won High Point Endurance Horse 2 times through the AHA. Deb also won Reserve National Champion and Grand Champion in the Lightweight Division at the AERC Championship Ride in 2008.

DONNA SHRADER has accumulated over 6000 completion miles in Endurance and CTR. She has owned and trained 5 wonderful horses to their 1000 mile award. She has held numerous clinics and has been ride manager for many Endurance and CTRs of all distances. She serves as an ECTRA certified judge. Retired from competing, her and her husband Buck both volunteer at rides to keep in touch with many great friends and to meet new ones. Donna offers advice to new riders as just another way to support the sport she loves.

DR. YVONNE LIDDELL has served as a control judge for both endurance and CTR. She has personal insight to the expectations of the equine athlete both in preparing and participating in distance events.

PRESENTERS: DEB SHAFFER DONNA SHRADER

Photos provide by: Dawn Hillard, Lisa Fryman, Tina Zanotto

DR. YVONNE LIDDELL

NJ Monthly magazine featured Standardbred Retirement Foundation’s Judy Bokman.

Aimee Sullivan and Delboy, a 15yr old ex pacer, have been out on their 1st hunt of 2015.

Brag Page The SPHO-NJ is pleased to announce that 31 different people will be receiving awards at our upcoming Awards Banquet on February 15, 2015!

The Starting Gaits team will be at the Maryland Horse World Expo from January 16-18, 2015. Falco (Far Out Hall) and Mandi Cool will be in the extreme trail challenge as well as the Parade of Breeds.

Rattles Ride for Cancer will be at the Tamworth country music festival in January then heading north to Mount Isa. Matt and Paddy are having a holiday good rest for the next part of the journey.

Tick Tock and owner Hanna were reserve champions at their local hunter pace.

Katie Flaherty and CC Bagaluck won 4 championships in the state of Maine.

- English horse in hand - Open pleasure driving - Standardbred in hand - Standardbred in harness