Elite Equestrian magazine September October 2020 issue

ELITE

EQUESTRIAN

®

Celebrating The Equestrian Lifestyle

Kat Fuqua Foundation For Success

Volume 20 Issue 5 Complimentary

FALL Fashion

CAPITAL CHALLENGE Highlight

WESTERN DRESSAGE A Look At Tack

www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

DREAM MAKER FARM Call Today!

FULL SERVICE FOR ALL MAKES & MODELS

2020 4 Star 6 Horse Head to Head The Ultimite in a Head to Head

• • • • •

Converts to 4, 5 or 6 horse Converts into 3 box stalls Fully insulated roof Dressing room Large windows for max air flow

• • • • •

Saddle racks, bridle hooks Hydralic Jack Side ramp Rear ramp Extra tall and extra wide

Drop by or call and let us tell you the 4 Star Difference! www.coas�ocoas�railer.com 12

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COVER STORY KAT FUQUA Rising Star

September/October 2020

Trainer Jimmy Torano has coached Kat to big wins for two seasons at WEF photo by Lindsay Brown

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Martha Ingram and Fonteyn photo by Jump Media

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Fashion • Home • Art

20 MUST HAVES For you, your horse and farm 22 SHARP LOOKS For Fall Keep toasty in the saddle

26 EXCEPTIONALLY EQUESTRIAN Great Fall Finds!

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30 HIS & HERS Max Amaya 32 Art & An�ques with Dr. Lori Preserving & Appraising 34 EQUINE Sculpture Elaine Frantz Wi�en

Training, Tack & Showing

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Equine Health

44 EQUINE Reproduc�on Juan Samper

More

38 CAPITAL CHALLENGE Preview

46 HOOF CARE A New Approach

36 READ & LEARN Great horse books

60 QUALITY RELATIONS With Your Horse

48 TOPLINE Health Cracking the Code

40 KAT FUQUA Rising Star

62 WESTERN DRESSAGE A Closer Look At Tack

52 HORSE’S Breathing Every breathe counts

66 TRAILERS Inside Stalls

64 PARADRESSAGE A Rider’s Journey

56 STALL Grazer Horse Feeder

68 SOFT TACK

58 SKIN CARE For The Rider

70 TACK BOX Your source for services & great retail finds!

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ELITE

Main Office, Ocala, Florida: 352-304-8938 www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com info@EliteEquestrian.us

EQUESTRIAN

®

PUBLISHER Bill Vander Brink Bill@EliteEquestrian.us

Celebrating The Equestrian Lifestyle

Published since 2008 Riding a horse is not a gentle hobby, to be picked up and laid down like a game of solitaire.

It is a grand passion.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

For Media Kit including Print & Social Media Packages email: info@EliteEquestrian.us View current and all previous issues on our web site: www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

ELITE EQUESTRIAN MAGAZINE is ranked

7 out of 15 WORLDWIDE Equine Magazines To Watch In 2020 According To Feedspot blog

ADVERTISING Advertising Sales, N.E.Region: Kathy Dress 610-420-9964 kdress@ptd.net Advertising Sales, S.E. Region Karen Eagle 352-812-1142 Advertising Sales, National: Diane Holt 713-408-8114 diane@eliteequestrian.us CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Lindsay Brown Jump Media Meg McGuire Shawn McMillen Photography Jeff Ridout

EDITORIAL STAFF Editor-in-Chief: Noelle Vander Brink Art & Antiques Editor: Dr. Lori Verderame Equine Art Editor: Jeanne Chisholm Fashion Editor: LA Sokolowski Legal Editor: Avery S. Chapman,Esquire Saddle Specialist Editor: Jochen Schleese CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Alessandra Deerinck Abbey Keegan Lynn Palm Emily Randolph, Jump Media Tom Scheve Bryanna Tanase GRAPHICS Fran Sherman On the cover...

Kat Fuqua, at first dressage show, scores a 74.028% at 1st level, qualified for FEI Children’s Dressage Championship, earned Champion Overall Junior at First Level and qualified for Region 3 Championships. Here at Cha�ahoochee Hills June Dressage outside Atlanta, GA with Collec�ng Gaits Farm Horse Manager Lydia Deevey.

Photo by Meg McGuire

ELITE

EQUESTRIAN

®

Celebrating The Equestrian Lifestyle

Kat Fuqua Foundation For Success

Follow us on InstagramElite Equestrian Magazine

Volume 20 Issue 5 Complimentary

FALL Fashion

CAPITAL CHALLENGE Highlight

WESTERN DRESSAGE A Look At Tack

www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

Copyright © 2020 Elite Equestrian is a registered trademark owned by Elite Equestrian LLC. No article, photo, or part of this publication may be reproduced wholly or in part without written permission of the publisher. Management reserves the right to approve or refuse any advertiser or contribution for any reason. EE does not endorse any product or advertiser and is not responsible for accuracy of info/opinions provided by advertisers or article content. Photographs are submitted by writers of each article who assume responsibility for usage approval.

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MUST ����� COMFY Jeans Bullet Blues jeans are made in the USA with American made material. Lots of colors and designs for your personal style.

See our ad page 23 BulletBluesCa.com

COLORFUL Canine

See our ad page 29 AuburnDirect.com

Outstanding Looks Known for our custom boots and luxurious apparel, Gee Gee Equine.

We ship all over the USA. See our ad page 71 www.GeeGeeEquine.com

Realizing that many of our dogs spend a lot of time ‘roughing it’ on mountain trails and in rivers, a tail we could wag has created a great looking collar with all the durability and practicality an owner could hope for. Machine washable premium nylon and handwoven cotton with a practical side release buckle and solid brass hardware.

Great Finds

You never know what unique items you’ll find at Good Apple Equine Consignment. These boots are oneof-a-kind and have even been on display in a museum. Stop by and see what treasure is waiting for you.

We have everything from saddles to books ... all equine related.

See our ad page 70 Visit our renovated store!

352-789-6544 www.GoodAppleEquine.com

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JUMPER on Plaited Reins Detail and dimension, measures 2 inches tall x 1 1/4 inch wide.

Only available at TempiDesignStudio.com See our ad on page 70

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A PASTURE in your Stall!

infoStall Grazer the 3 in 1 feeder. It’s like Having a Pasture in your Stall. Our Stall Grazer family of 3 in 1 feeders sit at ground level allowing your horses to eat comfortably with their head down the way nature intended it to be. They hold enough hay that your horse is never without feed, slowing the feed intake down dramatically. This slow consumption allows the horse to digest their feed properly and reduces production of acid on an empty stomach. 1-833-GRAZERS www.stallgrazer.com See our ad on the back cover.

MAKE A STATEMENT at your Farm Entrance

SOURCE micronutrients withstood the test of �me because IT WORKS!

... with a beautiful and affordable customized farm sign.

Our website will guide you through a unique step by step process where you get to choose the options you want and see complete pricing along the way. Free sign proofs, fast turnaround and free shipping! www.EZSignsOnline.com today.

1-800-640-8180 See our ad on page 59

TLC For Your Leather

Saddler’s TLC removes the dirt and grime from the leather’s pores, then replaces the natural oils in one, fast, easy step: wipe it on – wipe it off and the job is done!

SADDLER’S TLC contains no petroleum by-products and will not leave any buildup in stitches or seams. Frequent use of SADDLER’S TLC will keep your valuable leather clean, soft, supple and resistant to water and stains for years to come. www.jmsaddler.com See our ad page 29

HAPPY Feeding Best On-The-Go Hay Feeding System!

The safest and most durable hay bag for a happy, healthy horse!

Reduces risk of ulcers & vices. 25 different styles and sizes. www.NibbleNet.com 772-463-8493 See our ad page 53

Years ago, SOURCE founder, Susan Domizi, competed her eventing horse, Hull, a talented, horse-but a hard keeper with poor hoof condition. When the right micronutrients were added to his diet, he began to thrive. Hull became USCTA Reserve Horse of the Year in the U.S.; and so began the legend of SOURCE®. www.4source.com 800 232-2365 See our ad page 43

HOT HORSE Supplement

The #1 all-natural hot horse formula developed by a veterinarian, that helps promote calmness and focus in horses experiencing stress related to training, showing, racing, or travel. StressLess™ is non-herbal, all natural, and show safe.

HotHorseSupplement.com See our ad on page 2

HAPPY Feeding

This “one of a kind” reel makes deployment and retrieval of 1.5” or 2” irrigation hose a very quick and simple process! A tension brake comes standard on the QuickReel and allows for a safe and constant rate of hose deployment. Heavy Duty steel frame and side panels with a quick-attach handle ensures quick and effortless retrieval of your lay-flat hose assemblies.

BigSprinkler.com See our ad on page 31

HEALTHY Horse

Supplements for all your horse’s needs!

Country Lane Tack is a complete tack store!

Visit us on Route 484 in Ocala, FL or check out our web site. www.countrylanetack.com See our ad page 70 www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

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harp Looks for risp DAYS

AUBRION Padington Insulated Coat

EQUINE Fashion

Fi�ed long jacket with quilted insula�on for warmth in and out of the saddle. Features a detachable hood with removable faux fur trim.

Elas�cated waist and cuffs, concealed riding pleat, three exterior zip pockets, 2-way zip with popper fastening storm flap. Navy or Olive. $179.99

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AUBRION Pimlico Hat A cozy chunky knit hat perfect for warmth or hiding helmet hair a�er riding.

Faux fur pom pom, coordinates with whole Aubrion collec�on. (top R) Navy, Olive, Coral (shown), Mink One Size. $19.99

AUBRION Bayswater Light Jacket Showerproof jacket combines stretch so�shell with warm padded panels. Elasticated cuffs, 2-way zip, two zipped pockets, dipped rear hem. ( R center) Navy, $119.99

AUBRION Cannon Insulated Vest

Padded vest for added warmth on chilly days. Cozy insula�on with stretch side panels for a fla�ering look. Elas�cated hem and arm holes. 2-way zip, two zipped pockets, dipped rear hem. (R bo�om) Navy, Olive $109.99

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Continued

Welcome to Riverview Ranch!

63 Acres within TWO PARCELS. 22 acres + of incredible living comprised of 2 homes! MAIN HOME: 2200 sq ft, 3bd, 3 ba, pool, master has outside access to covered patio, 3 car garage w/attached office & kit. 20x30 room w/bath over garage.

SECOND HOME: 1200 sq ft, 3bd, 3ba, hard wood floors, separate utilities, front and back yards fully fenced. Also ranch hand qrtrs, 2 bd. 1 ba, kit. FABULOUS EQUESTRIAN FEATURES: 6 oversize box stalls, 26 standard box stalls, 21 pipe stalls, one lg. foaling stall, indoor arena w/lights, outdoor arena, round pen, 3 tack rooms and an office, indoor/outdoor wash stations-1 with hot water, hay barn, fenced pasture & corral, fenced work yard and shop, over 60 fruit & nut trees, 41 Acre parcel: agricultural land which has produced alfalfa & other feed crops. All of this with river and RIPARIAN water rights. MLS#: 20044789 - Price Upon Request Jennie S Blevins Realtor® CalBRE #01334378

COLDWELL BANKER RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE 4370 Town Center Blvd Suite 270 | El Dorado Hills, California 95762 C: 916-837-0509 | (916) 798-9488 | jennie.blevins@cbnorcal.com

HILLTOP FARM Equestian Estate

5860 Boulder Hills Dr Longmont, CO 80503

4 beds | 5 Bath (2F,2T,1H) | 40 Acres | 3 Garage Spaces | Boulder County | $5,975,000.

Hilltop Farm is one of the most beautiful Estates of Boulder County. Only 15 min to downtown Boulder makes this 40 Acre prop extremely desirable. Entering the massive stone entry gates leads one down 1/4 miles tree lined drive, past the swan pond to the French Normandy inspired 4 br stone house on the hill. Stables for 10 horses, paddocks, hay barn, etc make up the estates equestrian facilities. Water rights include 24 shares of Left Hand Water ensuring full irrigation. This property has a green lushness with breathtaking front range views as a back drop. Licensed Broker/Owner

CHRISTINE MAYER, REALTOR® 303.579.2167

chris@mayerinvestments.com www.hilltopfarm5860.com www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

MAYER PROPERTIES 2060 Broadway Ste 360, Boulder, CO 80503

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AUBRION Farringdon Jacket Bomber style jacket combines sporty style and waterproof prac�cality. Light weight, elas�cated kni�ed cuffs and hem, 2 exterior zip pockets, taped seams for maximum weather protec�on.

Navy. $99.99

AUBRION Pimlico Hat Shown in Navy, descrip�on on previous page.

AUBRION Kilburn Hoodie

EQUINE Fashion

AUBRION Cottonwood BOOT SOCKS

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Versa�le, windproof midlayer for outdoor adventures.

Bonded fleece lining, smooth woven outer, two zip pockets, drawstring hood, streamlined fit, dipped rear hem.

Navy, Olive. $79.99

The perfect partner for country boots! These chunky knit socks keep feet feeling toasty. Turnover cuffs and Aubrion detailing a to the overall look. 95% polyester, 5% mixed wool.

Dark Gray, Navy, Burgundy. One size (6-10) $11.99 www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

www.shiresequestrian.com

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EQUESTRIAN PARADISE!

• 1749 sq. ft., 3 bedroom, 2 bath, huge storage building • over 15 acres of income producing Coastal Bermuda Hayfield • over 40 acres wooded with trails • stocked fish pond, dry storage for hay https://www.coldwellbanker.com/property/1615-Dairy-Rd-MonettaSC-29105/61847319/detail Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Bruce Bowers 108 Laurens Street NW, Aiken SC 29801

843-509-3325

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Exceptionally EQUESTRIAN WOMEN’S DERBY TALL

S�rrup-Ready Silhoue�e for Versa�lity on the Farm Building off the best-selling Women’s Derby Boot introduced in Fall 2019, Muck introduces the Women’s Derby Tall. The Derby Tall has a 3mm neoprene boo�e with a full upper rubber for comfort, warmth, and protec�on.

Durable and protec�ve features designed for equestrian and on-the-farm life. A slim-last and breasted heel safely fit both Western and English style s�rrups. Available in Black.

Sizes: W 5-11 MSRP: $125.00

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS • 100% Waterproof • Pull-On Style • 3mm Built-In Footbed for Underfoot Comfort • Steel Shank for Stability • SRA Rated Slip Resistant Outsole www.MuckBootCompany.com

NoSweat

Autumn brings glorious colors and a mixture of cool and warm days. We’ve discovered some great finds to keep you prepared for what Mother Nature sends your way.

On The Go PROTECTION

The Equetech Hack-A-Mac comes in both junior and ladies sizing and is a feather lightweight water repellent jacket which easily packs away neatly into its own chest pocket with a clip to a�ach to your saddle or belt loops, when not in use. Designer details include inset stretch mesh panels to the underside of the sleeves, for complete ven�la�on and movement.

Beat those sudden showers while riding, undertaking yard du�es, walking the dog or even riding your bike! Prices start at £36.75 For Junior Sizes. Ladies: RRP: £47.95 XS – XXL www.equetech.com

is Changing the Way the World Sweats One Hat or Helmet at a Time NoSweat thin liners simply peel and s�ck to the inside of headwear and feature SweatLock® technology engineered to instantly absorb sweat. Moisture is locked inside the liner to help prevent dripping sweat, fogging, sweat stains, acne and odor.

Each NoSweat liner absorbs around 2 ounces of sweat.

EQUINE Lifestyle

The liners are performance, safety and hygiene based allowing users to perform at their best, without distrac�ons that are associated with swea�ng. Depending on the person and ac�vi�es being performed, each liner can last anywhere from one round of golf to two weeks of standard hat usage. The liners also preserve hats and keep the inside looking as fresh as the day it was bought.

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Playing sports, working hard on the job or just walking around town can lead to breaking out in a sweat that interferes with your ac�vi�es.

Ge�ng sweat in your eyes or having it roll down your face can throw off your whole game, ruin your makeup and is just generally annoying. NoSweat has created the first disposable performance liners for hats, helmets, hard hats and visors that absorb sweat instantly while preven�ng odors, stains and even acne.

NoSweat is a 100% American Made company. NoSweat liners are backed by some of the biggest names in sports including TJ Oshie, Golden Tate, Dallas Keuchel, Brandon McManus, Stewart Cink, Sco� Langley, Ma� Adams and Kerry Feirman. The company is also an Official Licensed Partner of the PGA TOUR. NoSweat liners are available for hats, helmets, hardhats and visors and start at $6.99 for a pack of three and $34.99 for a pack of 25. For more informa�on and to purchase liners visit www.nosweatco.com

Follow us on facebook.com/EliteEquestrian/ and Instagram: EliteEquestrianMagazine Read any issue on our web site for free at www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com Please tell our adver�sers you saw them in Elite Equestrian magazine! Ask about featuring your product in Excep�onally Equestrian at info@EliteEquestrian.us www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

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Exceptionally EQUESTRIAN

Surround yourself with color and fun with these fabulous, fun items! Fall is a great time to refresh your look!

FUN Stuff for your home

Purrfect This set of four coasters features our fabulously fierce Leopard print with pops of sunrise orange on a natural stone-effect base. Cork backed these drinks coasters are ideal for protec�ng surfaces from water marks or hot drinks. Each coaster measures 9.5 x 9.5cm RRP: £12.50

Settle The Argument Over Tea The fabulous ‘The Horse Loves Me Best’ equestrian mugs are the perfect gi� for all horse lovers. Step up the rivalry with this bold statement mug and let them enjoy a cup of tea before they set off for the stables.

The mug comes gi� boxed and present ready which also makes gi� wrapping super easy.

These gorgeous ceramic mugs are designed by fabulous Bri�sh brand, Sweet William Designs.

Time To Smile With the world a very strange place right now, this is bound to make you or someone you love smile - appropriately named “Giggle” this Grapefruit Bubble Bath Blower is a fun nod to childhood memories, with a sophis�cated twist. Pour a small amount under warm running water to create a bath of bubbles, use the wand to blow bubbles to your heart’s content.

Beau�fully scented with zesty grapefruit and juicy orange.

This bubble bath makes a fabulously fun gi� and was highly commended at The Gi� of the Year Awards 2020. RRP: £5.95 400ml bo�le. If you use bubble bath with young children, please supervise at all �mes.

Dishwasher and microwave safe.

Width 8.5cm Height 9cm The Bri�sh retailer also stocks “The Cat Loves Me Best” and “The Dog Loves Me Best” mugs too! RRP: £15

Show Off This stunning peacock jar lamp comes complete with a grey shade and is a fabulous, vibrant centrepiece for a coffee table or sideboard where you require a prac�cal yet quirky light that is bound to become the most eye-catching item in your interior.RRP: £140 www.ladida-andover.com

COLOR For Canines

EQUINE Lifestyle

Buddy & Bone is an exci�ng new Bri�sh dog accessories brand. Launching their stunning collec�on of 100% high-grade vegan leather dog collars and leads in a range of on-trend colours including Lemon Blast, Blush Pink and Icy Mint. Buddy & Bone celebrate fashion without compromising on quality and durability. Their bu�ery so� vegan leather embraces your dog’s ac�ve lifestyle, featuring durable zinc alloy metal hardware which is resistant to rust and staining, with each item quality checked by hand. Created by dog lovers for dog lovers, their collar & lead sets have already made their way onto the stylish necks of some pre�y heavyweight Instagram celebrity doggie influencers.

Take note, this is one brand you’ll want to take for walkies.

Collars start from RRP: £26 & Leads from RRP: £28

www.buddyandbone.com Follow us on facebook.com/EliteEquestrian/ and Instagram: EliteEquestrianMagazine Read any issue on our web site for free at www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com Please tell our adver�sers you saw them in Elite Equestrian magazine! Ask about featuring your product in Excep�onally Equestrian at info@EliteEquestrian.us 28

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HIS

SOLID AS A ROCK:

Max Amaya

&HERS with L.A. Sokolowski

& Stonehenge Stables The prehistoric circle known as Stonehenge has been called the most mysterious place on Earth, but in the grand prix world there’s no mystery behind who has built one of the leading show jumping training programs in America. At his Stonehenge Farm facilities in Colts Neck, NJ and Wellington, FL, Max Amaya still focuses as intently as when he opened in 2006 on traditional equitation principles that build foundations as enduring as any Neolithic monument. Powerhouse paired with Sarah Becker and B&B Saddlery’s “once in a lifetime” Irish Sport Horse, Church Road (aka Goldie) this grandson of an Argentine Cavalry rider started his international tutelage under such North American greats as Mario Deslauriers, Joe Fargis, and Frank and Stacia Klein Madden of Beacon Hill Stables. Today, the Nations Cup and Pan American Games veteran holds the record as the highest-placed Argentine rider in World Equestrian Games (Aachen) history while guiding Stonehenge Stables award-winning students like Maddy Darst, Brianne Goutal, TJ O’Mara and Jessica Springsteen in building their own rock-solid riding careers.

EQUINE Lifestyle

HERS: What do you remember about your first horse or pony?

HIS: I remember my first horse was an 11-year-old chestnut horse in Argentina. I loved him. His name was “No Problem.” He used to jump in the children’s jumpers, but he did have a stop to him. I often joked with my friends that there were more than “No Problems,” there were a lot of problems! He was a pretty horse, and I would care for him partially myself. Every day after school, I would go and brush him and make sure he was clean. Now looking back a little bit with some memories that I have, I remember him always being extremely fat for the standards that I have today. I just remember him being round and very shiny, and probably I overfed him a lot!

HERS:What do you like best in a horse? What do you like best in a person?

HIS: To be quite honest, it goes hand-in-hand. I think what I like best in a horse is the same as what I like in a person, it’s good character, honesty, and a good attitude to do their best. I think when you put all of that together, you can have a pretty good chance at succeeding at everything that you do. There will always be some horses and people that have more talent than others, but hard work, good attitude, honesty, and good character get you a long way.

HERS:Best pet you’ve ever had and why?

HIS: For sure by far is Poncho, my little dachshund. He’s basically like a little human. He’s very polite. He’s quite correct. He’s incredibly well-mannered. His eyes are so expressive. Every time you look at him, you can read through his eyes what he’s feeling or trying to tell you.

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Max Amaya heading to the ring at the Winter Equestrian Festival with student, Raleigh Hiler. Photo by Jump Media Max Amaya and his dog, Poncho.

Photo by Jump Media

HERS: Is there a job in your past that was never included on your résumé?

HIS: When I was 15 years old, my brother, Victor, and I got a big lesson from my father on what it was to work. He enlisted us with a newspaper street kiosk that was about a block and a half from our house. We did very, very early morning deliveries of this paper in the buildings around our area.

We would wake up at 3:30 in the morning. Victor and I would go down to this kiosk that was owned by an old man, and a truck would come and deliver all of the newspapers in separate sections. We would have to basically in one hour put all of the sections together – entertainment, sports, news, business, all of that together. We’d build a little trolley, and each one of us, in a separate direction, would go with a list and keys, and we’d go through the different buildings and go in the elevators and deliver the newspapers to different apartments.

By the time we were done, it was about 6:30 or 7 o’clock in the morning. We’d go back, get a shower, and get ready to get picked up to go to school.

We did that for about eight months, and by eight months, we were both crying that we didn’t want to do it anymore.

We were really, really exhausted, but once our dad taught us that lesson of hard work, he said, “Okay, you don’t have to go anymore.”

HERS: How old were you when you got your first paying job and what was it?

HIS: That was my first job when I was 15 years old. I don’t remember what the pay was, but it wasn’t a lot.

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HERS: If you had to work outside the horse world what would you be doing?

HIS: Probably boating, maybe trying to be a yacht captain or something like that.

HERS: What is your favorite quote?

HIS: “The harder you work, the luckier you get.”

HERS: Describe yourself in one word? What word might your friends choose?

HIS: Passionate. My friends would probably describe me as crazy! No, I think my friends like McLain [Ward] and the people that are very close to me would describe me as good company perhaps.

HERS: Something you feel is true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

HIS: It’s not one that necessarily that everyone doesn’t agree on, but it’s one that a lot of people have a hard time believing. I do believe that with the right intentions and hard work, almost anything is possible. I do genuinely believe that, but not everybody does.

HERS: Share an instance where you faced and solved a difficult problem.

HIS: When I first opened my business, about two years into it, I went through a really hard financial stage. There were many days where I thought I couldn’t make it. Like I said before, with hard work and perseverance and doing the right thing, we got out of it and built a healthy business.

HERS: Where do you see horse sport headed in this new decade?

HIS: I think technology is taking a huge step into the horse industry in many different ways. That will change a little bit the way that we perceive the sport and the way that we perceive horse training. I think as far as the sport, it’s just getting developed into a much more high-tech activity.

Show jumping is a lot more numbers and statistics and performance results. Not for good or bad, but it’s becoming more of a performance-based, more competitive activity I think.

HERS: What has this pandemic experience taught you about yourself?

HIS: It definitely taught me about being patient. It has taught me about the value of self-caring and caring for others. You always care for the people that you know and that are close to you, but when they tell you that it’s mandatory to wear a mask, the reason for that is caring for others. It has also given me some perspective on some things and the importance of spending time at home and moving at a little bit slower pace than we were. For the last decade or so, we were going at such a fast pace.

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& Preservation Tips ART

for

Paintings and Prints

People love their collections. No matter the type of object—cookie jars, military memorabilia, fine art posters—collectors want to add to an existing collection, display their assembled objects, and learn more about their cherished treasures. One of the most important and interesting aspects of collecting is preserving art, antiques, and collectibles for the long term. Many collections include family heirlooms or assembled collectibles that will be handed down to younger generations so preserving a collection is very important. Here are some key points about how to protect, preserve, and enjoy your collections.

Light is the real problem when it comes to the preservation of paintings and works on paper. UV protection using UV-filtered or opaque materials helps prevent fading and light damage. One of the best ways to preserve fine art is investing in quality framing. For an oil on canvas painting, a frame will protect both the stretcher and the canvas as well as give a finished look to the painting once it is on the wall. Paintings exist best when kept out of direct sunlight and hung away from elements that may spark temperature and humidity changes like heaters, radiators, and air conditioners.

Prints require a different type of protection when it comes to framing and display. Prints and other works on paper like antique maps, historic documents, and the like should be matted and framed under glass using materials that are free of acid.

Acid free materials like mats and storage boxes should have a pH level of 7.0 or greater and the adhesives used in the framing of a fine art print should be pH neutral to protect fragile works on paper. Some acid free materials are made free of lignin, which can produce acid and darken paper, this process is known as acid burning or tanning. Avoid acid burning or tanning whenever possible.

Some of the most critical damage that happens to art and antiques happens when objects are stored.

EQUINE Lifestyle

Although it is little known, significant damage can occur during storage. When you first put an antique object away in storage, everything is fine but over time, changes in temperature and humidity can occur. When no one is looking, other affects may take place which will impact the condition and value of an antique or collection. It is important to store objects in archival boxes intended for a certain type and size of collectible. Physical support is necessary for fragile objects and storage containers like archival boxes need to be constructed to stand the test of time. What you put into a storage box like acid free tissue paper along with an antique is as important as the storage container. One size does not fit all when it comes to archival storage.

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ANTIQUES

By Dr. Lori Verderame Photos By Staff photographer, www.DrLoriV.com

Proper storage will protect your art collection.

Large paintings should be stored off the floor, preferably hanging up even in storage locations. If there is no room for a hanging storage solution, then store large paintings standing upright in a closet or storage area. While it may seem like a convenient place to store paintings, never lay paintings flat, face up under a bed. This will put stress on the stretchers and the canvas itself. Smaller paintings may be stored upright back to back and face to face on separated shelves. Use acid free foam core dividers to prevent the wire from the back of one painting from scratching the frame or canvas on the front of another painting positioned next to it. There are specific techniques to protecting art, a good rule of thumb is to handle with care, display works of art away from direct sunlight and store works in areas where temperature and humidity fluctuations are minimal.

Got your Appraisal?

Get Ready to SELL I am the first step in a long journey from finding an heirloom you no longer need and putting money in your pocket having sold it online. I help buyers and sellers regularly learn what they’ve got and what it’s really worth. I show people, on my youtube channel of instructional videos and via my website, how to spot that yard sale find, hidden attic treasure, or thrift store bargain. I show folks how to research and identify it correctly since there is a lot of misinformation online.

I help people learn the methods to correctly identify all types of art, antiques, sports memorabilia, and collectibles. Also, I offer tips for selling your vintage and antique stuff too.

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I offer some basic tips for selling like get an appraisal first before you enter the market so you know what kind of money you are dealing with, be polite yet firm in all your negotiations as a buyer or seller, know what questions to ask if you are trying to sell something that may have been someone else’s coveted family heirloom, fully understand why you shouldn’t sell your vintage Shiny Brite holiday ornaments at the same time you are trying to sell that Babe Ruth signed baseball. There is a season for everything, even online selling.

Here are some basic tips if you are looking to sell that World War II teapot, Depression era china service or 1970s vintage radio and so many other objects too. If you have never sold online and want to start, this article is for you.

Read on!

Selling art or antiques online has never been more popular.

Ebay is one of the most active websites for selling vintage antiques objects, thrift store finds, and other collectible objects. I have helped many people learn what they have, recognize the actual market value, and sell for top dollar. How do I do it? I am armed with knowledge and I share it widely at my events, website, and youtube.

Learn from me so you can make money for yourself. If you are new to selling online consider this: the best time to post something for sale online is at night—really? Yes, really. In fact, the best night to post something for sale in an online auction like those running all the time on ebay is Sunday night.

You ask, why? Because Sunday nights are the most active time period for online buyers. It is the busiest time on ebay and other online auction or online sales websites like etsy, rubylane, replacements, 1stDibs, chairish, Facebook marketplace (social media is a great place to sell too) and so many others too. Everything from Pyrex dishes to Japanese woodblock prints can and is being sold online—now more than ever. I have heard from my followers who were first timers who told me that some of my basic tips and encouragement got them selling and supplementing their income. I have heard from others who have told me that with my information that they have made their online selling hobby into a full time job.

If you have never sold on ebay or elsewhere online and think that you might want to start, start by buying something. That’s right. Buy something on ebay or on another online site or on Facebook marketplace and attract feedback. This feedback helps to establish you to your potential buyers in the future. When you buy something and get feedback it will help you when you sell something in order for you to obtain feedback. Be honest and forthcoming in all your transactions as that will keep you in the money when online selling.

Learn the ropes about marketing, popular search words for antiques and vintage selling, how to write an engaging auction description, tips for taking great sales photos of objects, determining accurate shipping costs, repairing damaged objects with care, and much more. In future columns, I’ll help you learn about timing auctions, how to take great photos that will get that antique sold, and where to find free shipping materials and coupons both on and off line. If you are thinking about selling online to rid your home of clutter or trying to make a lot of extra money flipping those thrift store or flea market finds, get out your loupe and measuring tape and follow me. I’ll help you find the cash from the trash.

�������������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������� Elite Equestrian does not endorse or confirm content suggestions in any articles. See credit page for disclaimer.

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ELAINE FRANTZ WITTEN Contemporary Equestrian and Wildlife Art

“Cavallo Nero”

(black reared stallion) Bronze on black granite base 17.5 x 10” x 5”

“Thoroughbred Portrait”

EQUINE Art

Bronze on Champlain black marble base 20” x 8” x 18”

“Cavalla Caracollante” (prancing mare) Bronze on black granite base 11” x 14.75”x 4.5”

“Vermont Morgan”

Bronze on black Vermont granite base, 15’75” x 14” x 9”

“Cavalli Volante” (flying mare)

Bronze on black granite base, 10.5 x 18’x 5.25” 34

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C

lassical

Training

Rene Gasser

of Gala of the Royal Horses, is accep�ng a limited number of horses for training in Dressage in Ocala, Florida.

Limited spaces are available for riding students as well.

“Photo Finish” (two racing horse heads)

Rene will bring out the best in your horse!

Bronze on black granite base, 10.25 x 27.5 x 12’

Training for 3rd Level and above.

Wellington Place 13532 Fountain View Boulevard Wellington FL 33414, USA

Full board is included with training package.

845-505-1147 • 561-557-3747 www.ChisholmGallery.com

www.galaoftheroyalhorses.com 321-402-1472

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READ

&

LEARN

CRAZY about Horses

It may surprise you to learn that there are over seven million horses in America—even more than when they were the only means of transportation—and nearly two million horse owners.

Acclaimed journalist and avid equestrian Sarah Maslin Nir is one of them; she began riding horses when she was just two years old and hasn’t stopped since. Horse Crazy: The story of a woman and a world in love with an animal, is a fascinating, funny, and moving love letter to these graceful animals and the people who—like her—are obsessed with them. It is also a coming-of-age story of Nir growing up an outsider within the world’s most elite inner circles, and finding her true north in horses.

In the book, published by Simon and Schuster this summer, Nir takes readers into the lesser-known corners of the riding world and profiles some of its most captivating figures. We meet Monty Roberts, the California trainer whose prowess earned him the nickname “the man who listens to horses,” and his pet deer; George and Ann Blair, who at their riding academy on a tiny island in Manhattan’s Harlem River seek to resurrect the erased legacy of the African American cowboy; and Francesca Kelly, whose love for an Indian nobleman shaped her life’s mission: to protect an endangered Indian breed of horse and bring them to America.

Woven into these compelling character studies, Nir shares her own moving personal narrative.

She details her father’s harrowing tale of surviving the Holocaust, and describes an enchanted but deeply lonely upbringing in Manhattan, where horses became her family. She found them even in the middle of the city, in a stable disguised in an old townhouse and in Central Park, when she chased down truants as an auxiliary mounted patrol officer. And she speaks candidly of how horses have helped her overcome heartbreak and loss.

Infused with heart and wit, and with each chapter named after a horse Nir has loved, Horse Crazy is an unforgettable blend of beautifully written memoir and first-rate reporting.

Order at: www.indiebound.org/book/9781501196232

Learn to FIND and RIDE the DISTANCE Excercises to Improve Rideability, Ajustability, and Performance.

“

EQUINE Lifestyle

Millions of people own, breed, look after, drive or ride horses. The common element is our passion for horses. Few of us are elite competitors, but that shouldn’t define us as horsemen/horsewomen.The love of the horse, our enthusiasm for the welfare of our horses and for the sport, spurs us on to improve our own skills an our horses’.

Page 15

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Stride control (striding) is an essential part of any rider’s development when jumping obstacles, and jumping them well, is a goal. Understanding and implementing stride control (being able to adjust the number of strides before and between fences) improves a horse’s rideability and allows the rider to further improve the horse’s technique over an obstacle. Jen Marsden Hamilton was taught striding by former US Show Jumping Chef d’Equipe George Morris, who credits her as being the first student to whom he taught the method that he himself had learned from Bertalan de Némethy, one of his mentors. Now, after coaching countless riders and horses around the world in the striding techniques that brought her success during her own impressive competitive career, Hamilton has compiled her knowledge in an illuminating book of exercises and insightful strategies.

This fun, approachable guide will help all riders train with correctness and form good habits at home so they can be stars at their next jumping or eventing competition. Exercises include detailed set-up instructions and illustrations for reference; clear discussion of the purpose and strategy for the training session; and helpful tips to ensure all involved are benefiting from the lesson. Throughout, Hamilton’s straight-talk and wry humorventertain as well as advise, providing an all-around superb guide to an invaluable jumping skill.

”

To order, contact: Trafalgar Square Books, Box 257, Howe Hill Road, N. Pomfret, VT 05053 800.423.4525 • www.horseandriderbooks.com

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The Promise A most unusual gift of love

The Poem Reads:

“Across the years I will walk with you - in deep, green forests; on shores of sand: and when our time on earth is through, in heaven, too, you will have my hand. “ Dear Reader: The drawing you see above is called The Promise. It is completely composed of dots and ink. After writing the poem, I with a quill pen and placed thousands of these dots, one at a time, to create this gift in honor of my youngest brother and his wife.

Now, I have decided to offer The Promise to those who share and value it’s sentiment. Each litho is numbered and signed by hand and precisely captures the detail of the drawing. As a wedding or anniversary gift, or simply as a standard for your own home, I believe you will find it most appropriate.

Measuring 14” x 16”, it is available either fully-framed in a subtle copper tone with hand-cut double mats of pewter and rust at $145* or in the mats alone at $105*. Please add $18.95 for insured shipping and packing. Your satisfaction is completely guaranteed. My best wishes are with you.

Sextonart Inc • P.O. Box 581 • Rutherford CA 94573 • 415.989.1630 • www.RobertSexton.com All major credit cards are welcome. Please call between 10 am and 5pm Pacific Standard time, 7 days a week. Checks are also accepted, please include phone number. * CA residents please include 8% sales tax www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

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C

APITAL CHALLENGE:

Rising to the Challenge by Providing a Safe Season Finale

TRAINING & Showing

Scott Stewart and Regent won the 2019 $25,000 North American Green Hunter 3’ and 3’3” Championship, beating out more than 140 entries from across the Green Hunter 3’ and 3’3” divisions.

Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography

By Emily Randolph Jump Media

As equestrian competitions began to resume in early summer, after months of unprecedented cancellations due to the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), many took it as a positive sign that the impact on the fall show calendar, still months away, might only be limited.

However, the hunter/jumper year-end finale shows – including the Capital Challenge Horse Show, held annually at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD – referred to colloquially as “indoors,” present a concern that the majority of summer events do not. As their popular nickname suggests, they take place primarily indoors, which continues to be a challenge during these uncertain times.

Capital Challenge, though, has adapted to the changes necessary to run a safe and successful year-end horse show amid continuing COVID-19 concerns. With guidance from state and local government officials as well as the show facility management, the Capital Challenge team is ready to “rise to the challenge.”

When the 2020 Capital Challenge Horse Show kicks off September 25 and runs through October 4, exhibitors can expect to find several important new protocols in place.

Show manager Oliver Kennedy is confident, however, that the event will be able to deliver on its reputation for featuring top-level competition and a great exhibitor experience.

“Prince George’s Equestrian Center has been our home for the past 26 years, and we’re looking forward to welcoming exhibitors there again this fall,” said Kennedy.

“In order to do that, we are working closely with both the facilities team at Prince George’s and with local and state government officials on protocols and guidelines that will allow us to host a safe competition.

“With a number of safety protocols in place, some things are going to look a bit different than they have in the past, 38

but the level of competition, the finals competitions that we offer, and the prestige of doing well at Capital Challenge are all the same,” continued Kennedy.

As the host of the World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) Program’s year-end finals and challenge classes, Capital Challenge attracts more of the nation’s top hunter horses and riders than any other stop on the “indoors” tour.

Highlight events on this year’s WCHR schedule at Capital Challenge include the $25,000 WCHR Professional Challenge, the WCHR Developing Pro Challenge, and the $10,000 WCHR Pro Finals, in which the country’s top professional hunter riders go head to head in a uniquely formatted class that sees them taking turns catch-riding unfamiliar mounts.

The featured WCHR classes at Capital Challenge are coveted feathers in their caps for many hunter professionals, including 2019 WCHR Pro Finals winner Victoria Colvin.

A win identifies them as one of the best of the best. “[The WCHR Pro Finals] has meant a lot to me,” said Colvin following her 2019 victory. “I’ve been watching it since I was riding in the juniors, and I’ve seen Scott Stewart win it a lot, so to be able to be someone who won it is amazing.”

Capital Challenge also hosts WCHR challenge classes for Amateur Owner, Adult Amateur, Junior, Children’s, and Pony riders.

For young horses, the $25,000 North American Green Hunter 3’ and 3’3” Championship is the highlight event of the 10-day horse show. In 2019, more than 140 entries

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Shiloh Roseboom thanks Heavenly Patch of Blue for a job well done after earning the 2019 Grand Pony Hunter Championship. Photo by Jump Media

Prince Georges The Capital Challenge Horse Show makes use of the indoor arena, outdoor rings, and a covered arena at Prince George’s Equestrian Center. Photo by Jeff Ridout

Martha Ingram rode Fonteyn to the win in the 2019 $2,500 WCHR Amateur-Owner 3’3” Challenge. Photo by Jump Media

contested Capital Challenge’s Green Hunter 3’ and 3’3” divisions, and 33 of the divisions’ top finishers qualified to compete in the two-round championship class.

This year, the same format will be followed, showcasing many of the country’s most-promising young horses and up-and-coming stars.

In addition to its impressive hunter class offerings, part of what makes Capital Challenge unique are the facilities at Prince George’s Equestrian Center, which allow the event to utilize indoor and outdoor rings and a covered arena simultaneously throughout the show.

This year, as part of the event’s rigorous effort to adhere to health and safety guidelines, the covered arena and outdoor ring will house many of the under saddle classes previously held in the indoor arena.

“By using the covered arena, we can allow riders to enter through one in-gate and go out a separate exit gate to allow plenty of distance between themselves and other riders, rather than having a situation where riders are congregating on the ramp to the in-gate where they all come in and out,” explained Kennedy.

Flat classes held during the show’s opening Equitation Weekend, September 25-27, will also be held in the outdoor ring and covered arena.

Once again this year, Equitation Weekend at Capital Challenge will feature more equitation final events than any other year-end horse show. Schedule highlights for 2020 include the Taylor Harris Insurance Services National Children’s Medal Finals, the EMO Insurance/United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) 3’3” Jumping Seat Medal Final – East, the Palm Beach International Academy North American Junior Equitation Final, and the North American Adult Amateur Equitation Championship. Capital Challenge is also home to the Ariat National Adult Medal Final, to be held Friday, October 2.

Cassandra Kahle and Monday Balous, winners of the 2019 $30,000 WCHR Professional Challenge at Capital Challenge. Photo by Jump Media

Not to be forgotten on Capital Challenge’s list of 2020 offerings are the jumper divisions, which include the $10,000 1.30m-1.35m Medium/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic, the $10,000 1.20m-1.25m Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic, the $10,000 Adult Amateur Jumper Classic, and the $10,000 Children’s Jumper Classic.

Horses competing in any of the hunter, jumper, and equitation classes will be stabled in the outdoor barns and stabling tents, with spaces left empty between neighboring barns.

The facility’s outdoor, open-air stabling is proving to be advantageous for the Capital Challenge team as they work hard to ensure a safe and socially-distanced horse show atmosphere, and it is just one of many aspects of the event that the management team is grateful for as they prepare to invite exhibitors to rise to the challenge of taking on the nation’s best at the 2020 Capital Challenge Horse Show.

Learn more about Capital Challenge and the 2020 horse show at www.CapitalChallenge.org.

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�

�������� “NO HOLD BACK” in Pandemic Year!

Kat Fuqua jumps from Hunters to Dressage with ease, and in her words talks about training her Champion Junior Hunters Consent, Grand Remo, Cornell22, and competing her Dressage Mare, DreamGirl.

Trainer Jason Canton finds Dream Girl in Holland and takes Kat to qualify for FEI Children’s Dressage Championship and Second and Third Level Regional Championships, and to earn the USDF Bronze Medal with scores in the 70s. Photo by Meg McGuire

About Kat… The thirteen year old, and four-time USEF Horse of the Year Champion, from Atlanta, was born to Grand Prix Dressage parents, and major sponsors of equine sports through their farm, Collecting Gaits. The little girl began sitting on her miniature ponies given as gifts at her one year old birthday, and has never stopped. Kat has racked up a list of national championship accolades that rival that of many full time professionals. She has won well over 225 division championships with her hunter ponies and horses since she started showing at age five.

EQUINE Lifestyle

Since 2014, she began learning to jump ponies with Mindy Darst, a well respected USEF Hunter & Pony Judge in Wellington, FL. United States Hunter Jumper Association started ranking Kat every year since 2015 for their Zone Horse of the Year awards for her multiple ponies and hunters. By 2018, United States Equestrian Federation awarded Five Horse of the Year awards and Grand Champion and Reserve Champion to Kat for her Large Pony Brighton, Medium Pony Finesse RF, Small JR Hunter under 15 RS Levitation, and Leading Pony Hunter Owner for the second year in a row.

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By Spring 2019 after taking home top ribbons from the indoor circuit over the years including Championships at Washington International & USEF Pony Finals, Kat hired the Hunter/Jumper Big EQ Judge and Champion himself, Jimmy Torano to polish her skills. Jimmy was instrumental in training Kat to Champion at the 2019 Pony Medal competition and to Champion for the second time at USEF Pony Finals with Prestige. Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) of Wellington awarded multiple Circuit Championship awards for the past four years including Equitation Rider under eleven, when Kat was just nine years old. Already in 2020 Jimmy

Kat with Cornell22 Champion Small Junior Hunter under 15 & Consent Reserve Champion with Trainer Jimmy Torano at 2020 WEF World Champion Hunter Rider Week. Photo by Lindsay Brown

takes Kat to win 19 division championships at JR Hunters and ponies, and is ranked 2nd in the country for World Champion Hunter Rider, and her top hunters ranked first and second, as of August 13th, third for her large pony.

While her heart is in jumping, her mother focused her skills on good flat riding. “I have always made certain that Kat’s foundation is dressage based. I Even hired our family friend, Bronze Medal Olympian, Michelle Gibson to help her in 2015. When I met World Cup Grand Prix Jumper Jimmy (Torano) in 2019, and watched him ride, I knew this was the guy who good teach my daughter.” says Shereen Fuqua.

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Kat & Dream Girl score high point at second level and high point at third level as a junior against adult amateurs and professionals with a 71.75% at third at Greater Atlanta Dressage Southern in Conyers, GA. Photo by Meg McGuire

Kat & Consent making their first debut together at 2020 WEF 6 World Champion Hunter Spectacular.

At home, USEF Young Horse & Grand Prix Dressage Champion Jason Canton has been teaching Kat flat work on her hunters since 2016. He decided Kat should have a dressage horse and traveled to Holland and found Kat’s PSG/I-1 champion Dream Girl this past winter. By July 2020, and after two dressage competitions with scores in the 70s, including 74% at First Level Three.

Kat was ranked fourth by USEF for the FEI Children’s Dressage Championship qualifier, qualified for USDF Regional Championships and earned her USDF bronze medal at showing first, second & third levels. Kat says, “While some people think I got my medal in a short time, I have been riding all my life so it really took more like ten years.

Jason has been teaching me basic dressage for years. He picked out a super mare for me to show. We are all three in tune with each other for success.”

Talking Kat...

My flatwork makes me a better rider with my hunters, AND my jumping skills make me a very brave dressage rider.

Mainly, the biggest difference is working the horse to be more collected and uphill in the dressage. The hunters go more flat but more forward to the jumps. People ask me all the time how my flatwork helps my hunters, here are a couple things I’ve learned. Four Key Training Exercises I use.

LEG YIELDING

I go in both trot and canter down the quarter line and leg yield to the wall or fence line to get the horse off my leg and make him more responsive to each leg and each direction. As I’m going to a jump, and if I’m not centered, I can just leg yield over easily to the middle of the jump.

There are 8-10 jumps in a course. The judges pay attention

to that in their overall scoring. I hope to be consistent to each jump to win a class. It’s a little thing that can make the score go up even if you have a great jumping hunter.

COLLECTING & LENGTHENING

When I’m on the long side of the ring I do ask the horse to go more forward and then when I get to the short side I collect the stride. I sit into the saddle and have a little more rein pressure. But I have to make sure I have more leg and have twice the leg pressure than hand. I don’t want the horse to think backwards going with too much hand.

It helps me when I’m in the show ring if there is a line that is forward going or short. I can know how to adjust the stride to get the correct amount of strides to the jump. If I’m more forward, I don’t have to add a stride. If the line is short then that means I need to collect the horse to get less strides in. The course requires a certain amount of strides and you’re judged on whether you did that or not.

BENDING

In both trot and canter, I do a 20 meter circle, spiraling in and out with the horse being around my inside leg. I incorporate the leg yielding to the spiral in exercise, with my outside leg. Then I use my inside leg to spiral out. This teaches my horses to be able to bend through a tight turn. I use it in a handy course when you have to do a roll back. This helps keep the horses in balance and in rhythm. If you just turn the horse’s head, it could result in a bad jump because you are not balanced and straight. Again, scores go up if you prepare your horses to jump well.

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Continued...

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Kat and her Cornell22 compete at the International Derbies as well, and ranked 8th for JR under 15 by USEF and 4th by USHJA as of July 21. Photo by Lindsay Brown

POSITION

My mom never stops correcting my position every time I get on a horse. She says it is the key to the best riding and admits she knows nothing about jumping. But since I was three or four years old, she always says, “ Inside leg to the outside rein and outside leg to the inside rein… the inside leg says over or bend, with outside rein to straighten. The outside leg says go forward.” She still tells me today the same basics, schooling me at home. Each hunter rider has their own style but for me, I like to hold my shoulders open and back. It keeps my eyes lifted. My horse’s forehand feels lifted to jump higher over the fence. In the hunters I definitely ride with a shorter leg then the dressage. Then when I go into two point I don’t have to reach for my stirrups and I have a tighter leg on. When my horses’ jump big, I want to feel confidant that I’m staying on and in balance.

I do not want to disrupt my horses’ movement. I do ride with my heels down in both hunters and dressage, or at least try. I can lift the horse up with my calf in both disciplines with my heels down. I try really hard to keep my hands closed on the reins. Then my horses listen to where I want them to go and what I want them to do. It is the hardest thing for me to do and both my dressage and hunter trainers tell me to keep my hands closed. I have the tendency to open my fingers which is just a bad habit.

Kat’s Shelter In Place….

This has been a strange year with the quarantine which brought me and my horses back home in March from the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington. I had to train them by myself for almost three months until the Tryon Hunter Circuit started in June. The good part was I got to train a lot of my flatwork with my horses at my family farm. I got to be with them every day, giving them treats, turning them out, and putting them on the walker. My one-on-onetime together creates a bond that I know they really try their hearts out for me in the show ring. When I’m at home riding and training, I can still hear Jimmy’s voice telling me what to do. “Don’t ride through the jump, let your horse jump!!!”

I have big goals and don’t know what the future will bring, but I’ve really grown to appreciate being at home. My horses are happy and I just keep going forward.

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Chic In Time, Kat’s palomino large pony imported from Germany winning Circuit WEF Green Large Pony Champion in 2017 to this July 2020 earning Kentucky Summer Grand Champion with more than 50 tri-color ribbons over the years, ends their partnership. Photo by Shawna McMillan

The End of Kat’s Pony Era....

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Juan C. Samper DVM MSc, PhD, Dipl. ACT, Adjunct Project Director.

A LIFETIME in Pursuit of

Equine REPRODUCTION ADVANCEMENT and EXCELLENCE.

By Karen Berk

Juan Samper, was raised on a family dairy farm in Colombia, where most of the work revolved around reproduction. His Dad also bred Percherons and played Polo. Improving the quality and quantity of the herd meant higher profits and stronger turn over.

Early on he recognized the life lessons of successful cattle and horse breeding. The farm Veterinarian, Dr. Stasiukynas, along with his Dad helped form his early veterinary goals.

A

Always an over achiever, with his path clear ahead of him, Juan was accepted in both Medical and Veterinary School. He opted for the latter with a passion for Large Animal, particularly horses.

Juan C. Samper graduated from veterinary school in 1982 and later on did a residency and earned his Masters and PhD degrees from the University of Minnesota and then became board certified with the American College of Theriogenologists in 1990.

EQUINE Health

Dr. Samper served on the Faculty of the Ontario Veterinary College, Kansas State University, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and most recently at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine.

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In addition to the academic career, Dr. Samper worked as an associate and then establish his own equine practice in Vancouver, British Columbia, for 25 years which he recently sold. Dr. Samper has consulted extensively in North and South America and in Europe. He is a frequent speaker at national and international conferences, is well published with several articles and book chapters in equine reproduction and is the editor of two editions of Equine Breeding Management and Artificial Insemination and co-editor of Current Therapy in Equine Reproduction. Dr. Samper served on the editorial board of Clinical theriogenology and is an associate editor of Frontiers of Veterinary Science. He has an AVMA member and has been an active member of the AAEP serving on the educational programs committee. In addition, was a board member and past-president of the Society for Theriogenology, and the North East Association of Equine Practitioners. Dr. Samper served as chairman of the International Symposium on Stallion Reproduction and on the board of directors of the American College of Theriogenologists and served a consultant for Sexing Technologies. Between 2014 and 2017 Dr. Samper served as the Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs at RUSVM and in December of 2017, accepted the position as Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine.

When asked recently of his future goals, he responded “When you feel that you have achieved all your goals you start to lose interest in life. My passion is education.

Educating veterinary students, sharing experiences with other veterinarians and sharing knowledge with horse breeders. I still have a lot to learn from horses, but what I have learned I am eager to share. As for my visions for the future path and expansion of Theriogenology or Reproduction/breeding, it is the basis for the sustainability of all living industries. Imagine that we went several years with no foal crops, or no calf crops. Those industries and economies would shrink and eventually disappear. But breeding has to be done responsibly, efficiently and cost conscious. The vet needs to know the motivations for people breeding and has to be partner with the breeder to facilitate and help solve problems.”

“My simple guidelines for improving efficient and effective Horse Breeding revolve around a partnership between the owner and the person assisting (vet/breeding manager).

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All parties of interest must be in mutual agreement, whilst each pulling from different angles, but all in the same direction.” “Having had the opportunity to do some research and sharing it with colleagues and participating in the personal and professional development of veterinary students has been one of the most satisfying experiences. I hope that I can continue to do this deep into the future.” and eventually disappear. But breeding has to be done responsibly, efficiently and cost conscious. The vet needs to know the motivations for people breeding and has to be partner with the breeder to facilitate and help solve problems.” “My simple guidelines for improving efficient and effective Horse Breeding revolve around a partnership between the owner and the person assisting (vet/breeding manager). All parties of interest must be in mutual agreement, whilst each pulling from different angles, but all in the same direction.”

“Having had the opportunity to do some research and sharing it with colleagues and participating in the personal and professional development of veterinary students has been one of the most satisfying experiences. I hope that I can continue to do this deep into the future.”

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A New Approach to Horse Hoof

Care?

If you have ever had a horse that suffers from laminitis, seedy toe, white line disease, collapsed heels, dry, brittle & cracked feet or any of the other multitude of hoof problems that can afflict our equine charges, you know that the old adage ‘No Hoof, No Horse’ has a sound basis in reality. The fact is that the conformation and condition of our horse’s feet has a major influence upon their soundness and, ultimately, their ability to work and perform to the best of their ability.

The fact is that the way horses are ‘shod’ has not changed significantly over the years. There are newer, lighter materials than the traditional iron shoe and there are new pads and wedges available to help to increase comfort and support hoof balance. But the fact remains that traditional shoeing requires nails to be driven into the hoof wall and allows for very little flexibility to use the skill of your farrier to develop excellent hoof conformation in your horse, should his feet be less than perfect, which very few are! Diseases such as laminitis are also reaching epidemic proportions and can result in many, many months of severe pain and long roads to recovery, if at all for many horses.

However, a new approach to horse hoof care and equine podiatry has now been developed – FormaHoof - which offers an effective solution to a wide range of hoof problems in horses, from laminitis and navicular, to seedy toe and white line disease, to low / high heels, hoof cracks and poor hoof conformation. FormaHoof uses flexible, reusable molds and an adaptable polyurethane resin to give horses durable support that mimics the natural function of the hoof, enabling it to heal and grow naturally. The liquid fit process of FormaHoof means that you get the perfect fit with all the contours of the hoof and its naturally occurring growth and development, in each and every application.

So just how does FormaHoof help solve major hoof related issues?

EQUINE Health

Laminitis

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Laminitis is a common and extremely painful condition caused by inflammation of tissues (laminae) bonding the hoof wall to the pedal bone in the hoof. As the hoof wall is rigid, the swollen laminae within it are unable to expand with the swelling, which results in the pedal bone sinking or rotating within the hoof under the horse’s weight. In extreme cases, the pedal bone rotates so far that it actually penetrates the sole of the foot and often the kindest thing to do is to put the animal to sleep.

FormaHoof offers a revolutionary new approach to hoof management for the laminitic horse or pony. The quick and safe application process gives immediate comfort and pain relief of the sole areas and allows the hoof to be medicated in a clean environment, 24 hours a day, with no urine and faeces re-infecting the area. FormaHoof uses a carefully researched and advanced polyurethane resin which eliminates the need to drive nails into an already inflamed hoof structure and once the application is complete, the shared weight is disbursed across the entire hoof structure, allowing even growth across the entire hoof. As FormaHoof is available in a wide range of mold sizes, all breeds and sizes can be accommodated, resulting in a customized and perfect fitting each time and for each horse or pony.

Navicular Syndrome

Navicular Syndrome (or disease) is caused by the inflammation or degeneration of the navicular bone and its surrounding tissues, which can lead to significant or permanent lameness. Prevalent in Warmbloods, Thoroughbreds and Quarter horses, navicular disease usually becomes evident between the ages of eight to ten years old. The disease commences as a result of excessive pressure on the navicular bone, enhanced by an underrun heel and excessively long toe, which causes concussion between the flexor tendon and the navicular bone and resulting in damage to the fibrocartilage of the flexor surface and the flexor tendon itself*.

The FormaHoof podiatry system addresses navicular disease by realigning the Hoof-Pastern axis, thereby reducing stress on the tendons and ligaments in the hoof and leg.

The application results in the reduction of stress and pain on the navicular bursa and heel area and provides support that allows the external sole structure to improve, the medial coronary band to relax and allows the horse to land evenly and with an improved stride.

Hoof Cracks

Hoof cracks are the direct consequence of lack of moisture and elasticity and although in some cases they are genetic, they can be controlled and often cured with a proper nutritional diet and good hoof management.

Hoof cracks can appear in any place around the hoof, top or bottom, and may or may not cause lameness. However, cracks can lead to infections and hoof loss and should be addressed as soon as possible. The biggest issue is that organisms can enter the cracks and invade the inner tissues, which result in pain and additional expenses in hoof and veterinary care.

FormaHoof eliminates the leverage on the hoof wall that causes flaring and which leads to structural cracks.

By encapsulating the hoof structure in a moisture medicated, control environment, FormaHoof can eliminate the bacteria and organisms that infect and forces that create cracks, whilst offering support and protection, enabling the hoof to heal and grow naturally.

Hoof Abscess

Hoof abscesses are usually caused by the trauma of a nail or other sharp object penetrating the hoof sole, white line or frog, which allows bacteria to enter the hoof capsule and infection to brew. Another cause of abscesses is connected to hoof cracks which allow bacteria to enter, and is as a result of extremely dry conditions or a soft sole caused by very wet conditions.

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C

racking the Code How diet fortification can improve topline muscle growth to Topline Health

By Abby Keegan, MS, PAS, Equine Nutri�onist at Cargill

“Something isn’t right here.

The fit is all wrong. What’s the matter with this saddle?”

You may have asked this question before. Despite adjusting the straps and tweaking the padding, you just can’t get that saddle to fit correctly.

But poor saddle fit might not be an equipment problem, rather a symptom of a larger issue: poor topline health.

A horse lacking a strong topline – with underdeveloped musculature and poor shape from withers to croup – just might not have the composition needed to properly fit the saddle.

Enter proper diet and nutrition. What a horse eats has the biggest impact on topline health, and cracking that code can solve a host of challenges, including poor saddle fit.

That’s why seven out of 10 veterinarians believe a healthy topline is key to a horse’s well-being, and 62% believe a healthy topline is key to fewer injuries. 1.

So, what should you consider when it comes to your horse’s diet, and how do you maximize topline health?

Read on to find out.

Fortified Diets, Stronger Horses

The dietary strategies you choose to follow for your horse will directly affect topline health.

Research shows that fortifying a horse’s diet with amino acids can significantly improve its Topline Evaluation Score (TES) compared to a standard maintenance diet. 2.

EQUINE Health

In the study, Nutrena® and university researchers fed mature horses two different diets: one formulated to meet or exceed nutritional requirements at maintenance, and one that matched total protein and calories but included additional amino acid fortification, fermentation metabolite additives and complexed trace minerals. Researchers also kept other factors constant, such as access to hay.

They evaluated body composition over 58 days via body measurement analysis and ultrasonography.

The results were significant. Horses fed a fortified diet saw greater topline muscle development, especially over the 17th and 18th ribs, an area which demonstrated the most sensitivity to lean muscle and fat development. By the 48

numbers, that meant longissimus dorsi area depth increased 11.18 cm2 on average. That’s more than double (+160%) the gains of that of the standard maintenance diet.

And while the fortified diet improved TES, it had no effect on body weight, body condition score or dry matter intake.

Which Amino Acids and How Much?

The research shows just what a difference amino acids can make in topline health. But, it’s not enough to have any amino acid in any amount, even if they total to a standard crude protein percentage on the feed tag.

Horses need the right amino acids – in the right amount – to maximize topline muscle growth.

Of the 21 amino acids used by horses, ten are defined as “essential”, which means they must be taken in through the diet.

Yet, it’s not enough to ensure each essential amino acid is simply present in the diet. They must be provided in the right amounts to be optimal, and those amounts are relative.

You can think of amino acids as letters of the alphabet.

Essential amino acids are vowels. You can’t write without them. And three amino acids – lysine, methionine and threonine – are E, A and I. They’re especially important and are often needed in the most availability in order to excel.

So it goes for nutrition. A horse could be deficient in lysine, yet have plenty of the other nine essential amino acids.

Still, the excess of the others could not make up for the deficiency of the one, and topline muscle development would stall.

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Continued from page 46

Feed Choices Make the Difference With an understanding of how amino acids impact diet and overall topline health, the question becomes which feed to choose. In order to maximize topline health, it’s important to look beyond the feed tag and evaluate the specific amino acid profile of the feed.

A trusted choice is SafeChoice® horse feeds. Nutrena changed the industry 15 years ago with the debut of the original SafeChoice horse feed, and today SafeChoice continues to change the game with Nutrena’s Topline Balance® initiative, which focuses on amino acid content and balance to build muscle.

All SafeChoice feeds feature the Topline Balance formulation, guaranteeing the right amino acids in the right ratios to help support the entire muscle structure of the horse, from the topline down. SafeChoice feeds also deliver tried-and-true controlled starch formulas, so horse owners know exactly what’s in every bag they feed their horse.

When it comes to horse health and diet, there’s a lot to digest. That’s why Nutrena’s team of experts and trusted retailer network wants to be your resource. To get in touch and find more resources, including a free topline evaluation tool, visit ToplineBalance.com.

EE Elite Equestrian does not endorse or confirm content suggestions in any articles. See credit page for disclaimer.

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The abscess itself is caused by bacteria multiplying within the infected area, which causes puss to gather in the lamina. From here it spreads within the hoof, creating pressure within the hoof wall and so becoming ever more painful. The puss looks to find a way out, usually finding an escape through the coronary band or back through the injured area itself. The most obvious signs of an abscess is clear lameness, a warm hoof wall, sensitivity to hoof testers and an increased digital pulse on the affected hoof.

When a horse is in FormaHoof, direct puncture wounds from nails and foreign objects are prevented in the first place, as the whole hoof is protected by FormaHoof protective resin. If the hoof already has an abscess, FormaHoof can be used as a functional hoof poultice, enabling the affected area to be unloaded and for the pus and discharge to drain into a medicated pad.

FormaHoof for performance enhancement FormaHoof allows you to protect your horse’s foot through the various stages of their athletic career, by encapsulating and preserving the hoof structure and correcting irregular palmar angles.

The long term advantages of a FormaHoof application can be summed up in two key functions. The first is to support the biomechanical functions of the hoof and leg as FormaHoof replicates the horse’s natural hoof angles within every FormaHoof mold.

The secondary function is to increase or develop the proper solar concavity, by allowing the natural expansion and contraction of the hoof. This can be accomplished thanks to the functional solar arch already designed within the FormaHoof Mold.

And another key benefit of using FormaHoof is that, unlike traditional recovery recommendations, FormaHoof allows your horse to return to work while the feet heal, avoiding lengthy and expensive layoff periods.

www.formahoof.com

EE

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Every Breath Horses Take Affects Every Move They Make.

By Kim F Miller

“Respiratory health is essential to performance,”

“I

The prominent veterinarian and thought leader spent 15 years engaged in equine health from a Universitybased perspective. She then left academia to apply that knowledge in private practice, immersing herself in a 360-degree perspective on horse management. Equine Sports Medicine Practice specializes in high performance horses and prioritizes prevention and career longevity.

Dr. Emmanuelle Van Erck Westergren

EQUINE Health

want to help horses compete successfully over a whole season and a whole career,” Dr. Emmanuelle explains. Accomplishing that involves working with owners to evaluate and implement best management practices related to every aspect of their horse’s health. Respiratory function is critical to that, yet often under-appreciated and misunderstood. Worse, warning signs of trouble are easily missed or misinterpreted.

That’s why Dr. Emmanuelle welcomes the chance to speak on equine respiratory health, as she did here with journalist Kim F Miller.

Kim: How is the equine respiratory system different from a human’s?

Dr. Emmanuelle: Several factors contribute to the horse becoming deficient in oxygen even in sub-maximal levels of exercise. This state is called hypoxemia.

In man, oxygen levels stay the same during all levels of exertion.

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stresses Dr. Emmanuelle Van Erck Westergren of a key focus at her Equine Sports Medicine Practice in Waterloo, Belgium.

Kim: What are those factors?

Dr. Emmanuelle: 1) Horses breathe only through their nose. There is no communication between the oral cavity and the airways. Think about exerting yourself while only breathing through your nose.

2) Their narrow upper airway and the long distance from there into the lungs makes it that much harder to move the column of air in and out. It’s “dead space” because nothing happens to the oxygen during the trip. It is only transferred to the blood stream when it gets into the lungs.

3) Horses breathe in and out at the same rate as their gait. As they canter or lope, they inhale in suspension, and exhale when their first foreleg hits the ground. Standardbred trotting horses have an advantage because, if they become oxygen deficient, they can take a big breath over several trot steps. A Thoroughbred racehorse is limited because they can’t compensate with a big breath over a few strides. They have to breathe in and out with their stride. As they become oxygen deficient, they have to breathe more often, which means shortening their stride.

4) Horses bodies are over 60% muscle and muscles demand a lot of oxygen.

By comparison, muscle mass for a “normal” 18-40-year-old man is 33% to 39%.

5) Horses have a higher heart rate and that faster circulating blood means it doesn’t stay anywhere long enough to output all the oxygen it carries.

Kim: Will the horse’s ability to intake and use oxygen improve as his fitness improves?

Dr. Emmanuelle: Unfortunately, no. The horse’s muscle and heart function adapt and improve with conditioning, but the oxygen capacity of its respiratory system does not. Human performance is limited because we have small hearts.

Horses have big hearts that get bigger and can pump more blood with conditioning, but their performance is still limited because the respiratory system can’t deliver enough oxygen to the muscles.

Because of all the limitations, even a little bit of inflammation or obstruction anywhere in the respiratory tract has a big impact on performance.

Kim: How often to you see sport horses with some type of respiratory disease?

Dr. Emmanuelle: Too often! We have tracked 400 cases in which horses were referred to our practice for poor performance. Between 50% and 80% had some degree of respiratory disease. Eventers had 100% and international show jumpers had 85% at the high end, while driving and leisure horses were at the “low” end with 50% affected. In a study published last fall, we found that 88% of 731 horses referred for poor performance had Inflammatory Airway Disease, a range of conditions on the milder end of the Equine Asthma Spectrum.

Kim: Do owners typically recognize poor performance issues as related to respiratory health?

Dr. Emmanuelle: No. Most of the complaints were very unspecific. “Feeling heavy” is a top complaint. Heavy breathing, breathlessness, lack of energy and slow recovery times are more common complaints. Owners seldom noted coughing or nasal discharge, which are more clear symptoms of respiratory problems.

Kim: What are some of the biggest risks to respiratory health?

Dr. Emmanuelle: Respiratory diseases fall into the category of Equine Asthma, a relatively new label in veterinary medicine. Some horses have a genetic predisposition for it, but otherwise it is an occupational disease. Environment, stresses of training and competition which can lower immunity, and mingling with other horses are all risk factors for Equine Asthma.

Kim: How do you figure out what’s causing the problem?

Dr. Emmanuelle: I look at the horse and his environment. We do measurements of dust levels and samples of contaminants. Some are easy to see.

Have you seen someone sweep dust from the barn aisle, then stash that in the horse’s stall? Or seen mold stains on barn walls or ceilings?

A condition called Sick Building Syndrome exists in human medicine and it can apply to horses, too. They may not be coughing or having nasal discharge, but they clearly don’t feel well. That can often be linked to the amount of contaminants growing inside the building.

Horses were designed to live outside, but many horses spend 23 hours a day in the barn. Living inside, they’re exposed to 50 times more inhalable irritants! Even if they live outside, if they’re getting hay with contaminants, it’s still a problem.

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Kim: Does weather affect the amount of contaminants to which horses are exposed?

Dr. Emmanuelle: Yes. Europe experienced particularly warm weather this year, and earlier in the spring than normal. That corresponds to a record number of respiratory cases, as did record pollen levels with record numbers of asthmatic patients.

A Canadian study found a correlation between the temperature and humidity and worsening symptoms of equine asthma. And global warming is having an effect because there is a shorter or non-existent period when there is a layer of frozen ground. That all affects the number of contaminants, including fungi, mold and bacteria found in soil, in which hay or straw is grown.

Kim: Fungi sounds especially nasty and dangerous.

Dr. Emmanuelle: It is. Fungi, which is the same as mold, can be very allergenic because it has proteins that can trigger a very strong reaction. It can become infectious and start to grow inside the horse’s airways. That process can produce toxins and irritations to the respiratory mucosa, which can ultimately affect the throat muscles. Fungi can also trigger inflammatory responses that manifest as rhinitis and sinusitis.

The role of fungi is not yet broadly recognized in the veterinary world. When a fungal infection is suspected or diagnosed, current treatments often include corticosteroids to address inflammation. Those further depress the immune system, enhancing the opportunity for fungal infection.

In our study of 731 horses referred for suspected respiratory issues and/or poor performance, 88% were found to have Inflammatory Airway Disease.

Horses with fungal elements in their airway were 2.1 times as likely to have IAD. In a study we did on sport horses, we detected a link between fungi in the airways and the likelihood of Exercised Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage: a horse is seven times more likely to bleed from the lungs, through the nose, during extreme exertion when they have fungi in the airways. In the United States, this could get a lot of attention as racetracks are in the process of phasing out Lasix, the medication that reduces EIPH. Kim: That’s a lot of bad news. How can we protect our horses from these microscopic assailants?

Dr. Emmanuelle:

Kim: What about hay & bedding?

Dr. Emmanuelle: Both play a big part in respiratory health. I strongly advise all my clients to get a Haygain Hay Steamer because it reduces up to 99% of the fine, respirable particles and kills fungi, bacteria and yeast in hay. Ample scientific studies demonstrate the benefits of killing the fungi/mold. It hasn’t been studied yet, but I think killing the bacteria has a positive impact on horses’ digestive function. I would like to look into that.

When it comes to preventative medicine, Haygain is something that speaks for itself over time. That’s why you don’t see many hay steamers for sale second-hand. Once horse owners adopt it, they don’t go back.

As for bedding, first consider flooring that can be disinfected. Then, wood shavings are better because wood contains terpene, which is a natural antiseptic. Cardboard and paper shavings are cleaner options. Straw, on the other hand, can foster bacteria and fungal growth.

Kim: What about homemade hay steamers?

Dr. Emmanuelle: Not an option. Temperatures need to reach the range of 212°F (100°C) to kill bacteria and fungi. Steaming at lower temperatures actually serves as an incubator for contaminants.

This happened with a dressage horse referred for coughing while exercising. Using an over-ground endoscope, we found he had an obstruction in his upper airway. Determined to help their Cobwebs horse, the owner had made their own hay steamer. indicate there isn’t enough What happened, though, was putting contaminated hay into what was, in effect, an incubator. It wound ventilation because spiders up culturing fungus to the highest level, to where the fungus produced neurotoxins that affected the won’t make them where muscle function and resulted in the obstruction.

Assess and improve your horse’s environment!

1. Make sure there’s ventilation in the barn. That means circulation and renewal of the air. If there’s no there’s any breeze. renewal, moisture will accumulate and foster contaminant Kim: How receptive are horse owners toward these prevengrowth. Cobwebs indicate there isn’t enough ventilation because tative measures you recommend? spiders won’t make them where there’s any breeze.

2. Reduce dust: the fine dust that can be inhaled and lodge in the airways and Dr. Emmanuelle: As a sports medicine practice, we work mostly with high level competitors. It has taken a while to educate our clients. As we treat horses deep in the lungs. year to year, if we are always treating the same problem, I like to review the 3. Look for signs of mold on walls, everywhere and especially on walls near management over going first for medications. As horses do better over the long stored hay. term, the results speak for themselves.

4. Look at floor mats: specifically, what is growing between and underneath them. Urine accumulation can make it really dangerous and gross. It’s awful for horses and people. Stables don’t have to be sterile, but they do need to be Kim: Thank you!! clean.

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Stall Grazer.

THE WORLD CHAMPIONS Horse Feeder To understand horse feeding, we need to understand how a horse is programmed to eat.

Horses are grazers by nature and when you observe them in a natural pasture se�ng you will no�ce that their head is at ground level and that they are ea�ng approximately 17 hours a day. This is nature’s way of slow feeding and has worked since the beginning of �me and long before horse feeders were ever invented.

Over �me we transplanted horses from their natural environment to one that was more convenient for our own purposes. Box stalls or paddocks removed the access to free choice grazing and the slow steady intake of feed. A HORSE UNDER LIGHT WORKING CONDITIONS WILL CONSUME ABOUT 2% OF ITS BODY WEIGHT EACH DAY OR APPROXIMATELY 20 POUNDS OF HAY.

Tradi�onal feeders were hung on the stall wall not considering that a horse’s teeth do not come into alignment un�l the head is down. Hanging feeders forced the horse to pull the hay out of the feeder and eat it off the ground This wasted a good percentage of the hay and increased the possibility of inges�ng dangerous colic causing materials. So much hay was being wasted, we started to feed our horse’s a couple of flakes of hay twice a day. This prac�ce reduced wasted hay but is s�ll not a healthy prac�ce for our horses. The horse has a small stomach rela�ve to their body size.

When we feed a one to two flakes of hay twice a day, horses tend to gorge the feed rapidly. The hay and its nutrients are passed through the stomach with a very low degree of efficiency and the stomach emp�es out completely between feedings.

They then wait it out for 10 hours or so un�l we show up to feed them again. This whole �me their brain is telling them to eat, but the availability of feed is not there. Like humans, acid is always present in a horse’s stomach and they can easily develop ulcers if a con�nuous feed supply is not available.

Stall Grazer horse feeders are used and endorsed by more Million Dollar Riders, Veterinary hospitals, and Equine Universi�es than any other horse feeder in the world. Visit us today at www.propanel.com Stall Grazer horse feeders are manufactured by Pro Panel Inc right here in the USA.

EQUINE Health

The Stall Grazer 3 in 1 Horse feeder serves as a grazing sta�on Start feeding your horse the way nature intended with the Stall for your horse. It is designed to sit at ground level and allows Grazer 3 in 1 horse feeder. the horse to eat with the head down in a natural grazing posi�on. The feeder has a capacity to hold a full days’ worth of feed and will virtually eliminate wasted hay. Your horse will eventually give up trying to eat un�l the feed is gone and start slowly consuming the feed 17 hours per day just like they do in nature.

Simply keep hay in the feeder. Most horses will self-regulate their intake to suit their needs. A natural slow feeder!

EE

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EFFECTIVE Skin Care Tips for the Active Equestrian Rider

By Karin Matey Finally the warm days of the year have arrived and I am able to trade my snow pants for much lighter attire. I absolutely love the feeling of wearing short sleeve shirts and light riding pants while training with my horses. However, with the warm weather of summer and fall comes a new responsibility—to protect my skin from overexposure to the sun and other environmental elements. As a licensed esthetician and skin care provider, I understand the importance of taking good care of my skin, which includes a daily skin care regime that provides me with all my skin care needs as well as protects my skin from the daily exposure to UV rays and elements of the environment. I have been working in the beauty and skin care industry for twenty-seven years and have educated many people on the importance of good skin care. I have taught them how to keep their skin healthy and safe from harmful environmental exposures that can cause all kinds of skin problems.

When I train with my horses in the riding ring, I try to avoid the hottest time of the day by training with them either before noon or after 4 pm. Sun rays are less damaging in the earlier or later part of the day but one should still minimize direct exposure to the sun while enjoying the outdoors.

Because I do spend a lot of time outdoors around the barn and training with my horses I start my day with good skin care practices and a twice-a-day skin care regime which includes wearing sunscreen.

Our skin covers our entire body and is our largest organ.

It protects us from harmful bacteria and other invaders.

When we sweat, we excrete toxins through our skin. The skin helps to regulate our body temperature through perspiration. Skin consists of three major layers: the epidermis, the dermis and the hypodermis, with many capillaries and cell layers in between. The epidermis is our outer protective layer that keeps most invaders from entering our body. The dermis is the middle layer and is also known as the life tissue or true skin, and the hypodermis is the fatty layer of the skin that keeps our skin plump and healthy. As we age, our skin becomes more in need of a skin care regime that helps support the skin’s natural structure by replenishing any loss of elasticity and hydration.

to care for your skin first, while in the States, many people just cover all their impurities up with make-up and often don’t focus on the needs of their skin. My philosophy has always been if you take good care of your skin you don’t need to cover or hide any blemishes. My skin care regime consists of six simple steps. In the morning before I go out to the horses in the barn, I cleanse my skin with a hydrating cleanser, loosening any buildup that could cause blackheads or breakouts. Before I rinse the cleanser off my face I make sure I gently massage it all over my face and neck. Next I apply a hydrating toner with a flat cotton pad to help lift excess oils and debris out of my pores that the cleanser has left behind. I also apply a hydrating lotion with an SPF of 30 and finish with a hydraing cream. Finally, after I carefully apply my eye cream, I use a lightly tinted mineral sheer tint foundation with an SPF of 20. I have found that mineral products keep the skin protected, healthy and free flowing.

EQUINE Health

Damage to skin from sun overexposure in the younger years can surface in later years.

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Damage to skin can be done in the younger years of life most often by overexposure to the sun. However, this damage usually does not show its first signs until we are in our forties or even fifties. A moderate amount of natural sunlight is essential to good health. Sunlight is necessary for the human skin to synthesize vitamin D. But if you spend long hours outdoors, for instance, in the riding arena with sand reflecting light onto your skin, the UV radiation from the sun can be damaging to the living cells. This type of damage can most likely not be reversed.

As a girl growing up in Germany, I learned early in my life the importance of taking good care of one’s skin. After I immigrated to the United States of America, I studied skin care at the Elizabeth Grady School of Esthetics, Make-up Artistry, and Massage Therapy in Boston. I was amazed at how differently this country views skin care needs. In Europe I learned that before you apply any make-up you need

I repeat these simple steps twice a day—once in the morning and once in the evening. I know that I cannot stop the hand of time and my skin from aging naturally, but by simply following the six simple steps of caring for my skin above, I can keep my skin healthy and protected from overexposure to the sun so I can continue to do what I love doing the most—spending lots of time training and riding with my horses. If you love to ride with your horses, or spend a lot of time outdoors for any reason, be sure to be watchful of your skin care needs! ������������������������������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������������������������������� �����������������������

Elite Equestrian does not endorse or confirm content suggestions in any articles. See credit page for disclaimer.

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CAN YOU MANAGE THE

QUALITY of your RELATIONSHIP with HORSES? Are You Working With The Horse As A Team, Or Just Putting Him To Work?

By Alessandra Deerinck

TRAINING & Showing

Why is riding one of the most interesting forms of sport? Because it brings together very different individuals, and melds them into one harmonious moving entity. On one side there is the horse, on the other there is the human being, which is also the one creating and wanting the situation. Interacting with horses is not like doing so with another human being like in team sports, where the rules are understood and accepted by the players.

When being with a horse, people want to control what is happening, and train horses to respond to cues, which does not take in consideration the horse’s side of the action.

People also often have in mind to build a bond with the horse, but based on human concepts that horses do not immediately understand. Actually, the fact that we humanize horses adds to the problem. Because horses are live creatures, they actively participate in the situation regardless if human beings acknowledge their input or not.

The fact that the equine input to the relationship can have dangerous results, and even instill fear in the human adds more to the problem.

In order to properly interact we always have to keep in consideration the way the horse sees the relationship created by the interaction. That is because only a relationship that is shared equally by the participants actually supports their interaction at all times.

Between human and horse, there is a gap in the communication, which happens mainly by spoken language between human beings and by behavior between equines. Communication through behavior is something that always happens between human and horse, even if we interact by trained behavior, so, we better become aware of it. Learning how to have a true relationship with horses is only possible if the human feels responsible for his behavior, and is willing to study horse behavior. The time spent in learning how horses naturally behave enables us to understand and support the horse according to his own needs, so the horse can truly become an understanding and willing partner.

What truly makes a difference in training people and horses to succeed together is to empower them both to interact without the need of someone else’s mediation, which means coaching them to learn to effectively communicate between each other while doing something they both enjoy. The way to reach this goal is not just by conditioning the horse to respond to cues and teaching people pure techniques and strategies, or ďŹ xing isolated problems, 60

and having students practice routines that supposedly create a result. A real support to the human and horse relationship is giving people and horses a direct system for communication that can allow them to understand each other in any circumstance, on the ground and in the saddle. Most of all it has to be bilateral, meaningful to the human, but also to the horse.

Human Horse Sensing is designed to support spontaneously the human interaction with horses in any circumstance during groundwork as well as while riding. Human Horse Sensing creates a dynamic interaction, modulated in time by behavior through movement, and perceived by human and horse through the senses. The relationship between human and equine is structured as a social relationship. Most importantly we leave coercion out of the interaction, and the leader appears to be such from the way he behaves.

Freedom of choice in the interaction with others is a behavioral trait of any live individual, and the interaction with horses while they are free to choose their response is an important situation to explore. Safety is critical in working with horses that are free to move, and Human Horse Sensing goes in depth regarding this topic. After all, when we interact with a horse that is free to choose his response, the action we will get is how the horse really feels about the request we made. The horse, that learns by being trained in a situation of free choice, will be much more likely to display the behavior in other instances when we would ask for it. Knowing how to interact with our horse, in a situation of freedom of movement allows us to establish a true relationship that can support human and equine in the time spent together in any equestrian discipline.

An interaction that is easy to practice, and a good way to start our time with the horse is to see how he feels about us in terms of trust. Trust is one of the social values that Human Horse Sensing system of communication uses, and we go in detail when teaching how to manage it. This very desired quality in relating with horses is also easy and quick to assess, if we know that the horse behaves naturally as a

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prey. The way a horse shows to be trusting another individual is to let the other enter his personal space. Trust is not a situation fixed in time; it can actually disappear if the other individual shows a behavior that is not trustworthy, but trust can also be present and displayed again with evident behavior as soon as the horse perceives that he can trust the approaching individual. It is actually possible to decide if a horse can trust us or not by consciously acting in a manner that is worth trust or not. Acting upon space and movement allows us to communicate to the horse that we trust him, and we better be always aware of this fact, because when we are with a horse it happens anyway.

Communication is a matter of energy too, just not in a metaphysical form. Leaving aside feelings and emotions, which are existing forms of energy but not very handy to instantly modulate, the definition for kinetic energy is the energy that objects possess due to their motion, and is equal to one half times the mass multiplied by velocity squared.

So, if we purposefully modulate our kinetic energy while approaching a horse, we can choose to look like trust worthy or not, and actively dialogue with the horse about trust.

The key element to immediately connect with the horse is to consciously switch the vector of our communication, from language to behavior, and meaningfully modulate every part of it in terms of space, time, movement, and sense perception.

We need to be mindful about what we show as our behavior, because learning in life never stops. Horses are able to memorize situations, and we always want to build positive memories, especially about relationship values such as trust, and have those support us at all times when we are with a horse.

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Western Dressage:

A Closer Look at Tack PALM PARTNERSHIP TRAINING ™ Building a Partnership with Your Horse

Story and Photos By Lynn Palm Any time you are getting into a different discipline, it is important to know what tack is allowed in competition. The smart rider will research ahead of time to learn all the rules about what tack is permitted and what is not.

I recommend practicing at home with the tack you plan to use at the show. This is so important! Train with at home the bridles, bits, and saddles/pads that you would use at a show. This allows you and your horse to be familiar with the tack and helps avoid unpleasant surprises on show day.

Most people will have a nice show saddle that fits the horse and rider, but never use it unless they are at a show.

Instead of using their “good” saddle at home to school and practice in, they may have a “working” saddle, but one of poor quality that does not fit the horse and rider.

If you want to ride well you have to have properly fitting tack for you and your horse. Properly fitting tack will allow you to have better balance in the saddle.

Bits are another topic. Some people will train at home with a milder bit and use a harsher bit at the show. I advise against this practice because it will only cause problems. When a horse goes to a show, he is in new and unfamiliar surroundings. A new place will always make a horse more sensitive. Using a more severe or responsive bit to get control of a horse who is more reactive at a show will only intensify the horse’s reactions even more.

TRAINING & Showing

Keep the same bit and use the mildest bit possible to promote relaxation. A relaxed mouth will always give you a more responsive horse.

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The Western Dressage Association of America is very new, only a few years old. The association’s rules can be found at their website, http://westerndressageassociation.org/.

Please read all the tack and attire rules. Let’s summarize what tack is required: Headstalls and Bits • Western headstalls - a western cavesson is optional. A western cavesson (flat, rolled, braided, or plain, with an adjustable noseband), or pencil bosal with or without a get-down rope with space for two fingers placed between the cavesson and the jowl of the horse is allowed.

No metal (except for the buckle on the cavesson), studs of any kind, or other substances can be used in conjunction with or as part of a Western cavesson.

• Smooth snaffles, 3-piece smooth snaffles, or mullen mouthpiece bits are allowed. Use the snaffle for any level test and all ages of horses. Snaffles are ridden with two hands. Refer to website for acceptable mouthpieces.

A hackamore (bosal) is permitted on a horse of any age, and at any level. A hackamore includes a bosal, rounded in shape and constructed of braided rawhide or leather, and must have a flexible non-metallic core attached to a suitable headstall. No other material of any kind is to be used in conjunction with the bosal, i.e. steel, metal or chains. Bosals may be wrapped with smooth electrical tape to prevent rubbing.

• Curb bits can be used on any age of horse and any level. They can be ridden with two hands. If you refer to the tack rules, you will find the specific sizes and types of bits that are legal. (You should also review the section on illegal bits so you don’t use the wrong one.)

Saddles and Whips • Western saddles that are permitted include stock saddles, work saddles, Aussie, or native or side saddle can be used. Silver on saddles will not count over good working equipment. A horn on the saddle is not required, but Western style fenders are required.

• A breastplate and/or crupper may be used.

• Tapaderos are permitted except in Western Dressage Equitation.

• Whips are allowed no longer than 47.2” including lash.

• Be sure to peruse the website for more information on tack. And check out the section on illegal equipment, as it shows other miscellaneous Western tack that is not permitted.

• With my accomplished horseman/saddlemaker husband, we have designed a Western Dressage saddle (www.lynnpalm.com under “Boutique” on the home page). It’s designed specifically for this new and fun competition.

• Hope you truly enjoy this sport — my next articles will EE give you more information about Western Dressage!

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PARADRESSAGE: My JOURNEY and the Triumphs and Trials on the Road to Becoming a HIGH PERFORMANCE Athlete

By Bryanna Tanase

They say to never give up on something you can’t go a day without thinking about.

TRAINING & Showing

F

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Follow Bryanna at @bt.paradressage or email- btanase@verizon.net

or me, that thing is horses. Since I met a palomino pony on a preschool field trip, horses were always on my mind. I immersed myself in horse books and movies, and as I got older used the internet as my source of horse information and news. I learned as much as I could and discovered my favorite riding discipline was dressage, I was captivated the moment I watched Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro float across the arena, and began to study the sport earnestly.

One day at age 10 or 11, I decided to search and see if there were any professional riders that had a disability like myself. I was born with cerebral palsy, a physical disability caused by brain damage at or before birth that affects movement, coordination, and balance, and I am a wheelchair user. That was my first encounter with paradressage, and it only took a few minutes of watching riders like Rebecca Hart for me to want to pursue it.

Even though I went on short pony rides throughout my life, my first real step towards high performance was during my senior year of high school in 2016, when my parents enrolled me in the therapeutic riding program at Quantum Leap Farm in Odessa, FL, and have supported me since. I’ll never forget my first independent ride in December of that year. It was the moment where I realized that my dreams of being on the US Paradressage Team could be a reality. The people at Quantum are my second family, and they continue to help me reach my goals today.

After a few years of improving my riding skill and confidence, 2019 was the year I started to take my paradressage dream seriously. I worked on skills like memorizing the arena layout, and performing 20 meter circles. In February, I took my first ride in a dressage saddle, and after that lesson, things really started taking off.

Riding was my motivation returning to physical therapy, which I attend once a week. In October 2019, I visited Sunflower Hill Farm in Dunnellon to meet Silver Paradressage Coach and USDF Silver and Bronze Medalist Lisa Hellmer and Paradressage rider Laurietta Oakleaf. They are now members of my support team and good friends.

Throughout the rest of that year, I refined my seat and hands, and added serpentines and leg yields to my repertoire.

At the Adequan Global Dressage Festival for Classification on January 9th, 2020!

My first ride in a dressage saddle on Dee in March of 2019

All smiles after prac-

ticing an FEI Grade I With the start of 2020 Intro Test A during a came the next milestone lesson with my current in my transition to sport. I lesson horse Shane. traveled to The Adequan Global Dressage Festival on January 9th to receive my national paradressage classification. This was my first time at a show ground.

It was overwhelming and inspiring, and I left Wellington determined to pursue this path. Come February and March, I continued to review my knowledge and used it to do new things. I even rode a Grade 1 test I created myself and a FEI Grade 1 paradressage test from 2018 as practice, which I scored a 78.75 and 81.6 on respectively.

That was the last goal I completed before the coronavirus shutdown, and I am planning my next steps.

My journey has not been without challenges. The most pressing being finding a local dressage trainer to learn the technicalities of dressage while using my therapeutic sessions to review and condition. Riding instructors worry about the liability and the insurance coverage needed to teach a student with a disability, trials on this front prevent them from teaching in some cases, and the rules they must follow to receive coverage vary. There is also the issue of how para-equestrians are viewed in the industry. Many have reservations when they hear our medical history. I want to make something clear. Myself and others with disabilities are not defined by this, we know our limits and goals. Others can’t delineate them for us. We are passionate, driven and we ask that you give us a chance to show you our capabilities and knowledge if you can. We may surprise you. Riding is our freedom, our independence, our therapy, our joy, and so much more. We are not porcelain dolls or mindless vegetables. We are strong, fierce, and willing to do whatever we need to succeed. We are equal E (para) to able bodied riders, and wish to be seen as such. E

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Safe Trailers = Safe Trailering Part II - Interior Stalls Story & Photos by Tom Scheve In the summer issue of Elite Magazine, I mentioned that the word “safe” had become a “catchphrase” in horse trailer advertising, often leading to ambiguity and rhetoric rather than hard facts. That article was the first in a series of articles that focuses on individual areas of a horse trailer, explaining what makes it safe. As I stated previously, “A safe trailer has a design with features that naturally reduce and often eliminate injuries to horses and their handlers.” The question then becomes, what are those features? Last time I examined what makes a rear entrance safe. Now I will focus on the stall area.

INTERIOR STALLS

There are three basic premises we use to determine how to improve stall safety: 1) Comfort levels increase, and stress levels decrease for horses (and their owners) when the stall environment can adjust for comfort.

2) Stress in horses (and owners) diminishes when the size of the stalls matches the size and temperament of the horses.

3) How interior dividers, bars, and center posts operate and how quickly they remove in an emergency reduces and often prevents injury.

Photo caption

ENVIRONMENT A common question that often pops up is, “Can air conditioning be in the stall area” The answer is “yes,” but it’s impractical. To run AC while traveling takes an on-board generator, which can be a danger in itself. However, there are other constructions and optional features that will improve the stall area environment.

Roof vents direct necessary airflow from above when the trailer is moving. They adjust the airflow by opening towards the front or back. Roof vents also prevent heat from building up, since heat rises. The location should be over the horses’ heads. With the heat index on the rise, adding one in the rear of each stall has become popular.

A dual wall, rather than a single wall, preferably with insulation between the walls, lowers the temperature significantly. The sun heating the outer wall of a single wall trailer is also heating the interior wall since they are one and the same.

DUAL WALL CONSTRUCTION

TRAINING & Showing

INTERIOR GALVANIZED STEEL

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OUTSIDE PRE-PAINTED ALUMINUM SKIN

STYROFOAM INSULATION

Aluminum constructed trailers using unpainted aluminum in the walls, floor, and roofs promote heat. Aluminum conducts heat, which is why it makes for good cookware.

Windows and open slatted sides bring necessary airflow in from the sides. However, open slatted sides are not adjustable, and bugs, insects, and other road debris can easily fly into the stall area. Windows with protective bars and screens along the sides and rear of the trailer are the best source of ventilation, and the openings can adjust to handle various weather conditions. Since windows also provide light and create a sense of “openness,” the more windows, the better. (see photo, top right)

Fans up high near the front of each horse (often added in the rear as well) increase the movement of the airflow and are particularly useful when stopped in traffic.

STALL SIZE A stall too long, too short, too narrow, too wide, too tall or too short, can make for an unhappy horse, and an unhappy horse in a trailer puts the horse and driver in danger.

A horse weighs a lot, and since the cargo is “live” weight, the weight can and often will shift if it is uncomfortable and stressed. The stall design and how horses fit in it will make a difference in stress levels. Before purchasing a trailer, determine the size of your current and possibly future horses.

Head area length can be too short but not too long. If horses can effortlessly stretch their necks to balance and to cough, to expel dust or debris that might lodge in their respiratory system, they have enough room. Since slant load trailer stalls are limited in size by the legal width of trailers, larger horses’ have little to no room to stretch.

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Stall area length can be too short or too long. In a straight load trailer, the stall should not be so short as to squeeze them between the butt and breast bar. It should not be so long that they have room to rear over a breast bar, fall a fair distance forward from a sudden stop, or be able to step so far back that they can pull on the trailer tie. Slant load trailers do not have butt or breast bars Stall width can be too narrow or too wide. Horses in straight loads will use the sidewall and divider to help them balance, so they do not mind if they touch then while traveling. Too tight a fit will cause discomfort since horses can be claustrophobic. Widening a slant load stall requires widening the dividers, which gives horses more length when the stand corner to corner, but then the trailer must be longer.

Stall height can be too short. A horse should not feel that it’s closed-in from above.

STALL DIVIDERS, POSTS, AND BARS

Stall Dividers should remove easily and quickly. If a horse goes down in a trailer, the quick removal of interior dividers and posts is imperative. Quick-release pins in dividers, such as in EquiSpirits, allow dividers to be quickly removed by pulling the pins. Most slant load dividers must swing against the wall.

Head Dividers in straight loads, should swing side to side and also remove quickly in case of an emergency.

Butt and Breast Bars should be able to quick-release under a horse’s weight in case a horse gets hung over one.

Center Posts should be able to be removed without tools.

Padding on sidewalls, center dividers, butt, and breast bars reduces soreness and injuries. Lower sidewalls covered with a protective coating or material such as rubber protects by preventing minor injuries and cuts.

Latches and tie rings that protrude or are sharp will find a way to harm horses. Choose a trailer with horse-friendly latches and tie rings that lay flat when not in use. ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������������������������ �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������������������������� Elite Equestrian does not endorse or confirm content suggestions in any articles. See credit page for disclaimer.

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