Elite Equestrian magazine Jan Feb 2020 winter show season issue

ELITE

EQUESTRIAN

®

Celebrating The Equestrian Lifestyle Volume 20 Issue 1 Complimentary

WINTER Fashion

NUTRITION

Foraging & More

DESTINATION

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Florida

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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ELITE

EQUESTRIAN

®

Cover Story

Celebrating The Equestrian Lifestyle

Contents January/February 2020

44

28

ATTWOOD Equestrian Surfaces

32

Departments Fashion • Home • Art

Equine Health

20 MUST HAVES

50 Nutrena

For you, your horse and farm

New Products

22 EXCEPTIONALLY EQUESIAN

52 STEAMY STORIES

24 EQUETECH

54 CHOOSING

Home Stuff, Jewelry & More

Hay Gain Steamed Hay

Behind The Brand

28 WINTER

58 EQUINE ELASTIC

30 HIS & HERS

62 FORAGING Needs

Fashion

Kinesiology Tape

Cesar Torrente

32 EQUINE ART

Training, Tack & Showing

Herbert Haseltine’s Golden Horses

34 Art & Antiques with Dr. Lori Museums

64

WHISPERING Aids Lynn Palm

36 POLO SCULPTURE

66 DIVERGENT Theories

38 CHOREOGRAPHY BASICS

68 FRENCH SADDLE

Gill Parker

Freestyle Design

Travel 74 DESTINATION Florida

We Are 16

22

Horse Feed

Saddle Fitting Stamps

70 TACK CARE

Get The Most Out Of Tack

More 40 LEGAL 46

Prepurchase Exams INVESTING In The Equine Industry

80 TRAILERS

Collision VS Construction

78 TACK BOX

Your source for services & great retail finds!

71 HADFIELD’S SADDLERY What’s New

AMERICA’S FAVORITE EQUESTRIAN LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE! www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

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ELITE

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

EQUESTRIAN

®

Celebrating The Equestrian Lifestyle

Published since 2008

PUBLISHER Bill Vander Brink Bill@EliteEquestrian.us

Riding a horse is not a For Media Kit including Print & gentle hobby, to be picked Social Media Packages email: up and laid down like a info@EliteEquestrian.us game of solitaire.

View current and all previous issues on our web site: It is a grand passion. www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com Ralph Waldo Emerson 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 Eleanor Blazer Thomas Cooper, CFP Alessandra Deerinck Dr. Beverly Gordon

Dina Mazzola Kim F. Miller Lynn Palm Tom Scheve

GRAPHICS Fran Sherman

ADVERTISING Advertising Sales, N.E.Region: Kathy Dress 610-420-9964 kathy@dressmedia.us Advertising Sales, S.E. Region Karen Eagle 352-812-1142 Advertising Sales, National: Diane Holt 713-408-8114 diane@eliteequestrian.us CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Kimberly Chason, Spotted Vision Photography MacMillan Photography Emma Miller, Phelps Media SOCIAL MEDIA Social Media: Samantha Lynn

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ELITE

EQUESTRIAN

®

Celebrating The Equestrian Lifestyle Volume 20 Issue 1 Complimentary

WINTER Fashion

NUTRITION

Foraging & More

DESTINATION Florida

On the cover...

Boyd Martin riding Polaris owned by Sarah Gumbiner at the Great Meadow International.

Cover photo by Nick A�wood/photos courtesy of A�wood Equestrian Surfaces.

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 haves

Unrestrained Spirit

For home, farm, your horse, and pets.

Fine used French saddles bought, sold and consigned. Free shipping and 7 day trail.

See our ad page 71 914-621-6814 www.olddominionsaddlery.com info@olddominionsaddlery.com

Serve Dessert With Distinction

Distinguish your dinner party with the wonderful Arthur Court Equestrian Ice Cream Scoop. Handcrafted from beautiful cast aluminum, this chic ice cream scoop celebrates the allure of horses while providing premium functionality. https://www.tackshackocala.com/arcohoicecrs.html www.TackShackOcala.com See our ad pg 15

Fabulous FARM Entrance

...captures the fearless energy and ambition of the eventer in a hollow seamless filigree cast in sterling silver. jenuinelyjeni.com our ad pg 79

SADDLES & More Good Apple Equine makes saddle shopping easier with multiple brands to choose from.

Enjoy a 5-day trial to ensure proper fit for both you and your horse. www.GoodAppleEquine. com (352) 789-6544 We carry all other horse-related items from bridles to blankets to show clothes to books to art. See our ad on page 78

Beautiful leather bags and other accessories you will love! Country Lane Tack is a complete tack store! Visit us on Route 484 in Ocala, or check out our web site. See our ad page 79 www.countrylanetack.com

Make a statement at your farm entrance with a beautiful and affordable customized farm sign. Free sign proofs, fast turnaround and free shipping!

See our ad pg 41. Build your sign today at www.EZSignsOnline.com BALE Saver 1-800-640-8180 The SLOW BALE BUDDY is the veterinarian approved way to aid your horses digestive health while eliminating hay waste. Made of GREAT Groomer knotless nylon netting with 1 & 1/2” openings, closes with patented GGT -Footing™ will now be importing a new safety fastener, available in all bale sizes. Everyone loves a gift groomer series specifically designed for use that keeps their horses healthy and saves them money, so order with Textile footing.These new groomer are one for your horse lover today, at: www.bigbalebuddy.com or designed to fit a variety of machines to pull tollfree: 866-389-9952 -One year warranty-’ See our ad pg 61 them and they are affordably priced for the arena owner! Call 864-804-0011 Clever CLEAN-UP! www.ggt-footing.com

Reel EASY This “one of a kind” reel makes deployment and retrieval of 1.5” or 2” irrigation hose a very quick and simple process!!

BigSprinkler.com See our ad pg 49 20

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Manage manure and reduce parasite risk.

Vacuum bulk shavings and dump into your stalls. Vacuum leaves too! Two sizes. Call 813-390-6730 www.pasturevacuums.com See our ad page 63

WARM Safely

Electric radiant infrared heatersperfect for grooming areas, foaling stalls, any work area.

KALGLO.com/horsehtr 610-837-0700 See ad page 55

COLORFUL Collars 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. See our ad pg 33

SUPER Snack GREAT Training Great training tool, promotes submission and eliminates teeth grinding.

See our ad pg 49 www.GumBits.com

Your Horse will love a softer cookie that is wheat, corn, soy and alfalfa free LOW CARB LOW SUGAR GREAT FOR THE MATURE HORSE AND THE YOUNGSTER MADE WITH HUMAN GRADE INGREDIENTS A2ZHORSECOOKIES.COM See our ad pg 11

Calm and Focus World Class Design

Handmade with top notch craftsmanship.

Whatever your riding style, we have a quality stirrup for you! 800-729-2234 orders@nettlescountry.com www.NettlesCountry.com See our ad page 69

MICRONUTRIENTS It Works!

Equi-Taping™ Intro Kit Everything you need to start Equi-Taping™.

How-to Tape Guide, Tefloncoated scissors, Equi-Tape cleaning towel, 2 rolls Classic tape, and special discounts included.

Pairs well with the Online Intro Course. www.Equi-Tape.com See our ad pg 55

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 pg 53

StressLess™ Hot Horse Supplement is 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 pg 2

FEEDING On The Road 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 59 www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

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Exceptionally EQUESTRIAN ESCAPE To The Country Or

It’s cold weather season! Here are some great finds if you are braving it, or escaping to show in wamer climates. Or, if just want to think about warmer places!

SERIOUS Shiney Stuff

City

Equetech has some great ideas for the horsey friend or family member in your life:

The Equetech Crystal Plai�ng Bands make great stocking fillers and are designed to fit over your horse’s elas�c plai�ng bands for ‘bling in the ring’ Bri�sh Dressage legal. Available in Crystal.

(5 pack RRP: £6.95).

The Equetech Snaffle Bit Ring encrusted with CZ diamanté stones is the perfect horsey gi� for the person that loves sparkle and horses! Sizes: S/M, L/XL RRP: £19.95

Joanna

The Equetech Performance Training Socks feature added Merino wool panels to the toe and heel with wicking comfort mesh panels throughout and grip panels to eradicate movement, featuring the Equetech logo and Pelham bit design.

RRP: £11.95 Blackberry/Grey and Petrol/Grey. www.equetech.com

JUNGLE Fever For those who prefer tropical- take a ‘leaf’ out of the fashion trend book with these exotic inspired pieces for your wardrobe and your home this autumn/winter.

Get Carried Away Ditch the plas�c and go bold and beau�ful with this monstera leaf print canvas bag by Gisela Graham RRP: £12

Coutauld

Whether you’re planning a New Year get-away to a countryside retreat or weekend city break, heritage tweed fashion label, Butler Stewart, has some gorgeous style sugges�ons; The Butler Stewart Joanna Jacket in Coffee is a beau�ful singlebreasted jacket styled in Bri�sh milled tweed with a parade of bold brass bu�ons and finished with two brown trimmed Alcantara pockets. Partner with denim or moleskin jeans for the weekend, or matching pencil skirt for total sophis�ca�on.

RRP: £345 Sizes: 8 - 14 The Butler Stewart Courtauld Coat is a deligh�ul combina�on of Bri�sh milled harvest tweed and contemporary styling. This three-quarter coat fits in just as perfectly with cosmopolitan city life as it does with a relaxed approach in the countryside teamed with cosy knits and cords.

RRP: £525 Sizes: 38 - 46” www.butlerstewart.co.uk

Go Bananas With its gorgeous packing and banana leaf print glass outer, this candle brings a heavenly blend of coconut and lime into your home this season. House Tropicana.

RRP: £12

Leaf Please This smokey grey ceramic plant pot complete with beau�fully embossed palm leaves is the ideal container for your autumn/winter house plants. RRP: £5.50 Round Style & RRP: £7.50 Oval Version. www.ladida-andover.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 22

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BEHIND

the

Brand

Equetech is a name recognised across the globe for their fashionable technical riding clothing. In this exclusive feature, Noelle Vander Brink, spoke to Liz Hayman, owner and head designer and creative at British equestrian fashion brand that is taking equestrian fashion to the next level.

AS HEAD DESIGNER OF A LEADING BRITISH EQUESTRIAN FASHION BRAND, WHAT SKILLS DO YOU NEED? “I actually came from a saddlery background originally.

I completed a HND in Saddlery Design & Technology but then fell into textiles, rather than saddlery, as I was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis in my hands. I used my pattern making skills and applied it to clothing rather than saddles.

That said, whatever your background, you always need to listen to your customer’s needs, and create unique designs, which consumers recognise as your ‘trademark’, to stand out from others!”

TELL US ABOUT EQUETECH AND YOUR JOURNEY BEFORE AND WITH THE BRAND? “I qualified as a master saddler in 2000, but couldn’t find a job. I felt too young to start up my own saddlery, so I decided to find an admin job, to gain essential work experience in the industry. This proved invaluable! In 2003, I then found a job working in the racing industry syndicate scheme. That was certainly different! By 2005, I landed a job at Equetech, as office manager. I worked for the company for two years before being offered a fantastic opportunity to purchase the brand.”

EQUINE Fashion

HAS YOU EXPERIENCE TRAINING AS A SADDLER INFLUENCED ANY OF YOUR DESIGNS OR INSPIRED YOU IN ANY WAY? “Yes, I think so. I incorporate a lot of equestrian lorinery into my prints, such as horse bits and stirrups, which must subconsciously come from saddlery!”

TO HOLD A HERITAGE OF OVER 25 YEARS IS AMAZING IN THIS DAY AND AGE - WHAT IS EQUETEC H’S SECRET? “Never take anything for granted. Work hard and always stick to your core business values. We offer a personal service to all of our customers. No one is just a number!

We never attempt to imitate other brands and focus on creating unique pieces which our customers will want to wear. We believe all riders should have clothing that looks and feels good, which is why our focus on ‘real riders’ also applies to our clever design and generous sizing range.

Whether you are size 10 or plus size, our designs are for you.

We now go up to a UK size 24 as standard in our ladies range.”

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WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INSPIRATION FOR GARMENTS AND COLLECTIONS? “I always look at fashion trends and think about I would like to wear. Our brand is very much fashion-led; however, our garments HAVE to be functional. Taking inspiration from the catwalk is great, but garments need to look good, withstand wear and feel great in the saddle. There is no reason why riding clothing has to be boring. Equetech customers will have seen our bold signature prints on garment linings, and it’s just one of the style details fashionable equestrians love.”

YOU WORK WITH A LOT OF INTERNATIONAL PROFESSIONAL RIDERS - WHAT DO THEY WANT FROM THEIR COMPETITION CLOTHING? “Durability and style mainly. The ride so many horses every day, so the garments get put through their paces!”

HOW DO YOU LIKE TO SPEND YOUR ‘ME’ TIME? “Away from work, I love to spend time with my horse, Reggie, and walking my dog Vinnie at every opportunity! At home, I enjoy a glass of wine and a box of chocolates with my cat Lloyd suffocating me on the sofa!”

WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST RIDING MEMORY? “I was five years old, riding a pony called ‘Smudge’ at my local riding school.”

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Continued...

Public Welcome!

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TELL US ABOUT YOUR HORSE AND YOUR RIDER/HORSE OWNING EXPERIENCE “I have been riding since I was five years old, begging my ‘non-horsy’ mum, for lessons whenever I could. At 10, I worked at a riding school, to spend as much time around the horses as I could. When I was 14, I had the opportunity to ride a highlevel schoolmaster, which taught me a lot. I purchased my first pony, aged 14 (a new forest pony called Humbug!). We had lots of fun, although I didn’t go down the pony club route, as I had no transport! After university, my grandmother brought me a foal, I named her Amber, and we did all activities over ten years, including a 60-mile riding holiday, which we both thoroughly enjoyed! Unfortunately, Amber didn’t make the 16hh she was supposed to, only 14.3hh in the end, so I sold her to a friend of mine. I then purchased a three-year-old rescue mare in Spain, but unfortunately, during the breaking process, I had a nasty accident and broke my back and neck in four places. I then had nearly two years of recovery and decided to buy Reggie (my current horse) from Ireland when he was size months old, to give me time off riding. He is now five years old and stands at 18.2hh!! You can’t keep me off horses, but I’m not quite as brave as I once was!”

LIZ’S TIPS

FOR CHOOSING RIDING CLOTHING TO WEAR IN HOT WEATHER

WHO WAS YOUR HORSE OF A LIFETIME AND WHY? “My current horse ‘Reggie’ is my horse of a lifetime. He is the most genuine, kind, calm horse I have ever owned. And even though he is over 18hh, he is a gentle giant. You definitely don’t need therapy when you have him! If you’ve had a stressful day in the office, he instantly takes it all away with a big hug.”

1. Wear competition jackets that are lightweight or switch to a waistcoat.

2. Choose gloves with a mesh back.

3. Wear underwear made from natural fibres, such as cotton.

4. Wear base layers that are wicking and quick drying.

5. Choose a breathable helmet.

6. Wear summer-weight boots 7. Always keep yourself hydrated.

EQUINE Fashion

YOU’RE PASSIONATE ABOUT DESIGNING FOR RIDERS OF ALL SHAPES AND SIZES, TELL US ABOUT THIS QUEST? “I am adamant that all riders should feel happy in what they are wearing, and not just be limited to a few styles that would ‘make do’! If you feel great, you feel more confident and perform better.”

DO YOU THINK BEING A FELLOW HORSE OWNER AND RIDER HAS HELPED WITH YOUR DESIGNS? “Yes, definitely! I wouldn’t even begin to know what to design in other sports!

I pull my knowledge and experience of being a rider and understand precisely what riders need from their riding wear and always aim to create fashionable, functional riding wear.”

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W

INTER Fashion FEEL the HEAT!!

For most equestrians, the winter months can feel endless. Fortunately, British equestrian fashion brand, Equetech have launched two new additions, designed to make life in and out of the saddle more comfortable.

The Equetech Alpha Quilted Coat is a gorgeous water-resistant, long, practical padded coat you can wear in the saddle with style.

Designed by riders for riders, this coat features a cruelty-free, technical ‘Bio-Down’ ethical insulation and a two-layer storm flap which conceals the shorter’ easy wear’ YKK durable zip to the front. Discrete poppers to the back allow this coat to be worn comfortably in the saddle. A detachable faux fur lined hood with extended peak and deep zip pockets finish this stylish, practical coat that you’ll love wearing all winter. RRP: £159.95 Sizes: XS - 3XL Colours: Midnight Navy and Graphite Grey The Equetech Inferno Long Quilted Coat is the first British designer equestrian heated fashion coat to be introduced on the market. Showerproof and water resistant, this long, lightweight padded coat is designed for superior warmth, with heat control and Bio-DownTM ethical insulation, to keep you warm and stylish in the harshest of weathers!

Equetech Alpha Quilted Coat

EQUINE Fashion

The coat features a network of technical heat panels along the thigh and lower back region and offers three temperature levels. Simply plug in your own power bank, place in your zip pocket and choose a level of heat (low, medium, high), using a discrete button in the pocket giving you approximately * 2-6 hours of warmth, depending on heat level. *Based on 6000mAh power bank.

The coat takes inspiration from catwalk trends with a flattering chevron quilt and features rider-friendly details such as two-layer storm flap which conceals a shorter, waisted ‘easy wear’ YKK durable zip to the front and a soft opening to the back to protect your saddle, yet enable you to also ride in it!

A detachable hood with faux fur trim, Inferno rubber zip pullers, Equetech exclusive Inferno lining, Equetech metal embellishment to sleeve and zip pockets to front and chest make this coat the ultimate equestrian fashion coat with function this season.

XS - XXL RRP: £194.95 28

Equetech Inferno Long Quilted Coat

Equetech, winter never felt & looked so good! www.equetech.com www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

Equetech Kontour Headband Shaped cosy knit headband with fleece lining.

Features an Equetech® metal pelham badge to front.

Perfect for casual and equestrian activities.

Stretch fit. One size fits all! 100% Acrylic.

Navy or Brindle (as shown) RRP: £8.95

www.equetech.com

Butler Stewart Bakerboy Cap Luxury baker boy cap for men and ladies, hand tailored in England. A contemporary style with a deep back and an extended curved peak.

RRP: £69 S,M, L

www.butlerstewart.co.uk

The Equetech Bridles Infinity Scarf is a stylish fashion scarf to keep you warm and fashionable in the colder weather.

RRP: £9.95

www.equetech.com

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&

HIS

HERS

Cesar Torrente:

Judging with the Stars with LA Sokolowski, equinista No one likes to be first in the ring and probably no one understands that better than the man called “a rider’s judge,” Cesar Torrente, who became the very first judge under the new FEI 2*, 3* and 4* rating system. A quick FEI primer: the “new” 2* is for judges whose home countries have no Grand Prix classes and licenses them to judge a limited range of international competitions through Prix St. George and I-1 (including 3* Small Tour, CDI1* and 2*); 3* (formerly “C” or “international candidate”) judges internationally through Grand Prix except Olympics, CDIs above 3*, Grand Prix Championships; 4* (formerly “I” or “international”) for most international competitions excluding Olympics and Worlds; 5* (formerly “O” or “official international”) for all international competitions. The multilingual lawyer, former Colombian dressage national champion, two-time Bolivian Games team gold medalist, and member of the FEI Tribunal turns 60 this year with another first, as the newest judge on the Ground Jury of the 2020 FEI/WBFSH Young Horse Championships. Always generous with feedback for riders, he was as generous for us with his time.

HERS: How old were you when you got your first paying job?

HIS: When I was 19 I was offered a weekend job as a dressage trainer in Bogota. I was studying law and since then, there has always been a struggle between law and horses. I need both but now am downsizing my law practice and following my passion!

HERS: What never got included on your résumé?

HIS: I quit my first important job as lawyer, in one the most prestigious law firms in Bogota, to show in Florida.

EQUINE Lifestyle

HERS: What do you remember about your first horse?

HIS: I started “seat lessons” when I was 12. That meant for almost two years I was not allowed to have stirrups or reins. Then, after a year with reins, my father (who decided he did not need advice from any trainer or vet) took me to the track and bought a Thoroughbred. The day after Pablo arrived, the vet said that he had a serious injury and it was dangerous to jump him. I was introduced to dressage by a very tense horse with difficult conformation but the journey was amazing. I discovered I loved dressage.

HERS: What book would you like time to read?

HIS: To re-read War and Peace by Tolstoy, and Hamlet by Shakespeare.

HERS: Last series you binge-watched?

HIS: Suits, Madame Secretary, The Medicis, The Borgias, Vikings…

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

HIS: I would love to be in a Broadway musical.

HERS: What is your favorite quote?

HIS: “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift.”

HERS: Describe yourself in one word?

HIS: Thankful.

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

HIS: Willingness and cooperation.

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Herbert Haseltine’s Unusual and Spectacular GOLD Horse Head Sculptures

AN EXCEPTINAL PAIR OF MULTI-GEM AND GOLD HORSE HEADS, 1949.

ESTIMATE £600,000–800,000.

H

orses have for centuries – millennia even – captured the imagina�ons of ar�sts across the world. From the 3000year-old chalk horse carved into the Uffington slopes of Oxfordshire, to the wild-eyed steeds of the Parthenon, to Stubbs’ detailed studies, the form and movement of these powerful and dignified animals have engaged both the ar�sts who strive to capture them and viewers who appreciate their successes.

Among the most talented sculptors who dedicated his efforts to horses was Herbert Hasel�ne (1877-1962).

Son of landscape painter William Stanley Hasel�ne, Herbert developed his interest in horses in his youth. An American, born in Rome, educated at Harvard and trained in art in Munich and Paris, he was wordly and well-connected. His passion for polo and hun�ng led him to horses as a subject for sculpture when Aimé-Nicolas Morot suggested he try sculpture as a preparatory exercise for his drawing and pain�ng studies. His first sculpture was a model of two mounted polo players in ac�on, and invited acclaim at the Paris Salon of 1906.

EQUINE Art

Taking to sculpture, he con�nued with subject of polo, which led to a growing reputa�on and commissions from racehorse owners and enthusiasts across the world. Among his patrons were King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra of England and Prince Schönburg-Hartenstein of Vienna. His commissions took him as far afield as India where, through the sugges�on of Edwin Lutyens, the Maharaja Jam Saheb of Nawanagar in 1925 commissioned Hasel�ne for a monument to the Maharajadiraj Jam Sri Rawalji, founder of the House of Nawanagar.

It was in India that Hasel�ne started to develop a project that would take many years, and a very special patron, to complete: the 1949 mul�-gem and gold horse heads ‘Indra’ and ‘Lakshmi’.

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These heads were modelled a�er the Maharaja’s favourite stallion and mare, drawing on 17th and 18th century Indian miniature pain�ngs for the decora�ve elements of bridle, collar and plumes. Influenced by his interest in Egyp�an Art, Hasel�ne pared back these heads to elegant simplicity, the first versions executed in bronze.

However, Hasel�ne envisioned a more refined and opulent incarna�on of ‘Indra’ and ‘Lakshmi’, to be cast in gold and ornamented with precious stones. Hasel�ne finished most of the preliminary work on these pieces soon a�er his visit to India in 1938 but the great expense of these materials meant that he had to wait for the right patron before he could carry out his designs.

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This patron was Barbara Hu�on who, in the late 1940s, gave Hasel�ne the chance to finish these beau�ful pieces. An heiress of tremendous wealth, a jewelry lover and aficionado, from a very young age she displayed a passion for gemstones. As a woman she developed an astounding collec�on of jewelry and ornamental objects. It has been noted by both jewellers and friends that Hu�on not only loved gemstones for their beauty, but was quite knowledgeable regarding them. She spent hours studying her jewelled pieces, admiring them as the culmina�on of the work of both man and nature and no doubt the refined form of the horse heads would have appealed to her in this sense, as the sculptures were inspired by the natural forms of horses, but pared back to ar�s�c elegance and ornamented with the natural beauty of gemstones that were skillfully shaped for the purpose. The intricate Indian inspired designs would have greatly charmed her long-held passion and spoken to her sensibili�es, since she is said to have loved welcoming guests to her palace in the Kasbah of Tangier dressed in a sari.

With Hu�on’s support, Hasel�ne finished the pieces in three years. His work was aided by the Bedi-Rassy Foundry in New York, which cast them in 24 carat gold, mounted on globes of rock crystal, and crowned with carved crystal plumes. Joseph Ternbach, the cra�sman and conservator who had done the me�culous surface finishing for the Man O’ War Monument, chased and ornamented the gold heads with diamonds, pearls, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, garnets and jade.

These pieces truly represent a serendipity between talent, cra�, and means of produc�on. Their significance has been appropriately appreciated in their inclusion in the 2004 exhibi�on Masterpieces of American Jewelry in New York (later travelling across the globe), and inclusion in the catalogue of that event.

Wellington Place • 13532 Fountain View Boulevard Wellington FL 33414, USA

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

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ART Great Museums

Around

&

ANTIQUES Value This with Dr. Lori

the

Globe

By Dr. Lori Verderame

Most Americans have a favorite museum

EQUINE Lifestyle

The Guanuhaya Archaeology Museum or two and since the world’s museum professionals in Trinidad, Cuba look to the United States for the best way to exhibit art, natural history, and other objects in museums, there is probably a great museum in or near your home or work. When it comes to international museums, there are some very interesting museums in other parts of the world that make travel and learning about other cultures fun and fascinating. As a regular traveler and lecturer on art, museums and culture all around the globe, some museums require a shout out. Here are some of my favorite places to view, explore, contemplate, and learn.

Tokyo, Japan: If you want to experience a museum that has been described by words like first, largest, and best… then travel to Tokyo and take in the newest art museum in the busy, crowded, vibrant Japanese city called the MORI TeamLab Digital Art Museum. Located in the Odaiba district of Tokyo, the world first and largest digital art museum combines art, science, and images of the natural world for a visitor experience like no other. The museum opened on June 21, 2018 and the exhibits are natural world simulations generated by 520 computers and 470 high-tech projectors displayed in five sections: Borderless World, Forest, Future Park, Forest of Lamps, and Tea House. It shows museum goers that the future is now.

Dublin, Ireland: National Museum of Ireland offers a wide array of objects and exhibitions ranging from archaeology featuring the Winter Solstice at the Newgrange site to 21st Century Craft featuring fashion designer, Ib Jorgensen. Dublin is an early Viking city dating back to 841 AD which sits along the River Liffey and was named Dubh Linn for “Black Pool”. Dublin’s major museum features a fine collection of taxidermy animals which is always a winner with the kids known locally as The Dead Zoo. Recent exhibitions at the National Museum of Ireland include the Spanish Flu in Ireland, Irish Glass, and Mammals of the World.

Trinidad, Cuba: Guanuhaya Archaeology Museum in the museum city of Trinidad is like most museums in this town, deemed Cuba’s museum city for its number of museums

of all types, which is approximately a one-hour drive from the 19th Century port city of Cienfuegos. As you navigate the town’s numerous cobblestones streets and enthusiastic street merchants, you’ll explore the old Spanish Colonial town that now focuses on tourism, which is Cuba’s numero uno industry. Housed in a Spanish colonial building, the Guanuhaya Archaeology Museum boasts ancient stone tools and weapons, Pre-Columbian clay figural sculptures, and taxidermy animals. There’s even a 2,500-year-old skeleton on display!

Reykjavik, Iceland: The Icelandic Phallological Museum, that’s right, it is a museum dedicated to all things and some art associated with the science of phallology. An unusual museum, the museum displays phalluses from many different species and other related artifacts.

A few tips to remember when you are in a museum anywhere in the world. Hands off the exhibits is a no brainer.

Don’t forget that the smaller the purse or back pack, the better chance you have of holding onto it as you tour. It is also good to have a small bag so you don’t run the risk of bumping your bag into a precious work of artyou’re your language skills are rusty, keep your smart phone handy to translate exhibition labels or signage presented in foreign languages. Allow extra time to view the displays and experience the museum to the fullest. Museums are a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and get a taste of the history as you visit some place new.

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Fountain Specialist

Fountain Specialist, Inc. Est 1960 Office: 513-831-5717 Mark V. Sedacca Design/Build

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Choreography Basics Choreography requires as much creative thinking as does your music choices. This part can be a lot of fun for those who enjoy drawing floorplans and piecing together puzzles. If you start to get overwhelmed at the thought of creating a routine, there are a few ways to make the process a lot easier.

Routine First

I recommend that riders new to Freestyle design crea�ng a rou�ne first, and then add the music to it. This allows you to concentrate on the rou�ne without get�ng overwhelmed. Star�ng with choreography helps you focus on your horse’s strengths such as gaits, straightness, ride-ability, etc. Use the movements to prepare your horse for success and give you confidence as a rider.

1.

Put Your Best Foot Forward

When you plan your opening centerline, begin by entering the arena from your horse’s “be�er side.” Most horses have a shoulder they tend to lean toward, and they may dri� that way on the centerline. Prac�ce entering the ring from both direc�ons, and choose the direc�on that is easier for you to maintain balance and straightness.

2.

You have a choice to enter the arena at the walk or trot/jog through Third Level and Level 3. When you reach Fourth Level or Level 4 you may also choose to canter/lope up the centerline. Most riders choose to trot/jog to begin with energy and to help the horse focus. However, you can also choose the walk if that would help your horse stay relaxed and balanced. A walk entrance can be drama�c if it matches the music.

I some�mes include transi�ons on my centerline, for example, by starting at the walk to the music and then tro�ng when the music changes.

A transi�on can help the horse se�le and balance.

Make a Good First Impression

When you begin your choreography, you can choose to mix up the order of the gaits to be�er suit your horse. I recommend star�ng and ending your Freestyle with a movement of strength for a good first and last impression. Try to sandwich your horse’s weaker movements in the middle of the test so that you can leave the judge with a good feeling. For example, if your horse has a strong trot/jog, begin your Freestyle with a movement like the lengthened trot/jog and immediately transi�on to the canter/lope. Ride the rest of your trot work at the end so that is what the judge remembers. This also bodes well for your Choreography score, since it does not follow the same trot, walk, canter sequence as a test.

General Tips for Choreography: • Enter the arena from your good side or your best lead (when entering at the canter/lope is allowed).

• Highlight your best movements at the beginning and the end for a strong first and last impression.

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3.

• Showcase your most difficult transi�ons and movements closer to the judge to demonstrate confidence.

• Choose whether you want to begin your canter/lope work on your horse’s good lead to gain confidence or start with the more difficult lead to get it over with! ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������������� �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ EE ������������������������

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Prepurchase Examinations– Best Practices to Avoid Concerns © 2019 Avery S. Chapman, Esq.

W

TRAINING & Showing

hether you are a prospective owner, trainer, agent or veterinarian, the prepurchase examination process is where a lot of things can go wrong which can cause a multitude of problems, and accusations, later. This exposure is true whether the examination is for a purchase, a lease with a purchase option or only for lease. In this article, we will briefly summarize some best practices from the various perspectives of whomever you might be or represent in the purchase or lease transaction.

1.CONCERNS OF THE PROSPECTIVE BUYERS OR LESSEE. If you are examining a horse as the person planning to own or lease a horse, there are key considerations to keep in mind. Below are concerns that frequently arise during the prepurchase examination or prelease examination process: • What disclosures as to the health and soundness history have you and your veterinarian received from the seller or lessor or their agent?

• What disclosures as to the health and soundness history have you and your veterinarian received from your own agent?

• What disclosures have been made from the seller or lessor or their agent to your agent or veterinarian as to the regular course of treatment, maintenance, medication, medicine, training and shoeing for the horse?

• Have you retained the services of a veterinarian ���������������������������������������������������� to the seller or lessor or their agent?

• Who recommended the veterinarian you are employing for the examination?

• Have you informed the seller, their agent, your agent and your veterinarian of the purpose for which you are purchasing the horse (i.e.: not just the discipline or classes, but whether it is for investment, resale, use and retirement by you, etc.)?

• Who is determining the scope of the prepurchase examination? (i.e.: number and location of radiographs [x-rays])?

• Who is making the disclosures of the prior health and soundness conditions of the horse to your examining veterinarian?

• Did you receive a copy of the written prepurchase examination before approving the purchase or lease and closing the transaction?

• Once you purchase or lease the horse, what disclosures will you be required to make to your insurance company? (to wit: the veterinarian’s �������������������������������������������� history or conditions of the horse).

• Upon what information and upon whom will you rely in making your disclosures to your insurance company? (to wit: providing false information to an insurance company could

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���������������������������������������������������� you make decisions. You should also save your texts, emails, scans, photos and attachments.

You should document, by whatever written means you can preserve, what people are telling you about the history of the horse and about the prepurchase examination or prelease examination.

That documentation may come in useful later.

negate coverage or form the basis for a claim against you).

• What form of purchase and sale contract, bill of sale or lease have you used, where did that document come from and who drafted it? (would it be penny wise-pound foolish it you did not to contact competent legal counsel to obtain ore review the documents?)

• Do the documents memorializing the transaction actually state what you believe the transaction to be and accurately state all representations, disclosures and disclaimers? (for example, what disclaimers of warranties will you accept or are being made? Read your documents).

• Do the transaction documents comply with the law of the state here or foreign jurisdiction (E.U., etc.) where the transaction is occurring?

• Can you tell where the transaction is occurring (for example: U.S. buyer, E.U. Seller, purchase money paid to South America, contract signed elsewhere)?

Without proper disclosure of the prior health and soundness, a purchaser or lessee cannot make an informed decision whether at all to purchase, lease with an option or lease, and if so, at what price point and with what disclaimers, exceptions or conditions. You really are traveling in the dark without guidance if you are not told what has been going on with the horse and what the program is to keep the horse healthy and sound.

Further, you may not appreciate the complex ������������������������������������������������ of the parties to your transaction that might affect www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

2. CONCERNS OF AGENTS. Agents in equine transactions are those who represent a principal, usually for commission or other compensation. If you are being compensated by anyone in an equine purchase or lease transaction, it is likely you are an agent. Often, whether you were an agent, and for which party or parties, becomes an issue. If you are working for, or being compensated by, multiple parties to a transaction, then you are a dual agent. Some states, for example Florida, require disclosure of your agency, dual agency, commission and require consent of the buyer and seller or lessor and lessee.

Because these general principals apply to agents, as an agent, you have your own perspective on the above set of bullet-point concerns, which you should consider during the prepurchase examination or prelease examination process. As an agent, you should be mindful and take care to note where information is coming from, how it gets to you, and how you disclose it to your principal. It is not infrequent that in a purchase or lease dispute, someone says “I told the agent” or “the agent did not tell me.”

If you are the prospective buyer’s agent, you should insist on copies of all of the seller’s or lessor’s veterinary records, or the contacts to obtain them. You should then obtain those records and make sure they get to your prepurchase veterinarian. You must obtain a written prepurchase examination from the veterinarian and send that, along with the records, to the prospective buyer, your principal.

If you are the seller or lessor’s agent, you should be sure to disclose what you know about the horse and make it clear, and document the transmission of your information and provide or

offer access to the veterinary records. Remember the examining veterinarian is relying upon your representations while examining the horse, so �������������������������������������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������������������������������������� insurance coverage dispute later.

The point is, as you go about your role in a purchase or lease transaction, whether speaking to the other side of the transaction, be it other agents or principals, or communicating with the prepurchase veterinarian, or communicating with your own principal, you should keep a documented record of what is being said, by whom and when. You should also save your texts, emails, scans, photos and attachments.

3. CONCERNS OF EXAMINING VETERINARIANS. The scope of this brief survey of concerns is not intended to be a tome on veterinary ethics. However there are some best practices the examining veterinarian who might be perusing this note should consider: • Timely prepare a written prepurchase examination report.

• Note in your written records and written prepurchase examination report who, exactly, was present at the prepurchase examination. ������������������������������������������������������� • Find out and note the intended purpose of the purchase or lease.

• Note what was disclosed about the past health and soundness history of the horse and from whom each of the disclosures was made.

• Obtain the contact information of the principal (the prospective buyer or lessee) for whom you are actually working and send that principal a copy of the written prepurchase examination report.

• Do not accept an agent’s word that the agent will send your report to ���������������������������������������������������������������������������� that transmittal.

• Note in your written records any subsequent conversations you have with the prospective buyer or lessee should you have occasion to speak with them.

• Do not let the agent retain you as the agent’s veterinarian for the examination – you are working for the prospective buyer or lessee and your reports �������������������������������������������������������������� Experience has shown that a large part of equine transaction disputes concern allegations of non-disclosure of prior health or soundness issues. ���������������������������������������������������������������������������ing someone of something. Conversely, to avoid accusation, you should be able to dive into your records and demonstrate who told you what, or did not tell you, during the prepurchase examination or prelease examination ���������������������������������������������������������������������������� working at the time of the examination. An ounce of prevention to understand and record matters at the time of the examination is worth a pound of cure to try and recreate from memory and intention what happened at a prepurchase examination or prelease examination in the past.

With those thoughts in mind, the next time a prepurchase or prelease examination is on the horizon, take a moment to stop and go through your practices and adjust them so that they become best practices Avery S. Chapman, Esq. is the Founding and Inaugural Chair of The Equine Law Committee of The Animal Law Section of The Florida Bar. The principal of Equine Law Group, LLC, Avery practices in Wellington, Florida where he counsels members of the equine industry and equestrian owners and athletes on a wide range of matters including litigation and business, as well as concerning disciplinary matters before FEI, USEF, IOC and other organizations.

He is also member of the Palm Beach County Bar Association Professionalism Committee and a Governor of the United States Polo Association, a 501(c)(6) organization. Mr. Chapman may be reached at asc@chapmanlawgroup.net or through www.equinelawgroup.com.

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Serving Two Masters: The Owners & The Equine Industry

Naples Asset Management LLC www.NAMCOA.com Equine Focused Financial Planning & Asset Management

Solving and Creating Financial Solutions Since 1985 For more information please call Thomas Cooper, CFP® Phone: (888) 477 - 5525 Ext 105 Email: tcooper@namcoa.com

Investments Involve Risk / May Loose Value Portfolios will be modeled to meet client objectives and risk profile

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�

f you ever get the chance to meet Nick Attwood, you will find his modest air in line with his British heritage. However, give him an opportunity to open up about his passion for excellence and commitment as the world-class equine surfaces provider… now that’s a horse of a different color. It won't take long to see how he’s made Attwood Equestrian Surfaces the premier choice for small horse farms and internationally recognized facilities alike.

safety | performance | innovation

It has been Nick’s background in chemistry, product development and now practical application that has set Attwood Equestrian Surfaces apart. With the FEI taking steps in standardizing the quality of competition surfaces, Nick’s ability to bring his products from the laboratory to equestrian venues so successfully has elevated his footings to the forefront of the marketplace.

“We have been an integral part of the equestrian community for over twenty-eight years working with amateurs and professionals, Olympians and Pan Am medal winners, and equine-assisted therapy programs” said Nick Attwood. “Hundreds of installations later, from dressage courts to jump arenas, round pens and gallops, we believe we have the best and safest footing solutions available today.”

Attwood’s formulas are a specific blend of sands, fibers, textiles and polymers that create superior footing surfaces for both indoor and outdoor arenas. Each formulation takes into account climate, discipline and amount of use in order to be successful. Attwood offers four footing options: Pinnacle®, TerraNova®, AmeriTrack® and EuroTex®. Pinnacle, TerraNova and AmeriTrack are polymer-coated footings that do not require water and are dust free. EuroTex is a water dependent sand and GGT Footing textile formulation. Unlike many competitors’ products, the materials used are non-toxic, non-recycled and do not contain wax, posing no inherent harm to animals, humans or waterways.

For more information please go to www.equestriansurfaces.com.

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Attwood Equestrian Surfaces have been installed in some of the most iconic competition venues in the United States, from Morven Park to Stable View to the recently finished Fair Hill Special Event Zone, which will host the Maryland 5 Star in October 2020. Attwood was tasked with creating a footing for Fair Hill that would accommodate hundreds and hundreds of riders competing in a myriad of disciplines throughout the year, from grand prix dressage to jumpers to driving. After perfecting the formula, the footing was dubbed Five Star Footing™ and is now available for sale to the general public.

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What makes Attwood’s products so prized by riders and trainers alike is that the formulations are uniquely designed to optimize the interaction of the horse with the surface. Understanding that your daily training surface can greatly affect the health and well being of your horse, Attwood surfaces offer a superior absorption of impact, resulting in secure footing and release. These surfaces provide an evenly engineered consistent plane throughout the arena. Horses that can depend on a consistent surface will be able to focus on the rider, not the footing.

Attwood Equestrian Surfaces prides itself on producing a superior surface that has the convenience of being low-maintenance, long lasting, ready for use when needed, and upon which the horse can safely develop musculature and conditioning to prepare for competition with a minimum of risk and reduction in potential injuries.

Attwood Equestrian Surfaces closely manages the product manufacturing process so that your footing is custom-blended to meet your specific riding and climate needs. Our goal is to create an arena that provides a superior riding experience for a happy, healthy horse that performs at its best every day.

Attwood also offers: ArenaMats

Consulting Services

With more than twenty-eight years of experience, the experts at Attwood Equestrian Surfaces are the perfect choice to help you navigate all the complexities of building your perfect arena. Let them help you plan and build an arena that not only helps you achieve your riding goals but will add value to your property for years to come

Arena Design and Construction

Attwood Equestrian Surfaces provides all that you need from site analysis to construction, installation, custom footing and related facility products. Using our exclusive blends of footing, Attwood creates premium performance riding arenas in North America and around the world. .

ArenaMats are the ideal foundation for arena footing. They improve shock absorption, increasing comfort for both horse and rider. For outdoor applications, ArenaMats provide the perfect balance between drainage and water retention. When challenged with building an area where the sub base cannot be excavated, ArenaMats are the perfect solution. Examples can be concrete, tennis courts and temporary arenas.

Mats can be easily placed in hard to reach areas, such as places inaccessible to construction equipment. Please go to www.arenamats.com for further technical information. ™

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INVESTING in the Equine Industry

Many of us may remember this song by the group “America”. It was replayed at a recent CEP/Equine mee�ng as Tom Cooper was educa�ng members on how to invest in your passion. Several months ago, there was a short presenta�on at the Ocala Jockey Club on the same theme of Equine inves�ng.

To that end, The Horse Capital of the World (Ocala) offers natural beauty, caring ci�zens, enthusias�c Equine Entrepreneurs, and a wonderful place to live as my wife and I have experienced it. We had been living in Naples, Florida for some �me and discovered Ocala from a road trip with a rented motor home in 2016, and we soon ��������������������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������������������� surrendered sailing as that ������������������������������������������������������������ passion came to an end. ��� ����� �� ���� ��� ���� ������� ���� ����������� ���� ���������� �������������������������������������������������������������

������������������������������������������������������������� Back to the song: as an avid �������������������������������������������������������������� guitar player this song can be �������������������������������������������������������������� played with just a few simple �������� �������� ���� ���� ���� ��� ����������� ������� ����� ��� �������������������������������������������������������������� chords yet was a very popular ����������������������������������������������������������������� song in its day. I love playing ������������������������������������������������������������� guitar with passion and I s�ll ��������������������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������������������������������������������� enjoy instruc�on classes just ������ ��� ���� ����� ������ ���� ��������� ��� �������� ����������� to keep up, just like exercising your body - or perhaps your horse. It takes a lot of thought and prac�ce to produce a hit song, as well Discerning Investors can now invest in the Equine as to produce a winning horse, long life, and crea�ve industry with an IRA, re�rement plan, individual investment themes to a�empt to match your goals and/or a joint account with major custodians enand your passions. compassing high quality securi�es that are fully liquid and trade on the New York Stock exchange.

Crea�ng something unique is a challenge in many This may be the first “Themed por�olio” which you areas, including horse maintenance – dressage, can entertain for your goals and objec�ves and have anatomy, breeding, touch, sound, lunging, conforma- liquidity, ac�ve management, and that will keep you �on, health – as well as financial responsibility to close to your passion as an Equine Industry Connoismeet ongoing expenses and even re�ring. seur.

When the early versions of the “SMA” – a managed investment por�olio – was designed, it offered cost efficiency, transparency and an alterna�ve to tradi�onal mutual funds and annuity products. SMA accounts can be designed to closely match a person’s passion and match one’s goals too.

Warren Buffet stated, “invest in what you know”. I add “invest in what you can control and what you’re passionate about”!

Thomas J Cooper CFP, CPT Member FTBOA EE

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champion

At USEF Leading Hunter Breeder ( for 13 of past 15 years!)

Chantilly Lace Photo by Cealy Tetley

www.charlotfarm.com

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HEALTH & SafeChoice® expands with new products HORSES

showing what ‘more’ means for horse owners

Courtesy of Cargill

C

argill recently announced the addition of three new SafeChoice® horse feed products and an update to the existing products in the SafeChoice line. The Nutrena® brand changed the feed industry over 15 years ago with the debut of the original SafeChoice feed, the first-ever controlled-starch horse feed to hit the market. Now, there’s more innovative feed to love from SafeChoice.

With three new feed options available, SafeChoice is expanding to include more options with superior taste and ����������������������� • SafeChoice Senior LM is a specially designed formula for the older horse with high fat and controlled starch.

• SafeChoice Perform Textured is specially designed to meet the unique needs of performance horses, and provides controlled starch levels in a textured formula.

• SafeChoice Mare & Foal Textured is specially designed for pregnant or lactating mares, weanlings and yearlings, and provides controlled starch levels in a textured formula.

The additions to the SafeChoice family of feeds provide owners more options for their �������������������������� including textured feed form options with controlled starch levels, superior amino-acid levels for topline improvement, and digestive support based on each type of horse.

EQUINE Health

“Our SafeChoice feeds continue to meet the unique nutritional needs of horses,” said Russell Mueller, U.S. retail equine marketing manager for Cargill. “With SafeChoice, horse owners have more choice to tailor their feed programs and give their horses a feed with superior taste.”

Improvements to the SafeChoice formulas include updates to guaranteed sugar and starch levels, limitations on variable ingredients, and superior palatability. And with the understanding that each horse is different, the ���������������������������������������������������������� choose feeds based on their horses’ individual needs based on age and activity levels.

Leveraging Cargill’s and Nutrena’s leading Topline Balance® research, SafeChoice feeds have been formulated with the technology horse owners need to build and support topline muscling on their horses through nutritional innovation.

Every SafeChoice feed guarantees three critical amino 50

acids – Lysine, Methionine and Threonine – in levels and ratios designed to impact the topline and entire muscle structure of the horse. By increasing the amount of amino acids in all SafeChoice products, the feeds ensure great appearance, strong recovery from performance, and sound growth and development.

“Topline health remains our priority,” Mueller said. “Our leading nutritional expertise allowed us to expand SafeChoice feeds to provide more of the ingredients horse owners need to improve and maintain topline.”

SafeChoice feeds are now available on store shelves across the country. To learn more, visit a local authorized dealer or nutrenaworld.com/safechoice.

ABOUT CARGILL Cargill’s 160,000 employees across 70 countries work relentlessly to achieve our purpose of nourishing the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way. Every day, we connect farmers with markets, customers with ingredients, and people and animals with the food they need to thrive.

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STEAMY Stories Top equestrians lead a clean hay evolution in equine health & performance.

Wri�en By Kim F. Miller Photos Provided By Haygain Steamy scenes await those cruising the Winter Equestrian Festival and Adequan Global Dressage Festival barn aisles in Wellington, Florida this year. Alas, nothing scandalous! Instead, it’s Haygain high-temperature hay steamers humming away to feed the elite equine athletes contending for World Cup Finals and 2020 Olympic qualifications at these major, multi-week competition circuits. At the end of each one-hour steaming cycle, when the thermally-sealed chest is opened, out wafts steam filled with the enticing scent of fresh, clean hay.

But it’s not the steamy scenes or scent that snared the attention of Olympic horsemen including McLain Ward, Beezie Madden, Margie Engle, Lauren Hough and Ashley Holzer.

It’s the clean hay.

Haygain steaming eliminates up to 99% of the dust, mold, bacteria and fungi found in even top-quality hay. Of course, all of these horsemen buy the very best hay, but nutrient quality doesn’t equal cleanliness when it comes to this main source of the horse’s daily diet.

All types of hay start as grass. “Unfortunately, as the grass itself grows, there are a number of bacteria and fungi that will grow on the plant naturally,” explains Stephanie Davis, DVM. “As the hay is cut and dried, certain types of bacteria and fungi will die off but others may thrive in a lower moisture environment. That is why the drying stage of making hay is so very important. However, even if the processing of the hay goes exactly to plan, a certain number of mold spores remain and will inevitably invade your horse’s airway.”

And then there’s dust: the dust inherent in the growing process, plus that added during harvesting, transportation and storage.

The combined effect of inhaling tiny particles of dust, mold, bacteria and fungi is irritation and inflammation in the respiratory system’s upper airway and lungs. That’s why a shocking 80-plus percent of active sporthorses have some degree of respiratory problem, often without obvious symptoms. Occasional coughing, reduced recovery times and unexplained poor performance can be subtle symptoms of compromised respiratory function.

Hence the increasing appearance of Haygain steamers in the barn aisles of many of the sport’s top stars. Some became steamers to help a horse with a specific issue and others because of its overall benefits. Along with preventing, treating or managing respiratory problems, steaming often reduces or eliminates allergy-related skin conditions. The extra water steaming brings to the horse’s diet improves digestive function and its good taste entices even the pickiest steeds to be eager eaters.

EQUINE Health

STEAMER STORIES McLain Ward: Olympic, World Equestrian & World Cup Finals Champion McLain’s Castle Hill Farm team in New York sought out hay steaming last summer to help Contagious, the horse with which McLain was selected to represent the U.S. for the Pan American Games. A relatively new horse in his string, Contagious was performing at his peak – winning the $208,200 Upperville Classic CSI-4* in early June – even while having some respiratory challenges.

“He always had a little trouble getting his breath,” explains Lee McKeever, McLain’s stable manager of 31 years and the FEI’s 2018 Groom of the Year.

“Since getting the steamed hay, his breathing improved a lot: I’d say within five days of starting on it.”

Contagious is not alone in his respiratory challenges. Research published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine in the fall of 2018 reported that 88% of 700-plus active sporthorses participating in a three-year study had some degree of Inflammatory Airway Disease, aka “Equine Asthma.”

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Contagious subsequently sustained a minor injury that prevented him and McLain from going to the Pan Am Games, but not before his response to steamed hay established its benefits.

Margie & Steve Engle, DVM Olympic show jumper and leading sporthorse veterinarian.

The Engles started steaming hay last summer, for one of Margie’s Grand Prix jumpers who was “allergic to everything,” she reports. That horse attained optimal breathing and no longer had trouble getting enough air for show jumping’s rigorous demands. “It has so many benefits for horses with allergies,” Margie explains. Along with better breathing, that horse’s allergy-related skin conditions cleared up, too.

Soon, Dr. Engle suggested that all Margie’s horses be fed steamed hay as an all-around preventative measure for their respiratory health.

Steaming’s cleaning effect is another reassuring benefit for the living legend show jumper. “It’s so good for getting rid of toxins, dust, bacteria, and the different weeds that can be in hay but you don’t always see.” Margie is a veteran of the elite competition circuit governed by the International Equestrian Federation and its Anti-Doping & Controlled Medications regulations. She notes that hay steaming is a good way to reduce the risk of unknown substances in hay, which can come from weeds and other environmental sources. “Because we can’t always bring our own hay in, this is a good way to get rid of as many things as we can.”

From a broader veterinary perspective, Dr. Engle sees steamed hay as helping address the biggest issue facing equine health and performance: inflammation anywhere in the body. By minimizing the breathable particles in hay, Haygain helps reduce that in the respiratory tract.

Beezie Madden and Lauren Hough are additional top-ranked American show jumpers to rely on steamed hay. Many of their contemporaries in the higher rungs of the international rankings are steamers, too.

Dressage Embrace While their discipline doesn’t have the obvious flat-out physical exertion of show jumping or eventing, where hay steaming first took hold in the United States, dressage riders are embracing its benefits.

Four-time Olympian Ashley Holzer admits to initial skepticism. “Really?” she wondered when a friend recommended it. “What benefit can come from cooking hay?”

The suggestion came last summer in response to unexplained troubles with Havanna 145, a 12-year-old Hanoverian mare who then led Ashley’s string of 2020 Olympic prospects. “We were having a very stressful summer, traveling

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McLain Ward & Clinta

Comfort Stall

Sara Hassler

© MacMillan Photography

a lot in Europe and she was just not her best. Something was up. Her appetite was not great and her coat was dull.”

Ashley’s friend went beyond the recommendation by arranging to get her a steamer. “It’s been a game changer,” Ashley asserts. “Havanna loves her hay, she’s eating well and she’s not having the allergic skin symptoms. She is shiny, wellmuscled.” “ It smells so good I want to eat it myself,” she laughs. “And the rest of the horses in the barn scream for it when we start steaming. It’s a fabulous machine that I can’t say enough good things about.”

Current USEF chef d’equipe Debbie McDonald was the first major American dressage player to embrace steamed hay. She credited it as instrumental in bringing her Olympic and World Cup Finals partner Brentina back from colic surgery. Upcoming dressage star Sara Hassler and her renowned coach and father, Scott Hassler, are more longtime steaming fans among dressage luminaries.

The gold standard in dressage training, coaching and show ring success, the Hasslers’ program is equally well-known for its emphasis on horse care and management. Steamed hay has been such a big part of maintaining their horses’ well-being, and for so long, that Sara is surprised when she encounters horse owners not yet aware of its benefits. “Maybe I’m a little biased,” she acknowledges. “But it shocks me when people spend so much money on their horses, but don’t know about hay steaming.”

Sara welcomes inquiries about how Haygain helps all horses in the Hassler Dressage program, and about how the steamers fit seamlessly into a busy barn management routine. She and Scott will be on site throughout the Adequan Global Dressage Festival in January and February in Wellington, Florida. “We are really well-known for our horse care and nutrition practices,” Sara notes. “People ask us questions all the time. When they see the Haygain steamers in our barn aisle, we are very happy to share the many benefits we’ve seen in our horses.”

Haygain & ComfortStall

Haygain high temperature hay steaming was developed in conjunction with the Royal Agricultural College in Cirencester, England. The popularity of Haygain steamers has grown exponentially in North America in the last few years, along with similarly spreading acceptance across horse sports throughout the world. In keeping with its mission of promoting equine health, well-being and performance through science-backed methods and equipment, Haygain acquired ComfortStall Orthopedic Sealed Flooring in 2016.

This three-layer flooring includes a top cover sealed to the stall wall to prevent urine seepage and accumulation that occur with traditional stall mats. (see above photo) Bedding is not needed for cushion, significantly reducing labor and shavings costs. A middle layer of proprietary orthopedic foam provides cushion and support for joint health and recovery and promotes deep sleep that is as beneficial for horses as it is for people. Plus, no more hock sores and 24/7 proprioception benefits that are critical to healing – whether from a daily workout or a surgery or injury.

As an Official Partner of US Equestrian and Official Supporter of Equine Respiratory Health, Haygain is fulfilling its mission on many fronts, with elite equine athletes and all horses whose well-being is important to their owners.

For more informa�on on Haygain, visit www.haygain.us.

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53

NUTRITION

CHOOSE your

&

PERFORMANCE

horse feed to

R.I.D.E. The future belongs to those who reinvent themselves again and again over the course of their lifetime.

Story By Alessandra Deerinck

Nutrition is the foundation for a horse’s health and performance ability.

EQUINE Health

The natural basic requirement in a horse’s diet is long-stem fresh grass. The next optimal solution is free-choice grass hay, which can still allow them to mimic their natural grazing behavior. If free choice is not a possibility horses should receive at least 1% of their body weight each day in hay, divided into as many feedings as possible in order to stay healthy and to maintain good body conditions.

When horses live in the natural state, they have a choice in the type and quantity of forage, but also eat minerals from other sources. In our time and culture, the horses that share our life are kept in a domestic state, and don’t have access to their natural resources regarding nutrition. The grass we grow is deficient in minerals, and hay is deficient in minerals and in vitamins too therefore, even to only meet basic nutrient requirements, we need to give minerals to a pastured horse or a multi-vitamin/mineral supplement to a horse on hay. Fortunately for us horse feed is now a very developed field of business and we have many options to choose from. If we have to feed horses that perform hard work or compete, we can use fortified grain, which provides vitamins, minerals, protein and energy. Finally, if we have horses with certain medical problems like Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), Cushing’s Disease, laminitis (founder), we have access to feed formulation that take care of the problems and should always consult our Veterinarian to make the correct choices.

I recently have been invited to attend the Purina Veterinary Convention in Saint Louis, Missouri, where nutrition experts shared with us their new findings. Part of the lectures happened at the Purina Animal Nutrition Center, a state-of-the-art research farm in Grey Summit, where since the 1920s every Purina product was tested. The farm is where they house and care 54

for more than 70 horses, ranging from newborn to senior and athletes, with a group of rescued off-the--track Thoroughbreds who help with the exercise physiology studies. Purina researchers seek vital new data in areas like digestive physiology, animal metabolism, growth and development, exercise physiology, palatability and intake behavior and life stage investigations. The insights gained in the research drive product development and rigorous testing of new diet formulations. The new formulas developed under controlled scientific conditions are then taken to the “real world” in field trials, where they are fed to horses of many types and breeds that are managed in different ways. The field trials bring data to do additional adjustments if needed, before the product is launched on the market nationwide.

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Continued...

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I

I was very impressed by the way Purina works, and what I saw at the convention made me realize the reasons why a lot of their products have been industry-changing for the horse feed business.

Purina research is always ongoing and at the moment is covering cutting-edge concepts like gastric support (Outlast supplement) immunomodulary nutrition (ActiveAge® prebiotic), targeted amino acid supplementation (Purina SuperSport) and equine microbiome optimization. This last topic is undergoing a high surge in interest, in both veterinary and human field because of links with the immune system, the neurologic system and the glucose metabolism.

It was during the Purina event that I heard the quote “choose your horse supplements to RIDE”, from PhD Dr. Mary Beth Gordon (Director of Equine Research and New Product Development) who was talking about how to recommend supplements.

Body Condition Observation

Alessandra poses with a Clydesdale at the convention.

EQUINE Health

Research (the R. in R.I.D.E.) always leads to an innovative understanding of our world and beyond, so while the experts do their share to develop products, we should do our part of the research to choose the food that is best for our horse wellbeing.

From basic information like the importance of forage to more advanced topics like the quality of the ingredients (I. in RIDE), the difference between “digestibility” (percentage or proportion of nutrients in food available for absorption from the GI tract) and “bioavailability” (amount of a nutrient absorbed from the GI tract in a form the body can use) there is a lot to always keep in mind when we make decisions about the diet of a horse.

It is important to read the details on the labels, and to feed the correct product and amount (D. for dosage in RIDE). The result or the efficacy (E. in RIDE) comes from making the right choice for the horse we are feeding, which can be in different life stages, breeding or growing, performing, aging or with special needs.

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A MAJOR DISCOVERY

�������

EQUINE

INDUSTRY

REMOVING BODY SORENESS (LACTIC ACID) HOLISTICALLY

BODY SORNESS (Lactic Acid)

is the major cause of horses losing their ability to perform at their best for extended periods of time without time off.

It also causes most lameness issues with hocks, stifles, ankles, tendons, knees, ligaments, shoulders & hooves.

If you remove the BODY SORENESS from your horse’s body you will see huge benefits in keeping your horse performing at its best for long periods of time & eliminating most of your lameness issues.

This past year our representative in Japan has come across the secret that has been eluding us for all of this time. He found that if we treated the horses with our Tip of the Tail or Hunter Bump treatment he was able to remove all of the BODY SORNESS (LACTIC ACID) from the horse’s body. We also were able to strengthen the Lungs substantially by including the Spleen when treating the Lungs. We were able to strengthen this most important organ by 20 to 30%. All horses have a tremendous increase in their stamina levels.

All of these holistic results are possible by treating weekly or monthly with the EQUI-STIM LEG SAVER. The average horse person can treat using LEG SAVER as it comes with a comprehensive inst. manual Visit our Web Site www.equi-stimlegaver.com or Google Leg Saver.

Over time we have found that there are substantially fewer lameness issues when removing & controlling the BODY SORENESS (LACTIC ACID) in the horse’s body.

The conclusion was that when you removed the BODY SORENESS from the horse’s body you also were finding that the Shoulders, Ankles, Knees, Hocks, Ligaments & Tendons were injury free with no inflammation or pain. In most cases the horses had no lameness issues to treat.

With these treatments for LACTIC ACID, & LUNGS all trainers will be able to have their horses increase their performance substantially to their best possible level.

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57

What You SHOULD KNOW About

Equine Elastic Kinesiology Tape Wri�en and Photos Provided By DR. BEVERLY GORDON

The first thing you should know is that all equine training and rehabilitation programs can benefit from including EEKT (equine elastic kinesiology tape) as one of their go-to modalities. If you are wondering why, the simple answer is this: when the tape is applied properly, it works.

Many human professional (and Olympic) athletes can be seen wearing elastic kinesiology tape during performance and training. This modality, which recently crossed over from human to equine use, is very versatile, consumer friendly, affordable, noninvasive, and effective. Still, many equestrians are unfamiliar with the benefits of using EEKT and know very little about it.

So, what exactly is EEKT, what are the benefits, how does it work, and how can you use it to help your horse? Let’s explore these questions further.

L

et me begin by saying that there are many extremely useful EEKT taping applica�ons which can easily be applied to horses by non-professionals. But because of the versa�lity of this modality, more advanced usage exists, and some taping applica�ons can be quite complex. The good news is that many common issues can be addressed easily and successfully by the amateur taper, so the benefits of using EEKT are can be realized by all owners, trainers, and riders.

Every equestrian can, and should, learn to the benefits of using EEKT.

What is EEKT?

EEKT differs from other tapes used for training and rehab as it is an elas�c tape which both adheres to and li�s the skin, allowing for increased blood flow to the �ssue. Both equine and human EKT offer the same benefits, however, EEKT (equine) is designed for use on horses. EEKT has a stronger fabric, increased stretch poten�al, and greater adhesive proper�es which can adhere to the hair and skin. While EEKT can be used for support, it does not act like a compression brace a human might wear on their wrist or ankle. EEKT applica�ons are not restric�ve thereby allowing the tape to move with the horse. The tape has medicalgrade adhesive applied in a wave pa�ern to op�mize both the adhesiveness and cooling factors of the tape. There is no medicine on the tape. You should be aware, that while many EEKTs might look or feel similar, they are not necessarily the same.

EQUINE Health

What are the benefits of using EEKT?

EEKT is very versa�le and can be used to help horses in numerous ways. Here is a short list of the many reasons you might consider using EKT: • Decrease swelling and inflamma�on • Support joints, ligaments and tendons • Relieve muscle tension • Support muscles in work • Reduce fa�gue • Decrease recovery �me

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There are many basic taping applica�ons you can use to help your horse.

EEKT can also be used to assist horses in training, thereby helping them reach their full athle�c poten�al. Common condi�ons such as back or neck pain, hind end soreness, ligament sprain, sore muscles, pain relief, recovery from exercise, kissing spine and lameness can benefit from the use of the tape. Let’s discuss the reason for its success.

How does EEKT work?

The science behind the effects of EKT applica�ons can be quite detailed, so I will not cover it in depth in this ar�cle. However, here is the short explana�on.

When the tape is applied, the heat-ac�vated adhesive li�s the skin allowing for an increase in blood flow and oxygen delivery to working or healing muscles. This increased circula�on also aids in removal of work-related toxins for rapid recovery from exercise, overuse, or injury. The movement (pull) of the skin caused by the stretched tape affects underlying skin sensors and fascial �ssue.

EEKT stretches and moves with the skin so it allows for full range of mo�on during movement. This non-restricted movement, along with its ability to increase circula�on makes EEKT a great, versa�le modality for to use in training and rehab programs!

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Taping Applications For all the benefits derived from EEKT use, you will be happy to hear that the tape is rela�vely inexpensive and easy to apply. However, the key to the success is determined by,

1. the applica�on chosen, and 2.the technique used when applying the tape.

Tape direc�on, stretch, and especially surface prepara�on of the area to be taped play an important role in the outcome.

Some EEKT tapes are sold with an instruc�on insert.

While the number of taping applica�ons can be limitless (don’t let this confuse you), the guidelines, procedures, and the theory behind the use of all EKT always remains the same.

EEKT taping applica�ons can remain on the horse for several days. The effects of the tape con�nue throughout the en�re �me the applica�on remains on the horse, so applying tape immediately a�er other therapies can enhance and prolong their benefit. Many prac��oners rou�nely apply EEKT a�er acupuncture, chiroprac�c, massage, and even some veterinary procedures.

Always make sure the area to be taped is fee of lo�ons, sprays and dirt or the tape may not s�ck. Some “DO NOT” tape rules include not applying EEKT directly on an open wound without a bandage between the tape and the wound and not taping over infected areas. If you have any concern, it would be wise to consult a professional before taping.

Thermography before tape

Example Taping Application:

A very common, basic but extremely effec�ve EEKT applica�on can be seen in the picture below. The area to be taped was clean and free of lo�ons. This Hind End applica�on uses three pieces of tape over each side of the hind end and is useful when horses exhibit tenderness or soreness over that area, o�en as a result of exercise, overuse, or weakness. Each tape piece was cut with round edges and applied with mild stretch, but with no stretch on the ends of the pieces. The applica�on was rubbed vigorously to help ac�vate the adhesive. The applica�on was le� on for several days. (See photo, above right) IMPORTANT NOTE: While EEKT is consumer friendly and most people can easily learn to apply common basic applica�ons to help their horses, I recommend consul�ng a qualified Equi-Taping prac��oner to determine the best applica�on for your horse, as well as instruct you on the proper use the tape. Accurate assessment of your horse’s needs is an important factor in using EEKT, and proper applica�on technique is directly related to taping success.

Thermography a�er tape

You can find �ps regarding correct technique for applying EEKT at h�ps:// equi-tape.com/pages/basicequi-taping-�ps. If you want to learn more about equine taping, I recommend taking an online course or a�ending a demo. The more you know about taping, the more ways you can help your horse!

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BE MINDFUL of Your Horse’s FORAGING

Needs

For a horse, going more than four hours without feed is as good as fasting For a lot of horse owners, the end of the day is considered to be the end of the day in every sense. The lights are off, the horse has had its dinner, and is ready to hit the hay in its freshly cleaned stall. What most people don’t realise is that if the horse has been fed loose hay, it’s very likely to have an uncomfortable evening. According to researchers, horses consume loose hay very quickly and therefore end up wai�ng many hours before their morning meal, which is a drain on their physical and mental health.

In her study, Hardman and her fellow researchers took a look at the night-�me behaviours in four horses - all around nine years old - stalled overnight with varying feeding condi�ons. All four horses received loose hay placed on the ground and two kinds of slow-feeders - one made up of a large plas�c container that distributed hay through bars on the bo�om, and the other a solid plas�c container with a lid that dropped progressively as the horses pulled the hay through holes in the lid.

When allowed to graze at will, a horse will forage about 10-14 hours a day, according to Barbara Hardman, a postgraduate MSc from the University of Edinburgh’s Royal School of Veterinary Studies, in Scotland. She also stressed the importance of the fact that “day” here means a full 24-hour period and not just the daylight hours.

The researchers used infrared LED cameras to photograph the horses every 30 seconds for 17 hours, for seven days per horse.

They then evaluated the images and created behavioral charts for the �me the horses spent on ea�ng vs standing, lying down, moving around, and staying alert.

Even when a horse is fed unlimited hay during the day, it is highly unlikely to have enough forage for the night �me in a stable, since any hay provided will be rapidly consumed.

Nocturnal husbandry happens to be a very important aspect of horse care.

Hardman found that horses with slow-feeders spent around 95 to 120% more �me foraging than when they had loose hay on the ground. She also noted that when horses had access to loose hay, they spent 72% more �me searching around their bedding, possibly ea�ng their straw beds, pu�ng themselves at the risk of impac�on colic.

A common misconcep�on among horse owners is that horses find greater comfort on large straw beds compared to a night in the field, when in reality going more than four consecu�ve hours without forage is as good as fas�ng for a horse. It also puts the animal at risk of gastrointes�nal issues as well as problema�c behavioural �cks like crib bi�ng and bed-ea�ng (literally ea�ng their straw bedding).

A good way to prevent this is the use of slow-feeders in the horse stalls, which can help prolong their foraging through the nocturnal hours without disrup�ng their sleep cycle.

What’s most interes�ng about this is the fact that longer consump�on periods don’t mean horses priori�se ea�ng over rest.

Res�ng periods across feeding condi�ons were largely iden�cal.

Essen�ally, slow-feeders can go a long way in extending feeding �mes for horses that are stabled on restricted forage diets.

They can also prevent crib bi�ng and bedding inges�on. Pu�ng horses on inedible bedding such as wood shavings instead of straw can also greatly reduce bed-ea�ng.

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63

TRAINING Use YOUR Aids

&

SHOWING

to

Whisper, Not SHOUT Wri�en by Lynn Palm Photo Courtesy Lynn Palm Palm Partnership Training™ Building a Partnership with Your Horse The rider’s aids are her tools to communicate with her horse. The “natural” aids, which she uses to respond to her horse, are her seat, legs, and hands.

The rider’s seat, and especially her legs, controls two-thirds of the horse’s body from the wither back. Her hands control the forward one-third of the horse’s body including the shoulders, neck, and head. Let’s look at each of these important aids.

The Seat:

The rider’s seat works as an aid to help the horse go forward or slow down. The seat works by applying weight into the saddle on the horse’s back according to what response the rider wants. She uses more weight in her seat for more response, less weight for a lighter response.

The weight that the rider applies through her seat, on the saddle has two functions. It indicates to the horse her desire to go forward or slow down and helps him to accomplish these actions. I’ll explain more about the function of the seat in upcoming editions of this newsletter series.

The second use of the hands on the reins is to turn the horse. I like to use what is called an “open rein” to direct the horse to turn. With hands evenly holding the reins in front of the saddle, to turn my horse to the left I will move my left hand and left rein sideways slightly away from the horse’s neck. I do this through the action of my elbow, not my wrist and NEVER BY PULLING BACK on the rein. Pulling back restricts that horse’s forward motion. We do not want to this because a turn is not possible without forward motion!

The Legs: The legs work as an aid because the horse

When turning, the inside rein (“inside” meaning the rein on the side toward where you will be turning) is the POSITIONING REIN. Its job is to position or direct the horse in the direction you want to travel. The outside rein is the TURNING REIN. The outside rein is held against the horse’s neck without the rider’s hand crossing over the horse’s neck.

The horse moves away from the action or pressure of the outside rein lying against his neck and turns. Going back to my example if I were turning left, I would lay the right rein against the horse’s neck asking him to move away from the rein pressure and turn to the left while I would use my left rein to lightly position him for the turn.

moves away from pressure. In moving away from the rider’s leg pressure, a horse can go forward, sideways, or back. The legs as an aid are used slightly behind the girth.

This is the proper position for the rider’s leg. When the rider applies her legs to communicate with her horse, it should always be first done with the lightest amount of pressure with a light squeeze slightly behind the girth.

TRAINING & Showing

What should the rider do if her horse does not respond to her leg aids? Here are some tips for “tuning up” leg aid communication.

The Hands:

The rider’s hands control the reins. To give rein aids properly the hands must be in the correct position at all times which is in front of the saddle. The rider uses the reins for two purposes: speed control and turning.

The rider’s hands on the reins can be used to slow the horse down as well as responding with the hands as he moves forward at the rider’s command. Speed control can be done through the action of the rider’s fingers. With her hands holding the reins, the rider closes her fingers around the reins to ask her horse to slow. When she wants her horse to go forward, she opens her fingers slightly while still holding onto the reins to allow her horse the freedom to move forward.

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If more turning action is needed, the rider should slightly raise the outside hand to move the turning rein further up the neck. If less turning action is desired or a lighter response is sought, she should keep the outside rein closer to the base of the horse’s shoulder.

Next article we will put these aids together to learn more about their affect on communicating with our horse and how to improve our conversations!

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YOUR Next Step: One issue many riders have is their horses do not respond to their leg aids. Here is a progression of steps the rider can use to “turn up the volume” with her leg aids and communicate without shouting!

C

lassical

Training

If the rider does not get a reaction when a leg aid is lightly applied behind the girth, the first step is for her to move her leg slightly further back on his barrel and reapply the leg aid. To do this properly, the rider should move her leg back from the hip and only slightly bend her knee to bring her lower leg further back. Her heel stays down. he rider applying a leg aid further back from the girth always will give more indication to the horse to move his body. In taking this next step, avoid the common error of bending the knee to lift the lower leg higher on the horse’s barrel. This brings the heel up high on the horse’s side. This is not an effective leg aid.

If the horse still doesn’t respond, keeping her heel down the rider should use a “vibrating” leg pressure. Keeping her heel down, she should apply a rapid on-and-off pressure with the side of her lower leg behind the girth. A vibrating leg pressure is not the same as poking the horse with the heels!

Poking and kicking will only irritate the horse and eventually make him duller to the leg aids. A vibrating pressure should liven up him up without a lot of excess squeezing.

The horse still doesn’t respond? Use an abrupt, quick action with the leg behind the girth. Again it is done with the lower leg flat against his barrel (not delivered with the heel) giving a quick, more assertive bump behind the girth to get a reaction from the horse. When he responds go back to giving him the lightest of aids by asking him with a light squeeze with the leg.

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.

Remember a golden rule of aids communication… no matter what level of communication you must use to get a response from your horse, always come back to the lightest aid possible.

The aids are our way of communicating with our horses.

Remember the old commercial that had the tag line; “when you want someone to listen, whisper”? We want to speak softly and lightly to our equine partners to keep their attention. Only when we don’t get a response, might it be necessary to use more volume to get their attention. Once we do, we go back to soft, light communication to make sure they don’t tune us out. Make it your goal to use your aids to whisper, not shout, to your equine partner!

Until then, follow your dreams…

Rene will bring out the best in your horse!

Training for 3rd Level and above.

Full board is included with training package.

For more informa�on about Lynn Palm, her clinics in Florida and other parts of the U.S., DVDs and more, visit www.lynnpalm.com or call 800.503.2824.

EE

www.galaoftheroyalhorses.com 321-402-1472

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65

Divergent Theories On Saddle Fitting

Checking shoulder angle

T

here are many opinions and theories on saddle fitting. Occasionally we have even heard riders say “I have been using my saddle for x number of years. It fits me perfectly and fits every horse I use.” I have to really bite my tongue on that one but usually just manage to smile and say. “Lucky you”.

Some people are unfortunately just not open to being educated on the facts that have been substantiated in recent years through MRIs, thermography, and fibreoptic cameras, and do not realize the possible damage they are doing to themselves and their horses. I am going to deal with two main theories on how to fit saddles properly, but there are probably several other variations on this theme. ���������

Many saddle manufacturers and their trained saddle fitters maintain that a saddle should have a narrow channel, therefore sitting on the spinal processes and ligaments. The tree is long and flat (resting on the shoulder and lumbar area) and sits with minimal weight bearing surface on the musculature. In this scenario, the saddle barely moves because it is sitting on the spine (other than perhaps to twist during motion as it is ‘kicked back’ by the bigger shoulder – but this will be addressed in a future blog). This saddle rarely does need to be adjusted because bone structure and ligaments do not adapt and change their conformation through training like muscles do – and the muscles really won’t change much because the horse simply is not able to use his muscles properly with a saddle that fits like this. Often people will say “my saddle always fits” or “my saddle fits any horse”. They are semi-right, because one advantage to this is that they do not have to have a saddle fit or modified. The horse doesn’t really change.

Saddle support area

The disadvantage with this is the spine and ligaments will not tolerate prolonged compression and the horse’s back movement is restricted. To protect the shoulder, lumbar and spine, the horse will get tighter and tighter in its back (especially in the lumbar area), which leads to cramping in the gluteus maximus muscle. The horse will then develop a dip in front of its SI and the glutes will seize up. Between the SI joint and the tail, the gluteus will become atrophied (see image below). The front end of the horse will then push down the base of his neck and will ‘break’ over C3 in order to get on the bit. At this point it will become difficult for the rider to get the horse supple through the poll and have his highest point at the poll and not at C3.

���������

In complete opposition, the other theory (the one we like!) is for the saddle to stay off the spine, lumbar vertebrae, and shoulders – while maximizing the surface area the saddle sits on. The saddle support area is on the weight bearing longissimus dorsi (long back muscle).

The advantage to having the saddle on the saddle support area muscle is to stay away from the reflex points that create negative behaviour or negative conformation and health issues. Staying off the spine, lumbar area and shoulder keeps the back muscles loose and supple. Your horse can then articulate through the SI joint, and use his haunches better by stretching his gluteus maximus and ham66

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string. In theory one, where the saddle sits on the ligaments, involuntary contractions (ex. cramping) impede correct co-ordination of muscle contractions and thus full range of motion is not possible.

In contrast, theory two allows for both stretching and contraction of the muscle (full range of motion). The most efficient way to train is to maximize both flexion (contraction) and extension (stretching), and in order to achieve this, full range of motion is required. By reducing the pressure on the shoulder your horse will be able to lift the base of his neck and become supple through the poll. With theory number two, by allowing the horse to fully engage his muscles and lifting his rib cage, he will become more uphill and the balance of the saddle will need to be readdressed many times throughout his career due to his positive changes in his conformation.

In theory number one, because the saddle is mainly sitting on the spine, with limited contact on the back muscle, the horse will continue going but his body will take a toll. He will continue developing incorrect muscles and deformities will become more visible.

Eventually, the atrophy in the back muscles and compression of the spine will lead to permanent damage. With theory number two, the increased range of motion will cause temporary soreness due to greater lactic acid build up (just like we have after using muscles during a new workout) which is nature’s way of recovering muscle fibre, but the result in greater muscle formation and increased circulation. During acute soreness, keeping pressure off the muscle would appear to be logical, however, somewhere the saddle needs to be supported.

If the horse has been in ill-fitting saddles in the past that have caused some back pain (as in theory one), don’t be discouraged if your horse shows signs of muscle soreness after switching to a saddle fitted according to theory two, as this is good muscle soreness (as mentioned above). You can temporarily help your horse by having the back of the saddle a bit looser (by loosening the V webbing back clip for instance). Yes, this will make the saddle move more in the back (up and down, not onto the spine!), and onlookers may misinterpret this as bouncing or an ill-fitting saddle. However, you will know if you choose to go with the theory number two, that this is part of the process to help your horse. It will help him heal, get stronger, and develop correctly.

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A Rough Guide to the

FRENCH Saddle Stamp

Wri�en and Photos Provided By DINA MAZZOLA

TRAINING & Showing

Hunting for a used French saddle that fits can be a daunting task.

Understanding the ‘stamp’ on a saddle can simplify this effort enormously.

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All French saddles have a stamp which functions much like a VIN number in a car. It is a unique identifier that provides the owner with information about the saddle. It is usually found on the inside of the sweat flap, but some saddlers stamp the underside of the sweat flap. The stamp tells you the model, seat size, flap length and style, year of manufacture, unique serial number, tree and paneling configuration. Some also will indicate seat style or depth, and block size. However, the fun part is that each manufacturer is unique in their nomenclature.

First let’s look at the serial number. In all saddles there is a 2 digit number either preceding or following a longer series of digits. This is the last 2 numbers in the year of manufacture and saddle number. For example, in a CWD the serial number starts with the year while in Voltaire it ends with the year.

In the first picture, a CWD stamp, the serial number is on the bottom line.

This is the 52,441 saddle made in 2017. On the first line, as with most saddles, we find information about the model, seat size, and flap. This is a SE02 model, with a 17.5” seat and a 3C flap.

In the second picture, a Voltaire stamp, on the second line we see that this is the 1,181 saddle made in 2014. The first line tells us this a Palm Beach model, while the third line tells us this is a 17” seat with a 2A flap.

Now let’s look at seat configuration stamping in more detail. The seat measurement indicates the length of the saddle from the ‘button’ on the saddle skirt to the center of the cantle. The model tells you the seat depth and shape. The model is important because not all saddles of a particular brand feel the same.

A shallower 17” will feel roomier than a deeper seated 17”. Most manufacturers have very good information on the various saddle models on their websites.

So if you tell your used saddle expert that you are looking for a CWD, or Antares, because you rode in your friend’s saddle and ‘loved it’, be prepared to tell them which one!

Flap configuration is generally composed of a number, and a letter or fraction. For example, looking at pictures one and two, the 3 on the CWD and the 2 on the Voltaire, tell you the length of the flap, while the lettering indicates the shape (or width)bof the flap. In a CWD flaps are commonly L or C, with the C shape being wider and rounder (considered the CWD forward flap). In Voltaire, Antares, and Devoucoux, a lettering system is used with N being normal, A being somewhat forward, AA more forward and so on. Butet uses a decimal numbering system or a fraction (depending on the year) to indicate forwardness, with .25 being somewhat forward, .5 medium, and .75 extra forward.

Getting the right flap for you means you will be better balanced in the saddle and can get your leg on your horse in the right spot.

The third picture is an example of an Antares stamp. On the first line we see it is the Antares Contact model. Below we see the serial number. It is the 2,491 saddle made in 2012. The third line tells us the flap, a longer (3), normal (N) shaped flap. The fourth line tells us the seat size, a 17.5”, and the seat width, L. Antares has 3 seat widths with E being narrow, L and XL begin the widest.

Now we’ve sorted out the seat and flap sizing, model, and age, we come to the fun part! Will it fit my horse? All the manufactures put information about the paneling on their stamp. Some put information about the tree, however most French saddles are made on medium wide trees and they don’t bother to stamp the tree unless it is a wide tree, in which case you will see the notation AO or Arcade Ouverte.

Looking again at the CWD stamp the second line begins with PA. Numbers and letters following the PA describe the paneling on this particular saddle. In this case, this saddle has standard panels (ST) with a sculpted out area

1: CWD SEO2 17.5” 3C serial number 17 52441

2: Voltaire Palm Beach 17” 2A serial number 1181 14

3: Antares Contact 17.5” 3N serial number 12 2491

on the front panels to allow room for the scapula to rotate back (RT). You will frequently see a series of numbers after PA such as 705 305 205. The first digit in each group of numbers refers to the area of the paneling on the saddle, and the second two digits refer to how much additional thickness has been added to that area, in millimeters. If we look at the Voltaire stamp, the fourth and fifth lines tell us the paneling. In this case it is PRO panels with extra thickness in the B and D areas. Looking at the Antares stamp, the tree and paneling information is stamped on the billet guard. It is a T1 tree with M20 panels. If thickness had been added or taken away, it would be indicated by an RAR or RAG followed by a number and plus or minus. Seems complicated? It can be! Just remember, the higher the numbers, the more thickness that has been added or taken away in different areas ,and therefore the saddle has been made with a more customized fit. Also remember, 5 or 10 mm is not much more than a half pad.

The best way to shop for a fine used French saddle that fits? Ride in as many as possible, take pictures of the stamps and then talk with your used saddle retailer who will help you match the features as closely as possible. If you don’t have access to some saddles you can borrow to try, and are looking to upgrade, ask for a recommendation. Be prepared to with your height, body proportions, and breeches size to assess size and flap for you, and some pictures of your horse’s naked back to assess fit for them. Look for a retailer that offers trials, free shipping and no restocking fee to keep costs down! Finally don’t be afraid ask questions! Happy saddle shopping! ������������������������������������������������������������������ ������������������������������������������������������������������������ ��������������������������������������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������������������� ��������������������������� E

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Five Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Horse Tack

Taking the time out to properly care for your tack can greatly increase its life and usefulness.

The cost of tack and equipment o�en has a massive impact on a horse owner’s budget, with improperly maintained equipment o�en making the hobby prohibi�vely expensive. With proper care, your tack won’t just last longer, but will also go a long way in preven�ng accidents and injuries to both the horse and its rider. To that end, here are five ways in which you can maximise the life of your tack and equipment.

1. Clean the Tack Room Regularly: This should go without saying. You can’t keep your tack clean if the storage room is dirty.

An ideal tack room should be clean, cool, and as dry as you can keep it. A humid storage area increases the possibility for mold to grow, and it greatly reduces the life of leather. Keeping the moisture levels low can be par�cularly challenging in the summer, so it really requires utmost a�en�on and care. You should also dust the tack room weekly to prevent excessive build-up, and check for mold and vermin. It’s be�er to do this frequently, since the longer you put it off, the more tedious a job it’ll be when you actually do it.

2. Tighten Up: You should put aside one day each month to do a thorough check of your equipment, to make sure all the belts, buckles, and screws are �ght and secure. In addi�on to this, always give your equipment a quick check before you saddle up to make sure everything is where it should be. This seems minor but if there’s a screw or two loose, you’ll want to find out while both your feet are s�ll on the ground.

3. Sani�se: It’s not uncommon for owners of mul�ple horses to share grooming supplies between them. This isn’t a problem in and of itself, but you will definitely want to minimise the number of germs that are shared along with the supplies. A quick dash of disinfectant spray on brushes and supplies between use should kill most bacteria, viruses, mold, and mildew. Of course, you could avoid this whole thing by keeping separate brushes and saddle pads for each horse.

4. Condi�on the Leather: A coarse and dry saddle isn’t just uncomfortable to ride on; it’s also an eyesore. It is important to rou�nely condi�on your saddle. You will want to try mul�ple products to figure out which one works for you and your saddle. It’s also advisable to test your condi�oning products at home first, to make sure your condi�oned saddle feels right.

Some condi�oners can leave the saddle s�cky and may even leave a residue which can be a nightmare if your riding ou�it is a light colour.

5. Dry Cleaning: About twice a year, it’s advisable to give your equipment a dry cleaning. Wash all of your horse blankets, saddle pads, polo wraps, and grooming supplies regardless of how recently they’ve been used. A�er a deep cleaning, be mindful of the storage methods men�oned above to ensure you store your equipment in a clean room. You can store your clean, dry blankets and sheets in plas�c containers when they aren’t being used. Always label your containers with their contents so you can find what you need in a pinch. If you find that some of your equipment is going too long without seeing any use, you can always sell or donate it.

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HAPPENING at

HADFIELD’S Hadfield’s bridles and fine tack accessories are crafted entirely in-house in Walsall, England, where Hadfield Bridleworks was established in 1995, as a sister company to its U.S. counterpart, C. M. Hadfield’s Saddlery. The superb craftsmanship, attention to detail and highest quality materials make a Hadfield bridle second to none and the choice of top hunter and jumper riders worldwide. Noteworthy features include rich brown Australian Nut leather from J. E. Sedgwick & Company, Ltd.; hand-beveled edges; stainless steel hardware; pre-waxed poly-cotton thread 12 stitches to the inch; neat, secure keepers; and extra leather reinforcement at the cheek piece bit ends.

Shown here on Spy Coast Farm’s Chaqui Z is the newest jumper bridle from Hadfield Bridleworks. The Raised, Fancy-Stitch, Wide Caveson with Flash Bridle is already in great demand and getting rave reviews for its quality, substance and style. The distinctive one-inch wide caveson offers both comfort and a handsome presentation, and both the browband and caveson are raised, edge-stitched and accented with Hadfield’s Infinity fancy-stitch design. A loop

has been neatly stitched into the noseband to accommodate the removable flash strap; the caveson and flash strap feature stainless steel roller buckles for ease of adjustment.

Hadfield’s newest bridle (HBW-204) is offered in sizes Cob, Full and Oversize. Reins are sold separately. All of the Hadfield Bridleworks collection can be seen online at HADFIELDS.com and at our retail locations: Year round at C. M. Hadfield’s Saddlery, 300 Business Park Way, Suite B-100, Royal Palm Beach, FL, 33411; and Hadfield’s mobile unit in Wellington, FL, now through April, at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.

800-854-RIDE. Elite Equestrian magazine ran the incorrect advertisement for Hadfield’s Saddlery in the previous issue. We regret this error and any inconvenience.

EE

LOVE YOUR HORSE?

LOVE YOUR SADDLE! Shop for a fine used sadde that fits!

Free shipping and a 7 day trial!

Buy • Sell • Consign

WWW.OLDDOMINIONSADDLERY.COM 914-621-6814

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Collision vs.Construction

By Tom Scheve

D

o you have any idea how your horses might fare in a trailer accident? Live animals that weigh anywhere from nine hundred to 1,900 pounds need a “box” that will house them safely out on the road. The right trailer construction will make a difference as to how well your horses will survive a hit in the rear, the side, or if it flips over.

You don’t need to know how all the “nuts and bolts” come together in the building of your trailer, but it is wise to know the basic construction to determine the degree of protection it will give your horses against impact. The following information should help you to understand the different strengths and aspects of the materials most used in the construction of horse trailers.

Horse trailers typically fall into two basic construction types, aluminum and steel, but the industry labels them into four categories: Aluminum, steel, hybrid, and composite built.

Aluminum Horse Trailers commonly refer to aluminum trailer brands or models that are mostly all aluminum in construction, meaning they �����������������������������������������������������������������num roof. The axles and couplers are always steel as they are on all trailers. Some exceptions do exist where aluminum-constructed trailers ����������������������������������������������������������������������� Steel Horse Trailers generally refer to trailers that are mostly all steel �������������������������������������������������������������������������� Hybrid Trailers refer to trailers using both aluminum and steel in their construction, such as having steel frames with aluminum structures, sidewalls, and roofs.

Composite-Built: are trailers built using steel, aluminum, and a variety of materials where they are best suited to obtain optimum use of their inherent qualities.

weight, nullifying the idea that all trailers constructed with aluminum are lighter in weight. Consequently, the higher quality, heavier constructed aluminum trailers are tougher, and therefore safer than those skimping on aluminum to reduce the cost. Price can be an accurate indicator in deciding the strength and quality of a particular brand of aluminum trailer over another.

Terms to know about aluminum: CORROSION: What rust does to steel, corrosion does to aluminum. ������������������������������������������������������������������� lower sidewalls of a trailer caused by the alkaline in urine and manure.

Regular washing reduces the chance of corrosion.

TRAINING & Showing

GALVANIC CORROSION: corrosion damage induced when two dissimilar materials are coupled in a corrosive electrolyte. In the horse industry, the term is often wrongly used by dealers as a deterrent for purchasing a trailer constructed of both aluminum and steel, incorrectly suggesting that the mixture of both materials will cause deterioration.

SHEER: When aluminum is impacted beyond its capacity, the metal will sheer, meaning it will tear, or rip, leaving sharp broken edges CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS ALUMINUM. Pound for pound, aluminum is 1/3rd the strength of steel.

For example, an aluminum center divider of the same shape, size, and thickness of a steel divider is about 1/3rd the strength and about half the weight. In some applications, lighter weight aluminum can be an advantage over steel, but not often in the construction of horse trailers.

Horse trailer dividers, center posts, butt & breast bars have to withstand impact such as a horse being thrown against them from a sudden stop or swerve. The reason many manufacturers use aluminum dividers and ������������������������������������������������������������������������ When aluminum is impacted beyond its strength capacity, its nature is to rip and sheer, creating sharp edges and tears that could result in severe lacerations. To gain the strength of steel, the higher quality aluminum trailer manufacturers increase the density, which increases the

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STEEL Whereas aluminum is a rigid material, steel has great formability, meaning it can be more readily shaped and bent when used in manufacturing and will have greater “give” over aluminum when struck beyond its stress point. Simply put, whereas steel may bend, aluminum will tear. The additional properties of steel are durability, toughness, and weldability, which makes steel easier to repair. A steel weld can be made as strong as the parent material, whereas a weld in an aluminum alloy is weaker than the alloy being welded. The unwarranted negatives about steel that still exists among many horseowners are the fear of rust and the concern about weight. Since steel has always been and still is the preferred choice of the automotive industry, today’s technology has all but eliminated rust through the use of galvanized, galvaneal, stainless, and powder coated steel. And the use of steel along with a variety of today’s advanced materials where they are best suited puts a composite-built trailer at about the same weight as an aluminum trailer of comparable strength. An example of a composite-built trailer would be one

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with a galvanized steel frame, steel structure surrounding the horses (such as an automotive company builds around the passenger compartment of an automobile), aluminum outer skin, steel on the interior walls and a steel ���������������������������������������������������������

Terms to know about steel: RUST:������������������������������������������������������������ that is formed on iron or steel by oxidation, especially in the presence of moisture.

GALVANIZED STEEL: A process of applying a protective zinc coating to steel to prevent rusting by submerging the steel in a bath of molten zinc.

GALVANEAL STEEL: Takes galvanizing a step further through an annealing process. This vastly improves the formability and paint adhesion.

POWDER COATED STEEL: A liquid paint, which is delivered via an evaporating solvent, typically applied electrostatically and then ����������������������������������������������������������������������� conventional paint.

In closing, to protect against side or rear impact, steel is the clear winner, but it’s important to note that there are varying qualities of both aluminum and steel structured trailers. Knowing how they will hold up in an accident will give you greater comfort level as you head out on the road.

Tom Scheve, with wife Neva have been advocating horse trailer safety since 1984. Both have given safety clinics at many horse expos around the country and have written numerous articles for national magazines about horse trailer safety. Their nationally acclaimed textbook, The Complete Guide to Buying, Maintaining and Servicing a Horse Trailer and Equine Emergencies on the Road (with Jim Hamilton DVM) have been adopted by most National Horse organizations. Tom is also owner of EquiSpirit Trailer Company with corporate offices in Southern Pines, NC. For more information on horse trailer safety, visit their website equispirit.com or email Tom at tom@equispirit.com. Toll free number is 1-877-575-1771.

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SUNSHINE

&

HORSES

DESTINATION:

Florida

All the serious equestrians head to Florida to escape the cold and to train and show in the temperate weather. Consequently, there are more events, clinics, fundraisers, and of course shows, than we can list. Here are some things to look for if you’re heading to Florida this season.

TWO WORLDS Dressage With Pat Parelli

GALA of the Royal Horses

How Does Equine Psychology Come Together With Gymnastic Training To Bring Out The Best In A Horse?

BRIDGING THE GAP WITH CLASSICAL DRESSAGE AND NATURAL HORSEMANSHIP

March 27 - 29, 2020

EQUINE Lifestyle

Join four interna�onally renowned experts, who are truly passionate about changing the world for dressage horses by bringing the two worlds of horse psychology and classical dressage together.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN • Learn how training sessions can develop the dressage horse’s mental, emo�onal and physical fitness by combining dressage and horse psychology.

• Learn how to solve problems with tension.

• Know what is important to horses, how they think, how they learn, what mo�vates them, and what they need to be happy.

• Learn how using a heart rate monitor can revolu�onize your training results.

• Discover the difference between psychology and mechanics.

• Learn the way to a calmer, more connected, responsive, supple and successful horse.

• See the Scale of Training in a whole new light.

• Increase a �mid horse’s confidence.

• The challenges presented at different levels of training.

• Discover what a Happy Horse really is.

January 24, 2020 at 7:00 pm RP Funding Center , Lakeland , Florida 701 West Lime Street, Lakeland FL 33815 For info call (352) 208 2244, Box Office: (863) 834 8111 or (888) 397 1000 Visit our web site for addi�onal performances and �cket informa�on

www.galao�heroyalhorses.com Continued...

Tickets: www.parelli.com/dressage-summit-2020 Held At: Florida Horse Park, www.flhorsepark.com 11008 South Hwy 475 Ocala, FL 34480 74

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DESTINATION:

Florida

GRANDVIEW Invitational Drafthorse Driving Competition

In

Grandview Invitational Jan 31 – Feb 2, 2020 Friday to Sunday Florida Horse Park 14000 Co Hwy 475A Ocala FL 34473 grandviewinvitational.com

UNITY, There is

Strength

And with more people united for one goal, comes new pos-sibilities, new partnerships, and new opportunities. A united and communicating equine industry means more attention, stronger positioning, enhanced marketing initiatives and a more unified voice on issues that can affect our horses, our businesses and our quality of life.

The Ocala Horse Alliance is a new organization that is uniting ALL aspects of the horse industry in Marion County. The newly formed association will be creating a five-year Strategic Plan for the equine industry... and we want everyone’s input into the plan. It’s our future.

We are United by the Horse

Whether you breed it, ride it, braid it, shoe it, dress it, feed it, house it, show it, train it, drive it, treat it, ship it, trail it, write about it, lease it, judge it, appraise it, massage it, photograph it, promote it, whisper to it, or just love it... you are an integral part of the horse industry.

For just $10 you can be a member of The Ocala Horse Alliance and begin to socialize, make new connections, explore vast partnerships, be a part of industry marketing initiatives, and avail yourself of educational seminars and programs.

The Ocala Horse Alliance is “Giving Spurs to the Ocala Horse Industry”. You’ll want to be part of this new association!

EQUINE Lifestyle

You’ll want to be part of this new association!

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Ocala often calls itself the “Horse Capital of the World”. Given the size, diversity, scope of equine activities and the unique representation of a spectrum of breeds and disciplines, Ocala clearly has rights to the title. Now, there is a unifying entity to harness the collective power of this diverse industry to help grow, educate, unify and promote the horse industry in Marion County. The Ocala Horse Alliance (OHA) is the newly formed organization that will champion this effort. After conducting a market condition analysis, the Leadership Group was formed to begin to address a unifying, growth and advocacy impact effort for the equine industry. The OHA Leadership Group is comprised of key stakeholders from various sections of the horse industry including breeders, trainers, trail riders, discipline representatives, manufacturers, feed companies, therapeutic riding, horse rescue, elected officials and numerous other groups representing the diversity of the horse industry in Marion County. The OHA is now positioned to launch the new organization and create a five-year strategic plan designed to unify, promote, educate and grow the horse industry in Ocala.

For more events, clinics, schooling shows and venue information in FL, Look for the FLORIDA SHOW SEASON GUIDE at shows, events and tack shops all over Florida!

www.OcalaHorseAlliance.com www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

EE

Wendy’s artwork captures the unique spirit of each horse, she expresses the individual qualities that that can’t be explained about horses… they can only be experienced. Wendy is one of the true talents in the equine world. Through her exceptional artwork she provides an additional avenue to exhibit our beautiful horses. Wendy is consistently professional and passionate. Her work always exceeds expectations.

Wendy Morris Tank

www.wmtart.com

wendymorristank@gmail.com (602) 518-0443

The UNVEILING OF “The Ranch Horse” will be at ..Wild Holly Gallery, Carefree Az. www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

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