This magnificent “Italian Stallion” MANGUSTA 72’ Express Fast Motor Yacht, has just some 60 running hours since her extensive refit in 2023, is in grandiose condition.
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EQUINE CONSIGNMENTS!
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FOR NON SWEATERS
Enables your horse to sweat naturally. Show safe www.nonsweater.com
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LAY-FLAT HOSE QUICKREEL
mounts to cart or vehicle. ATV trailer cart assembly available. Proudly made in the USA by our team of cra�smen!
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EQUINE CONSIGNMENTS!
QUALITY COLLARS & LEASHES
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DYNAMIC SADDLES
A must have for traveling and evacua�ons. Available for dogs and farm animals. First Aid kits and more. See our ad 67 on page ID FOR YOUR ANIMALS
A Piece Of Your Favorite HorseCan Go With You Everywhere! Quality fashionable jewerly made with your horse’s hair. See our ad page 25 ponylocks.com
UNDER HELMET HEADBANDS The myMareCo signature Under Helmet Headband blends comfort, style and performance to secure your ride. See our ad on page 72 Amazon.com/mymareco mymareco.com
SOURCE micronutrients providing a unique spectrum of support vitamins and minerals plus, diges�ve enzymes, beneficial microbes, an�-oxidants and essen�al fa�y acids. See our ad page 45 800-232-2365 www.4source.com BEST ON-THE-GO Hay Feeding System! Less waste, be�er diges�on for your horse. See our ad page 33 www.NibbleNet.com
Immune Builder Helps the Following Issues –
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Keep comfortable and focused with these cool customers from Equetech….
Cooling With Innovation
Need a rapid cooling fix? The Equetech Icebands are perfect for immediate relief, targe�ng the neck and wrists with long-las�ng cooling refreshment. Pop them in the freezer for at least 30+ minutes, add them to your cool bag with ice to take to your compe��on and enjoy as temperatures rise - discreet and effec�ve!
Bling
With A Breeze
This new ultra-lightweight jacket is a premier choice for horse riders seeking both func�onality and style during the milder months of the year.
RRP: £69.95 Colours: Navy Sizes: 32 - 48
Pulse Neck Iceband RRP: £12.50
Pulse Wrist Icebands (pair)
RRP: £12.50 One Size. White
Air-Con On The Move!
Keep cool with this technical summer riding top, the Equetech Ac�ve Extreme Compe��on Shirt. This top is designed specifically for hot weather and boasts a cool-feel fabric with extreme wicking and drying proper�es and integrated mesh panelling for enhanced air-con on the move.
RRP: £44.95 Colours: White Sizes XS – 3XL
Cool With Class
Wearing tradi�onal tweed cloths can be a li�le too uncomfortable in the heat of the day. That’s why Equetech has reinvented the tweed show jacket with the Bellingham Deluxe Stretch Tweed Riding Jacket. This gorgeous jacket looks like tradi�onal tweed, with a beau�ful tailored cut and finish, yet this Equetech exclusive tweed cloth is lightweight with stretch for freedom of movement and enhanced comfort. Equetech have also added a mesh lining to stay even more comfortable this summer, AND it comes in a stunning waistcoat style too!
Bellingham Deluxe Stretch Tweed Jacket
RRP: £164.95 Sizes: 32 – 48
Bellingham Deluxe Show Waistcoat
RRP: £66.95 Sizes: 32 - 48
Benedicte Gele
France Based Ar�st, trained as a graphic designer - she paints horses - minimal and abstracted with just the essen�al to depict movement and expression.
EquineArt
Alecia Barry Underhill
A graduate of Rhode Island School of Design - “I like to paint closeup views that arrest the viewer and perhaps make you see something you wouldn’t normally no�ce.”
Equine Nude 111t by Benedicte Gele. 25 1/2 x 20″ watercolor, chalk, pastel and gesso on canvas. $775.00
Spanish Grey by Alecia Barry Underhill. 30×30″ oil on gallerywrap canvas. $2,500.00
Face to Face 8p by Benedicte Gele. 25 1/2 x 20″ pastel and black chalk on canvas. $775.00
Eye Shadows by Alecia Barry Underhill. 20×20″ oil on gallery wrap canvas. $1,800.00
ART ANTIQUES &
By Dr. Lori
AI Art
Attracts Young Collectors
By Dr. Lori Verderame
Technology and more specifically, Ar�ficial intelligence (AI) impacts many aspects of contemporary life. While we don’t think about AI within the art world o�en, it is certainly alive and well in the art trade and auc�on realm. Recently, Chris�e’s auc�on house presented the first sale dedicated solely to art produced using Ar�ficial Intelligence with total sales of $728,784. The sale took place only online, of course, and was a success with 34 lots offered up for bid.
Works by Refik Anadol, Charles Csuri, Claire Silver, Holly Herndon, and Mat Dryhurst highlighted the auction that attracted art collectors and buyers in the Millennial and Gen Z demographic groups. There is so much talk about how young collectors are not active in the art market now. Many contend that young adults are not active collectors of art, antiques, or collectibles. Once again, that myth has been squashed. Digital art and AI-generated art attract many newcomers to the art market as well as young collectors born after 1996. It confirms that today’s young collectors believe Jackson Pollock’s longstanding Abstract Expressionist mantra that making art is not about the finished product, but rather it is all about the artmaking process.
Today’s young art collectors collect differently than other collectors. Young collectors who are comfortable with technology also embrace AIgenerated art because they appreciate tech and understand how AI- has been stimulated. How does it work? For those unfamiliar with the AI-generated art movement, AI-generated art is unique and, some say, groundbreaking in the eyes of many. This art is derived from the use of artificial intelligence, computer algorithms, and tools such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Jasper, MS Copilot, etc. The art by AI-generated artists may also employ image generators like DeepAI, Picsart, Crayion, etc. to produce their works.
Technology impacts our contemporary lives. In keeping with the longstanding belief that art reflects society, contemporary art must embrace the technology-generated art is produced. The process of making AI-generated art is attractive to collectors, and with this new group of artists in the realm and new works of art available, the art market has embraced AI too. Like it or hate it, AI is fast becoming a major part of our culture.When mainstream society embraces an art movement based on the activities of everyday life, like Andy Warhol’s Pop Art Campbell’s Soup Cans, the results are exciting.
Other than AI-generated art, are there other art movements that young collectors are looking for? They seek out contemporary art in general, graffiti art, social art, works by emerging artists, eco-friendly art, etc. Art collectors under the age of 40 like to have an emotional, ethical, or political connection to the art that they buy. The background and mission of the artist also has a big impact on the youthful collecting group. Wonder what’s happening in today’s art world, just ask the youngest person in the gallery or auction bay what’s important to them and you’ll be right on target.
Contemporary art gallery installation Photo by Staff of www.DrLoriV.com
HIS HERS &
Nick Sharp
with L.A. Berry, Equinista
Okay, so I hummed a li�le ZZ Top/Sharp Dressed Man going into this. But a�er going deeper into what makes Gestalt Equine Ins�tute of the Rockies equine psychotherapist Nick Sharp �ck, there’s so much more to this horseman (and Season 12 contestant on The Bachelore�e). With a Masters of Clinical Psychology and Counseling from Naropa University in Colorado, Nick specializes in transpersonal nature-based therapy, encouraging deep emo�onal healing through therapeu�c work with horses while (bonus) inside the nurturing milieu of nature. He says horses ask us to trust and the more we learn to trust, the less we need to control. As the “teachers of our ancestors,” horses provide a safe place to be our authen�c selves. Nick is a lifelong outdoorsman, former Eagle Scout, Wilderness First Responder (WFR), and addic�on counselor and men’s work facilitator. By combining the transforma�ve powers found in horses and nature, Nick’s off-the-grid expedi�ons help others get back on track. So let’s spend a few minutes ge�ng authen�c.
HERS: Your first horse/pony experience?
HIS: His name could have been Buckeye, or Bullseye, but he bolted on my trail ride at Philmont Scout Ranch and you’d never seen a bigger grin on a kid’s face.
HERS: What did you learn from your first horse/instructor that still applies?
HIS: When contact over time is consistent and predictable, contact creates connection. Connection over time, when consistent and predictable, creates relationship. Relationship over time, when consistent and predictable, creates intimacy. To quote Duey Freeman, MA, LPC, contact is the building block of attachment.
HERS: First job and how old?
HIS: Selling mulch door-to-door for my Scout troop in middle and high school. We sold bags for $3 a pop. For an additional $1, my twin brother and I would lay the bags anywhere in a client’s yard and for another $1, spread the mulch out. This job paid for us to attend service trips in Honduras, summer camps and other outdoor adventures.
Contact is the building block of attachment.
HERS: Why does Gestalt Equine Psychotherapy (GEP) resonate with you?
HIS: GEP resonates because the practice is relational and incorporates nervous system regulation. Humans develop in relationship, are injured in relationship, and only change in relationship. The present moment is the most important moment in a human life because it’s the place where the opportunity exists for change to transpire, externally and internally in our bodies. Horses demand our presence, so they ask for us to be there in each moment of abundance.
HERS: What do horses bring to better relationships?
HIS: Horses do not judge. When we judge we shut off the ability to be present and in contact. Horses can teach us how to be here and now; they actually really need us to be.
HERS: Favorite quote?
HIS: “Sometimes a man stands up during supper and walks outdoors and keeps on walking, because of a church that stands somewhere in the East. And his children say blessings on him as if he were dead. Another man, who remains inside his house, stays there inside the dishes and in the glasses, so that his children have to go into the world toward that church which he forgot.” – Rainer Maria Rilke (Austrian poet, 1875-1926)
Photo by Mike Oberlies
HERS: You get a day with any horseman/horse in history. Who is it?
HIS: I’d spend it with my grandchildren and their yet-to-be-born horse partners.
HERS: Three dinner guests: Who’s invited and what’s served?
HIS: I would be honored to invite my grandmothers, Lottie Karrasch Cain and Mary Bull Sharp, and my twin brother John, so we could hear their stories that we missed as children and make the recipes we inherited from them. What are likely served are German style potato balls, gravy, and duck with homemade cranberry sauce.
Nick’s Nick’s
German Style Potato Dumplings (Balls)
1-pound potatoes
1 egg, beaten ½ cup flour ¼ teaspoon salt 12 croutons
Boil salted water. Cook pared potatoes un�l tender. Drain and mash. Add egg, flour, salt; mix in bowl then divide into 12-equal pieces. Press one crouton into each. Shape into balls. Drop into boiling salted water. Cover �ghtly and cook for 10-12 minutes. Dumplings float when done in slowly boiling water. Hield: 12 dumplings.
Learn more about Nick Sharp Counseling and workshops in Colorado with Duey Freeman and Equinox Odysseys in California, at nicksharp.life.
Have a His & Hers guest suggestion? Share it with latheequinista@gmail.com.
Photos provided by and used with permission of Hi Desert Management / Nick Sharp
Photo by Talitha Bullock
Photo by Mike Oberlies
Story By Lori Bruno, Lori Bruno Interiors
Siwash Lake Wilderness Resort & Ranch
An Interview with Allyson Rogers, CEO
As a fourth-generation steward of the land at Siwash Lake, how has your family heritage influenced the way you’ve developed the ranch and its equine philosophy today?
Siwash has been in our family for over three decades, and the deep connection to this land has shaped everything. We’ve always believed that humans are stewards, not consumers, of nature — and that includes the way we care for our horses. They’re not just animals here; they’re part of the family.
The Siwash Synergy™ with Horses program is a signature offering at the ranch. Can you tell us what makes this approach to riding and horsemanship so transformational for guests?
Siwash Synergy™ is all about developing a meaningful relationship with the horse — based on intuition, trust, and presence. Guests learn to connect with horses in a way that’s not performance-driven, but deeply personal. We see people leave more confident, calm, and connected — not just to the horse, but to themselves.
How do you go about pairing guests with horses and tailoring treks or training sessions to their abilities and needs? We take the time to understand each guest’s experience level and energy — and then we match them with a horse that complements that. Our horses are intuitive and freerange, which makes them especially attuned to human emotion. It’s less about ability and more about building trust.
In 2017, a devastating wildfire swept through your land. Can you share how you protected your horses and livestock during that emergency, and what that experience taught you?
It ended up being quite an easy decision - when evacuation orders came, we chose to stay. The horses had never left the ranch, and taking them to rodeo pens three hours away felt wrong. We placed them in their favourite pasture by the lake, stayed with them, and prepared them as best we could. We warned them daily that something was coming and this kept them calm – in the end not one was harmed. It taught us to trust our instincts — and theirs.
What has the regeneration of the land looked like since the wildfire? Are there signs of new life and biodiversity returning that particularly excite you?
It’s been extraordinary. Fireweed came first, then aspen groves, wild roses, and berry bushes. Now we’re seeing moose, deer, frogs, river otters, and even the western painted turtle. The land is healing in real time — and teaching us so much in the process.
Your horses are free-range and deeply connected to the land. How does that lifestyle influence their temperament, training, and role in the guest experience?
Because our horses live naturally on the land year-round, they’re grounded, resilient, and deeply aware. They’re not barn-bound or overworked — they’re partners in the guest experience. This creates a calmer, more intuitive relationship between horse and rider.
Photos provided and given permission for use by Swiash Lake Wilderness Resort and Ranch
Can you describe one or two of your most memorable backcountry treks or wilderness rides that guests can embark on at Siwash Lake?
One of our favourites is Fraser’s Ridge trail, which is a high point on the plateau – one can see the entire regenerating landscape and distant mountains. Another is an all-day ride to our River Outpost – witnessing several different biomes on route, often spotting coyotes slinking in the grass and black bears teaching their cubs to forage – then a saddlebag lunch on the riverbank, followed by some wild swimming, before riding back to the ranch on a trail that takes one through a mile-long meadow that has a wonderful story attached about the first pioneers to settle in our area.
What role do you think equine experiences like those at Siwash play in modern wellness and reconnecting people with nature?
People are craving connection after Covid 19— with nature, with animals, with themselves. Horses offer all of that and at Siwash Lake, riding isn’t just about the destination, it’s about being present, building trust, and experiencing the natural world in an entirely new way.
How do you balance luxury hospitality with rugged adventure at the ranch – and how do the horses fit into that balance?
We call it “rugged luxury” The accommodations and service are world-class, but the experience is rooted in authenticity and the land. Our horses embody that — elegant, intuitive, and completely themselves.
Looking ahead, what’s next for you and the Siwash herd? Are there any new programs or developments on the horizon?
We’re continuing to grow the Siwash Synergy™ program and building more educational elements into our ecosafaris. The Fire Ecology Hike is just the beginning, there’s so much to learn from this land — and the horses are our greatest teachers.
Allyson and Pocahontas
Swiash Lake Horse Program Orientation
Crossing the Hunter Bentley Creek River Tube Floats
TRAINING FOR HORSES AND RIDERS
COME FOR A TRIAL WEEKEND EXPERIENCE
Equine Performance Partners is the perfect source, whether you are looking for a Hunter/Jumper or a Dressage star, to find your new equine partner, or have your horse’s training advanced. There are lush pastures for young horses to graze, socialize and exercise. Every prospect receives the developemental training that young horses need.
New prospects are imported from Germany several �mes each year.
Horses are developed with an individualized program to build their strength, suppleness, and condfidence.
You are welcome to come for a trial with one of our sale horses for several days to engage in a repoir building experience, allowing you to fully familiarize yourself with a prospect.
Our newly renovated private gated equestrian center with on-site owners.
Board and Training Packages Available!
10 minutes from WEC Ocala!
10 Dry Stalls Available OPTIONAL:
• Two Newly Renovated 3 Bed/2 Full Bath Homes Each With 2 Horse Run-In/Stable With Tack Room.
• Newly Renovated Barn Apartment With Porch and Laundry
Call for availability and to reserve your space.
Our new farm features:
•40 acres with lush pastures
•12 x 12 matted stalls with fans and auto water
•Wash Stalls with hot and cold water
•Multiple Tacking Areas
•Climate Controled Tack Room
•Covered & Outdoor Dressage Arena
•Jumping Field
5-15 Minutes From Multiple Quality Equine Veterinary Facilities
352-409-6616 or 352-620-5558
Let Falk and Victoria bring out the best in you and your horse!
www.equineperformancepartnership.com
legance in Motion: E
Exploring the Heritage of Traditional English Equestrian Art
English tradition in equestrian art is deeply rooted in the country’s history and culture, showcasing horses not only as animals of labor and sport but also as symbols of status and beauty. From the regal portraits of noble riders to the romanticized interpretations of equestrian life in the PreRaphaelite movement, horses have served as a source of inspiration for various artists. It’s difficult to quantify precisely how many horse paintings and sculptures exist globally, but there are thousands, ranging from museum collections to private holdings. Renowned collectors of horse portraits include figures like Queen Elizabeth II, who maintained a deep appreciation for equine art, as well as various aristocrats and private collectors throughout history who sought to immortalize their beloved steeds in art.
Artists such as Sir Anthony van Dyck and George Stubbs excelled at capturing the beauty and dynamism of these majestic animals, frequently depicting them alongside their noble riders to highlight the aristocracy’s rank and lifestyle. Similarly, the Romantic era saw artists like John Frederick Herring and Alfred Munnings capturing the spirit of the horse in pastoral and sporting scenes, while also illustrating the bond between horse and rider. The popularity of English thoroughbred horses also piqued artists’ curiosity.
The English countryside, with its sprawling estates and lush landscapes, provided a picturesque backdrop that further enhanced these representations, symbolizing not just the owner’s wealth but also the harmonious relationship between humans and nature. This tradition continues to inspire contemporary artists, who explore the cultural and emotional connections between horses and their environments, reflecting a longstanding reverence for these majestic creatures in the art world. Today, the Horse Polo Art Gallery is proud to represent two female equine artists who create in a classical and exquisite English style.
Madeleine Banbury (above) is a classically-trained equine artist based in Wiltshire, England. She is noted for her large-scale horse paintings which have been commissioned in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Italy. Madeleine had the privilege to create commissioned artworks for Prince William and Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh from Jaipure.
It was George Stubbs who became Madeleine’s first and greatest inspiration to depict the life-sized horses. After her graduation at Charles Cecil Studios in Florence Madeleine travels the world in the most unique locations to paint horses from life. As long as Madeleine’s artistic life is a journey, you will have the opportunity to meet her in person at the Kentucky Derby shortly.
Madeleine Banbury
Madeleine Banbury , Chestnut
Madeleine Banbury , Blossom
Her artwork is extremely vibrant and deep since she paints, considering the importance of the natural light and ‘sight size’ technique. Sight-Size is a composition of the artist, their topic, and their artwork that allows the artist to see the subject and artwork one-to-one. Madeleine works using her own handground paints and hand- stretched canvases.
Other example of traditional, quintessentially English equestrian art is Beatrice F.R. James. Being based in England’s Hampshire countryside, Beatrice observes the horses which feature as the main subjects of her work, from racehorses to hunters, polo ponies and privately owned horses. She enjoys following hunt and point to point meets, polo matches and the races where she studies the character and interaction of both hounds and people with horses.
Apart from ready paintings, Beatrice creates commissioned artworks, focusing primarily on equine and dog portraiture. She accurately recreates the characters, using variety of photographic references either taken by herself or provided by the client.
Beatrice creates a sense of timelessness and gravitas in her work, so that they may be enjoyed for hundreds of years to come. She combines techniques of Old Masters as well as experimenting with her own, which is evident in her unique style. Moreover, the artworks have the sophisticated focal point - the custom-made in England, reach gold frames. So, if you share a passion for classical art, paintings by Beatrice James can bring an authentic British style to your interior.
To check out the most recent information on the new equestrian artworks from all over the world, please visit: Katerina Morgan Horse Polo Art Gallery (https://katerinamorgan.art/).
Our team would be pleased to guide you in selecting the most desired piece of art or building a full collection.
Madeleine Banbury , Tornado
Beatrice F.R. James
Beatrice F.R. James
Beatrice F.R. James
THE PROBLEM: Failure to Sweat (Anhydrosis)
►Can reduce your horse’s athletic ability by 15-20%
►Can endanger your horse’s life during stressful training schedules in heat and humidity
►Safely balances your horse’s chemistry enabling it to sweat, naturally cooling it down.
►No side effects.
►Does not register positive on drug tests,making it ideal for performance horses.
THE SOLUTION: ONE AC* (Feed Supplement) www.nonsweater.com
FARNAM’S BOLD NEW BRAND VISION
Reinforcing Its Leadership In Equine Care For The Next Generation
Farnam, a trusted name in horse care for over 75 years and part of the Central Garden & Pet Company portfolio (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA), is proud to introduce a revitalized brand identity that honors its 75-year legacy while boldly stepping into the future. The new look and feel across all products–-from supplements and grooming to fly control and deworming— is in keeping with the same dedication that horse owners have relied on for generations. This rebrand solidifies Farnam’s leadership in the equine industry, strengthening its presence in a competitive market while reinforcing its commitment to providing innovative and effective solutions for horse care.
“For more than seven decades, Farnam has been the go-to brand for horse owners who value quality and expertise in their equine health and wellness products,” said Sarah Jarvis, Director of Marketing at Farnam. “This evolution of our brand unifies our extensive portfolio under one master brand, increasing relevance with our core consumers and positioning us for continued growth. We are excited to share this next chapter with the equine community.”
The revitalization of the Farnam® brand is designed to enhance consumer recognition and distinction in the equine care category while reinforcing its commitment to excellence. This rebrand unifies Farnam’s marketing and its comprehensive portfolio of headto-hoof, inside-and-out horse care products, creating a stronger, more cohesive brand identity. With a renewed focus on category distinction, Farnam is positioning itself to stand out in an increasingly competitive industry.
Stash Easton, Director of Business Development and Trade Marketing for Farnam, answered these questions for Elite Equestrian:
Is the re-branding about a new image for Farnam? Or are there major changes coming?
We recently decided this was a great time to objectively look at our brand and give it a refresh. Farnam will be 80 years old next year and we wanted to celebrate that and at the same time add a more modern look going forward. There are younger generations that are just now entering horse ownership as a lifestyle choice. We wanted a more cohesive look across our portfolio so new consumers could more easily relate to our brand while they are developing their horse care rituals.
Is Farnam diversifying to other types of products? Products for other animals- cats, dogs, birds, etc? Farnam is passionate about horse care, and we intend to remain in our core areas of expertise with our broad portfolio of horse care products. We do have a handful of products that are labeled for multiple species outside of equine (including livestock, dog and cat), but our goal is ‘to deepen the bond between you and your horse with rewarding horse care.’
Continued...
The Castellows, a country music trio, is in their second year of its partnership with Farnam.
Are there new healthcare products coming?
Farnam always has a robust pipeline of innovation as that is the lifeblood of any brand. We are always looking at new and improved ways to help horse owners care for their horses. We recently introduced a platform of digestive supplements which is exciting because they can be used individually or together to support many digestive health-related challenges.
The Castellows Partnership Rides Into Year Two Farnam is also celebrating the second year of its partnership with The Castellows, a country music trio whose deep-rooted passion for horses has shaped their journey from a rural farm in Georgia to the national stage. To mark this continued collaboration, The Castellows performed for members of the American Horse Publications at their annual conference in Dallas, Texas on May 15. This partnership amplifies Farnam’s commitment to the horse-loving community, blending music and horsemanship into a shared experience that resonates with fans.
“Horses have shaped who we are, and getting to combine our love for them with our passion for music has made this partnership with Farnam so special,” said The Castellows. “The ‘Everything for the Ride’ campaign feels like a natural continuation of this journey, and we’re so excited to kick off year two in Dallas!”
Polo at the Florida Horse Park 2021, photo by Elite Equestrian
FOUNDATION FOR SUCCESS: Jena Antonucci’s
Revolutionary Approach to Equine Care and Nutrition
A horse trainer for more than 25 years, Jena Antonucci has the unique distinction of being the first female trainer to win a Triple Crown race, a feat she accomplished when the famous gray horse, Arcangelo, won the 2023 Belmont Stakes in dramatic fashion.
Following the history-making win, Antonucci was quick to shine the spotlight on her horse—not herself—in an interview with The Guardian. “He’s just got the heart of a champion. He’s just that guy. He’s just amazing. A true blessing, an amazing gift and I’m just so grateful.”
Today, the world-class trainer and thoroughbred breeder is busier than ever, but whether she’s walking the aisles of her barn, working in her office or spending time at the track, she always slows down when it comes to the health of her horses.
A firm believer in laying strong foundations, Antonucci’s breeding decisions, training programs and nutrition protocols are all rooted in consistency and intentionality.
Growing up, Antonucci started showing horses at an early age and when she pivoted to the thoroughbreds, she had her ini�al training under the tutelage of Na�onal Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame horse trainer D. Wayne Lukas. Along the way as a thoroughbred breeder and veterinary technician, she learned the importance of early founda�onal work, especially when it comes to the mental and physical development of individual horses.
“It’s a whole different rela�onship with the horse, being able to imprint them and knowing that you are the founda�on of where they’re going to be for the rest of their life and how they are going to interact with humans,” she said. “To know you can make a posi�ve impact so early is very gra�fying.”
As foals grow up and move into the training phase, Antonucci said she listens and responds to each horse’s unique needs and mo�va�ons. “The answer is already there within each horse. It’s up to us to be quiet, listen and observe.”
To gain that individual understanding, Antonucci works closely with barn staff to con�nuously evaluate behaviors, weight gain, temperament, talent and willingness to work. She spends just as much �me on the ground with her team making these assessments as she does training.
Story and Photos By Purina Animal Nutri�on
“Our philosophy is very much horse-forward and always puts them at the center of the decisions that are made about their development and how far we push them fitness-wise, mentally and physically,” Antonucci said. “We always make sure we pause a minute, check on the horse and make sure they are doing well. Most importantly, we allow the horse to really lead us and lead their journey, managing the human expecta�ons along the way.”
Role Of Developmental Nutri�on
While the physical and mental aspects of each horse’s journey are cri�cal to their overall health and ability to perform, Antonucci said their nutri�on protocol also plays a significant role—one that begins even before a mare give birth.
“Sustainable nutri�on for pregnant mares helps foals have consistent growth, so they have everything they need when they’re going through different growth stages,” she said. “It also means those mares are ready for foaling and can recover not only better but faster.”
Continued...
Star�ng With A Strong Founda�on
And Antonucci con�nues the same steady approach a�er foals are born. “With young horses, the most important thing is just consistency. You’re trying to avoid any major pi�alls,” she said. “You don’t want to have any gastric disturbances, and young horses in par�cular don’t have a very high pain threshold, so making sure to avoid any colic episodes or immense gas issues is cri�cal.”
For all of her horses, including the young growing horses, Antonucci trusts research-backed Purina® feed to provide a strong, proven nutri�on pla�orm.
“The cornerstones of our approach to nutri�on are sustainability and consistency,” she said. “In other words, having forage, grain and supplements that allow our horses to have a consistent availability of the nutri�on, vitamins and fats they need. We take that really seriously, and I know that when we are feeding Purina® every bag is going to be the same, and that’s very, very important.”
Partnerships
Keep Nutri�on Programs Evolving
Ongoing evalua�on is another key element of Antonucci’s horse management philosophy.
“About once a year we check in on our nutri�on program,” she said. “Stopping, pausing, assessing how nutri�on has evolved and what new things are out there,” she said. Antonucci cites the recent introduc�on of the Purina® Microbiome Quo�ent™ (MQ™) Pla�orm as an example of an advancement that made her reevaluate her nutri�on protocols.
But Antonucci and her team don’t go it alone, relying on their ongoing partnership with Purina’s team of equine nutri�onists to help.
“They are fantas�c about peeling things back and ge�ng in there and saying, ‘Hey, have we tried this? Have we objec�vely looked at it? How can we do this a li�le differently?’ That consulta�ve role is an important one to me and one that’s available to anyone, whether they have one horse or an en�re stable.”
As Antonucci walks the aisles of her barn, gree�ng horses individually like the old friends they are, it’s clear her dedica�on to laying strong founda�ons for her horses—mentally, physically and nutri�onally—is rooted in a deep apprecia�on for how they enrich the lives of those who love and care for them. Her philosophy is a simple one: “Our horses show up for us every day and they give us everything. So how can we show up be�er every day for them?”
For Antonucci, showing up be�er for her horses means staying true to her philosophy of laying strong founda�ons. It’s priori�zing consistency. It’s pu�ng her horses at the center of every breeding, training and nutri�on decision. And not just for champions like Arcangelo, but for every foal, mare and stallion that are lucky enough to come under her care.
And while not all horse owners have access to world-class trainers like Antonucci, they do have access to the same team of equine nutri�onists she relies on to keep her nutri�on protocols on the cu�ng edge. To level up your nutri�on program, check out Purina’s searchable library of horse educa�onal content, go deeper into nutri�on considera�ons for mares and foals, visit the Horse Breeding Resources page or use the Ask an Expert tool to get in touch with Purina® equine nutri�onist.
Why The Dynamic Saddles™?
The Dynamic Saddle is engineered to fit in mo�on, and it does not have any seat pressure points and does not fla�en/collapse while under the rider’s weight. In fact, the weight of the rider along with special billet system is what loads and adjusts the saddle to the horse’s anatomy. This simplifies the saddle-fi�ng adventure! There’s no need for narrow or wide trees for most horses, and these saddles do not need to be reflocked. Correct fit is achieved on majority of horses right out of the box!
Dynamic Saddles feature close contact panels, bringing you closer to the horse to improve communica�on and add subtlety to your weight aids. We are free to avoid the bulky panels of other manufacturers because there are no pressure points from the tree that must be heavily padded. This allows our saddles to be ultra light, only 12 pound to handle.
Only the best quality leathers are used in making the saddles. Our experienced team of professionals delivers the highest standard of cra�smanship. We are a bou�que saddlery, with genera�onal saddlers that produce a limited number of saddles to our exac�ng specifica�ons. Our customer service is unmatched! Special order saddles are available for truly hard to fit equines and riders.
Every detail of saddle construc�on is designed to make the ride enjoyable for both the horses and riders:
• The saddle is designed to posi�on itself further back on the horse to reach a dynamic equilibrium and give maximum freedom of movement to the shoulders.
• Dynamic Saddles™ front billet system is designed to allow the front panels to move away from pressure of working muscles, allowing the shoulders to swing freely.
• Dynamic Saddles™ allows the rider to loosen the pelvis which makes si�ng on the horse much easier and helps the rider feel more connected to the horse.
• The flaps and thigh rolls are angled to accommodate the anatomical structures of the human body.
• The s�rrup bars are posi�oned to help the rider to achieve correct body alignment.
• If you ever struggled to thread a s�rrup leather through the s�rrup bar, you will appreciate that our bars are slightly angled, to allow for easy inser�on of s�rrup leathers. Small details that make a world of difference!
• The overall design provides unmatched security to ride correctly and helps secure a rider in place even when faced with a young horse’s an�cs.
Man, Horse and Water
Story By Alessandra Deerinck
Earning the role of leader in the eyes of a horse is something that must always be done without force, both on the ground and in the saddle. In nature, horses love to play with water and some domestic horses love to stand and get wet in the rain. Water is a vital element for humans and horses. Despite this, showering the horse can be one of the situations that can present difficulties.
Showering can be a pleasant situation for the horse, but when you approach the situation without taking into account how the horse perceives it, this operation can become dangerous, and even create permanent behavioral problems and this is also true for anything you deal with the horse!
It is important to learn how to act correctly even in situations considered the most trivial, and paying attention to these details can make the time spent with the horse much more enjoyable.
The horse can perceive water with sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste, just like we do. Water can provide different sensations depending on the forms in which it presents itself. In the domestic state, the water that the horse knows is, often, only that in the watering hole or the rain, situations in which the horse is not with the man and has freedom of movement and choice in its actions.
The rain does not come from a fixed point, does not produce a loud noise and does not hit the horse with force, but when the rain hits the roof of the stables and produces noise, horses new to the place, or particularly fearful, can get scared.
Experience, which allows horses to build memories on which to base their choices for behavior, is fundamental in the relationship between man and horse, together with the ability of the man to set an example to follow, when choosing behavior. To all this we must add the component of emotions, which always accompany individuals and color situations. Being able to set an example and allow the horse to learn, knowing the situations, is the best way to help the horse.
Forcing a horse to do something can lead to a situation where the horse loses the respect of the human who has pushed him beyond his comfort zone. This is often overlooked in horse riding, but in the relationship between a human and a horse it should always be taken seriously.
When showering a horse, the water comes from a garden hose, a water source that may not be familiar to the horse. The water is directed at the horse, with the purpose of washing him, and the horse is held in the hand with a halter and rope, or tied. Movement, which is the horse’s first resource when alert, is therefore limited, the surrounding surface is wet and may also be slippery.
When showering a horse, it is important to minimize the risks, making sure the horse cooperates with us, without offering resistance. The point where some horses may object is when the water jet is used to wet the coat or rinse it. A bad initial experience can create problems that will persist and need to be addressed and resolved.
The initial approach we use occurs in freedom in an open space, creating a situation in which the horse has the choice to do the action without being forced. When the relationship occurs in freedom, it is always important to take into account how the horse sees our behavior. If the horse sees something he doesn’t like, he will be careful not to participate in it.
This is simply what happens when we respect the technical times of the mental process that normally occurs in the brain of the horse that comes into contact with a situation, whether new or already experienced. The receptors provide the horse with information from the environment, he processes it and compares it with what he knows. Then, he behaves accordingly.
The way we work establishes a situation of dialogue through behavior, in which even the man learns to always understand the horse’s response to his behavior. This is a mandatory fact, otherwise the horse moves away from our area of influence. When this happens, it is a demonstration of the inadequacy of human action, and forces the person to reconsider the action and try again in a different way. The fact that the horse moves and walks away should not be considered a defeat, rather it teaches us how to best act with him and our mistake is not a problem because the horse is free to express himself and escape from us.
Horses that are comfortable with water have no problems even when near the ocean.
In our work we never use the knotted halter and the rope to make the situation uncomfortable, and make the horse choose, under the influence of discomfort or pain, to play along.
Any irrigation hose that can withstand being stepped on by the horse is suitable for the operation, whether with or without a nozzle. The nozzle allows us to vary the intensity, the noise produced and the shape of the jet and can be a help with horses that object. With the nozzle, the jet can be directed upwards and produce a situation similar to rain, which the horse is familiar with; without stopping the jet, you can lower your aim and make the water come from a point where the horse sees it and is no longer afraid because he knows what it is. All this must be done respecting the horse’s timing and observing his responses, and modulating our action moment by moment.
As we have already mentioned, instinctively, every sensory perception that the horse has, when hit by water coming from a hose, leads him to move away from it. Even more so, this happens if the horse does not know the water hose, since in nature no form of water comes out of such an object.
Continued on page
When horses are comfortable being showered even kids can do it.
This is how we introduce horses to being showered.
Palm Equestrian Academy™
Building a Partnership with your Horse
Western Dressage Level 2 Gaits and Defini�ons
Let’s get ready to show & grow!
After Level 1 comes the advancing collection and movements needed to do so in Level 2.
Collected Jog — The horse, remaining “on the bit”, moves forward in a two-best gait with the neck raised and arched and showing clear self-carriage. The head approaches the vertical position and a light contact is maintained with the mouth. The hocks are well-engaged and flexed and must maintain an energetic impulsion, enabling the shoulders to move more freely. Although the horse’s steps are shorter than in the other jogs, elasticity hand cadence are not lessened. The Collected jog must be ridden seated.
The collected jog is not tightening and blocking the horse to shorten his jog, it is a more energized stride that stays balanced and straight with a light contact of the reins. The horse will collect with the quality and correctness as described above.
Collected Lope — The horse’s outline follows as in the Collected Jog. At the Collected lope the horse moves forward in a three-beat cadence demonstrating self-carriage and an uphill tendency. The horse’s strides are shorter than in other lopes, without losing elasticity and cadence.
Same as collected trot, yet more advanced to do it correctly at the lope. All the more important to ride with a deeper seat. Lightness of aids should prevail at this level.
Shoulder-In Lateral Movement: This exercise is performed in a collected jog. The horse is ridden with a slight but uniform bend around the inside leg of the rider maintaining cadence at the constant angle of approximately 30 degrees. The horse’s inside foreleg passes and crosses in front of the outside foreleg; the inside hind leg steps forward under the horse’s body weight following the track of the outside foreleg, while lowering the inside hip. The horse’s footfall is on three tracks, with both front legs off the track.
I teach Shoulder Fore first, as the bend and angle is less and is an easy progression to the Shoulder In. A very necessary exercise to develop collection. A new level to Bend your horse yet in a straight line, where you start on a curving line. I use Shoulder In for sup-
plying after they know the movement in my warmups with a horse at this level or higher. A great task to teach your horse to bend more through his barrel.
Haunches-In (Travers) Lateral Movement: The horse is slightly bent around the inside leg of the rider. The forehand remains on the track and the hindquarters are moved inwards. The horse is bent in the direction in which he is moving. To start the haunches-in, the quarters should leave the track or, after a corner or circle are not brought back on the track. At the end of the haunches-in, the quarters are brought back on the track as one would finish a circle, without counter-flexion of the poll/neck. The horse’s footfall creates four tracks with both hind legs off the track.
Same benefits as Shoulder In. Hind legs off the track instead of the front legs as Shoulder In. Learning Haunches-In with Shoulder In are both necessary movements for correct collection.
Simple Change of Lead — This is a movement in which, after a direct transition out of the lope into a walk, with 3-5 clearly defined steps at the walk, an immediate transition is made into the other lead. The is considered a Simple Lead Change when done through the walk.
Continued on page 66
Story and Photos By Lynn Palm
Pros and Cons
of a Side Ramp
Story and Photos
By Tom Scheve
Now more than ever, cell phones, touch screens, and GPS systems increase the risk of someone hitting the back of your horse trailer, rendering it inoperable. Your horses will need another exit. Is a side ramp the answer?
ILLUSTRATION 1: EMERGENCY EXIT
Customers are increasingly asking me about adding a side ramp when looking for a new two-horse trailer, mostly to use as an emergency exit. However, adding a side ramp can play havoc with your budget, adding a thousand to twenty-five hundred dollars. It also adds up to five hundred pounds of weight, which might exceed your tow vehicle and hitch capacities, especially on bumper pull trailers towed with an SUV. If the only reason you want to add a side ramp is to have an emergency exit, the good news is that there are other ways to provide a safe escape. If your horses are good loaders and have no problem getting on and off through the rear of the trailer, a well-designed trailer with tall, wide doors at each horse’s head area will provide an easy escape with little to no harm. If the rear exit becomes inoperable, release the trailer tie, drop the breast bar, and open the head area door. Seeing an open door, horses will most likely head right for it and jump out. See Illustration 1.
SUGGESTION: A safe trailer tie can adjust in length without forming a loop where the horses’ legs could get entangled. A quick-release snap on both ends will unlatch the trailer tie quickly. Quick-release snaps work great for releasing, but are cumbersome, taking two hands to attach to a tie hook. Adding a standard double bucket-holder snap to the quick-release snap on that side that hooks to the trailer solves the problem. Always have a lead rope attached to the halter so you have control when leading your horse out.
Side ramps come in handy for several reasons other than emergency exits. A side ramp does provide an easy, safe way to unload your horses, so if you use it often as a convenience, it is worth considering. Older horses with arthritic problems that have problems backing, or those that are especially spirited, fearful, or anxious, a side ramp will make it easier for the handler and the horse. Comfort level is another valid reason – knowing that you have two exits specifically designed to unload your horses can ease your worries. However, before adding on the extra cost, weight, and length for a bad loader, a good trainer might be the cheaper way to go.
Lastly, if a side ramp is a must for you, spend some time reviewing the floor plan while imagining what has to be accomplished to exit your horses from the stall to the side ramp. If the trailer is available to view, do an imaginary walk-through, practicing leading your horse to the ramp. Is the breast bar easy to unhook? Will the head divider swing out of the way? Is there enough room for the horse to walk forward and turn? Does the passenger side horse have enough room to turn and exit down the ramp?
The following designs show an ideal side ramp design for two horse trailers. The passenger-side horse has plenty of headroom to walk forward and turn. The driver’s side horse has less head area, but with the head divider swung out of the way, it has more width to turn towards the ramp. The angled wall widens the pathway and guides the horse to the ramp. A popular option on side ramp models (shown on the drawing), is a bulkhead door into the dressing room. The ramp can be used to carry or dolly heavy items into the trailer and load them the dressing room from the side. See Illustrations 2 & 3.
Continued from page
Going into detail:
- the sight of the jet of water directed towards his body stimulates him to escape from the trajectory.
- the sound of the rush of water can stimulate him, through hearing, to move to see what produces the sound that attracted his attention.
- the impact of the jet produces a pressure that can push him to move.
- taste and smell are not always involved, and if they are, it is the horse that chooses to use them voluntarily and not to move. It may even happen that he tries to drink the water that comes out of the hose.
How to:
- Carefully consider the place where we will shower and make sure that the horse can simply stand still in the space we have designated. In the case of horses with existing difficulties with the shower or new to this experience, a fenced space is ideal, because it provides the possibility of working freely on a non-slippery surface.
- It is a very good idea to always start from the beginning, assuming that the horse does not know what we want to do, and ask for an action as if it was the first time he is trying it. Later, when we have a personal experience for both us and the horse, we can be more relaxed and direct in our interaction.
-When using the garden hose to shower the horse, it is a good idea to first show him how it works without involving him directly. This is easily achieved if, with the hose in our hands, we activate the jet, direct it away from him and keep ourselves at a distance where he is comfortable. From my experience I find that the right distance can be variable and must be one at which a horse sees us with both eyes and stands still to watch what is happening. This foresight, in providing the horse with the knowledge of what we intend to do, will then allow us to handle the water hose, even close to him, without him being afraid. The transition to directing the jet of water towards the horse must happen gradually, adapting our action to his. This means that if we get closer and he objects by moving away we must stop and wait for him to stop and remain still, then we start again, getting closer and perhaps trying to direct the jet away from him, but keeping the hose closer, so that he sees the point where the water comes out.
- It is necessary to modulate the force of the jet so that the horse we are working with likes it.
Continued from page 62
This is a more advance transition than changing lead through the jog. This simple change is what I perfect for the next step to master flying lead changes. The transition lope, walk, lope is excellent to continue to teach the horse to collect and his agility must be active and strong to do both upward and downward transitions with NO jog in either transition. Take your time to perfect the simple change of lead.
Sidepass—The Sidepass is another lateral maneuver performed from a halt in which a horse crosses his fore and hind legs to move directly sideways. The horse’s head & body should stay straight and square. When a horse sidepasses, it should be crossing its legs evenly with balance and a consistent walk tempo. Loss of bending, counter bending, hesitations, crowdedness and backward steps are all faults.
Sidepass is definitely a Western Move, like the Pivot. However, it is a very good one if you need to maneuver your horse sideways, especially if you have to open a gate with your horse mounted. I teach Yielding first before sidepass for riders and horses to learn straightness during the movement and to get the most balanced lateral or sideways steps. Highest scores will go to the horse that has even steps and is fluid and straight.
Are you passionate about becoming a true partner with your horse? I know I am, and I’m here to help you achieve that goal. Training for Western Dressage will help with any western discipline with or without cattle!
I’m looking forward to the next several months, sharing tips and guidelines for understanding the simplicity of learning (in written format, at least) Western Dressage training from Level 1 to Level 5. Join me on the Journey! For More Information, Contact Palm Equestrian Academy generalinfo@lynnpalm.com 352-362-7847
Cyril and Lynn offer clinics throughout the country and abroad as well as online coaching. Join them on their teaching tours or their Palm Equestrian Academy European Journeys.
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