Equine Journal (October 2014)

Beyond the Ring: Cross-Training on The Trail

EquineJournalOctober 2014

Your All-Breed, All-Discipline Resource luxeCanine Couture

9 Common Hazards to Hoof HealtH

BuilDing A FOunDAtiOn with YOuR gYpsY hORse

Take IT Off!the wORlD OF RiDing Bitless

PeRfect PaRtneRshiP

your

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4 equine Journal | September 2014


September 2014 | equineJournal.com 5


contents

features44 Field Trip! Take your training

out on the trail. By Karen Baril

50 Mind your Manners

Gypsy horse groundwork basics.

By naTalie DeFee MenDiK

60 Just a Bit Different

A look at bitless bridles. By JenniFer roBerTs

Hoof WoesTroubles and treatments of your horses most important asset.By KanDace yorK

October 2014

66

Check out our reflective wear picks on page 34.

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138 Real Estate145 Marketplace145 Stallion Paddocks146 Directories154 Classifieds155 Affiliate Directory160 Last Laugh

contents October 2014

102 Riding Fernhill Cubalawn, Philip Dutton took second place in the Advanced division at the Millbrook Horse Trials. 105 Liz Austin and Thys won the Open Prix St. Georges class at the Vermont Dressage Days show.

14 Editors Note 16 On the Road 18 Letters to the Editor 20 In Your Words 25 Points of Interest 30 Now You Know 32 Ten Things 34 Prepurchase Exam 36 Endurance Pointers 38 Hunter/Jumper Pointers 40 Ask the Vet

73 Travel 76 Fashion 78 Fitness 80 Collecting Thoughts

83 Industry Wide News87 Industry Wide Affiliates

93 Hunter/Jumper 101 Eventing105 Dressage111 Driving115 Western119 Distance Riding/Trail121 Morgan125 Arabian130 Quarter Horse133 Baroque135 Breed Affiliates

departments

lifestyle

the scoop

tail end

on the coverAuniques Kilchii, a four-year-old Jr. Champion Gypsy stallion sired by Alfie and owned by Aunique Ranch. Cover Photo by John StePhen hoCkenSmith

page 44

page 50

page 60

page 66

page 76

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October 2014 | equineJournal.com 11



President Donna KesslergrouP Publisher Patty Tiberg

director of circulation Scott Ferguson director of manufacturing Donald HortongrouP creatiVe director William Greenlaw

director of digital oPerations Jason Doyle

Morris Communications Company, LLCchairman & ceo William S. Morris III

President Will S. Morris IV

A Publication of MCC Magazines, LLCA Division of Morris Communications Company, LLC735 Broad St., Augusta, GA 30901

Equine Journal83 Leicester Street, North Oxford, MA 01537

phone: 508-987-5886, fax: 508-987-5887 subscription questions: 1-800-414-9101

affiliate subscription questions: 1-800-742-9171international callers: 1-386-246-0102

[email protected]

Equine Journal (iSSn # 10675884) is published monthly, with four additional special editions in January, March, July, and october by MCC Magazines, llC, 735 Broad Street, augusta, Ga 30901. Subscription rate is $19.95 per year. editorial and advertising offices are located at 83 leicester St., no. oxford, Ma 01537. Periodicals Postage Paid at augusta, Ga and additional offices. PoSTMaSTer: send address changes to Equine Journal, Po Box 433237, Palm Coast, Fl 32143-9616. Submission of freelance articles, photographs and artwork are welcome. Please write for editorial guidelines if submitting for the first time and enclose SaSe. no faxed materials accepted. articles that appear in Equine Journal do not necessarily reflect the position or opinion of Equine Journal or MCC Magazines, llC. Equine Journal does not endorse and is not responsible for the contents of any advertisement in this publication. no material from Equine Journal may be copied, faxed, electronically transmitted or otherwise used without express written permission.

2014 by MCC Magazines, llC. all rights reserved. Printed in u.S.a. | VoluMe 27, no. 5

executiVe editor/general managerElisabeth Prouty-Gilbride

oPerations managerKelly Lee Brady

managing editorKelly Ballou

art directorDaniel Goodwin

graPhic designersCandice Madrid, Raquel Gardner

sales and marketing strategistJoan McDevitt, 508-987-5886, ext. 228

senior adVertising/marketing consultantKaren Desroches, 603-525-3601

adVertising/marketing consultantsLaurel Foster, 508-987-5886, ext. 222

news editor

Jane Carltonsocial editor

Jennifer Roberts

director of ProductionKristine Miller

Production managersCher Wheeler, Sherry R. Brown

Incorporating

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Fall is my Favorite season. it means cool nights, apple picking, and best of all, great weather for trail riding. there is not much better than making your way down a path with the sound of crisp leaves under your horses hooves. and i have to think that from my mares excitement to get going, that she enjoys it too. its a great way to liven up your training while getting away from the monotony that can become the arena. For some great ideas on how to use the uneven terrain, hills, and obstacles while out on the trail, read Karen Barils article, Field trip! on page 44.

Fall also means the wind down of show season, but that doesnt mean your horse will stay out of troubleespecially when it comes to his hooves. For a guide to common hoof problems and treatments, turn to page 66, where Kandace york gets the advice of Kentucky Horse Park farrier, John veague, and veterinarian and certified farrier, Dr. Jeremy spivey, on how to keep your horses most important asset in tip-top shape.

also this month, Natalie DeFee mendik gets advice from Gypsy horse trainers on how to instill the proper foundation from the very beginning with ground training. although this breed is known for their laid-back attitude, they still need to show consideration for boundaries to avoid any accidents. if your horse needs help with respect, patience, or trailer loading, read mind your manners on page 50.

i hope you get the chance to head out for a few relaxing trail rides this fall and test out some of our training ideas!

EDITORS NOTE

Fall tune-Up

Be a Part of the Equine Journal

This month in our In Your Words column, we asked what you always bring with you on a trail ride. See the answers on page 20. We would love to feature your answer next month. Visit us on Facebook, or send your answers to [email protected].

If you have a great photo of your horse you would like to see as our Photo of the Month, email it to [email protected].

Do you have a horse health or training question? Send your questions to [email protected], and we will have a leading veterinarian or trainer provide the answers you are looking for.

Managing Editor

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These pasT few monThs have held a number of firsts for me, including the first time writing this column and, most importantly, my first time attending a horse show for Equine Journal. on august 17, I attended the $75,000 agero Grand prix at the silver oak Jumper Tournament in halifax, ma. There was a feeling of fall in the summer airand a feeling of first in the air as well, since this event marked the end of a successful week in a new loca-tion. Competitors (and horses, Im sure) were grateful for the superb footing at the new facility, and riders even showed on the grass field in the pouring rain with no problems.

any grand prix is exciting to watch, but to be up close and personal with these insanely talented athletes (both horse and human) was mesmerizing. There were 27 horses in the starting field, and 11 returned for the jump-off. The course was set beautifully and after the class ended, spectators were welcomed onto the field to check out the massive obstacles (They were taller than me!).

The jump-off was exhilarating. paul oshea of Ireland had a handful of horses qualified and not only set the time to beat, but went on to beat it on his own primo de Revel. Things got really interesting when Kevin Babington, also from Ireland, came into the ring on shorapur. Kevin flew around the shortened course, and everyone was on their feet and holding their breath. when the pair went over the final jump, a long approach oxer directly in front of the spectators area, wild cheers erupted, as Kevin had beat paul osheas time by nearly two seconds. The win was even sweeter for Kevin, as a video played earlier in the day in memory of his beloved horse, Carling King, who had recently passed away. not only was the video touching, but Kevin won the inaugural Carling King Leading Jumper Rider trophy, donated in the late horses honor.

mario Deslauriers went home with the second place spot on scout de la Cense, beating his extremely talented 15-year-old daughter, Lucy, who ended up fourth. paul oshea and primo de Revel rounded out the top three.

while Kevin went home with a first place ribbon, I thought back on my many firstsmy first blue ribbon on my first pony, Giddy, the first time I jumped 2', then 2'6", then 3', and Ill never forget the first horse that stole my heart. as horse people, we share one thing universallyour love for the animal and the experi-ences we have with them. we would love to hear about one of your favorite firsts, so send us an email at [email protected] or drop us a line on facebook. I hope that everyone, myself included, can continue to be excited about the never-ending possibility for a first.

ON THE ROAD

a first Time for everything

Kevin Babington and me at the Silver Oak Jumper Tournament.

News Editor

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Let It Go social editor, Jennifer Roberts, spills about the art of catchriding.

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I loved the September cover! It is so nice to see a nice furry pony enjoying his happy life. Normally we only see impeccably groomed horses on maga-zines, it was great to see one that shows what horse ownership is all about.

-Shawna DiLuzioNashua, NH

I will no longer be submitting photos to the Equine Journal after I saw how the September Letter to the Editor photo was handled. Sarah Gately-Wilson sent in a stunning photo of her and her stallion and you felt the need to clearly state that you do not condone riding without a helmet.

In taking a quick flip through the magazine, there were many riders riding helmetless in ad-dition to Sarah (including one on page two) and none of them were chastised for their choices like Sarah was.

I always ride with a helmet and feel that it is important, however I respect others choices and will never feel the need to reprimand a grown adult for their opinion on the matter. As a member of the media, I am appalled that you felt the need to tell Sarah that you disproved of her actions. What is next? Telling riders that they are using the wrong bits and wearing the wrong clothing?

-Aubrey SimmonsHathorne, MA

I just received my Equine Journal subscription in the mail today. On page 18, you show a picture of a beautiful Andalusian stallion and his rider. Underneath, you printed a disclaimer saying that you do not condone riding without a helmet. That is nothing but lip service. Dont you have the courage of your convictions? Do not print those pictures of riders without helmets!

I know several people who have sustained brain damage (one has been in a vegetative state for several years), so I have become a strong ad-vocate for helmets. Please reconsider your policy of printing pictures of riders without helmets; there are several other magazines that have this policy and have the courage to follow it!

-AnonymousVia Email

Editors Note: The Equine Journal takes rider safety seriously and always recommends the use of proper safety equipment, especially the use of a helmet every time mounted. We also realize that this is not a rule in all disciplines and we have to respect that we are an all-breed, all-discipline magazine. We appreciate that our readers are so passionate about this topic and we do our best to keep the public informed without discriminating.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

North Woods Animal Treats for Your Thoughts!We love hearing from you! Send us your letters to the editor for a chance to win next months prize of North Woods Animal Treats. All letters we receive by October 15 will be entered in the drawing. Send your submissions to [email protected], or to Equine Journal, Editorial, 83 Leicester Street, N. Oxford, MA 01537.

Congratulations to Samantha Meyer for winning Septembers letter-of-the-month! She will receive some North Woods Animal Treats.

[ FEATurEd LETTEr ]

I wanted to share this awesome picture of Kentucky Mr. Buck enjoying himself at Salisbury Beach!

-Joan Ganotis

I am a new reader of your magazine thanks to your Facebook page. While I dont find that much of the information in the back pertains to me (I am from Texas), I really enjoy your feature articles.

The article on retiring your horse was a real treat for me. Many magazines focus on the fun of competing and riding, but forget to mention the horses when all of that is over. Thank you for focusing on a difficult topic that affects all of us.

- Samantha Meyer, Bagwell, TX

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IN YOUR WORDS

A cell phone tucked away in a boot/half chap clip-on. You just never know when youre going to end up in an emergency.

-Heather Berner

A cell phone and first aid kit.-Elisha Michelle

Evans-Barnett

My daughter brings a towel...she tries to go swimming every time!

-Christine Kostka Cohen

A pocketknife; I have been caught in thorny vines more than once.

-Courtney Due

Water, phone, a first aid kit, and skittles. And a back-up bridlemy mare is good at breaking them.

-Faith Coots

A phone and a shotgun.-Coty Hughes

I just cant go without saddle-bags any more. I must have: a halter and lead, camera, cell phone, water, hoof pick, lunch, salted peanuts in the shell for snacking while riding. The Lumberjack pocket chain saw and a nipper suitable for trim-ming/clearing low limbs and making the trail nice for the riders that follow us.

-Mary Curtis

Water, halter, and lead; I try to remember my cell phone, but its not a habit yet.

-Judy Atkins

My safety vest and my courage.

-Betty Wing-Ingram

Patience and a level head.-Anna Marie Moore

Hoofpick, ID and care card, cell phone, water, a multipurpose tool, helmet, halter and lead.

-Tanya Shea

My cell phone and helmet.-Tobae Love

My horse!-Shari Rivenburg

My phone to play music!-Shaylen Sherer

What do you always bring with you on a trail ride?

For Next Month: Who inspires you? Send your answers to [email protected].

From Our Staff My Dog!

-Karen DesrochesSenior Advertising/

Marketing Consultant

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aunique ranch is one of the premier Gypsy horse ranches in the country. owners Bobby and Jeanne schlenk are settling into their new location in huntsville, tX, after years of managing two separate ranches in which they have built a strong and successful breeding program. aunique Gypsy horses are consistently in the ribbons in regional and national competition. their breeding stock comes from the oldest and most respected bloodlines, including lion King, Po stallion, the lob, the Paddy horse, chance du Vallon, and more. in 2012 and 2013, aunique horses took home major titles including: King Koal as 2013 Ghra World show champion, lone stars salena as 2013 texas Draft

show supreme Grand champion, Blarney stones My sharona as 2013 texas Draft show reserve Grand champion, sligos elite apollo as Grand champion stallion, sir silver as 2013 oklahoma state fair supreme Grand champion, auniques Kilchii, as Ghra World show reserve Junior champion, a touch of charisma as 2012 Ghra World show champion, huston as 2012 Ghra World show reserve champion, auniques Kilchii as Ghra World show Junior champion, and Gypsy Moon as the 2013 oklahoma state fair supreme Grand champion. Many more titles were earned in perfor-mance divisions in 2013 and 2014.

While Jeanne is proud of all the horses at aunique ranch, she is

On The COverEquine Journal Advertorial

Aunique Ranch, Huntsville, TXBy susan WinsloW

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the stallion, oberon of orcas island.

Aunique Ranchs Be the Breeder program allows custom-ers to choose a mare and stallion from a list of top quality Aunique horses to produce their own foal.

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On The COver Equine Journal Advertorial

particularly excited about five-year-old stallion, auniques Kilchii. Kilchii is a son of Brakenhills alfie and Brakenhills Tyler, says Jeanne. He has a great disposition and is loaded with feather, mane, and tail. He can be ridden english or western and has been on several trail rides with other stallions and mares. like all the horses at aunique ranch, he has been handled and worked with consis-tently since his arrival at the ranch, so he has a sweet, willing disposition in addi-tion to natural athleticism. This horse has a promising future ahead of him.

With over 60 horses on the ranch, aunique offers top quality breeding stallions and mares with both style and substance. The breeding program emphasizes the traditional qualities of the Gypsy Horse: exceptional tempera-ment, correct conformation, and natural

athleticism while offering horses in a wide range of colorations, from bright pintos to richly hued silver dapples and the rare sooty black buckskin. The Schlenks offer their customers individualized concierge service, with years of knowledge and experience in the breed. Jeanne recently returned from a trip to england where she viewed hundreds of Gypsy Horses and spoke extensively with breeders and leaders in the Gypsy horse breed.

returning from her trip, Jeanne is more invigorated than ever to carry on the legacy of the original breeders. She explains, in the united Kingdom, Gypsy Horses were the central figures in the familys survival, so they had to be strong, versatile, and family friendly. can they pull a living wagon, are they safe around children, are they beautiful to the eye, and is their conforma-

tion true? cultivating a breed that can consistently meet these standards is not accomplished overnight. Generations in the uK have achieved most of the work, and it is our duty as responsible breeders to be good shepherds of the breed and maintain these important qualities. Here at aunique ranch, we continually practice the true ethics of quality established by those original breeders to produce horses with quality, beauty, and substance.

last year, aunique ranch introduced their innovative and successful Be The Breeder program in which customers can choose the mare and stallion from a list of top quality aunique horses to produce their own foal at the ranch. The foal is handled and receives consistent training until it leaves to join its new home, around the age of four months. Jeanne explains, our Be the Breeder program sets us apart from other programs. We dont breed willy nilly. imagine if every animal breeder would use this concept; there would be a good home for every animal on the planet. The Be the Breeder program allows individuals to pick their choice of stallion and mare for their future foal while spacing out the payments over time. This assures that the foal has a good home, and the new owners have a realistic concept of what their foal will be because they can view siblings from our stock at the ranch.

clients of aunique ranch become extended family members. Jeanne smiles when she describes the special bond that develops with Gypsy Horses and their owners, combined, Bobby and i have owned just about every breed possible in the past. none have touched our souls like a Gypsy horse, and we hear similar comments from our customers. These horses welcome you into their herd. They seek your attention and learn very quickly. This breed is a good trainers dream, and we really enjoy helping prospective customers find the horse of their dreams through our breeding and sales programs.

For more information on sales, breeding and the Be The Breeder program, visit them on Facebook or at auniqueranch.com. Bobby and Jeanne may be reached by mail at 1954 Fm 1375e Huntsville, TX 77340. email: [email protected]; phone: 713-203-0683.

[toP] the breeding program at Au-nique Ranch emphasizes the traditional qualities of the Gypsy horse: exceptional temperament, correct conformation, and natural athleticism. [Bottom] king koal, a stallion at Aunique Ranch.

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bits & pieces POINTS OF INTEREST p. 25 | NOW YOU KNOW p. 30 | 10 THINGS | p. 32 REPURCHASE EXAM p. 34

QUICK TIPS p. 36 & 38 | ASK THE VET p. 40

October 2014

Photo of the

Month

That Girl-Horse Bond: caitlyn mendik shares a quiet moment with her arabian/Welsh Pony cross, clementine.

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The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) announced the five winners of the 2014 ASPCA Help a Horse Day Celebration contest, a nationwide grant competition for equine rescues and sanctuaries to raise awareness about the life-saving year-round work they do to care for at-risk horses. The winning groupseach of which receive a $10,000 grant to support their effortsare Begin Again Horse Rescue (New York), EARTHEART (California), Equine Outreach (Oregon), Mylestone Equine Rescue (New Jersey), and STAR Ranch (North Carolina).

Help a Horse

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bits & pieces POINTS OF INTEREST

If the Shoes Fit

Barefoot, all the Time 39%

Depends on the Season 25%

Yes! Four Shoes! 18%

Just on the Front 18%

This easy-to-read book offers an impartial view of the barefoot versus shod horse debate. Presenting all the options in a straightforward manual, it walks you through the process of bringing your horse along the barefoot path. Not only does this book address the benefits, it takes a look at the dietary requirements of the bare-foot horse and the use of hoof boots in your horses regime. The unique case studies throughout the book provide helpful insight into the various hurdles you may face as you make the move to healthy, unshod hooves.

BOTTOM LINE: If you are considering a barefoot lifestyle for your horse, check out this informative paperback.

The Barefoot Horse: An Introduction to Barefoot Hoof Care and Hoof BootsBy Lucy NIchOLas, 96 pages, paperback, J. A. Allen Books (AllenBooks.co.uk), 2012, $29.95.

[ Book ]

Want to be included in our polls? Visit us on Facebook by scanning the QR Code with your smartphone.

Media Review

pollWe asked: Does your horse wear shoes?

Falling tree leaves can be a hazard to your horses

health. some, like the Red Oak, are toxic. Know what species of toxic trees and

plants are in your pastures and be prepared to move

your horses to another loca-tion (or remove the trees

themselves) if your equines are likely to eat them.

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The Fungus Among Us mushrooms contain some of the most powerful anti-oxidative and probiotic properties known in any food product. They have strong anti-viral properties, excellent anti-inflammatory active ingredients, and other natural healing elements. For instance, the reishi mushrooms can help horses process their stress better, while the cordycep builds muscle mass and helps with muscle recovery, and the King Trumpet is known for its high antioxidant properties.

bits & pieces POINTS OF INTEREST

if youre looking for a fast and inexpensive dinner idea as you come in from the barn, give this a try. This stir-fry is easy to make and has a burst of flavor from the chicken, apples, and fennel bulb. its a great, easy meal idea and delicious for breakfast as well.

ChiCken Apple Stir-Fry3 chicken breasts or the meat from 1 whole roasted

chicken2 tablespoons butter or coconut oil2 apples1 onion1 bulb of fennel 1 teaspoon each of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and basil

instructionscut the chicken into bite sized pieces. if chicken is raw, heat butter/coconut oil in large skillet or wok until melted. add chicken and cook on medium/high heat until chicken is cooked through (if chicken is pre-cooked, cook the vegetables first, then add chicken). While cooking, cut the apples and onion into bite sized pieces ( inch) and thinly slice the fennel bulb into thin slivers. add all to skillet or wok, add spices and continue sauting until all are cooked through and fragrant. This will take approximately 10-12 minutes.

Courtesy of the Wellness Mama (WellnessMama.com)

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Fun trivia and interesting facts about hooves

bits & pieces now you know

55,000,000The horse hoof that we know today is the result of 55 million years of evolution, with gradual changes in the joints, bones, and hoof capsule.

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The walls of the hoof are tough, yet very elastic. They vary in thickness from six to 12 millimeters. The walls are comprised of three distinct layers, the pigmented layer, the water line, and the white line.

Vertical splits in the hoof wall, known as quarter

cracks, are the result of poor management practices, inju-ries to the hoof, or natural

hoof conformation.

900References of the nailed

horseshoe began to appear in 900 A.D.; however, there have been finds that would suggest

that horseshoes were used earlier.

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1 During Colonial times, Americas forefathers en-joyed horse racing, and they raced the English hors-es that they rode and worked with every day. Soon after, Colonial farmers traded with the Chickasaw Indians for a much faster horse, the Spanish Barb. The product of this breeding came to be known as the Celebrated Ameri-can Quarter Running Horse.

2 In England, horse racing was being revolutionized by a stallion known as The Godolphin Arabian. In 1752, John Randolph of Virginia imported a grand-son of the stallion, named Janus. When Janus was bred to Colonial mares bearing the blood of the Chickasaw horse, the result was the prototype of the American Quarter Horse.

3 One stallion who put his stamp on the Quarter Horse during this period was Sir Archy, foaled in 1805. Sir Archys sons and daughters would be the most important influences in the development of Quarter Horses during the next half century. Steel Dust and Shiloh, foundation stallions of the modern Quarter Horse, trace back to Sir Archy.

4 When crossed with the descendants of Janus and Sir Archy, the mustang found west of the Mississippi river added the last important shot of hybrid vigor to complete the creation of a horse unique to America, the American Quarter Horse.

5 Known for their versatility, American Quarter Horses suit any type of riderfrom professionals to beginners. American Quarter Horses are enjoyed by all ages and offer a wide variety of activities including shows, rodeos, races, or even recreational rides.

6 Even though America lays claim to the breed, enthu-siasts around the world, from Australia to China to Germany, raise and show American Quarter Horses.

7 Founded in 1940, the American Quarter Horse Asso-ciation (AQHA) is the largest equine breed organiza-tion in the world. With headquarters in Amarillo, TX, AQHA has a membership of more than 270,000 people in 86 countries and has registered more than five million horses in 95 countries.

8 One of most famous Quarter Horse racehorses is the stallion Dash For Cash, who won $507,688 over the span of his racing career. A life-size bronze statue of Dash For Cash is located in front of the Ameri-can Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum where he was inducted in 1997.

9 In recent years, Harley D Zip has earned more points, world championship titles, and Incentive Fund money than any other horse in the history of AQHA.

10 The breeds distinctive features and versatility make it unique. From dressage, roping, rac-ing, cutting, and jumping, American Quarter Horses excel in all arenas.


bits & pieces 10 THINGS

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10 fun facts about the Quarter Horse

The Quintessential Quarter HorseBy Jane Carlton

sources: Manager of Publicity and Events for the American Quarter Horse Association, Sarah Davisson; American Quarter Horse Association website.

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bits & pieces prepurchase exam

Reflective Wear

Our testers: This month, our Prepurchase Exam was conducted by:Kelly Ballou, Managing Editor; Jennifer Roberts, Social Editor; and Jane Carlton, News Editor.

This months products for review will be donated to the Hooved Animal Humane Society.

Do you have a product to suggest?Contact [email protected] with your ideas.

Just because the

days are getting shorter, doesnt mean your ride time needs to be too! We shined the light on reflec-

tive riding gear this month.

SafeRiders Nose GearGive your horse a bit of color and make sure that you can be seen as you head toward cars or hunters. Wrapping around the cavesson and securing with Velcro, it is easy to apply and makes a big impact! Double sided, it can be worn with the reflective high visibility yellow facing out for road riding or the high visibility orange facing out for riding in the woods. Make sure you practice with it before hitting the trails however, as some horses might not immediately realize that you only have their safety in mind! As an added bonus, they are made right in New England so you are supporting the local economy. Buy it: $12.00, SafeRidersGear.com

Adjustable Air WaistcoatThis safety vest has some great features that make it stand out. One being the Velcro strips along the waist that allow the vest to be properly sized for the riders comfort. Two front zip pockets were handy for quick and easy storage of items, and the vest was nice and lightweight for those hot summer days. It features wide reflective strips along the top of the front and back and smaller strips throughout, ensuring that a drivers headlights will illuminate the vest. Its bright color also aids in making you visible in the daylight to both drivers and hunters. Buy it: $35.00, highvisibility.uk.com.

Safe Riders Chest PlateOur tester found that the Safe Riders Chest Plate is a great addition to a vest when riding on the trail during hunting season and to help alert drivers to take precautions when passing on the road. It is reversible, with High Visibility Yellow, Blaze Orange, and reflective fabric on one side for road riding, and solid Blaze Orange on the other for trail riding. While our testers saddle doesnt have D rings, which the collar is designed to tie to, she was still able to tie it around her horses neck without fearing for his safety, thanks to the Velcro closure at the front.Buy it: $40.00, SafeRidersGear.com

Aspey JacketThis striking winter coat certainly got everyones atten-tion! Built out of a waterproof, breathable material, it is ready to accompany you on any ad-venture. Perfect for early morn-ing and late afternoon rides, it is sure to keep you warm while keeping you safe (Our tester gave a shout out though...be aware, it is really warm!).

The unique triangle flap on the back warned drivers to pass wide, and can be folded into the collar if you would prefer. Reflective strips com-pletely surround the jacket, for 360 degrees of protection. Its a worthwhile investment for the avid trail rider (its wonderful for walking the dog as well!).Buy it: $125.00, highvisibility.uk.com.

Shires Reflective Neoprene BootsLet there be light! These reflective boots are a simple way to help horse and rider stay safe in the dark or in treacherous conditions. Our tester loved how light-weight the neoprene boots were, while still substantial enough to provide pro-tection against scrapes and interference. Three wide hook and loop closures are easy to use, and ensure a close fit. The boots were a bit big on our testers horse, but the Shires packaging has a nice size guide to help find the correct fit.Buy it: $29.99, shop.shiresequestrian.com.

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Looking for your next horse can be both

exciting and stressful. I have tried, and found, horses for my clients all over Europe, South and Central America, and the United States. Be honest about your ability, goals, and budget. Ask ques-tions before going to try the horse. Consider size, breed, age, temperament, scope, vices, and experience. If inter-ested, ask for video links and photos, and look into breeding and the show record.

Both the size and the temperament of rider and horse should be a match. Another priority for me is rideability and tempera-ment. When not looking for a project to bring along, I want the horse to understand and respond well to the aids. You dont want a green horse with a green rider, just as you dont want to pair a nervous rider with a sensitive horse, while a soft and confident rider can do well with a horse with more blood. And the scope or ability of the horse is important and he should be performing at a level that fulfills the riders needs and expectations in the near future.

When going to try a horse, be prepared; bring your saddle, helmet, spurs, etc. and also, be on time. When you arrive, check out the horses conformation and ask about his program. The seller will have the horse put through his paces for you first with basic flatwork, lead changes, and

some jumps. If hes not what you are looking for, let the sellers know and thank them for their time.

Otherwise, its time for you to mount up. Give him time to relax and catch his breath and get comfortable, then pick up the trot and then the canter. I like to add circles, transitions, and flying changes. If you dont like his flatwork and hes not what you are looking for, tell the seller before you try jumping that hes not your type. If you want to move on to jumping, trot a few cross-rails, then canter single jumps in both directions. Focus on his stride, adjustability, and responsiveness to your aids. Then trot into a line and canter out, adding the stride, then do the line in the correct number of strides. If he is not fit, dont over jump him or hike up the fences.

If you like the horse but are not 100% sure, try to arrange to ride him again or try him at a horse show, or (in some cases) arrange for a trial period. If you think this horse is the one, then have your trainer talk business and then the next, hugely important step: arrange for a full vetting. I have found some great horses over the years that I had to walk away from after they didnt pass the prepur-chase exam. Remember, when horse shopping, take your time and find the right fit. This should be a long term, successful, and satisfying partnership!

Hector Florentino is the head trainer and rider at Liliane Stranksys show stables Stranskys Mission Farm in Wellington, FL. Originally from the Dominican Republic, the grand prix rider has represented his country at both the Central American and Caribbean games and is also a member of Team Step by Step, a group of riders who champion the charity Step by Step Foundation to help raise awareness and funds for those in need.


I am looking for a new horse but I am nervous about the process. Do you have any tips for me?

Hunter/Jumper PointersWith Hector Florentino

bits & pieces QUICK TIPS

Q:A:

tips from top professionals

When going to look at a horse that you are interested in buying, remember to bring your riding gear so you can put him through his paces.

EQJMG_141000_036-038.indd 36 9/9/14 4:35:10 PM


How should I begin to condition my endurance

horse? What do I need to be able to do with him before I enter my first 25-mile event?

An important thing to remember when preparing for distance trail

rides is that you can increase distance covered or speed as you condition your horse, but you shouldnt increase both at the same time. Jane Soule, one of the grand dames of distance riding, recom-mends the following conditioning regime to prepare for your first 25-mile trail ride. This program assumes your horse has enough of a base that he or she can trot for 10-20 minute intervals at a seven mile-per-hour pace for several miles (for most horses that would be 20-minute intervals of trotting interspersed with five-minute walking rest periods). n Week 1-4: Ride five days a week for five to seven miles at a seven-mile-per-hour pacen Week 5: Ride four days a week as above with one day riding a total of 10-12 miles at a seven-mile-per-hour pace n Week 6: Ride four days a week as above with one day riding a total of 15-20 miles at a seven-mile-per-hour pacen Week 7: Ride four days a week as above with one day riding a total of 20 miles at a seven-mile-per-hour pacen Week 8: Ride four days a week as above with one day riding a total of 25 miles at a seven-mile-per-hour pace

This protocol will prepare you and your horse for a 25-mile ride at a seven-mile-per-hour pace.

Another important thing to remember is that it takes up to two years to condi-tion bones and ligaments to minimize the risk of injury to your horse, and the risk of injury is always greatest at

higher speeds. So I generally do not start adding more speed into the mix until the horse has a base of two years. If your horse is a youngster, this may mean doing two years of rides at that seven- to eight-mile-per-hour pace. However, if your horse has been in work and is coming to distance riding from another career, you can probably start adding speed sooner.

You should keep in mind the old endurance rider adage ride em and rest em. Conditioning works by stressing the body so that it remodels to be stronger than before. In order for the process to work, the body needs rest days to rebuild, particularly after a strenuous workout. However, even with our best intentions sometimes we over do it. Therefore, it is also very, very important to use good horse-manship throughout the process. You should know your horses body as well

or better than your own. You should become comfortable palpating the entire body, paying particular attention to the legs and tack area. At the first sign of any heat or swelling, you need to back off on the conditioning and a veterinarian visit or tack adjustment may be indicated. Finally, it should go without saying that before putting any horse into a serious work program it is important that all basic health care issues are addressed. In other words, make sure he or she is up to date on dental care, hoof care, deworming, and vaccinations. Meg Sleeper VMD, DACVIM is a veterinary cardiologist at the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School and has been competing in competitive and endurance trail riding since 1981. She has been on the U.S. endurance squad for the last five world championships and competes solely on homebred horses.

Endurance PointersWith Meg Sleeper VMD, DACVIM

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It is important that your horse is prepared for an endurance event by having undergone a steady conditioning program over the course of months or even years.

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Ive heard a lot about Lyme disease. How does

it present itself and how is it treated?

Lyme disease is caused by a tick-borne pathogen, also known

as Borrelia burgdorferi. This bacte-rial microorganism is most commonly carried by the black-legged or deer (Ixodes scapularis) tick. The deer tick is very small in size, about 1/6 to 1/8 inch in length. Hosts that play a large role in the successful life cycle of the bacteria are rodents, birds, and deer. These hosts do not become infected and only harbor B. burgdorferi. The pathogen is trans-mitted by the tick to its next host by a single bite and must stay attached for 24 to 48 hours for successful transfer to the horse. Once infected, B. burgdorferi primarily infects soft tissue and synovial membranes of the horse.

Symptoms and DetectionMany horses that become infected can be asymptomatic (not showing any signs of infection), but clinical signs can include fever, lameness, stiffness, swollen joints, muscle pain, and behavioral changes. In rare severe cases, neurological signs

can present as head tilt, dysphagia, lethargy, and encephalitis. Proper diag-nosis of Lyme disease should not be limited to the presen-tation of clinical signs. There are several serologic tests that can be run to detect the presence of B. burgdorferi. A 4Dx Plus snap test is an enzyme-linked immunosor-bent assay (ELISA) and is a great screening test for exposure to the pathogen. Although sensitive, the limitation to the 4Dx Plus snap test is that it does not show when the animal was exposed, how long it has been exposed, or the exact level of exposure. A more quantitative and qualitative test is the Lyme Multiplex test, which was developed at Cornell University. This test detects antibodies from the three B. burgdorferi Osp (outer-surface proteins) factors and provides imme-diate measurements of each Osp factor to determine the levels of exposure. OspA is expressed by the bacterium while it is still within the tick. It can indicate early infection or even vaccination status of the horse, if the horse has received the canine Lyme vaccine, which has some proven efficacy to prevent Lyme disease in the horse. Once the tick attaches to a horse to feed, the bacterium exits the tick and expresses OspC. OspC found in the horse indicates early infection. This outer-surface protein can again change its expression within the horse and become OspF, which indicates a chronic infectious stage.

TreatmentCurrent antibiotic treatment methods for horses diagnosed with Lyme disease include oxytetracycline, doxycycline, and more recently, minocycline. Dr.

Tom Davis at Cornell University demon-strated that experimentally-induced Lyme disease in ponies had a 100% cure with 28 days of intravenous oxytetra-cycline treatment. Horses are often treated for less than 28 days due to the cost of hospitalization, but this should then be continued with oral medications at home. Post-treatment testing should be performed to determine if the anti-biotics had any effect on the antibody levels. Successful treatment is defined by antibody levels decreasing by at least 50% of the pre-treatment levels. In endemic Lyme disease areas, reinfec-tion is common. Although preventative immunity is not offered by natural infec-tion, the canine Lyme vaccine has been effective in the horse but is classified as off-label use.

Oh Deer!A Look at Tick-Borne Lyme DiseaseBy SArAH MArTIn; GrAnT MyHrE, DVM; AnD ALySSA E. WArnEkE, DVM

Q:

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your horse health questions answered

bits & pieces ASK THE VET

The same Ticks ThaT spread Lyme disease also have the ability to transmit another bacterial infection to your horse: ehrlichiosis (equine granulocytic anaplasmosis).

symptoms include:n high Fever (103-104F) n Loss of appetiten depressionn Lethargy and reluctance to moven stocking up in lower legs (edema)

health hints EHrlicHioSiS

the pathogen that causes Lyme disease is transmitted by the tick to a horse by a single bite. the tick must stay attached for 24 to 48 hours for transfer.

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Take Your Training ouT on The Trail

BY Karen elizabeth baril | phoTos BY Dusty Perin/DustyPerin.com

Whether you ride dressage, hunter/

jumpers, western pleasure, or saddle

seat, working in an arena can get a

little tedious. Endless circles, transitions, and

serpentines can make even the most accom-

plished athlete dull and unresponsive. The

scenery never changes, the terrain is always

level, and the routine is pretty much the same

every single day. Ho hum.

Think of it this wayits a little like your

old grammar school days. We all sat in neat

rows at neat, little wooden desks solving

one math problem after another. But,

if the teacher mentioned the word

recess or, better yet, field-day, our minds

perked up and you could practically feel

the energy in the air. If this strikes a chord,

consider taking your training out on the trail.

You might discover your horse has more

impulsion, motivation, and try than he shows

in the arena.But, trail riding can be more than just a

diversion. The uneven terrain, the straight

lines, and obstacles like trees, logs, and steep

hills provide excellent training tools if you

understand how to use them. That extra

impulsion your horse has for the trail rein-

forces your practice.

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Horses love to go someplace, says Ellen Eckstein, co- author with Betty Staley of the book, Bringing it Together. In the book, Eckstein emphasizes the personal connection and understanding that can develop between a horse and rider.

Being out on the trail or track enhances that connec-tion, says Eckstein, who studied with the legendary Tom Dorrance. Long-listed for the USA Olympic Dressage Team in 1977, she has earned both USDF Gold and Silver medals as well as many national and state awards in dressage.

As we navigate hills and turns, we practice keeping our center of gravity over our horses, says Heidi Potter, a Centered Riding clinician, a horse agility accredited trainer, and a CHA Master Instructor and Clinician. Potter teaches at her facility, the New England Center for Horsemanship in Guilford, VT, and abroad.

In an arena lesson, we are constantly using our brains to process information. Then we have to try to let go of cognitive thought and just feel. Out in nature, its easier to relax, feel the rhythm of the horse, and enjoy the beauty that surrounds us. The horses movements are more active and varied as he negotiates his way up, down, and around obstacles, moving our seat in ever-changing directions. The more we release tension and allow the horse to move us, the deeper and more connected our seat becomes.

ExErcisEs for thE trailBalancE The trail is a great place to practice your balance and improve your seat, says Potter. Rise up into a half seat on the flat or up hills. You can enhance the practice by draping the reins over the horn or pommel and putting your arms out to the side. Practice absorbing the horses movement by keeping your hip, knee, and ankle joints loose and supple. Be sure to only practice this hands-free exercise on a trustworthy horse and in a familiar environment. Keep an eye on the reins to be sure they dont slide forward down the neck.

Dropping your stirrups is another helpful exercise, says Potter. This deepens your seat and enhances your ability to feel and follow the movement of the horse. Another great exercise to practice on the trail is Sally Swifts 3 Seats. To strengthen your lower leg position and improve your balance, try alternating riding the trot or jog at all three seats. For example, ride half seat for 10 strides, then, switch to sitting, and then to posting. Your ability to quietly change seats without disrupting the rhythm and movement of your horse will improve with practice.

hill Work Uphill areas work so well for building strength over the back, says Eckstein. I also use the inclines to increase drive and forward motion while maintaining collec-tion. Teaching the horse to collect his front steps while maintaining large powerful strides with the hind legs is a very important aspect of my program. So, I ask the horse to collect his front steps, head, and neck, while encouraging the hind legs to really drive up the hill, either at the gallop or the long trot. I use the down slopes to help the horse understand how to shift his weight to his hindquarters.

Hill work is an excellent way to build rider balance as well, says Potter. There is a belief that we should lean way back and push our legs forward when riding downhill. Just like riding on any surface, it is always easier on the horse if we stay well-balanced above him. Going downhill, avoid putting undo stress in any one area, such as the back of the saddle or your stirrups. You can put just a little extra weight across the ball of your

feet to slightly lighten your seat. In order to understand correct upper body position you can take a lesson from nature. Look at how the trees along the trail are growing. Try to match your body with their angle. Think of Sally Swifts Building Blocks and keep your body parts alignedear, shoulder, hip, and ankle should remain in a vertical line as best you can.

straight linEs Long, straight stretches of trail are great opportunities to put your horses natural impulsion to work. I love long, straight stretches, says Eckstein. Theyre valuable for starting changes, working on tempis, or doing multiple flying changes in a line. For canter pirouettes straight lines are also valuable. I ask for the preparation for pirouettes while cantering very forward, turn for a few strides, and then take off again. Its so good for maintaining full use of the joints of the hind legs in the pirouette and helps to eliminate over-collecting or slowing down behind, which often come from over preparing.

BE PrEParEdRiding in an arena is a safe way to learn the basics. An enclosed, level space with good footing helps us to develop a solid foundation for riding and communicating with our horse, says Potter. Even though most horses love riding out, prepara-tion is key. You should be able to ride your horse calmly at all three gaits before heading out into the open. If you dont feel youre ready, try practicing obstacles in the ring to prepare your horse for anything you might encounter on the trail.

Obstacle training challenges the rider to mindfully approach new experiences as a calm and trusted leader, says Potter. Doing your homework in the ring will help you safely enjoy the challenges and never-ending opportunities that come in the great outdoors!

hill work is a great way to teach your horse to shift his weight to his hindquarters and to help the rider build balance.

EQJMG_141000_044-046.indd 46 9/10/14 8:59:58 AM

Teaching your Gypsy horse to be patient

while tied is an impor-tant part of training.

EQJMG_141000_050-054.indd 50 9/9/14 4:06:53 PM

A true people-horse, Gypsy horses are a real joy to be around. While the in-your-pocket nature of the breed is one of their big selling-points, a

horse of any breed with poor manners is not only unpleasant to handle, but dangerous as well.

Fortunately, with consistent work and common-sense tactics, good basics are fairly simple to instill.

mind your

mind your

mannersmanners

gypsy horse groundwork basics

by natalie deFee Mendikphotos: MaMMano photography

October 2014 | equineJournal.coM 51

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The Gypsy horse: Your Partner and Friend Known for their even temperament and easy-going personality, Gypsies are the breed of choice for many wishing to combine good looks with a fun personality. In training, this congenial nature can easily work in your favor.

Gypsies as a breed crave human interaction and touch, says Samantha VanSickle of Starfire Gypsy Horses in Dobbins, CA. That desire for connection can be a really strong motivator for a Gypsy. Rewarding them with a good scratch, verbal praise, and giving them attention often means more to them than treats. They want to please their people. The flip-side to this is to remember space boundaries. While Gypsies enjoy a good cuddle, you need to maintain respect.

The laid-back attitude the breed is known for can also translate into the need for training techniques that create forward movement. With Gypsies, the issues are a little different, notes VanSickle. You are more likely to have issues with a

Gypsy refusing to do something, than with a Gypsy, say, bolting.

A natural learner and people-pleaser, this task is not so difficult. If you set a Gypsy up for success, they are going to want to do more and learn more. They love to learn. Gypsies get into trouble when youre not giving them attention and a job,

remarks VanSickle. A lot of vices you see in the Gypsies come from not being handled, or having improper handling that sends mixed messages.

Walk with us through some common issues and straightforward methods for addressing them.

hoT spoT: resPectWhile a horse that enjoys being in your lap may sound like a lot of fun, the reality is another story. The key to an enjoyable partnership is building and maintaining respect with your horse. VanSickle explains that horses with respect issues often fall into two categories: the insecure horse and the dominant horse.

First, understand why a horse may have respect problems, such as crowding, pushing, or pulling you. A big point with establishing respect is actually being able to take a step back and evaluate the horse as an individual. We get a lot of horses in for training that have poor spatial boundaries, says VanSickle. While some horses may seek an alpha role, others may have a security issue.

A horse, being a herd animal, looks to have a leader, remarks VanSickle.

Samantha VanSickle of Starfire Gypsy Horses works with a foal. Gypsy horses are known for their easy-going disposition, which can work in your favor when it comes to ground training.

Gypsies as a breed crave human interaction and touch. That desire for connec-tion can be a really strong motivator for a Gypsy.

Samantha VanSickle

EQJMG_141000_050-054.indd 52 9/9/14 4:09:06 PM


When you dont give the horse the security that a leader would, you can literally have a horse on top of you, because they are just not comfortable being in their own space. Dominant horses, on the other hand, may choose to step into the role of leader when the handler is not up for the job, resulting in pushing the person around to display dominance.

The formula for approaching each of these types is quite simple. A horse thats in your space because hes afraid or insecure will need a lot of reassurance. During a training session we constantly set the horse up to succeed. We give him tasks that will build confidence, explains VanSickle. A dominant horse should be faced with more challenging tasks. The more you challenge them, the more they have to stop and think, which gives you the opportunity to step in as a leader and show them how its done. That can really get their attention and make a big differ-ence with them.

Remember your voice and body language transmit many messages. Keep your shoulders back and chin up with direct eye contact and a strong, steady voice. For example, if the horse is in your space and youd like him to back up, face the horse and take a purposeful step toward the horse, asking him clearly and firmly to back, never letting your voice rise or become shrill, explains VanSickle. A horse will pick up a lot from the tone of your voice and your body language.

So how much space is good space? VanSickle recommends an arms length as a good, safe buffer between you and your equine. If you reach out, you should be able to touch him with the tips of your fingers. The horse should not be in your space unless you have invited him into your space for bonding time, she notes. You give a physical reward, and then you ask him to step back out of your space again.

Hot Spot: PatienceEveryones been around the horse that fidgets, paws, and whinnies when tied. The solution: time and repetition. VanSickle uses a patience pole to gently reinforce this lesson. A place where a horse can be safely tied for work on tying and standing, the patience pole

Pretty is as Pretty Doesone important thing to keep in mind while working with your gypsy Vanner, stresses daisy Fouts of stillwater Farm in cashiers, nc, is that while gypsies have an amazing temperament, they are still horses. gypsy Vanners are a lot more docile, quiet, and laid-back than other breeds, but a horse is still a horse. when they dont get good foundation training they can hurt you just the same.

particularly with young horses and green horses, gypsies can be pushy and in your space. Being a light draft breed, they can be strong, says Fouts. a lot of them like to be very close to you without intending harm.

Before you begin working your gypsy Vanner in an arena, Fouts stresses that a good foundation begins in the barn and in the pasture, with leading, cross-tying, and single-tying, being touched all over, clipping, picking up feet, grooming, bathing. standing patiently, and so on. they need to be respectful of your space and patient with whatever youre doing, she notes.

Be a part of your horses training, and work together with a reputable trainer, recommends Fouts. use common sense. dont treat any horsegypsy Vanner or any other breedlike theyre puppies. stay aware and enforce good manners to create your perfect partnership in-hand and under saddle.

Vansickle works on leading groundwork with a foal.

EQJMG_141000_050-054.indd 53 9/9/14 4:11:20 PM


allows the horse to learn to stand quietly as you keep an eye on him while going about your chores.

For horses having trouble standing patiently while being tied, they go to the patience pole after breakfast and stand and watch the mornings activi-ties. As soon as they stand quietly, we reward them by taking them off the patience pole, says VanSickle. The trick is to set them up for success. If you have a horse thats dancing and pawing, you cant untie him while hes acting up. You dont want to reward them by untying them unless they are standing quietly. It becomes a timing issue for the handler.

The key is to watch for patterns. For example, a horse may paw for several minutes and then take a break. Note this tendency, and be ready to untie the horse when he stops for even just a minute to take a break. Be sure you plan enough time for patience lessons. You never know exactly how much time youre going to need. A good training session should end naturally, not on a timer. If you untie them while they are still dancing and whinnying, you just reinforce that if they go long enough, they get untied. Horses come to learn being tied is not a punishment, but just a part of the daily routine.

If youre grooming and the horse keeps dancing away from you, move with himif he dances to the side, go with him, keeping your feet out of the way. As soon as he stands quietly, give him a pat and reward him. As long as he is moving around, keep doing what you are doing. Holding the brush in one hand, maintain contact with the horse with the other. This way you can feel if he is going to spook or pull back, giving you time to react.

Hot Spot: Trailer loadingJust like learning to stand quietly, easy trailer loading is the result of time and repetition. At Starfire Gypsy Horses, loading on the trailer is a regular activity, starting with foals at the mothers side. If you do it over and over, it becomes part of their routine, part of what they expect, says VanSickle. Its not a surprise, not stressful.

Loading requires a balancing act of diplomacy and self-assurance. You ask a horse into a traileryou dont

order a horse into a trailer, notes VanSickle. The more that you press and demand, usually the more of a negative reaction you get.

She goes on to explain that people often fall into a body-language trap when loading: if you get in the trailer in front of the horse, standing directly in his way, leaning back, and pulling, your body is not only in the

horses way, you are actually telling him to back away out of your space. Be at his side, leading confidently and easily forward. Avoid mixed messages and gimmicks like butt ropes. Continually take the time to allow the horse to decide to load on his own; if every time you force him, it becomes a negative, unpleasant memory.

Horsey Head-sTarTafter seeing many gypsies that hadnt been handled much in their early years, starfire gypsy horses launched its early learning program, designed to introduce stress-free basics in young horses. We encourage owners to send their horses in for early learning basicseverything from leading, tying, bathing, clipping, loading, and standing for the farrier. by giving them that foundation at a young age, its a lot easier for them as an adult when they are starting under saddle, explains Vansickle. it can be very emotionally, mentally, and physically stressful for three- and four-year-olds when they come without any basics or groundwork.

many horses in this program come first as weanlings or yearlings to learn the basics, and then return as two-year-olds, first refreshing what they know before going on to start things like longeing, long-lining, and introducing the saddle. then as a three- or four year-old, the first ride is easier on them. they are mentally prepared, says Vansickle. theres nothing scary about the process.

starting early on groundwork helps to

lay a good foundation right from the start.

EQJMG_141000_050-054.indd 54 9/9/14 4:13:43 PM


Taking a Look aT BiTLess BridLes

For most equestrians, proper tack for going out on a ride or a drive includes a bridle and a bit on that bridle. after all, it has been like this since nearly the beginning of the domestication of the horse, with many high-tech advance-ments being made to the overall design of bits as well as their composition.

However, some equestrians have moved to a new wave of thinking, removing the bit from the equation.

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A Look At the ALternAtiveThe bitless bridle is a relatively new innovation, but it has been taken quite seriously in its short lifespan. According to Cynthia Cooper of Natural Horse World, They provide a means of safe control and commu-nication without a piece of metal in the horses mouth. They are generally gentler than a mechanical hackamore

(that operates with lots of leverage and often a chain under the jaw), but are closer fitting and more refined than riding in a halter.

A bitted bridle presses a metal rod on the lips, tongue, bars of the mouth, and teeth. Depending on the design, a bit may also press on the hard palate. A bitless bridle is unique in that it can only press a strap on

skin. Cook comments, Seen from the perspective of a Bronze Age man, his use of a bit speaks of a wish to dominate and subdue a wild beast by intentionally inflicting pain. A bitless bridle, on the other hand, speaks of a wish to control a horse by lassoing its head, without inflicting grievous bodily harm.

Bitless bridles, even those with a leverage noseband, are far less chal-lenging for the rider as they provide a greater margin of error in their applica-tion. Used with excessive rein pressure they can still cause pain, but the pres-sure is applied to less sensitive tissues, the pain is less severe, and the horses reaction less dangerous.

Different StrokeSLike bits, bitless bridles come in a number of different styles, which act in various ways. The effect that each bridle has varies according to the style; the sidepull styles use nose pres-sure with a snug under-jaw chinstrap

Bitless bridles are making a huge leap in popularity, with many people singing their praises as they begin to understand the science behind the bitless bridle. According to Dr. Robert Cook, the inno-vator behind the Dr. Cook Bridle, Prior to the second millennium, the bit was accepted without demur and regarded as both normal and necessary. It was not that the bit had been found scientifically accept-able, but rather that the efficacy of the bit, like the horseshoe, had never been scientifically evaluated. For 5,000 years, the bit had been given a free pass. When rules were eventually drawn up, the bit was grandfathered-in without question. It was obviously considered to be thoroughly time-tested, so it was presumably assumed that there was no need to look for a better alternative.

The bitless bridle is a relatively new innova-tion, but it has been taken quite seriously in its short lifespan.

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to stabilize the noseband, while cross under styles use noseband, cheek, and poll pressure. Then there are some leverage styles that also use a metal piece on the side of the nose that can be adjusted to various levels of leverage.

Much like determining the proper bit for your horse, you may find that it takes a large amount of trial and error to deter-mine what style and fit is right for you.

Join the MoveMentIdeally, everyone should consider moving to a bitless bridle, even if it is not full time. Riding horses, of any discipline and level of expertise, in this type of bridle can improve riding skills and the level of training, while giving a better relationship with the horse.

Those starting young horses may find that they do better going bitless during that process, and inexperi-enced riders can save their horses from becoming dull in the mouth and being hurt accidently.

Cooper remarks, Its really nice to see horses that are used for riding lessons, riding for disabled, and trail riding going bitless so they dont have to experience heavy or uncoordinated hands with so many different riders.

Horses that show signs of discom-fort with the bit, such as constant chewing, teeth grinding, head tossing,

lip flapping, head shaking, being hard to bridle, avoiding the bit by over flexing or high head carriage, and general anxiety, could find these prob-lems dont exist when they go bitless. For dedicated professionals, using bitless bridles is an exciting tool that should be added to their arsenal.

Any other behavioral problems such as shying, bucking, bolting, rearing etc. can also be a good reason to go bitless, so long as other causes are investigated (saddle fit, bad teeth, wrong feed, not enough exercise) and resolved. Horses that have wolf teeth that havent been removed, or mouth deformities or injuries, may find bitless bridles a better option.

Consider trying one for yourself. In addition to increasing your horses comfort and well being, you may be able to improve your relationship as well.

Taking The LeapBy Jane CarLTon

For auThor and horse owner Joe Camp, who is well known for his support of the Wild horse Model, choosing to ride sans bit wasnt on his radar until a fan in the united kingdom opened his eyes.

im professing to care about our horses, how they feel, what is best for them, and yet i never blinked at placing a piece of metal across a bone in their mouthsand leaving it there for hours, never mind how light i thought i was with the reins, Camp said.

The horseman admitted that there was only one thing holding him back from going bitless. i can only blame fear for my resistance to removing the bitif my horse ran off with me, no matter how much i cared for him and wanted to do right by him, i wanted to be sure i was able to stop him.

he decided to try the bitless approach on his toughest horse, a feisty arabian. My Cash had always had issues that i had written off to his breeding, Camp explained. as much as he is a lovely gentleman when im on the ground with him, under saddle he likes to go, and i mean go. he didnt like to maintain gait because he always wanted to go faster. he didnt like to stop. and he didnt like to stand still.

it didnt take long for Campand Cashto be won over. When i tried this new fangled bridle, i was instantly amazedastounded, actually. all of those issues i had been writing off to arab-ness were gone. Cash would stop on a dime with just a sit-back, no pressure on the reins at all. he would stand there happily for half an hour if i didnt nudge him forward. and he would maintain whatever gait i asked for. From that moment on, all our horses became bitless overnight.

Traditionally, bits were accepted without question. Now, equestrians are looking at it from another angle. [BELOW] When viewing a traditional double bridle via X-ray, you can observe the bone structure in relation to how the bit performs.

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Troubles and treatments of your horses most important asset

You bring your horse in from turnout and he doesnt want to move. Doing a quick exam, you find no swelling or soreness, but part of his left forehoof is hot. After a panicked call to your veterinarian, youre told he probably has gravel, and after a quick visit from him the next day he says your horse should be back at work soon.But how do you know the difference

between a small problem and a big one? This month, two of the nations top farriers explain.

Hoof Woes

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Finding the Right FaRRieR looking for a farrier? Dr. Spivey recommends starting with the american farriers association, which has a rigorous certification and education program. regardless of the farrier you choose, he cautions that routine trimming and/or shoeing is imperative. its a lot like changing the oil in your car. Technically you dont need to do it, but it wont last very long if you dont.

Regular hoof care is critical to a horses health, dr. Jeremy Spivey says. Letting them go longer than six or eight weeks just isnt very smart. You might have a prob-lem that starts out small, but you let it go for several weeks and it be-comes something much worse and more difficult to correct.

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Gravel and abscessesIn Lexington, KY, John Veague takes a break from his farrier work at Kentucky Horse Park. Its his job to make sure all the parks 100+ horses stay sound, from the draft horses that pull the trolleys to the legendary athletes in the Hall of Champions.

Gravel might be a tiny foreign object or an actual piece of gravel that gets imbedded in your horses hoof and takes the path of least resistance, working its way up through the hoof to pop out at your horses coronary band, he says.

The danger with gravel is that, as the object finds its exit, its separating the layers of your horses hoof wall, which could create more problems later.

Abscesses are similar; they occur when the sole of your horses hoof is weakened, usually by hitting something hard or sharp. Once the sole of the hoof becomes soft, infection sets in.

Often with an abscess youll find a black spot on the sole of the affected hoof, and your horse may (or may not) be lame. Your vet or farrier can drain the abscess, and your horse is usually sound again within a couple days. Antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) and poultices are sometimes recommended for gravel and abscesses.

White line disease and thrushWhite line disease is another common problem. As you pick out your horses hoof, watch for white, chalky grit near the toe or at the quar-ters (sides). Its a sign that the layers of your horses hoof are separating, and its something you need to take care of fast. If left unattended, this infection travels up the hoof wall and eats away at tissues there, John Veague says. Then youve got open space where you should have solid tissue. Severe cases of white line disease can lead to debilitating laminitis.

Related to white line disease is thrush, some-thing you probably know all too well if you live in a place where spring brings boot-sucking mud. That smelly black ooze from your horses hoof is a tissue-eating infection of the frog that you need to clear up quickly before your horse goes lame. Think of it like termites in wood, Veague says.

Ask your vet or farrier for suggestions on clearing up either of these diseases; some treat-ments may be great for mild cases but painful in more advanced cases. In any case, a thorough

stall-cleaning is usually in order, as is keeping your horse in well-drained footing until he is fully healed.

root causeWhile these hoof issues sound like different problems, John Veague says they all have the same root: anaerobic bacteria that live in the soil. Warm, damp soil like Kentuckys, where he works, is a haven for them, but prevention and early detection are key.

Veague says that every time he trims or shoes a horse, he scrubs the hooves with diluted iodine, bleach, or vinegar; this not only disinfects them, but helps him spot emerging problems. A strong relationship with the horses veterinarians, owners, trainers, and grooms is another big plus. Its got to be a team approach, he says.

location is everythinGMore than a thousand miles west of where Veague works, Dr. Jeremy Spivey faces different issues among his clients in Platteville, CO. Dr. Spivey is a rarity in the equestrian world; he is both a veterinarian and a certified farrier (CF).

Dr. Spivey emphasizes that a horses location has a huge effect on hoof health. For example, we get probably half the precipitation that Kentucky does, and our soil doesnt hold mois-

Credible infor-mation While the internet is great at providing ready information, John Veague says people sometimes get misled by what they find online. You really need to look at where the info comes from, he says. i recommend information that comes from orga-nizations that have really done their research.

realize, too, that your veteri-narian and farrier know your horse better than the internet does.

[aboVe] Your horses breed and discipline affect his hoof care regimen. on the day John Veague spoke with Equine Journal, the parks little ponies had been trimmed a couple hours earlier, and thoroughbred champion Cigar (shown here with John) was waiting for a touch-up. in the morn-ing, i might put a Scotch bottom on a draft horse. then i might do a jumping horse, and then a world champion dres-sage horse. every one of them is trimmed differently. Ph

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ture the way it would in the East, he explains. So problems like thrush and white line disease are less common here.

Instead, his clients struggle with hoof dryness, hard or sandy surfaces, and excessive hoof wear.

West of the Platte River, the horses live on bedrock, which is like living on asphalt, he says. Often these horses need shoes to protect their hooves so they can work. We dont automatically shoe every horse, but we do shoe when the wear of the horses hoof exceeds its length.

East of the Platte River, though, the soil tends to be soft sand, which can be a whole different set of problems, because the hooves dont wear down fast enough.

These factors can lead to two common prob-lems: cracks and chips.

CraCks and ChipsWhen you first notice a crack in your horses hoof (usually right after youve mailed show entries), its easy to think that it might split into two. Although cracks are rarely this serious, Dr. Spivey says you need to talk with your farrier right away about it.

Its also important to know what kind of crack it is, he explains. Is it a surface crack that comes sometimes just from the length of the toe? Or is it a quarter crack, which is graded as a clinical lameness?

If youre not sure which type of crack it is, relax; todays technology will help. I tell my clients to take a picture of the crack and send it to me by phone; it might not be that bad.

From looking at the photo, Dr. Spivey says, I can tell whether I need to be there that night, or whether its superficial and something we can address in the next week or two.

Chips, or ragged edges to the hoof, are mostly cosmetic. Some, though, can expose the sensi-tive laminae of your horses hoof layers. Again, this is a time to send a photo to your farrier for further evaluation.

hot nails, laminitis, and naviCularThree less common, though more serious, prob-lems are hot nails, laminitis, and navicular.

A hot nail that presses against a nerve in your horses hoof is always cause to call the farrier right away, because its painful for the horse and causes dramatic lameness. In most cases, once the pressure is relieved the horse is usually fine, but if you delay treatment it can trigger abscesses and even laminitis.

Laminitis and navicular are more complex prob-lems that can have career-changing consequences. Dr. Spivey recommends a three-person team: veterinarian, farrier, and patient owner. People look for instant results from the farrier, but with serious issues like laminitis, ultimately the horse has to grow a new hoof, he says. That takes six months to a year.

Although some horse owners swear by topical hoof applications to help lock in moisture, Dr. Jer-emy Spivey says he thinks in most cases it would be just as beneficial to kick over the water trough or bathe the horse once a day dur-ing the hottest, driest summer months. But if horse owners do want to use topi-cal applications, I tell them OK, as long as it doesnt have alcohol or acetone as an ingredient. Those are drying agents.

One of the biggest myths John Veague says he encounters is about hoof color. Melatonin doesnt affect bone structure; it has nothing to do with the strength of the hoof. Ive seen horses with very soft, crum-bly black feet, and Ive seen horses with great white feet.

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With an appreciation for the arts and athletics, the cultural Syracuse, nY, offers up the best in dining and enter-tainment while being a great horse show town. it may be hard to believe that one city could truly offer it all, but this central new York location does just that.

focusing on the future and sustainability, this city educates their population on eco-friendly practices. in fact, national Geographics Green Guide named Syracuse one of americas top 20 Green cities. But teaching about the environment is not the citys

TRAVEL

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lifestyleOctober 2014equestrian

syracuse University is known for not only their impressive sports teams, but also their diehard fans. [top] the new york

state fairgrounds in syracuse is home to many prestigious horse shows.

TRAVEL p. 73 | FASHION p. 76 | FITNESS p. 78 | COLLECTING THOUGHTS p. 80

ethos and equinesSyracuse, New York

By Jennifer roBerts

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only claim to fame, they have a number of colleges in the area, mo

Equine Journal (October 2014)

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