florida sporthorse fall 2012

828-817-5585352-540-9401

>Chiropractic>Homeopathy>Body Balancing>Laser>Acupuncture>Reiki and Cranial Sacral>Magnetic Wave

Sara Scozzafava, Advertising Manager(352) 585-6143 [email protected]

GATORHorse Trailers352-483-2414

www.gatorhorsetrailers.com

>Bumper pull>Gooseneck>Living Quarters

3760 NW 17th Place Ocala, FL 34475

6 Editor’s NoteDon’t believe everything you read online

8 All in a Day’s WorkLeah Khorsandian’s vision for the future

10 Horse SenseFrank Barnett’s simple training philosophy

13 Under WrapsKeep tails tidy on trailer rides

14 Isn’t it Grand?A visit to Florida’s equestrian resort

16 Understanding Protein QualityInsight into this important nutrient

18 Get ConnectedThe pelvis/spine relationship

20 Stifle Injuries in SporthorsesTreatment choices and long term benefits

22 Show Mom 101Preparing for your child’s show debut

23 Be a Better BoarderTips for creating stable relationships

“I heard a neigh. Oh, such a brisk and melodious neigh as that was! My very heart leaped with delight at the sound.” ~Nathaniel Hawthorne

FALL 2012Sporthorse

Florida

828-817-5585352-540-9401

>Chiropractic>Homeopathy>Body Balancing>Laser>Acupuncture>Reiki and Cranial Sacral>Magnetic Wave

Sara Scozzafava, Advertising Manager(352) 585-6143 [email protected]

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6 Inside Florida Sporthorse A

bou

t the

cov

er

Leah Khorsandian and Pamiro W (Will). Khorsandian competes, trains and runs competitions from Parrish Oaks farm in Dade City.

Photo courtesy of Leah Khorsandian

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FLASporthorse

Florida Sporthorse Magazine

Karen Kennedy/Icon Studios

Florida Sporthorse Magazine is committed to providing a quarterly publication that presents content encompassing a broad range of topics of interest to Florida’s dressage, eventing, combined driving, hunter/jumper and sport horse breeding communities.

It includes profiles of riders, trainers and breeders who are influential around the state and beyond, as well as product reviews of items of particular interest to Florida equestrians.

Florida Sporthorse Magazine accepts freelance material on subjects that support our mission. Submission information is available at www.floridasporthorsemagazine.com or by calling or writing the editorial office.

“Come along for the ride!”

Christie Gold

Check your sources FloridaSporthorsedressage+hunters+jumpers+eventing+combined driving+sporthorse breeding

www.floridasporthorsemagazine.comCome along for the ride!

Editor and PublishEr

Christie R. Gold

sEnior Contributor

Jane Whitehurst

advErtising ManagEr

Sara Scozzafava

(352) 585-6143

[email protected]

Editorial offiCE

8205 Quail Run Dr.

Wesley Chapel, FL 33544

(813) 973-3770

email:

[email protected]

website:

floridasporthorsemagazine.com

As Americans, we enjoy rights that are so familiar that we often take them for granted. We also

sometimes forget that every freedom we enjoy has negative by-products. This is perhaps most true when it comes to the right to free speech.

Guaranteed under the First Amendment, free speech ensures that we can express opinions that might be unpopular, particularly about those in authority.

Voltaire said, “I do not agree with what you have to say, but I’ll defend to the death your right to say it.”

Free speech is a cornerstone of democracy, but it sometimes gets messy.

Also protected in the 45 words of the First Amendment is the right to free press.

We trusted the media to act as the “Fourth Estate.” The media still

maintains a crucial role in society, but…the days of a newscaster being the “most trusted man in America” as Walter Cronkite was in the early 70s, have ended. In the information age, the need to get it right has lost in the race to get it fast.

In a market flooded with information, it’s difficult to know what to believe. The internet allows us access to information on every imaginable topic, and even with the narrow interest group of sporthorse enthusiasts, a click of the mouse

gets the grease” applies to online reviews as people are often more likely to fire off responses when they are angry than to write words of praise when they receive good service.

In no way should we dismiss the internet as a source of information when hiring a trainer, purchasing from a breeder or choosing a veterinarian or farrier, but we must become savvy consumers of what we read online.

Rate My Horse Pro is a source to consider when choosing a boarding facility, trainer or farrier. Unlike blogs and forums, the site requires a small fee to join their community ($5) and the rating categories are extensive.

For example, a trainer might have exemplary teaching skills, but his facility lacks polish; an otherwise skilled farrier might have a habit of cancelling appointments; an older barn’s dated appearance could actually be a great home for the family pony due to highly personalized care and a relaxed atmosphere.

Like other online rating systems, professionals are at the mercy of those who rate them. However, Rate My Horse Pro attempts to provide a more complete picture of the professional.

In the age of posts and tweets and status updates, it’s more important than ever to gather information from those close to the source, to consult a variety of sources or to use tools that are more likely to provide a comprehensive evaluation.

In a market flooded with information, it’s difficult to know what to believe.

reveals seemingly endless sources of information.

Forums and blogs draw people with common interests together to share information, but how do we, as consumers, separate truth from fiction?

A disgruntled client can easily weigh in on one of many forums and express her displeasure with an equine professional’s training methods. Hiding behind the anonymity of a nondescript screen name, anyone can express opinions that can potentially damage careers.

This is important to remember. The old saying, “The squeaky wheel

.

5. Jean White is the owner of Hammock Farms in Brooksville, where for the past 25 years she has trained students and horses from the lower levels to FEI. She earned her USDF Bronze and Silver medals, is a scholarship recipient from The Dressage Foundation, and won the Kimball Award at Prix St. Georges/Intermediare 1. Certified by the United States Dressage Federation as an Instructor through 4th level, Jean now teaches just the staff instructors at Hammock Farms. This allows her to use her extensive knowledge of riding to breed and produce the best Welsh Ponies and Andalusians for dressage and competitive driving.

6. Dr Nerida Richards is Managing Director and Principal Consultant of Equilize Horse Nutrition Pty Ltd, a company that specializes in providing independent, professional advice in all areas of equine nutrition. Within her role, Dr Richards provides high-level technical support to numerous national and international feed and supplement companies, as well as on the ground advice and technical support to breeding and training establishments. Dr Richards also designed, developed and commercialized the Equilize Feeding Management Software which has been more recently upgraded to the FeedXL nutrition software that is now used by breeders, trainers and fellow nutritionists throughout Australia, New Zealand, The USA, Canada and parts of South East Asia.

7. Alita Hendricks is a life-long equestrian, instructor, clinician, and retired educator; a graduate A of the United States pony Clubs; USPC National Examiner, Level IV; and has studied extensively in the USEA Instructors Certification Program. Her website AllHorseTalk.com is devoted to the teaching of classic horsemanship skills primarily through the use of video on topics including feeding, parasites, foot and shoeing, bandaging, systems, anatomy, stable skills, and more.

8. Dawn Castignoli has been teaching,training, riding ,showing & judging professionally since 1987. Specializing in Hunters,Jumpers, and Equitation. Dawn has a Riding Master From Meredith Manor International Equestrian Centre, is a Certified Riding Instructor with The American Riding Instructors Association in Hunt Seat and Stable Management and a Certified Veterinary Technician. She owns and operates Corner Stone Farm in Weeki Wachee.

FLASporthorse


7

Florida Sporthorse Magazine is committed to providing a quarterly publication that presents content encompassing a broad range of topics of interest to Florida’s dressage, eventing, combined driving, hunter/jumper and sport horse breeding communities.

It includes profiles of riders, trainers and breeders who are influential around the state and beyond, as well as product reviews of items of particular interest to Florida equestrians.

Florida Sporthorse Magazine accepts freelance material on subjects that support our mission. Submission information is available at www.floridasporthorsemagazine.com or by calling or writing the editorial office.

“Come along for the ride!”

1

2

7

56

.The Faces of Florida SporthorseFloridaSporthorse

dressage+hunters+jumpers+eventing+combined driving+sporthorse breeding


Editor and PublishEr

Christie R. Gold

sEnior Contributor

Jane Whitehurst

advErtising ManagEr

Sara Scozzafava

(352) 585-6143

[email protected]

Editorial offiCE

8205 Quail Run Dr.

Wesley Chapel, FL 33544

(813) 973-3770

email:

[email protected]

website:

floridasporthorsemagazine.com

3

4

.

1. Jane Whitehurst is a 1982 University of Florida graduate from the College of Agriculture where she majored in Animal Science. In 1985, she earned her master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Nova University. For 20 years she taught high school science. Along with their husband, she recently purchased Nosara Farms in Odessa where she provides boarding, training and lessons. Since 1985 Jane has been an active competitor in the dressage ring and has recently earned her USDF Gold Medal.

2. Amber Kimball is an FEI dressage trainer based in Ocala. In 1997 she began her dressage career as a working student in the stable of Olympic Bronze medalist Gina Smith. In 2001 she travelled to Belgium to hold a working student position in the stable of Grand Prix trainers, Penny and Johan Rockx. In 2002, she returned to the US to ride for Belinda Nairn-Wertman until the spring of 2010. Amber has sucessfully trained and shown horses from Training level through Intermediare II and has earned her USDF Silver medal. She now operates Southern Lights Dressage in Ocala, FL.

3. Bryony Anderson, RYT, LMT has been riding horses since childhood. She has been practicing yoga for over 24 years, and began teaching in 1997. In addition to teaching yoga for equestrians, Bryony offers massage, Reiki, and Ortho-Bionomy for both horse and rider. She teaches yoga classes privately by appointment. Her Yoga for Equestrians audio CDs are available at Ocala tack stores and at www.movingintobalance.com.

4. Ruth-Anne Richter, BSc (hon), DVM, MS, received her veterinary degree from the Atlantic Veterinary College on Prince Edward Island, Canada in 1995 after finishing a Bachelor of Science (Hon) degree. Dr. Richter did an equine internship at Mississippi State University, and following a year in private practice began a surgical residency at the University of Illinois. She completed her surgical residency and concurrent Master of Science degree in 2000. Since then, Dr. Richter has worked as a staff surgeon at Reid and Associates in West Palm Beach, the Equine Specialty Hospital in Ohio and East End Equine in Long Island, New York. Dr. Richter joined Surgi-Care Center for Horses in 2005 as a staff surgeon. Prior to attending veterinary school, Dr. Richter was farm manager for Christilot Hanson-Boylen, a member of Canada’s Dressage Team.

8

All in a day’s workLeah Khorsandian is a triple threat, not just in eventing, but as a rider, trainer and manager

Christie Gold

Leah Khorsandian is a young woman in perpetual motion. During a recent horse trail, she moved from coaching students prior to

dressage to setting jumps, reviewing course maps and zipping across the cross country course on her motorbike to watch students as they galloped across the rolling countryside.

It’s typical for the upper level event rider who currently handles responsibilities at two farms: The 9.5 acre Citrus Oaks Farm in Thonotosassa and her family’s recent purchase, Parrish Oaks, a sprawling 80 acres near Dade City.

Family has always been central to Khorsandian’s riding from the time she and her brother were young and her mother, Jan, decided horseback riding lessons in the country would be good for her children. Through horse shows and pony club rallies from show mom to show manager, Jan has been a constant in Khorsandian’s career.

“My mom always had this kind of can-do attitude. She just thought, ‘Well, of course, we can hook up a horse trailer and go to shows. We’ll figure it out.”

Khorsandian’s business savvy comes from her father.

“Everything with my dad has always been about negotiation. When I was 16, he said I could have any car I wanted or a horse. Obviously, I took the horse. The farm in Thonotosassa came about when I agreed to stay home and attend USF for college.”

After graduating with a degree in psychology, Khorsandian set her sights on medical school, but while studying for her MCATs, she realized that her heart was in riding.

“Again, somehow, I convinced my dad to take the money that he would have spent on med school and put it into upgrades at the farm—irrigation, really good footing.”

The investment allowed Khorsandian to establish her training business, but five years later, Khorsandian has outgrown Citrus Oaks.

“It’s no surprise that my strengths are dressage and stadium. Those don’t take as much room, and I could focus on them at home. To prepare for events, I had to travel to Ocala to gallop and train cross country.”

Early on, this was only a small inconvenience, but as Khorsandian’s career progressed, so did her training needs.

“When I set my sights on my first two-star, I had to condition by galloping 21 times around my field. It became so tedious that I would sometimes have a friend jump on my horse and take a few laps.”

Khorsandian’s father understood the dilemma and began searching for property. Currently, a grass dressage arena and cross country fences rest on 20 of the 80 acres, which are planted in hay. Long term plans for Parrish Oaks include a covered arena, a show jumping ring and more challenging cross country fences including a water complex.

“I’m excited to build this facility,” Khorsandian

said. “There is a need for a place south of Ocala with sizeable fences and good footing. It benefits my training, but it also offers my students a place to school.”

The development of Parrish Oaks is also a family affair. Dad often mows prior to an event, and Mom serves as show secretary. Khorsandian’s boyfriend, Cliff Ellis recently took a course-building course at Rocking Horse Stables in Altoona, and her uncle is a landscape architect. With advice from Morgan Rowsell, who built the courses at Rocking Horse and Jersey Fresh, Khorsandian is developing a course that will allow for both schooling and competition.

Although managing two facilities is time consuming, Khorsandian’s first priority is still her competition schedule.

The current star in her stable is Pamiro W. “Will” is a 17.1 Canadian thoroughbred. The pair had gained success at the intermediate level and were about to move to advanced nine months ago when they met a potentially devastating setback: colic surgery.

“Things always work out the way they should. Four days after Will’s colic, Buck Davidson approached me about buying him. Obviously, he didn’t know about the surgery. I don’t think I could have turned down his offer.”

This fall, Khorsandian and Will returned to competition, placing 11th at the American Eventing Championships at preliminary and won

at the intermediate level at Rocking Horse in early November.

A string of young horses has just come into Khorsandian’s barn thanks to the generous support of Diane Springford, a woman she refers to as her “fairy godmother.”

The artist and eventing enthusiast from Wyoming came into Khorsandian’s life in a rather unorthodox way. After reading her website, she decided to e-mail the young rider with whom she felt a strong connection.

“I can remember the e-mail,” Khorsandian said. “I showed it to my mom and said, ‘Do you think this is spam?’”

Springford immediately wanted to send her horse to Khorsandian.

“I told her that she had to fly down and meet me.”

She did, and soon after, Springford’s horse was at Citrus Oaks.

According to Khorsandian, Springford feels it is her calling to develop young talent in horses and riders.

“She’s a Shakespearean theater director and a very spiritual person. Next to my parents, she has been the most supportive person in my career.”

Springford never questions Khorsandian’s decisions and provides support that transcends finances.

“She sends me notes prior to competitions. One, in particular, I will never forget. It said, ‘May you find grace in dressage, courage in cross country and elegance in stadium jumping.’”

With talented horses in the barn and the support of Springford and her family, it would seem Khorsandian would be content to train and teach. However, her father’s business sense shines through.

Khorsandian calls fellow event rider Peter Gray a mentor in training, riding and business.

“Peter was one of my best teachers, and he now runs Equiventures (a company that hosts events at the Florida Horse Park). He told me that you can find some stability in this business by running shows off land you own,” she said.

Khorsandian actively pursues sponsorships, both for the events at Parrish Oaks—where each fence boasts the name of its sponsor--and for her own riding. Among them are Surgicare Center for Horses in Brandon and Voltaire Saddlery.

Mostly, she credits a sound work ethic for her success, and she cautions younger riders about the workload that comes with making a living in the horse industry.

“I often arrive at the barn at dawn and don’t leave until 9:00. I don’t have a working student. I guess I’m a bit of a control freak. I love brushing my own horses. I have the cleanest barn, but I enjoy all of it. I never set a time limit for how long I work with a horse. If it takes 45 minutes, okay. If it takes an hour, okay. Horses don’t know what you’ve done all day, so you have to get in the moment with them.”

She credits her early involvement with Pony Club for her patience and desire for perfection.

“I owe Pony Club not only for the exposure it provided, but also for teaching me how to do things correctly,” Khorsandian said. “In addition to the camaraderie I built with other girls who had similar interests, I learned responsibility.”

Doing things right, whether it’s training a horse, working with a student or developing a training facility, requires dedication to long days, but Khorsandian believes the pay-off will come.

“The idea is for my parents to get a return on their investment, and I want that to happen. I can do that by training and selling horses, teaching and running shows. I don’t care about being rich, I just want enough money to do what I love.”

8 Florida Sporthorse Magazine

Above and right: Leah Khorsandian and Pamiro W. The Tampa-area event rider’s top horse has returned to top form in competitions after colic surgery nine months ago. Photos courtesy of Leah Khorsandian.

All in a day’s workLeah Khorsandian is a triple threat, not just in eventing, but as a rider, trainer and manager

at the intermediate level at Rocking Horse in early November.

A string of young horses has just come into Khorsandian’s barn thanks to the generous support of Diane Springford, a woman she refers to as her “fairy godmother.”

The artist and eventing enthusiast from Wyoming came into Khorsandian’s life in a rather unorthodox way. After reading her website, she decided to e-mail the young rider with whom she felt a strong connection.

“I can remember the e-mail,” Khorsandian said. “I showed it to my mom and said, ‘Do you think this is spam?’”

Springford immediately wanted to send her horse to Khorsandian.

“I told her that she had to fly down and meet me.”

She did, and soon after, Springford’s horse was at Citrus Oaks.

According to Khorsandian, Springford feels it is her calling to develop young talent in horses and riders.

“She’s a Shakespearean theater director and a very spiritual person. Next to my parents, she has been the most supportive person in my career.”

Springford never questions Khorsandian’s decisions and provides support that transcends finances.

“She sends me notes prior to competitions. One, in particular, I will never forget. It said, ‘May you find grace in dressage, courage in cross country and elegance in stadium jumping.’”

With talented horses in the barn and the support of Springford and her family, it would seem Khorsandian would be content to train and teach. However, her father’s business sense shines through.

Khorsandian calls fellow event rider Peter Gray a mentor in training, riding and business.

“Peter was one of my best teachers, and he now runs Equiventures (a company that hosts events at the Florida Horse Park). He told me that you can find some stability in this business by running shows off land you own,” she said.

Khorsandian actively pursues sponsorships, both for the events at Parrish Oaks—where each fence boasts the name of its sponsor--and for her own riding. Among them are Surgicare Center for Horses in Brandon and Voltaire Saddlery.

Mostly, she credits a sound work ethic for her success, and she cautions younger riders about the workload that comes with making a living in the horse industry.

“I often arrive at the barn at dawn and don’t leave until 9:00. I don’t have a working student. I guess I’m a bit of a control freak. I love brushing my own horses. I have the cleanest barn, but I enjoy all of it. I never set a time limit for how long I work with a horse. If it takes 45 minutes, okay. If it takes an hour, okay. Horses don’t know what you’ve done all day, so you have to get in the moment with them.”

She credits her early involvement with Pony Club for her patience and desire for perfection.

“I owe Pony Club not only for the exposure it provided, but also for teaching me how to do things correctly,” Khorsandian said. “In addition to the camaraderie I built with other girls who had similar interests, I learned responsibility.”

Doing things right, whether it’s training a horse, working with a student or developing a training facility, requires dedication to long days, but Khorsandian believes the pay-off will come.

“The idea is for my parents to get a return on their investment, and I want that to happen. I can do that by training and selling horses, teaching and running shows. I don’t care about being rich, I just want enough money to do what I love.”

To better prepare for the rigors of cross country, Leah Khorsandian and her family have purchased Parrish Oaks, 80 acres of rolling land near Dade City. Photo courtesy of Leah Khorsandian.

The drive to Ocala was full of anticipation. I couldn’t wait to meet the man I had heard about for so many years. Frank Barnett had

always held a fascination in my mind from the first time someone told me about him up to as recently as last February when I purchased a young mare that he had started under saddle.

Throughout the years the name ‘Cowboy Frank’ has been used by daifferent trainers from varied disciplines all concurring that if you need to get a horse back on the right track, “Send it to Frank.” Owners who need their young horses started correctly and safely, “Send them to Frank.”

Even though Barnett and I had talked just a couple of times on the phone and exchanged only a handful of e-mails, I already had a strong sense of who he was. Our communication may have been succinct but last issue’s article was easy to write, probably because Barnett was the most quotable person I’ve ever interviewed. (Florida Sporthorse Summer Issue 2012)

It was Monday around 10:00 a.m., a typical hot, humid September day when I drove through his open gate to the farm. The sign at the entrance read, “No Visitors Closed Session Today.”

Barnett had already directed me to ignore his ‘welcoming greeting.’ As I got out of the car I instantly felt peaceful. There was good energy to this farm, and I knew it was going to be a great interview. Today, I would observe Barnett and his training methods.

Armed with a spiral tablet, pen, an old digital camera, and my I-phone, I hunted him down in the barn. Our initial greeting set me at ease; Barnett would prove to be a gracious host. He was just as I expected--most un-masked people are--open, friendly, and respectful.

Barnett’s six-day workday usually starts around 6:00 am and finishes well after 6:00 pm. By the time I arrived he had already been at it for a few hours, but there was still plenty of horses to go. He saved many of his own horses for me to watch. Barnett loves to train the High School movements. It is his passion to study the old masters and work with different trainers across the globe. All of his own horses know many of these high level movements.

The first horse Barnett showed me was actually a pony, a seven-year-old Welsh Cross named Belle that he picked up at an auction. He took the mare into one of his covered round pens and began long-lining her. Besides being a little on the portly side, she was quite athletic, but it was her attitude that had sparked Barnett‘s interest.

I asked him what his plans for her were. He originally thought she would make a nice hunter pony, but after watching the two work together something told me she would be with him a while longer.

On the long lines he demonstrated piaffe and performed canter pirouettes, some half pass and other dressage movements. One of the most interesting “tricks” the pony did was something called rope walking. This is when the horse walks with one foot directly placed in front of the other as if she is on a tight-rope.

Through all the movements the mare remained agreeable, never kicking out or pinning her ears. In her body she was relaxed, no tension in the jaw, no shortening of the neck , just a nice choreography between horse and man.

Another one of Barnett’s horses that does high school movements is a six-year-old Lusitano gelding named Zoran. First Barnett did some in-hand work with Zoran that included piaffe, Spanish walk and bowing all with perfection and ease. Frank then mounted and they went into passage which I thought was perfect until he showed me it needed to be slowed down a bit, then I really understood how much better it became.

Under saddle he also practiced piaffe, Spanish walk and canter work which included lead changes.

The most entertaining part for me was when he stopped Zoran in from the ring enclosure and the horse placed his foot on the bottom rung and stretched his leg much like a dancer would on the bar. Then with minimal encouragement, he put his leg back down on the ground and picked up his other leg and stretched again.

It’s easy to envision Zoran in a circus someday going through all the high-school movements. Barnett has done some of the “airs above ground” with him already but has backed off temporarily because Zoran got a little anxious.

Barnett and Zoran’s work together was yet another harmonious interaction.

Each horse I watched Barnett work was handled in the same cool manner. He never got upset or raised his voice. He would casually say something like “Don’t make me beg” when the horse wasn’t trying hard enough.

Each horse was correct in its way of going. Barnette is adamant about the angle of the neck, especially with the young horses.

“Too many people want to bend the neck too much at the base. Their poll gets too low their neck too curled. Their nose should be slightly out. Too much turning the horse with the inside rein. The horse needs to be pushed from the outside not pulled around by the inside rein,” he said.

It was mesmerizing to watch Barnett work. His barn was filled with horses in training, many from well-known professionals that send horses from throughout the United States.

The following illustrates what a horse who has been sent to Frank for behavior modification might face on his first day.

“Okay Howard, let’s see what you are all about.” Barnett opened the stall door and faced a young

chestnut gelding who looked back at him suspiciously. Howard arrived only a day before so he had no clue what this new human would expect from him, but he

Horse sense Practical wisdom, consistent training cornerstones of Frank Barnett’s training

Jane Whitehurst


Frank Barnett’s training partner, Gordo, nudges Howard, a horse in training who has difficulty going forward. Barnett uses a variety of behavior modification techniques at his training facility near Ocala.

Jane Whitehurst

Frank Barnett warms up Zoran. The six-year-old Lusitano gelding is one of Barnett’s horses that can perform high school movements. Barnett’s training philosophies are simple and consistent.

Under saddle he also practiced piaffe, Spanish walk and canter work which included lead changes.

The most entertaining part for me was when he stopped Zoran in from the ring enclosure and the horse placed his foot on the bottom rung and stretched his leg much like a dancer would on the bar. Then with minimal encouragement, he put his leg back down on the ground and picked up his other leg and stretched again.

It’s easy to envision Zoran in a circus someday going through all the high-school movements. Barnett has done some of the “airs above ground” with him already but has backed off temporarily because Zoran got a little anxious.

Barnett and Zoran’s work together was yet another harmonious interaction.

Each horse I watched Barnett work was handled in the same cool manner. He never got upset or raised his voice. He would casually say something like “Don’t make me beg” when the horse wasn’t trying hard enough.

Each horse was correct in its way of going. Barnette is adamant about the angle of the neck, especially with the young horses.

“Too many people want to bend the neck too much at the base. Their poll gets too low their neck too curled. Their nose should be slightly out. Too much turning the horse with the inside rein. The horse needs to be pushed from the outside not pulled around by the inside rein,” he said.

It was mesmerizing to watch Barnett work. His barn was filled with horses in training, many from well-known professionals that send horses from throughout the United States.

The following illustrates what a horse who has been sent to Frank for behavior modification might face on his first day.

“Okay Howard, let’s see what you are all about.” Barnett opened the stall door and faced a young

chestnut gelding who looked back at him suspiciously. Howard arrived only a day before so he had no clue what this new human would expect from him, but he

willingly walked out of the “holding stall” where he had been tied waiting his turn.

Unbeknownst to the gelding, he had already begun working on his first lesson - the art of patience- long before Barnett placed one hand on him. There are a few “holding stalls” at this training facility equipped with chains that run the length of

the stall stretched above the horses head from which they are tied but can move in a small circle. Each stall is occupied by a horse waiting patiently for its lesson. Some of the horses have western saddles and some stand bare-backed. Some will have one session for the day and others will have multiple sessions generally kept at shorter intervals. It was Howard’s first training day at Frank’s farm, and he was about to meet Gordo.

Gordo is Barnett’s working partner, an Andalusion/Belgium cross. Oreste is his formal name- after Oreste Canestrelli a famous high school horse trainer. His neck is twice the size of two normal horses’ necks combined. Gordo’s job was to pony or snub Howard around.

Barnett climbed onto the metal pipe rail that

encompasses the arena and summoned the draft cross over by clucking and touching the rein. Gordo obliged and with a sense of urgency side-passed over to his owner, positioning himself in the exact right spot.

Their warm-up consisted of a few stretches--bowing, and a little collected work, including piaffe.

Watching this horse move with such lightness and correctness elicited an impulsive response from me:

“Oh my God how cool is that!” Barnett smiled, told me to get on, and before I

knew it I was piaffing a draft cross which led me to believe that it is possible to piaffe anything, but Gordo had another job besides demonstrating his collection skills.

In came Howard wearing front splint boots and a padded nose band on his halter. Barnett re-mounted Gordo and the education began.

Howard, like so many others, came to Frank because somewhere along the line he disconnected his “go” button.

Gordo went to work moving the chestnut from side to side. Howard was so stuck in his mind and

Practical wisdom, consistent training cornerstones of Frank Barnett’s training

Barnett is an advocate for the horse; he tries to give them tools so they can be successful in life.

Frank Barnett’s training partner, Gordo, nudges Howard, a horse in training who has difficulty going forward. Barnett uses a variety of behavior modification techniques at his training facility near Ocala.

Jane Whitehurst

Jane Whitehurst

Frank Barnett warms up Zoran. The six-year-old Lusitano gelding is one of Barnett’s horses that can perform high school movements. Barnett’s training philosophies are simple and consistent.

body he had a hard time getting out of his own way. Gordo kept at him, but Howard planted his feet and yanked back, pulling on the rope Barnett was holding. Barnett recently had shoulder surgery. He said it’s been a number of things throughout the years that wrecked havoc on his joints, but ponying horses had to be high on the list.

“The doctor ask me how long my shoulder’s been hurting, and I said since the 70’s. It’s just that lately it really got to hurting and although it still hurts, it’s tons better since the surgery,” he said.

Howard continued to pull back and stick his feet to the ground and do just about everything he could not to cooperate. Gordo came into him placing his enormous head and neck over the tall chestnut to show his dominance. Another move of Gordo’s was to powerfully push into Howard’s shoulder forcing him to move.

It was persistent work on Barnett and Gordo’s part that began to pay off when Howard started to show submissiveness. I asked if horses ever try to kick Gordo, and the cowboy said they do but that Gordo is surprisingly fast for his size and always gets out of the way.

Eventually, Howard looked less like the gangster he had desperately tried to portray and more like a willing participant.

s the dance continued with Gordo clearly leading, Howard soon realized his body parts would move. He could step to the side with his shoulder and his inside hind leg began to reach further under his body.

“Horses can hold a lot of emotion in their muscles contractions,” Barnett said.

At the height of Howard’s resistance, his heart rate and breathing were way up; however, Barnett and Gordo remained calm. To them it was just another day and another horse they were teaching to seek comfort and find its safe place.

Barnett changed the rope to the other side of the halter and worked the other way. Barnett gave me the name of the man who came up with the theory that horses tend to not communicate between both sides of their brains; therefore, each side of the horse has to be shown the same thing.

However, at this point I had abandoned my pen and notebook in favor of just watching, learning and snapping pictures.

I was not the only observer, though. There were two equine onlookers in nearby stalls that seemed to be taking great delight in watching the new guy go through initiation . When I looked closer, I swore I saw them smiling.

Barnett finally got the appropriate response he was looking for from Howard and declared that it was time to quit. The red gelding was in a good place with a kind eye and a relaxed frame.

I asked, “Can you get him up the stairs?” “I guess ol’ Howard could try that,” Barnett

replied. The stairs consist of three levels of wood getting

increasingly smaller as they climb up. Earlier I watched Frank work another client’s horse. This horse was not as confident as Howard. After some coaxing he made his way up the steps and stood quietly on the top level, but he was scared when asked to walk back down, his body went rigid.

He was clearly nervous. Barnett zoned right into the horse’s problem and made it clear that he would not show him the way down, but instead would wait patiently for the horse to figure it out.

“You can’t skirt the issue there is only three steps he needs to find his own way down.”

Barnett is a firm believer in the philosophy that horses (and people for that matter) must learn their own way, how to seek comfort on their own. If you show them everything they stop thinking for themselves because someone else will do it for them.

Eventually, the gelding did make it down, although a bit clumsy and a little hurried.

Howard proved to be much more confident than the other gelding and even curious about the stairs.

He took less than five minutes to make it to the highest level, stood patiently and with confidence, then walked down the steps slowly with ease. His facial and body expressions had changed making him look like a different horse.

Howard appeared to feel pretty good about himself and since he did so well, that was his only session for the day.

Besides Barnett’s groom there is one other person at the farm.

Jamie Chadwick has been working with Barnett for about three months. While Frank phoned some clients I went to watch Chadwick in another covered arena.

His mount was a pony cross that was sent to the farm for poor manners. Chadwich was doing an excellent job keeping the pony moving forward and in front of his leg.

The pony had only been at the farm a few days but was already learning that running people over on the ground and not moving off the leg would not be tolerated.

Barnett joined me on the tall bench where we could look down into the ring. He explained that horses don’t do well when they are lied to. I asked him what he met by that.

“Lying to a horse would be like, requiring one

thing one day and allowing something else the next. Horses are like children they learn to evade because they are allowed to evade,” he said.

This pony was bred at home and definitely spoiled rotten. Barnett asked Chadwick if the pony was ready to come outside and ride through the property. Chadwick replied he seemed much better and thought he would be fine.

Most of Chadwick’s experience has been in exercising race horses and riding broncs. He came to Barnett’s because he wanted to learn more about dressage and training.

On the way home I reflected on Barnett’s philosophies. They were simple, maybe even black and white since he’s certainly not the type of man to cloud things up.

His convictions are cemented, for example, horses and people have to learn to find comfort, and they must do this by being given the chance to think for themselves, to take their time and to make mistakes.

Barnett is an advocate for the horse; he tries to give them tools so they can be successful in life. He wants to know that if they get in a bind hopefully they will seek comfort thus keeping their rider happy and hopefully themselves employed.

A little further into my trip my thoughts turned from Barnett’s school for horses to children’s schools. As a formal public school teacher for 20 years I have seen schools go from one philosophy to another with each year bringing in a whole new set of ideas that will be no doubt be forgotten before the end of the year.

I think about Barnett’s farm and how each horse changed in one session from obstinate to obedient worried to confident, angry to happy, and I know it could be a whole lot simpler in our school system.

After all, it’s just horse sense.


Frank Barnett and Gordo practice piaffe prior to working with another horse. Jane Whitehurst

thing one day and allowing something else the next. Horses are like children they learn to evade because they are allowed to evade,” he said.

This pony was bred at home and definitely spoiled rotten. Barnett asked Chadwick if the pony was ready to come outside and ride through the property. Chadwick replied he seemed much better and thought he would be fine.

Most of Chadwick’s experience has been in exercising race horses and riding broncs. He came to Barnett’s because he wanted to learn more about dressage and training.

On the way home I reflected on Barnett’s philosophies. They were simple, maybe even black and white since he’s certainly not the type of man to cloud things up.

His convictions are cemented, for example, horses and people have to learn to find comfort, and they must do this by being given the chance to think for themselves, to take their time and to make mistakes.

Barnett is an advocate for the horse; he tries to give them tools so they can be successful in life. He wants to know that if they get in a bind hopefully they will seek comfort thus keeping their rider happy and hopefully themselves employed.

A little further into my trip my thoughts turned from Barnett’s school for horses to children’s schools. As a formal public school teacher for 20 years I have seen schools go from one philosophy to another with each year bringing in a whole new set of ideas that will be no doubt be forgotten before the end of the year.

I think about Barnett’s farm and how each horse changed in one session from obstinate to obedient worried to confident, angry to happy, and I know it could be a whole lot simpler in our school system.

After all, it’s just horse sense.

Protect your horse’s tail from being rubbed raw or getting abrasions from the trailer’s butt bar, or just help keep the tail hairs from being broken or rubbed out during trailering by applying a Shipping Tail Bandage. I’ll tell you what you need and how to do it.

The materials you need are a slightly worn or “tired” 4 inch wide Ace bandage or 4 inch wide cotton

knit track bandage and sticky masking tape or duct to secure the bandage. You want a little stretch in your bandage, but not too much!

Start with a clean, tangle free tail. Be sure not to use any silicone based detangler product in the tail as it will make it harder to keep the bandage

in place. Begin the wrap at top of the tail and wrap using evenly spaced overlaps of about 2 ½ inches. Wrap with just enough pressure to keep the bandage from slipping, but not so tightly to impede the blood circulation of the tail.

To keep the bandage in place when your horse sits on the butt bar of the trailer, pull tail hairs from the sides or the front of the tail up and continue to wrap down the tail, pulling small sections of tail hairs up as you bandage. Be sure that the bandage does not “bunch” or crease over itself.

Wrap to the base of the tail or at least as long as will protect all parts of the dock that rest against the trailer or butt bar. Return by wrapping to the top of the tail, reaching as close to the top of the dock as you can, laying the exposed tail hairs back down and wrapping over them as you do so.

Secure the bandage with tape, making sure not to make a continuous band around the dock or secure with the hook and loop (Velcro) closure if using a track bandage.

To Remove, unwrap the bandage after the horse is unloaded from the trailer.

Precautions:+Do not make the bandage too tight or you may

seriously damage the tail.+If using an Ace bandage, use a “tired” bandage,

with only about half the amount of stretch as a new one.

+Keep the bandage smooth and the pressure even throughout.

+Do not use the Ace bandage metal clips to secure the bandage.

+Do not make a continuous band of tape around the tail bone that may create a pressure point which could severely damage the tail.

+It is best to not use sticky, co adhesive bandages (i.e. Vet Wrap) as they are easily wrapped too tight.

Always, practice your bandaging skills under the supervision of an experienced horse person before leaving bandages on your horse for any length of time.A video of this is available at www.AllHorseTalk.com.

Under wrapsFlorida Sporthorse Magazine 13

Keeping tails perfect on the roadalita hendriCks

Frank Barnett and Gordo practice piaffe prior to working with another horse. Jane Whitehurst

Morguefile

In a state with tourism at the heart of its economy, there is no shortage of resorts, but tucked between the equine mecca of Ocala and the over-

50 community of The Villages rests Grand Oaks Equestrian Resort, a posh horse-themed destination for visitors with sporting lifestyles.

Home to the Florida Carriage Museum, Grand Oaks sits on 400-plus sprawling acres. While the infrastructure of the farm is over 17-years-old, the transformation into a world-class resort began only a year and a half ago.

Today, Grand Oaks boasts a booming destination wedding business and is working to attract eco-tourists with interests in riding, driving, skeet shooting and fly fishing.

Vice President and General Manager Tom Warriner’s life has been shaped by real estate and horses. After retiring from Palm Beach County, the former polo player developed and interest in cutting horses and purchased a farm in Ocala. Retirement didn’t suit him. He soon missed the business world and went into real estate marketing.

“I saw a diamond in the rough. The bones were here, and the bones were valuable,” he said.

According to Warriner, the model is Sea Island in Georgia. “They have a rich history, and they have the ocean, which we cannot match, but we do have the ambiance.”

Like the posh Georgia resort, Grand Oaks hopes to attract both national and international clientele for long-term visits, conventions, and business meetings. Warriner estimates that 15 percent of their current business is international.

“I see tremendous opportunities for growth with South American and European customers,” he said.

Although the farm has been a destination for driving enthusiasts for many years, Warriner hopes to expand reasons for people come to Grand Oaks for long and short term visits, whether for pleasure, weddings or work retreats.

In addition to meeting rooms, a salon, spa, deli and bar, the facility currently includes on-sight accommodations for both horses and humans, a lighted arena, rings for both ridden and driven dressage and obstacles for combined driving. Future plans include more stabling and a covered arena with versatile footing that will allow equine and canine events as well as concerts, dances and

graduations. The property’s original owner’s passion for

driving is central to Grand Oaks which embraces both the history and the future of the discipline.

Located onsite, the Florida Carriage museum boasts over 170 meticulously restored carts, sleighs, sulkies and carriages in four galleries. A full two-hour tour takes visitors on a tour of transportation

history. Key pieces include the royal dressed chariot from

Austria, complete with a fully restored four-in-hand harness and the Lord Mayor of London’s coach from the 1800s.

Warriner considers nurturing and promoting the museum a civic duty.

“We are working with other museums now to loan items in our collection and to bring more range into ours. I’d like to have a Remington exhibit and a spur collection as well,” he said.

The farm has been a destination for pleasure drivers for years; however, the resort now caters to those interested in combined driving. With competitions such as the Little Everglades CDE and Live Oak CDE drawing international attention, Grand Oaks hopes to build on the sport’s growing popularity.

In December, the facility will host a horse driving trial (HDT) for lower level combined driving enthusiasts.

Equine manager Kacy Tipton-Fashik says such events will give lower level drivers experience on a course that is both safe and challenging.

A Carriage Association of America (CAA) Certified Level 1 & 2 Instructor and Level 1 Evaluator, Tipton-Fashik provides lessons from single up to 4-in-hand driving and organizes the resort’s equine events.

Beyond driving, Tipton-Fashik says that the facility can host nearly any equine discipline from polo matches to dressage, barrel racing and team roping. “Our goal is to have our facilities full every weekend,” she said.

Although creating quality equine facilities is a priority, both Tipton-Fishik and Warriner say that they are not interested in competing with show

Grand OaksResort

3000 Marion County RoadWeirsdale, FL 32195(352) 750-5500thegrandoaks.com‎

Getting There

Resort attracts visitors with sporting lifestyle Christie Gold


history. Key pieces include the royal dressed chariot from

Austria, complete with a fully restored four-in-hand harness and the Lord Mayor of London’s coach from the 1800s.

Warriner considers nurturing and promoting the museum a civic duty.

“We are working with other museums now to loan items in our collection and to bring more range into ours. I’d like to have a Remington exhibit and a spur collection as well,” he said.

The farm has been a destination for pleasure drivers for years; however, the resort now caters to those interested in combined driving. With competitions such as the Little Everglades CDE and Live Oak CDE drawing international attention, Grand Oaks hopes to build on the sport’s growing popularity.

In December, the facility will host a horse driving trial (HDT) for lower level combined driving enthusiasts.

Equine manager Kacy Tipton-Fashik says such events will give lower level drivers experience on a course that is both safe and challenging.

A Carriage Association of America (CAA) Certified Level 1 & 2 Instructor and Level 1 Evaluator, Tipton-Fashik provides lessons from single up to 4-in-hand driving and organizes the resort’s equine events.

Beyond driving, Tipton-Fashik says that the facility can host nearly any equine discipline from polo matches to dressage, barrel racing and team roping. “Our goal is to have our facilities full every weekend,” she said.

Although creating quality equine facilities is a priority, both Tipton-Fishik and Warriner say that they are not interested in competing with show

facilities such as the Florida Horse Park. “We want people to use Grand Oaks as a home

base where they can bring their horses and their families, train and then attend larger competitions elsewhere. While we would like to host some events, that’s not our main focus,” Warriner said.

Grand Oaks embraces the amenities typical to any resort with a special nod to equine aficionados.

“We understand that not everyone in a family is a horse person,” Warriner said.

“We want people to bring their horses and their families and enjoy everything we have to offer.”

Far left: Sandra Pascal and Jennifer Stapleton take Rainy, a 6-year-old Gypsy Vanner through one of Grand Oaks’ newest driving hazards. Fully restored carriages such as a royal dressed chariot (left top) and a London coach (above) grace the Florida Carriage Museum at Grand Oaks. The resort is popular for destination weddings. A restored hay barn serves as a chapel (left center). The Chinese garden is one of many relaxing spots on over 400 acres. All photos by Christie Gold.

After energy, protein is the most important nutrient in a horse’s diet. Protein is needed to build good quality hoof, hair, skin, organ tissue, muscles, eyes, blood and bones. Protein is also a crucial part of enzymes and hormones. Protein is an absolutely essential nutrient in a horse’s diet and after water, is the most plentiful substance in a horse’s body.

But as with many nutrients, ‘proteins ain’t proteins’. Some protein is of very high quality, other proteins can be so low in quality that they will seriously limit a horse’s ability to grow, reproduce, perform or build muscle. So what determines protein quality? First, let’s look at what proteins are.

What is protein?Proteins are long chains of small molecules

called amino acids. As a good analogy, think of amino acids as train carriages that join together with other amino acids to form a protein ‘train’. Amino acids, and therefore proteins, are organic compounds containing carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen and sulphur.

The Amino Acid PuzzleThere are 22 known amino acids which

can be joined together in almost limitless combinations to form proteins. Up to 11 of these amino acids can be manufactured by the horse in its body, so they are known as non-essential amino acids. The remaining 11 amino acids are termed ESSENTIAL amino acids. These essential amino acids cannot be manufactured by the horse and must be supplied by the diet.

The 3 most limiting amino acids in the equine diet (meaning the amino acids that are likely to become deficient first and limit the horse’s ability to grow, reproduce, perform or build muscle) are lysine, threonine and methionine.

Protein qualityWhile it is possible, and even likely that

horses do absorb some very high quality bacterial protein from their hindgut, a majority of a horse’s protein needs are met by what is fed in the diet. So the quality of protein you feed is extremely important.

Protein quality is determined by how well a particular protein meets a horse’s requirement for amino acids, and particularly the essential amino acids.

Selecting quality proteins?Different feeds contain different levels of the

essential amino acids and thus vary in ‘quality’. As a general rule, grass hay and pasture contains lower quality protein than legume hay and pasture like lucerne/alfalfa and clover. C4 type grasses also contain lower quality protein than C3 type grasses.

Cereal grains like oats, corn and barley contain lower quality protein than legumes such as soybean, lupins and beans. Co-products like

copra meal sit in the middle with lower quality protein than legumes, but better quality protein than cereal grains. Of the commonly used protein ingredients in horse feed, heat treated cottonseed meal contains the lowest quality protein of all. Soybean contains the highest concentrations and best combination of many of the essential amino acids and is thus touted as the best quality vegetable protein available.

The absolute Rolls Royce of protein quality is whey protein. It has exceptionally high levels of essential amino acids that match almost perfectly a horse’s needs for protein. Just a small note of caution, if you wish to use whey protein in your horse’s diet, be sure to purchase ‘whey protein concentrate’ and not ‘whey powder’.

Whey powder is only about 13% protein and contains over 50% lactose, making it unsuitable for use in equine rations.

The table to the right shows the % crude protein and g/kg of lysine in some common feed ingredients.

Which horses need high quality protein?Not all horses need very high quality protein

in their diet. Dry or early pregnant mares and horses in good condition that are either not in work or only in light work have only moderate to low protein requirements that are generally easily met by average to good quality grass pasture and/or hay. Growing horses, late pregnant and lactating mares, performance horses and any horse needing to build and maintain muscle mass do require high quality protein in their diet.

These classes of horse will not do as well as they could unless high quality protein is supplied in the diet. Grass pasture or hay based diets will generally need to be supplemented with some legume hay or grain for the best results. This is why adding lucerne/alfalfa hay to the diet of horses needing to gain weight is recommended.

Making sure that crude protein as well as lysine requirements are met in a diet will ensure your horse is getting the level of protein quality it needs.

If your diet is low in lysine, this indicates that the overall protein quality of the diet is low.

In these situations, your horse’s ability to use the protein in its diet to grow, reproduce, build muscle or perform will be limited, even if crude protein requirements are met in the diet. If your horse’s diet does indicate lysine levels are too low, the following steps to increase lysine are recommended (in order):

1. Substitute some alfalfa/lucerne or clover pasture or hay for grass pasture or hay in the diet, adding up to 1 kg/100 kg of bodyweight (1 lb/100 lb bodyweight). In most cases, you will find this is enough.

2. If you use a complete feed, look for feeds that contain high quality protein legumes or if you mix you own feeds add legume grains like soybean, lupins or faba beans/tick beans/field beans to the diet. Avoid any feeds containing cottonseed meal or unnamed vegetable protein meals.

3. Small amounts of whey protein concentrate (or whey protein based products) can be used. For best effect in working horses, the whey protein should be fed within 15 minutes of the completion of exercise.

Lysine supplements are also available and can be used to boost lysine levels in your horse’s diet. Increasing lysine by using legume hays or

Understanding protein quality

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In these situations, your horse’s ability to use the protein in its diet to grow, reproduce, build muscle or perform will be limited, even if crude protein requirements are met in the diet. If your horse’s diet does indicate lysine levels are too low, the following steps to increase lysine are recommended (in order):

1. Substitute some alfalfa/lucerne or clover pasture or hay for grass pasture or hay in the diet, adding up to 1 kg/100 kg of bodyweight (1 lb/100 lb bodyweight). In most cases, you will find this is enough.

2. If you use a complete feed, look for feeds that contain high quality protein legumes or if you mix you own feeds add legume grains like soybean, lupins or faba beans/tick beans/field beans to the diet. Avoid any feeds containing cottonseed meal or unnamed vegetable protein meals.

3. Small amounts of whey protein concentrate (or whey protein based products) can be used. For best effect in working horses, the whey protein should be fed within 15 minutes of the completion of exercise.

Lysine supplements are also available and can be used to boost lysine levels in your horse’s diet. Increasing lysine by using legume hays or

grains or whey means that along with lysine, you are also adding methionine, threonine and the remaining 7 or 8 essential amino acids. Adding purified lysine will certainly fill the specific lysine deficiency, but it may leave your horse with unquantified deficiencies of other essential amino acids.

Take Home MessageWhen looking at protein in your horse’s

diet, always remember ‘proteins ain’t proteins’. Depending on their amino acid composition, some proteins are very high quality with good levels of essential amino acids while others are low in essential amino acids and therefore low in quality. The high quality proteins, including

those from legume forages including lucerne/alfalfa and grains like soybean are able to support growth, pregnancy, lactation and muscle building, while low quality proteins like those from cottonseed meal and cereal grains will not be capable of properly supporting horses with large requirements for quality protein.

Not all horses require high quality protein, but if your horse is pregnant, lactating, growing or working hard and needing to build and maintain muscle mass the quality of protein in the diet will play a big role in determining how well your horse ‘performs’.

Understanding protein quality

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Riders often attempt to address different aspects of their horse’s bodies individually, as if they are each separate from one another. But

it is important to realize that all of these seemingly separate aspects are part of a greater whole, working together and affecting each other.

Rather than focusing on separate parts of the horse, riders need to recognize the relationship between the parts, and the additional fact that when you are on horseback you have just added another factor- your body- to the equation. The whole relationship needs to be addressed, and this includes addressing the rider’s body and its relationship to itself and to the horse. For example, many riders rely on their hands and reins to address what is happening in the horse’s neck, and then use the leg or whip to address the hind end, failing to recognize that the two are intimately connected and that the riders own body is giving the horse signals about how to align and use himself.

The horse mirrors the rider’s body in much the same way as children adopt their parents’ postural and gait patterns. Addressing your own body will actually be much easier and more effective in getting the results you want in your horse than trying to force the horse into a frame with use of your aids. An additional benefit of this is that both you and your horse will be developing your bodies properly, leading to better harmony and comfort during your rides and greater career longevity with less incidence of break down and injury (not to mention less frustration for you and your horse- after all, didn’t most of us get into riding for the “fun” of it?!).

The alignment and action of the horse’s neck begins with the hind end and pelvis. This is what it means to “ride the horse from back to front”.

To understand this, try this self-awareness exercise: Sit in a chair with your feet on the floor, and bring your awareness to your seat and low back. Pull your abdominal muscles in and tilt the pelvis so that you rock slightly to the back of your seat bones, tailbone tucked, and notice what happens in your neck.

Next, hollow out your low back, rocking to the front of your seat bones, and again notice the response in your neck. Did you feel how when you tipped your pelvis back and rounded your back slightly, your neck softened and rounded too? Did you feel how when you hollowed your low back and stuck your tailbone out behind you, your neck also contracted and your head came up?

Lastly, remaining in the last position with your low back hollowed and pelvis tipped forward, imagine that someone had reins attached to your mouth and was forcing your head down- do you feel how the flow through your body is broken and tension accumulates very quickly in your neck and low back?

Do these movements again, imagining that you are a horse, and you will get a good clue about what our horse’s experience and why many of them have issues in their low backs and necks. Can you imagine having to perform with this kind of tension in your

body? Can you see how much more comfortable they would be and how much easier their jobs would be if their bodies were used properly? We show the horse what to do with his body by modeling for him with our own.

This requires taking responsibility for knowing and controlling your own body better. As you went through the above exercises, some of you may have had to work hard at pulling your abdominal muscles in to tip the pelvis back, and your muscles may not be strong enough yet to sustain that action for long; if so, this is something you will need to work at, and doing so off the horse as well as during your rides will greatly improve your riding.

Many riders also tend to jut their chin out and contract the backs of their necks; if you catch yourself doing this, think of bringing the sides of your neck back, the back of your neck into contact with your shirt collar, and see/feel what happens in your horse’s neck and through his body. When you find yourself thinking of making a correction to your horse, check in with your own body first and see if you are doing what you want to correct your horse for; correct yourself, imagining that you are the horse, and see how much your horse corrects himself on his own.

It can be difficult to use our bodies’ correctly when there is chronic muscle contraction or misalignment. Both you and your horse may find that receiving some bodywork makes a big difference. My own work was inspired by my experience with my horse: I would notice that we’d have our best rides after I had done yoga or received bodywork; our rides felt

effortless, and things I usually struggled with were a non-issue. When my horse received bodywork, even skeptical on-lookers at the stable were amazed to see the difference in how he moved.

Your rides can be easier and more enjoyable by maintaining your own body and your horse’s with some form of bodywork, and by practicing exercises- such as the yoga postures below- that target your particular challenges or weaknesses.

The following Ortho-Bionomy self-care releases will help balance your pelvis, setting you up for better alignment throughout your spine. The yoga postures will further support pelvic and spinal alignment, and will strengthen the muscles needed to maintain it.

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Pelvic and spinal alignment are essential to success in the saddle as the horse often mirrors the rider’s body position. All photos by Jackie Finlayson.

Understand the importance of pelvic and spinal alignment

effortless, and things I usually struggled with were a non-issue. When my horse received bodywork, even skeptical on-lookers at the stable were amazed to see the difference in how he moved.

Your rides can be easier and more enjoyable by maintaining your own body and your horse’s with some form of bodywork, and by practicing exercises- such as the yoga postures below- that target your particular challenges or weaknesses.

The following Ortho-Bionomy self-care releases will help balance your pelvis, setting you up for better alignment throughout your spine. The yoga postures will further support pelvic and spinal alignment, and will strengthen the muscles needed to maintain it.

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Pelvic and spinal alignment are essential to success in the saddle as the horse often mirrors the rider’s body position. All photos by Jackie Finlayson.

Understand the importance of pelvic and spinal alignment

Practice1(a & b). Ortho-Bionomy Ilium Releases- Lying face down, try both of the following positions with one leg and then the other, to determine which position is most comfortable. Relax in the preferred position for a few minutes, as long as it is comfortable for you.

Come out of the chosen position slowly, so that you do not reestablish the tensional pat-terns you have just released. Then repeat with the other leg, going into whichever of the two positions was most easy and comfortable.

a) “Frog Leg”- Slowly bend your knee, bringing it out to the side. Turn your head to the same side.b) “Leg Lift”- Raise the leg and place a pillow or folded blanket under your thigh and knee for support.

2(a & b). Pelvic Tilts- From a kneeling position, place your hands on your knees. Inhale and lift the chest, rocking the pelvis forward and hol-lowing your low back. Exhaling, tuck the pelvis under, pull the abdomen in, and allow your chin to drop towards your chest.

Continue for several breath cycles, ex-ploring your full range of motion. Notice the interplay between your low back and neck. Im-proves range of motion in the pelvis, low back, and hips; strengthens abdominal muscles for better pelvic control.

3(a & b). Boat Pose- Begin in a seated position, knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Rest your hands on your knees or shins. Lean back slight-ly, lifting your feet a few inches off the floor. Lift your chest and pull the abdominals in to main-tain a neutral position for the spine and pelvis. If you are a beginner, practice this version of the pose until you are stronger.

Once comfortable here, you can challenge yourself by holding behind your thighs and bringing your shins parallel to the floor. When this becomes easy, try straightening the legs and extending the arms parallel to the ground. Whichever version of Boat Pose you choose, the inner action is the same: lift the chest and pull in the abdomen; do not round the back. Hold for 15-30 seconds. Rest, and repeat (3-10 repetitions). Strengthens abdominals.

4. Chair Pose- Stand with your feet hips’ width apart and parallel. With arms raised, bend your knees and bring your weight into your heels. Tuck the pelvis under, tailbone towards the ground, and lift the abdominal muscles to-wards the spine. Hold for 3 breath cycles, up to 1 minute. Strengthens abdominals; improves balance and self-carriage.

5. Lumbar Twists- Lay on your back with knees bent, feet flat. Keep both feet flat on the ground as you take your knees to the right. It is not important how far you go with your knees, it is only important to keep the feet making full contact with the ground. Hold for 10-30 sec-onds, focusing on the alignment of your feet. Then go to the other side. Repeat a total of 3-5 times on each side, alternating.

End by letting your knees drop all the way to the side, allowing your feet to leave the floor; relax and let your body receive the open-ing offered by this position, then repeat to the other side. Develops core strength and symme-try, stabilizes the pelvis, and supports proper alignment of the lumbar spine.

1a 1b

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For the sport horse, lameness comes as an inconvenience not only in days lost for training and competition, but also in loss of potential

earnings. It is however, often inevitable depending on the horse, its fitness, conformation, and level of work. Mild lameness problems associated with ‘wear and tear’ are, to a certain degree, “expected”, but others can be more persistent and associated with the bone or soft tissues for which the horse is often out of work for several months.

Like the human knee, the equine stifle is a complex, high motion joint that suffers a variety of ailments that have the potential to affect athletic performance. These include injury to the meniscus, the collateral or patellar ligaments as well as the cruciate ligaments.

Unlike humans however, these structures are difficult to treat and can take a long time to resolve. Typical gait abnormalities associated with stifle lameness includes a grade 2-4/5 lameness characterized by a prolongation of the caudal phase of the stride; that is, the horse is somewhat reluctant to advance the limb forward after the end of the stride/foot lift off. While this is true for many horses with stifle lameness, it is not always the case, necessitating a thorough diagnostic work up.

Radiographs are most often used to image the stifle, but may reveal only the ‘tip of the iceberg’. Radiographs are not capable of assessing soft tissues, as can ultrasound and MRI. Unfortunately few MRI units have the capability to image the equine stifle, leaving ultrasound as an important imaging tool. If radiographs identify change in the bone associated with the attachment of a ligament (enthesiophyte formation), or if a subchondral bone cyst is identified, ultrasound is warranted to assess the soft tissue structures.

The menisci are fibrocartilagenous pads present in the medial and lateral compartments of the femorotibial joint between the tibia and the femur. They provide important shock absorption, and some stability within the joint. Meniscal injury can come from a variety of causes; ‘wear and tear’, direct trauma, secondary to ligament laxity, and from abnormal stresses in the stifle that can be primary or secondary to other issues such as osteochondrosis and subchondral bone cysts.

With trauma to the meniscus, stability of the joint is affected which then leads to osteoarthritis and lameness. Injury to the medial meniscus associated with subchondral bone cyst formation in the medial femoral condyle is a significant cause for concern. In a recent study horses were found to develop medial meniscal damage as a result of the cyst after surgery, concurrently with the cyst, or conversely prior to the cyst becoming apparent. Which develops first has not yet been determined. However, one needs to be cognizant of the fact that if there is evidence of a cystic lesion on radiographs, an ultrasound examination of the stifle should be done to assess the status of the meniscus and its attachments before surgery is

considered. The unfortunate thing with horses is the poor

surgical accessibility of the structures in the stifle. The cranial edge of the meniscus is visible, as are the cranial ligamentous attachments, but the body, and caudal attachments are almost impossible to reach, making repair and complete assessment difficult.

Similarly, only portions of the cruciate ligaments can be accessed with the arthroscope. Subchondral bone cysts are easily seen in the femur and can be treated at surgery, with various methods being used with equally variable results. Is it futile to take these horses to surgery? Some may argue that it is. However, the ability to assess even a portion of the meniscus or cruciate ligaments and to debride the torn fibers makes this a good option. It also allows the surgeon to evaluate the cartilage surfaces, and formulate a treatment plan and prognosis for return to athletic performance.

What do we do when we’re faced with meniscal or cruciate injury? Prognosis is guarded for return to the former level of performance depending on the degree of damage. Regenerative treatments such as mesenchymal stem cells and/or PRP have been used with varying success.

At this point in time, there is little data to support or refute the use of such treatments, but there have been some promising reports supporting intralesional stem cell therapy for the treatment of damaged menisci. Intra-articular IRAP/Stem Cells/PRP and/or Hyaluronic Acid have also been advocated. Intracystic steroid administration is the current treatment of choice for subchondral bone

cysts and can be done with ultrasound guidance.The ‘take home’ message here is that the equine

stifle is prone to problems that can cause significant lameness, and that need aggressive evaluation and treatment, especially in regards to the meniscus and its associated ligaments.

Radiographs alone do not always provide all the information about the status of the structures in the joint.

Ultrasound examination of the stifle by an experienced imager should be considered seriously as part of a complete, detailed assessment of this high motion joint, especially if bone changes have been identified on radiographs, and the horse fails to improve significantly after routine joint injections.

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Diagnostic imaging important in determining treatmentStifle injuries and the sporthorse

ruth anne riChter


cysts and can be done with ultrasound guidance.The ‘take home’ message here is that the equine

stifle is prone to problems that can cause significant lameness, and that need aggressive evaluation and treatment, especially in regards to the meniscus and its associated ligaments.

Radiographs alone do not always provide all the information about the status of the structures in the joint.

Ultrasound examination of the stifle by an experienced imager should be considered seriously as part of a complete, detailed assessment of this high motion joint, especially if bone changes have been identified on radiographs, and the horse fails to improve significantly after routine joint injections.

1.12 Acre fenced. New 2-stall breezeway barn. Hot/Cold wash rack, full bath, tack room/feed room.

Built in 2007 this home is a 3/2 w/ living room and large family room (24 x 14).All new stainless steel appliances.

Outside Deck for entertaining, 46 x 16, and separate storage shed.

Small Farm for SaleOcala, FL 34481

$99,500 Firm No Agents954-818-3005

Normal Femoral Condyle Case Study #2

Case Study #1The first horse is a 3 years old QH that had routine (every 3 month) stifle injections and was VERY lame. The X-ray shows a small cyst in the stifle, but the US images show the real damage!

The second case is a 1-2 yr old QH that was minimally lame that had a very large cyst - this is more typical, with the associated US image of the cyst - this was injected with steroid and the horse went on to be ‘comfortable’

Images courtesy of Surgicare

For many of us, boarding our horses is a necessity. Work schedules, city living and access to quality training and facilities dictate our need to keep

our horses in the care of others. At first glance the thought of boarding a horse

may seem luxurious; no early morning feedings or late night treks to the barn to fill water buckets and change blankets, no slinging manure on Saturday morning when you would rather lounge with a newspaper and coffee. However, the reality of boarding isn’t quite as great as it may seem on the surface.

Trusting others to care for your horse can be stressful. Dealing with your fellow boarders and their opinions and habits can be even more stressful.

Here are a few tips to help diminish boarding stable angst:

1. Get it in WritingFrom day one, make sure you clearly understand

your boarding agreement. Know how much bedding, feed, turnout and special care is provided in your monthly fee and what will be considered extra and subject to fees above the regular charges.

If both parties are in agreement and the arrangement is on paper, it is quite easy to mitigate any disputes that may arise afterward. Even if you don’t currently have an agreement in writing, it’s never too late to write things down.

2. Communicate clearly with the right people

Asking the stable’s employees for extra bedding in your horse’s stall or a change in turnout schedule won’t always be effective. They most likely are not authorized to make any changes in your horses routine. Complaining to your fellow boarders that your horse never has enough hay or lamenting that you don’t like the way his turnout boots are applied won’t help your situation either.

Go to the manager with all complaints and concerns. Let the manager deal with directing the employees in the care of your horse so you can relax and enjoy your time at the barn. If your stable doesn’t already have one set up, suggest a monthly meeting of boarders. It can be a great team building opportunity and also a way to express concerns to the management. Other boarders may have similar concerns and may be able to offer constructive remedies.

3. Be a good boarderThe best way to stay happy in your boarding

environment is to keep others around you happy. Put your tack away after every visit and only

store the essential items for day to day riding at the barn. If you are lucky enough to be allowed to bring your dog to the barn, remember, it’s a stable, not a kennel. Keep your dog contained when others are riding. You may find it fun to let your dog cavort in the arena while you ride but it is dangerous for both the dog and the horses in the ring.

Park your vehicle and trailer only in designated areas. Pick up your horses manure from the ring,

Be a better boarderCommunication, courtesy, common sense create harmonious relationships

amBer kimBallThe time has finally come. After months of taking lessons, practicing riding and a lot of hard work, your child’s trainer has announced

the schedule for the upcoming horse show season and the first show is only one month away! Your first thought is extreme excitement. Then the nerves set in. You start second guessing all that’s been going on. Is my child even ready to show? Do we even have everything that we will need? What do we need? How much will this cost? What was I thinking?

RELAX! Remember that your child loves riding horses. He/she has worked very hard. Your child and their trainer will let you know when the time is right to horse show. Your job as Mom or Dad is to remember these three things: Communication, Organization, and Relaxation.

When you start to think about an upcoming horse show, the most important thing is to be prepared. Communication is key. This is when it becomes important to have an experienced, knowledgeable trainer. Ask your trainer what is considered proper horse show attire and where to buy from. Most trainers have a local tack shop that they trust to refer too that will help you pick out well-fitted, appropriate show apparel and equipment. Usually trainers will have what is called a “Horse show Checklist.”

On this list is everything needed for the horse and rider on show day. Check and double check each item needed BEFORE the horse show day.

There are a lot of questions and concerns that you may have as you get closer to horse show day. It is okay for you to ask your trainer if you are unsure or just do not understand something. When your child goes to a horse show, it is customary to show what is called a “level down.” This means if your child has just started riding the canter at home, then he/she will ride in the Walk/Trot division at the horse show. If your child has been jumping 2’6” at home, she will start off by showing at the 2’ height.

This is done to gain experience and help the horse and rider learn in a comfortable, more relaxed setting. Remember horse showing is fun! Your child is there to ride with other riders at the same level while someone with an experienced eye (the Judge) can evaluate their skills. Do not go there expecting to win. A ribbon is a bonus. Go to enjoy yourself and learn how to become a better rider. Nothing is more important than good sportsmanship and showmanship. You’re there because your child loves to ride and it is making her happy.

Being organized is key to horse show survival. You have already acquired the correct show clothes and tack that you need. You’re doing great! Speak with your child’s trainer about what to expect to pay in fees for the horse show. Fees normally incurred while horse showing are the following; the trainer’s daily fee, the horse shipping fee (this depends on distance and fuel cost), lease fee of show horse if you don’t own one, groom’s fee, braiding cost, and then there are still the actual horse show fees. These can add up. No one likes surprises when getting the horse show bill. Remember to ask ahead so you can horse show with in your budget.

Horse show day is finally here! You are ahead of the game. Things are running smooth and your feeling confident! Ask the trainer if there is anything specific that you can help them with. Your trainer will go to the ring to school them in order to familiarize them with the show ring and warn up both the horse and rider. Try to avoid standing ringside and speaking to your child each time they pass.

The schooling ring is usually filled with many different horses, riders, and trainers all yelling out

instruction at the same time. The only thing that your child should be concentrating on at this point is their horse and their trainer.

This would be a great time for you to organize all the last minute tasks. Gather your child’s show clothes. Make sure they are neat and clean, with back number attached. Wipe down tack and boots for that ready to “walk in the ring” polished look.

The time has finally come; the announcer is calling for your child’s division to begin. Take a deep breath and smile. Say GOOD LUCK just before they enter the ring. That smile and your presence will boost their confidence and really let them see just how proud of them you are. You have all worked so hard just to get to this point and it has been worth every second of it.

CONGRATULATIONS, you are now an ”official” Horse show Mom or Horse show Dad! You have earned this time to take a deep breath, relax, and watch your child finally ride in that horse show that they have dreamed about. The smiles, experience, and the memories will be priceless.

HAPPY HORSE SHOWING!

Show Mom 101daWn CastiGnoli


Organization, positive attitude crucial to show success

Are you connected?On the web: Floridasporthorsemagazine.com

Archives: www.issuu.com (search Florida Sporthorse)


FloridaSporthorsedressage+hunters+jumpers+eventing+combined driving+sporthorse breeding


Amanda Castignoli (left) helps Skyler Ryman prepare for her horse show. Families need to know where and how to pitch in so that everyone enjoys a great show.

Dawn Castignoli

For many of us, boarding our horses is a necessity. Work schedules, city living and access to quality training and facilities dictate our need to keep

our horses in the care of others. At first glance the thought of boarding a horse

may seem luxurious; no early morning feedings or late night treks to the barn to fill water buckets and change blankets, no slinging manure on Saturday morning when you would rather lounge with a newspaper and coffee. However, the reality of boarding isn’t quite as great as it may seem on the surface.

Trusting others to care for your horse can be stressful. Dealing with your fellow boarders and their opinions and habits can be even more stressful.

Here are a few tips to help diminish boarding stable angst:

1. Get it in WritingFrom day one, make sure you clearly understand

your boarding agreement. Know how much bedding, feed, turnout and special care is provided in your monthly fee and what will be considered extra and subject to fees above the regular charges.

If both parties are in agreement and the arrangement is on paper, it is quite easy to mitigate any disputes that may arise afterward. Even if you don’t currently have an agreement in writing, it’s never too late to write things down.

2. Communicate clearly with the right people

Asking the stable’s employees for extra bedding in your horse’s stall or a change in turnout schedule won’t always be effective. They most likely are not authorized to make any changes in your horses routine. Complaining to your fellow boarders that your horse never has enough hay or lamenting that you don’t like the way his turnout boots are applied won’t help your situation either.

Go to the manager with all complaints and concerns. Let the manager deal with directing the employees in the care of your horse so you can relax and enjoy your time at the barn. If your stable doesn’t already have one set up, suggest a monthly meeting of boarders. It can be a great team building opportunity and also a way to express concerns to the management. Other boarders may have similar concerns and may be able to offer constructive remedies.

3. Be a good boarderThe best way to stay happy in your boarding

environment is to keep others around you happy. Put your tack away after every visit and only

store the essential items for day to day riding at the barn. If you are lucky enough to be allowed to bring your dog to the barn, remember, it’s a stable, not a kennel. Keep your dog contained when others are riding. You may find it fun to let your dog cavort in the arena while you ride but it is dangerous for both the dog and the horses in the ring.

Park your vehicle and trailer only in designated areas. Pick up your horses manure from the ring,

wash stall and aisle. Footing is expensive, never allow your horse to paw excessively or roll in the arena. Pay your bill on time and always offer to repair of pay for any damage that your horse does to the property.

One disrespectful boarder can bring the morale of the whole barn down. When everyone observes a few basic guidelines, the whole group benefits.

4. Volunteer If there is something beyond the scope of the

boarding agreement you would like to have done in the barn, do it yourself or with a few other boarders. (Obtain the permission of the stable’s owners of course).

Whether it’s sprucing up the jumps with a new coat of paint or adding some seasonal décor to the barn, a little volunteer spirit can be contagious. You might be surprised how the mood in the barn changes when everyone starts pitching in just a little bit.

5. Buddy up with another boarder It can be very helpful to make an arrangement

with another boarder to look out for each other’s horses. Choose someone who is on a different schedule than you so your horse is observed more often.

While most stables make every effort to offer individual care to each horse, it can be difficult for the employees to notice every small detail. Share all of your horse’s quirks and a basic medical history with your fellow boarder so he or she can tell when your horse isn’t feeling his best. As well as sharing your emergency contact information with the stable manager, it’s a good idea to make sure your boarder buddy knows how to get in contact with you at any time as well as what to do with your horse in an emergency if you can’t be reached.

As terrible as it is to think about, make sure they know if your horse is a surgical candidate and if so, to what cost limit and where his insurance information is located.

6. Zip Your LipsJust like your mamma used to say, if you can’t

say anything nice, don’t say anything at all. Gossip can be exciting to share. Everyone loves a good story but remember it wouldn’t be so fun if the tables were turned and you were the subject of the tales. Feuds between boarders can develop and spread in stables like wild fire.

As enticing as it may be to share a rumor about someone in the stable, it’s likely not worth jeopardizing the trust of your fellow boarders. As well, even though you may feel like your advice to other boarders is given with only good intentions, sometimes it can be misinterpreted as critical remarks. To keep the peace, keep your horse care suggestions and training advice to yourself until you are asked to share.

7. Go Low TechA chalk board or dry erase board is a great way to

quickly communicate with others at the barn. Even in the age of texting, messaging the old fashioned way is still quick and effective. If your barn doesn’t have one it might be worthwhile to take up a collection and donate a board the stable. Make use of your stable’s note board for everything from reminding others of your scheduled lesson to letting another boarder know that you found her horse’s lost shoe.

In the barn where I board my horse, the stable’s owner has gone one step further and has attached a small board beside each horse’s stall. Any special instructions or appointments for each horse are marked on the board for everyone to see, alleviating any chances of miscommunication.

A few small changes in your approach to life as a boarder can really make a difference in your experience.

That way, the next time you look out the window into a thunderstorm, you can smile because you are warm and dry inside and someone else is bringing all of the horses in from the rain.

Be a better boarderCommunication, courtesy, common sense create harmonious relationships

amBer kimBall

instruction at the same time. The only thing that your child should be concentrating on at this point is their horse and their trainer.

This would be a great time for you to organize all the last minute tasks. Gather your child’s show clothes. Make sure they are neat and clean, with back number attached. Wipe down tack and boots for that ready to “walk in the ring” polished look.

The time has finally come; the announcer is calling for your child’s division to begin. Take a deep breath and smile. Say GOOD LUCK just before they enter the ring. That smile and your presence will boost their confidence and really let them see just how proud of them you are. You have all worked so hard just to get to this point and it has been worth every second of it.

CONGRATULATIONS, you are now an ”official” Horse show Mom or Horse show Dad! You have earned this time to take a deep breath, relax, and watch your child finally ride in that horse show that they have dreamed about. The smiles, experience, and the memories will be priceless.

HAPPY HORSE SHOWING!

Florida Sporthorse Magazine 23

Organization, positive attitude crucial to show success

Amanda Castignoli (left) helps Skyler Ryman prepare for her horse show. Families need to know where and how to pitch in so that everyone enjoys a great show.

Dawn Castignoli

Dreamstime

florida sporthorse fall 2012

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