MidSouth Eventing and Dressage Association MSEDA Blog

A Letter to MSEDA Members From Lindsey Howland

Maddie Ozbun — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 22:34:01 GMT

At the start of the competition season, I talk to each of my clients to set goals for the new season and make a plan, and usually a back-up or two, to accomplish their goals. As I step into the MSEDA presidency this year, I find myself doing the same for our board, our membership, and our sport in the midsouth region. Thanks to Julie Congleton’s leadership over the past five years, we have an active and passionate board, a growing membership, and a variety of educational and competition offerings for our competitors. In 2026, the board will focus on membership growth, improving our competitions, and providing engaging and affordable educational opportunities to our membership.

Trash Talking with William Fox-Pitt by Tracy Scott

Maddie Ozbun — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 23:08:04 GMT

A chance to ride with 5- time Olympian, William Fox-Pitt? I signed up before I even thought about it. How often did an opportunity like that come along? Let’s go! I didn’t hesitate for a second. Not until it got closer to the clinic, that is.

For those of you that don’t know me, I have been in the eventing world for a while now, but I am getting a bit long in the tooth. I have managed to take 4 or 5 horses up through training level, and done a few prelim CT’s, but it is safe to say, my glory days are over. Jumps look a lot bigger now, and green horses have gotten a lot less amusing. My current mounts are Wiley, a slightly quirky TB that has fox hunted a lot, and evented a little, and my young, green, very chubby draft cross, Westley.

Winter being winter, for someone with no arena on their property, I kept at it the best I could, until the snow hit, and stopped me cold. I didn’t ride at all for about 6 weeks so I was greatly cheered to get going again with Angela Ariatti’s help and arena. I had 2 weeks to get up to speed for the clinic. Angela was a bit nervous because in January, I had the brilliant plan to ship up to Lakeside and jump Wiley around some courses. I judged the hunters there on Saturday, and figured on Sunday I would skip around the 2’6 jumpers. After all, Wiley ended his season at a Novice CT. They say horses keep you humble, and I guess I was due, because Wiley wouldn’t even jump a 2-foot vertical! He wasn’t nasty about it. He just wasn’t having any part of jumping in that closed up arena. I spanked, I cajoled, I begged. Nada. We didn’t get around a single course! Most folks would think there was a serious problem, but I know Wiley pretty well. He just didn’t like it there, and no meant no.

Sure enough, jumping at Angela’s went well, and I was starting to get my confidence back up after the winter hiatus. Then disaster struck. 4 days before the clinic, Wiley was lame left front. He managed to get kicked in the field. I momentarily considered taking Westley. I had a quick chuckle imagining careening around the ring on an obese woolly mammoth that hadn’t been ridden all winter, and has only gone starter, in front of an upper level phenom before I sobered up. (Thankfully, or I would have died.)

PC: Leah Vasquez Photography.

After hosing and dosing Wiley, he was sound and good to go by clinic day, although a bit keen with a few days off. Off we went! We were riding with 2 friends the first day, that both had more experienced mounts, and many less years of aches and pains then in my worn body. As we warmed up, I watched some of the novice group before us, and thought it seemed a bit high for Novice. I started wondering what the heck had I been thinking when I signed up. When we entered the ring for the meet and greet, I mentioned that we were a beginner novice group, as the fences didn’t seem to be coming down much. The Great William replied, “Are you making excuses already?” Gulp!

That session consisted of some bounces, singles and a combination. We practiced tight turns, and not giving up on our line so we could make it happen. Key take aways were maintaining straightness and rhythm while worrying less about a perfect distance. He is a big fan of trotting jumps to warm up so that the horse has to think about his leg placement, with less rider input. Also, if we had a stop, he wanted us to back up rather than circle over the smaller jumps. He stressed keeping the horse’s options clear, which basically meant few. When presented with a jump, they need to jump it. I was extremely pleased that it went rather well for all 3 of us, and I was only called a chicken once.

It was the second day that had our eyes popping out, mine and Wiley’s that is. The soft going switched our cross country session into a Kamikaze arena cross. The ring was strewn with trash cans, dressage letters, plastic rocks, orange cones, and anything else that didn’t look like a jump. There was even a faux corner and a brush jump so skinny it had to be on Ozempic. (Westley would have gotten lodged there for certain if I had brought him!) I am quite sure that crafty Mary Lowry had some involvement in this set up. Adding to the excitement, we had a gaggle of pony club kids having a splash fest in the near-by water complex. Wiley wasn’t particularly confident entering the ring, but after a spook at one of the trash can jumps, and a stop at the Liverpool, he settled right in.

Not much for dilly-dallying, William started us on short bending line courses with roll backs. We had 5 in our group today, and hardly any problems so he started raising the jumps! Beginner novice? Heck, we were jumping novice, and I am pretty sure the upright barrels with a flower box on top and the skinny chevron would have qualified as training. By far, the most interesting jump was the 2 trash cans side by side long ways with picket gates strewn across them that were jumped from end to end, that was also a skinny with gaps between the standards. I wasn’t certain that any horse, but especially Wiley, would be able to tell it was even a jump. But we did it! All 5 of us were able to do the courses and finish on a high.

After the clinic, I got some interesting messages from friends. Some that said they could have warned me. Some that said those lines were insane! Almost all that said Wiley and I did great. That felt pretty darn good. The best thing I got from the clinic was a well-needed boost to my confidence to start the season. So, if you get the chance to ride with the incredible WFP, I would highly recommend it. Just remember that if he says parallel that means the oxer, and a chevron is an arrowhead. Then just keep kicking!

Nikki Burns is Locked On To 2026

Maddie Ozbun — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 14:51:44 GMT

January is always a time for reflection—looking back on the previous year and setting goals for the new one, both in horse sports and in life. Luckily for me, I get to spend most of my January in sunny Ocala. I arrived on January 14, and after a couple of days unpacking and getting the horses settled, I pretty much hit the ground running.

While in Florida, I plan to ride with Peter Gray and Hannah Sue Hollberg. My first introduction to Peter was at the 2024 AECs, where I scribed for him. His dedication to teaching was immediately apparent from the judges ’ booth. He is a wealth of knowledge, and after that experience, I knew I wanted the opportunity to ride with him in the future.

Hannah Sue is no stranger to Area VIII. I had the opportunity to ride in a mindset clinic with her this past spring at Erin Strader ’s farm in Georgetown. I walked away from that clinic feeling invigorated and excited to apply everything we worked on over the two days. I ’m incredibly thankful that both of these professionals have been so welcoming and generous in sharing their knowledge.

My first lesson with Peter Gray was on January 17. Peter put eyes on both Canvasback—known around the barn as Shack (owned by Cathy Wieschhoff)—and Zambian (owned by Lisa Thomas). He began by asking thoughtful questions about what I ’ve been working on, each horse ’s strengths and weaknesses, and their upcoming competition schedules. Since this was our first lesson together, we used the ride to evaluate warm-up routines, focusing on lateral suppleness and responsiveness to the aids so both horses could work through their entire bodies.

We started with a walk exercise: riding a 20-meter square and performing a quarter turn on the forehand at each corner. The goal was to ask the inside hind to step under and through the turn while staying active. At the same time, we worked on increasing and shortening the walk stride. To lengthen the step, I allowed my hips and seat to swing and move with Shack; to shorten it, I closed my knee and thigh and thought about gently blocking the energy of his topline with my seat. While it sounds simple, the walk is often one of the hardest gaits to influence without creating tension or losing rhythm.

As the lesson progressed, we spent significant time developing travers (haunches-in) at the walk, eventually building toward the beginnings of half-pass. We created the bend by riding an eight-meter circle in the corner before continuing down the long side in travers. I used my outside rein to half-halt and regulate the front end, my outside leg to activate and bring the outside hind inward, and my inside rein to maintain suppleness and bend. Over time, this work progressed into half-pass at both the walk and trot. While the lesson was slow and technical, it was mentally demanding for both Shack and me.

Zambian, on the other hand, is full of talent but can be a bit on the lazy side. Lisa Thomas gave him a very positive start after his racing career, and I ’m thrilled to have the ride on him. Picture the classic lesson pony who slowly falls through the inside shoulder with no bend through the rib cage, making the circle smaller and smaller until he ’s standing happily in the middle—and the rider doesn ’t even notice. That ’s Zambian.

We approached his warm-up differently, focusing heavily on responsiveness to the inside leg to encourage bend through the rib cage and prevent him from falling through the shoulder. Peter had me hold both reins in my outside hand while walking on a ten-meter circle and spiraling out to a 20-meter circle. With my stick in my inside hand, he had me reach back and lightly tap Zambian ’s inside hind—between the hock and stifle—while reinforcing the aid with my inside leg. This helped clearly communicate that when I use my inside leg, I ’m speaking directly to his inside hind. We did this exercise in both directions, and it was incredibly effective in improving responsiveness without creating tension or quickness.

One quote from Peter during this lesson really stood out to me: “When we ’re working on the early stages of suppleness—just getting them to bend left and right—we don ’t worry about activity, forwardness, or march. We just want them to bend. Horse yoga.”

We did a lot of “horse yoga” with Zambian. When we moved into trot work, the focus remained on lateral suppleness and riding the inside hind under the body, while also developing a slower tempo with a bigger step, rather than a quick tempo with a short stride.

On January 18, I had my first light jump school with both horses at Hannah Sue Hollberg ’s farm. It was absolutely pouring rain, with temperatures in the low 50s—definitely not the Florida weather I had envisioned, but still better than January in Kentucky.

We jumped both horses with the same idea in mind. Hannah Sue places a big emphasis on the horse “drawing” to the fence. This doesn’t mean getting strong or dragging the rider, but rather teaching the horse to lock on and give the feeling of, “Oh, I know where I ’m going next.” You can tell this is happening when the horse ’s ears are focused forward toward the fence, rather than flicking around the environment or constantly back at the rider.

We spent a lot of time developing this feeling, which required me to focus on my body position and avoid being busy or loud in the tack. Hannah Sue emphasized that in the final three to four strides to a fence, she almost wants to be bored—her job is done. She ’s established the balance, shown the horse where it ’s going, and made the necessary adjustments. In those last strides, she simply holds her position, supports the horse ’s balance with her lower leg, and lets the jump come to her. Sounds easy, right? We all know better.

Zambian is a very different ride than Shack and can be a bit behind the leg. One comment from Hannah Sue that made me laugh was, “The lazy ones are like a diesel engine—you ’ve got to let them run for a little bit before they lock on.” That rings very true for him. We ended the lesson discussing bitting options for both horses, something we ’ll continue to evaluate and experiment with during my time in Florida.

It was an incredible first week, and I ’m excited to see how much progress we make while I ’m here. I ’m thankful to Cathy for allowing me this training time—being immersed in this environment provides endless learning opportunities. I ’m also incredibly grateful to my husband, Mike, and my friend Olivia for holding down our farm in Paris, KY, so I can be here focusing on my own development. I feel supported, and my ears are forward and locked on to 2026 and everything this year has in store.

-Nikki Burns

Riding Your Best Test: Insights from the Panel

Maddie Ozbun — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 17:28:31 GMT

The Riding Your Best Test panel discussion, featuring Peter Gray, Karen Winn, and Susan Posner, brought together practical insights from judges and riders alike, starting with one key area: the warm-up. You truly can’t do too many transitions. Transitions sharpen responsiveness, balance, and focus without drilling movements.

Riders are encouraged to hack around the venue, incorporate multiple warm-ups, and keep intensity low. Relaxation matters more than repetition. As Peter Gray put it, one of his favorite comments to write at the end of a test is, “Happy horse, happy judge.”

When you enter the ring, think of your tour as an introduction. Show the judge something your horse does well around the outside of the court. Judges want you to succeed, and each movement starts at a 10, working downward, not the other way around.

Scribing was another key topic. Scribes should never text during a test, and riders should remember that judges are allies, not adversaries. Presentation matters too: clean tack, clean horse, and polished basics. As Karen Winn noted, choosing a new saddle pad over another lesson will not raise your score—fundamentals will.

Riders were reminded not to overdo the bling. Basics improve scores, not decoration. A new rule was also highlighted regarding number holders, which must now have numbers that are 1.5 inches tall and 3/8 inches wide.

Horse welfare remains paramount. Judges can issue warning cards, and if frustration builds, riders should take a walk break on a loose rein and breathe. Public perception matters, and how riders handle stress reflects on the sport as a whole.

If a judge blows the whistle, riders should calmly trot up and listen to instructions. Questions are welcome—communication is encouraged. Riders should study the directives, use corners to balance the horse, and understand that bending and flexion are essential components of quality movements.

One of the most commonly weak movements discussed was the free walk to medium walk transition. A helpful fix is adding a five-meter circle before the transition to maintain relaxation and balance. Keep the idea of the free walk in mind and resist the urge to rush into collection.

In the end, thoughtful preparation, respect for the horse, and attention to detail are what consistently produce better tests—and better partnerships.

Training the Young Horse: Building Confidence Before Competition

Maddie Ozbun — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 17:27:15 GMT

Training the Young Horse: Building Confidence Before Competition

Peter Gray’s Philosophy on Development and Patience

Peter Gray’s approach to training young horses is deeply rooted in patience, perspective, and responsibility. Growing up in Bermuda, galloping ponies through sand dunes and competing at just a handful of shows each year, Gray developed a mindset that prioritized horsemanship over pressure.

Pony Club played a major role in shaping his foundation, as did an upbringing where it was “never the horse’s fault.” One of his most impactful beliefs is that knowledge is passed down, and how we train reflects who taught us.

Gray compares riding a young horse to meeting someone for coffee — casual, relaxed, and without pressure. You wouldn’t expect a full commitment immediately, and you shouldn’t expect it from a young horse either. Over time, that relationship becomes like an “old married couple,” built on trust and understanding.

A correct training pathway means that every day, every week, and every month, the horse approves. You never ask for something beyond the horse’s mental capacity. Because of this, when Gray takes a horse to a show, the horse doesn’t feel pressure — it has never experienced pressure at home.

He strongly believes it is better to move up a level a year or two late rather than one day too early. In today’s sport, we often show too much and train too little. For four-year-olds especially, Gray advocates taking them out as non-competes, exposing them to the world without expectations. If there’s a birthday party in the neighborhood, take the horse. Let them see life before adding the stress of competition. He also emphasized that moving up too early and having a horse loose confidence can set a partnership back by a year; his recommendation is to over-prepare for the move-up for optimal chances at success.

Gray also discussed the shift in eventing after the removal of the long format, which led eventers to search for the same type of modern sport horse as jumpers and dressage riders. While scope and movement are emphasized, he cautions that genetics matter deeply, and America still lags behind Europe in breeding development. The dream event horse blends blood, bravery, and durability — and that starts long before the first show.

How to Mentally Ride Your Best Test

Maddie Ozbun — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 17:25:24 GMT

How to Mentally Ride Your Best Test

Dr. Samson on Preparation, Focus, and Performance

Dr. Samson emphasizes that riding your best test starts long before you enter the arena. Mental performance, like physical performance, is something that can be trained — and it begins with preparation.

Success, she explains, is roughly 85% preparation and 15% in-the-moment execution. Preparation includes studying the test, knowing your horse, planning logistics, and creating routines. These are all things within your control. The remaining 15% is about accepting and adjusting — managing what happens in real time when things don’t go exactly as planned.

Self-awareness is the cornerstone of strong mental performance. Riders should reflect on questions such as:

• What helps my performance?

• What stresses me out?

• How does competition stress affect me?

• On a scale of 1–10, where do I perform best in terms of energy and arousal?

Every rider has a Zone of Optimal Functioning, and that zone looks different for everyone. Understanding where you perform best allows you to regulate your emotions and energy more effectively on competition day.

Patterns and routines reduce stress. When riders know what to expect and follow familiar processes, the brain stays calmer. This includes physical preparation, mental rehearsal, and planning for each phase of the competition day.

Dr. Samson also encourages riders to create fire drills — clear responses to common problems. “When this happens, I will do this.” Having a plan reduces panic and keeps riders focused on solutions rather than mistakes.

Breathing is often the first indicator of stress or over-arousal. Intentional breath work can quickly regulate emotions and refocus attention. Riders should also pay close attention to their language, especially during post-ride evaluation. How you talk about your performance shapes how you process it. Accepting where you are is not the same as settling — growth comes from honest evaluation paired with intention.

Dr. Samson led members through various exercises that can be completed prior to, during, and after competition to garner success. She reminded members that, as riders, we have more control over our success if we have better preparation and more tools when the competition doesn’t go as planned.

So You Want to Ride Your First FEI: What You Need to Know

Maddie Ozbun — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 17:20:06 GMT

So You Want to Ride Your First FEI: What You Need to Know

Insights from Cavan Allen

Making the leap into FEI competition can feel overwhelming, but with the right preparation and understanding of the system, it becomes far more manageable. According to Cavan Allen, the most important point to understand is that FEI riding is as much about organization and responsibility as it is about performance.

Competition starts with your USEF number. You receive one number, and it follows you everywhere throughout your career. This number connects all of your memberships, results, and registrations, making it the backbone of your competitive identity.

From there, riders must register with the FEI, which introduces an entirely new layer of requirements. One of the biggest misconceptions is about the horse passport. Receiving a passport does not mean you are finished — it means you are just beginning. The passport is a living document that must be kept current and accurate throughout the horse’s career.

The FEI Horse App is an essential tool for modern FEI riders. Vaccination records, temperature logs, and other critical health information can all be tracked digitally, making it easier to stay compliant and organized. That said, Allen stresses the importance of maintaining hard-copy vaccination records as well. Keeping records can save riders from unnecessary stress or disqualification.

USEF resources are invaluable during this process. Riders should lean on official guides and checklists rather than relying on word-of-mouth or assumptions. Understanding the paperwork is just as important as understanding the test.

Allen also offered a helpful analogy when explaining European passports. Think of a European passport like a birth certificate, while an FEI passport functions more like a driver’s license. One establishes identity; the other allows participation. Knowing the distinction helps riders navigate international requirements with confidence.

Team Challenge 2025 Recap

Maddie Ozbun — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 17:19:48 GMT

2025 MSEDA Team Challenge presented by Hagyard Equine Hospital brought new levels, increased participation, and, as always, a fabulous end to the eventing season in Area 8.

We cannot recap the competition without first thanking our organizing team led by Mary Fike, our secretary Erin Murphy, our wonderful officials and staff, and the amazing volunteers who came out in droves to help the event run smoothly. There are far too many people to individually name, but we know the competition, quite literally, could not go on without them!

A special thank you to our sponsors who helped fund the event and provide amazing prizes for our competitors. Hagyard Equine Hospital for continued support as the Title Sponsor, Ashbourne Farms and The Tack Shop of Lexington for sponsoring use of the Rolex Arena for Show Jump, Kentucky Performance Products as the presenting sponsor, Kentucky Equine Research and Tess Utterback Realty for supporting sponsorships. Our FEI and Classic Format divisions were sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim, Rider Hopsitality sponsored by Neuman Insurance, and flowers sponsored by Heronwood Farm and Meadow Lake Equestrian Center. We had amazing prizes and awards sponsored by many wonderful companies.

This year, we added four starter divisions with about 50 entries and a FEI 1* division, which boasted 18 entries. It is a pleasure to support the grassroots of eventing through the starter divisions, and the beginning of many horse's and rider's FEI journey with the 1*. Offering a multitude of levels brings some of the top riders in our country to the Horse Park, while also catering to local competitors. We had about 600 riders at the event this year, with 45 in the FEI divisions, 70 in the classic format divisions, and 100 teams across the levels.

We welcomed Carol Kozlowski to lead our classic format riders through their Novice and Training Classic Three Day journey, with educational meetings, course walks, and support through the weekend. Riders learned about the importance of appropriate pacing, balance, and position for steeplechase. Kozlowski also offered steeplechase, cross country, and show jump course walks that were very well attended.

Our MSEDA Teams brought the action this year. Special congratulations to our beginner novice team: Natanya McMahon on Quality Minutes, Joshlyn Hernandez on Kynymont Indelibly Irish, and Jennifer O'Niell on Snowscape, who won the team competition out of 25 beginner novice teams.

We loved seeing the team spirit shine in costumes on cross-country day. Our costume contest winners, sponsored by Winners Circle Trailers, were the "Disney Villains". We loved seeing all of the creativity in the costumes this year.

As we look ahead to 2026 and beyond, we welcome feedback from competitors, trainers, and volunteers so we can improve and continue to run this competition as a pinnacle of the eventing season in our Area. The MSEDA Board thank you for joining us in 2025 and we hope to see you in future years!

MSEDA Long Format Clinic by Tracy Scott

Maddie Ozbun — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 17:26:11 GMT

The MSEDA Long Format Clinic held May 25 th at Masterson Station Park was a hit with all that attended. A total of 8 riders, from Beginner Novice through Training level participated. The clinic was a fun learning experience, with a varied group of riders, from a few that had already done Long Format competitions, to some considering entering one in the future.

The clinic consisted of 3 phases of instruction; the jog up, the steeplechase portion and the vet box. Our clinicians, Kerry Millikan, Cathy Weischhoff, and Sarah Escaro shared their knowledge, experience and enthusiasm. Kerry provided tips to perfect your jog up, along with stories from her past, and comments on today’s trends. Cathy and her crew not only set up the steeplechase portion, instructed, and broke it down, but they provided entertaining scoring and cheerleading, too. Dr. Sarah was able to bring her knowledge as an FEI vet to address many topics for not only the vet box, but for general show horse care, as well. Refreshments were enjoyed during this section, while discussing a variety of useful information.

Anyone could benefit from this clinic, even if not planning on doing a Long Format event, because the level of experience and instruction provided a fun learning atmosphere in a creative way. It offered an opportunity to learn from the best at a very reasonable fee. How often does the chance to learn from an Olympian, 2 KY3DE riders, and a FEI certified vet, all in 1 clinic, come up?

Masterson Station Park was the perfect venue for the clinic. The hunter ring pavilion provided an escape from the rain for the vet box portion. Many folks brought this clinic together, including Shelley Ryan, and Cathy, for taking great care of Masterson Station Park. Most of all, thanks to our 3 clinicians for their positivity and generosity.

MSEDA 2025 Annual Meeting: Panel Discussion

Maddie Ozbun — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 00:30:13 GMT

Kerry Millikan and David O’Connor led our ultimate panel of the day, with a call in from Tamie Smith all the way from California. These three powerhouses shared their experiences rising to the top level of riding from three very different backgrounds. While Millikan and O’Connor shared many experiences in their careers, Millikan worked her way through nursing school taking care of her personal horse and a second sale horse. O’Connor rode from a young age but didn’t achieve the level of riding his peers did until he was taken into an intensive, personalized training program that refined his riding skills. Millikan expressed how important it is to study your craft, she paid close attention to horses and riders as a child to learn what she liked and what worked. Smith rode a lot of bad horses, and had a lot of ups and downs in her early career, but always asked herself “ok, what’s next”. All three riders shared stories of the highs and lows of the sport and proved that perseverance does pay off.

The panelists shared many stories of how show nerves affect each rider differently and how important it is to be respectful of your team members who may process differently than you. The Team experience also teaches riders to fulfil the role as needed for the team, which means do the things you already know how to do at a competition, don’t try to do more as that’s where mistakes are likely to happen.

Nuggets of advice abounded throughout this discussion. O’Connor encouraged riders to get into a program one believes in and stay there until you have a core philosophy. Use this time to learn your trade and hone your craft. Smith told riders to “be particular” in every aspect of their life from presenting yourself well to knowing the minute details of your horse’s legs. She, notably, admitted that she would never continue to work with an owner who valued results over the horse’s welfare. Smith inspired members to never sacrifice one’s own integrity and honor for an owner, result, or sponsor. Millikan taught riders to channel their nervous energy into results, dare yourself to be better, and to surround yourself with good riders.

Millikan and O’Connor shared their thoughts on how the changes in the sport of eventing have changed the style of horse that wins, but O’Connor argues that a horse with mostly thoroughbred blood is still the horse that will win at the 5* level. O’Connor also loves steeplechase for riders to learn to go faster than the speed at which they travel on cross-country (but is glad we do not ask it of horses anymore).

All three riders shared some of the sacrifices they have made to make it to the top of the sport, and told members to ask “What the price to win is, and are you willing to pay it?” Riders must stay true to who they are, work hard, and figure out a business strategy that supports them to their goals.

MSEDA 2025 Annual Meeting: Young Riders Discussion

Maddie Ozbun — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 00:28:50 GMT

David O’Connor and Alexa Thompson stepped in to lead the Junior/Young Rider session when Tamie Smith was unable to attend due to personal reasons. O’Connor has been integral to the development of the current young rider program that involves the pipeline of regional camps to national camps in the U21 program. The YR program is, at its core, an educational program aimed at creating well-rounded horsemen on and off the horse. Thompson is an A Pony Club graduate and YR program graduate, and shared her experience on YR teams that shaped her into the rider and trainer she is today.

Our junior and young riders were told “You are the next.” In essence, they are to look for what’s next, learn about what’s next, so they can be the next top riders in our country. O’Connor encouraged riders to always add new tools to their toolbox of training tools. Thompson expressed that riders should focus on on what’s next and do it for the love of the horse.

While the Jr/Yr program is an excellent program for training the next generation of top athletes, O’Connor and Thompson had advice for all of our juniors. Thompson explained how she made it through college while riding and training, noting how she scheduled her day down to the minute and was never afraid to ask for help from those who knew more than her. O’Connor encouraged riders to be interested in other activities beyond horses and enjoy high school, as it is a fleeting time in life. Both panelists expressed hope in our next generation of riders to be even better than the ones before.

MSEDA 2025 Annual Meeting: Officials Education

Maddie Ozbun — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 00:26:28 GMT

Karen Winn, Wayne Quarles, and Debbie Boeh hosted our required continuing education for officials. MSEDA thanks each of these officials for their time; officials and riders alike learned about rule changes and current event updates pertaining to officiating at MSEDA competitions.

Winn, Quarles, and Boeh presented several 2025 rule changes for FEI and USEF competitions at both USDF Dressage Shows and USEF Horse Trials. MSEDA sanctioned shows may run under USEF rules, so these rule changes and updates are important for our MSEDA officials to be aware of entering a new competition year.

Our panel led a discussion about horse abuse and dangerous riding, specifically explaining the FEI and USEF’s take on these topics. While MSEDA does not carry a yellow-card rule, we encourage officials to use MSEDA shows a educational opportunities for coaches and competitors. MSEDA officials were empowered speak up about rule infractions and dangerous riding at a show. Quarles suggested that TDs take another adult with them to have discussions about dangerous riding with competitors to ensure that there was another bystander to oversee the communication. This helps protect officials from safesport violations when speaking to a minor, as well as congruence between each side of a story.

Winn shared her safety checklist that she discusses with a show’s organizer (USEF and MSEDA) before she comes to an event. This helps ensure that all safety measures are in place, such as communication between event officials and the EMT, and steps to take in the case of an emergency. This document is posted on the MSEDA homepage so officials can use it for the 2025 season.

Finally, the panel discussed the roles of a technical delegate and the president of the ground jury. While both are a necessary part of an MSEDA sanctioned competition, they hold different roles. A TD’s job is to make sure the competition is safe and fair for all competitors, and will check heights of jumps and ensure safety measures are in place. A PGJ confirms that the course is a fair test for the level. Organizers should remember to ask an official to fulfill a PGJ role before their arrival to the competition. Officials can assist in this by confirming their roles (and the roles of other officials) leading up to the competition.

Karen Winn, Wayne Quarles, and Debbie Boeh provided a wealth of experience to our officials that we know will assist them in serving the MSEDA community in the upcoming season.

Annual Business Meeting Wraps up 2024

Maddie Ozbun — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 00:22:21 GMT

The MSEDA Annual Business Meeting began our education for the day with overviews from each committee chair. Our committees were hard at work in 2024, and have many plans for 2025 already.

In 2024, MSEDA hosted our dressage show MSEDA at the Park during our new June dates, which were very well received. Our 2025 show will fall on the last weekend of June, and again will be hosted in the Clairborne and Stoneleigh rings. MSEDA Team Challenge Horse Trials went smoothly this year, and we look forward to some exciting changes at the 2025 show, including plans to show jump in the Walnut ring, and hopes to add a 1*L division. The show organizers for both shows are hoping to secure more sponsorships for this season.

All of our committees worked within a tighter budget in the past year to help alleviate some of the issues with the rising prices of goods and services across all industries. We were still able to host a clinic with Tim Bourke, a steeplechase clinic with Cathy Wieschhoff, and a super annual meeting and awards banquet. In spring of 2024, the board of directors met with USEA president Rob Bourke to discuss our participation in the USEA Affiliates program, and decided to continue our membership.

As we look ahead to the 2025 season, the board of directors are excited to continue to host great educational events, clinics, and competitions, as well as support our membership in their competition endeavors. We hope to see you out in the spring season, and please remember to renew your membership and volunteer!

American Eventing Championships Conclude

Maddie Ozbun — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 16:05:45 GMT

The 2024 AECs concluded this past weekend at the Kentucky Horse Park. Congrats to all our members who competed and thank you to those who volunteered!

Pop Culture Representation Matters: Snoop at the Olympics

Maddie Ozbun — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 16:00:00 GMT

By MSEDA member and Strides for Equality Equestrians board member Julia Bursten. This article originally ran in the Strides for Equality August newsletter.

Snoop Dogg’s enthusiastic commentary on the sporting events he loves was pop culture’s favorite part of the Olympics this year. We are hardly the first to celebrate the rapper’s unusual new place in America’s heart as the country’s favorite fan-fam, showing up in selfies with Simone Biles and members of the U.S. basketball team. But we are thrilled with how lovingly and deeply he embraced Olympic equestrian events at the 2024 Paris Games.

In case you missed it, the biggest photo op of Snoop’s equestrian Olympics occurred when Snoop donned a shadbelly and breeches, complete with half chaps and a Samshield helmet, and wents to the paddocks with Martha Stewart to feed carrots to Steffen Peters’ Suppenkasper and Endel Ots’ Zen Elite’s Bohemian. The iconic videos, available on the @usadressage Instagram and, well, all over the internet, have been celebrated, reposted, shared, and recreated by equestrians worldwide. Snoop tentatively offers Bohemian carrots and compliments the Westphalian gelding’s braids, and he dances with Suppenkasper, the KWPN gelding who became famous during Snoop’s Tokyo Olympics commentary. Further videos–you know, the ones that blew up your texts and DMs last month–show Snoop and Stewart (herself an avid equestrian) watching the dressage finals and generally wandering around with top human and equine athletes expressing the joy and awe that all us horse lovers feel watching world champion horses completing peak performance.

What makes this moment in Olympic and equestrian history so special? To us, it’s not just the sheer joy of Snoop and Martha’s field trip to the paddocks–though don’t get us wrong, we loved it for its own sake! But beyond that, it is Snoop showing up as someone who is new to the world of horses and unafraid to admit the complex range of emotions that horses evoke in him. He has said on the record that he loves horses but is afraid of them. The videos show him seeking help from Stewart and members of the U.S. Olympic team to learn how to encounter and connect with the geldings. He famously became invested in dressage after seeing Suppenkasper’s Tokyo performance. And the investment came because he saw elements of his own experience in the ring: he likened freestyle movements to his own dance moves.

In these moments, as in his 2024 dance with “Mopsie” in the paddocks and his inquiries about Bohemian’s braids, Snoop showed the equestrian world what it looks like for one particular Black man to connect with horses. As he brought his perspective to bear on grand prix dressage, his commentary invited equestrians the world over to take a step back and envision how our sport appears to the wider culture. But it also showed what happens when someone who doesn’t come from a horsey background gets interested and finds ways to have that new interest supported.

Snoop in the paddocks in Paris is a moment of visibility not just for the world to watch an incredibly successful Black rapper play with horses, but for the world to watch the complicated ways interest in horses often begins, the networks of support required to sustain it, and the courage needed to get closer. With these videos, Snoop showed countless potential horse enthusiasts what it looks like to take the first steps toward getting in the saddle, that you don’t have to be white to take those steps, and how you don’t have to — and shouldn’t — stop being your full and authentic self as you hand over your first carrots. And while we don’t think most new horse lovers should start with shadbellies and Samshields, we do love the example Snoop set here of how to get into the world of horses. We hope lots of others follow in his footsteps in the years ahead!

Tim Bourke Clinic 2024 Recap

Maddie Ozbun — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 16:17:12 GMT

On June 18-19, MSEDA hosted Tim Bourke for a two day clinic at the beautiful Valley View Farm. Everyone had a wonderful, educational time. We heard from two clinic participants on their takeaways and thoughts!

" I had the best time riding with Tim at the gorgeous Valley View Farm. It was two super educational days focusing on three main components and how they translate over show jumping and cross country. Tim was incredibly knowledgeable and encouraging while also pushing us to and outside our comfort zone." - Jett Jenkins

"Tim Bourke had a great way of explaining his training exercises, making it easy to understand how to do them, and more importantly why. His teaching method is clear and concise and continually builds up the riders confidence. My biggest takeaway from the clinic was his explanations of the canter and how to ride for the type and quality of canter needed approaching a fence, after, and in between. I would definitely attend another clinic with him and Valley View farm was so awesome to let us use their amazing facility!" - Zara Bewley

MSEDA Dressage at the Park 2024 Concludes

Maddie Ozbun — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 16:12:00 GMT

MSEDA Dressage at the Park had a wonderful turn-out with our new dates, June 29-30, at the beautiful Kentucky Horse Park. Along with our new dates, we moved the competition to the Stonelea and Clairborne arenas, which have synthetic footing and are very close to the barns. Competitors loved these changes--the show boasted three rings each day, with 90 entries and 250 rides.

As in past years, MSEDA hosted a team competition. Teams signed up to compete against each other. The MSEDA team composed of Susan Posner, Karen Winn, Kara Hertz, and Anabelle Friend won the competition! The second place team was Last Chance to Enter , followed by Hidden Gem Equine in third. Congratulations riders!

A huge thank you to our sponsors: Bimeda, Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, and Kentucky Performance Products. These companies helped make competition in the new space possible. We are so thankful for the organizers, officials, and volunteers who made this an incredibly successful event for our competitors.

Stall to Centerline by Jenny Hardy

Maddie Ozbun — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 01:31:50 GMT

A non-professional and informal guide on how to prepare and ride an Introductory Level Dressage Test. Complied by Adult Amateur Jenny Hardy

You CAN absolutely do this! Download the guide here: Stall to Center Line .pdf

How to be a Good Student by Kerri Sweet

Maddie Ozbun — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 01:29:34 GMT

Most of us have spent time finding the right trainer. We check their show records, their students show records, we scrutinize their horsemanship and check their reputations. We then spend our money and time so we can progress, but do we practice being good students? A good student sets realistic goals, actively listens, does their homework, works to find positivity in the negative and is honest with themselves and their trainer.

Setting realistic goals varies from person to person and horse to horse. Lets be honest, these goals can change from day to day. Openly discuss these goals with your trainer and come up with a plan to achieve them. Planning lessons are just as valuable as under saddle. Take the time to sit down and have an open conversation with your trainer. It will better help them to get you where you want to be.

Once you have your goals set you can begin working with your trainer to achieve them. In your planning lesson make a list of steps to achieve your goal. At your next under saddle lesson you should be actively listening. Don’t just assume they said “add more leg.” Don’t feel dumb asking how, or why, or saying can you repeat that. Our trainers want us to succeed and progress. If we don’t say we don’t understand or ask questions we are not providing our trainers with feedback to help them help us.

Do your homework. Trainers don’t give us exercises to entertain themselves! After your lesson you can write down a quick recap and what you and your horse need to work on. We spend a lot of time working on making our horses better, don’t skimp on your own mental and physical fitness.

Don’t forget to check in. Be proactive and honest. Where are you in your journey? Where are you doing well? Where are you struggling? What can you do to continue to make your weaknesses better? If something isn’t going right, say something. You may need to go back and retrain, or fill in knowledge that wasn’t solidified.

No one is perfect. As horse people we have our fair share of setbacks. Learn from them! Mistakes, injuries and other setbacks are wonderful opportunities to still learn.

Discuss your errors with your trainer. What will you do differently next time? How will it look in the future? How will you take steps to make sure it doesn’t happen again? Injury and rehab are great opportunities to audit lessons, read rules, volunteer, work on your mental game. It takes a positive attitude to find an opportunity within a setback, but it will help you achieve your end goal faster.

Practice these steps and you will not only help your trainer help you, but you will make yourself more self-sufficient and achieve your goals more efficiently. Don’t forget that success isn’t linear. It’s helpful to look back on where you were a month, 6 months or even a year ago and see your progress.

A Conversation with David O’Connor | Annual Meeting 2024

Maddie Ozbun — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 00:08:53 GMT

Amongst many achievements, including two time Equestrian of the Year, David O’Connor is an Olympic gold medalist, with the best score in Olympic history won at the Sydney Olympic Games. David was also the former USEF President, and now serves as USEF Chief of Sport. O’Connor led his discussion at the MSEDA Annual Meeting with a presentation on Social Licensing and then wrapped up his conversation with his thoughts on developing the Young Event horse.

Social Licensing

David began his presentation on giving background on Social Licensing in equestrian sports. David stated that social license is essentially the public’s overall acceptance of the sport. O’Connor emphasizes that in today’s world, technology is everywhere, meaning you could be filmed and that video could be posted anywhere, in and out of context. Social Licensing is important for the future of our sport, since the public’s perception of a sport can quickly change the acceptance of said sport. David coined the phrase “If you can’t do it in Central Park with thousands of people watching, then you should not do it.”

Young Event Horse Development

O’Connor’s second segment focused on the development of the young event horse. David started by telling the audience about his newly minted 5* horse, Phelps, that is ridden by Mia Farley. Phelps, an 11 year old thoroughbred, was bought for just one dollar. David stated that he never though Phelps would make it to the 5* level, and Farley had doubts of him even going past the Preliminary level. Through David’s consistent training and coaching, Farley and Phelps finished as the only riders within time at the Maryland 5 Star event and finished in 5th.

O’Connor’s main goal when developing a horse is considering the horse’s longevity in the sport, and not rushing them while they are young. David then relayed how a horse’s growth pattern should affect their training program. Horses' bones reach full development at age 6, and that should coincide when trainers start to worry about the horse’s correctness in their form. Meaning, a 4, 5, or 6 year old’s frame should be more relaxed than vertical. David stated when he is working with young horses he “is always waiting for them to turn 7”.

A unique way David starts his young horse, is teaching them in a rope halter before introducing a bridle. This way he can correctly teach the horse pressure and the reward of the release of pressure. O’Connor stated that “The give (or release of pressure) is always the most powerful tool to the horse”. David then shared videos of his round pen work with Mia Farley riding a young horse for the first time. He always has riders back the horse for the first time under his eye in a round pen, using a rope halter and a string around their neck to give more control of the shoulders.

O’Connor went on to share videos of Mia schooling a horse cross country. The horse went over jumps, banks, and ditches. David stated that watching a horse’s eye is extremely important during their first days cross country schooling. Watching where they look can lead to how the horse jumps. He also went on to explain the importance of up banks, and how they teach the horses to learn to raise their front legs and use their body correctly to find good jumping form.

David ended the session with sharing one of his favorite exercises, lovingly named “the circle of death”. This is a simple 4 poles, cavelltis, or jumps set up in each quadrant of a circle. The rider then adjusts their horse's stride in between these obstacles on the circle, changing the amount of strides in each quadrant. He uses the exercise for all his riders and horses to teach control of the rider’s seat, speed, tempo, and proper use of the outside aids.

MSEDA thanks David O’Connor for taking the time to educate our members on these interesting topics and further encourage our riders during the Awards Banquet.

Sports Psychology with Dr. Ashley Samson | Annual Meeting 2024

Maddie Ozbun — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 00:07:41 GMT

Dr. Samson is a professor at the University of Kentucky who specializes in Sports Psychology. As an amateur equestrian herself, she shared some tips on how equestrians can utilize her tools in their everyday rides and at competitions. Samson shared that under stressful moments there are two angled approaches you can look at the situation, the “Zoom Out” or the “ Zoom In” methods

The “Zoom Out” approach suggests that you change your perspective on the task at hand and look at the bigger picture. Samson suggests thinking of all the progress you made to prepare yourself for that moment in time. It is easier to be more confident in the small steps you have made, rather than looking at one large goal. She broke this down into the acronym MEI2.

Mindfulness
Expectation Management
I2: Intentionality and Infusion

The “Zoom In” approach encourages athletes to pay attention to the finer details. Samson brings up 5 exercises athletes can utilize:

Set Daily Goals
Create and follow preparation plans
Regulate emotions/arousal
More productive thoughts
Regular self-evaluations of performance

Dr. Samson then discussed how each of these exercises can be used in your daily life. She mentioned that goal-setting is an important routine for yourself as an equestrian, and recommended that you begin each ride with a purpose or a task that you would like to complete within that ride. She also mentioned how important pre-performance routines are, and stated, “consistent preparation leads to consistent performance”.

Samson also gave tips on how to breathe through stressful moments. She suggested using “the box method” which teaches athletes to visualize a box while they are breathing. You breathe in while visualizing a line going up, hold your breath while you visualize a line forming on top, breathe out while the line goes down, and then hold while a line completes the box. Samson wrapped up her presentation by stressing the importance of positive self-talk, and suggested instead of asking yourself “How do I feel about this?” think “ What do I do about this?”. Attendees at Dr. Samson’s session gleaned many important skills to help them succeed mentally in both daily rides and at competitions. She encouraged attendees to reach out to her for further support in their riding journeys.

Western Dressage Overview | Annual Meeting 2024

Maddie Ozbun — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 00:06:02 GMT

Saturday morning Mseda members, Laura Muller and Karen Winn joined us to share their experiences and also educate a little on Western Dressage. As a competitor in WD myself, I was overjoyed to hear what these two ladies had to share.

Karen started us out with a little bit of an overview of the diversity in this growing sport. Last year at the World Championships alone there were 54 breeds represented including gaited horses. “Judges are looking for balance within the horse's own conformation, not the typical warmblood,” Karen shared with us. “You can take a not so great moving horse and be successful unlike traditional dressage. Judges are really looking for a harmonious relationship above all.”

This fast growing sport has a lot of online showing options as well. Opening it up to a vast number of people who may otherwise not be able to get to a show with these classes. As you work through the levels (Intro - 5th offered) gaits should progress with more uphill balance and collection. There tends to be more emphasis on halts and reinbacks and contact should get to be more steady as you work up through the levels. 2nd Level and above requires pivots but a rider can turn on the haunches or the pivot at lower levels. Both Karen and Laura shared video examples of their own tests and walked us through what was expected. A handy tip, you can find tests without things your horse may be weak at!

“Green horse?” Laura asked. “You have more leather around you for spooks and new experiences!” She graciously took the audience through all the needed tack and equipment including some excellent examples of what is seen in the show ring. A simple collared shirt, jeans and boots get many started!

What I continually love when hearing from other folks in this sport, is to see where they come from and why they gave it a try. Laura found WD because of a need to ride bitless with her gelding and fell in love. Karen, a known judge in our area, shared the successes her gelding has had at the National level (including fun trophy prizes and jackets). Success she would not have found with her willing but average mover in the traditional arena.

Interested in giving it a try? Check out the shows offered locally by MSEDA and KDA with Western Dressage classes or check out the Western Dressage Association of America’s site at https://www.westerndressageassociation.org/. There you can find the tests, rules (did you know you can talk during your test?), equipment and more!

-Nikki Wahl Seto

Organizer’s Meeting Recap | Annual Meeting 2024

Maddie Ozbun — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 00:03:52 GMT

At our Organizer’s Meeting, we announced several new initiatives that we hope will help support our competition organizers. We will award three deserving competitions with a $500 competition grant to help purchase needed supplies. You can view the grant application here.

The current president of the ground jury rule has been modified to allow show jump judges to serve as president of the ground jury in the case that an eventing and dressage judge is not hired for dressage. They will fulfill all normal duties of the president of the ground jury and must remain on-site for the duration of the competition.

Finally, Shelley Ryan introduced our new Safety Coordinator program. Starting in 2024, dressage schooling shows only may hire an MSEDA approved Safety Coordinator in lieu of a Technical Delegate. The role of the safety coordinator is to help management ensure horse and rider safety throughout the duration of the competition. If you are interested in becoming an approved Safety Coordinator, please contact MSEDA. You can view more information here.

Erin Woodall wrapped up this meeting with an interesting inside view into what an MSEDA Technical Delegate does to prepare for a show, and what they do on grounds. She shared her box of supplies, which included many materials that help her easily locate common rules she has to reference, tools that help her do her job efficiently, and items that keep the day running smoothly. Erin’s biggest reminder to potential new officials is that serving as a Technical Delegate is not as overwhelming as it seems, and that you will always have support from other officials if you start the journey. MSEDA is looking for officials, and we encourage you to join!

MSEDA hopes these efforts help our competitions run well in 2024.

Annual Business Meeting 2024

Maddie Ozbun — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 00:00:20 GMT

We opened our day with our Annual Business Meeting wherein each committee chair summarized the year. Our committees are: Annual Meeting, Awards, Business and Finance, Communication, Competitions, Education, Membership, Juniors, Nominating, and updates from our Board Administrator. We had a fabulous 2023 year full of a huge membership growth, lots of educational opportunities, and great turn-out at shows, both as competitors and volunteers. We always encourage members to get involved with our committees, if you would like to be more involved in MSEDA, please reach out to join a committee.

Heather Thomas Clinic

Anthony Trollope — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 16:35:46 GMT

by Heather Thomas

My MSEDA Christine Brown Memorial Grant give back was to host a -Build your own show jumping course Jr Clinic - held at Carriage Station Farm. The group ranged from Starter-Novice worked together to fill an empty arena with a course they might see at an event then proceeded to ride the course. Students had to walk distances and consider what would be included in their levels such as a 2-stride combination, related lines, and liver pools. We discussed rules such as crossing lines, start and finish timer location, flag positioning, etc. Everyone who attended had never put a course together, so overall, everyone came out learning a new skill. At the end of the ride, we discussed what went well and what didn’t, then strategized ways to change the course to make it more rideable or more challenging.

Rule Refresher

Anthony Trollope — Sat, 09 Dec 2023 14:11:31 GMT

by Robyn Munson

In January 2023 I started the process of obtaining my USEF Technical Delegate License. In this process, I have been apprenticing at several different shows with several different Technical Delegates. I have noticed as I go to these events that riders have ignored or not known the rules that could get them disqualified from the competition. Being disqualified from the event is different than being eliminated - elimination prevents that particular horse from continuing. Disqualification means that if you are riding multiple horses, all rides will be disqualified. This could make for a costly weekend!

As competitors we know that eventing involves a great deal of time, effort, and money. We certainly do not want to end our weekend sitting on the sidelines if we can prevent it so I thought it would be a good idea to do a refresher of some of the rules that could cause a rider to be disqualified from the entire event.

Ways to get disqualified:

· Allowing someone to ride and school your horse after the start of the event. Schooling is considered anything other than riding at a walk on a long rein.

· Riding in any dressage or show jumping arena or close to the cross- country obstacles before the event.

· Jumping any practice fences

o that are not marked;

o have been raised above the height or spread permitted for your level of competition;

o that have been held; or

o any time other than those permitted by the organizer.

· Walking the cross-country course before it is open to competitors.

· Walking the show jumping course before it is open to competitors.

· Entering the jumping arena on foot after the competition has started.

· Any abuse of a horse.

· Exercising with improper saddlery.

· Use of a radio or cellular phone while competing.

Please remember, it is your responsibility as a competitor to know the rules. The rules are easily accessible, and should be reviewed regularly to ensure that you are aware of any new or amended rules. If you do not understand a specific rule or need clarification, find an official at the competition and ask! Do not wait until an official approaches you for an infraction and then claim you did not understand. No official takes pleasure in disqualifying or eliminating a competitor, especially for something that could have been prevented if the rider had simply asked a question before it was too late.

I hope this article helps to remind our membership to follow the rules that will prevent someone from getting disqualified at a competition.

“And again, and again, and again”: Knowing When to Come Again and When to Switch Up an Exercise

Anthony Trollope — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 15:29:40 GMT

Written by Jonathan Horowitz - USEA Staff

The great football coach Vince Lombardi said, “We win our games in practice.” With the goal of having the most effective practices possible for horses, their riders, and their coaches, MSEDA member, Cathy Wieschhoff explains some signs that can indicate when horse and rider should repeat an exercise, switch it up, or be done with that activity.

[Read More]

Betsy Steiner Clinic

Anthony Trollope — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 20:58:10 GMT

MSEDA Dressage at the Park and Team Challenge recap

Anthony Trollope — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 20:53:46 GMT

by Julia Burs

I was so honored and excited to represent MSEDA at Team Challenge this year as part of the Beginner Novice team MSEDA Stranger Danger. For both my 7-year-old OTTB gelding Security Check Required (“Temba”) and I, Team Challenge was our first USEA-sanctioned horse trial. Even though I live in Lexington and am at the Horse Park all the time — I was even decorating cross-country with one of my teammates earlier that week! — it felt different and intimidating to be there doing something that we’d never done before. While my coach Jhett Jenkins was there with me on Saturday, and my barn bestie Kerri Sweet groomed for me the whole time, having a team of MSEDA members there riding with us all weekend made me feel more relaxed and confident than doing it all on my own. Furthermore, knowing that MSEDA leadership had taken a chance on Temba and me despite our lack of experience made me want to step up my game to earn that trust.

And yes, I know, what a choice I made to debut at an event with maxed-out stadium and cross-country courses, at the end of the season when everyone else is on their fifth or tenth trial. It definitely wasn’t the plan at the beginning of the season, but I am so glad things worked out the way they did. Temba showed clear progress in our dressage test, but an operator error by me and the fact that we are still relatively new at this meant that our score was definitely the team “throwaway.” (The top three scores of four are counted toward the team score.) Stadium and cross country were both challenging, as promised, but we both found the challenges to be confidence-building, because both courses required thinking and planning but paced themselves to allow that planning to unfold. My MSEDA teammates helped me stay relaxed and laughing in warmup, and Temba was foot-perfect through stadium. In cross-country, we started fine but a little hesitant, and he took a hard look at the water but never stepped back. We became a better team through the back half of the course, trusting each other more and navigating complicated questions like the half coffin in the woods and the log at the lip of Pete’s Hollow with ease and even a little grace. We were thrilled to go double clear through both jump phases and finish with a score that contributed to our team’s overall 7th place finish. It was a fantastic experience, and I’m already counting the days until Team Challenge 2023!

Check Out Our Speakers For The Annual Meeting

Anthony Trollope — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 20:46:10 GMT

Susan Posner

Susan started riding in Germany at the age of 9 when her father was stationed there for the U.S. Army. At the age of 12 she won her German Bronze Riding Medal. She evented the great Pinto mare "Poltroon" through Preliminary. Susan was the first ATA member to take a Trakehner mare to Grand Prix. She has been riding and training through Grand Prix for over 30 years. Susan has competed in the selection trials for the Pan American Games and the World Championships. She has been a USEF 'R' Judge for over 25 years & also has her Western Dressage judging license. Susan has her USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medals as well as her Silver & Gold Freestyle Bars. Susan has coached 3 riders to medals at the NAJYRC's. She has also been the horse show chair for KDA for 15 years, the MSEDA Vice President of Dressage and runs MSEDA Dressage at the Park. Susan has worked with all different breeds of horses from imported Warmbloods to Arabians to Fresians. She has also had a very successful career with mares. Susan's clientele ranges from adult amateurs to young riders. She is currently training & coaching in Lexington, Kentucky.

Sue Mandas

Sue Mandas is a USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold Medalist, has also earned her Silver and Gold Freestyle Bars, and is a USEF "S" judge. Sue has been involved in the sport of Dressage as competitor, trainer, breeder and instructor for over 40 years. She is a USEF “S” dressage judge, a “R” Sport Horse Breed judge, and an FEI 3* Para-Equestrian Judge. A longtime member of the USDF Sport Horse Committee, she currently also serves as an At Large Director on the USDF executive board. Involved with breeding warmblood Sport horses for many years, her first Grand Prix horse was one she bred, raised and trained herself, with the help of instruction through clinics. Sue is a USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold Medalist and earned the Silver and Gold Freestyle Bars. Sue has trained many horses to the FEI level, winning Regional Champion or Reserve Champion at every level, Second through Grand Prix, and making the USET longlist several times. Currently, she is living in Centerville, Ohio, where she rides, trains and teaches.

Max Corcoran

Meet panelist Max Corcoran. Max is former U.S. Eventing Association president, who gained recognition as a groom and barn manager for the O’Connor Eventing Team. While working with the O'Connors she traveled to the Olympic Games, World Championships, Pan American Games, and numerous CCIs all over North America and Europe. After leaving the O'Connors, Corcoran also worked as a freelance groom and has served as stable manager for the Canadian and Venezuelan Equestrian Teams. Max has a wealth of knowledge and is considered one of the foremost experts on horse management in the world. She also works as an event organizer for competitions such as The Fork Horse Trials at Tryon and the Ocala Jockey Club International Three-Day Event. While working with the O'Connors she traveled to the Olympic Games, World Championships, Pan American Games, and numerous CCIs all over North America and Europe.

Karen Winn

Karen Winn grew up riding hunt seat in Princeton, New Jersey, but became interested in dressage and eventing while attending the University of Massachusetts in the 1970s. She was an active member of the UMass Intercollegiate Horse Show team and Equestrian Drill Team, while completing a BS degree in Animal Science.

Karen came to Lexington, Kentucky in 1976 to teach riding at the University of Kentucky, and remained in the area, getting involved in many aspects of the horse business, and completing a second BS degree in Accounting at UK. She has worked for Midway College, the American Hanoverian Society, the US Pony Clubs, the American Saddlebred Horse Association, and the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation, and is now retired.

Karen has had a long association as an instructor with the Lexington and Kentucky Horse Park Mounted Police units, and has been active with the Young Event Horse committee of the US Eventing Association, the Masterson Equestrian Trust, the MSEDA, Kentucky Dressage Association, and the Retired Racehorse Project. Karen participated in the original MSEDA Learner Dressage Judge Program, and first became a USEF licensed official in 1980. She currently is a USEF “R” rated Dressage and Western Dressage Judge, and a USDF Bronze and Silver Medalist. She is an FEI Eventing Judge and Technical Delegate, as well as an FEI Eventing Chief Steward. Karen has officiated at competitions across the US and in Canada, France, Ireland, Great Britain, Colombia, Costa Rica, and New Zealand. She also frequently judges in the Arabian Sport Horse division.

Karen lives on a small farm in Lexington, Kentucky, and competes when time permits in Western Dressage on her homebred Thoroughbred, Shawkilito, who recently achieved his WDAA Register of Excellence. She also competes with her Black & Tan Coonhounds in conformation and various performance events, and is on the board of the Lexington Kennel Club and president of the American Black & Tan Coonhound Club.

Marilyn Payne

Marilyn is an FEI 4* Eventing Judge and a USEF “S” Dressage Judge who has officiated at major eventing and dressage competitions in the U.S. and around the world. In addition to judging twice at the Olympics – a rare honor – and at the World Equestrian Games, she has presided at the European Eventing Championships and the Central American Games, and has judged every 4* event in the world. She makes time in her busy judging schedule to teach seminars for FEI Eventing Officials and training programs for USEF dressage judges. She is a member of the FEI Eventing Committee, representing the perspective of judges worldwide. She is also a member of the USEF High Performance Committee and the USEF Eventing Committee.

Marilyn has been instrumental in establishing the U.S. Eventing Association’s Young Event Horse (YEH) Committee, and spreading the word among breeders and competitors about this unique competition. Under her leadership, the YEH program and the training of YEH judges has grown by leaps and bounds. In 2017, Marilyn will teach a YEH seminar in Florida for officials, competitors and breeders.

An active competitor in eventing and dressage and a highly popular clinician and trainer, Marilyn enjoys teaching all levels of riders, using a systematic approach to bring out the best in each horse/rider team. Whether she is judging at the Olympics or the World Equestrian Games, teaching a novice rider the basics of dressage, or staying up all night with a mare about to foal, Marilyn gives her total concentration to the task at hand, using the skills acquired during her lifetime with horses to assure the best possible outcome.

Don’t Forget! Education at annual meeting will count as education hours!

Updates to 2022 USEF Eventing Dressage Tests

Anthony Trollope — Tue, 25 Jan 2022 16:33:11 GMT

During the presentation of the 2022 USEF Eventing Dressage Tests at the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention, changes were discussed to help further clarify the movement requirements in the tests. Marilyn Payne, chair of the Test Writing Task Force, worked with the USEF to clarify the language used within the movements, without substantive changes to the movements themselves.

The updated tests are published on the USEA Website here. Organizers who purchased the digital judge's copies from ShopUSEA will receive the updated versions free of charge.

The following tests have been updated for the 2022 competition season.

New for 2022 is a Starter test which was not announced in the original list. You can view this online here.

For additional details, please contact Gemma Stobbs, Director, Eventing Programs, at gstobbs@usef.org.

2021 Educational Grant Recipient Megan Northrop

Anthony Trollope — Fri, 03 Dec 2021 19:00:05 GMT

I was so honored to receive a generous $500 educational grant from MSEDA for year end of 2020. I have been obsessed with this sport since I was a child and have been a member of MSEDA (previously MSCTA) since the 80’s. I am so grateful for the membership opportunities that MSEDA provides. I LOVE being a student of the sport and will always strive to educate myself in every single way to make myself a better rider so that every horse I may ever have the pleasure of working with will have the best opportunity to be successful. I enjoy so much taking lessons and especially participating in clinics. MSEDA provides its members wonderful opportunities to bring into our area knowledgeable professionals to ride with. This year I utilized this grant money to be able to ride with Kyle Carter and Gwen Poulin. I am so grateful for the MSEDA and am proud to be a part if this important organization! Thank you to all of you who make it possible!!

-Megan Northrop

Hear from member Jen Coleman about her experience riding with Hawley:

Anthony Trollope — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 14:02:37 GMT

In April, 2021, I rode in the Hawley Bennett clinic put on at Carriage Station Farm. I was in the Training/Modified class with SS Willow. I love riding with Hawley! She really focuses on confidence of horse and rider in her clinics. She takes the time to help the horses understand the exercises and builds them up slowly. She isn’t afraid to point out holes to work on, AND she gives you the tools to fill the gaps.

I love the grid work exercises that Hawley sets up. They really get the horse moving it’s feet and gives the rider opportunity to focus on their own position. Hawley really helped me find the correct pace out on the cross country course as well. We all know that it always feels faster than it is to gallop at a large, solid fence! I highly recommend joining the fun! Her enthusiasm is contagious and leaves you feeling like you can jump the moon!

Hope to see you there!

Jen Coleman
Solstice Sporthorses

Horse Rehab and Grief

Anthony Trollope — Wed, 20 Oct 2021 12:42:47 GMT

By: Kelly Rover

My heart horse Barney (Fifth Avenue) injured his right hind deep digital flexor tendon in September 2020 (cause known) and he has been in rehab ever since. After 20 years of horse ownership, I finally had to deal with my first horse rehab situation and I’ve learned a lot from it. In addition to horse rehab, I also learned a lot about grief and how it impacts my day to day life.

According to Wikipedia, grief is defined as “…the response to loss, particularly to the loss of someone or some living thing that has died, to which a bond or affection was formed.” Despite the fact that Barney did not die, I still ended up dealing with a good deal of grief having lost the ability to ride my heart horse, my main way to bond with my friend group, my basic form of physical activity, my number one stress reliever and distraction from work, and even a bit of my identity. With this loss, I experienced the five stages of grief – denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance – in addition to a good amount of stress and anxiety over the last year.

Denial: Because Barney was sound during his first few months of rehab, I was optimistic that he would heal quickly and be back to riding in no time. Barney and I were entered in several Fall shows last year and I held on to the entries convinced that we would be back to riding in a matter of days or weeks, not months or years. I was in denial, or at least naive, regarding the seriousness of Barney’s injury and prognosis.

Anger: After the denial came the anger. I was angry at the show barn that kicked Barney out 48 hours after his diagnosis. I was angry at the podiatrist who changed Barney’s shoeing angles too quickly in the middle of rehab. I was mad at the rain that caused Barney to be locked in a stall for days at a time to keep him from slipping in the mud. I was frustrated with the never-ending vet bills, rehab bills, and podiatry bills that never seemed to coincide with progress or good news. I was angry about all the things I was missing – the time in the saddle, the shows, the trail rides, and Florida trip, and time with friends. I had a lot of anger, but I did my best to hide it from people so as not to alienate myself further.

Bargaining: Sometime in January I realized that Barney wouldn’t be healed any time soon and I didn’t want to miss an entire year of riding. I bargained with myself that if I could lease a horse to ride until Barney got better then I wouldn’t miss out on so much. I bargained that if I focused on the excitement of riding a new horse, I could bury the grief that I felt from Barney’s injury. Unfortunately, my plans for bargaining backfired and only resulted in further fueling my sadness, anger, and depression. A failed lease trial in January, a catastrophic event in March, an ended lease in May, a failed pre-purchase trial in June, and another failed match in September left me wondering if any of this is worth the time, the money, or the heartache.

Depression: The fourth stage of grief, depression, has consumed most of my year. Most days I feel like my life is covered in a dense fog and I’m frozen in my tracks and unable to move. My energy has been spent and my desire to act or react is gone. I go through the motions of putting in long hours at work, but I have a hard time mustering up the energy to do much other than eat, sleep, and work most days. Anyone who knows me will describe me as a goal oriented, action focused, and always on the move so this is a complete 180 from my “normal” self. I try to find joy in meeting friends for a drink or borrowing a friend’s horse to hack, but those opportunities are fleeting and just as quickly I fall back into depression.

Acceptance: In the last 30 days my husband and I made the spontaneous decision to buy a horse farm. I feel like this was a big step in accepting Barney’s prognosis. At 13 years old, it is safe to assume that Barney will need a place to safely live out the next 15-20 years of his life and that boarding is impractical. I told myself that having Barney in my backyard for me to groom and snuggle and spoil every day would help heal my heart. All of those things are true, but part of me also wonders if I bought a horse farm so that I wouldn’t quit horses entirely. So that I wouldn’t let my depression swallow me up and hide me from the equestrian life which I love. So that the last year of grief doesn’t erase the 20+ years of happiness that horses have given me.

I must admit that I don’t fully feel like I’ve conquered my grief yet. I expect that I will continue to cycle through the various stages of grief for a while longer but I hope that it starts to fade over time and get replaced with peace, hope, pride, and joy. In the meantime, I will be busy setting up my new farm, feeding Barney peppermints over the backyard fence, living vicariously through my equestrian friends, and looking for my next riding partner.

MSEDA Grant Awarded to Kelly Rover

Anthony Trollope — Sat, 05 Jun 2021 18:32:49 GMT

Every winter I count down the days until I can head to Aiken, South Carolina for my annual spring training trip with my horse. This is the perfect chance to step away from work and my adult responsibilities in Kentucky and enjoy a week focused on my horse and spending time with friends.

This year, my horse Barney was laid up with a soft tissue injury. Luckily, someone at the barn was generous enough to let me borrow their 10 yo thoroughbred gelding Biggs (Big Brass Band) to take on the trip.

by CanterClix

Biggs and I started our trip early Friday, March 19th and made the 8 hour drive to Jumping Branch Farm. We spent the week hacking around the picturesque property and getting dressage, show jumping, and cross country lessons. I was fortunate to get coaching from Jennifer Merrick-Brooks of Equijenn Equestrian International based in Michigan. Jenn has a unique talent for building confidence in timid horses and riders with an emphasis on having fun! I learned a lot from Jenn, and her daughter and Equijenn co-owner Brittney Weber, throughout the week.

In dressage, Biggs tends to curl behind the bit at the trot and Jenn gave me advice on how to warm up in the canter to get him thinking forward before putting him together and working through various dressage test movements and transitions at the walk, trot, and canter. We also practiced an exercise of riding square corners in an open field to help me support Biggs and keep him from running through the right shoulder and rib cage.

by Nancy Kowalski

In show jumping, we worked on my keeping my leg long and heels low which enabled me to support Biggs’s large barrel and help lift him up with my leg instead of sending him shooting forward. We also worked on my ability to half halt and rebalance Biggs with my seat and body (tilt my pelvis to sit on my seat bones and keep my shoulders tall) while keeping my hands low and soft. It took a while for me to find the right combination of supportive leg, body balancing half halt, and soft hand to maintain an even and consistent rhythm around the jump field.

Towards the end of the week I got to school cross country at Jumping Branch Farm. I worked on applying what I learned in my show jumping lessons to my cross country riding. Biggs and I were successful in keeping a steady rhythm and balance from jump to jump even while navigating ditches, banks, and water. So much fun!

The week was a great experience learning to ride a new horse while having a blast hanging out with my friends. A huge thanks to the MSEDA which provided me with the grant to cover the cost of my lessons while I was in Aiken. I cannot wait until Aiken 2022!

This is a report provided by the grant recipient Kelly Rover.

Rule Refresher: Changes to the USEF Rules for Eventing in 2021

Anthony Trollope — Mon, 18 Jan 2021 15:56:25 GMT

(USEA) - US Equestrian (USEF) has released the updated USEF Rules for Eventing for the 2021 season which will go into effect on December 1, 2020. Changes this year include relaxed dress requirements, riders will no longer be required to wear a medical armband (unless they have a relevant medical condition), activating a frangible device will now carry a penalty of 11 points, and this coming year we will see the addition of the new Modified Three-Day Event!

Click here to ready the whole post.

Rule Refresher: 2021 FEI Rule Changes

Anthony Trollope — Mon, 18 Jan 2021 14:22:25 GMT

(USEA News) - There are currently 34 FEI events on the U.S. Eventing calendar for 2021 with the first taking place in mid-March. While all national events in the U.S. follow the USEF Rules For Eventing, international events follow the FEI Rulebook.

The FEI General Assembly met in early December and unanimously approved all proposals for 2020 modifications to the eventing rules. In addition, there were a few important modifications to the general regulations and veterinary regulations.

Click here to read the rest of the post.

Notice of Cancellation of the 2020 AEC

Anthony Trollope — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 14:31:46 GMT

The United States Eventing Association (USEA) and Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI) have made the extremely difficult decision to cancel the 2020 edition of the USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC) presented by Nutrena Feeds. The USEA Board of Governors weighed every option, but ultimately voted not to proceed to host the national championships due to the health and safety concerns of holding a national competition during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Canceling the AEC is devastating for so many that have worked so hard to get to this point," said USEA CEO Rob Burk. "With riders coming from 41 states we could not ignore the geographic pull of this event and the implications of that. The immense amount of uncertainty caused by recent cancellations of similar-sized events at the Kentucky Horse Park weighed heavily on the USEA leadership.”

“If the AEC had moved forward I am confident that our team led by EEI, Mary Fike, and the USEA Staff would have put on a spectacular competition in as safe an atmosphere as is possible. Ultimately though the inability to guarantee that the event wouldn't be canceled by regional governments or other authorities left too much uncertainty. By canceling before the closing date for entries we are hopeful that riders can reroute to their local events which desperately need their support and are working incredibly hard to hold safe events. Over the next month, the USEA Board of Governors will look into the qualifications for the 2021 AEC to see what can be done for those that worked so hard to qualify in 2020."

“The USEA Board of Governors held a lengthy discussion tonight and it was not an easy decision,” added USEA President Max Corcoran. “We have full faith in EEI, the Kentucky Horse Park, and the competitors themselves that we could run a safe competition, but ultimately we voted not to proceed. It’s the horrible decision of what we want and what is right. The AEC is a national championships with competitors coming from 41 different states, and it is not in the best interest of our members to host such a geographically diverse competition during a global pandemic. I am very sad that we are not having the AEC this year, but in these uncertain times, we wanted to make the decision as far out as possible in order for people to plan accordingly. Not hosting the AEC will be a financial hit for both the USEA and EEI, but in the end, it is the right decision ethically for the staff, volunteers, officials, and competitors. I look forward to cheering you all on in Kentucky in 2021!”

“While canceling the 2020 AEC was a difficult decision, we know that the health and safety of our competitors far outweigh any event,” said EEI Executive Director Lee Carter. “USEA, EEI, and Mary Fike recognize that 2020 has created challenges for many organizations. Our hope and expectation are that in 2021 we will be stronger than ever. Until then . . . on we go!”

Please direct any questions concerning entries or stabling to Anna Robinson at aecentries@gmail.com.

Season To Resume June 1st

Anthony Trollope — Mon, 11 May 2020 14:31:55 GMT

Dear MSEDA members,

I hope you have been safe and healthy during the recent pandemic.

Since we follow the recommendations of the USEF, USEA, and USDF, we will be recognizing points for our schooling shows starting June 1st.

We urge you to contact organizers to determine local protocols to protect everyone at the shows.

I look forward to seeing all of you soon, and hope we can have a great show season.

Good luck,
MSEDA Board of Directors

USEF Update on COVID-19: Suspension Extended Through May 31, 2020

Anthony Trollope — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 15:01:34 GMT

Dear USEF Members and Competition Organizers (Licensees and Managers),

We continue to carefully monitor the COVID-19 Pandemic situation and the position of health experts, including the CDC and other public health authorities. It appears that in several areas of the country, restrictions put in place by State Governors, such as the “stay-at-home” orders, are making a positive difference. Federal, state and local governments are discussing plans for re-opening the environment in the near future. However, this will not occur overnight and will very likely consist of a graduated easing of restrictions over several weeks, which may vary greatly state-to-state, as well as within the states themselves.

The success of these plans is predicated on a mindful and responsible approach to easing restrictions while also maintaining best practices that we have all learned and adopted in order to reduce exposure to and transmission of the COVID-19 virus. Once USEF competitions resume, we must all continue to support and maintain these best practices as part of our daily activities to help prevent further disruptions to our lives. We hope that resumption of competition comes soon.

With that in mind, the suspension of all USEF owned and named events, selection trials, training camps, clinics and activities is being extended through May 31, 2020. This suspension also includes points, scores, money won, qualifications, or rankings toward any USEF award programs, USEF owned and named events, or selection to a US team including USEF National Championships. Upon the expiration of this suspension, competitions must comply with requirements issued by USEF for operating sport horse competitions in this environment.

Collaborating with competition organizers, affiliate leaders and other industry experts, USEF has been developing competition protocols for safely operating competitions and mitigating the risks associated with COVID-19. Once finalized, we will be providing all competition organizers with these protocols as well as other risk mitigation tools for their use. These tools and resources will also be front-facing on our website and accessible by all members and website visitors.

We have been working on amendments to qualification and selection processes for numerous USEF owned and named events as well as how USEF HOTY awards and ranking lists are calculated. We have started announcing modifications that will make the process as fair as possible for all participants, despite the disruption to the competition year and the likelihood of a staggered regional start-up.

We have received inquiries as to whether USEF will grant exemptions to the junior competitor age restrictions, equine age restrictions and equine eligibility restrictions based on competitive experience. While these topics are being discussed, it is still too early to make definitive conclusions regarding these issues.

We will continue to assess the pandemic impact, and we will keep you informed of any updates to our position as circumstances warrant or as instructed by the government and public health authorities.

The safety and welfare of our members and their horses must continue to be our top priority.

Stay safe,

William J. Moroney
Chief Executive Officer

A Dream Come True

Anthony Trollope — Mon, 28 Oct 2019 18:20:54 GMT

Founded in 2000 by Olympian Michael Poulin, the Young Rider International Dream Program, hosted by The Dressage Foundation, takes four top American dressage riders under the age of 22 to Europe to introduce them to the pinnacle of dressage sport: CHIO Aachen, in Germany.

However, these up-and-coming riders got more than just awesome seats for the horse show: They received insider information from top professionals in all facets of the equestrian industry, including riders, trainers, judges, photographers, tack makers and more.

MSEDA member Reese Koffler-Stanfield (USDF FEI Certified Instructor) was asked to chaperone the 2019 trip, which took place July 15 through 22. Recipients of the scholarship for the week-long excursion included Sophia Chavonelle of Maine, Raissa Chunko of Colorado, Emma Sevriens of Georgia and Bridgid Browne, also of Georgia. The second chaperone was Bill McMullin of Wellington, FL, an “R” judge and international rider and trainer.

A Trip Abroad

No stranger to international competition, Reese was delighted to have the opportunity to return to Germany to show the riders what encompasses the “best horse show in the world!” And there truly is no other equestrian competition or venue quite like the CHIO Aachen World Equestrian Festival. Competition takes place in five disciplines: show jumping, dressage, eventing, driving and vaulting.

The main stadium seats 40,000—and Reese notes that the stadium routinely sells out. “The entire town comes out,” says Reese. “There are loads of school kids and the whole town celebrates the horse show. It’s a true showcase of German horse sport.” There are literally tens of thousands of visitors every day; in total, 368,500 people attended the event in 2019—that’s certainly a dichotomy from State-side competition when venues, even those hosting elite riders, are routinely less than half full.

And what else is notable about the showground? The shopping! “Oh, the trade fair!” Reese says as she scrolls through pictures that include literally walls of blinged-out browbands, saddlepads, bits and every equine accoutrement a horse lover can possibly dream of. There’s nothing that really compares to the shopping at Aachen, Reese says.

Meeting the Makers

In addition to the amazing competition, Reese and Bill set up meet-and-greets for the young riders with 27 professionals from various facets of the equine industry. These included judges, photographers, a bit designer for Herm Sprenger and industry powerhouses like Carl Hester, Janet Foy, Axel Steiner, Steffen Peters, Katherine Bateson, and Adrienne Lyle (Steffen, Katherine, and Adrienne are members of the US Dressage Team).

Though incredibly busy, each professional offered 100 percent of their attention to the four aspiring professionals, speaking candidly about the trials and tribulations of making it to the top in a very competitive sport. The riders in particular spoke openly about the financial need to locate and secure sponsors and owners for international competition.

While the interactions with professionals were designed with the young riders in mind, Reese notes that everything they said was applicable to the adult chaperones, as well. “One of the goals of the trip is to foster professional relationships,” said Reese, and to encourage the young riders to ask questions and for advice—all of which is helpful no matter your age.

Best Seat in the House

The competition was nothing short of remarkable; the young riders got to not only watch some of the best horse-and-rider teams in the world compete, but they also got to see them warm-up, which, as any devoted rider knows, is where you may learn even more than you do when watching the competition arena.

The riders and their chaperones got to really analyze the tests they were watching; Germans are so deeply passionate about horse sport that many audience members had an app where they could live score along with the judges and see the judging results in real time.

The competition was amazing, but the real learning for the young riders took place outside the arenas, where they met with professionals from all equestrian genres who took them seriously and spoke to them candidly and as adults. There’s no doubt that this week-long trip will leave a lasting impression as these young riders begin their journeys as professional riders and trainers.

Read more about the Aachen CIO here. https://www.chioaachen.de/en/

Interested in learning more about the Young Rider International Dream Program and all the grants available through the Dressage Foundation? Click here. https://www.dressagefoundation.org/grants-and-programs/apply/young/dream.html

AREA VIII Win Big at Young Riders

Anthony Trollope — Mon, 12 Aug 2019 16:26:41 GMT

Area VIII Young Riders brought home some impressive hardware from the 2019 Adequan/FEI North American Youth Championships presented by Gotham North last month! Held at Rebecca Farm in Kalispell, MT, Area VIII fielded two teams, both a CCI2* and a CCI3* team. The riders returned home with Team Gold in the CCI 2* and Team Silver in the CCI 3*! To round out the stellar weekend, two individual medals were won by Elizabeth Henry (Individual Silver in the 2*) and Cosby Green (Individual Bronze in the 3*).

Members of the CCI2* team included:
Elizabeth Henry on Charlotte La Bouff
Cierra Daratony on Rio De Janeiro
Gracie Elliott on Ballylanders Finn McCool
Tate Northrop on Fine With Me

Members of the CCI3* Star Team were fielded from Area IV and Area VIII. They included:
Cosby Green on Takine De La Barbais
Heather Morris on Jos UFO De Quidam
Emma Fetting on Spanning the Globe
Greta Schwickert on Charles Owen

For Area VIII, Emily Beshear was the coach, Maxine Preston was the Chef d’Equipe and Shelley Ryan was the coordinator. Additional support was provided by Dr. Laura Werner of Hagyard Equine Medical Institute as the team’s vet.

The Area VIII Young Riders Program is open to riders competing in Beginner Novice and above, who are 21 years old and younger who live in Area VIII. This unique program offers young eventers educational opportunities to learn skills they need to compete well and safely. It also teaches necessary riding techniques as they move into the upper levels of competition. Riders in Area VIII must be selected to be a representative of the area at the CCI1* and CCI2* competition at the North American Young Riders Championship.

MSEDA caught up with Gold Medal team members Tate Northrop and Gracie Elliott to ask about their awesome trip West.

MSEDA: Where did you qualify for Young Riders?
Gracie Elliott: I qualified for Young Riders at Chattahoochee Hills 2* short!
Tate Northrop: I started this season in Aiken to complete my Preliminary qualifications for the 2* level. I then completed my two CCI2* events, one at Virginia Horse Trials (which I recommend!) in May and another at Fox River Valley in June. That allowed me to make my minimum qualifications to be eligible for the team!

MSEDA: Was this your first year competing in this event?
GE: This was my first time competing at Young Riders! The rest of my team had never competed there either, so winning gold as a rookie team was extra special!!
TN: Yes, I’m 14, so this was the first year I was eligible.

MSEDA: What horse did you ride?
GE: I rode my own Ballylanders Finn McCool, known in the barn as Finn. He is an 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding that I brought over a little over 3 years ago. When he came over, he had not gone to any events, so I have been able to produce him from the start!
TN: I rode my horse Frank, show under the name Fine With Me. We bought him 2 years ago to help me get to Young Riders. He’s also known as “my teacher.”

MSEDA: How did you find your horse?
GE: One of my coaches, Megan Moore, sourced him for me in Ireland.
TN: We bought him from Martha Lambert, who was selling him for her sister Margie Darling, who had owned him since his racing days. Martha and her daughter Lauren were a big part of his training and even campaigned him up through the Intermediate level. We were very lucky to find him so close to us.

MSEDA: Who is your trainer?
GE: I train with Megan Moore out of Georgetown, KY, and Linda Strine out of Nicholasville, KY.
TN: I kind of freelance; I do lots of clinics and get to train with Emily Beshar, who is the Area 8 coach. Also a big shout-out to Emily Ragan for helping me from the start!

MSEDA: Did you know the other members of your team before you got out West?
GE: Before heading out to Montana, I knew my teammate Cierra, as well as Cosby Green, who was on the 3-star team. It was such an awesome experience to get to know Elizabeth, Tate and Heather throughout the week!
TN: I knew of them, but we got to get really close through the Area 8 training sessions and camps. But sharing this experience in Montana brought us even closer.

MSEDA: Have you been to Rebecca Farm before?
GE: I had never been to Rebecca Farms before, but it is one of the most beautiful venues I have had the opportunity of competing at! It took the horses about 36 hours on the van and it took me about 8 hours to get there from Kentucky by plane!
TN: No, but I certainly hope we get to go again! Rebecca Farms is amazing! It took a long time to get there (thank you Brook Ledge Horse Transportation!) and a whole lot of delayed and canceled flights, but we finally got there.

MSEDA: What was your favorite part of the trip?
GE: It’s so hard to pick my favorite part of the trip! I loved getting to hang out with the team (and go white water rafting in the national park!), hack around and explore the venue, and of course get to compete! It was truly a dream come true!
TN: My favorite part of the trip was the team experience and the awesome girls I shared it with.

MSEDA: How did you feel your competition went?
GE: All of the pieces seemed to come together during the competition. Our dressage test was the best that we could lay down at this point in our training, we had the best cross country round of our lives-- I was absolutely thrilled to go double clear--and we had an amazing show jumping round that was just one silly second over the time! I couldn’t believe that we only added .4 penalties to my score at the biggest competition we have ever been to!
TN: We had some of our best performances up there, including having a double-clear cross country run at our first long format.

MSEDA: Was it fun to be a part of a team?
GE: I think the best part of competing at NAYC was the team experience. It was incredible to get close with other riders who showed up to every one of each other’s rides to cheer every teammate on. We laughed together, we cried together and standing up on the podium together was something I will never forget!!
TN: Yes, it was one of my favorite parts of this experience. The best part is having all the support from our coach, chef, organizer and vet, along with the encouragement from my teammates.

MSEDA: Would you recommend other equestrians try to take part in Young Riders?
GE: I would 100 percent recommend Young Riders to anybody who will listen!! It takes a lot of work to get there and is not for the faint of heart, but it is one of the most rewarding experiences that I have been blessed to immerse myself in!
TN: Yes, I would definitely recommend it. I loved the experience, but know it’s not for everyone.

MSEDA: What are you taking away from this competition?
GE: My biggest take-away from the competition is having confidence in my horse and my riding. It was a long road to produce Finn up to this level, and I often doubt that I have prepared him enough for the task at hand. He really stepped up to the plate at NAYC and proved to me that we can both do it and do it well!
TN: Overall, I have a greater appreciation of the sport and all the people it takes to make these competitions happen.

MSEDA: What advice would you give to someone who dreams of riding at Young Riders?
GE: If I were to give advice to someone trying to get to Young Riders, I would encourage them not to compare themselves to others. I went from doing Preliminary on my previous horse to running around a Beginner Novice on Finn, so it took me a while to put things in perspective when I was seeing the friends I had been competing against move up the levels while I was starting from scratch. It takes a lot of time to get ready for something like this, but it is so, so worth it!
TN: This definitely would not have been possible without finding the right horse like Frank or having such supportive parents and people around me.

Becoming a VIP

Anthony Trollope — Fri, 28 Jun 2019 14:36:33 GMT

Volunteerism has long been a core tenet of the USEA and the new Volunteer Incentive Program makes recording hours even easier.

by Sarah E. Coleman

Launched in 2015, The United States Eventing Association’s Volunteer Incentive Program (VIP) was the brainchild of the late Seema Soonad. A tireless advocate for better recognition and education of volunteers, her legacy lives on through the VIP program, explains Claire Kelley, marketing coordinator for USEA.

The program, presented by Sunsprite Warmbloods, aims to increase the ease of participation in events, provide incentives and recognize the efforts of volunteers, Claire explains. “Without the work of volunteers, USEA and the sport of three-day eventing wouldn’t exist.”

In 2017, the online management portal, eventingvolunteers.com, became available for download. The app is very used friendly, and creator Nicolas Hinze is available to help with any questions or concerns, Claire notes. “The Volunteer Committee is one of the hardest working committees of the USEA and is continuously thinking of new ideas to build and improve the program.”

The perks of volunteering with USEA are many; not only is hard work recognized on both a national and regional level, volunteers make connections with others at the event and have the freedom to choose their positions through the VIP app. An added perk for eventing newbies or for those returning to the discipline after a hiatus is the ability to learn more about the sport and become completely immersed in the ins and outs of competition.

By the Numbers

In 2018, a total of 30,521 volunteer hours were recorded. The 2018 USEA Volunteer of the Year, Vicki Reynolds, had an impressive total of 330 hours and 35 minutes by herself. As the winner of the USEA Volunteer of the Year, Vicki received a cash prize of $1,000, a custom “USEA Volunteer of the Year” embroidered jacket and a memorial trophy. The Top Ten volunteers on the Volunteer Incentive Program Leaderboard receive a certificate of acknowledgment and a ribbon at the end of each competition year. Area awards are also strongly encouraged, but are decided by each area representative.

Eventingvolunteers.com has created a “USEA VIP All Time Leaderboard” and since Dec. 1, 2016, eventingvolunteers.com has recorded 54,253 volunteer hours and 3,103 volunteers. The top three on the “USEA VIP All Time leaderboard” as of March 13, 2019, were:

Michael Smallwood with 543 hours and 18 minutes
Diane Bird with 428 hours and 2 minutes
Art Bird with 383 hours and 42 minutes

Online Entries: A True Gamechanger

Anthony Trollope — Fri, 28 Jun 2019 14:31:02 GMT

The internet has revolutionized more than just the business world; it’s made our ability to play much easier, as well.

by Sarah E. Coleman

Years ago, when everyone said eventually the Internet would revolutionize our lives, it was easy to scoff. I mean really—who actually thought we would be able to look up equine ailments immediately (including pictures!), get opinions from horse people across the country or chat with specialists literally half a world away? Very few people truly imagined the world that would be opened to equine enthusiasts when the World Wide Web first came about.

The internet has revolutionized just about everything to do with equine ownership: X-rays can be sent immediately for second opinions; updated association standings no longer needs to postal mailed to all organization members; and entry to horse shows, events and clinics has never been easier.

@Subhead:

Mary Fike, owner of Harrington Mill Farm and organizer of a plethora of events, including Spring Bay, Kentucky Classique, the 2019 and 2020 American Eventing Championships and others, has been hosting and coordinating equine events for decades. While online entries my be easier for the masses, they still have their own challenges. “They [online entries] have made some parts of show management easier in that you can transcribe data easily and the credit card feature helps that there aren’t so many checks to record, endorse and deposit,” Mary says. “But, with electronic entry comes the problem of outdated competitor information. People forget to update their profiles when they would provide current info on handwritten entries, so the competitions have to spend a good bit of time verifying records when it doesn’t match.”

Though some people are still insistent that they received hard-copy organization-related information, most equestrians have embraced the online revolution. But was it hard for some riders to learn how to enter events online? “I don’t think so,” says Mary; she got no pushback when she began offering online entries. It helps when people are forced to change or potentially be left behind. Though the events Mary runs do still offer postal entries, the majority of people now enter online. “Sometimes the special event terminology gets people, but it seems to work out. I guess if you can order something on Amazon, you can enter a competition online!” Mary says. An added bonus? “We can always read the handwriting!”

Though results had been submitted digitally for years to sanctioning organizations, digital entries weren’t mainstream until about a decade ago, when EventEntries and XEntry went live.

And these online entry platforms are not without their own potential perils, including poor internet connections at show venues or user error. Mary has had a few hiccups during her use of online entries, but most occur when a rider doesn’t understand the nuances of the entry program. For example, some platforms always default to the Open Divisions unless a rider specifies in which division they want to compete.

Practice with the platform, and accessibility to IT, has ensured that the competitions flow smoothly.

Additional perks of online programs? Stalls, campsites, extra fees and anything else a show manager wants designated can be, making prices much clearer and fees much easier to collect.

And if someone doesn’t have a computer or access to the Internet? “I’ll print out an entry form and mail it to them,” explains Mary. “We’re not allowed to accept entries over the phone or by e-mail message only.”

And what about the order in which entries are received? How does a rider make sure they aren’t wait-listed? “We use the date-stamp on the online paid entries the same way we use the postmark,” Mary explained. An added bonus? The online platforms keep a waitlist of riders for the show organizer; mass emailing is also not an issue—the entry platform allows for that feature, as well.

There is one thing Mary wishes online entry programs could do: “Reverse the credit card charges when needed. We still have to do that by check,” she says. But the benefits of an online entry program far outweighs the minor inconveniences. Once scoring data is entered and verified, results are instantaneous. The only thing Mary wishes people would do regarding online entries? Read the fine print. “But isn’t that the same with almost everything?”

Expanding the MSEDA Board: Meeting New Members

Anthony Trollope — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 19:04:44 GMT

A board of directors is only as strong as the members who comprise it; MSEDA has taken on new directors this year, each bringing something unique to the table. This issue will introduce Rachael Rosendaul of Crestwood.

By Sarah E. Coleman

The owner of Kentucky Tack Exchange in Crestwood, KY, Rachael Rosendaul is new to the MSEDA Board of directors, but no stranger to horses: She has long been immersed in the equine industry both personally (her daughter rides) and professionally. Deeply passionate about engaging junior members in MSEDA, Rachael said when she was first approached about being on the MSEDA board that she laughed—really hard.

“Honestly I had never considered anything like this before. I’m a nobody in the riding world. My resume doesn’t include equine accomplishments or high-profile jobs. I don’t ride; I’m a mom who happens to own a little shop in a tiny white house in Crestwood,” she explains.

So what pushed her to accept the nomination and take a seat on the MSEDA board? “I may not be qualified from a resume perspective, but I do have a passion about getting juniors involved in MSEDA,” Rachael says. “And I have some ideas to back it up.”

One of her main concerns: Why so few juniors are MSEDA members. And, “more importantly, why the ones who are MSEDA members don’t complete their volunteer hours to be eligible for prizes.”

“As parents, we should be teaching our young riders to get involved and help out--especially since so many [parents] do that for them at shows they attend. I am shocked that since Ruth [her daughter] and I have been members, there have been no more than 4 or 5 juniors qualified for prizes at the end of the year. I will change that,” she vows.

Share the MSEDA Love

MSEDA is not new to Rachael; she’s attended multiple awards banquets and loves all of it. “It’s fun for me to meet people who I don’t normally get to be with,” she explains of her enjoyment of the evening. “Cathy Wieschhoff was a great emcee for the evening [in 2018]--too funny! Also, I enjoyed the clinic on Sunday. I clearly wasn’t riding, but got to talk to other members as we watched.”

Rachael takes her role on the MSEDA board seriously. With a daughter who rides competitively, she is no stranger to the show ring and the ins and outs of the competition world. “My desire for MSEDA is to be a great starting point for juniors in their show careers,” she explains. “USEA is important, too, but there are so many kids who may never ride in USEA shows due to funding, proximity to shows, training, transportation, et cetera. MSEDA is a perfect first step for some of them to challenge themselves, as well as earn points for awards they might not be able to receive in USEA.

“I have so many parents and kids through my shop each week who are frustrated with exactly this problem [the expense of showing],” she notes. “I’m excited to start working on sharing the benefits of MSEDA membership to those who aren’t yet familiar with the organization.”

Understanding the strain competitive riding can place on family finances, Rachael is looking to make sure equestrians truly understand the benefits of MSEDA membership. “I’m really excited to watch the membership of juniors increase: This is my No. 1 goal,” she says.

However, she’s personally excited to become more involved with MSEDA as it will deepen her personal equine community as well. “I’m really excited to meet more people in the horse community! My shop, Kentucky Tack Exchange, caters to just about all riding disciplines and I love learning about each.”

Connecting the Dots

Rachael’s passion for horse people runs as deeply as her passion for engaging the younger generation. “My husband has stopped asking me how much money I made that day and instead asking who did I get to talk to!” she says. “I find that mostly I connect people within the horse community to instructors, products, barns, shows, et cetera. So the way I see it, the more people I know in the riding community, the better my customers will be!

Rachael understands that a role on the MSEDA board is not one to be taken lightly and she’s prepared to give it her all. “The commitment of the board of directors for MSEDA is real. These men and women work very hard to produce quality shows and events for riders and their membership,” she explains. “I’ve been so impressed with their dedication and work ethic inside the committees. I hope to be able to work that hard and contribute as they do.”

Serendipity: Two Junior MSEDA Members Gifted Clinic Rides With International Eventer

Anthony Trollope — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 18:18:56 GMT

The horse show world is a small one that becomes even more tightknit as you drill down into the breeds and disciplines. MSEDA is full of kind, generous members, but the efforts that went into helping two junior members attend the Lynn Symansky clinic is nothing short of astounding.

By Sarah E. Coleman
Photos: Sweet Shots

This past December, two unsuspecting MSEDA Junior members were offered an amazing opportunity: The ability to ride in a clinic with international four-star event rider Lynn Symansky.

Ruth Rosendaul, 15, and Eleanor “Nora” Brown, 14, were delighted at the thought of auditing the Lynn Symansky clinic at Majestic Farm in Batavia, Ohio. Though one girl couldn’t go because of lack of transportation and the other couldn’t attend because of financial strain, the eventing community made silk out of a sow’s ear when two already-registered horses were unable to attend the clinic: They gifted their spots to the two passionate junior members.

The Riders Repertoires

Nora has been riding Stone Place Stables since she was 5; she now rides with Debbie Iezzi. She rides her own horse, Leal, who was purchased by her parents on Dec. 6, 2016. Nora competes at Beginner Novice and will begin competing at Novice in 2019. She’s been riding for almost 9 years and has been competing 6 or 7 of those years, says her mom, Megan.

Ruth began taking lessons when she was about 7 years old, though she went to pony camp the two years prior. She currently rides Kaloosh with trainer Angela Ariatti out of Simpsonville, KY.

The story of Ruth and Kaloosh is truly one every horse-crazy kid has dreamed of. “My parents told me for a year we would never own a horse,” says Ruth. “They lied! I got Kaloosh on December 24, 2015. It was their plan all along to buy him as a surprise for me.”

“Now they say I will never have a second horse … I hope they are lying there, too!” Ruth says with a smile. Kaloosh, an OTTB, was sent to Angela’s to be a lesson horse. Though originally scared to ride him, Ruth got to know—and love—Kaloosh. “We’ve worked very hard for several years. He’s turned out to be a great horse, with a lot of hard work from both of us,” Ruth explains.

More Surprises in Store

Ruth has been in the show ring for four years; last year she competed at USPC Championships in Tryon, N.C., and qualified for AECs, but she didn’t attend because of the distance to get to the competition venue. “We currently compete at Training and are having more fun that we should be,” she laughs.

A perfect candidate for the clinic, Ruth is hungry. Hungry for knowledge, hungry for information and hungry to watch good riders ride. “My mom originally told me about the clinic when we signed up for the MSEDA banquet, and I thought it would be a cool opportunity to watch and learn because we didn’t have a ride for Kaloosh up to Ohio,” she explains. “We don’t own a trailer and have to rely on others for rides. My trainer had just had shoulder surgery and couldn’t help me, but I was happy with the thought of auditing the clinic! Just the chance to meet [Lynn Symansky] after cheering her on at Rolex for years was exciting. Little did I know that my dream of riding with her would actually happen!”

Ruth’s mom, Rachael Rosendaul, got a call from Julie Congleton a few days before the banquet, saying another rider in the clinic had to scratch because her horse was hurt and that she wanted to gift her entry fee to a junior rider.

“Julie knew I would be auditing the clinic and asked if we wanted the spot,” Ruth explained. “My mom explained to Julie that we didn’t have a ride for Kaloosh … Julie, my mom and Angela started calling people to see if we could find a ride.”

An Abscess for One is a Windfall for Another

From there, the story gets even sweeter. “We were told by Julie Congleton that Martha Lambert was also attending the clinic and may be able to give us a ride. Julie called Martha, but her horse had an abscess and she was now unable to go,” Ruth recounts. “Martha said that she would gift her spot in the clinic if someone could give Kaloosh a ride to Majestic Farm. This made my mom think about a friend of mine who was also planning on auditing the clinic: Nora Brown.”

And then the rest of the plan simply fell into place. “My mom called Nora’s mom and said if she could drive [she has a trailer] then both of us could go to the clinic! Perfect!!!” Ruth said. “We couldn’t believe how everyone worked together and were so generous to people they didn’t know.”

The Takeaways

Both girls learned so many things at the clinic, they say. “Lynn really taught me how to move my elbows and when I should prepare for the fence,” says Ruth. “Kaloosh and I have been working with this for a while; I was so happy to hear Lynn’s tips and tricks--I can’t wait to use them in the show ring and everyday riding!”

“The neatest thing at the clinic was Lynn’s ability to talk and teach a wide variety of people at different skill levels and abilities without even knowing us or our horses,” says Nora. “She was so in-tune with everything. It was amazing.”

Goal Diggers

Ruth and Nora both have aspirations for their 2019 competition year. “My riding goals for this year include getting more confident at Training,” says Ruth. “We want to achieve better dressage scores by having our tests be more accurate and have him be more supple in the bridle. For showjumping, I want to find a better balance and find our distances at a more open stride. For cross-country, we want to achieve the same goal as stadium, and keep him being confident and having fun as we ride faster over larger obstacles.”

“My riding goals for this year are to not be so nervous in stadium jumping and trust my horse fully,” says Nora. “He will take care of me!”

When asked about their favorite part of riding, neither junior member mentioned the ribbons. “I enjoy so much about riding that it’s super-hard to decide what I like best!” said Ruth. “I think my most favorite [part of riding] is having a connection with the horse and the barn friends I have met. Kaloosh … is my best friend and I feel that it makes riding 100 times more fun. Horses need a lot of care--it’s not just about the riding--and I love that part of it, too.”

“The thing I like most about riding is the freedom I feel,” explains Nora. “I love the wind blowing in my hair and just racing through the open cross-country fields. I’m not very competitive with other people--just myself. I feel the happiest [when I am] at the barn with my horse, just hanging out doing homework or sharing a snack with him.”

With riders as dedicated as Ruth and Nora, the future of the eventing community is bright. Each girl is deeply thankful for the riders who allowed them to take part in the Lynn Symanksy clinic. Leading by example is not new for MSEDA members, but it was especially powerful on a cold day in December, when two girls were given the opportunity to ride with an idol—which neither will ever forget.

A Meaningful Way to Say “Thank You”

Anthony Trollope — Sun, 16 Dec 2018 14:23:54 GMT

Holidays are hard—there’s presents to find, buy, wrap and mail; meals to shop for and prepare; travel arrangements to make; cards to buy and address; and so, so much more. It’s important to remember those who care for our horses when our schedules get a bit too wild; because of them, we can skip a day or two at the farm and know our four-legged loves are well cared for and happy.

By Sarah E. Coleman

Working with horses can seem a thankless job at times—the rain, snow and wind can be relentless in winter, and the heat and humidity brutal in summer months. Whether you board your horse and are looking for a thoughtful way to thank a barn owner and the farm help, or you’re a farm owner looking for a way to show your appreciation for your staff this time of year, a little thought goes a long way. Consider these gifts as a small way to say “thank you” for the care your horse receives.

Purchase a prepaid cards to Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts or other local coffee shop where they might stop in and get a warm drink before work.
Gift cards, whether they’re general Visa cards or to a gas station you know they frequent, are always welcomed, as are cards to stores like Kroger or Wal-Mart. There’s something so nice about not having to pay for life’s necessities like soap or paper towels every so often!
If you know their sizes, consider buying warm winter garb like gloves, an Under Amour base layer, wool socks or a TrailHead beanie (that feels more like wearing a ball cap!). Want to splurge a bit more? Winter riding breeches, Carhartts or gift cards to stores like Gander Mountain or Cabela’s are all welcomed holiday treats.
Any items engraved with a special horse’s name is heartfelt, whether on a bracelet, keychain or charm. Additionally, saddlepads, hats, bumperstickers, jackets, sweatshirts and more emblazoned with a farm name makes everyone feel like part of a team.
If you board at a barn where the barn owner or staff will be feeding Christmas morning, offer to feed and do chores so they might spend a meaningful morning with their family and little ones (as long as this is OK with your family!). A respite from the grind of everyday farm work is appreciated any time, but even more so during the holidays if it garners them more time with family and friends.
Give the gift of knowledge. Know someone who’s hungry for more horse info, all the time? Get them a gift to an equestrian magazine, a pass to audit or ride in a local clinic, or include a note that you’ll download some good equine-based podcasts right to their phone.
Homemade treats, for both humans and horses, are always welcomed—especially if the receiver has first dibs on whether or not to share!
If a bit of pampering is in order, a massage or manicure/pedicure is thoughtful. Even if these services are outside the box for some farm staff, the self-care is necessary, even if they don’t make it a habit.
Get other boarders together to offer a larger, farm-centric gift, such as a new farm sign, trailer decals or other, more-expensive gift.
Not into monetary gifts? Create a coupon book that offers anything from free tack cleaning to feeding and turnout to clipping and mane pulling.

No matter what you choose to gift—or not—making a point to thank those who help you with your horsey habit is one of the greatest gifts you can give. Make it a point to show your thankfulness this holiday season.

Long-distance Trailering Tips

Wed, 21 Nov 2018 16:52:00 GMT

For many horse owners, trailering a horse is a routine part of equine ownership. However, transporting a live animal shouldn’t be taken lightly. While some precautions aren’t necessary for short trips, they are advisable for longer jaunts.

By Sarah E. Coleman

It’s the time of year that some horse owners begin to think about heading South to continue competing and get more training where the weather is a bit more pleasant. While easy to get into the groove once they arrive at their destination, there is a bit of prep work to be done beforehand for both horse and transportation devices to ensure a safe trip.

While there are many things horse owners know they must do before loading a horse into a trailer (like checking tire pressure and that all the lights work), there are some things that get lost in the shuffle. The following guidelines can help ensure a safe journey:

Make sure the horse has the right paperwork to cross state lines—and make it’s easily accessible (as in, put it in the truck). Additionally, open a conversation with your vet to be sure you have the right vaccinations on board for the disease threat your horse will be exposed to while he is away from his home farm.
When stopping for fuel or to give your horse a rest, monitor your horse’s vital signs, including pulse and respiration rate, and have a quick peek at his gums or test his skin with the pinch test to be sure he’s not becoming dehydrated. Once you arrive at your destination, watch him carefully, checking these things as well as his temperature at least once a day.
It goes without saying that you should have a well-stocked first-aid kit, but be sure it’s within reach should you need it in a hurry.
While the length of time to travel before stopping and allowing horses to rest is highly debated, the average consensus seems to be that horses should be allowed to rest every 3 to 4 hours during transport for a minimum of 20 minutes.
Consider carrying more than one spare tire and make sure that the spare, the aid to lift the trailer and any other tools are not so buried in the trailer that they can’t be easily reached.
While dehydration is a major concern during transport, talk with your vet to determine if electrolyte supplementation is necessary; UC Davis reports that “excessive or uncontrolled administration of electrolytes may actually have an adverse effect on water and electrolyte balance in the horse.”
An additional conversation to have with your vet is if a horse should be offered a medication to prevent ulcers prior to, during and immediately after shipping.
Consider withholding grain the day of the trip (he will have loads of hay to nibble) to reduce the risk of colic.

Additionally, to lessen the chance your horse will get ill during transport, consider the following:

Ensure the horse has the ability to lower his head while traveling so he can clear his airway
Consider shipping with a buddy to make the trip less stressful
Make sure the trailer is as ventilated as possible; however, windows should be opened or closed as weather indicates to keep the trailer at a comfortable temperature for the horse

What are you thankful for this year?

Wed, 21 Nov 2018 16:24:23 GMT

Thanksgiving is the time of year when we seem to get a brief reprieve in the busy-ness of life. The summer chores, horse shows and events have slowed and we can catch our breath for a minute before we delved into the madness of the holidays.

By Sarah E. Coleman

As horse people, we are innately tied into the rhythm of the seasons; of the coming of spring and shedding season; of the heat of summer and stockpiling hay in preparation of cold weather to come; and of the cold as it comes and how our horses prepare themselves for the chill. We are blessed to be in nature, to see the beauty that surrounds us and to deeply love another creature. This holiday is a wonderful time of year to sit and reflect on the past year and be thankful for all that has been brought to us, and to look ahead with hope and optimism.

In the spirit of thankfulness, we asked MSEDA members: What are you most thankful for with regards to horse sand farm life?

My horses are truly my therapy. I am happiest when riding and a bad day is made better after sitting on my horse. They are my church pew. -- Molly DePerna

Friends made with other horse-crazies. -- Marie Petroni

My daughter has learned so much through riding I can’t name them all to be thankful for. -- Michelle Metcalf

Other horse owners are thankful for a plethora of things. These include:
Barn kitties! – Melissa King

The pure unadulterated joy and love he brings me. Especially now with everything going on in my life, he is my everything. – Lori White

The fact that it’s an instant group of friends/family every time you move to a new place where you know no one. – Marion Maybank

Centeredness. Gratitude. Learning to be vulnerable. – Carli McKelvey

Horses took me from little old New Zealand to travel the world and eventually settle in my childhood dream state SPECIFICALLY Lexington! I owe them everything. – Emma Lyster

I am thankful horses are the reason I see the beautiful farm sunrise, every day. I am thankful for the friends and career they’ve brought me. I am thankful horses have taught (and constantly remind me) to be more patient, always seek more knowledge, and always look to improve. What I like about the equestrian lifestyle? The saddlepads, definitely! – Kimberly McCormack

I was finally able to start taking lessons when I turned 30. Before those lessons, I only rode Western for one summer as a young teen. I knew it would be expensive. I knew I was already so behind the game due to starting so late in life and never sitting in an English (barely there!) saddle. I also knew that this was my chance to realize a lifelong dream, even if I would only be able to do it, at most, 60 minutes a week. Flash forward to 8 years later, I am so thankful for my trainers who taught, pushed and yelled at me and told me that I COULD do it. I am so thankful for all the friends and connections I have made because of riding. It is a community that I'm proud to be a part of. I am thankful for my beautiful mare that, after 2.5 years of owning her, I still can't believe is mine. I am thankful for my ribbons, no matter what color, that remind me of how far I've come and of the goals that I still want to achieve. I am thankful for my husband who fully supports my habit. Riding has enriched my life in ways that I never would have expected. – Sarah Seitz

Horses give me relief from my anxiety (believe it or not). When I had to take a break to have my son, it was the worst time in my life mental-health wise. Now that I'm back in it, I can't go without. I missed them so much and they have saved me so many times. – Drew Kemerling

On the list of bazillion things I'm thankful for I am most grateful for all the people I meet through the barn and horses. My very best friendships in the world all began around a horse. – Tracy Walling

Survival Strategies for the Warm-up Ring

Mon, 05 Nov 2018 13:08:48 GMT

Horse show warm-up rings can be busy enough to strike fear in even the most-seasoned professional’s heart. Use these tips to survive the chaos so you can shine in the show ring.

By Sarah E. Coleman

As the weather gets colder, warming up before a dressage test or jumping round becomes even more important to keep equine limbs and muscles limber. However, with the onset of cooler temps comes the issue of limited space to warm up, as all competitors are forced to do their riding preparation indoors before stepping into the show ring.

The warm-up can be a chaotic place for even the most seasoned exhibitors. Horses seem like they are going every which way, people are calling (or not calling) fences you happen to be riding by and without fail there is at least one horse who is truly losing his mind. Add in trainers calling out instructions to their students, people standing and having a chat on the rail or in the middle of the ring, and you have one potentially harrowing experience, for both humans and horses.

So how can you make the most of your show-ring prep time? While many of these are common sense, it doesn’t hurt to be reminded of how to make the warm up as safe as possible for all horses and riders.

Make sure you are 100 percent prepared to work before you walk into the warm-up ring. This means having the girth tightened, helmet secured, stirrups adjusted and gloves on.
Keep a safe distance between horses. At least one horse length between you and any other horse (and more space for more-anxious horses) ensures your safety and that of your horse.
Always pass left shoulder to left shoulder.
Go with the flow of traffic whenever possible. Some horses cannot mentally handle other horses coming at them head on, no matter how many warm-up rings they have been ridden in.
Look where you’re going. Yes, your horse’s ears are super cute, but looking up and using your peripheral vision will help you know where others are in the ring to keep you both safe.
Speed takes the rail. If you’re going slower than others in the ring, or if you’re working on specific movements or lateral work, stick to the inside track.
If you’re in a warm up ring for jumping, be sure to call your fence, every time. If there are multiple warm-up fences, call out which one you’re taking (red cross rail, middle vertical, oxer, etc.) so others have time to get out of the way.
In a jump schooling ring, if at all possible, avoid the urge to circle. If you don’t see a distance, riding to the side of the fence is preferable to circling and potentially getting in another rider’s way.
If you’re sitting on a coffee-and-chat horse that doesn’t need a lot of show-ring prep, get in the ring, school and get out. Don’t lollygag around, chatting with friends or riding multiple riders abreast. Others need the limited space in the ring more than you do.

Remember that the warm-up ring is not a place to train your horse; it’s meant to be a place to go in, show the horse his surroundings and work off some anxious energy before going in to compete. Additionally, if your horse truly is having a breakdown in the warmup, it’s best to remove yourself from the situation before you make things worse of other riders. Your best bet to warm up may be hacks up and down the driveway or lunging in a smaller area outside of the designated warm-up ring.

Minding your manners and being aware of other riders goes a long way to making the warm-up ring safe for both horses and riders. Understanding that you may not get to work on everything you would like to and remaining flexible will allow you to have a safe, productive warm-up ride and set the stage for a stellar show-ring round.

Channeling Horse Show Stress

Fri, 12 Oct 2018 14:40:37 GMT

For most of us, nerves are par for the course during competition. But the anxiety you feel doesn’t have to zap your concentration.

By Sarah E. Coleman

So, it’s show day. You’ve prepared as much as you possibly can, from the hours in the saddle to memorizing your test to cleaning every piece of tack (and the horse!) to the best you’re able. So, why so anxious, even with all this preparation?

Nerves and anxiety at horse shows are normal, but it’s imperative that you learn to channel your nervous energy so you don’t make your mount a raging lunatic or get so overwhelmed that you literally don’t make sense.

Changing Anxiety to Enthusiasm

Equestrians are nothing if not passionate. The main reason riders get anxious at horse shows is that it’s something about which they care deeply. While this is a wonderful thing (it would be silly to spend that much time and money on something if we don’t care about the outcome!), it’s imperative that these emotions be kept in check so that you give yourself and your horse the chance to really shine.

Anxiety in a controllable form is not a bad thing; this emotion heightens your awareness of what is going on and quickens your response time. Excitement and nervousness elicit the same physical response; so be excited to horse show—not nervous to go in the ring!

The Bare Minimum to Keep Nerves at Bay

While some of these seem silly—or downright impossible if you’re insanely crunched for time—each of these is crucial to setting yourself up for show-ring success. Excess nervous energy has been the demise of many a dressage test or showjumping round, so do your best to quell your anxiety by:

Keeping a steady stream of nutrition in your body, especially if you ride late in the day
Breathing deeply, taking air all the way into your lungs; shallow breathing can cause you to hunch your shoulders and channel anxiety to your horse.
Staying hydrated. While this goes without saying in the summer months, hydration is just as important in cooler weather, as well.
Getting some sleep. While this can seem impossible sometimes, rest helps calm nerves and allows you to focus to the best of your ability during the show.
Visualizing your success. We’ve all been taught to ride our test, cross-county track and showjumping round in our heads while talking with our coaches. But don’t let the visualization stop there! Repeatedly seeing yourself completing each phase well helps calm nerves about the unexpected and give you a plan on how to deal with issues if things go awry.

Narrow Your Focus

One very important thing to remember when horse showing is that the key at each show is progress. Progress in one thing, not all the things at once (wouldn’t that be nice!). While this can be incredibly hard to remember in the heat of the moment, think long and hard (and have a chat with your trainer) about what you want to accomplish in each phase. Focusing on one or two key things instead of a generalized “I want to do the best I can!” can help alleviate some of the anxiety associated with competition.

Whatever you do, unless your horse is being extremely fractious or you’re literally completely incapacitated with fear, don’t scratch. Just like reinforcing a negative behavior in a horse, scratching allows you the out your brain is looking for if it’s overly anxious. Avoiding the issue won’t make it go away—you truly only get better at managing nerves by going in the ring.

Ways to Manage Show Day Stress

Some riders prefer to spend time with their horses before competition, grooming and braiding, performing routine, monotonous tasks to take the edge off their nerves. Others give themselves a pep talk, focusing on the positive. Though many times this has to be a conscious effort, saying to yourself “I am calm” instead of “I will NOT get nervous” can lead to a much more productive warmup and ride.

MSEDA member Kristen Brennan says she manages show nerves with wine and Brooke Schafer seconds that with bourbon. Ellen Thompson jokingly says yelling at your mom helps with anxiety management, as well.

Jacqui Cruz goes through her show day like a groom, which helps trick her mind into a state of preparedness. “I get there probably way too early to feed and clean, lunge if necessary, bathe my horse or at least the legs if needed after lunging, and then go get a coffee and breakfast. It's weird, but it works!” she says.

Amelia Jean Foster says that when she is anxious, she will “obsessively pick my stalls. I repeat my test/course incessantly. I clean tack. I drink a lot of water (if I can’t eat, I may as well keep myself hydrated) and coffee. I walk back and forth from the stalls to the ring. I check if rings are running on time,” she says. “I’ve long given up trying to eliminate the nerves, but instead channel the activities into a pattern to keep myself busy and focused on the upcoming task.”

So what else can you do to help battle show-day nerves? Work to pinpoint exactly what it is that is making you anxious. Is it the fear of forgetting a test? Falling? Looking “bad” in front of your friends? Being able to directly address where your anxiety is stemming from will help you find ways to work around the issue. And don’t be afraid to think outside the box. A few minutes listening to a meditation app or blasting your favorite upbeat song may be just want you need to quell your competition nerves!

Selenium Supplementation: A Fine Line Between Deficiency and Toxicity

Wed, 05 Sep 2018 17:13:04 GMT

While there is no such thing as “too much” of some vitamins and minerals (meaning the horse excretes out what he doesn’t need), selenium is not one of them: even a little more than needed can be toxic to horses.

By Sarah E. Coleman

An essential trace mineral important for respiratory, immune system, muscle and thyroid health in horses, selenium has a narrow margin of safety, meaning more isn’t always better. The FDA recommends that an average, 1,000-pound horse receive just 3 mg of selenium per day. Horses can get selenium from the grass, hay and commercial feed they ingest.

While it’s easy to see the amount of selenium in commercial feeds and supplements that have clearly labeled tags, what your horse ingests from grass and hay can be more difficult to determine. Many areas of the country have soils that are selenium deficient, meaning that the crops grown on them are also low in selenium, so supplementation to be sure a horse is getting the adequate amount may be needed. The majority of horses in the United States don’t get enough selenium from forage along.

However, the converse can also be true: There are also areas of the country where selenium content in soil (and therefore hay) is quite high. Specific types of plants grown on this soil retain amounts of selenium that are toxic to horses. Thankfully, given adequate pasture, the majority of horses will avoid eating these plants. The amount of selenium in an area depends on what type of rock formed the soil.

So how can you know how much selenium your horse is eating? You can get your pastures analyzed for selenium content by a county extension agent. Once you know if your soils are high in selenium or deficient in selenium, as well as how much selenium he is receiving from a commercial feed (if he eats one at the recommended feeding rate), you can determine if you need to supplement his selenium intake or not.

You can also pull blood or serum to test your horse’s selenium levels. It’s important to note that the selenium concentrations change rapidly with selenium intake when testing serum, but a whole-blood test can remain elevated for up to 9 months after supplementation has ended.

A map to the selenium content in soil by county can be found here: https://mrdata.usgs.gov/geochem/doc/averages/se/usa.html

How Does Selenium Toxicity Present?

Many of us remember the deaths of 21 polo ponies in 2009 that resulted from an overdose of selenium in the compounded medication they were receiving; while this is an extreme case, there are certain things that can indicate a horse is receiving too much selenium:
Acute selenium poisoning:

Labored breathing
Muscle tremors
Gait abnormalities
Garlic-smelling breath

Chronic selenium toxicity is more common and can take place over weeks or months. This type of toxicity can result in:

Excessive salivation
Abdominal pain
Paralysis
Lameness
Blindness
Death

How Can I Tell If My Horse Has a Selenium Deficiency?

A selenium deficiency can be difficult to determine. Many horses with selenium deficiencies have:

Poor hair coat
Work intolerance
Cardiomyopathy
Muscle inflammation

Selenium deficiency may also cause white muscle disease, cataracts, retained placentas and stunt growth.

While only necessary in small amounts, selenium is integral to a horse’s health and wellbeing.

Common Mistakes in Show Jumping

Wed, 05 Sep 2018 17:08:23 GMT

In an effort to keep our membership educated and abreast of errors in competition that can be avoided, this issue will focus on showjumping and what can be done to reduce the chances of faults and disqualification that can happen in addition to the more run-of-the-mill time and dropped-rail penalties.

By Sarah E. Coleman

There are common mistakes among riders in all disciplines, and show jumping is no exception. While it may seem fairly straightforward (leave all the jumps up and jump the course in the allotted time), errors are still common during this phase, at all heights. Janice Holmes, an eventing trainer and USEF “r” judge in eventing, as well as MSEDA licensed in eventing, stadium and dressage, offers these insights to not gain any additional penalties (as well as stay in the judge’s good graces!):

1.     Starting before the bell has rung. Be sure to listen for your signal. If two rings are going at the same time, know if you are a tone, bell or whistle. EV154 2.6
2.     If you slide into an obstacle, listen for the signal. If there is no signal, you can continue and are charged four points for a knockdown. EV153.4
If there is a signal, you have been charged with a refusal and must wait for the jump to be rebuilt so you can have another go at it. You will be charged 4 points for the refusal and 6 seconds will be added to your time. EV150.6.d
3.     A jump blows down after the bell has rung, but before the competitor starts. The bell will eb run again and the jump will be reset. If the competitor does not stop, he continues at his own discretion. He may or may not be eliminate. EV152.9
4.     You have a refusal at the B element of an A/B combination. You must re-jump element A. EV154.2.n
5.     It is your responsibility to enter the ring when your name/number is called. You may be eliminated if it’s your turn and you don’t follow the directions from the warm-up steward. “My coach is not here,” “I am not ready” and “I didn’t know you were running early are not excuses, you should jump during your division. Posted times for show jumping are fairly accurate, and you should check with the stewards to see if they are running early or late. If you need to go out of order, check with the stewards and the warm-up volunteer BEFORE show jumping starts. With computer scheduling, adequate time is allotted between ride. EV154.3.a

Dressage Differences

Mon, 23 Jul 2018 13:15:43 GMT

Western Dressage is gaining traction in the horse world as many riders who traditionally compete in western show pens are venturing into the classical dressage sandbox.

USEF recognizes the Western Dressage Association of America (WDAA) as the sole affiliate representing the discipline of Western Dressage. A discipline that encourages all-breeds engagement, any horse that can walk, trot and canter can participate (WDAA also has rules for gaited horses, as well!).

Photo by Lisa Dean Photography

A core principle of the WDAA is the celebration and stewardship of the American West. Top-tier Western horse trainers have long used classical dressage techniques, but until the formation of WDAA, they have not had a place to showcase their techniques.

WDAA’s mission statement is to “build an equine community that combines the Western traditions of horse and rider with Classical Dressage.

We honor the horse.

We value the partnership between horse and rider.

We celebrate the legacy of the American West.”

Nikki Wahl-Seto, MSEDA Newsletter Editor, is a staunch proponent of Western Dressage and has shown in the dressage ring in both a western and a classical dressage saddle. She is excited to see that Western Dressage is growing both as a national discipline and as a MSEDA-supported one. Here is her take on the differences between the two disciplines.

Equipment

There are many details that differentiate Western Dressage from Classical Dressage, the first of which is tack and its use. Riders using a curb bit can ride either one-handed or two-handed (riders using a snaffle must ride with 2 hands) said Nikki. Similar to classical dressage, there are legal bits and those that are not permitted in the show ring. For now, western curb bits are permitted in WDAA competition, though there is talk about only allowing snaffles in the lower levels, says Nikki.

“This rule has not taken effect yet as most western horses are trained in a curb bit and this would have limited the number of riders entering into western dressage,” she notes. As the purpose of WDAA is to encourage riders of all backgrounds to enjoy the competition of western dressage, it is unclear if and when this rule will take effect. Additionally, in the majority of western breed and disciplines events, a horse that goes in a snaffle is typically 5 years old and younger.

Similar to classical dressage, there are a plethora of bits that are both legal and illegal. Legal tack includes spade bits, most English bits, smooth or bosal cavessons, ported curbs, bitless bridles, and curb chains—the list goes on! “In addition to bits, stewards must also check spurs and whips,” said Nikki. “Yes, we can carry whips, though most true western riders see this as a very foreign concept!”

Attire

The attire for Western Dressage is quite simple; most schooling shows outline just pants, boots, a long-sleeved, collared shirt (short-sleeved shirts are permitted at the judge’s discretion), chaps or chinks and a helmet or western hat. “Helmets can be required, but their use is determined by the show and/or the show grounds, so it’s imperative that you check your entry form carefully,” says Nikki. If you have any questions, be sure to check with your steward or show management before the show. It also never hurts to email USEF regarding any rule questions!

“I have ridden against folks at the Horse Park in a cowboy hat, but most WD riders you will see in a helmet—safety first!” she says. “At big shows you will see the fancy outfits with sparkles and silver [those these don’t tend to come out for the smaller, local shows]." Bling is allowed on the rider, but not on the horse.

Read more about the WDAA attire and equipment here.

What Judges Look For

“In our area, we are riding in front of traditional dressage judges, and we’re lucky enough to have several judges who have put the effort and money into training themselves for Western Dressage,” says Nikki. Currently, WDAA lists two USEF Western Dressage judges in the MSEDA area: Susan Posner (“R”) and Karen Winn (“r”).

Traditional Dressage and Western Dressage are more alike than they are different, and are based on the same principles. Here are some places where they may differ:

The ability to ride with one hand (with curb bits). Rein hold depends on the type of reins used. Roman reins can be used only with a curb bit and may only be ridden with one hand. A rider can ride with two hands with split reins, connected reins or mecate reins (without the popper),

Gaits: Although maintaining the same principles (correct beats, steady tempo, suspension in gaits with impulsion, etc.) the trot is called a jog and the canter is called a lope. There is the distinction that these gaits must remain energetic and have the correct footfall (unlike some horses seen in Western Pleasure today). The tempo of these may be a little slower than those of a trot and canter but in gaits must remain pure. Excessive speed or slowness will be penalized.

Quiet, gentle voice commands are permitted in all levels of WD.

Posting is optional for the working jog through the basic level; posting is optional in all levels for the free jog and lengthening of the jog.

Movements: Turn on the forehand is introduced in WD test but not in Traditional Dressage. Also pivoting is allowed in WD as it is a common and useful move for Western stock horses.

WD allows gaited horses to compete. Gaited horses are penalized in traditional Dressage as their gaits to not meet the requirements.

Western Dressage riders can ride Intro, Basic, and First through Fourth level tests. Each test is based in dressage fundamentals and “showcase applications for the Working Western Horse,” the WDAA website states.

Read about the dressage rules and guidelines here.

The View from the Judge's Box

Janice Holmes, an eventing trainer and USEF “r” judge in eventing, as well as MSEDA licensed in eventing, stadium and dressage, notes that there are a few things she wants to be sure WSD riders are aware of.

While the use of the voice may be used in Western Dressage that it should not be distracting. “Clucking like a chicken laying an egg or a frantic ‘WHOA!’ may be considered distracting, so please don’t over-do it,” she notes. (WD 125.3)
Also of note, you’re allowed to pet your horse! “If you are riding one-handed. a gentle touch is allowed. Tiny scratching on the withers, if riding two-handed, is permitted,” she says (WD 125.4)
In the “below the line” marks, there is a separate category for “willing cooperation and harmony,” says Janice (WD 117). “Harmony should be demonstrated by the horse showing attention by his confidence and acceptance of the bit while staying up in the poll and keeping his nose in front of the vertical” which can be difficult to do in a curb bit, she notes. (WD 117.d)
A rider who begins a test one-handed must complete it one-handed; a rider who begins a test two-handed must complete the test two-handed. To switch in the middle of a test is actually a cause for elimination (WD 127.0)
While polo wraps are permitted (WD 120.6), they should match the horse as much as possible. “Also, decorating the horse with ribbons, flowers or Christmas tinsel is not permitted unless you are doing a freestyle,” Janice notes.
Attire can run the gamut. “Long-sleeved shirts are the norm, as are chaps, shotgun chaps, breeches, fringed breeches, split skirts, vests, jackets or sweaters,” she says. This leaves attire open for a lot of individual interpretation! And while bling is a thing, “please don’t blind me!” she says. “I still need to see your number!”

Fun Facts

Nikki noted the following interesting facts about Western Dressage:

You can always use your voice during a WD test without penalty
You may use equine legwear, but it must be white or the same color as your horse
Western Dressage shows do not have to be sanctioned, many schooling shows host WD tests
Readers are allowed for tests, but make sure they take a look ahead of time, movements come quicker than many traditional tests!
Changes of direction came up faster and not always in the most traditional location; more movements are asked for at the lower-levels and tests may not always be symmetrical in what is asked for on each rein
The entry-level tests require much more than circles and changes of direction can be more complex with elements/changes of direction coming up faster and in lower levels than we may see in many traditional tests (this is one of the biggest differences Nikki noticed).

Currently, Western Dressage is sanctioned only by USEF. The organization is focused on growing organically; the first WDAA/USEF sanctioned shows will be near Kentucky this year; the closest WD shows used to be were in Ohio and Tennessee, Nikki notes.

KDA Education

Mon, 23 Jul 2018 13:11:14 GMT

Even if you are not a Kentucky Dressage Association member, it’s well worth your time to have a peek at Impulsion, their very well-done informational e-newsletter. Each issue is chock full of information, including a show and clinic calendar; up-to-date volunteer hours, personal points of view, and more.

The interviews in particular offer some really great advice; this issue has a wonderful interview with Callie Jones, who explains the USEF/USDF Discover Dressage Emerging Athletes Program, how participants are selected, what the purpose of the program is and what her own personal goals entail.

A bi-monthly publication, Impulsion covers topics pertinent to dressage riders in Kentucky; it’s a quick and easy way to stay up-to-date on current news and events in the dressage world.

Volunteers Needed! Horse Aid Live Combined Test and Dressage Show 2018

Mon, 23 Jul 2018 13:03:04 GMT

Volunteer opportunities for MSEDA members abound. Each month, we will feature an opportunity for members to obtain volunteer hours and help put on a successful, MSEDA-sanctioned show.

By Sarah E. Coleman

Date and Time: Saturday, July 28, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Masterson Station Park

History: Horse Aid Live was established in 2009 to promote humane treatment for all equines, regardless of breed, and to provide support for nonprofit organizations that provide humane treatment and shelter for equines. Horse Aid Live has donated to dozens of recognized 501c3 organizations throughout the United States.

We are expecting 200+ rides with three dressage rings starting approximately 8 a.m. and run continually until 4 p.m. Showjumping will begin approximately 10:30 a.m. and run until 4 p.m.

Classes will be further split as entries warrant. Western Dressage has been split into two divisions because of the continued increase in entries.

Dressage: Introductory - 4th Level

Western Dressage: Introductory - 4th Level

Gaited Dressage: Introductory - 4th Level

Combined Test: Greenie - Preliminary

Competitors can compete on the same horse in two consecutive levels. Un-judged schooling jump rounds are offered after each level for rider/horse combinations who are entered in those divisions.

Sponsors to date include Park Equine Hospital and, Liquor Barn. Sponsorship information for those interested in donating monetary and/or prize donations: http://www.horseaidlive.org/sponsor.html

Volunteer opportunities before the show:

Friday, July 27 - 3:30 - 7:30 pm Show Jumping Ring Setup

Volunteer opportunities during the show:

Saturday, July 28 - 7:30 am - 4 pm; any amount of time: All day or for a few hours.

Score Runners
Scribes
Ring Stewards
Showjumping Ring Crew

What should volunteers know?

All volunteers have drinks; anyone volunteering four hours or more are provided lunch from the food truck. Volunteers will need to dress for the weather; ring stewards/crew should bring a chair if they would like to sit.

Website: www.HorseAidLive.com

FB: https://www.facebook.com/HorseAidLive/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HorseAidLive

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/horseaidlive/

Contact: Cyndi Greathouse

cyndi3334@gmail.com | (859) 699-3334

Down and Dirty Dressage Faux Paus

Wed, 04 Jul 2018 00:38:20 GMT

Dressage is an entire game devoted to details. Everything from dress to tack to boots to bonnets is under scrutiny, not to mention the horse himself. Dressage horses are supposed to be obedient, supple, willing, athletic … the list goes on and on.

So, you’ve trained to the best of your ability, memorized your test and you’re ready to show the world just what you’ve got. Don’t dim your horse’s star power by making a common dressage mistake!

By Sarah E. Coleman

Here are some of the most common dressage mistakes as told by Janice Holmes, an eventing trainer and USEF “r” judge in eventing. Janice is MSEDA licensed in eventing, stadium and dressage. Janice collected the following rules, stories and experiences from MSEDA competitors and trainers during recent events.

Read on to make sure you don’t make the same mistakes!

Mistake No. 1: Using an illegal bit or piece of equipment.

Be sure to check with USEF Annex A (which can be found here), says Janice. Listed there are the only legal bits allowed to be used in competition. “Just because your bit was legal last year, it might not be legal this year!” she says. Additionally, just because a bit was legal at a dressage show does not mean it will be legal for eventing, and vice versa.

Simply put: If your bit doesn’t match the pictures, it’s not legal. The same goes for bridles. It is not the warm-up steward or bit check person’s responsibility to make sure your bit is legal.

Mistake No. 2: Not being on time. (EV 136.1.c.4)

You must enter the arena within 45 seconds after the signal, or you will have a 2-point error, notes Janice. After 90 seconds, you may be eliminated. It’s your responsibility to be at your ring at your designated time. “Don’t blame your mom, coach, groom or ring steward [for your being late],” says Janice. “Wear a watch and check it!”

Mistake No. 3: Not placing both reins in one hand and saluting the judge at the end of your test. EV134.5

Some riders get so excited by the wonderfulness of surviving the dressage test that they start petting their horse and forget to salute, Janice explains. While this is cute, it’s still a 2-point deduction. “Get to some semblance of a halt and salute,” she recommends. If your horse isn’t perfectly still, go head and salute anyway.

Mistake No. 4 Entering the area around or in the dressage arena with boots or leg protection used to result in an elimination—now riders received a 2-point deduction. EV136.1.c.1

When the judge notices you have leg protection on your horse, you will be halted and someone can remove the boots, then you are allowed to continue. “One rider entered with a quarter sheet on on a cold day and tried to remove it herself,” Janice said. “It went flying off like a magic carpet and a handy spectator tackled it before it spooked another horse!” Great save!!

Mistake No. 5 Don’t enter the arena before the bell (or signal).

Some competitors are so eager for the test to start that they come in before the signal. This is a 2-poinyt deduction as well. Be sure that you know if your judge has a bell, whistle, car horn, dog squeaky toy or bicycle jingle bell, Janice advises.

“The judge may be doing the collections for the person ahead of you and may not be watching your stellar center line, so make sure she is looking up! Many judges do a second signal, such as waving, tipping their hat or standing up. You may ask “Is that my signal?’” Janice says. Most judged will nod.

Mistake No. 6 Leaving the arena before the test is finished. EV136.2.6.5

All four feet must leave the arena (usually at A) for elimination. If you are quick and pull the horse back in before all four feet get out, the score is only reflected for that movement. If all four feet leave the arena, you should ask permission continue; most judges will grant you permission to finish the test, but you are still eliminated. Then, you must go to the show office and ask permission to continue to the other phases. The usual ruling is “OK to continue, but one stop and you are out,” Janice says.

*Mistake No. 7 No use of the voice. EV134.7

* Use of the voice is allowed in Western Dressage, which can catch many by surprise. This will be discussed in a later MSEDA article.
You will have 2 points deducted per movement when a judge hears your voice. “This means no clucking, chirping, praising, laughing, crying or whining during the test!” says Janice. “We can hear you even in a stiff wind, so be careful not to cluck.”
“In theory, you can lose 2 points per movement, so in Beginner Novice A, there are 14 movements and if you clucked for the movements or whoa’d for the movements, you could lose 28 points! Yikes!” reminds Janice.

Special thanks to Janice Holmes for addressing a very serious matter in such a candid, kind way. We are deeply thankful for your insight (and humor!)

Have a dressage faux paus you want to share? Email it to MSEDA e-news editor Nikki Seto at nikki.w.seto@gmail.com.

Volunteers Needed: Midsouth Pony Club Horse Trial

Sun, 17 Jun 2018 13:32:24 GMT

Volunteer opportunities for MSEDA members abound. Each month, we will feature an opportunity for members to obtain volunteer hours and help put on a successful, MSEDA-sanctioned show.

By Sarah E. Coleman

Date and Time: June 22-24 at the Kentucky Horse Park

Event History: The Midsouth Pony Club Horse Trial began as a fundraiser for the Midsouth Pony Club region to help Pony Club members cover the costs of hosting the Eventing Rally.

Volunteer opportunities before the show, June 19-21:

Setting dressage rings (Tuesday morning, June 19)
Painting and decorating XC (Tuesday-Thursday, June 19-21)
Setting stadium courses (Thursday afternoon, June 21)

Volunteer opportunities during the show:

Friday, June 22:

Dressage scribe
Dressage ring steward
Bit check
Showjumping timer
Showjumping ring steward
Showjumping ring crew

Saturday, June 23:

Dressage scribe
Dressage bit check
Stadium ring crew

Sunday, June 24:

Showjumping ring steward
Showjumping in-gate
Showjumping ring crew
XC warm-up steward

Volunteer opportunities after the event:

Sending in scores
Writing thank you notes
Creating press releases

What should volunteers know?

Midsouth will cover parking at the Kentucky Horse Park if volunteers don't have a pass. Lunch will be provided if a volunteer shift occurs during that time period. This event is MSEDA sanctioned so MSEDA volunteer hours count; additionally, all volunteer hours are logged in the USEA Eventing VIP system.

Interested in volunteering or learning more? Contact Erin Woodall at gtowngrits@gmail.com or (502) 316-3565.

Weed Woes

Sun, 17 Jun 2018 13:15:58 GMT

With the onslaught of heat and the rain, weeds have come on in a hurry, in pastures and fields and around barns and homes. Find out which weeds need to be eradicated from your fields immediately and how to control them.

By Sarah E. Coleman

While horse people are well-versed in the quality of the concentrates and hay they feed their steeds, the quality of the forage in horses pastures is often overlooked. To make your pasture work the hardest for you, it’s important to correctly identify what types of weeds are growing so you can effectively eradicate them; certain weeds will take specific methods to remove them from a field.

Thankfully, the majority of weeds found in fields cause little threat to horse health; most weeds are not tasty and in general, and a horse would need to consume a good amount of the weed for it to be toxic. While this means that weed eradication is not an immediate chore to keep horses safe, it is important to maintaining the health of your fields.

Though it may be tempting to try to control weeds now, when they seem to be growing out of control, you should never apply herbicides to plants that are stressed from heat or drought.

Some weeds common in horse pastures include:

Amaranth
Buckhorn Plantain

Buttercup*

Chicory

Hemp dogbane* (also called Indian hemp)

Honeysuckle

Johnson grass*

Milkweed*

Nimblewill

Poison hemlock*

Ragweed

Star of Bethlehem*

White snakeroot*

Wild carrot* (also known as Queen Anne’s Lace)

*Indicates weeds are poisonous and should be removed from pastures as soon as possible.

Preventing Pasture Weeds

Some ways to remove and keep weeds at bay on your farm:

Mow and weedeat fencerows and not just fields; weeds on the edges will equal weeds in the pastures in short order
Avoid overgrazing fields
Dig out weeds by the roots; though this can seem overwhelming in large fields, it’s a worthwhile endeavor in smaller paddocks and pastures
Mow before weeds go to seed
Consider spraying, but you will need to know what plants you are fighting to get the right kind of product. It’s also imperative to make sure the spray is safe for livestock
Take soil samples so you know what needs to be done to create the healthiest soil for quality forage

Visit the Cornell University Department of Animal Science website for a complete list of plants that are poisonous to horses.

Supporting MSEDA Members

Tue, 05 Jun 2018 20:10:35 GMT

In an effort to garner even more support for MSEDA members, the official MidSouth Eventing & Dressage Association Facebook Page and the official MSEDA Instagram are being taken over by members at MSEDA recognized horse shows and events. The goal of these takeovers is to support current MSEDA members and to encourage more members to join.

Jenn O'Neill on Alex

The Social Media Member Spotlight premiered at Sayre School Combined Test and Dressage Show by Hollyn Renfro. Hollyn, a junior rider, shadowed Jenn O’Neill on her training horses Eliot and Ande, as well as on Jenn’s personal horse Alex.

Kerri Sweet and Shake the Glitter Off

The next spotlights included Kerri Sweet and Shake the Glitter Off, “Abacus,” who competed at MayDaze Horse Trials and Courtney Calnan with CC Little Black Dress, “Harper,” who competed at the KDA Spring Dressage Show. Kerri took over both the MSEDA Instagram and the Kentucky Horse Park Instagram, posting her competition story to both. Sweet finished fifth in Beginner Novice in a very deep division. Calnan debuted her new First Level Musical Freestyle and ended up finishing in as the Open Reserve High Point winner for the Freestyle in the Warm Up as well as Open High Point Freestyle in for the overall show.

CC Little Black Dress owned by Courtney Calnan

This past weekend Sally Holman and Wistful Silence, “Simon,” were our latest pair to be spotlighted. Sally and Simon were competing in the Novice Three-Day where after a wonderful weekend finished in the weekend in 9^th place.

Sally Holman and Wistful Silence

Members are encouraged to nominate and also take pictures of their friends for social media. Interested in nominating someone for a Social Media Spotlight? Email Tess Utterback (tessutterback@gmail.com)

Want to see what you’ve missed? Search #msedamemberspotlight and #mseda on Facebook and Instagram.

The Lowdown on Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis

Tue, 05 Jun 2018 00:56:52 GMT

Most equestrians give spring and fall shots to our equine counterparts religiously, but few of us take the time to understand what diseases we are safeguarding against. Here we delve into Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis and why it is considered a “core vaccine” with the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP).

By Sarah E. Coleman

Many of us give “combo” shots, typically four- or five-way combinations of vaccines given in one vial so our horses don’t have to get stuck multiple times with individual needles. These combinations typically include what the AAEP dubs “core vaccines” – those that all horses, no matter their location or occupation, should be vaccinated for to protect their wellbeing.

These core vaccines include:

Eastern/Western Equine Encephalomyelitis
Rabies
Tetanus
West Nile Virus

Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis

Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE), is one of the core vaccines recommended by the AAEP. EEE was first recorded in the Northern hemisphere in 1831. Similar to West Nile Virus, EEE is transmitted by mosquitoes, so horses that live or spend time near ponds or other still bodies of water have a higher risk of contracting the disease.

Horses (and humans) are a dead-end species for EEE, meaning they cannot pass it on; horses become infected when they are bitten by a mosquito that has picked up EEE from wild birds or rodents, which are “natural reservoirs” for the virus; this means they can carry EEE, but are not affected by it.

EEE causes severe encephalitis in horses; it has a 90 percent mortality rate in horses that are not vaccinated. It is most prevalent in the Atlantic and Gulf Coast states in mid-summer to fall. Evidence suggests that young horses are particularly susceptible to the disease.

Signs of EEE

EEE comes on in a hurry and can be confused with other diseases that affect the central nervous system, like bacterial meningitis, rabies, tetanus, Western Equine Encephalitis, Venezuelan equine encephalitis and West Nile Virus. This disease is also sometimes confused with poisoning. To definitively diagnose a horse, blood must be tested in a lab to see if there are antibodies to the virus present.

Time is of the essence with EEE cases as most affected horses die within three days. An animal that survives may have permanent brain damage.

Signs of EEE include:

Anorexia
Fever
Depression
Heat tilt
Impaired vision
Muscle twitches
Staggering gait
Irritability
Head pressing
Limb weakness or paralysis
Coma
Sensitivity to light

Controlling EEE

EEE tends to appear in “outbreak form,” meaning that the infected horses are generally in close proximity to one another. EEE occurs when horse owners don’t vaccinate their horses or don’t vaccinate so the proper coverage is attained. Horses vaccinated for the first time must receive an injection of EEE followed by a second dose of the vaccine three to four weeks later. This two-dose series is essential to establish an effective immune response. A “booster” is then given in the spring each year thereafter. Veterinarians in some areas may recommend a fall booster, as well.

Vaccination is the No. 1 way to prevent EEE. It is unusual to see EEE in a horse that has been vaccinated for the disease. There is no treatment for EEE; horses are offered only supportive care, including fluids and corticosteroids.

Controlling mosquitos is also key in preventing EEE. This can be done in a number of ways, including:

Eliminate standing water, including in wheelbarrows, gutters, tarps and other easy-to-forget areas.
Use larvicidal products that kill mosquito larvae.
Change drinking water regularly in buckets and troughs.
Keep horses inside at dawn and dusk, when misquotes are most active.
Turn on fans to keep mosquitos at bay.
Encourage predators, including insects that feed on mosquitos and their larvae.
Apply flyspray and investigate the use of a fly sheet and mask on horses that are outside.

EEE Fast Facts

In 2016, there were 116 cases reported nationwide to the USDA.
24 cases of EEE were in Florida, but cases were reported in every coastal state from Virginia to Texas, as well as in Tennessee and Arkansas.
Isolated cases in New Jersey and Michigan, plus an outbreak of 19 in Wisconsin, also occurred in 2016.

Potomac Horse Fever

Mon, 21 May 2018 18:51:10 GMT

Though formerly described as a “sporadic” disease affecting horses that lived near the Potomac River, Potomac Horse Fever (PHF) has now been identified in multiple other geographic areas in the United States and Canada. While not dubbed a “core vaccine” with the American Association of Equine Practitioners, many veterinarians recommend their clients vaccinate for the disease.

By Sarah E. Coleman

How Potomac Horse Fever is Transmitted

Known by other more-uncommon names like Ditch Fever, Shasta River Crud and Equine monocytic ehrlichiosis, Potomac Horse Fever is a seasonal disease seen in spring, summer and early fall on farms that are located near creeks or rivers. The disease is caused by a bacterium called Neorickettsia risticii, which is found in flatworms that develop in aquatic snails. The snails then shed the bacteria when the water warms in the spring and summer. From there, the bacteria can be ingested by horses drinking from rivers or streams, or, more likely, the bacteria is picked up by aquatic insects like mayflies, caddisflies, dragonflies or damselflies.

These infected insects can be ingested by horses as they graze, or they may be eaten by bats and barn swallows, which may also inhabit barns; it is not known if the feces from bats and birds play a role in PHF infection.

Signs of PHF

PHF causes diarrhea, mild colic and fever, and may cause abortion in pregnant mares. Horses infected with PHF become depressed and anorexic before developing a fever; they will have an elevated heart rate and dark mucous membranes. Horses may sweat and intestinal sounds may be decreased; within 48 hours horses typically develop diarrhea with some mild colic signs. Some horses may become dehydrated or septic, and some will develop laminitis.

The incubation period for PHF is 10 to 18 days, and infected horses are not contagious. Acute colitis in the small and large intestine is a possibility, but the biggest complication of PHF is laminitis, which occurs in 20-30 percent of affected horses; it is normally severe and averse to treatment. Fatality from PHF is between 5 and 30 percent.

Treatment

Often confused with salmonella, a definitive diagnosis of PHF requires testing for the bacteria in blood or feces. Many vets opt to begin treatment of the affected horse before the blood work is back as the disease can progress rapidly.

Horses infected with PHF can be treated with oxytetracycline if they are diagnosed early in the disease progression. Horses generally begin responding to treatment within 12 hours. Responses typically include the return of appetite, a brighter attitude, a reduction of fever and an increase in intestinal sounds. If the horse is exhibiting signs of entercolitis, fluids and NSAIDs are normally given. If discovered early, signs of the disease resolve by the third day of treatment.

Prevention

If PHF has been confirmed on a farm or geographic area, it’s very likely that additional PHF cases will occur. Vaccinations for PHF are marginally effective; there are more than 14 strains of N ristcii, so the vaccination may not cover all strains (similar to being vaccinated for human influenza and still ending up with the flu, but with a less-severe case). There are some strategies horse owners can employ to help minimize the prevalence of insects that may be responsible for PHF. These include:

Turning off lights at night to avoid insect attraction
Maintaining barriers along bodies of water to encourage insects to stay near their home base
Cleaning water and feed buckets regularly to avoid accidental ingestion
Covering horse feed to avoid insect contamination

PHF can have grave consequences for horses, so discussing the disease with a vet and determining the best course of action to protect equines is paramount.

Volunteers Needed: KDA Spring Warm-Up and 32nd Annual Dressage Show

Mon, 21 May 2018 18:39:39 GMT

Volunteer opportunities for MSEDA members abound. Each month, we will feature an opportunity for members to obtain volunteer hours and help put on a successful, MSEDA-sanctioned show.

By Sarah E. Coleman

Date and time: May 25, 26 and 27 at the Kentucky Horse Park Dressage Complex

Event history: The Kentucky Dressage Association (KDA) Spring Warm-Up and 32nd Annual Dressage Show is an Official Qualifying Competition for the 2018 Adequan FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North; the 2018 Children Dressage National Championship; the 2018 USEF Pony Rider Dressage National Championship; 2018 AGCO/USEF Junior and Young Rider Dressage National Championships; and the 2018 USEF Young Adult Brentina Cup Dressage National Championship presented by Dressage Today. It is also an Official Qualifying Competition for the 2018 Markel/USEF Young and Developing Horse Dressage Championships and an Official Qualifying Competition for the 2018 FEI World Breeding Championships for Young Horses in Dressage (Five, Six,and Seven Year Olds.) This show is recognized by the following: KDA, AHA, AQHA, MSEDA, IDS, MODA, TIP, and is a National Dressage Pony Cup Partner Show.

Volunteer opportunities before the show, May 23 and 24:

Set rings
Decorate rings
Clean judge’s boxes
Set hospitality area

Volunteer opportunities during the show:

Runners
Scribes
Scorers

What should volunteers know?
Volunteers should wear appropriate footwear for working outside (not flipflops!) and bring raingear if the weather looks like rain. Panera will be provided for volunteers who work through lunch and volunteers are invited to vendor parties and dinners if scheduled through the evening shifts. A T-shirt will be provided.

For more information or to sign up for a volunteer time, please contact Sandy Kraatz (sandy@KDAVolunteers.com)

Straight to the Point

Thu, 03 May 2018 10:53:26 GMT

Puncture wounds can be tricky—what may look like an innocuous, small cut can rapidly become an infected, time-consuming injury if the wound turns out to be more than surface-deep.

By Sarah E. Coleman

Small cuts, especially on hairy horse legs, can be easy to overlook. Though the majority of us run our hands down our horse’s legs when we see them, it’s easy to pass right over a small cut thinking it’s not a big deal. However, these seemingly small nicks can turn into something more serious in a hurry, turning the injuries into swollen, inflamed areas that are hot to the touch and infected.

Puncture wounds anywhere are cause for concern, but those on the lower legs are especially troublesome as they can be deep enough to involve vital structures. Additionally, puncture wounds can be fatal if they strike vital organs like the heart or brain—or if they damage too deeply inside the hoof capsule.

So what should you do if you find a puncture wound? First and foremost, call your veterinarian. Puncture wounds are usually much more serious than they appear, so getting expert attention soon after discovering it can put your horse on the fast track to healing.

Next, you can:

Clean around the injury carefully with water, but don’t spray the area directly with a hose as this will force surrounding dirt deeper into the puncture, worsening the chance of infection. Avoid caustic cleaners, but scrubbing gently with saline is appropriate. DO NOT apply pressure to a puncture wound.
Determine if the wound is near a critical structure such as a tendon sheath or internal organ. While the injury may seem far away from the joint, it’s important to remember that infection can spread rapidly and reach the joint capsule.
Cover the area in a water-soluble wound product.
Clip the hair around the affected area, if possible. This will make it easier to see exactly what is going on.
Apply a clean bandage to the area.
Double check that your horse is up-to-date on his tetanus vaccine.

If you find your horse with an object embedded n his body, leave it in place. This is especially critical if the object is protruding from your horse’s hoof; an X-ray may be necessary to determine the extent of the injury.

How to Prevent Puncture Wounds

While it’s impossible to protect your horse from all injury, there are some ways you can help prevent puncture wounds. The include:

Look over stalls and run-in sheds a few times a year, looking for protruding nails or screws.
Replace broken fence boards as soon as possible; many times nails stick out from broken boards and posts.
Keep a timely farrier schedule. The nails from lost shoes are a common source of puncture wounds in the soles of hooves.
Put down a tarp or drop cloth to catch nails or screws when working on projects around the farm.
Run a magnet through the aisle or grooming area once your farrier is done to pick up any stray nails.

Volunteers Needed!

Mon, 16 Apr 2018 12:49:32 GMT

Volunteer opportunities for MSEDA members abound. Each month, we will feature an opportunity for members to obtain volunteer hours and help put on a successful, MSEDA-sanctioned show.

By Sarah E. Coleman

Sayre School Combined Test and Dressage Show

Date and Time: May 12, 2018 at Masterson Station Park in Lexington, KY

Event History: The 28 year for this event, the annual Sayre Horse Show is a combines test and dressage show that is both MSEDA and KDA sanctioned. Divisions include Greenie, Starter, Beginner Novice, Novice, Training and Preliminary. New for 2018 is the inclusion of fun classes for kids 10 and under.

All proceeds from the show go to supporting the Sayre School, which was established in 1854. The school is a pre-K through 12^th grade institution, with core values of wisdom, integrity, respect and compassion.

Volunteer Opportunities:

Thursday Volunteer Opportunities:
- Dressage ring set up
- Stadium course set up

Saturday Volunteer Opportunities:
- Bit check
- Dressage scribes
- Ring Stewards

Interested? Email Sally Lockhart at sallyire@aol.com

Tips for Volunteers: With the crazy weather Kentucky has been experiencing, prepare for the weather, including having everything from winter coats to rain coats to having sunscreen on hand!

Wet Weather Skin Woes

Mon, 16 Apr 2018 12:36:20 GMT

While warmer weather has all of us excited about the ability to ride in less layers than Nanook of the North, spring in Kentucky is not without its share of equine complications, including slightly feral steeds, abscesses from mud and the seemingly ever-persistent (and dreaded!) rain rot.

By Sarah E. Coleman

One of the most-common skin infections seen in horses, the technical term for rain rot is Dermatophilus congolensis. Caused by bacterial spores that invade the outer layer of skin, the horse’s body produces extra white blood cells as a response to the attack. The blood cells and protein then create tiny, pus-filled pustules on the horse’s coat. When the pustules mature, the skin beneath dies off.

Occurring in warm, damp conditions, rain rot can manifest in multiple ways, including as individual lesions affecting only portions of a horse’s body or in broad patches. Eventually these lesions form crusty scabs, which then peel off with clumps of hair, leaving patches of the horse’s body bare and potentially painful.

Common on the head, neck and back, some rain rot truly follows the path of the rainwater as it runs off the horse’s body.While your horse has an active case of rain rot:

Don’t share equipment, including saddle pads, girths, wraps and brushes
Disinfect the equipment used on the horse

Healing Options

Short of keeping a rain sheet on 24/7, it’s hard to prevent rain rot here in the Bluegrass. So what to do when your horse gets it? There are both over-the-counter options and some homemade remedies. If your horse has a very persistent case, it may be in his best interest to have a vet come out and either do a skin scraping or prescribe some other medications (shampoos that contain keratolytic agent are common) as secondary infections of the open lesions can occur.

OTC Options:

Antimicrobial and antibacterial shampoo or rinse (betadine or Nolvasan are options)
MTG
Equiderma
Hay, Where’s That Blue Stuff
MicroTek
Chlorhexidine scrub
Zephyr’s Garden fungal spray
Tea tree oil

Homemade Remedies

Clip the horse so air can get to the affected areas
Put a 50/50 mix of Listerine and water in a spray bottle and apply up to three times a day
Mix mineral oil and Betadine solution, leave on for three days

Do you have any remedies for rain rot you swear by? Share them here!

Sanctioning Savvy

Mon, 02 Apr 2018 15:29:08 GMT

Horse showing at a new venue can be a bit like flying blind. Find out why attending MSEDA-sanctioned shows and events can ensure you feel like you’re riding with a no-fail GPS.

By Sarah E. Coleman

Horse shows can be great fun no matter where you are, but attending a new event or horse trial can be fraught with doubts: What kind of judges will be there? How will the event be run? Will anything overface my horse? Will it be worth my trip down here?

Some of these fears can be allayed with three little words: “Sanctioned by MSEDA.” When you’re looking to attend a new event, this small phrase can guarantee you a few things: that the show will be a quality event; that the officials will be licensed by MSEDA, USEF or USDF; and that qualified medical personnel will be on the grounds should you need them (we hope you won’t!).

The Positives Behind Sanctioning Shows

MSEDA sanctioning helps show managers in a myriad of ways, arguably the most important of which is bringing additional competitors to the venue. Fully 40 percent of competitors attending dressage shows, events and horse trials in Kentucky and the surrounding states are MSEDA members. Sanctioning shows encourages more riders to compete in their quest for year-end honors.

Sanctioning can remove a lot of stress from show managers. Sanctioning ensures that show managers provide their competitors with a level playing field. It does so by requiring that they have a sanctioned technical delegate (TD) at the competition. There is a vast list of all the requirements a TD must do or provide at every horse show s/he attends.

This list is extensive and includes everything from ensuring that fence heights are correct, that there is ample warm-up areas, that horse and rider behavior in the warm up is appropriate, that all the letters in the dressage arenas are correct, and much, much more. A TD’s job is critical to the smooth and accurate running of a horse show, and it can be a relief for a horse show manager to have competent, endorsed help during an event.

Another boon for horse show hosts and managers? Sanctioning with MSEDA looks great to insurance companies. MSEDA requires that medical personnel be present during the show, a proactive preparation should an accident happen. This measure is not required by most insurance companies. In most cases, unsanctioned shows let local rescue services know they are hosting an event, but don’t have someone physically on the grounds. Sanctioning requires a medical professional be on the grounds, dedicated to ensuring the safety of riders.

A Competitor’s Edge

Competitors appreciate attending MSEDA-sanctioned shows as there are never any surprises, no matter where they attend an event or show. Every MSEDA-sanctioned event follows the same rules with regards to details, including fence height, types of fences offered, etc., allowing riders to bring green horses (and trainers to bring green riders) and know that they will not be overfaced—there are no surprises on unfair jump options at sanctioned shows.

MSEDA-sanctioned shows offer exhibitors more than just a quality experience—they also offer the ability ride under sanctioned judges who offer meaningful, insightful feedback that will allow riders to improve if they take the comments to heart. “The feedback and remarks [on tests] are more meaningful if I know the type and amount of training a judge went through to get them,” says Nikki Seto, a MSEDA member who competes in Western Dressage. This is especially important in a new discipline like western dressage, she explains. “MSEDA has several local judges, officials and instructors who have taken the time and expense to learn to rules, expectations, purpose, terminology and roots of this emerging discipline.”

Nikki, like the majority of MSEDA members, competes to garner points toward year-end awards. Riders can only accrue these points at shows that are sanctioned. Here, sanctioning translates directly to the show manager’s bottom line: If the show is sanctioned, more riders will attend in an attempt to earn points.

In addition to points, showing at sanctioned shows allows riders to track their progress with their horse as the show season continues—knowing they are riding under multiple judges who have worked hard to receive certifications means that the comments and thoughts truly describe how the horse-and-rider team compares with the ideal.

Currently, Western Dressage riders can only accrue points at sanctioned, schooling-level shows under current USEF guidelines, Nikki notes. Unfortunately, the closest Western Dressage Association of American (WDAA) show is in Tennessee, forcing local competitors to travel out of state for competition. Should more shows within Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana were to become sanctioned, their base ofrider support would grow (which, again, means more money for horse show hosts in addition to the growth of the discipline).

How Can we Help?

How can MSEDA encourage show managers to sanction their shows? In addition to more pushes for sanctioned shows on social media and the MSEDA website, how else can our organization serve you? Let us know by emailing Nikki Seto at nikki.w.seto@gmail.com

Getting the Most from a Clinic

Fri, 16 Mar 2018 14:55:53 GMT

Riding in a well-run clinic taught by a profession in your discipline can be an enlightening experience, allowing you a fresh take on your riding.

By Sarah E. Coleman

Ellen Murphy rides in a George Williams clinic.
Photo by Veronica Ferth.

Riding in a clinic can be extremely helpful, allowing you to not only ride under a professional with whom you may not ride regularly, it also offers you the opportunity to watch other riders as well, allowing you to glean information from their lessons and efforts.

If you’re going to spend your time and hard-earned money, you’ll want to do your due diligence to be sure that the clinic you select is the right one for you and your horse. Doing a bit of background checking is helpful: Google the clinician if you’re not overly familiar with him or her. Look at reviews that have been posted and ask friends if they’ve ridden with the instructor before. Watching YouTube videos of clinicians you may like to ride with is a great way to evaluate their teaching style.

Preparation is Key

Just like a horse show, preparation or the clinic is key. Ellen Murphy of Ellen Murphy Sporthorses in Georgetown, KY, plans her week to two weeks leading up to the clinic specifically to ensure her horse is tuned up, comfortable, loose and working well, but not sore or over drilled. “If I have a chiro or my massage therapist due, I schedule that to get the most out of it for the clinic. The key is to know your horse,” she explains. “If I go to a clinic on the weekend then I will do my harder schooling earlier in the week and then maybe a day off, hack day, and then a long-and-low day leading up so my horse is stretched out and fresh.”

Chelsea Smith, owner of two OTTBS and Smith Equine Media, prepares her horses training programs as well. “I take some extra lessons and school cross-country if it’s an eventing clinic,” she explains. “I want my horse to get out and see things before I go so that I make the most of the opportunity!”

As you will have only a limited amount of time to ride with the instructor, you want to ensure that you arrive to the clinic venue on time and ready to ride. If you’re going to a barn or arena you have never been to before, arrive early enough that you can familiarize yourself with the facility layout, and find your way around.

If you can, get your horse in the arena before the clinic or during breaks so you’re not wasting valuable time getting him used to the spooky corners. If you are not the first ride time of the day, watch some of the other riders go, especially if it is a new-to-you clinician—this will help you determine the tone of the clinician and his or her lessons.

Whenever possible, stay and watch the other clinic sessions. “It’s one thing to ride and experience the lesson, but it's so much more helpful when you can watch other people experience it as well,” says Ellen. “They [riders] don't always have the exact same lesson, but it really helps with understanding the clinician’s exercises, objectives, and approach and technique!

Chelsea Smith rides in an MSEDA Kim Severson Clinic.
Photo by JJ Sillman.

Stretching Boundaries

Remember that “a clinic is NOT a regular lesson,” says Ellen. “Your regular instructor builds on things week by week. A clinic is a fresh set of eyes with two to three days to meet an objective. They [the clinicians] are going to push you out of your comfort zone most likely. And that's why you go!”

It’s important to go to a clinic with an open mind. “Just because that isn't how you do it [a movement or technique] at home doesn’t mean it isn't right,” Ellen reminds riders. “You’re there [at the clinic] to push the limits a bit and discover new limits. I see so many people end up upset and crying at clinics, and I think that is because they expect to be told everything is great. But the point of a clinic is to really push you through to that next level. So embrace the suck and learn from it!”

Chelsea seconds that clinics can be a stressful situation for both you and your horse. “Just be patient,” she says. “I also try to treat it like a horse show—I prepare as much as possible at home, and then just try and have fun!”

The key to getting the most from any clinic is to approach everything with an open mind. “Be ready to learn and never assume you know anything,” says Ellen. “And check your ego at the door,” she reminds. You are not at the clinic to show off or engage in a deep discussion on training philosophies with the clinician--at least during your scheduled clinic time.

“Be really open to trying new approaches. Just because you think you have figured out what works well for your horse doesn't mean that the clinician doesn't have an experience with a similar type of horse that is going to allow them to show you a totally different approach, which may be way more effective,” says Ellen. “It might not be effective with this horse at all at this point in time--but that doesn't mean 6 months from now or on the next horse you own that it won't be effective.” What is conveyed at a clinic is meant to help you not only on this horse at this point in time; the knowledge given you should be a tool in your training kit you can use on many horses in the future.

Photo by JJ Sillman

The Takeaway

The end goal of a clinic is not to walk away with the clinician having told you everything is perfect; you should walk away with some added insight into how your horse responds to different training techniques. Be sure to ask the clinician what he or she feels you the next steps for you and your horse should be.

After your ride, sit down and write or type notes to yourself on what exercises you did, what you learned and how your horse reacted. If you get the chance to watch other portions of the clinic, take notes on those as well, including exercise that intrigued you or those you think could benefit your horse.

Volunteers Needed!

Fri, 16 Mar 2018 14:03:23 GMT

Volunteer opportunities for MSEDA members abound. Each month, we will feature an opportunity for members to obtain volunteer hours and help put on a successful, MSEDA-sanctioned show.

By Sarah E. Coleman

Photo by JJ Sillman

Spring Bay Horse Trials: April 7-8, 2018

Event History: Spring Bay Horse Trials is the first event of the year in Area VIII. It began as the Ha’Penny Horse Trials many years ago, then became Spring Bay Horse Trials, organized by Stanley Wiggs. In 2003, Mary Fike became the organizer. It is the unique format of dressage and stadium at the Kentucky Horse Park and cross-country at Masterson Station Park makes it a staple on many competitor’s calendars.

Date and Time: April 7-8, 2018. On Saturday April 7, dressage and show jumping are held at Kentucky Horse Park. On Sunday April 8, cross country is held at Masterson Station Park.

Volunteer Opportunities:
- flagging of cross-country course
- decorating cross-country
- putting up signage

During the show:
- scribes
- ring stewards
- scorers
- bit check
- show jumping timers
- warm-up and in-gate stewards
- cross-country starters
- runners

After the show:
- cleanup help
- social media shares
- articles for the MSEDA newsletter (and other interested publications)
- press release creation

Interested? Email Bev Henson bevhenson@me.com (preferred) or text 502-220-0187

Tips for Volunteers

Volunteer vouchers are provided for every volunteer. Voucher good for discounts on merchandise or post-event schooling; these vouchers are good for an entire year. Lunch is provided, as well as snacks and drinks for all volunteers. Dress is weather appropriate, but there is no dress code requirement.

Tick Trouble

Mon, 26 Feb 2018 20:07:52 GMT

While most of us know the signs of Lyme disease in people (a bullseye rash, flu-like symptoms and fatigue), the signs horses exposed to Lyme disease exhibit can be quite different. Interestingly, diagnosis and treatment in both horses and humans is the same!

By Sarah E. Coleman

Lyme disease, while the most prevalent of any tick-born disease in humans or animals in the United States, hasn’t gotten a lot of play in the horse world, at least in this part of the country. Most of the reported cases come from the Northeast, the upper Midwest and California, though this soon may change as the areas in which Lyme-infected ticks have been found spreads.

Ticks that carry Lyme disease are slowly expanding their area, which can be cause for concern for horse owners. First identified in Lyme, Conn., in the 1970s, the Centers for Disease Control tracks human cases of Lyme; there is no body that tracks equine cases, but it’s strongly believed that they occur in the same areas as human cases.

Lyme disease is caused by a bacterial spirochete called Borrelia burgdorferi. This disease infects dogs, cats, cattle and horses. Clinical signs of Lyme disease are caused by the inflammation of the membranes of joints and nerves.

Signs of Lyme disease can include:

Fever
Muscle pain
Swollen joints
Stiffness in the major joints, including hock, stifle, knee, elbow and fetlock
Rotating, sporadic lameness
Lack of energy
Crankiness
Overreaction to sensory stimuli, called hyperesthesia

How is it Diagnosed?

Vets will use a combination of history, blood tests, clinical signs, risk of probable exposure and antibiotic therapy to determine if a horse has Lyme disease. It’s important to remember that the results of the blood test do not always correlate to the disease status in the horse; horses will test positive for Lyme disease if they have been exposed to the organism even if the signs they are exhibiting are not tied to the disease.

Lyme can have long-term consequences on horses, including damage to skin, joints, nervous system and vision.

How is it Transmitted?

Lyme disease is transmitted when a blacklegged tick (including deer ticks and Western blacklegged ticks) feeds on a wild mouse that is infected with the disease. The tick, now infected itself, then feeds on human and animals, spreading the disease via blood. It is mainly adult ticks that infect horses and they generally cause infection in the spring and fall, though horses can become infected any time ticks are active (like during an unseasonably warm winter).

How is it Treated?

It’s important to note that all horses that are bitten by ticks infected with Lyme will not get the disease. Horses may be infected with Lyme disease, but not develop any signs. The horse is considered to have the disease when he begins to exhibit recognizable signs of the disease.

Like many equine diseases, early diagnosis is key to preventing the most-serious effects of the Lyme, though this may not be for five or six weeks after your horse has been bitten.

Many horses are treated for Lyme disease each year; treatment can be expensive, span a long period of time and carry some chance of toxicity. Almost all horses that have Lyme are treated with doxycycline, tetracycline or ceftiofur. Banamine or another anti-inflammatory may also be given to ease discomfort. Treatment usually lasts for 30 to 60 days.

There is no approved Lyme vaccination for horses on the market and there is no glimmer of one on the horizon. So how best to protect your four-legged friend? Limit his exposure to ticks that carry the bacteria if you live in an area where the disease is prevalent. This can be done by:

Grooming your horse daily, looking for ticks specifically at the base of the mane and tail, around ears, belly and throatlatch.
Using fly repellents that contain permethrins.
Mow grass and brush in your horse’s fields, and cut down overhanging branches where ticks like to hide out.

MSEDA Member Important Notes

Mon, 26 Feb 2018 20:04:08 GMT

Each year it’s important that MSEDA members are reminded of important competition tidbits; these friendly reminders help our members gain recognition for their accomplishments at year’s end. MSEDA seeks to highlight and reward its members and their equine partners for their hard work. Read on for important notifications.

Member Kristen Brennan Volunteering as a Ring Steward

Each member is responsible for their own volunteer hours. This means knowing the rules (attached at the end of the article) and turning in the paperwork. Volunteer hours are always welcome, even if a person is not a MSEDA member. MSEDA offers volunteer awards and appreciates the people who go above and beyond to keep these sports going! Members must submit a volunteer form for EACH show in which they volunteer. Forms must be signed by the volunteer organizer and can be emailed (scan or picture) or snail-mailed to the address at the bottom of the document. This year, hours will be counted once the Points and Volunteer Hours Secretary receives them. The form to report hours can be found on the MSEDA website.

It’s membership renewal time. Get your membership renewed as soon as possible. Points for year-end awards begin accumulating when your membership is activated.

This goes for your horses, too! Do you plan to compete your best friend’s horse? What about that client horse? If there is even a possibility you will be riding a horse, it’s imperative that you register the horse under your name. Horse activations are accepted all year and are free until March 1; after March 1, each registration is $10

Are you an amateur? There’s an award for that. Adult Amateurs in both Dressage and Eventing are eligible for high point year-end awards. To be eligible, send a copy of your amateur status to the Points Secretary, Mandy Weissmann. Points begin accumulating when the status is received.

Are you a Pony Club member? There’s an award for that, too. Current Pony Club members are eligible for a high point year-end award. Be sure to specify the club and center of which you are a member on your paperwork sent to the Points Secretary. Points begin to accumulate once the Points Secretary is notified of your membership.

And finally, do you compete a Thoroughbred? Thanks to a gracious donation by Megan Moore in honor of her horse Grasshopper, your Thoroughbred could be eligible for a high point year-end award. This award is given to the Thoroughbred in Eventing that earns the most points during the year. To be eligible for this award, you must notify the Points Secretary; points begin to accumulate once notification is made.

Points can be confusing, but the MSEDA board is here to help. If you feel something on the points or volunteer hours is amiss, please email Mandy Weissmann. Please take a few moments to read through the MSEDA rulebook (LINK HERE) to learn what other awards are offered, as well as how to accumulate the most points-- MSEDA wants to celebrate you and your horse for your yearly endeavors.

To email Points and Volunteer Hours Secretary Mandy Weissmann, use this address: trinitymja@msn.com

ARTICLE IX Volunteer Hours IX.1. Required Hours – In order to qualify for year-end awards in dressage and eventing competitions, the member/rider must volunteer a total of eight (8) hours at MSEDA-sanctioned competitions, at least four (4) of which must be at either MSEDA Dressage at the Kentucky Horse Park or MSEDA Team Challenge. Written proof of this service must be provided to the individual designated by the MSEDA Board of Directors no later than October 31 of each year. A minimum of four (4) of the eight (8) hours must be completed by the rider, the rest of the required hours may be donated by someone other than the rider and donated in his or her name. Service as an officer of MSEDA, as a member of the MSEDA Board of Directors, or as the non-compensated chairman of a committee officially appointed by the MSEDA Board of Directors (i.e., Sanctioning Chairperson Points Chairperson, Education Chairperson, etc.) shall constitute fulfillment of the requirement for 8 volunteer hours. However, volunteer hours earned for being a Board Member may not be donated for year-end awards.

Volunteers Needed!

Thu, 15 Feb 2018 14:52:59 GMT

Volunteer opportunities for MSEDA members abound. Each month, we will feature an opportunity for members to obtain volunteer hours and help put on a successful, MSEDA-sanctioned show.

By Sarah E. Coleman

Photo by Smith Equine Media, LLC

Snowbird Dressage: March 3, 2018 at the Kentucky Horse Park Covered Arena

Event History: Started in 1987, Snowbird Dressage has primarily taken place at the Kentucky Horse Park, though it was held at Masterson Station Park for a few years. It was moved to the Horse Park permanently to utilize the warm up area and to use the covered arena.

Offering dressage, eventing and western dressage tests, Snowbird Dressage is designed to offer a no-pressure way to practice new tests or levels in a competitive atmosphere. Using MSEDA and USEF judges, a team competition is offered, as well as a series championship. Snowbird has been MSEDA Dressage Show of the Year multiple years and is a winter dressage destination for many in the Bluegrass.

Date and Time: The last date is March 3, 2018. The show starts at approximately 8:00 am and runs until around 5:00 pm, depending on how many rides are scheduled.

Volunteer Opportunities:
Prior to every Snowbird show:
- setting up rings
- stuffing of packets
- picking up prizes
- putting up stall cards
- filling out dressage tests

During the show:
- ring stewards
- runners
- scorers

Interested? Email Julie Congleton at malcomsmom@gmail.com

Tips for Volunteers: Dress appropriately for the weather; the show can be cold, so warm footwear and gloves are imperative. The show will provide lunch,

Visit the Snowbird Dressage Facebook page here and the Snowbird Dressage website here for more information.

How to Take a Great Sales Video

Thu, 15 Feb 2018 14:43:28 GMT

In this age of digital overload, getting in front of potential horse buyer is easy—but selling them on your horse be the tricky part.

By Sarah E. Coleman

With the advent of online selling platforms, it’s much easier to get your horse seen by buyers far outside your local area, but with this ease of access comes quite a few potential pitfalls, among them the scrutiny that every since piece of your video will undergo.

Know that any video you post will be seen by (hopefully!) thousands of people, especially is a buyer is interested. It will be seen by the buyer’s trainer, vet, farrier, friends, colleagues and barn mates (at a minimum!). Because of this, it’s imperative that you present your sale horse in the best light as possible, combining many small details to make a video that’s clean and enticing to get buyers to contact you to learn more.

Tips:

Know your equipment before you begin. If you’re having someone use your camera, iPad or phone, be sure they are familiar with how to use it before beginning. Take a few practice videos and watch them together before getting ready to film the actual sale video. Fumbling for the start/stop button and losing the subject are annoying and off-putting enough that many people may stop watching the video entirely. Consider investing in a tripod that will eliminate all shakiness and jitters of the camera.

Keep it fairly short. Though you know your horse is fantastic and you want to show off every single thing he does well, sales videos that are under 5-10 minutes are best. If you care to add in some “highlight reels” of your horse showing or at liberty, here is the place to do it, but edit the segments so they flow smoothly.

Edit wisely. Some potential buyers get suspicious if the video is choppy, cutting out in odd places or a mishmash of clips from different days all put together. People always wonder why the cameraman turned off the camera: Was the horse bad? Did he miss the change he was set up for?

Turn down the sound. It can be wise to consider turning off the volume on the filming device, especially if it’s windy or the rider and camera person are chatting as the piece is filmed. Nothing is quite as annoying as the camera man yelling at a dog or kid or hearing nothing but wind when you’re trying to focus on the horse.

Take the video when lighting is best. Making people squint through bright light to decipher what they’re looking at does your horse no favors and will make sure they don’t stick around on your sales page long enough to see just what your horse can do.

Eliminate distractions in the arena. if you know you’ll be filming a sale horse, it’s wise to take out as many objects in the area that are cluttering the view as possible. Remove some jumps, take out clutter like buckets of jump cups, stools and other things that are visually distracting to the viewer. Have the videographer stand where she doesn’t have to move around objects to film the horse. While it may seem like a lot of work to move things in and out of the arena for such a short video, it will be worth it in the end if you get your full asking price!

Clean up! While your horse doesn’t have to be braided for a sales video, he should be clean and tidy, with mane pulled (if acceptable in your breed and discipline) and trimmer whiskers. His tack and pads should be clean as well, and the rider should be presented in neat clothes with shirttails tucked in. Remember: You’re essentially selling yourself, too, so put your best foot forward. Consider neutral colors for pads and polos to create as little distraction from the horse as possible. While the horse is neat and tidy, take some good conformation videos, as well, which will also help him sell.

If possible, consider overlaying text over the parts of the video, explaining who the horse is and where he is located, as well as how to contact you and an intro to any other clips you are including (like what show, how the horse finished, etc.).

Nutrition 101: Part 2- Macronutrients

Mon, 12 Feb 2018 01:19:49 GMT

Author: Kristen M Brennan, PhD, Alltech Inc.

In my first column, we covered what makes the equine digestive tract unique and how food migrates from the point of ingestion to those piles of manure we all love to scoop every day. Now that we all have a basic understanding of gastrointestinal anatomy and physiology, let’s start to talk about the basic or essential nutrients that are needed in a healthy horse’s diet.

We left the last article talking about what a nutrient is. Just to review, simply put, a nutrient is a component in food or feed that is necessary to support life. Nutrients can be further broken down into two types: macronutrients, or those required in higher levels and micronutrients, or those required in much smaller amounts (but are still important!). This time we are going to focus on macronutrients in your horse’s diet. There are three major macronutrients in your horse’s diet: water, protein and energy.

Macronutrients

Water

When I talk about essential nutrients, I always list water as number one. Often referred to as the “forgotten nutrient”, water is the most important nutrient because horses cannot live long without it. Every horse needs a constant supply of fresh, clean drinking water at all times of the day. An average 1200lb horse will drink about 5 to 10 gallons of water per a day, or about 2 quarts minimum per a pound of hay. In the summer, when horses are grazing on fresh pasture, some of this intake comes from the grass they consume. Just like people, water intake will increase with outdoor temperatures, increased exercise or during lactation and decrease in colder temperatures or with decreased exercise. Horses also may also drink less if they are sick or if they can’t find a source of water that is palatable to them.

Protein

Protein is an essential nutrient that provides your horse essential amino acids which are the building blocks for all aspects of your horse’s body from the growth and repair of muscle, bone and soft tissue to the proper functioning of the immune system. While we talk about protein in a general term as the required nutrient, its actually the individual amino acids that are so important. These amino acids are called the “essential amino acids” and horses must get them from their diet because they cannot synthesize them.

On a feed tag, protein content is defined as “crude protein”. This a common term in animal nutrition and is a calculation based on nitrogen content of the feed to estimate the actual protein content. One thing crude protein does not tell us is the actual amounts of amino acids. Just like with humans, not all protein sources are equal as they may provide different levels of individual amino acids: therefore, it’s possible for your horse to consume enough protein but not enough of individual amino acids. Legumes like alfalfa and soybean meal are high quality sources of protein in equine diets.

One of the biggest challenges is that we are just now starting to understand how much of each essential amino acid is required in the diet. Luckily equine nutrition researchers are contributing valuable studies in this area that will eventually tell us this valuable information. One thing we do understand is that the amount of protein a horse can make from amino acids it consumes is limited by the amino acids that runs out first. If you think about a bucket of water with holes at various heights up the side, you can only fill the bucket as high as the lowest hole. Same thing goes for protein synthesis: you can only make as much protein (water in the bucket) as the amino acid that runs out first because of the lowest supply (the lowest hole in the bucket). Luckily, we do know that the most likely to run out first (called the limiting amino acid) is lysine. Therefore, you may see additional lysine listed on your feed tag below crude protein.

Energy

While technically not a nutrient because horses can’t consume energy per say, energy is essential for supporting life. Horses have two main sources of energy: carbohydrates and fats. Just like most other nutrients, energy needs increase with growth, exercise, gestation and lactation in horses.

Carbohydrates are the main energy source in equine feeds and can be further broken down into structural and nonstructural fractions. Structural carbohydrates, like fermentable fiber sources, are broken down in the hindgut and fermented by microbes to release energy in the form of volatile fatty acids. While we think of forages like pasture and hay when we think of fiber, feeds like beet pulp can also be great sources. Nonstructural carbohydrates like starch and sugar can be thought of as the “quick acting” carbohydrates-the are easily broken down and absorbed through the small intestine into the bloodstream as glucose. Both forages and grains contain nonstructural carbohydrates, but levels are highest in cereal grains like corn, oats and barley. While starches and sugars often get a bad reputation, it’s important to note that in a normal, healthy horse, they are a great source of energy.

For a long time, it was thought that horses could not use fat an energy source but research has shown that horses tolerate a fairly high level of fat in their diet. Fats are energy dense (more than twice that of carbohydrates), are easily digestible and an economic way of increasing the energy content. Traditionally most concentrates were formulated to be low fat, but more recently there has been a trend for higher fat feeds containing up to 12% fat. One thing we are still trying to understand is the importance of the form of fats-namely the omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acid groups. These fats have been shown to have an important role in the health of other species, but research is still on going in horses.

Hopefully this gives you a better understanding of macronutrients and why they are important in your horse’s diet. Next time we’ll visit the micronutrients-the small but mighty nutrients that are so essential to health.

How to Run an Awesome Equine Event

Fri, 02 Feb 2018 17:32:13 GMT

By Sarah E. Coleman

If you’re interested in running a local horse event, whether it’s a combined test, mini trial, dressage show, hunter pace, competitive trail ride or other endeavor, there are three key things you need: a deep volunteer list, a solid set of organizational skills and a good sense of humor.

So, you’ve attended local horse shows, hunter paces or trail rides for years, and you truly understand what works in your area and what doesn’t. Why not try your hand at equine event management and host your own show, pace, mini trial or other equine endeavor? While there’s a lot of planning that goes into hosting an event, there are some very specific strategies and timelines that can make organizing an event less stressful.

Don't Put the Cart Before the Horse

But before you start dreaming of the awesome prizes you’ll offer, there are a few other things you’ll need to consider. The first, and most important, is choosing a date. Before you get your heart set on a specific weekend, think long and hard about the time of year in which you want to host your event. Early spring and late fall can be iffy weather-wise in many locales across the country. If you don’t have an indoor arena or other covered space to utilize, it can be worthwhile to rule out the very early and very late dates, especially if you’re not expecting to ask riders to pre-register. It’s helpful to plan your event as far in the future as possible—a year in advance is not unheard of. The more time you can have to prepare and get the word out about the event, the better.

When deciding on an event date, also be sure to look at other local equine organization’s event calendars. Making sure you’re not running a hunter pace at the same time as an event or local jumper show can help make sure riders are not forced to choose between your new event and an already-established one.

If you’re not hosting your event on property you own, it’s a good idea to have an additional one or two dates in mind as back-ups as well. Then, when you approach the hosting venue, you already have a back-up date in mind if your first choice is taken.

Checking Your List

Once you have a date nailed down, it’s time to get to the nitty-gritty details. While you might be able to manage without checklists in many areas of your life, hosting an event is most likely not one of them. Most event organizers live and die by checklists. Here are some of the particulars you may need to have in place well in advance of the event:

medic

food

ribbons and/or prizes

secretary/check in location

signage

stall map (if neede)

show/event programs or maps

judges, announcers, ring crew, stewards (if needed)

photographer

course/track design (if needed)

jump/obstacle rental

portapotties

numbers or pinneys

vet/farrier or on-call vet or farrier

Getting the Word Out

So, the date is set, the venue is booked and you’re diligently working away at your checklists. What next? Getting the word out! The biggest key to having a well-attended event is making sure that as many people as possible know when and where your event is, AND how to contact you should they have any questions.

If you don’t have a lot of money to spend on expensive show programs or color flyers, don’t fret! Social media is the least expensive way to get the word out about your event. Mock up some cute ads or silly social media posts, and start posting it in every equine group you can! Email all your horsey friends and ask them to share, as well. If you have any sponsors of classes, events or prizes, thank them as much as you can on social media and ask them to share their support of your event with their fans and followers.

Making Sure You're Covered: Liability Insurance

If the event you will be running will take place on your own farm, it’s important to contact your insurance agent to be sure you’re covered for the event on the farm. You will most likely be asked to provide details about what type of event it is, about how many people you expect and if medical personnel will be on site.

If you will be hosting your event at a location other than one you own, the entity that owns the facility will likely ask for proof of insurance and ask to be named on your policy for the date of the event. The owner of the facility will also ask that the insurance cover exhibitors, competitors and spectators with a minimum policy limit (normally $1 million). While this may sound like a lot of hassle and expense, it’s normally quite affordable to add on a one- or two-day event to an insurance policy that’s already in place. And, should anything happen, you’ll be glad you have insurance in place!

Rallying the Troops

So, you’ve laid the foundation for a successful event. You’ve chosen a good date with minimal conflicts, you’ve spread the word about what a great event this will be and you’ve gotten as many detail in place early as you can. Now you need more manpower.

Even the most seasoned event host knows that an event cannot run smoothly with only one person at the helm. So, contact everyone you can think of who might have a few hours to spare or who may need community service hours. While you will want the majority of people to come and attend your event, a lot of local schools, community groups, scout troops, pony clubs and 4-H groups needs volunteer hours each year. Reach out to them as early as you can to see if you can round up some volunteers from their member.

And Finally

While you can have plan A, B, C and D in place, but some things will happen just before or the day of the event that you will be unable to control (like the weather!). Just remember: It will be OK. Many an event has been salvaged from a potentially harmful incident by the event manager being attentive, courteous and listening to those who are having issues. A little bit of kindness goes a long way, especially when stress levels run high. So don’t forget—the attendees have come to your event for a good time, so do your best to ensure that they want to come back next year!

2017 MSEDA Annual Meeting Door Prize Winners

Thu, 25 Jan 2018 16:45:42 GMT

DOOR PRIZES	DONATED BY	WON BY

Miscellaneous

1- Valley Vet T-Shirt, Green Candle	Valley Vet Supply & Friend of MSEDA	Laura Voll
1- Vally Vet T - Shirt, Hooray For Horses Game Cards	Valley Vet Supply & Friend of MSEDA	John Crowell
1- Vally Vet T-Shirt, Yankee Candle	Valley Vet Supply & Friend of MSEDA	Alison Zeitlin
1 Valley Vet Blue Horse Halter	Valley Vet Supply	Robyn Munson
1- Valley Vet Purple Horse Halter	Valley Vet Supply	Mary DeBarbadillo
1-Grooming Tote	Friend of MSEDA	Elizabeth Pagan
1- White Horse Framed Picture	Friend of MSEDA	Julie Congleton
1-Leather Brown Horse Size Halter	Dover Saddlery in Cincinnati, OH	Steve Duncan
1-Black Halter	Luckett's Tack Shop	Nikki Wahl Seto
1- Light Blue Groom Caddy with Basic Brushes	Luckett's Tack Shop	Elaine Fern
1- Day Churchill Downs/ 8 Seats Covered at Finish Line	Peggy Bindner	Angela Ariats
1-EquiOtic Ice Pack Cooler and Pastes	Doug Froh/EquiOtic	Chris Hayner
1-EquiOtic Ice Pack Cooler and Pastes	Doug Froh/EquiOtic	Pam Kimmel
1- Equine Excel Hoof Supplement	Equine Excel	?????
1- Bucket KPP Supplement, Polo Shirt Misc.	Kentucky Performance Products	Cindy Kephart
1- Bucket KPP Supplement, Polo Shirt Misc.	Kentucky Performance Products	Robyn Munson
1- Bucket KPP Supplement, Polo Shirt Misc.	Kentucky Performance Products	Kathy Norman
1- Bucket KPP Supplement, Polo Shirt Misc.	Kentucky Performance Products	Kayla Conrad
1- Pomegranate Spice Bath Set Basket	Friend of MSEDA	Rachel Henson
1- White Christmas Bath Set	Friend of MSEDA	Beverly Henson
1- Small Brown Stuffed Horse	Friend of MSEDA	Jane Brack
1- Stuffed Unicorn Horse	Friend of MSEDA	Emma Hilt
1- Flower Pot Horse Pastrue Design	Friend of MSEDA	Ruth Rosendaul
1- Animated Rocking Horse	Friend of MSEDA	Karen Isberg
1- Horse Throw Blanket	Friend of MSEDA	Anita Bolen
1- Thoroughbred Pillow	Friend of MSEDA	Erin Woodall
1-French Chinese Pillow	Friend of MSEDA	Mandy Weissmann
1- Horse NutCracker	Friend of MSEDA	Mary Fike
1-Faithful Companion Tote Bag	Friend of MSEDA	Carol Scherbak
1- Horsey Tote Bag	Friend of MSEDA	Mandy Weissmann
1- Purple Por Porri & Black Horse Shot Glasses	Friend of MSEDA	Janice Holmes
1- Horse Scarf & Black Horse Clothes Brush	Friend of MSEDA	Marian Zeitlin
4 Hunter Scene Coffee Mugs	Friend of MSEDA	Kathy Baar
1- Rita Mae Brown Book & Brass Horse Picture Frame	Friend of MSEDA	Kristin Posner
1- Mahongy Horses Running Décor	Friend of MSEDA	Chelsea Smith
1- Horse Wreath Hanger & Silver Horseshoe Candy Dish	Friend of MSEDA	Chris Hayner
1-Black Leather Halter and Leash Chain	TwohorseTack.com	Jeanna Hutchinson
1-Light Brown Leather Halter and Leash Chain	TwohorseTack.com	Nicole Maynara
1-Dark Brown Leather Halter and Leash Chain	TwohorseTack.com	Gracelyn Kephart
1-Bucket of Dimples Horse Treats	Dimples Horse Treats	Vanessa Coleman
1-Bucket of Dimples Horse Treats	Dimples Horse Treats	Gracelyn Kephart
1-Bucket of Dimples Horse Treats	Dimples Horse Treats	Tiffany Smith
1-Bucket of Dimples Horse Treats	Dimples Horse Treats	Kristen Brennan
1-Bucket of Dimples Horse Treats	Dimples Horse Treats	Elisse Gibbs

Gift Cards and Certificates	DONATED BY	WON BY
1- Certificate Upgrade from 2 to 4 Passenger for 3 days	Cunningham Golf & Utility Vehicles	Margaret Miller
1 Hr Full Massage	Janet Grisco	Erin Murphy
1-Gift Certificate $25.00	The Tack Shop of Lexington	Lauren Buhrmann
1-Gift Certificate $25.00	The Tack Shop of Lexington	Nicole Maynard
1-Gift Certificate $25.00	The Tack Shop of Lexington	Janice Holmes
1-Gift Certificate $25.00	The Tack Shop of Lexington	Cindy Kephart
1- 2018 X/C Shooling Session at the KHP	KHP Foundation/ Laura Klumb	Cathy Wieschhoff
1- 2018 X/C Shooling Session at the KHP	KHP Foundation/ Laura Klumb	Marianne DeBarbadillo
1- 4-Day General Admission to the RK3DE	Vanessa Coleman	Lauren Buhrmann
1- 4-Day General Admission to the RK3DE	Vanessa Coleman	Bev Henson
1- Red State BQ $15.00 Gift Certificate	Red State BQ	Kitty Wieschhoff
1- Red State BQ $15.00 Gift Certificate	Red State BQ	Gail Jackson
1- Red State BQ $15.00 Gift Certificate	Red State BQ	Susan Posner
1- $100.00 Gift Certificate	Fabulous Frames and Art/ Kenwood Store	Julie Congleton
1-$20.00 Coupon Buckeye Nutrition Equine Feed	Buckeye Nutrition Equine Feed	Sarah Andres
1-$20.00 Coupon Buckeye Nutrition Equine Feed	Buckeye Nutrition Equine Feed	Judi Tudor
1-$20.00 Coupon Buckeye Nutrition Equine Feed	Buckeye Nutrition Equine Feed	Elissa Gibbs
1-$20.00 Coupon Buckeye Nutrition Equine Feed	Buckeye Nutrition Equine Feed	Robyn Munson
1-$20.00 Coupon Buckeye Nutrition Equine Feed	Buckeye Nutrition Equine Feed	Pam Kimmel
1-$20.00 Coupon Buckeye Nutrition Equine Feed	Buckeye Nutrition Equine Feed	Nikki Kowalski
1-$25.00 Gift Certificate and Note Cards	Kentucky Tack Ex./Consignment Boutique	Anastasia Curwood
1-$50.00 Gift Certificate and Note Cards	Kentucky Tack Ex./Consignment Boutique	Susie Duncan

Horse Show and Clinic Entries	DONATED BY	WON BY
1- Horse Trial Entry Fee	Spring Bay Horse Trial	Kelly Rover
1- Horse Trial Entry Fee	Kentucky Classic Horse Trial	Victoria Schumacher
1-MET Hunter/Jumper Entry Fee	Masterson Equestrian Trust (MET)	Julie Congleton
1-MET Hunter/Jumper Entry Fee	Masterson Equestrian Trust (MET)	Nancy Kowalski
1-Hunter Pace Entry	Masterson Equestrian Trust (MET)	Lauren Gehtile
1-Mid South Pony Club Horse Trial Entry Fee	Midsouth Pony Club/ Erin Woodall	Pam Kimmel
1-Entry for Stone Place Stables Hunter/Jumper Show	Stone Place Stables, Prospect, Ky	Jill Pritchard
1-Entry for Stone Place Stables Hunter/Jumper Show	Stone Place Stables, Prospect, Ky	Erin Woodall
1- Entry Fee Stone Place Stables Mini Horse Trial	Stone Place Stables, Prospect, Ky	William Robertson
1 Entry Fee either Combined Test or Dressage Class	Sayre School Combined Tests and Dressage Show	Tess Utterback
1-Dressage Class Entry	Snowbird Dressage Show March 2018	Tiffany Smith
1- Entry 2018 Camargo Hunter Trials	Camargo Hunt	Mary Fike
1- Entry 2018 Camargo Hunter Trials	Camargo Hunt	Mary Fike
1- Entry Camargo Hunter Pace 2018	Camargo Hunt	Sara Hubbard
1- Entry Antbellum 2018 Nancy Newton Memorial Show	Antebellum Farm	Deanna Craychee
1-Entry Fee Spring Run Farm Fall Dressage Show	Spring Run Farm/Susan Harris	Carol Scherbak

Sunday Door Prizes Packages Valley View Farm

Louisville Package	DONATED BY	WON BY
1-Spring Run Farm Spring Dressage Show Entry	Spring Run Farm/ Susan Harris	Erin Woodall
1-Covered Bridge Pony Club Combined Test Entry	Peggy Bindner	Erin Woodall
1-Flying Cross Big HT Entry Only	Mary Lowry	Erin Woodall

Lexington Package	DONATED BY	WON BY
1- Paul Frazier Dressage Show Entry Fee	Paul Frazier Pat Kline	Nikki Kowalski
1 -Snowbird Dressage Feb Show Entry Fee	Julie Congleton/ Trudi Tudor	Nikki Kowalski
1-Jumpstart HT Entry Fee	Sally Lockhart	Nikki Kowalski

MSEDA Educational Grant Recipient: Courtney Calnan

Tue, 16 Jan 2018 15:28:23 GMT

By Sarah E. Coleman

Photo by JJ Sillman

Courtney Calnan was a 2017 $500 MSEDA Educational Grant recipient. The proud owner of CC Little Black Dress, otherwise known as “Harper,” Courtney plans to split the money two ways: “I am headed to Aiken, South Carolina, for a week in February to work with four-star eventer Lillian Heard,” Courtney says. “Half of the money will go toward my lessons while in Aiken. [This] will allow me to take a full week of lessons while in Aiken instead of just a couple, [which will] provide us with a great head start to accomplish our 2018 goals.

The other half will be used to offer a discount to MSEDA members at a clinic taught by Lillian in Lexington later this year, Courtney says. This grant “will help me to fulfill a passion I have for organizing clinics and giving back to the local equine community.”

Harper

Courtney has a passion for the horse world and it’s not just humans who benefit. Her horse, Harper, is a 7-year-old Arabian/Andalusian cross that was one of 50 horses rescued by the Arabian Rescue Mission (ARM) a few years ago. Based in Leitchfield, KY, the 501c3 seeks to rescue, rehabilitate and place horses, specifically Arabians, who have been neglected, abused or are unwanted, or where life situations change drastically, in permanent, loving, responsible forever homes. They also seek to educate people in the care, nutrition and responsibility of horse ownership and the commitment that relationship requires. You can learn more about the good work ARM does at www.arabianrescuemission.org.

Harper is currently competing at First Level in dressage and Novice Level in eventing, says Courtney. “I started riding with Lillian Heard last March. It has been a game changer for Harper and me. As a busy adult who makes her living outside of riding, I needed someone who could give me the correct foundation for a young horse and the right homework for between lessons,” She explains. “I travel for work, so my schedule can be quite sporadic and weekly lessons just don’t fit into that lifestyle. Lillian is based out of Boyd and Silva Martin’s farm in Pennsylvania during the summer, and out of Bridle Creek Farm in South Carolina during the winter. During 2017, she came to Lexington once a month from May through November.”

So what are Courtney and Harper working on right now? “Fitness!” She says. “Without an arena at home and with a hectic work schedule, our winter is full of hacking, trailering out and the occasional jump school with friends. Since Harper is half Arabian, it’s very easy to maintain her cardiovascular fitness, but we spend many hours walking hills during the winter to slowly condition her topline, tendons and ligaments.”

Courtney’s goals for 2018 include moving Harper up to Second Level and, if all goes well, to qualify for USDF Regionals. “I also have my eyes set on the Novice Long Format Three Day at Kentucky Classique in August,” she says.

Long-term, Courtney has set even loftier goals. “I purchased Harper with the hope that she might be my CCI 1* horse,” she explains. “I had no intentions of ever doing recognized dressage, but she has opened my eyes to how fun it can be. Short-term I would like to complete my Bronze Medal and long-term I hope to get her to the FEI levels in either dressage or eventing--or maybe both!”

2018 USEA and USEF Rule Changes

Mon, 15 Jan 2018 15:17:31 GMT

By Sarah E. Coleman

While the eventing and dressage rules are tweaked every year to ensure more-fair competition and horse and rider safety, there are some significant changes that have taken place for the 2018 competition year. While the items listed below are not exhaustive, they are important to note. For additional information, please visit usef.org and useventing.com.

The Young Horse Program Changes

In addition to the changes noted below, the USEA Young Event Horse Program will also have some significant changes, including new (shortened) dressage tests, new scoring and judging systems, and a conformation section that is only held at championships. The competition will now consist solely of a dressage section and a jumping/galloping section, which has new standards.

You can find the score sheets here: http://useventing.com/sites/default/files/YEH%20Scoresheet%20Qualifying%20Competition.pdf

For 2018, a mare must compete in her appropriate age group (the bye-year has been removed).

Additional information on the Young Event Horse Program can be found here: http://useventing.com/competitions/yeh.

Eventing Rule Changes

The following changes, noted in red, have been approved by USEF.

EV115 Saddlery
2. Dressage Test
c. a rounded snaffle bit made of metal, leather, rubber or plastic material is permitted for all tests.
f. Martingales, bit guards, any kind of gadgets (such as bearing, side, running or balancing reins, etc.), reins with any loops or hand attachments, any kind of boots or leg bandages and any form of blinkers, including earmuffs, earplugs, hoods, and seat covers are, under penalty of elimination, strictly forbidden. Ear hoods are permitted for all Tests and may also provide noise reduction. However, ear hoods must not cover the horse’s eyes and ear plugs are not permitted. The ear hoods should be discreet in color and design. BOD 11/13/17 Effective 12/1/17

EV131 Cross-Country Scoring
1. FAULTS AT OBSTACLES:
a. Disobediences -
5. Fourth penalized disobedience on the entire course at Beginner Novice, Novice, Training or Modified Elimination. BOD 11/13/17 Effective 12/1/17

EV142 Cross Country – Definitions of Faults
2. Disobediences (Refusals and Runouts)
b. Runouts. A horse is considered to be disobedient if it runs-out, avoids the obstacle or element to be jumped in such a way that it has to be represented. A rider is permitted to change his mind as to where he jumps an obstacle or element at any time without penalty for a run-out, including as a result of a mistake at a previous obstacle or element. BOD 11/13/17 Effective 12/1/17

SUBCHAPTER EV-6 RULES FOR OFFICIALS
EV171 Ground Jury
2. DUTIES: a. The Ground Jury is ultimately responsible for the judging of the event and for settling all problems that may arise during its jurisdiction. Together with the Technical Delegate, Course Designer and Organizing Committee, it shall endeavor to ensure that all arrangements for the event, including the arenas, courses and obstacles including deformable Cross-Country Jumps, are appropriate. If, after consultation with the Technical Delegate, the Ground Jury is not satisfied with the arrangements or courses, it is authorized to modify them. BOD 1/14/17 Effective 12/1/17

EV172 Additional Judges
5. Guest Cards (see GR1011.16) BOD 1/14/17 Effective 12/1/17

EV174 Course Advisors
a. A Cross Country Course Advisor shall be appointed by the Federation for certain Horse Trials and Three-Day Events as designated by the Federation Eventing Sport Committee. The Cross Country Course Advisor will approve the design of the proposed course, including: the distance covered, the terrain and the condition and quality of the track; and the number of obstacles, their construction and variety and marking or flagging, the number of combinations, and the appropriateness of the level to the competition. The Cross Country Course Advisor will provide the course designer (CD) and technical delegate (TD) with a report which indicates any changes, either recommended, priority, or essential, to be made to each fence on the course. After inspection of the Cross Country course and prior to the event, the TD will complete the Cross Country Course Advisor Report for return to the Federation with the TD report. All essential changes must be made or the fence shall be removed from the course for the competition. All priority changes must be addressed prior to use at the next event or removed from the course.
b. Eventing Show Jumping Course Advisor please refer to program details at www.usef.org/compete/disciplines/ eventing. For Show Jumping courses, the TD shall include a copy of the Show Jumping Courses, as posted at the competition, with the TD report. All essential Show Jumping changes must be made. BOD 11/13/17 Effective 12/1/17

APPENDIX 4 - EVENTING - PREMITTED SADDLERY FOR DRESSAGE
See Annex 1 for Approved Bits for National Competitions
** noseband rules have changed, for additional information, visit https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/KlV5P9prkmM/ev-eventing-division

Dressage Rule Changes

The following changes, noted in red, have been approved by USEF.

DR117 The Position of and Aids of the Rider
4. Riding with both hands is obligatory at all national and International Dressage Events. However, riding with one hand is permitted in the Freestyle Tests and when leaving the arena. Individuals holding a Federation Dispensation Certificate may use bridged or special adaptive reins for use with one or no hand(s), if their physical limitations require such and the equipment is listed on the Dispensation Certificate.
Apart from the halt and salute, where the athlete must take the reins in one hand, riding with the reins in both hands is obligatory at FEI Dressage Events, but a discreet ‘pat on the neck’ for a well performed exercise, or for reassurance, is perfectly acceptable (as is the situation of an athlete needing to wipe a fly from their eye, or other situations such as adjusting clothing, saddle pads etc). However, if the rider intentionally takes the reins into one hand in order to use either the reins or the other hand to produce more impulsion from the horse, or to promote applause from the spectators during the test, it will be considered a fault and will be reflected in the mark for both the movement and the collective mark for ‘Rider’.

6. The use of the voice in any way whatsoever or clicking the tongue once or repeatedly is a fault involving the deduction of at least 2 marks from those that would otherwise have been awarded for the movement where this occurred. Use of voice should also be considered in the collective mark for the rider. BOD 12/11/17 Effective 1/1/18

DR119 Participation in Dressage Competitions

2. Horses may compete in no more than one Licensed Competition on the same day and are limited to a maximum of three Dressage rides per day at Fourth Level and below (including Rider Tests) or two Dressage rides per day above Fourth Level. Horses competing at both Fourth Level and Prix St. Georges, or their equivalents, are limited to two Dressage rides per day. Horses competing in FEI Para-Equestrian tests are limited to a maximum of two Dressage rides per day including equivalent USEF or USDF tests. FEI Para-Equestrian tests may be ridden at non-consecutive levels to USDF, USEF, and other FEI tests. Horses may enter no more than two consecutive levels, Freestyle levels included, at any one competition (refer to the following chart). Dressage Seat Equitation, Quadrille, Pas de Deux and Materiale classes are excluded from the maximum limit of rides per day and horses in these classes may compete at any level for which they are otherwise eligible during the same competition.

Except for Young Horse tests, all dressage tests listed above shall be considered equivalent to the highest test of the level (e.g. the FEI Pony Rider Team Test is considered equivalent to Second Level Test 3). BOD 11/13/17 Effective 12/1/17

DR120 Dress

2. For all tests above Fourth Level, and FEI Junior Tests, and FEI Dressage Tests for 5, 6, and 7 year old horses, the dress code is: a dark tailcoat or a dark jacket with protective headgear, as defined in DR120.6 and in compliance with GR801, and white or light colored breeches, stock or tie or integrated stand-up collar, gloves, and black riding boots. Spurs are mandatory for FEI tests (except as noted above under DR120.1). (See DR120.8) BOD 12/11/17 Effective 1/1/18
3. At all test levels, riders may wear jackets in other colors within the international HSV color scale, as described in FEI Dressage Regulations, Art. 427.1. Contrast coloring and piping is allowed. Protective headgear, stocks, ties, gloves and riding boots may be the same color as the coat. For Grand Prix Freestyle only: any single color tailcoat or jacket will be allowed; striped or multi-colored coats are not permitted, and tasteful and discreet accents, such as a collar of a different hue or modest piping or crystal decorations, are acceptable. BOD 12/11/17 Effective 1/1/18

DR121 Saddlery and Equipment

2. For Training, First and Second Level tests, FEI Tests for Children, and FEI Pony tests, a plain snaffle bridle is required with a regular cavesson, a dropped noseband, a flash noseband (a combination of a cavesson noseband and a dropped noseband attachment) or a crossed noseband. Except for the buckles and a small disk of sheepskin, which may be used in the intersection of the two leather straps of a crossed noseband, the headstall and cavesson/noseband of the bridle must be made entirely of leather or leather-like material. However, wear tabs on cheek pieces and reins may be made of non-leather or other material. A padded cavesson/noseband and crownpiece are allowed. Nylon or other non-metal material may be used to reinforce leather in the headstall but must not come in direct contact with the horse. Elastic inserts are permitted in the crownpiece and cheekpieces only. A browband is required, and except for the parts that attach to the crownpiece or headstall, is not required to be made of leather or leather-like material. The crownpiece of the bridle must lie immediately behind the poll and may extend forward onto the poll, but it may not be fitted to lie behind the skull (see diagram). Bridles are not permitted in which the noseband is connected to the bit or cheekpiece below the level of the browband. A throatlatch is required except when the combined noseband or Micklem bridle are used. BOD 12/11/17 Effective 1/1/18

4. For FEI tests ridden at national competitions, a plain snaffle bridle or simple double bridle may be used, as described above in DR121.2-.3. However, for USEF High Performance qualifying and championship classes, USEF Young Adult qualifying and championship classes, USEF Junior championship classes, and USEF Young Rider championship classes, a double bridle is mandatory. Snaffle bridles are permitted for NAJYRC qualifying classes, USEF Junior qualifying classes and USEF Young Rider qualifying classes. Double bridles are mandatory for NAJYRC and USEF Junior and Young Rider championships. Only snaffles, curbs and bridoons pictured under Figure 1-B and in Annex A are permitted in FEI tests. For the FEI Dressage Tests for 4, 5, and 6-year-old horses and the USEF Dressage Test for 4-year old horses, a plain snaffle bridle is required, as above (DR121.2). Either a snaffle or double bridle may be used in the FEI tests for 7-year old horses. However, when a snaffle is used in FEI tests, a snaffle is required as described in Figure I and as pictured in Figure 1B and Annex A. The crossed (figure-8, Mexican) noseband is not permitted for the FEI Dressage Tests for 4, 5, 6, and 7-year-old horses and the USEF test for 4-year old horses. BOD 12/11/17 Effective 1/1/18

7. Martingales, bit guards, any kind of gadgets (such as bearing, side, running, balancing reins, neck straps, nasal strips, tongue tied down, etc.), any kind of boots (including “easy-boots”) or bandages (including tail bandages) and any form of blinkers, earmuffs or plugs, nose covers, seat covers, hoods are, under penalty of elimination, strictly forbidden. One small identification tag, no larger than 1.5” diameter, such as the Ver Tag, may be attached to the horse’s mane. The use of equine body tape or bands (equi-taping, Kinesio tape) is prohibited. Shoes (with or without cuffs) that are attached with nails or glue, or wraps that do not extend past the hair line of the hoof are permitted. Fly hoods (ear covers) are permitted for all classes in order to protect horses from insects. The fly hoods should be discreet in color and design and should not cover the horse’s eyes. After completion of the test, the rider 519 DR - DRESSAGE DIVISION © USEF 2018 or his representative is responsible for removing the fly hood to present to the designated ring steward for inspection to ensure that nothing prohibited has been added (for example, ear plugs). Logos in complaince with DR121.1 and manufacturer’s logos are permitted. However, per DR121.9, ring stewards are only required to inspect fly hoods and other equipment in one-third of the horses in a class. When an inspection is conducted, all equipment including including fly hoods, whips, etc. must be inspected. In championship classes, saddlery inspections are required for each horse. Leg bandages are allowed in Pas de Deux and Quadrille classes. A breastplate and/or crupper may be used, except that a breastplate is not permitted in USEF High Performance Championships, USEF High Performance Qualifying and Selection Trials. A rein is a continuous, uninterrupted strap or line from the bridle bit to the hand. Rein additions or attachments are not permitted. Each bit must be attached to a separate rein and reins may only be attached to bits. Any decoration of the horse with extravagant items, such as ribbons or flowers, etc. in the mane, tail, etc., is strictly forbidden. (Exception: A red ribbon in a horse’s tail is permitted to identify a horse that kicks). Braiding of the horse’s mane and tail, however, is permitted. False tails are permitted and if used may not contain any metal parts. BOD 11/13/17 Effective 12/1/17

Figure 3 PERMITTED NOSEBANDS AND BRIDLES (nosebands are compulsory) BOD 12/11/17 Effective 1/1/18 (Refer also to Annex A posted on the USEF website for additional information on permitted and prohibited nosebands and bridles)

DR122 Execution and Judging of Tests

k. Other Errors. For USEF High Performance qualifying and selection trials, all of the following are considered errors (faults), and two (2) points will be deducted per error (fault), but they are not cumulative and will not result in elimination (including for Freestyle tests):

6. If the Freestyle test is longer or shorter than stipulated on the test sheet, zero point five percentage points (0.5%) will be deducted from the total artistic score;
7. Using voice or clicking the tongue repeatedly;
8. Athletes not taking the reins in one (1) hand at the salute. BOD 12/11/17 Effective 1/1/18

13. For FEI Tests for 4, 5 and 6-year old horses, and the USEF test for 4-year old horses, the judges must sit together at “C”. Individual movements are not judged. The judges must fill out one Marking Sheet with general comments and marks at the end of the test. For Young Horse qualifying classes, competition management is encouraged to provide a microphone for the judges so that a short summary may be given to the audience after each ride. FEI guidelines for judging shall be followed. Tests must be ridden from memory.

For FEI Dressage Tests for Seven Year old Horses: Each of the two FEI Tests for 7 Year Old Horses has two marking sheets, a technical test (titled Test and Technical Marking Sheet) and a young horse evaluation (titled Quality Marking Sheet). The FEI Tests for 7 Year Old Horses must be judged by Senior ‘S’ or FEI judges.

Placement of Judges: One Judge – Judge at C uses only the Quality Marking Sheet OR the Technical Marking Sheet; Two Judges – Judge at C uses only the Technical Marking Sheet; Judge at B or E uses only the Quality Marking Sheet; or Three Judges - Judge at C uses only the Technical Marking Sheet; two judges at B or E use only the Quality Marking Sheet. To include this test in Young Horse Test of Choice (TOC) class, ONLY the Quality Marking Sheet can be offered and one judge must preside. If two or three judges are used, the test must be offered in a separate class that is limited to FEI Tests for 7 Year Old Horses. The technical score and the quality score shall be weighted each with 50% towards the final score.

Competition Management is encouraged to provide a microphone only for judges responsible for the Quality Test so that he/they may give a short summary after each ride. Tests must be ridden from memory. Please note that if only one judge presides, Competition Management must clearly state in the Prize List if the class(es) will be judged using the Quality Marking Sheet OR the Technical Marking Sheet. BOD 1/13/17 Effective 12/1/17

DR123 Scoring, Classification and Prize-Giving

2. The total score for the classification is obtained by adding the total points and determining the percentage score. With more than one judge, the percentage score is determined by adding the sum total points earned from all judges and dividing by the total available points. If there are two or more judges, the points awarded by each judge will be published separately in addition to the total score. Total final results and scores (to include artistic and technical % scores for freestyles) must be published in marks as well as in percentages with numbers to three places after the decimal point. Scores must be posted on a public scoreboard as soon as possible after each ride. The public scoreboard may be in either paper or electronic format. The name of each judge must be posted along with the position where he/she is sitting. When multiple judges officiate from different positions, scores must be posted in the following order: E, H, C, M, B. BOD 12/11/17 Effective 1/1/18

3. Individual Classification. In all competitions the winner is the competitor having the highest percentage, the second placed competitor is the one with the next highest percentage, and so on. In case of equality of points the competitor with the highest marks received under General Impressions shall be declared the winner. When the scores for General Impressions are equal after coefficients have been applied, the horses must remain tied. Errors on a test may not be used to break ties. When the final score in Rider Tests are equal, the competitors must remain tied. Final results for each class must be posted as soon as possible after the class is completed and all results must include total points and percentages with numbers to three places after the decimal point, eliminated horses, and the placing of each horse that receives an award. If a competitor withdraws (scratches) prior to a class or is excused, eliminated or a “no show” prior to or during the performance of a test, the words “scratched”, “excused”, “eliminated”, or “no show” or abbreviations of each, must appear after the competitor’s name in the result sheet. Competitors may not “withdraw” or “scratch” after the final salute of a test. Only the judge at “C” may give permission to withdraw during a test. Competition Management has no authority to grant permission for a rider to withdraw or scratch during or after a test. The published final results may be in paper or electronic format and must remain posted throughout the entire competition. The name of each judge must be posted along with the position where he/she is sitting. When multiple judges officiate from different positions, scores must be posted in the following order: E, H, C, M, B. BOD 11/13/17 Effective 12/1/17

DR126 Requirements for Dressage Competition Management

7. The jury for the FEI Dressage Tests for 4, 5, and 6-year-old horses and USEF Dressage Test for 4-year old horses, and Rider Tests, must be seated together at “C” and may comprise a maximum of three judges. (Exception: See Selection Procedures for the USEF National Championships for Young Horses for the number and placement of judges in the Young Horse championship competition.) The number and placement of judges in classes and championships for FEI 7-year-old horses must be as described in DR122.13 or, if applicable, the Selection Procedures for the World Breeding Championships for 7-year-old horses. BOD 12/11/17 Effective 1/1/18

DR129 Musical Freestyle Ride

e. Under penalty of elimination at the discretion of the judge at “C”, a rider must enter the arena within 30 seconds of the music starting. Exception: For USEF High Performance qualifying and selection trials, see DR122.5. The music must cease at the final salute. BOD 12/11/17 Effective 1/1/18
f. See DR126.3 (Dressage Levels Chart) for requirements on sound systems to play music for freestyles. Competition Levels 3-5 must have a sound system to play music. Level 2 competitions must have a sound system to play music if freestyle classes are offered. There are no minimum requirements for Level 1 competitions. BOD 1/14/17 Effective 12/1/17

By no means an exhaustive list, there are additional breeding and competition details at usef.org

Dazed and Confused? Don’t Let Illegal Tack Get You Eliminated!

Wed, 10 Jan 2018 15:37:33 GMT

If you’re looking to brush up on your competition knowledge before the 2018 show season gets into full swing, be sure to check out “Dazed and Confused? Bits, Bridles and Equipment: How Not to Get Eliminated,” which will be held on January 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Central Kentucky Riding for Hope at the Kentucky Horse Park.

By Sarah E. Coleman

Presented by Susan Moran, Karen Winn and Janice Holmes, all speakers in this must-attend educations forum are uniquely qualified to talk the ins-and-outs of legal tack. Susan is a USEF Technical Delegate in Dressage, and an FEI Steward in Eventing; Karen Winn is a USEF Dressage, Eventing and Western Dressage Judge, an Eventing TD, and an FEI Eventing Judge, TD and Chief Steward. Janie Holmes is a MSEDA member and eventing judge.

The cost of the forum is $50 for MSEDA officials and $25 for auditors; included in that fee is a tasty lunch, as well as coffee throughout the day.

Attendees are encouraged to ask questions, as well as bring in any tack or equipment about which they have questions. Tack will also be brought in by Karen and Susan to discuss.

An in-depth PowerPoint presentation will include:
Images of legal and illegal equipment
What a TD needs to know, including setting rings and judges booths
Western dressage
2018 eventing dressage tests
New rule DR123.3, which details withdrawal from a class with or without judge’s permission (withdrawal without permission from the judge could result in a yellow card warning!)
Are “comfort bridles” legal?
The differences between legal dressage and eventing tack
How to apply the rules when officiating a mixed competition (i.e., a schooling show with a combined test as well as dressage and western dressage classes
Logos on saddlepads and fly veils
Boots and other leg protection
Ring steward duties
Bit checks

Covering information that is essential to those who show, this seminar will be invaluable for learning how not getting eliminated from competition for something minor like illegal tack. “As a TD, I find that there are a lot of questions on equipment now … the new comfort bridles are causing quite a stir as they must have throat latches for National shows and they must have clips instead of buckles,” explains Susan. “Eventing and dressage have [an overlap of equipment] that is not agreed upon,” with regards to legality, so it’s imperative that all competitors truly understand that rules that govern their discipline to alleviate fear of disqualification.

MSEDA Featured Grant Recipient: Shelley Ryan, Christine Brown Memorial Grant

Tue, 02 Jan 2018 15:13:15 GMT

By Sarah E. Coleman

Shelley Ryan is the 2017 recipient of the Christine Brown Memorial Grant, given each year in honor of avid eventer Christine Brown to a deserving MSEDA member to further their equine education.

“I have worked many years as an organizer and volunteer at area horse trials and combined tests,” says Shelley. “I am a big proponent of schooling shows and became a MSEDA Technical Delegate for their sanctioned events,” she explains. Sanctioning of equine events is important to Shelley. “I would like to increase that support in promoting sanctioning of schooling shows that are not currently sanctioned, but [that] are interested in becoming sanctioned with MSEDA.

“We also need more officials for the MSEDA schooling shows. Besides being educational, the officials program allows us to help newcomers to the sport learn the rules at the schooling shows so they might not find themselves overwhelmed at the recognized events,” she notes.

In what she will use the $1,500 grant money for, Shelley says that she “has spent the past 18 months apprenticing to become an USEF ‘r’ TD. The experience I gained by being a MSEDA TD fueled my interest in going to the next level,” Shelley says. “Most certainly, working the schooling shows provided me with opportunities to learn about conflict resolution, using the rule book to interpret and answer questions, and [how to] provide a fair and safe playing field for horses and competitors.

Shelley would like to offer that she would be more than happy to help anyone thinking of hosting a schooling show, wishing to sanction with MSEDA or becoming a MSEDA TD. You can email her at shelleywryan@gmail.com for more information on how she can assist you.

“I wish to thank the MSEDA Board and all the officials I have mentored with for facilitating this opportunity to give back to our Eventing and Dressage community,” says Shelley.

New Year’s Resolutions, Rider Style

Tue, 02 Jan 2018 15:00:26 GMT

By Sarah E. Coleman

New Year’s resolutions generally fall into general categories: those that help us feel better (eat better/work out more/meet new people), those that make us a better person to others (volunteer more/spend more time with friends/let go of stress) or those that fulfill person goals (travel more/ don’t spend as much time on social media/read more).

The good news is, life with the horses can help us in almost every aspect of our lives, from being more active (ride more!) to expanding our social circle to reading more. Horse showing and even lessoning or trail riding exposes us to many people we wouldn’t normally get a chance to meet and engage with; reading books and blogs on everything from equine ailments to training and conditioning expands our base of equine knowledge and keeps us constantly learning.

What were some of your resolutions this year? No matter the area of the country or the discipline, many of the equestrian community’s goals remain the same:

To not grimace and make my horrible “concentrations face,” as I really am having fun! –Dr. Jill Stowe, Nicholasville, KY, dressage

Literally to just ride my horse. Simple as that! – Leah Alessandroni, Midway, KY, eventing

Megan Hephner

Listen to what my trainer says! – Meghan Hephner, Fort Worth, TX, reining

Try not to pull on my left rein. – Lexi Pejnovic, Panama City, FL, hunters

Chelsea Smith

Schedule horse time every day. All through 2017 I pushed my horses to the back burner so I could work more. I need more horse time. – Chelsea Smith, Paris, KY, eventing

To have fun with all my students! -- Heather James, Lexington, KY, eventing

To compete more than just schooling shows – Ashley Jamison, Lexington, KY, eventing

Remember how far we’ve come instead of worrying about how far I think we have to go – Natalie Nevills, Georgetown, KY, eventing

Be braver (I have literally no idea how to do this, but it’s my goal!) -- Leslie Potter, Lexington, KY, eventing

Get back into work after time off due to an injury (him) and busy semester (me); prove the long-ear sceptics wong; keep riding fun and training versatile. – Holly Jeanne, Iowa, Dressage

Outside rein! – Jenni Gelatt, MA, hunter

Enjoy the ride and just spending time with the horse. If we improve along the way, that’s just gravy. – Holly Caccamise, CA, eventer

Get my confidence back up and jump a nice, solid 2’6” course. – Chelsea Magee, Lexington, KY, jumper

Lauren Pontoppidan

Do more work without stirrups to improve my leg and improve my automatic release. – Lauren Pontoppidan, New Orleans, LA, hunter

Sarah Coleman

Ride more. Worry less. – Sarah Coleman, Lexington, KY, hunter

2017 MSEDA Year-End Awards

Mon, 18 Dec 2017 15:35:57 GMT

By Sarah E. Coleman

The MidSouth Eventing and Dressage Association’s Annual Awards Banquet was held on Saturday, Dec. 2, at the Lexington Hilton Downtown.

MSEDA members, friends and family members were able to dance to local Lexington favorite The Fever, eat a fantastic meal and mingle outside the usual confines of a horse show or event.

It was a wonderful venue to celebrate all the hard work that went into a terrific 2017 competition year! MSEDA would like to recognize the following winners:

Volunteer Julep Cups

Given to recognize the effort of outstanding volunteers. The cups are awarded to the 12 individuals with the most volunteer hours worked at MSEDA sanctioned shows. We had two ties this year for hours!

Daphne Mervin	84 hours (tie)
Marjorie Hines	84 hours (tie)
Bev Henson	84 hours (tie)
Mary Ann Andres	88 hours
Cheryl Steele	89 hours
Megan Carr	90 hours
Carol Lee	105 hours (tie)
Marian Zeitlin	105 hours (tie)
Spencer Millard	118 hours
Shelley Ryan	122 hours
Vicki Baumgardner	122.5 hours
Ron McGinley	133.5 hours
Mary Fike	143.5 hours
Debbie Hinkle	155 hours

Kob Ryen Memorial Trophy Winner: Mandy Weissmann
Named for Kob Ryen, who brought eventing to the Bluegrass and was a founding member and first President of MSEDA. Voted on at the Annual Meeting by the general membership and awarded to the individual who has done the most to further the purpose of MSEDA during the year.

FEI Certificate of Achievement: Julie Congleton and Madison Deaton Awarded to any rider who has achieved a minimum score of 57% at the FEI Level at a USEF/USDF recognized competition.

Dressage Show of the Year: MSEDA Dressage at the Park
This award is given to the Dressage Show that was best run, and most desirable to attend in 2017.

Outstanding Horse Trial or Event: Hagyard Midsouth Three-Day Event & Team Challenge
This award is given to the Horse Trial or Event that was best run, and most desirable to attend in 2017.

DRESSAGE YEAR-END AWARDS

Dressage High Point Junior Rider: Blake Park
This award is awarded to the rider under 18 who has amassed the greatest number of points competing in dressage during the competition year.

Dressage High Point Young Rider: Madison Deaton
This award is awarded to the rider 18-21 who has amassed the highest number of points in dressage during the competition year.

Dressage High Point Senior Rider: Joan Gariboldi
This award is awarded to the rider between 22-49 who has amassed the greatest number of points in dressage during the competition year.

Dressage High Point Master Rider: Susan Harris
This award is awarded to the rider 50 and over who has amassed the greatest number of points in dressage during the competition year.

Dressage High Point Adult Amateur Rider(s): Tracy Scott and Amelia Jean Foster
This award is awarded to the amateur rider over 21 who has submitted a copy of his/her USEF amateur card to the Points Chair and amassed the greatest number of points in dressage during the competition year.

The Spy Games Memorial Trophy: Dressage High Point Award: Joan Gariboldi and Bravo
This award goes to the horse AND rider who have amassed the greatest number of points in dressage during the competition year. The perpetual trophy was donated in 2009 by Julie Moses in memory of her horse "Spy Games" whose strength, kindness and perseverance touched all who knew him.

The Tundra Memorial Trophy: Dressage High Point Mare: Joan Gariboldi and Cantata
This award is awarded in memory of Susan Posner’s mare Tundra. Awarded to the activated mare who has amassed the greatest number of points in dressage during the competition year.

Dressage Company's Musical Kur Award: Alison Otter and Sing a Song LC
This award is given to the activated horse and rider who have amassed the greatest number of points in dressage during the competition year.

YEAR END AWARDS: EVENTING

The Craig Bryant Memorial Trophy - Eventing High Point Junior Rider: Gracie Elliott
Named for the son of Don and Martha Bryant, organizers of the Mumford Horse Trials, and awarded to the rider under the age of 18 who has amassed the highest number of points in eventing during the competition year.

Eventing High Point Young Rider: Anne Czerwonka
This award is given to the rider between 18-21 who has amassed the highest number of points in eventing during the competition year.

The Bennett Trophy - Eventing High Point Senior Rider: Megan Moore Named for the son of Joy Bennett, Joy has long been associated with the Covered Bridge Pony Club in Louisville. This trophy is awarded to the rider between 22 and 49 who has amassed the highest number of points in eventing during the competition year.

The Helmut Graetz Trophy - Eventing High Point Master Rider: Anna Kjellstrom
Named for Helmut Graetz, long-time MSEDA member, coach and volunteer. This trophy is awarded to the rider age 50 and over who has amassed the highest number of points in eventing during the competition year.

Midnight Sam Memorial Trophy - Eventing High Point Award: Mooney McGuire
Named in memory of Irene Roechel's horse, Midnight Sam, this trophy is awarded to the activated horse who has amassed the highest number of points in eventing during the competition year. Irene was a founding member of MSEDA.

The Pony Club Award: Winner: Madison Deaton, H-B HM, C-2 Traditional, C-3 Dressage member of Covered Bridge Pony Club in the Midsouth Region
Given to the MSEDA member in good standing who accumulates the highest number of points and is also a member of a recognized Pony Club.

The Tessie’s Brite Star Trophy and Eventing High Point Adult Amateur Award: Kelly Rover
This award is given to the rider over age 21 who has amassed the greatest number of points competing in eventing during the competition year.

The Philosopher Trophy - Eventing High Point Mare: Carlie McClearin
Named in memory of Bryn Wilborn's eventing mare, Philosopher, this trophy is awarded to the activated mare who has amassed the highest number of points in eventing during the competition year.

The Grasshopper Trophy - High Point MSEDA Off the Track Thoroughbred: Promisethemoon
Named in honor of Megan Moore’s Off the Track Thoroughbred, The Grasshopper, this trophy is awarded to the high point Thoroughbred in the Eventing Division. The horse must be tattooed or have a TIP number and be nominated for eligibility.

Hall of Distinction Awards: Julie Congleton with Utopia; Madison Deaton with Rasputin in Dressage; Megan Lynn with The Natural E in Eventing
Awarded to any MSEDA member in good standing who has completed an FEI competition.

MSEDA Promotes Continuing Education

Mon, 18 Dec 2017 15:30:38 GMT

MSEDA offers multiple grants to its members to apply toward continuing their equestrian education. Winners for 2017 included:

The Christine Brown Grant: Shelley Ryan
Educational grant: Courtney Calnan and Samantha Kline

MSEDA will feature each of these winners in upcoming e-news.

By Sarah E. Coleman

Featured Grant Winner: Samantha Kline, $500 MSEDA Educational Grant

Samantha Kline is a MSEDA member who competes her two off-the-track Thoroughbreds, Praetorian (“Prae”) and Venture World (“V”) in MSEDA-sanctioned events. V is preparing to go Training Level this season and Prae has shown Training in the past, but is looking to make a switch to the hunter ring.

Sam plans to use the grant to “help with Dressage lesson costs with V,” she explains. “It’s not always easy to stay on a regular lesson schedule due to budgeting, so I’m excited to get a nice push to get us to the next level.”

Sam rides with Dani Ritter, and says that V is moving along very well for only having a year back in work from what was thought to be a career ending-diagnosis of stringhalt. “We’re working on being consistent in the bridle and on the bit, also moving off of the leg so we can put out a solid Training-level ride,” she says.

On using the generous MSEDA grant money to reach her goals, Sam explains: “My entire life, I have grown up breaking babies or riding young horses that I never owned. When they got to a certain point, they would move along and I would have to start all over. While Prae has told me that Dressage isn’t his thing, … V has shown the potential to go much higher. Being able to have a nice stretch of consistent lessons with my trainer will really help us get to the next level and on our way to earning our Bronze Medal,” she says. “It’s only a 20-some-year goal in the making, give or take when I figured out I really liked Dressage!”

MidSouth Eventing and Dressage Association Educational Forum With David O’Connor a Resounding Success

Thu, 14 Dec 2017 13:06:34 GMT

For Immediate Release
Contact:
Mary Fike
MSEDA Organizer
hmf@iglou.com
859 621 2479

December 10, 2017 – Lexington, KY – The MidSouth Eventing and Dressage Association (MSEDA) hosted eventing great David O’Connor as part of their year-end awards banquet and educational forum on December 2 and 3, 2017. An international rider and coach, O’Connor’s overarching theme through both the classroom and demonstration settings was that all training, whether dressage, showjumping or cross-country, should be done with the horse’s perspective in mind.

Beginning at the Lexington Hilton Downtown, O’Connor offered insight into the sport of eventing and its evolution, as well as explaining his thoughts on where the discipline is now and where it is poised to go. Saturday’s afternoon session walked attendees through the general theory behind how he develops horses and riders, and the basic skills he feels are essential for eventing success.

Photo by Smith Equine Media, LLC

Lexington-based MSEDA member Kristen Brennan attended the educational sessions on Saturday and was thankful to hear O’Connor emphasize the importance of the “lower level” rider in eventing. “I really appreciate that,” she explained. “At the end of the day, the working amateurs and juniors, and parents of juniors, who are riding at Prelim and below are who are supporting the majority of our events. Just because you don’t have Olympic aspirations doesn’t mean you aren’t important to the sport.”

Sunday brought seminar attendees to the beautiful Valley View Farm in Midway, Ky. Riders in Beginner Novice, Novice, Training and Preliminary rode under David’s watchful eye as he kept the audience engaged and learning throughout the day.

Chelsea Smith of Paris, Ky., appreciated that David focused on the greener horses and how to get them going properly in the Beginner Novice group. “The Training group had more-experienced riders and he focused more on the horses, which was neat. So often clinic focus solely on the rider, so it was great to focus on the horse and discuss what makes a horse better-suited for the job,” she explained.

Photo by Smith Equine Media, LLC

Chelsea’s favorite takeaways from Sunday included that “O’Connor stated several times that riders need to work more in forward seat—even in dressage. With each group, he commented on rider position and he wanted to be sure that the rider’s shoulders are parallel to the horse’s shoulders and that the rider’s hips are parallel to the horse’s hips--it’s the rider’s job is to become part of the horse’s motion.”

MSEDA is thankful for the ongoing support of O’Connor, who focuses on bettering both horse and rider athletes through safe, systematic training.

Learn more about MSEDA, how to become a member, upcoming shows and events and more at mseda.org

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The MidSouth Eventing and Dressage Association promotes and preserves the sports of eventing and dressage in the Mid-South area by providing leadership and education to its members and to the community at large. To further these goals, MSEDA will provide educational opportunities, host and sanction fair and safe competitions, promote the welfare of the horse and rider, and reward the pursuit of excellence from the grassroots to the FEI level. Mseda.org

Nutrition 101: Equine Digestion

Fri, 01 Dec 2017 17:17:04 GMT

By Kristen M Brennan, PhD, Alltech Inc.

Whether it is human or equine, nutrition can be confusing. Many horse owners never really think about nutrition past “my horse gets a scoop” and if their horse is fat or thin. But you do not have to have a PhD to understand the basics of nutrition. In this series, I aim to demystify equine nutrition for horse owners.

Dr. Kristen Brennan and Marcus

The Equine Gastrointestinal Tract

Before we can cover how to understand nutrition to properly feed your horse, we need to review the digestive (gastrointestinal) tract anatomy of the horse. The digestive anatomy of horse dictates how we should feed them and why their ideal diets are so different from our own. Horses are true herbivores, meaning they consume plant fibers to meet their daily energy requirements. They are what are considered a hind gut fermenter, meaning they have the capability in their lower gastrointestinal tract to break down tough fibers found in plants to get the nutrients they need.

Digestion begins in the horse’s mouth. Horses chew, or masticate, and feed is mixed with saliva forming soft boluses. Saliva acts as a buffer for the acidic environment of the stomach and contains small amounts of enzymes that aid in the breakdown of feed. From the mouth, feed travels down the esophagus into the stomach. Because horses lack a two-way valve between the stomach and the esophagus, they have little reflux ability making their digestive tract a one-way street at this point. As horses had evolved to graze continuously eating small amounts throughout the day, the total volume of the stomach is small (about 10% of the total digestive tract) and feed only remains in it for a short period of time. While in the stomach, feed mixes with acid and pepsin, an enzyme that breaks down proteins into smaller pieces, to start the digestion process.

From the stomach, feed passes to the small intestine where most of the nutrients in the feed are digested and absorbed. Through the help of digestive enzymes, proteins are broken down into amino acids, fats are broken down into smaller lipid molecules, and sugars and starches are broken down to glucose. After breakdown occurs, these products (along with most minerals and vitamins) are absorbed through the intestinal wall into the blood stream to be used by the cells of the body.

The remaining digesta moves to the cecum. The cecum serves as a large fermentation chamber, allowing the horse to breakdown plant fibers with the help of bacteria and other microbes that populate the cecum. The microbes take plant fibers and synthesize nutrients such as vitamins and fatty acids which are then absorbed through the cecal wall. After the cecum, feed continues microbial digestion in the large colon. Here water, fatty acid products from the microbial digestion, and some minerals are absorbed. The remaining digesta, containing what can’t be digested or absorbed by the horse, passes to the small colon and rectum where water is absorbed and fecal matter is formed.

What is a Nutrient?

The next question you may ask is what is a nutrient? Simply defined, a nutrient is a component in food or feed that is necessary to support life. We can break nutrients down into two major classifications: macronutrients and micronutrients. Macronutrients are those that are required in higher levels in the diet and for horses, these include water, protein, and energy sources (carbohydrates and fats). Micronutrients are those that are required in small, or even trace, amounts such as vitamins and minerals.

In the next part of this series, we will cover what each of these nutrients are, why they are necessary and what feedstuffs are sources for each.

It’s Almost Time!

Wed, 29 Nov 2017 13:51:44 GMT

It’s finally here! The MSEDA Annual Meeting and Banquet has arrived! If you haven’t bought your tickets yet for the banquet or the demonstration this weekend, fear not! There’s still time.

By Sarah E. Coleman

A Kickoff to a Fun-filled Weekend

This educational and fun-filled weekend will begin with the MSEDA business meeting at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2 at the Lexington Hilton Downtown; this meeting is open to all MSEDA members. Next up is real talk on the state of eventing by legendary international event rider David O’Connor. After lunch, David will return and speak on the systematic training of the event horse and rider. His insight and knowledge on the sport of eventing is beyond measure; we hope you make it out to listen to this icon in person!

Rounding out the evening will be a fantastic dinner, silent auction and awards banquet, with music provided by local (fantastic!) band The Fever. After watching and awesome photo slide show and recognizing those of you who work and play so very hard, we expect everyone to strap on their dancing shoes and really let loose!

It’s important to recognize the people and entities that have made this fun-filled weekend possible. They include:

Awards Program Sponsor: Kentucky Performance Products

Drinks and Dancing Sponsor: Excel Equine

Gold Medal Sponsor: Original Depler

Silver Medal Sponsor: Indian Hill Equestrian Club

Bronze Medal Sponsor: Holmestead Stables and Dr. Bryan Fraley

Additional Sponsors:

Kevin Donahoe Horseshoeing

Lebanon Equine Clinic

Foxwood Equine Sports Medicine

Northrop Equine Veterinary Care

Dr. Nancy Adams

Stacey Monroe Horse Massage

Bannon Woods Equine Hospital

Robert Spencer Equine Podiatry Services

Sunday Funday

The education and fun continue on Sunday, as MSEDA members are welcomed to the beautiful Valley View Farm in Midway, Ky., for a demonstration of riders and horses with David O’Connor. With sessions from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., David will cover required skill sets at all levels of competition.

Come Play

This entire weekend is dedicated to celebrating YOU, the MSEDA members who make all of this not only possible, but deeply fulfilling. This weekend we celebrate not only your accomplishments and goals as riders, but your deep knowledge of and respect for our disciplines, the horses, and each other. Here’s to a wonderful weekend!

Click here for more information.

How to Enrich Your Horse’s Environment

Mon, 13 Nov 2017 11:25:26 GMT

Winters can be long and ugly, especially if you have limited riding space (no ring) or limited time—and no lights. It’s also quite easy to get disenchanted when you take a look at the long-term weather forecast and see that you MAY get to ride once this week and then …. Well, the weather doesn’t really go that far into the future to know when you can ride again.

By Sarah E. Coleman

If your horse is spending more time in his stall this time of year (or even if he lives out and his riding hours are limited), it can be worthwhile to offer him some things to do to while the weather outside is frightful. Recent studies have shown that enriching your horse’s environment can lead to many positives, among them the reduction in stereotypies like cribbing and weaving, but also allowing them an outlet for their energy.

These studies have also shown that horses who have enriched stall environments also are less fearful of new objects and people and the same horses express less defensive behavior.

Suggestions for Enrichment

Items used to enrich your horse’s environment need not be huge expenditures in money or in time creating them. Some options include:

Stall use:

A shatterproof mirror
Lick-It
Music on low

For stall or paddock use:

Jolly Balls
Apples placed in water buckets (will also encourage drinking)
Large, plastic cones
Soccer balls
Feed pans
Clean, empty milk jugs with rocks in them, tied to fence or stall (be aware that these can shatter in very cold temperatures)
Slow feed hay nets (used appropriately)
Toys the horses roll to get the treats inside

For paddock use only:

Large sections of culvert (some horses LOVE to drag these around)
Plastic barrels
Tires

Taking the Thoroughbred Makeover by Storm

Thu, 02 Nov 2017 13:23:07 GMT

Eventer Alison Wilaby made big waves this year at the Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover, where she won the Dressage division and placed second in the Eventing Division on Chapter Two, a 2012 gelding by More Than Ready. “Deuce” was bred in Kentucky by My Meadowview LLC and last raced at Turfway Park; he had 15 lifetime starts with $71,952 in earnings before partnering with Ali to take the Makeover by storm.

By Sarah E. Coleman

A Kentucky Transplant

Not a Bluegrass native, Ali hails from Colorado, where she began riding at age six at a local hunter/jumper barn. At 13, she wanted to get outside of the ring a bit and began exploring cross-country, and then dressage—and an avid eventer was born!

Having competed up to the FEI CCI** level, Alison has taken multiple horses through Preliminary and beyond. She has a passion for correct flatwork and dressage; she earned her USDF Bronze medal after consistent rides at Third Level. Recently, Ali launched her own Keystone Combined Training out of Goose Creek Stables, which focuses on training young horses and a quality sales program. She also teaches jumping, dressage and unmounted lessons, and can assist buyers and sellers in the sales process.

A Passionate Thoroughbred Advocate

Ali has a deep history with Thoroughbreds, having been passionate about the breed almost since she began riding. It’s no surprise then that her interest was piqued by the Retired Racehorse Project’s $100,000 Thoroughbred Makeover, which focuses on off-track Thoroughbreds in successful second careers.

Ali had been taking horses from the track and retraining them into eventing mounts a few at a time before the Makeover launched, so she was on board immediately when she learned that there was a competition specifically for what she was passionate about: giving retired racehorses successful second careers.

Photo by JJ Sillman

This year was Alison’s first year competing at the Makeover (and the third year for the competition); though she had wanted to compete in 2016, like all things horse-related, sometimes things simply don’t go as planned. Ali was not able to compete Zate in the 2016 Makeover as she didn’t want to wait to start him, then discovered he needed to take it slow (the Makeover allows only a set number of “training rides” before the official start to the competition to allow everyone as level of a playing field as possible); she sold Zate to a young rider this past April.

But this year, the stars aligned and Ali was able to compete in both Eventing and Dressage with Deuce. And what a Makeover debut she had! “I had the perfect dream-come-true weekend!” Alison explained. “We won the dressage and got second in eventing.”

Competition and Camaraderie

The Thoroughbred Makeover is working had to be so much more than a training competition. The team who hosts the show makes a concerted effort to foster a feeling of camaraderie between competitors, whether that means cheering each other on during the competitions or spending time just hanging out together when not riding.

To this end, one of Alison’s favorite memories is spending time with her friends and fellow competitors in the barns. It was so nice to “just enjoy the company of our horses and enjoy the competition,” she explains.

One of her favorite parts of the competition itself, Alison says, is that it was a true trainer’s competition: “I enjoyed the subjectivity of it; you were rewarded by smart riding … and it was nice not to be timed. My horse trotted most of cross-country, but I knew that if we cantered, we wouldn’t have the balance we needed for a successful jump. I gave my horse the best ride I could and, though it was conservative, it was rewarded.”

This confirmed to Alison that she was doing the right thing for her horse. “I wish there were more competitions out there that would promote smart riding!” she says. “The Makeover promotes all the right things; it’s a young horse competition that’s based on the actual training of the horse. The rules state that you have the option to jump higher fences, but that you shouldn’t jump them if you’re not capable of doing them well. If you push your horse beyond its training, you will be penalized.”

Home Court Advantage

So, did living in Lexington give Ali and Deuce a home-court advantage? “I would say it is an advantage to a point,” Ali says. “Deuce had been in those arenas before, which I think gave me as much confidence as him. The only downside of competing in your hometown is you still have work and you still have normal responsibilities surrounding you throughout the competition. Sometimes it’s better to travel to an event because you can focus and get away from daily distractions.”

Another home-court advantage for Alison this year was where she found Deuce. Alison looks for horses she has a personal connection with; she loves to get horses her friends are involved with, whether on the breeding or training side. “My friend Paul Madden was nice enough to inform me about the horse [Deuce] first,” said Alison. “He called me at 6 a.m. and I just remember him saying ‘Hi! I think I found you a horse!’” I picked him up from Keeneland later that day.

He Had "The Look"

Alison has a great eye for horses, as her track record at selling quality eventing mounts proves. So what does she look for? “First, I first take in the overall physical nature of the horse,” she explains. “I like them uphill and they have to have well-set necks. Then I take a look at the feet and legs ... It’s really impossible to know much about the brain of horse until you take it away from the track and spend some time with them. I try to take in the look in their eye, their overall expression and I ask the trainer and handlers what the horse is like.”

Alison is currently on the hunt for her 2018 Makeover horse. If this year was any indication, the duo will be a force to be reckoned with!

Interested in learning how you can be a part of the Makeover? Click here.

Eventing Superstar David O’Connor to Offer Educational Opportunities in the Bluegrass

Thu, 19 Oct 2017 17:48:41 GMT

Contact:
Mary Fike
MSEDA Organizer
hmf@iglou.com
859 621 2479

Eventing Superstar David O’Connor to Offer Educational Opportunities in the Bluegrass

October 16, 2017 – Lexington, KY – the MidSouth Eventing and Dressage Association (MSEDA) will welcome eventing great David O’Connor to the Bluegrass as part of the year-end awards banquet and educational forum on December 2 and 3, 2017.

Beginning at the Lexington Hilton Downtown, O’Connor will offer insight into the sport of eventing on Saturday, Dec. 2. During the morning session, he will take an overarching view of where the discipline is now and where it is poised to go. Saturday’s afternoon session will cover O’Connor’s training system of both horse and rider.

O’Connor is uniquely qualified to offer an educational symposium of this caliber; he competed in two Olympic Games, a Pan American Games and a World Equestrian Games before transitioning to the administrative side of international eventing. He has held top coaching roles for both the United States and Canadian eventing teams, and was the President of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) from 2004 to 2012. Additionally, O’Connor was inducted into the United States Eventing Association (USEA) Hall of Fame in 2009.

On Saturday evening, attendees of the educational forum are invited to stay for the ever-popular MSEDA Year-end Awards Banquet, which will be emceed by O’Connor. Open to all equine enthusiasts, the evening promises to be a good time, with delicious food, a live band and a member video.

On Sunday, horse-and-rider pairs of all skill levels will clinic in front of O’Connor’s watchful eye at Valley View Farm in Midway, Ky. O’Connor will focus on the skill set required of both horse and rider at the different levels, breaking down the theories into easy-to-understand concepts.

The entire weekend will be focused bettering athletes, both horses and riders, and celebrating their success in the show ring.

The registration fee is $60 per person for the two days. For more information, please click here.

Click here to register online

Volunteers Needed: Hagyard Midsouth Three-day Event and Team Challenge Horse Trial

Mon, 16 Oct 2017 18:18:30 GMT

Volunteer opportunities for MSEDA members abound. Each month, we will feature an opportunity for members to obtain volunteer hours and help put on a successful, MSEDA-sanctioned show.

By Sarah E. Coleman

Date and Time: Tuesday, October 17 through Sunday, October 22.

Tuesday – In-barn inspections for the CCI* and three-day competitors
Wednesday - Jogs for the CCI* and three-day competitors (this is always something fun to watch if you are in the Lexington area in the afternoon!)
Thursday - Dressage CCI*
Friday - Dressage three-day and OP competitors, XC CCI*, SJ OP
Saturday - Second Jog CCI*, XC three-day and OP riders, Dressage for the rest of the HT's, and CCI* show jumping
Sunday - Second Jog three-day competitors, XC ON and OBN, and SJ for three-day riders and OT

As you can tell, it takes an absolute village to run this event on schedule!

Event History: The oldest team eventing competition in the United States, the MidSouth Three-Day Event and Team Challenge will feature multiple divisions recognized by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF). The showcase division is the Hagyard MidSouth CCI*, which has been designated as the USEF National One-Star Three-Day Event Championships and will run in the traditional long format, which includes both the roads and tracks and steeplechase phases.

While participants in the Hagyard/Midsouth CCI* face the most demanding courses, the hallmark competitions of the show are the team events, which are offered at the novice, training and preliminary levels. Over 400 riders will compete at the Hagyard MidSouth Three-Day Event and Team Challenge. Most of these riders will be part of a four-member team. Scores of all team members will be combined and prizes awarded to high-scoring teams. Individual awards are also given.

The MidSouth Eventing and Dressage Association (MSEDA) and the Michigan Combined Training Association conceived of the event began more than 20 years ago as a friendly competition among teams from regional combined training associations. With just a handful of entries, volunteers organized the event from beginning to end. Eventually, MSEDA took full control of the show and it has become a substantial fundraiser.

The show has become a highlight of fall eventing schedules. Riders from all 50 states and 10 countries have tested their competitive mettle at the MidSouth Three-Day Event and Team Challenge; we look forward to welcoming competitors back this October!

Volunteer opportunities before the event:
Stall cards will be placed on Monday morning, and with over 500 stalls, we can definitely use an extra hand or two. Dressage rings need to be set by Wednesday, and the jog lanes need to be decorated.

Volunteer Opportunities during the event:
We can use hands everywhere, please please please volunteer! Lynn Davis is our wonderful volunteer coordinator; she can be reached at lynndavis@twc.com. She can put anyone to work, riders (yes, we can work around your ride times), husbands, boyfriends, parents, kids, etc. This is a great way to get the people in your life involved.

Volunteer opportunities at the conclusion of the event:
Cross-country jumps need to be stripped and put away, dressage rings need to be put up and organized, we always love seeing how awesome our event was on different outlets. Thank you notes are always a great add.

Who should a potential volunteer contact to either learn more or sign up?
Please contact Lynn Davis, lynndavis@twc.com. She is a superstar and needs all the help we can get. We have over 500 riders at this event, and we have lots of moving parts. Please pitch in and do your part.

What should volunteers know?
It's October in Kentucky. It could very easily be 90 degrees or it can snow, so please dress appropriately: boots, rain clothes, extra layers, etc. We will provide all volunteers with snacks and lunch.

Please, please: If you volunteer, please honor your commitment. We are counting on you to be at your assigned post.

MSEDA Members Participate in the Thoroughbred Makeover

Mon, 16 Oct 2017 18:02:27 GMT

MSEDA had a strong representation at the 2017 Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover, with members competing in eventing, field hunter and dressage.

By Sarah E. Coleman

Over 500 horses headed to the Bluegrass to compete in the Retired Racehorse Project’s $100,000 Thoroughbred Makeover, which took place Oct. 5-8 at the Kentucky Horse Park. Designed to increase the demand for off-track Thoroughbreds, the competition highlights horses in second careers (some that seem more unusual for retired racehorses) and showcases the versatility of the breed.

Horses at the Makeover could be entered in one or two of 10 disciplines: barrel racing, competitive trail, dressage, eventing, field hunter, freestyle, polo, show hunter, show jumper and working ranch.

Each horse that competed in the Makeover was required to have the following:

Be registered with The Jockey Club and have a lip tattoo
Have a published work after July 1, 2015
Must not have begun training for a second career prior to Dec. 1, 2016

Two MSEDA members had horses competing at the Makeover: Mandy (Alexander) Weissmann and Jeannine Buhse.

Mandy Weissmann and Mister Mardi Gras

Mandy competed her gelding, Mister Mardi Gras, in both Field Hunter and Eventing disciplines. Mister Mardi Gras is by Belong to Me and out of Miss Marta, and was bred by Lothebach Stables. “Krewe” as he is affectionately named, earned over $1 million -- $1,194,027 to be exact -- in 58 starts with 11 wins. Trained by Chris Block, Krewe’s last race was on Sept. 3, 2016, at Arlington Park.

Leading the Field Hunters after the first day of competition, Mandy was asked to go on a mock hunt with Krewe, complete with hounds in the steeplechase infield, then asked to jump a cross-country course individually; the course included crossing water, and opening and closing a gate. The individual test also included a hand gallop to a halt. Mandy truly went for it, opening Krewe up into a full gallop (the first since she had gotten him) and then coming to a (tough!) halt at the judge’s stand.

Mandy ended up reserve out of 31 entries in the Field Hunter division and 67^th out of 97 entries in Eventing. Krewe was also the winningest former racehorse of all entries at the 2017 Makeover.

Jeannine Marie Buhse and Rockport Jewel

Rockport Jewell is a 2010 Iowa-bred mare who raced 30 times, mostly at Prairie Meadows in Iowa. She raced for four years, earning $74,039, with her last start in August of 2015. Pulled from a kill pen in February of 2016, the mare’s bad luck continued, with a bout of bad colic, an infection in her IV and then multiple hoof abscesses that prevented her from getting any real training before Jeannine went to see her in September.

For some reason, Jeannine connected with the mare, bringing her home to Louisville to be a trail partner—the Makeover was not even on her radar! But the trails would have to wait as Jewell’s bad luck continued—her entire sole came off from a very bad sub-solar abscess. With time, rehab, patience, phenomenal vets and farriers, and TLC, the mare went sound and she and Jeannine deepened their bond.

Learning that the mare was still eligible for the 2017 Makeover, Jeannine thought she would aim her for the Competitive Trail division, but Jewell (now named “Good Juju”) really enjoyed jumping, so Jeannine entered her in the Eventing and Dressage divisions. They completed in Eventing (and were tied for the highest score in cross-country) and finished solidly in the middle of the pack in Dressage.

More MSEDA Members in the Makeover

Three additional MSEDA members competed at the Makeover:
Nick Larkin rode Loves Not Fair (known as Lebron) in the Eventing portion of the Makeover for a fantastic fourth-place finish. The Makeover was Lebron’s first show (!!) and he earned the highest score on cross-country out of the 90-plus Thoroughbreds competing. (Did you notice that BOTH the tied high scores on XC were MSEDA members?!).

Ali Wilaby finished with a WIN in Dressage and a second-place finish in Eventing on the 2012 gelding Chapter Two. Chapter Two is by More Than Ready and was bred in Kentucky by My Meadowview LLC. His last race was at Turfway Park, and he had 15 lifetime starts with $71,952 in earnings. We will hear more from Ali in an upcoming MSEDA issue.

Whitney Morris brought two horses to this year’s Makeover: Bad Boy Rocket whom she showed in Dressage and Flying Candy Ride, whom she showed in Eventing. Rocket is a 2012 model by Mineshaft who was bred by Glencrest Farm LLC and Kempton Bloodstock LLC. He sold at auction for $475,000 and went on to win $19,640 in two starts. His last start was at Remington Park. Flying Candy Ride is by Candy Ride and was bred by Martin Wygod and Herman Sarkowsky. He made 16 starts, winning $23,946 and he last raced at Turfway park.

Whitney finished 24^th in dressage with Bad Boy Rocket.

Congrats to Mandy, Jeannine and all MSEDA members on their stellar performances at the 2017 Thoroughbred Makeover!

Interested in competing in the Makeover in 2018? Learn more here: www.retiredracehorseproject.org

Magna Wave PEMF Therapy

Mon, 02 Oct 2017 16:16:46 GMT

Looking for a way to make your competition partner return to the ring faster after an injury or for a way to keep your old campaigner more comfortable? Magna Wave PEMF therapy may be the perfect solution for both equines.

By Sarah E. Coleman

Pulsed Electro Magnetic Field Therapy (PEMF), also commonly called Magna Wave, is relatively new on the equine scene. Magna Wave is one company that manufacturers PEMF machines, and is one of the most common on the market.

“PEMF works on a cellular level to energize ions with increased oxygenation,” explains Emma Lyster of Lyster Equine Therapy in Paris, Ky., “This also pushes out toxins as the cell walls are made more permeable. It makes a significant increase of circulation to help get the blood moving and to reduce clumping of red blood cells, which causes inflammation and bruising.”

What Horses Benefit from Magna Wave?

What to Expect From a Treatment

While a session might look a bit odd, with tubes draped or held over the horse in specific areas, the horses seem to truly enjoy their therapy time. “A lot of horses actually fall asleep,” Lyster says. “I have had a lot of clients tell me that their rides the next day have been super relaxed and their horse’s mobility has improved.”

A typical treatment lasts about 30 minutes, though Lyster will go longer depending on what she finds when treating the horse. There are several different machines, she explains, “but usually you only need to treat one area, say a hock, for anywhere from 2 to 5 minutes depending what machine you have and how strong it is.”

The machine makes either a fast or a slow click, depending what setting it is on. “It's not obnoxiously loud,” Lyster says and she hasn’t found it to bother any horses.

While the number of treatments needed depend on the horse and its issues, the use of the Magna Wave can be anywhere from twice a day for a week after the onset of an acute injury (think bowed tendon or facture), or once a week for a month for a full-body treatment.

Who Can Use PEMF Machines?

Though anyone can buy a machine, any therapist who administers a Magna Wave PEMF treatment is certified through Magna Wave, where hands-on training is also required. The training also teaches therapists how to treat different injuries.

One of her most notable clients? “I have a surly gelding I have been treating,” Lyster says, and “he's still in race training and one of those types that doesn't like to be touched or bothered. After my first [Magna Wave PEMF] session, he started to gallop stronger. When I arrived for my second session, he was happy to see me and settled in to enjoy his time. By my third session, he fell asleep instantly and the trainer told me in the two years he has had him, he hasn't seen him nap. Since I have been treating him, he [the trainer] has caught him napping or with stains on him from where he had been laying down.”

In addition to treating horses, Lyster also uses the machine on people and small animals.

Interested in seeing what Magna Wave PEMF might do for you or your horse? Get in touch with Emma via her Facebook page, Lyster Equine Therapy, or call or text her at 859 433-8287.

Volunteers Needed: Jump Start Horse Trials

Fri, 15 Sep 2017 12:57:44 GMT

Volunteer opportunities for MSEDA members abound. Each month, we will feature an opportunity for members to obtain volunteer hours and help put on a successful, MSEDA-sanctioned show.

By Sarah E. Coleman

Date and time: September 29-October 1 at the Kentucky Horse Park.

Event history: Jump Start Horse Trials is the only annual fundraiser for Keeneland Pony Club.

Volunteer opportunities before the event:

Setting up dressage rings
Setting up stadium
Painting and decorating cross country

Volunteer opportunities during the event:

Ring stewards
Dressage scribes
Scoring
Jump crew

What should volunteers know?
Volunteers should wear appropriate footwear for working outside (not flipflops!) and bring raingear. Jump Start will provide lunch and snacks, and drinks all day, as well as a T-shirt.

For more information or to sign up for a volunteer time, please contact Jennifer Madden or Sally Lockhart.

Did You See That? How to Deal with Equine Vision Loss

Fri, 15 Sep 2017 12:45:38 GMT

It can be disconcerting when your normally sure-footed steed begins to trip or when your no-nonsense Steady Eddie starts to spook at things that wouldn’t normally faze him. So what’s the deal? Is it the weather change? Is he being lazy? Maybe … but maybe not: Vision loss may be to blame.

By Sarah E. Coleman

Photo by Audrey C. McLellan

Vision loss is not a death knell for horses or their competitive careers. While some loss may be dramatic, many times the loss of equine eyesight is gradual and over time; often the horse can adapt to his new vision and still be ridden.

There are many causes of vision loss in horses, including chronic uveitis, permanent damage from EPM and other diseases, acute viruses, injury, cancer and more. No matter the cause, the ways you can make your horse more comfortable are the same.

Testing Your Horse's Vision

The signs that your horse may be losing his vision can be subtle, from a peek at a normally unspooky fence when light is low to fairly dramatic reactions for a normally-well-behaved horse, like being reluctant to walk from bright sunlight into a darkened barn or trailer.

Horses tend to adapt to vision loss quite easily, which can be a hindrance for the humans caring for them: We may not pick up on the loss as readily as we should! If you think your horse may be losing some of his site, try these quick tests:

Walk your horse over a hose on the ground. Does he cock his head to look at the hose out of only one eye? Does he step directly on the hose or is he careful about stepping over it, indicating that he can see the hose? Cover one eye at a time and walk your horse over the hose, noting any differences in how he places his feet.
Cover one of your horse’s eyes with a fly mask or other soft blinder and toss cotton balls into his field of vision in the eye that is uncovered. Is he able to follow the objects with his uncovered eye?
With one of your horse’s eyes covered, wave your hand about six inches from the uncovered eye. Does he blink? If he can see well, he should.
Walk your horse over ground that changes drastically in color (like from black pavement to concrete or from a sand ring onto dark mulch). Does he act afraid to step onto the new color? Horses that are having a hard time seeing are sometimes reluctant to step onto something with a different color.

Next Steps

So, you’ve performed all the tests and feel confident that your horse is having vision issues. Now it’s time to call the vet. So, what will your vet do differently than you have?

She will visually examine at the horse’s eye, looking for anything abnormal about how the eye looks structurally.
She will examine him physically to see if he has more marks on one side of his body or head than the other, which would indicate that he is bumping into things and may not be able to see well.
She will watch him to see how he reacts to a stimulus on one side of his body. She may then observe his behavior while he is turned out and while in a stall to see if he behaves the same way whether humans are interacting with him or not.
She will also perform the “menace test” by making a menacing gesture toward the horse’s eye (the same test you performed above).

Caring for the Visually Impaired Horse

If you’ve determined that your horse is in fact losing his site, it’s important to make him as comfortable as possible in his surroundings. You will need to:

Give him safe housing he is familiar with
Consider turning him out with only one good buddy; herd situations can be hard as there is much for the horse to deal with: ranking, food competition, new horses, etc.
Provide safe fencing with no tight corners, holes, equipment or downed trees
Keep food and water in open locations that are easy for him to find
Keep his routine as close to the same every day as possible so he feels confident even as his vision worsens
Don’t shave his whiskers
Speak to him – often!

Can My Horse Eat That?

Mon, 28 Aug 2017 14:38:03 GMT

We’ve all seen it: Horses that eat hot dogs or prefer soda or sweet tea over water. But are these things REALLY safe for your equine to be snacking on? Like in human diets, the answer is: Everything in moderation.

By Sarah E. Coleman

While some horses are snobby about just what they’ll eat (only apples with no brown spots!) and others will eat just about anything (slimy carrots? No problem!), there are certain foods that should never be offered to equines—and there are some more-unusual ones you may just have to try!

Safety First

Many fruits and veggies are safe for horses eat, but some are definitely not safe for them to snack on. It’s important to note that if your horse is chubby, insulin resistant or has other metabolic issues that you should refrain from giving him anything high in sugar, including fruits and veggies with a high sugar content.

Though a little snack of bread is OK for most horses, it’s important to remember that some prepared foods can be toxic to horses. Chocolate is one example; though an occasional chocolate chip cookie is harmless, a steady diet of chocolate treats can be hard on a horse’s health. Caffeine can also be toxic in large quantities, in the form of drinks or treats.

So what can you feed your steed to reward him for a job well done?

pumpkin
tomato
mango
pear
green beans
berries
watermelon
cantaloupe
banana

For Those Horses With Metabolic Issues….

If your horse has metabolic issues, you will need to avoid feeding an abundance of these:

apples (this includes apple sauce)
carrots
watermelon
jellybeans
yogurt
pretzels, chips and most cereals
cookies, both human and equine
candy
jelly beans
yogurt

Good snacks include:

beet pulp with no molasses
strawberries
cherries (without the pit)
peanuts (in the shell)
pumpkin seeds
celery
sugar-free candy (like that for diabetics)
hay cubes, cut into pieces
alfalfa pellets
banana or apple peels

For horses that have HYPP, owners will need to stay away from treats and food that are high in potassium, like bananas, pumpkin and plums (prunes are also very not healthy for HYPP horses).

MSEDA Treasurer Cheryl Steele Rides in Jeremy Steinberg Clinic

Tue, 22 Aug 2017 13:25:02 GMT

By Chelsea Smith, MBA // Smith Equine Media, LLC

Photo by Kristin Posner

The Midsouth Eventing & Dressage Association (MSEDA) welcomed International Dressage rider, trainer and coach Jeremy Steinberg for a two day dressage clinic held June 24-25, 2017 at Bellantrae Farm in Lexington, Ky.

Riding in the clinic was MSEDA Treasurer Cheryl Steele with her mare Melody. Steele was the recipient of the USEA Area 8 Volunteer Awards Grant for $250, which was used to further develop her partnership with Melody, a 10 year old, 17 hand Hanoverian mare.

“I was looking for my next event/sport horse after my previous horse Irish Whiskey, AKA Junior, needed to drop down a couple of levels. He is now 21 years old. I found Melody three years ago through Julie McVey. She does a lot of trail riding and knew I was looking. She raised and trained Melody since she was a baby,” said Steele.

Steele injured her shoulder in a fall two years ago and has been working to regain core strength and muscle tone. With this in mind, Steele was eager to ride with Jeremy to see how her progress was developing.

At the beginning of their session, Steinberg worked with Steele to be steadier with her body and quieter with her hands. After Steele trotted Melody around the arena a few times, Jeremy quickly instructed Steele to keep Melody going forward and to directly challenge her to keep the momentum going forward.

“The trot is a good challenge point to correct continuous, honest, energy output. With the trot there is no help—the body has to produce it. Challenge the trot and exploit the canter,” said Jeremy.

Once Steele asked Melody to transition from canter to trot, Steinberg asked her to keep the energy going and to be stricter with her cues.

As the lesson continued, Steinberg urged Steele to ignore when Melody gave her a wobble or a loss of connection and to instead keep pushing her forward.

“If you wiggle and wobble in the front and get too involved in that, that can shut down the engine to where the engine doesn’t output enough to give her the arc of roundness through the topline. NO slowing down. Don’t give into any discussion or any dialogue in the front end—keep pushing forward. Don’t accept anything other than, “Yes ma’am, you got it!” I would be very tough on her,” said Jeremy.

As they continued around the arena, Melody started to fall or lean into the turns. Steinberg directed Steele to accelerate to help the mare correct her own balance. He explained his theory by comparing Melody to a car engine.

“[With Melody] there needs to be a constant build up of RPM’s in her engine that give you more and more power right up into the steering wheel,” he said.

Cheryl is looking forward to continuing Jeremy’s exercises at home, "I have only been home about 2 days and already noticed a difference in the way Melody moves. She has been more accepting of my leg aids in going forward and quicker to respond."

There’s An App for That: Apps for Equine Health and Welfare (and Fun!)

Tue, 15 Aug 2017 13:39:51 GMT

The invention of smartphones has made equestrians lives so much easier. From tracking health and vaccination records, miles logged, equine heart rates and local tack swaps (and not to mention just how easy it is to take snaps of your four-legged love!), it’s wonderful to have all equine info at your fingertips.

By Sarah E. Coleman

The vast majority of us are a little too connected to our phones, taking them with us everywhere we go and sleeping with them next to our beds at night. While some could see this connectivity as an issue, for obsessive horse owners (and really, isn’t that all of us?), this kind of knowledge at our fingertips is a fantastic way to help us feed our equine organization obsession.

With this in mind, here are some apps you might enjoy:

Hey NEIGHbor

Find and list horses, tack, livestock, barn supplies and more. Easy uploads and searching, you can filter to find local items or those within your budget. All posts are removed 30 days after they are listed, so you know you won’t get your heart set on something that sold in 2015.

EquiTempo
Keep your horse’s gaits as even as possible with EquiTempo, which allows you to figure out the beats per minute (BPM) of any gait. Then set the app for the desired speed and EquiTemp ticks like a metronome.

Horse Rider SOS
This app will alert your emergency contacts when you have parted ways with your steed and indicate your exact GPS location for rescue. Now if only finding your horse were this easy!

HorseNotes
Manage individual horse’s feed, health, repro records, performance and training, or view all of the horses in your barn. You can also record expense and income and pictures of everything from receipts to injuries.

Coach My Video
Coach My Video allows you to upload photos and videos, and annotate them with lines (frame-by-frame) to check your alignment. You can then email the photos or videos to anyone.

Hay Price Calculator
Created by Regents of the University of Minnesota, this app will calculate hay price per ton, helping you choose the most cost-effective bundle.

EquiSketch Dressage
Help memorize your dressage test (in large or small arenas) by creating each movement of your test and then using an animated horse to perform the test.

Healthy Horse
Estimate your horse’s body weight for feeding and medication dosages by entering your horse’s height, girth circumference, body length and neck.

SmartPak SmartBlanket App
Create customized recommendations for your horse’s apparel based on the local weather conditions with the SmartPak SmartBlanket app.

Horseware Turnout Guide
This app gathers weather forecasts for three upcoming days and then makes recommendations on which Horseware turnout is best for your horse.

Stable Secretary
This app will help you keep equine business records and health records organized and get reminders about future appointments and due dates. You can add your team members (farrier, vet, etc.) and everyone can view and add info about your horse. Billing is also simplified.

EquiList
Preloaded with a checklist of standard items you would need for a horse show, including vet documents, tack and rider equipment, this app is a must-have for those riders who constantly leave at least one necessary item at home! You can add items and check things off, as well.

Show Jumping Strides
This app allows you to estimate the number of strides between two fences in a line of stadium jumps. Simply enter the distance (in meters) between the fences in the “distance” box, the height of the fence (in meters), the prescriped meters per minutes and the type of fence (vertical, oxer, triple bar or water) and the app will estimate the number of strides between the two obstacles.

Volunteers Needed: Park Equine Ky Classique Horse Trials

Tue, 15 Aug 2017 13:30:08 GMT

Volunteer opportunities for MSEDA members abound. Each month, we will feature an opportunity for members to obtain volunteer hours and help put on a successful, MSEDA-sanctioned show.

By Sarah E. Coleman

Park Equine Kentucky Classique Horse Trials

Date and Time: The Horse Trial will be held September 2 and 3, but a Friday dressage is in the talks with management because of our AWESOME riders supporting Area 8. We will let riders know ASAP if we're going to make the switch, says Mary Fike.

Event History: Kentucky Classique filled the date in the fall calendar when Mary Bayer and Stanley Wiggs discontinued doing the ever-popular Fall Ha’Penny Horse Trial.

Volunteer opportunities before the event:

Stall cards
Labeling dressage tests
Setting up the office
Setting Dressage
Hanging banners
Roping XC

We also can use volunteer to help set stadium, Mary noted. It’s usually on the Thursday of event week. If folks like to paint/stain, we can arrange to gift them a paintbrush and they can spend some glorious time out on XC and maybe befriend the park’s resident fox or catch sight of the newest owlets in the old Burr Oak tree.

Volunteer opportunities during the event:

Jump judges
Scribes
Score runners, etc.

It should be noted that if anyone is interested in volunteering, please email Lynn and let her know your availability, we can work around ride times, groom schedules, crying, freaking out and drinking, says show secretary Erin Murphy.

Volunteer opportunities after the event:

Thank you notes to all officials.
Creation of a press release, article about the event
Take down SJ, dressage, XC flags and decorations, etc.

What should volunteers know?

We all know that weather in September can be unpredictable, so make sure to come prepared. Jacket, rain pants, boots, bug spray, sun glasses, wine (jk, but no really). We do provide lunch. I always bring my earbuds and music and a chair and boots, says Mary.

For more information or to sign up for a time, please email Lynn Davis at lynndavis@twc.com.

Tryon 2018: The World Will Be Watching

Mon, 31 Jul 2017 13:51:38 GMT

For only the second time in its history, the World Equestrian Games will be held on United States soil: This time in Tryon, N.C.

By Sarah E. Coleman

For those of us who lived in Kentucky in 2010, it’s easy to remember the hype that surrounded the 2010 Alltech World Equestrian Game. The insistence that farms were going to be sold for well over their asking price, as well as the thought that the city would be overrun with out-of-town guests was perpetuated by every facet of Lexington commerce. In the horse world, many of equine enthusiasts were led to believe that we had to buy our tickets in discipline packages, the minute they went on sale, or we risked being shut out of the Games completely.

Those who survived WEG 2010 were privy to a lot of things that did not go as planned; thankfully those who didn’t call the Bluegrass home never noticed. And though the horse community seems pretty evenly split about whether or not they would welcome the Games back to Kentucky, there are some things each of us can be thankful for that was a direct result of the Games being held in Lexington: The Rolex Stadium, the increase in sport horse farms in the area and a massive increase in tourism that appreciates both our horses and our bourbon, just to name a few (we won’t mention that hole that’s slowly becoming something downtown, 8 years later….)

Here Comes the World

The World Equestrian Games 2018 are going to be held state side once again, this time in Tryon, N.C., at the Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC). Once can only imagine that that small town is in as much of a tizzy as Lexington was 14 months out, with massive infrastructure supplementation and rumors spinning around.

So, how prepared is Tryon for a horse show of this magnitude? Carly Weilminster, the Marketing, Advertising, and Media Relations Manager of ‎Equestrian Sport Productions and Tryon International Equestrian Center, answered some questions for MSEDA.

Carly said that the facility currently encompasses 1,600 acres in Polk County, N.C., while external facility amenities are located in Rutherford County (a big concern of holding WEG at Tryon is where people are going to stay!). The current George H. Morris Arena comfortably seats 6,000, while a larger stadium construction has begun and will seat between 20,000 to 25,000 spectators.

“There are currently 1,200 permanent stalls on-site, 12 riding arenas and a 12-acre state-of-the-art grass derby complex. The facility also already boasts an extensive cross-country course, which resides on the adjacent property, which was formerly an 18-hole golf course,” Carly said.

“There will be a significant amount of construction occurring over the next 15 months. Much of the equestrian and competition components that are necessary for the event are already in existence. The construction of the stadium, several on-site hotels, and the additions to the covered arena, which will be used for vaulting and reining, will take place throughout the year leading up to the event.”

How Do People Get There?

A major concern among the equestrian community is just how people will physically get to the competition grounds. The Tryon venue is situated between three major airports, which include: Greenville-Spartanburg Airport, Asheville Regional Airport and Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Each airport is between 45 minutes to an hour and a half away from the venue.

And where will they stay?

Carly notes that the Tryon venues “currently have a significant amount of on-site housing available for competitors and spectators for our national and international competitions hosted throughout the year. We are in the process of constructing additional on-site housing, which will include four hotels. The cities of Greenville, Asheville, and Charlotte are all within an hour’s drive from the venue, which will also support the generous number of spectators traveling to watch the Games. Forest City, Hendersonville, Rutherfordton and Spartanburg will also provide additional housing and lodging support.”

Test Events

According to FEI rules, test events in each discipline must take place at the venue prior to the Games. In Tryon, test events will begin in October of 2017 and continue through the spring of 2018, dependent on the discipline. Eventing will take place in October 2017 (the American Eventing Championships will be held there), while the driving test event will take place in the spring of 2018.

The endurance paths have not yet been established, but will run over the Tryon grounds as well as on adjacent property.

A Notch Above

“TIEC offers several on-site amenities that help to make it one of the most unique equestrian destinations in the world,” Carly says. Ten on-site restaurants are open during the competition season, with several open year-round, she notes, allowing competitors and spectators to dine and socialize on-site. “These include an iconic 50s themed diner, sushi, up-scale American grille cuisine, Italian, Mexican, pub food, ice-cream and sweets, and much more.”

If you’re wishing to do something non-horsey during your downtime, Cleghorn Golf & Sports Club is just five minutes down the road, with a beautifully designed 18-hole golf course and newly renovated pool and sports complex. The Cleghorn Gun Club, also just five minutes away, offers a spectacular clay shooting experience with certified instructors.

The Lodge on Lake Lure, also owned by Tryon Equestrian Partners, overlooks pristine Lake Lure, one of North Carolina’s hidden treasures.

“We have heard and understand the feedback regarding past FEI World Equestrian Games events and are proactively planning to make this event one of the most spectator and competitor friendly events that the sport has seen!” Carly said.

Securing Your Seat

The discipline schedules have been set, minus start and finish times, but the days of competition have already been announced and are available for viewing at www.tryon2018.com.

Tickets will go on sale in September. They will be available on a major ticket platform and specific package options will be available. A broad announcement marking the start of ticket sales will be released ahead of the platform launch.

For much more information on the facility and the Games, visit http://tryon.coth.com

Volunteers Needed!

Wed, 12 Jul 2017 16:08:02 GMT

Volunteer opportunities for MSEDA members abound. Each month, we will feature an opportunity for members to obtain volunteer hours and help put on a successful, MSEDA-sanctioned show.

By Sarah E. Coleman

Nancy F. Newton Memorial Dressage and Combined Test

Event History: Antebellum Farm began hosting a summer combined test in 1992; this is their 25th anniversary. This is the second year that the combined test will be held in honor of Nancy Newton, who passed in 2016. The profits from the event will go to an undetermined charity in her name.

Date and Time: July 23rd, 8 a.m. until the last test is finished, typically about 4:30 p.m.

Volunteer Opportunities:

timers
dressage stewards
dressage scribes
jump crew
parking assistants
stadium steward
runners

Interested? Contact Dylan Newton 859-489-3375; antebefarm@aol.com. Lunch, snacks and drinks are provided to volunteers throughout the day.

Visit the Antebellum Farm website here.

The Fit Rider

Wed, 12 Jul 2017 15:55:09 GMT

Many riders look at their riding time as their “gym time”—and for many of us, this is the time during the week that we raise our heart rates and really work up a sweat. However, if you ride only a few days a week or don’t really work hard enough to burn calories, there is still some calories to burn in order to stay fit to ride your horse well.

By Sarah E. Coleman

MSEDA interviewed Megan Arszman, freelance writer and Communications Coordinator for the Indiana Horse Racing Commission, about rider health and fitness. Arszman believes that the main reason riders are reluctant to go to the gym is lack of time. Many horse people, even if they don’t ride every day, still make time to go to the farm and check on their horse if he isn’t kept at home. Additionally, Arszman also feels that riders believe the exercise they get at the farm is enough to keep them fit and healthy. While there’s no doubt that they burn calories while performing farm chores, it is not always enough to keep riders fit and healthy.

Many riders are not aware of how much being unfit affects their mount. “You have to have core strength in order to be an effective rider, no matter the discipline,” Arszman explains. “I've talked with many trainers in different disciplines and that is a very important part of the rider's body position. If you don’t have the strength and conditioning to hold yourself correctly in the saddle, you can put uneven weight on your horse or you might find yourself relying on the reins to keep your balance, which means pulling on his mouth.”

“While farm work is a good workout, there are some things you need to work on at the gym or separately to help you stay healthy and ride better,” Arszman says. Addressing the time issue, Arszman notes that “You don't necessarily have to make the drive to the gym; you can build your own home gym with a few essential pieces.”

Gym Time Time Out

Arszman, a horsewoman herself, knows innately that there is simply not enough time in the day, especially to get to the gym. So what does she recommend for an overall body workout? Body weight circuit training. “You can do a circuit of body weight exercises: air squats, push-ups and planks.”

If you’re really in a time crunch, Arszman loves the HIIT {High Intensity Interval Training) workouts. “You basically do a series of exercises, rotating between something high-intensity [e.g., sprints, mountain climbers, jump squats, jumping jacks, etc.] and other workouts.”

Arszman provides an example:

Do each exercise at a high intensity for 45 seconds, rest for 15 seconds

Mountain Climbers
Push-ups
Squats
Crunches
Burpees
Plank
Jump Squats
Tricep Dips
High Knees
Lunges

*Repeat

You Are What You....Eat?

Specific eating plans can be difficult for riders to follow, especially if they’re running between home, work and the farm, or if they spend multiple days at horse shows. Arszman suggests that, rather than following a specific diet plan, riders watch what they eating--increasing veggie consumption, and decreasing the carbs and sugar. Arszman aims to eat no later than 7 p.m., which she admits is hard in the summer for horse people.

She tries to eat lean meats (fish, turkey and chicken) and increase water intake. “I've really been focused a lot on watching what I eat lately after some weight gain and it's helped. My brother-in-law has lost almost 200 pounds since last year and tracks everything he eats on his MyFitnessPal app--that's a great tool that I recommend!”

So what are some of Arzman’s go-to meals and snacks? “I love my green smoothies! I make one every morning after my work out before I wake up my daughter so I can drink it on my way to work. I'll throw in fresh spinach, frozen cauliflower, frozen fruit, plain Greek yogurt, some milk and some protein powder. Sure the spinach and cauliflower sounds gross,” she says, “but trust me, you don't taste it and it's the easiest way to jumpstart your goal for eating veggies!”

“I also love snacking on string cheese, hard boiled eggs, apples and peanut butter, and Lenny & Larry's Complete Cookies.”

Prioritizing Fitness Goals

So, how can riders make fitness a priority? “Set small goals with deadlines and know that you have to work toward them,” Arszman says. “It has to be important to you in order for you to be dedicated. Even if you only have 20 minutes, that's 20 minutes to a healthier life. Wake up 30 minutes early with your workout clothes already set out so you literally roll out of bed and into your clothes and to the gym [or garage gym] before your mind is fully awake to know what you're doing.

Also, don't feel like you need to work out for 2 hours a day, every day--start off with 30 minutes three times a week and build up. Include your family in your goals and invite them to workout with you, or pick a buddy to help you stay accountable,” she says.

New Treatments for Navicular Syndrome

Tue, 27 Jun 2017 18:07:49 GMT

Navicular syndrome has long been a catch-all term used on any heel pain in horses; even more elusive than a concrete diagnosis has been an effective form of controlling the pain associated with it.

By Sarah E. Coleman

In the beginning of 2014, the equine community welcomed the approval of two new drugs by the U.S. Food and Drug administration: Tildren and OSPHOS. Though Tildren has long been used in human medicine, its release into the equine market is new.

Both of these drugs are bisphosphonates intended to control the signs of navicular syndrome, which is commonly the cause of front-end lameness in horses. Navicular syndrome is defined as chronic pain arising from the navicular bone and closely related structures (like the deep digital flexor tendon, suspensory ligaments of the navicular bone, etc.). This chronic heel pain includes pathological changes to the ligaments, bone, cartilage and tendons in that area. The exact cause is unknown.

Navicular syndrome can affect any breed of horse at any activity level; affected horses are typically between 4 and 15 years old. There is no one test that can confirm navicular syndrome; but hoof tests, X-rays, nerve blocks and other imaging modalities may be needed to determine if a horse has navicular disease.

Treatment Options

In the past, navicular has been a catch-all term used for a front-end lameness that could not be definitively determined. Treatment options were somewhat limited, with Isoxsuprine (to increase blood flow to the area) and corrective shoeing being the two most-popular treatment options.

Oher treatment options include:
Work and rest protocols determined by the horse’s vet
Pain management (NSAIDs)
Shockwave
Bisphosphonate
Nutraceuticals

What is a Bisphosphonate?

Bisphosphonates are a class of drug that have been used in human medicine for years prior to their introduction to the equine markets, but they are used for different reasons in human medicine: mainly to decrease bone loss (osteoporosis). Bone is a living tissue that is constantly forming and resorbing in a balance; in diseased bone, this balance is interrupted. Bisphosphonates attach themselves to active sites on bones, and block the ability of the bone to regrow.

Interestingly, Bisphosphonates were first created as industrial chemicals to prevent corrosion.

Dr. Laura Werner, a field care veterinarian and surgeon at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, has used Osphos extensively since its introduction in early 2014. Prior to Osphos use, Dr. Werner treated cases of navicular with Tildren, as well as with corrective shoeing, joint or navicular bursa injections, isoxsuprine, shockwave therapy and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories.

Osphos is an intramuscular injection, given in three separate sites on the horse during one treatment, so Dr. Werner typically utilizes the neck and pectoral muscles as administration sites. Similar to Tildren, it can take up to two months to see the full effects of Osphos treatment. It can be re-administered every three to six months or longer, based on clinical signs.

Side Effects

Dr. Werner notes that colic or pain at the injection site are possible adverse reactions to Osphos. Additionally, she recommends that a horse that is being treated be monitored for hydration and kidney values, especially in older patients.

The Osphos label notes that owners should watch their horses for two hours after the administration of the drug, looking for agitation, pawing, and other abnormal behavior like lip licking and head shaking. The horse may also experience cramping; if this occurs, it is recommended that the owner hand walk the horse for 15 minutes.

A Word of Caution

The recommendations on Osohps is that it not be given to horses less than four years old, and Dr. Werner notes that it is contraindicated in fracture cases as the drug inhibits osteoclasts and those cells are an important part of fracture healing.

As always, it’s important to know the USEF and FEI guidelines on withdrawal times for any drug you are administering. Osphos withdrawal time for the FEI is 28 days.

Osphos (and Tildren) can be effective tools in managing the pain associated with navicular syndrome. As with any medication, care must be give during administration and a close eye kept on the animal being treated.

10 Tips to Keep Horses Healthy This Summer

Thu, 15 Jun 2017 14:03:31 GMT

The heat is coming on something fierce in Kentucky, and though summer is a great time to ride, horse owners must take care that they are not asking too much of their steeds in weather that is too hot and humid for them to effectively cool themselves. Summer heat can be dangerous for horses, resulting in dehydration, lethargy, and general malaise. Severe heat stress may cause diarrhea, or even colic. Following these 10 tips and using common sense will help keep you and your horse safe and comfortable during the hot days ahead.

Dr. Janet Johnston, an Emergency and Critical Care veterinarian at Penn Vet's New Bolton Center, offers the following tips as we approach the first days of summer:

1. Choose cooler turnout times. If your horse has a stall, but is turned out for part of the day, provide turnout during the cooler hours. Overnight is ideal, but if that's not possible, then have the horse go outside as early as possible during the day.

2. Provide shade. If your horse lives outdoors, or if it must be outside during the day, provide relief from the sun. A run-in shed is best. Trees are a source of shade, but as the sun moves, so will the shade.

3. Move the air. Fans are a great way to help keep the air moving in the barn, but use them wisely. Your horse will benefit most if the fan is pulling the hot air out of the stall, not pushing air into the stall.

4. Mist your horse. If you are fortunate enough to have a system to mist your horse, use it. As the moisture is absorbed from your horse's skin, it will take away some of the heat. Frequent mistings are far more effective than a single dousing with a hose.

5. Provide fresh, cool water and an electrolyte source. Make sure your horse has plenty of fresh, cool water. A bucket hanging on a fence will get warm, and the water will no longer be appealing. Left long enough, the water will also become stagnant and unhealthy. If you are providing clean, cool water and your horse doesn't seem to be drinking, then encourage it by providing a salt block, or even by misting hay with salt water.

6. Slow down the work. Don't think that because your horse has been working intensely at 1:00 pm every day that it can take the heat when the temperature tops 90 degrees. If you have to work your horse in the heat, lighten the work or spread it out over a couple of short sessions. This is especially important when the humidity is high, contributing to the poor quality of the air your horse is breathing.

7. Stick to a schedule. Within the parameters of keeping your horse cool, try to stay as close as possible to a normal schedule. Too much change at one time can be an invitation to colic.

8. Avoid sunburn. Horses, especially white horses, can suffer from sunburn. Even those with white socks and blazes, pink noses, or hairless patches from scarring can be susceptible. Using a fly scrim can help. In addition, applying sunblock such as zinc oxide, to small, particularly vulnerable areas can be effective.

9. Clip horses with longer hair coats. Clipping is important, especially for horses with Cushings disease. While some coat can provide protection from the sun and insulation, a long, thick coat tends to hold heat and makes it difficult for the horse to cool down.

10. Know your horse and signs of heat stroke. Heat stroke can happen anytime your horse is exposed to excessive heat that his body cannot handle.

You should know your horse's normal temperature, heart and respiratory rates. To find the heart rate of a horse, simply find a pulse and count the beats for 15 seconds, then multiply that number by 4. Count the breaths per minute in a similar way.

Signs of heat stroke can include:

An elevated heart rate that does not return to normal in a reasonable period of time
Excessive sweating OR lack of sweating
Temperature that persists above 103 degrees F
Depression, lethargy
Signs of dehydration: dry mucous membranes, poor capillary refill and poor skin turgor

If you are concerned that your horse is suffering from heat stroke, call your veterinarian immediately and get your horse into a cooler environment.

Volunteers Needed!

Thu, 15 Jun 2017 13:59:00 GMT

Volunteer opportunities for MSEDA members abound. Each month, we will feature an opportunity for members to obtain volunteer hours and help put on a successful, MSEDA-sanctioned show.

By Sarah E. Coleman

The Midsouth Pony Club Horse Trial, June 23-25

Event History: This horse trial is a fundraising event for the Midsouth Pony Club Region that supports their members at Championships, in certifications and in other educational opportunities.

Date and Time: June 23^rd: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; June 24^th: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and June 25^th: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Volunteer Opportunities:

Weeks leading up to event

Painting fences

Tuesday morning (June 20)

Setting Dressage Arenas

Thursday afternoon (June 22)

Setting Stadium (with Nori)

Office help

Friday (June 23)

Office Help

Dressage (8 a.m.-4 p.m.)

Scribe

Ring Steward

Scorer

Stadium (11 a.m.-6 p.m.)

Jump Crew

Saturday (June 24)

Office Help

Dressage (8 a.m – 4 p.m.)

Scribe

Bit Check

Scorer

Stadium (11 a.m. – 6 p.m.)

Ring Steward

Jump Crew

XC (8 a.m. – 6 p.m.)

Jump Judge

Sunday (June 25)

Office Help

XC (8 a.m. – 3 p.m.)

Jump Judge

Stadium (8am-2pm)

Ring Steward

Jump Crew

Interested? Contact Erin Woodall: gtowngrits@gmail.com, 502-316-3565 (call or text)

Tips for Volunteers: It’s never a bad idea to bring a chair, raincoat, sunscreen and a great attitude!

Helping Prevent Vet Calls

Wed, 31 May 2017 14:24:56 GMT

Every horse owner would like to amount of vet bills they incur, but sometimes that’s not an option. While no one would ever expect you to stitch your horse at home or diagnose his niggling lameness, there are some things that owners and riders can do at home in an attempt to prevent unnecessary vet calls.

By Sarah E. Coleman

Dr. Heather Woodruff, co-owner of Foxwood Equine Sports Medicine with Dr. Holly Schmitt (Fox), grew up in Vermont riding hunters, jumpers, eventing and dressage. She graduated from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine and has been practicing in Lexington since 2009, when she moved here to complete a Sports Medicine Internship at Hagyard Equine Medical institute; she and Dr. Schmitt Fox opened Foxwood Equine in 2014.

Foxwood Equine focuses on sports medicine and acupuncture, also offering high-level lameness diagnostics and treatments to horses that are in elite levels of competition all over the United States. Dr. Woodruff is called in to treat horses for both acute lamenesses and also for preventative and therapeutic care. While there is no replacement for skilled veterinary care, there are a few at-home treatments Dr. Woodruff recommends to keep high-level athletes feeling their best.

The Specifics for Keeping Horses Sound

The No. 1 tool to keeping a horse sound, Dr. Woodruff says, is to keep him fit for his specific job. “It doesn’t matter if the horse is a jumper, reiner, eventer or dressage horse. At the end of the day, the horse needs to be fit for its job. I am a big fan of lots of flat work, long-and-low work and even trot sets in a big field. This is all depending on the horse and its day-to-day environment. Fitness is not just for cardiovascular activity, it’s also for making sure the horse’s tendons, ligaments and joints are all is proper condition to do the job.”

Another key to keeping horses fit and in competition shape is hands-on knowledge of the horse’s legs and body. “If there is an abnormal swelling, it’s important to know if that is new or old,” explains Dr. Woodruff. Knowing immediately if a new bump or bruise has arisen can minimize the chance of downtime during competition season as treatment can be started almost immediately.

Don't Overdo It

While many riders (especially after cross country) will ice their horse’s legs, over icing can be a concern. Icing a horse’s legs for too long can cause localized frostbite. For this reason, Dr. Woodruff recommends cold hosing over icing. With cold-hosing, there is no way to damage the legs.

Another option to provide support for a horse that has had a strenuous workout is to wrap him to provide some additional support to a horse’s legs, especially after extreme exertion. Cold-hosing his legs and then wrapping him correctly with standing bandages and wraps is a non-invasive way to provide a bit of additional help. Some riders use Surpass, a popular NSAID, under wraps, but Dr. Woodruff warns that this prescription medicine should be used with caution if the horse is on additional anti-inflammatories; using Surpass may also mask the beginning of an injury. Because of this, Dr. Woodruff recommends using poultice or liniment under a bandage unless Surpass has been specifically prescribed by a veterinarian.

Also, “learning acupressure or massage is useful to help relax sore muscles, as well as recovery from injury,” Dr. Woodruff explains. No matter what riders or owners choose to do (or not do) to help support their athlete, “Being able to recognize when the horse may need a little extra cool down and attention to the muscles is important to keeping your horse sound and happy!”

And if He's Already Injured....

While modalities like cold hosing, wrapping and massage can be used in an effort to prevent injuries, they are also helpful when dealing with a horse that has injured himself. “Depending on what injury, we may recommend any or all of these modalities [icing, cold hosing, etc.]. Every injury is specific to the horse and needs to be treated as an individual, with treatment depending on multiple factors, including type of injury, prognosis, competition level and attitude of each horse. [For] One soft-tissue case, we may recommend intra-lesional therapy, whereas the next we may recommend shockwave and rest.” Proper bandaging is also key in tendon and ligament injury, both in the effected leg and the opposite limb.

Every injury is specific to the horse and needs to be treated as an individual, with treatment depending on multiple factors, including type of injury, prognosis, and attitude of each horse.

One modality some people still overlook (or don’t believe in its efficacy) is acupuncture, Dr. Woodruff notes. “There are so many things we can help with acupuncture. With no medication [steroids, anti-inflammatories or synthetics], we can do so many things! [We can] Help with chronic pain, help a mare regulate her cycle to breed or help the old retired horse be more comfortable in the field. We can help the horse that has anxiety leaving the barn and the horse that does not want to do a proper lead change.”

With all of the issues that can be helped with acupuncture, as well as how minimally invasive it is, it’s surprising that there are still owners and breeders who are reluctant to try it.

“Most of our sport horses work very hard for us, and we try to make them feel better and do the best possible job they can do,” Dr. Woodruff explains.

So, if preventative care is not working and your horse has to see a vet, it’s worthwhile to ask what treatment plan is best for him or her, and to be open-minded if your vet suggests a modality you are unfamiliar with!

Volunteers Needed!

Mon, 15 May 2017 12:36:11 GMT

Volunteer opportunities for MSEDA members abound. Each month, we will feature an opportunity for members to obtain volunteer hours and help put on a successful, MSEDA-sanctioned show.

By Sarah E Coleman

Wilderness Trace Pony Club Combined Test and Dressage Show, May 20, 2017 Meadow Lake Equestrian Center.

Event History: Used as a main fundraiser for the Wilderness Trace Pony Club, the show and combined test is used to raise funds to offset expenses incurred throughout the year at camps, rallies and lesson.

Date and Time: The combined test and dressage show will take place on May 20, from 8 a.m. until about 4 p.m., when the last rider has completed their test.

Volunteer Opportunities: Though most positions are covered through parents of Pony Club kids, additional help is always welcomed in the form of ring stewards, registration, jump crew, runners, scorers and more. The jump course will be set on Friday evening before the show.

Interested? Contact DC Shannon Andrews: bshannon777@yahoo.com, 859-326-7286

Tips for Volunteers: As this is an outdoor event, volunteers will need to plan on dressing for the weather, whatever that may be. Lunch and drinks will be provided to all volunteers.

Visit the Wilderness Trace Pony Club Facebook page here.

Treat Your Horse Like an Athlete

Mon, 15 May 2017 12:26:05 GMT

Horses, especially those that compete in the upper levels of their respective sports, are true athletes. They are repeatedly asked to perform to the utmost of their physical limit, pushing their bodies in ways horses in the wild never do.

Because of this, it’s important that riders and trainers treat their mounts like the athletes they are, playing close attention to them every, single day, and monitoring their health in the same manner elite human athletes do, taking any inkling of an unsoundness or discomfort seriously.

By Sarah E Coleman

Treat them As Individuals

John Crowell, owner of Sycamore Hill Farm with wife Dorothy Crowell in Frankfort, Ky., groomed for superstar eventer Karen O’Connor for 4 years. As such, he is keenly aware of what it takes to keep a horse happy and sound to continue competing at the upper echelons of the sport. While there is no magic recipe for keeping a horse competition ready (don’t we wish there was!), the key, he says, is to know the horse. “Each horse is an individual, so each has special needs. Your job is to know what those needs are,” he explains.

A one-size-fits-all training and care program cannot be applied to all horses. One horse might have a foot problem while another may have an old tendon—the way you care for these animals, both preparing them for competition and after, should not be the same.

“For me, what is done beforehand is the really important part,” John says. Paying attention to your horse at home is the key to knowing what is going on during competition, he explains. “Every time you bring your horse in, look at it, then take the 2 seconds it takes to run your hands down their tendons, feel their fetlocks, feel their feet for heat. Amazingly, when you make this your habit, then you can get ahead of about 50 percent of your issues.”

In addition to knowing what your horse feels like under your hands, it’s important to have a baseline on what their heart rate, temperature and respiratory rate are, whether you are a groom or a rider. Knowing these three important things, as well as how long it takes your horse to recover from fitness work, will make competition days less stressful: You already know what to expect when you come off a cross-country course, and you will also be ready to care for him should he not be coming back to his baseline rapidly, John explains. “Once you know what ‘normal’ is for your horse, you can better deal with it at the competition.” And with that comes peace of mind!

Before you Begin

Taking good care of your horse also means knowing what he needs for protection as he works and competes. This includes protecting him from over-riding. “Don’t jump on consecutive days if you can help it,” he recommends: Keep jumping to only one day a week. “Try to be preemptive in your schooling, staying one step ahead of any problem or injury. You want them [your horse] to be happy and sound.” Riders can help keep horses that way my not overtraining and exacerbating an old or existing injury.

“Every time you jump your horse, you’re tearing tendon fiber; the fetlock drops to the ground and you are breaking fibers,” he says. Not overjumping is important, as is protection and support in the form of boots. “But only if you know what you’re doing,” John cautions. Proper applications of boots and wraps is essential to protecting a horse and not causing harm. If you do not know how to apply your boots, as someone who does.

After Competition

While knowing your horse well is key to his health, what can be done after competition to keep your horse healthy? We’ve all seen horses booted to the hilt and standing in ice—but at what point is that necessary?

“If you have a novice horse, I don’t tend to go crazy doing things like icing legs,” says John. “I do that at Training and above. These boots are very effective for cooling legs and tendons,” but a lower-level horse doesn’t have that much strain placed on him. But again, each situation is different, depending on the needs of the individual horse. John stresses that all of the therapies available won’t help if you don’t know your horse well enough to know what (if anything) you need to be watching for. “If you have a horse who has had an injury before, you need to constantly watch it for changes. Ask your vet to explain what the injury was and ask questions about how best to treat it and what to watch for. Be better educated. “

“Before you can be an equestrian you have to be a horseman,” John emphasized. “That’s what is missing for a lot of people. One size does not fit all.”

MSEDA Kim Severson Clinic

Mon, 08 May 2017 22:43:26 GMT

By Chelsea Smith

The Midsouth Eventing & Dressage Association welcomed International four-star rider Kim Severson for a clinic April 1-2, 2017.

The first day of the clinic was stadium jumping at Land’s End Farm. Kim started each session with exercises that tested the rider’s straightness. In the arena, Kim had corners, skinnys, several carefully placed ground poles which were used to direct riders indicate EXACTLY where she wanted them to land and takeoff. She also focused heavily on accurate and balanced turns and again used ground poles to make riders act quickly.

“I loved the turning exercises on the stadium day. Even though the jumps weren't big, the questions were really hard. It made me feel really good when I got everything done.” –Robyn Munson

Munson works on keeping her horse straight. Photo by JJ Sillman

“Day one I really enjoyed the variety of exercises she had us do in stadium jumping, within the first half of the day she identified the issue I was having and helped me correct it by riding him straighter to the jumps and putting my leg on and really supporting him.” – Tess Utterback

Utterback jumps through a grid. Photo by JJ Sillman

Day two of the clinic was cross country held at Flying Cross Farm. Prior to jumping, Kim asked riders to demonstrate a gallop at a pace appropriate for their level. For example, the Beginner Novice group was instructed to gallop between two points at 350 and then 400 meters per minute (mpm). Kim discussed each rider’s accuracy and emphasized how important it is to be able to recognize what it feels like to ride the correct speed while on course.

Smith jumps into water. Photo by JJ Sillman.

Throughout the day, Kim had riders jump several courses that included banks and water, but again focused on straightness and turning. Both bank and water complexes had verticals strategically placed on lines that would require very straight and correct riding.

Kim instructs Rudd and Smith. Photo by JJ Sillman.

Tess Utterback was touched by how caring Kim was when she found herself unable to participate on the second day of the clinic.

“Kim saw my disappointment and took the time to get us over a few fences for my confidence and then talked to me explaining how many times she had been where I was before, wondering if she was being afraid or truly protecting her horse. I was so touched that she took the time away from the clinic to help me mentally with the decision not to go on that day to do what was best for my horse. I would happily and eagerly sign up for another Kim Severson Clinic, not only was she a great clinician but a true horsewoman with a big heart!”

Straight From the Horse’s Mouth

Mon, 01 May 2017 15:32:50 GMT

Routine dental checkups are just as important for our equine partners are they are for us.

By Sarah E. Coleman

Sasha Kone is no stranger to the Bluegrass. With a Bachelor of Science from Cornell University, Sasha completed the Kentucky Equine Management Internship program in Fall 2004. Placed on Three Chimneys Farm, Sasha learned about equine dentistry as a profession apart from veterinary medicine. Intrigued by this facet of the equine industry, she switched gears from her interest in farm management and worked for Justin Talip in Central Kentucky, attended her first equine dentistry class in 2005, and graduated from the Texas Institute of Equine Dentistry in January 2007.

Sasha now owns Endless Mountain Equine Dentistry and travels throughout Pennsylvania, Kentucky, West Virginia and New York, providing clients with everything from basic floats through advanced equine dentistry.

Dental Dura

Most equine owners are taught that their horses need to have their teeth looked at and “floated” (filed down) twice a year. Sasha agrees that this is usually the case, especially with horses that are under the age of 8. Horses lose teeth every 6 months from 2.5 to 3.5 years old, Sasha mentions, and they have an entire set shedding at 5 years old.

All these teeth falling out and growing in means there is a lot changing in the horse’s mouth and it’s imperative that the horse be kept comfortable as he adjusts to his new teeth. As a horse ages, he may be able to have his teeth done annually, but this depends on the individual animal and his conformation, environment, diet and use. Still, even if he only needs his teeth floated once a year, he should have them checked every 6 months to be sure no issues have arisen.

Tools of the Trade

Many horse people have very definitive thoughts on power tools vs. hand tools to care for their equine’s teeth. While hand tools are historically what were used to care for horse teeth, power tools have now become a common sight. Similar to bits, in the properly trained hands, they are invaluable for caring for a horse’s dental health.

Sasha uses both hand floats and motorized instruments. “I was lucky enough to go to school when we all started with hand floats, [and] I break them out every now and then for different reasons. The motorized instruments are much more precise and are gentler on the teeth when a fine grit disc or burr is used.”

Though the motorized tools are her preference, Sasha will sometimes finish horses with hand floats; she also may occasionally begin a horse’s care with them to build confidence. The main point to remember is that each horse is an individual and needs individualized care and a specific treatment plan, she reminds horse owners. “Considering the horse’s needs and the preferences of the owners, we can work with a variety of instruments and techniques to achieve the same level of balance.”

Sport Horse Woes

When asked what the most common issues sport horses have with their teeth, Sasha said that “overgrown incisors, which in turn disrupt the three-point balance of the teeth and TMJ,” occur frequently. “Overlong and steep incisors force the horse to chew with its head elevated, jaw pushed back, to make contact with an opposing molar. This rearward shift is the reason hooks and ramps develop! If the horse can chew/ride with three-point balance in any head position, then malocclusions are far less likely to reappear.”

So what can be done for TMJ, since it’s such a common issue with sport horses? First off, it’s key that the balance be restored between the incisors and molars—high teeth can’t be left at all—any high point will prevent the joint from functioning properly. “The joint should sit in the proper position at that point. Then, follow up with chiropractic and massage. The muscles, tendons and ligaments around the TMJ sometimes need a bit of time and TLC to rehab back to normal,” Sasha explains.

One of the most common issues she sees in horses in general is the lack of jaw mobility because of overlong molars. “Horses will change their chewing pattern if there is a high spot [in their mouth], and it becomes a vicious cycle of malocclusions and poor biomechanics piling on each other.” This is why it is imperative that a horse have a dental checkup at least every 6 months.

Parrot Mouth

We’ve all seen them: horses with a wicked overbite that make you wonder how they graze. So, how does Sasha care for these horses? “This depends greatly on the age of the horse identified with a parrot mouth and the severity of the malocclusion,” she explains. “There is a procedure called the Riedenger Procedure, where the molars are the main force in keeping the jaw forward. Contact at the incisors can be achieved this way.”

Surgery and bite plates are also an option, she notes. “In an older horse that isn't growing any more, the incisors need to adjusted accordingly to a) not do any soft tissue damage and b) not be in the way of mastication and occlusion at any head position.” The inevitable large hooks and ramps on the first and last molars certainly need to be addressed, she says. “If maintained well, you can open a parrot mouthed horse up, look at the molars, and they can look normal!”

The Takeaway

Any time a horse is behaving in a way that is inconsistent with how he has behaved before warrants some additional investigation by the horse owner. This can include things like head shaking, eating poorly, head tilting and chiropractic issues—especially chronic issues, Sasha notes.

If horse’s teeth are not cared for regularly (every 6 months), one can expect major soft tissue ulcerations and lacerations. Contact with the bit and any pieces of tack along the side of the face will involve sharp points and discomfort for the animal, leading to possible resistance and poor performance.

“Long teeth wear down their opposing teeth. This means any adjustment will create a space in the mouth. If dentals are performed infrequently, the adjustments will need to be huge compared to smaller, more regular visits. This is harder on the horses!”

It’s important to remember that TMJ is related to the chiropractic health of the horse and his topline, Sasha remind riders; the mouth growing out of balance will affect those aspects of the horse’s health and posture, as well as his ability to eat easily and well.

Learn more about Sasha here.

Volunteers needed!

Wed, 12 Apr 2017 20:33:03 GMT

The 2017 Indiana Eventing Association Horse Trials, Training and Novice Three-Day Events will be taking place June 1 through 4 at the Hoosier Horse Park in Johnson County, Ind.

This MSEDA-affiliated event is recruiting volunteers for all phases and areas of the event, including: dressage, stadium, cross country, three-day endurance and vet box, hospitality, set up, and office help. Jobs are listed by day and phase/area. For example, volunteer jobs for Friday are split between two tabs, Friday (Dressage) and Friday (Prep & Hospitality).

Can’t help during the actual weekend, but still want to volunteer and gain hours? No problem! There are a few jobs not listed on the website that still need filled in the weeks and days prior to the event, including: footing maintenance, procuring fence sponsorships, selling ads in the program, program design, stuffing packets, labeling radios, labeling packets, labeling dressage tests, etc.

To sign up for the event, create a volunteer account at www.eventingvolunteers.com and then search for the event in the "Open Events" tab or follow this direct link: https://www.eventingvolunteers.com/events/103/signup. This site allows volunteers to sign up for position(s) themselves, sign in/out during the event, and track hours for inclusion in local and national volunteer leaderboards.

Please include any relevant information (e.g. if you are bringing your child with you, dietary information such as vegan/vegetarian/gluten free, who you'd like to pair with as a jump judge, your level of experience, etc.) in the "notes" section when you sign up.

If you are interested in helping with a position not posted online, or if you have any questions, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator, Dorie Mayfield, at dlmayfie@gmail.com with inquires.

Positive ID

Wed, 12 Apr 2017 20:19:02 GMT

The majority of equestrians understand the need to permanently identify their horses: in case of natural disaster, in case of theft, in case a horse gets lost. But what options are available?

By Sarah E. Coleman

We have all heard horror stories of horses that have dumped their rider and gone missing – sometimes for days on end (remember Lemon?) or horses that are victims of natural disasters, ending up far from home with no way to identify who they are or whose they are.

But what can a horse owner do to ensure that their horse will have a higher chance of being returned should they part ways?

Tattooing

While many riders of Thoroughbreds are familiar with tattooing as a method of identification, a tattoo is not fail-proof. In the United States, racehorses are tattooed on their upper lip. While clear and easy to read when first applied, as the horse gets older, his tattoo may fade and become blurry.

Hot Branding

Another option for tattooing your horse is hot branding, which involves heating a metal brand and applying it to the neck, shoulder or flank (or other area) of a horse. A hot brand works by destroying the hair follicles where it is applied, creating a pattern. Hot brands can become distorted over time by hair growing over the brand; they are also not as visible on light-skinned horses.

Freeze Branding

Freeze branding is a method of identification that doesn’t cause discomfort like hot branding or tattooing does. Freeze brands are made by chilling a metal brand in liquid nitrogen, then applying it to the horse (usually under the mane). This type of branding leaves a white brand on darker-colored horses and a pink brand (the color of the skin) on light-skinned horses. It’s important to note that both hot brands and freeze brands can be altered.

Microchips

Relatively new on the scene, microchips are a permanent, unalterable way to identify your horse. However, to positively ID the animal, a microchip reader must be available. Nicknamed “VIN numbers for horses,” a microchip is about the size of a grain of rice. It is implanted relatively painlessly into the nuchal ligament in the horse’s neck.

The chips itself is sealed in a biocompatible glass and covered in a sheath to prevent migration. The chip emits a low-power radio frequency identification (RFID) signal when activated by a scanner. The scanner then displays the information associated with the chip. The person reading the scanner must then contact the appropriate registry or database to get the info attached with that chip number (so it will never display all of your contact information on a scanner).

There are a few potential downfalls to microchipping. These include:

Not all scanners can read all chips. As new microchip companies are established, they create chips with different frequencies, meaning that not all scanners can read all the microchips on the market. This can create a problem for positively identifying an animal
There is no national registry for the storage of microchip ID and retrieval of owner information
Microchips can migrate. Though unusual, microchips can migrate from their original insertion site, making them unable to be found and read

The Jockey Club is now requiring microchipping of all foals registered in 2017 and later, and the United States Equestrian Federation is requiring that all horses competing in classes that required USHJA horse registration be chipped, as well. The industry is trending toward microchipping as way of permanent identifying horses.

Grooming for Show Ring Shine

Wed, 29 Mar 2017 23:50:04 GMT

By Sarah E Coleman

It can be hard to get your horse looking show-ring ready this time of year, especially if he lives outside all or most of the time.

In the spring, most horses, whether they live outside 24/7 or are only turned out for a few hours at a time, are masters at plastering as much of their body as possible in mud. If you have an extremely adept Pig-Pen, he may even be able to get it in the creases of his eyelids and down into his ears! Added bonus if he can find burrs to weave into his forelock.

So, how should you make your horse look a little less homeless this spring season? We asked Shannon O’Hatnick, working student for Allie Knowles and a phenomenal groom, for some tricks of the trade.

What is Shannon’s top trick to sparkling clean, amazing looking horses? “Curry, curry, curry,” she says. “If there's one thing I've learned, currying every inch of a horse every day helps to encourage a healthy coat and works to get any dirt loosened to brush off.” She also recommends having baby wipes and a towel on hand to flatten any ruffled hair or quickly wipe off a bit of dirt you might've missed!

For those of us unable to body clip our horses (and some of these beasts get HAIRY!), Shannon reminds readers that you can always make a horse look presentable, no matter what coat he has. A quick bubble bath with some Ivory soap will do wonders, she says, leaving you with only the need to touch up any places that can be shinier. Shannon likes to use Face Glow around the eyes and muzzle, and coat gloss and olive oil for a magnificent shine. For a really put-together look, Shannon makes sure every steed in her charge wears hoof dressing!

Must-have Grooming Goodies

What are Shannon’s go-to grooming products, you ask? Here are some she can’t live without:

Silverado Coat Gloss
Silverado Face Glow
Olive oil spray
Fiebing's Hoof Dressing
Miracle Groom
Ivory soap
Baby wipes

Show Ring Prep

How does Shannon prep the horses so they look their absolute best?

“Prepping a horse for the show ring always begins with a bath involving lots and lots of scrubbing. Every inch [including their private parts] get cleaned. From there, they'll be braided with a Sleazy over the braids to stay in the night before the show.

Once I'm tacking the horse up before his or her ride, I brush over them while spraying with coat gloss and/or olive oil for a gorgeous coat shine. I wet the top of their tail and throw a tail wrap on to flatten and tame the hair on the top of their tails. [The tail wrap is pulled off on the way to warm up.] Then I use my hand to wipe on some face glow around their eyes and muzzle. A towel or baby wipes [I prefer the wipes] can be used to wipe off poop and dirty noses. Then all you have left is to brush on some hoof dressing for a nice, polished look!”

Shannon also has some tips for those of us whose horses live outside. If you have a dark horse, try to keep on a sun protection blanket to prevent a coat from bleaching, she suggests. Also, regular currying promotes healthy skin, but be prepared for a scrubbing bath if a horse shows any signs of fungus.

Remember, Shannon reminds those of us who aspire to have horses who look half as good as hers: “You can never use too much coat gloss or hoof polish, and make sure you clean everything, on them -- even under their belly and between their legs!”

Clipper Extraordinaire

If you’ve never seen Shannon’s work, you’re missing out. In addition to amazing full-body and trace clips, this girl has mad skills with a set of clippers (just check out these pictures!). Be sure to follow her on Instagram – we promise you won’t be disappointed! @radiant_clips (seriously!).

While it may seem like these skills had been honed over years and years of work, in the grand scheme of things, Shannon is quite new to her trade: She was handed a pair of clippers last year and told to clip her horse—and everything took off from there.

Shannon’s history with horses is quite varied—and she tells us where she really learned how to groom: “I started riding when I was 6 at a western horse camp where I rode for 4 years and then decided to switch to English. I played in hunter and jumper land and did IEA [Interscholastic Equestrian Association] for 7 years until I fell in love with Eventing. I'm also an avid Pony Clubber, which is where I learned how to REALLY clean up a horse!”

Throughout high school, Shannon worked as a working student for a Thoroughbred breeding and training facility (Benchmark Farm) and a Warmblood breeding and training facility (Broad Hill Run Farm), before becoming Allie Knowles’ (Alexandra Knowles Eventing) working student in August of 2016.

Amazingly, Shannon doesn’t clip full-time; she fits it in around working for Allie.

While most of us will never have the clipping skills Shannon does, we can put her tips to use in getting steeds show-ring ready.

Pasture Management

Thu, 16 Mar 2017 13:36:48 GMT

It has definitely been an unusual year in the Bluegrass. While we were all prepared for a super cold and snowy winter, Mother Nature threw us a curveball and we ended up with mostly mild months.

People in many areas are already seeding or prepping to seed pastures and fields, as the warmish weather seems like it is here to stay. While it may seem early to be readying for a long summer, it really is never too early to begin pasture prep.

By Sarah E Coleman

Soil Sample

Before you add anything to your soil, it’s in your wallet’s best interest to collect a soil sample if you have not done so in the last three years (the best months to do this are February to April and September to December for most accurate results). By submitting only a few ounces of soil, you will find out what fertilizer (if any) your pastures need.

To test the soil, you’ll need a soil probe, shovel, garden trowel or spade and a clean, dry plastic bucket (be sure not to use a rubber bucket as it will contaminate the soil with zinc). If your pasture is generally the same topography, you can take one (total) sample for every 20 acres. You’ll walk in a big “W” pattern, stopping every time you change direction, digging about 6 inches into the soil with your digging tool, scraping off the sod and putting the soil in the bucket.

Once complete, you’ll mix the soil together and then take about 2 cups of that sample to your county extension agency for testing (which generally costs about $7). The results of this test will list phosphorus, potassium, nitrogen, pH and organic matter levels. Based on this information, you can have an accurate fertilizer mix and application made. The majority of healthy fields in the States will need additional potassium, lime and phosphorous applications.

Tips for Tracking Pasture Problems

Many boarding barns are restricted on how much pasture they have available. Even if you’re not a boarding barn, there are some things you can do to care for fields that have more horses on them than they can sustain. Try these tricks for healthier fields this spring:

Top-dressing your fields with nitrogen may be the way to go. Nitrogen can help fields recover more quickly from the rigors of winter turnout. Be aware that there may be a
Don’t plant cool-season grasses in the spring. These grasses do best when seeded in the fall when there is better weather and less pressure from weeds.
While it may seem impossible, keep horses off soggy pastures for as long as possible. Hooves (shod or not) compact soil and plant roots, making it impossible for grasses to grow.
In areas that are very bare, consider hand seeding grass seed to encourage grass growth.
Though not always possible, consider rotational grazing if you have the room.
If you don’t have the ability to rotate pastures, consider at least temporarily fencing horses out of extra-boggy areas.

Volunteers Needed!

Thu, 16 Mar 2017 13:23:37 GMT

Volunteer opportunities for MSEDA members abound. Each month, we will feature an opportunity for members to obtain volunteer hours and help put on a successful, MSEDA-sanctioned show.

By Sarah E Coleman

Paul Frazer Paul Frazer Memorial Combined Test and Dressage Competition, March 25, 2017 Kentucky Horse Park

Event History: Central Kentucky Riding for Hope (CKRH), is an organization dedicated to enriching the community by improving the quality of life and the health of children and adults with special physical, cognitive, emotional and social needs through therapeutic activities with the horse. This wonderful organization is housed at the Kentucky Horse Park and hosts the Paul Frazer Memorial and Combined Test and Dressage Competition each year.

The event is named in honor of a former CKRH board member, Paul Frazer, who was dedicated to removing the physical barriers to handicapped students in Fayette Country schools. His interest with students and horses began in the 1980s, when accompanying a friend to a riding lesson. Paul was so impressed with CKRH that he became the consummate volunteer. This event is held each year in his honor.

Date and Time: For 2017, the event will take place on March 25, beginning at 8 a.m. and usually lasts until about 5:30 p.m., when all riders have completed their tests.

Volunteer Opportunities: Event organizers are still in need of help stringing the dressage rings on Wednesday, March 22, in the morning. Additional opportunities include cleaning and moving jumps, setting up jumps, hanging banners, being the hospitality crew, running gates, helping in schooling areas and acting as jump crew.

Interested? Sign up here or contact Vickie Palmer volunteers@ckrh.org, 859-231-7066

Tips for Volunteers: As this is an outdoor event, volunteers will need to plan on dressing for the weather, whatever that may be. Lunch and drinks for volunteers are provided.

For more information, please visit the Paul Frazer Facebook page here.

You can read more about the history of Paul Frazer here.

A Tough Pill to Swallow?

Wed, 01 Mar 2017 14:59:00 GMT

With the release of the NSAID Equioxx in the form of a pill, many horse owners are distressed to find out they can no long legally purchase Previcox from their vet. Find out why.

By Sarah E Coleman

If you own horses long enough, it’s likely they will develop some old-age joint malady, whether it’s arthritis or other joint pain and inflammation. Almost without fail, every horse owner has had to administer a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) to help comfort their aging equine at some point. Thought veterinarians have a long list of NSAIDs they could choose from to recommend to clients, one of the most popular has long been Phenylbutazone (Bute).

Though effective, this drug must be used with caution as it can cause gastric ulcers in horses. Because of this, long-term use of the NSAID is not recommended, much to the dismay of horse owners. But in 2009, a new drug came on the market: Equioxx. Labeled for use in horses and safe for long-term use, Equioxx in a clinical setting is delivered by IV; it was also made available in a paste format, which could be administered more easily in barn settings.

The Cost of Comfort

However, while everything about the new drug should have horse owners cheering, they weren’t: The cost of one tube of Equioxx when it first hit the market was between $12 and $15, and each tube held only one dose (now you can find it for around $6/tube). Additionally, after multiple days of administering Equioxx, horses may begin to resist having the tube placed in their mouths. (For reference, a bottle of Previcox, which horses can be administered anywhere from ¼-tab to 2 tabs, costs $80 for 60 tablets.)

Because of both the cost and the fight to administer Equioxx, Previcox was soon offered by veterinarians as an alternative. A canine product, Previcox is used “extra-label” for horses, meaning it is legally allowed to be used to treat horses though it was not originally developed for them.

By law, this is permissible because:

The animal may suffer (or die) if not treated AND there is no approved drug with the same concentration, effectiveness, active ingredients or dosage form
There is a valid veterinarian/client/patient relationship
The drug is not prohibited from extra-label use
The animal drug is only compounded with an approved human or animal drug

Merial makes both Equioxx and Previcox, both of which are fibrocoxib. Equioxx is an NSAID that works to control joint pain and inflammation caused by equine osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease. Previcox, which is available in pill format, can control the same symptoms and is much easier to administer than its sister drug. (It should be noted that most likely the mode of administration—paste vs. pill—added to the cost of manufacturing Equioxx.)

Many veterinarians have prescribed Previcox to their clients, but this is a bit of a grey area as there was truly a comparable product on the market (Equioxx)—generally medications used extra-label are prescribed when there is no comparable product. In theory, Previcox was only prescribed for horse owners who “struggled to get the paste into them” – and not solely for financial reasons. This terminology brought about the potential for a conflict with veterinarians who must follow the law.

And Then Came Equioxx Tablets

In October of 2016, Merial released Equioxx tablets, retailing them at the same price as their sister drug, the Previcox tablets (though depending on the dosage a horse takes, the Equioxx tabs may be more expensive). With the creation of Equioxx in tablet format, veterinarians can prescribe the equine-only formula, eliminating the potential conflict of using Previcox off-label.

MSEDA Annual Meeting Recap

Wed, 15 Feb 2017 13:34:24 GMT

The MSEDA Annual Meeting was held Saturday, Feb. 4 at the Four Points Sheraton in Lexington, Ky. The day started off with an Open Members forum with three topics to be covered:

100 Ways to NOT get Eliminated at a Dressage Show or Event
This great topic was lead by popular judges Karen Winn and Debbie Boeh. Karen and Debbie gave a talk about some simple rules people misinterpret or forget along with reviewing the new 2017 rules. A handout was given to attendees and a Q & A followed, with participants guessing and answering which rules were true or false and on which penalties were given or elimination resulted. A lively discussion followed, with many great questions asked by participants.
An Overview of MSEDA Points and Awards
Mandy Alexander presented a PowerPoint presentation that included information on the available MSEDA points and awards; she provided some simple examples on how points are calculated.
The Future MSEDA Annual Meetings
Rachel Henson spoke about future MSEDA annual meetings and asked for member feedback on dates and times for the Annual Meeting, as well as potential presenters. Participants were asked to submit ideas and thoughts via email.

After the Open Forum, the Annual Business meeting took place with Board members providing oral reports on their various committees. At the end, outgoing Board members were thanked for their service and three new members were voted in: Elissa Gibbs, Nick Larkin and Tiffany Smith. A vote was also held to make some rule and by-laws changes, which proceeded with full membership approval.

MSEDA Awards Banquet

Finally, the day ended with the MSEDA Awards Banquet. A great time was had by all, with an excellent dinner (Four Points wins for good banquet food two years in a row), the MSEDA member video (with pictures sent in by members), and the awards graciously handed out by emcee Hank Zeitlin.

More awards than ever before were given out, including volunteer awards. The winner with the most volunteer hours was Shelly Ryan, who had almost 200 hours for 2016! Horse shows of the year included Team Challenge Horse Trials and Snowbird Dressage. Scholarships were given to four deserving members who intend to use them to further their education through MSEDA. They were:

Christine Brown Memorial Grant: William Robertson

MSEDA Exceptional Educational Grant: Chelsea Smith

MSEDA Educational Grant: Joan Gariboldi

MSEDA Educational Grant: Kristen Brennan

All of the award and scholarship winners are posted here.

EHV-1 Update

Mon, 13 Feb 2017 14:13:49 GMT

By Sarah E. Coleman

While the vast majority of us routinely vaccinate our horses for the “rhino” form of the equine herpes virus 1, many people were unfamiliar with the neurological form of EHV-1 until recently.

EHV-1 commonly causes upper respiratory infections in young horses, presenting as a runny nose, cough and loss of appetite. Most of the horses affected by this type of EHV-1 recover uneventfully. Spread primarily through coughing and sneezing, EHV-1 also has a more devastating neurologic form that has recently been implicated in multiple equine deaths.

Horses that have the neurologic form of the disease can have trouble standing, swelling in the lower legs, and the inability to pass manure or urinate. As many of these signs mimic other disease, it’s important to involve a veterinarian as soon as possible to determine exactly what is affecting the horse.

Because EHV-1 is a virus, it does not respond to antibiotics. Supportive treatment is the only thing that can be done for affected horses, and each treatment is determined individually. Anti-inflammatories and fluids are most commonly administered, and a sling can be utilized for some horses that are unable to stand.

Typically, those horses that do not become recumbent have a good prognosis, though recovery may take multiple months.

Racing Industry Hardest Hit

EHV-1 has been in the news a lot lately, the first cases of 2017 being confirmed at the Louisiana Fair Grounds racetrack. On January 3, one horse tested positive for the neurologic form of EHV-1. That horse was placed in isolation and one barn was placed in quarantine with twice-daily temperature taking of every horse in the barn.

On January 4, three additional barns at Fair Grounds were placed under quarantine and the horse that was originally infected was euthanized. The issue that immediately needed to be addressed was the fact that horses had shipped into and out of the track to train and race—and they may have been exposed to the infected horse. Because of this, the Kentucky Office of State Veterinarian instated a rule that no horse that has resided or been on a Louisiana race track or training center since December 10, 2016, would be allowed entry onto a Kentucky racetrack (for racing or sales).

To gain entry to Kentucky, am owner had to prove that a horse that had been in Louisiana had been removed at least 30 days before the rule went into place; this certification was in addition to meeting standard health requirements.

Even Closer to Home

The same day, a 2-year-old filly was brought to a Lexington equine hospital from Oldham County, Ky. The examining veterinarian alerted the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) of a possible EHV-1 case after he noticed urine dripping from the horse. A nasal swab and whole blood was taken and the filly was confirmed to have the neurologic form of EHV-1 on January 5.

The KDA then placed the filly’s home farm under quarantine. Additional testing was done on horses that had been exposed to the affected horse in the hospital. Three horses had resulted positive.

On January 9, a second horse on a different farm in Oldham County tested positive for EHV-1, though with a different strain of the virus. The horse was moved to isolation and the facility was placed under quarantine. On January 13, five horses were diagnosed to be positive for EHV-1 via nasal swab. These five horses were moved to isolation areas.

The Oldham County EHV-1 cases had no connection to the Fair Grounds cases. The initial Oldham County horse was released from the equine hospital and sent to isolation. The farm from which she came complied fully with the KDA regulations and ensured that no horse on their property showed any signs of EHV-1.

On January 21, a barn on the backside of Turfway went under quarantine when a horse was diagnosed as positive with the “wild strain” of EHV-1. Two additional horses were diagnosed as positive for the wild strain of EHV-1. Also, samples collected on January 25 from the Keeneland training barns noted that two horses had tested positive for EHV-1.

So Where Are We Now?

As of February 10, the Oldham County premises, Keeneland Rice Road Training Center and Turfway Park were all released from quarantine. Horses that have previously tested positive do remain under regulatory monitoring and remain quarantined in secured, isolated areas.

However, horses that have been at Fair Grounds in Louisiana (or another Louisiana facility where EHV was diagnosed), are not allowed to enter a Kentucky race track or training facility without proper documentation that they are not affected by EHV-1.

MSEDA Annual Meeting & Awards Banquet Door Prizes

Sun, 12 Feb 2017 20:09:21 GMT

MSEDA would like to thank everyone who donated a door prize for our Annual Meeting & Awards Banquet. We are so grateful for your support and everyone LOVED their prizes!

DOOR PRIZES	DONATED BY	WON BY

Miscellaneous
1- Salt and Pepper Shakers/ -Wet.Wring, Wear Scarf	Friend of MSEDA	Ellen Thomson
1- Valley Vet T-Shirt. 2 $5.00 Buckeye Nutrition Coupons, 1- Pink Cell Phone Holder	Buckeye Nutrition, Valley Vet and Friend of MSEDA	Megan Carr
1- Purple Glass Horse/ 2- Buckeye Nutrition Coupons	Buckeye Nutrition, Friend of MSEDA	Mandy Alexander
1 Valley Vet Blue Horse Halter	Valley Vet Supply	Judi Tudor
1- Valley Vet Purple Horse Halter	Valley Vet Supply	Carol Scherbak
1- Pair Green/Brown Horse Pillows	Friend of MSEDA	Mary Fike
1- Wood Rocking Horse	Friend of MSEDA	Angela Ariatti
1-Pair of Thoroughbred Horse Pillows	Friend of MSEDA	Wendy Young
1- Makowsky Brown Purse	Friend of MSEDA	Alston Kerr
1- Revlon Quick Heat Paraffin Bath	Friend of MSEDA	Victoria Schumacher
1- Back on Track Dressage Pad	Dover Saddlery in Cincinnati, OH	Pam Kimmel
1- Back on Track Dressage Pad	Dover Saddlery in Cincinnati, OH	Deanna Craychee
1-Black Halter	Luckett's Tack Shop	Robyn Munson
1-Horse Cookie Jar	Friend of MSEDA	Julie Congleton
1- Day Churchill Downs/ 8 Seats Covered at Finish Line	Peggy Bindner	Kelly Rover
1- Bucket of Dimples Horse Treats	Dimples Horse Treats	Whitney Muns
1- Bucket of Dimples Horse Treats	Dimples Horse Treats	Steve Duncan
1- Bucket of Dimples Horse Treats	Dimples Horse Treats	Chelsea Smith
1- Bucket of Dimples Horse Treats	Dimples Horse Treats	Jillian Gregory
1- Bucket of Dimples Horse Treats	Dimples Horse Treats	Judi Tudor
1- Carousel Decorative Horse	MSEDA	Jim Hagerty
1- Carousel Decorative Horse	MSEDA	Tracy Scott
1- Carousel Decorative Horse	MSEDA	Chris Hayner
1- Carousel Decorative Horse	MSEDA	Mary Margaret Sterling
1- Decorative Horse Shoe	MSEDA	Mary Ann Andres
1-EquiOtic Ice Pack Cooler and Pastes	Doug Froh/EquiOtic	Carol Lee
1-EquiOtic Ice Pack Cooler and Pastes	Doug Froh/EquiOtic	Courtney Calnan
1- Fine Art Custom Design Show Bowl	Beth Goldstein Designs	Elaine Farr
1- Pair of Bionic Equestrian Riding Gloves	Technology Products Inc.	Katherine Short
1- Pair of Bionic Equestrian Riding Gloves	Technology Products Inc.	Cathy Jacob
1- Pair of Bionic Equestrian Riding Gloves	Technology Products Inc.	Marian Zeitlin
1- Pair of Bionic Equestrian Riding Gloves	Technology Products Inc.	Steve Duncan
1- Excel Equine Hoof Supplement	Excel Equine	Erika Berntsen






Gift Cards and Certificates
3- $5.00 coupons for Buckey Nutrition/1-Life without horses pillow	Buckeye Nutrition and Friend of MSEDA	Mary Margaret Sterling
1- Certificate for DEVER 3- Day Upgrade to 4 Golf Cart	Dever Inc	Cathy Weischhoff
1 Hr Full Massage	Janet Grisco	Jessie Bollinger
1- Bag of EQ8 Gut Health or EQ8 Senior	Buckeye Nutrition	Rachel Henson
1- Bag of EQ8 Gut Health or EQ8 Senior	Buckeye Nutrition	Carol Scherbak
1- Bag of EQ8 Gut Health or EQ8 Senior	Buckeye Nutrition	Susan Posner
1- Bag of EQ8 Gut Health or EQ8 Senior	Buckeye Nutrition	Sarah Andres
1- DVD Taped Dressage Ride at Participating Show	Another Point of View	Laura Corsentino
1-Gift Certificate $25.00	The Tack Shop of Lexington	Nikki Beneigh
1-Gift Certificate $25.00	The Tack Shop of Lexington	Marianne De Barbadillo
1-Gift Certificate $25.00	The Tack Shop of Lexington	Karen Winn
1-Gift Certificate $25.00	The Tack Shop of Lexington	Susan Moran
1- 2016 X/C Shooling Session at the KHP	KHP Foundation/ Laura Klumb	Victoria Schumacher
1- 2016 X/C Shooling Session at the KHP	KHP Foundation/ Laura Klumb	Marty W Riney
1- 4-Day General Admission to the RK3DE	Vanessa Coleman	Shawna White
1- 4-Day General Admission to the RK3DE	Vanessa Coleman	Susie Duncan

Horse Show and Clinic Entries
1- Horse Trial Entry Fee	Spring Bay Horse Trial	Julia Vassar Samson
1- Horse Trial Entry Fee	Kentucky Classic Horse Trial	William Robertson
1- Paul Frazier memorial Horse Show Dressage Entry Fee	Paul Frazier Show/ Anita Bolen	Rachel Miles
1-MET Hunter/Jumper Entry Fee	Masterson Equestrian Trust (MET)	Gracie Elliott
1-MET Hunter/Jumper Entry Fee	Masterson Equestrian Trust (MET)	Chris Hayner
1-Hunter Pace Entry	Masterson Equestrian Trust (MET)	Janice Holmes
1- Spring Run Farm Mini HT Entry	Spring Run Farm/ Susan Harris
1-Spring Run Farm Dressage Show Entry	Spring Run Farm/ Susan Harris	Mary Margaret Sterling
1-Spring Run Farm Dressage Show Entry	Spring Run Farm/ Susan Harris	Janice Holmes
1-Covered Bridge Pony Club Combined Test Entry	Peggy Bindner	Tracy Scott
1-Mid South Pony Club Horse Trial Entry Fee	Midsouth Pony Club/ Erin Woodall	Susan Posner
1-Entry for Stone Place Stables Hunter/Jumper Show	Stone Place Stables, Prospect, Ky	Marian Zeitlin
1-Entry for Stone Place Stables Hunter/Jumper Show	Stone Place Stables, Prospect, Ky	Julie Congleton
1- Entry Fee Stone Place Stables Mini Horse Trial	Stone Place Stables, Prospect, Ky	Mandy Alexander
1 Entry Fee either Combined Test or Dressage Class	Sayre School Combined Tests and Dressage Show	Katie Hensley
1-Horse Trial Entry Fee	Jumpstart Horse trial	Jordan Skinner
1-Dressage Class Entry	Snowbird Dressage Show November 2017	Amanda Alexander
1-Dressage Class Entry	Snowbird Dressage Show December 2017	Tori Retamoza
1-Entry 2016 Camargo Hunter Trials	Camargo Hunt	Kristin Posner
1- Entry 2017 Camargo Hunter Pace	Camargo Hunt	Jody Holford
1- Entry 2017 Nancy Newton Memorial Show	Antebellum Farm	Allison Otter
1- Entry 2017 Nancy Newton Memorial Show	Antebellum Farm	Laura Hampton Wilhem

Winter Water Woes

Sun, 29 Jan 2017 21:24:58 GMT

Keeping horses hydrated as temperatures plummet can be tricky, especially if you have multiple fields and waterers, horses that are divas or aged equines on your farm (which encompasses about every one of us!).

By Sarah E. Coleman

It’s common knowledge that impaction colic cases rise in the winter, when horses tend to drink less, especially when water tends to be ice cold. So, what can you do to help prevent dehydration in your steed? Here are some common (and not-so-common) ways to try to get as much water as possible into his system:

Put his food near his water, especially if it’s round bales or hay fed on the ground. Horses tend to drink the most right after they eat, so placing water within easy reach makes it even more likely he’ll take a drink after dinner.
Experiment with adding flavorings to your horse’s water, like apple cider vinegar, peppermint oil, drink powders or apple juice.
Add electrolytes to his diet. While many of us give our horses electrolytes in the summer when the heat is on and the competition calendar full, electrolytes can also benefit your horse in the winter, as well, by encouraging water intake.
Soak his hay if he eats in a stall or if the weather will be above freezing.
Consider feeding soaked beet pulp or alfalfa cubes (but be sure to feed only as much as he can eat before it freezes).
Add warm water to his bucket, trough or automatic waterer a few times a day.
If you can’t use a heated water bucket or stock tank deicer where your horses are located, consider surrounding your trough with straw bales or covering as much of the tank as possible (while leaving a hole for the horses to drink from) to slow ice formation.
Top dress his feed with non-iodized salt; commercial grain and vitamin supplements have enough iodine in them already, so additional iodine is not necessary.
Consider dropping apple or carrot pieces in the bucket to encourage him to drink the water in it to get to the treats.
While scrubbing buckets in the cold is no fun, it’s important that your horse’s buckets be clean to entice him to drink.

The New US Equestrian

Mon, 16 Jan 2017 16:46:51 GMT

By Sarah E Coleman

With a new President, a new logo and a revamped website, USEF is rolling into 2017 with a new agenda: involve more people in horse sport by restructuring the membership options, focus on fun and streamline the committee structure.

President Murray Kessler is adamant that in order to survive, US Equestrian must court new members—at the grassroots level. In an effort to push more “average” riders to become US Equestrian members, and entire section of their website is now devoted to what riders (and their family) needs to know as they begin their horsey habit.

In addition, there are a plethora of videos ( currently 50, to be exact) in the new Learning Center covering everything from how to walk a showjumping course to dressage tips to choosing a bridle to managing competition anxiety. With each video, US Equestrian is making a diligent effort to be one of the first places equine enthusiasts, both new and seasoned, stop for information on horses and horse sport.

Gaining New Members

In statistics he cited at the US Equestrian Annual Meeting held in Lexington in January, Kessler noted that there are an estimated 1.9 million horses in the United States—and only 4 percent of equine owners are US Equestrian members.

While many people view the only perk of being a US Equestrian member as that of accumulating year-end points, Kessler wants to change that, encouraging all equine owners to become US Equestrian members—not just those who compete. To do this, US Equestrian is rolling out a non-compete membership for $25, which grants members access to everything short of the ability to show at sanctioned shows.

True to his mission, US Equestrian now includes a “Start Riding” page on their website that encourages riders to ride, not simply show. This page is an introduction to breeds and disciplines; youth program; stable and farm safety; and a horse classifieds page that reroutes you to equine.com in an effort to help you find your next mount.

Revamping the Show Scene

While the majority of current US Equestrian members are active competitors, Kessler would like to see growth not just of the horse showing contingency, but also of horse shows. Kessler is intent on revamping the face of horse showing in the United States to include some smaller, grassroots events in addition to the large, rated shows and events. This effort would encourage even financially limited riders to dip their toes into showing on a local level.

Additionally, Kessler would like to ensure that a level playing field is available to all competitors. To do this, he’s making all drugs and medications violations have more teeth, taking into account previous offenses and making sure repeat offenders have hefty penalties leveraged against them.

2017 USEF Rule Changes

Mon, 16 Jan 2017 16:38:42 GMT

The following rules have been proposed or enacted for the 2017 competition year for the eventing discipline:

Read more here.

EV172 Additional Judges [CHAPTER EV-6 RULES FOR OFFICIALS] EV172
Additional Judges
1. In addition to the Ground Jury, the Organizing Committee may appoint additional judges to judge the Dressage or Jumping Tests. These judges need not remain after completion of their duties.
2. Additional judges for the Dressage Test must be selected from the current roster of Eventing Judges or Dressage Judges of the Federation. In the case of an Advanced Horse Trial, they must be either a Senior (S) Eventing Judge or a Registered (R) or higher Dressage Judge. In the case of an Intermediate Horse Trial, they must be either a Registered (R) or higher Eventing Judge or a recorded (r) or higher Dressage Judge.
3. Additional judges for the Jumping Test must be selected from the current roster of Eventing Judges, Eventing Technical Delegates or Jumper Judges, of the Federation.
4. All additional judges are subject to the same restrictions as the members of the Ground Jury, see EV171.1c, EV171.1d, and EV171.1e with the exception to EV171.1e, that the Course Designer may serve as an additional judge if currently licensed to do so.
5. Guest Cards (see GR1011.16)
The provisions of GR1304 notwithstanding, additional judges may officiate at a competition provided that they do not judge any competitor(s) or horse(s) listed in sections .2-.18 of that rule. There are no restrictions on a Judge if a competitor(s) or horses(s) listed in GR1304.2-.18 participates in the Competition HC.

EV172.2 a) Ground Jury - Duties [CHAPTER EV-6 RULES FOR OFFICIALS]
Ground Jury
2. DUTIES: a. The Ground Jury is ultimately responsible for the judging of the event and for settling all problems that may arise during its jurisdiction. Together with the Technical Delegate, Course Designer and Organizing Committee, it shall endeavor to ensure that all arrangements for the event, including the arenas, courses and obstacles including deformable Cross-Country Jumps, are appropriate. If, after consultation with the Technical Delegate, the Ground Jury is not satisfied with the arrangements or courses, it is authorized to modify them.

Proposed change to take place on April 1, 2017: Safety: Frangible Fences

EV140 Cross-Country Obstacles [CHAPTER SUBCHAPTER EV-3 RULES FOR HORSE TRIALS]
9. FRANGIBLE FENCES Obstacles for which approved frangible technology is appropriate shall be constructed using this technology, or shall be retrofitted using this technology. The Ground Jury for each event must approve the Frangible Technology employed. Information on the appropriate applications of Frangible Technology in cross-country fence construction is available in the USEA Cross-Country Obstacle Design Guidelines. Frangible Technology may be installed only by or under the supervision of Course Designers/course builders who have attended a USEA Seminar on Frangible fence construction.

b. At the Modified Level and above, all frangible oxers, whether using frangible pins, MIM Clips, or any other load relieving devices, shall in all cases have front rails able to be activated by horizontal and vertical downwards forces, as well as horizontal and vertical upwards forces. Additionally, the back rails must at a minimum be able to be activated by horizontal and vertical downwards forces.

Intent:
The USEA Cross-Country Safety and Design Task Force has proposed an extraordinary rule change, which has been further supported unanimously by the USEA Executive Committee. Engineers, cross-country course designers, cross-country builders, eventing officials and professionals have been conducting extensive observational research in person, by video and by photograph of horse and rider impact on oxers constructed with frangible devices. Those involved in this research have determined that when a horse impacts the front rail of a frangible oxer in an upwards and horizontal trajectory there is a high probability that an oxer with a front rail that is either front pinned or reverse pinned will fail to activate the frangible device or it will activate in a less than ideal fashion to reduce the possibility of a rotational fall. With this conclusive evidence the USEA Executive Committee feels that an extraordinary rule change is necessary to help to further protect the safety of eventing horses and riders.

This rule change would require both the front and back rails of frangible oxers using pins, MIM clips or other load bearing devices, be activated by specified forces. To be in compliance with this rule change using present frangible technology, builders must use MIMS on front rails and MIMS or reverse pin on back rails. While current technology is available to meet this standard, the language will also allow for future frangible devices. This is a change that will most likely occur in the near future through the FEI, and it is important for the U.S. to be a leader in regulations that will ultimately protect our national competitors and horses. If this rule passes, the USEA Board of Governors may also be amenable to releasing funds to offset the costs of course builders obtaining replacement frangible devices for oxers not currently meeting this standard at recognized and endorsed competitions thereby lessening the overall burden in implementation.

Read more here.

Extraordinary Rule Change:
EV105 Loss of Qualification/Participation in Horse Trials [CHAPTER Chapter 1 & Appendix 3]
EV105 Loss of Qualifications
For certain levels of competition, horses and riders must meet qualifying requirements. Those requirements are detailed in Appendix 3. Loss of these requirements (qualifications) is outlined below and pertains to any combination of USEF and FEI Events.
1. ESTABLISHMENT OF QUALIFICATION. When a horse and/or rider obtains a Minimum Eligibility Requirement (MER) at a level, then they are “established” (qualified to compete) at that level. This “establishment” does not expire; however, it is important to remember that in all cases, when entering an Event at the CI1* level or above, at least one MER must be obtained in the 12month period prior to the competition.
2. LOSS OF QUALIFICATION (Preliminary/CI* Level and up) Loss of Qualification will occur when penalties have been assessed during the Cross-Country phase of competition as follows:

a. A horse that is eliminated, for disobediences, three times within any 12-month period loses its qualification to compete at the highest level at which an elimination occurs.

b. A horse that falls 2 times in any 12month period loses its qualification Monday, December 12, 2016 1:23 PM EV 105.0 | Tracking #418-16 Page 1 of 8 to compete at the highest level at which a fall occurs.

c. A rider who falls from the same horse 3 times in any 12month period will cause the horse to lose its qualification to compete at the highest level at which a fall occurs.

d. Having lost qualification, a horse may be re-qualified by achieving 2 MERs at the next lower height level within any 6 month period and no sooner than one month following the loss of qualification.

e. Any combination of three total occurrences as outlined in a., b., or c above will result in loss of qualification.

f. A rider who is penalized 2 times in any 12month period for Dangerous Riding loses his/her qualification to compete at the highest level at which a penalty occurs

g. A rider who receives two watch list reports in a 12month period loses qualification to compete at the highest level for which a report was received.

h. Having lost qualification, a rider may be re-qualified by achieving 2 MERs at the next lower height level within any 6month period and no sooner than one month following the loss of qualification.

i. Any combination of two total occurrences as outlined in f. and g. above will result in loss of qualification.

3. At the Advanced, CI3*and CI4* levels, riders subject to the provisions of this rule may request in writing to have their Loss of Qualifications reviewed by the USEF Eventing Credentials Committee.

APPENDIX 3 - PARTICIPATION IN HORSE TRIALS
A competitor and/or a horse may be entered in a Horse Trial without having fulfilled the qualifications noted below, provided the qualifications have been fulfilled at least 10 days before the Cross-Country Test of the competition for which it is needed if the MER has been achieved at a Horse Trial or CIC or at least 24 days if the MER has been achieved at a CCI. At the CI* level and above, at least one MER must be obtained in the twelve month period prior to the competition. e.g. a horse and/or rider who have achieved a MER at a CI3*/CNC3* level of competition and who have not competed for over twelve months must first achieve a MER at the next lowest height level.

1. SECTIONS
1.1 JUNIOR (J) - For the purpose of competing in National Horse Trials competitors may compete as Juniors through the end of the calendar year of their 18th birthday.

1.2 YOUNG RIDER (YR) - Open to competitors from the beginning of the calendar year of their 16th birthday through the end of the calendar year of their 21st birthday.

1.3 AMATEUR (A) The following may participate in Eventing competitions as an Amateur:

a. Any competitor in possession of a valid Amateur card issued by the USEF, or

b. Any Senior USEA member who competes in the Training, Novice or Beginner Novice Level who meets the requirements of Federation GR1306. Individuals declaring such status must present, upon demand, an audited financial statement in support of the claim of eligibility; failure to do so will be deemed a violation. Misrepresentation of eligibility under this provision will subject an individual to disciplinary action under GR1307.6, GR1307.8, GR1308.3 and Chapter 6. Amateur certification under this provision is valid for Eventing competitions only and does not confer Amateur status for participation in any other Breed or Discipline.

1.4 For the purposes of this rule, in differentiating eligibility for Horse and Rider sections, FEI divisions are considered to be one level higher than the equivalent National division, e.g. FEI One Star is one level higher than a Preliminary Horse Trial. A rider who has completed an event at the Advanced Level is not eligible to compete as an Intermediate rider.

1.5 RIDER (R) - Open to competitors who have not completed an event above the next highest level in the 5 years preceding the date of the competition, e.g. a Novice Rider may have completed an event at Training level, but not Preliminary level or higher in the 5 years preceding the date of the competition; a Training Rider may have completed an event at Preliminary level, but not Intermediate level or higher in the 5 years preceding the date of the competition.

1.6 HORSE (H) - Open to competitors of any age, horse may not have completed an event above the next highest level. e.g. a Novice Horse may have completed an event at Training level, but not Preliminary level or higher; a Training Horse may have completed an event at Preliminary level, but not Intermediate level or higher.

1.7 YOUNG HORSE (YH) - Open to competitors of any age, horse may not have competed above the level and meets the following age restrictions:

a. Novice - four or five years of age.
b. Training - four or five years of age.
c. Preliminary - five or six years of age.
d. Intermediate - six or seven years of age.
e. Advanced - six or seven years of age. 1.9 OPEN (O) - Both horse and rider may have competed at any level.

1.10 CHAMPIONSHIP (CH) - open to all qualified riders on qualified horses.

1.11 OTHER - Restricted by breed or other designation as defined by Organizing Committee, approved by the Federation/USEA, and designated in the Omnibus listing

2. DEFINITIONS
2.1 Completion: means having completed the entire Horse Trial with a numerical score.

2.2 Minimum Eligibility Requirement
2.2.1 When achieved at a National Horse Trials an MER is achieved by completing the entire Horse Trial and scoring. -not more than 50 penalty points in the Dressage Test; and - No jumping penalties at obstacles on the Cross Country Test unless specified otherwise, and not more than 90 seconds (36 penalty points) exceeding the optimum time; and - not more than 16 penalties at obstacles in the Jumping Test. -25 penalty points received for Dangerous Riding will not achieve a National Qualifying result. Exceptions to the qualifications noted below may only be approved by the Credentials/Grading Committee.

2.2.2 When achieved at an FEI Competition an MER is achieved by completing the entire Horse Trial and scoring. -not more than 67 penalty points in the Dressage Test; and - No jumping penalties at obstacles on the Cross Country Test unless specified otherwise, and not more than 75 seconds (30 penalty points) exceeding the optimum time for one, two and three star competitions and 100 seconds (40 penalty points) exceeding the optimum time for four star competitions; and - not more than 16 penalties at obstacles in the Jumping Test (see Article 517 of the FEI Eventing Rules).

2.3 Uncategorized Rider: Riders who have not been categorized through proven competence at certain levels of competition i.e. A rider, B riders, etc. by the FEI per Article 520 of the FEI Eventing Rules for the purpose of determining rider eligibility for International Horse Trials and Events). All requirements of the FEI must be achieved as a combination. Where FEI requirements refer to a “CI” this may be satisfied by achieving an MER at a CCI or CIC of the level stated. When multiple Minimum Eligibility Requirements are required, one of the Minimum Eligibility Requirements can be achieved incurring 20 penalties at the obstacles of the Cross Country Test. All USEF requirements do not need to be achieved as a combination.

2.4 Categorized Riders: Riders who have been categorized through proven competence at certain levels of competition A riders, B riders, etc. by the FEI per Article 520 of the FEI Eventing Rules for the purpose of determining rider eligibility for International Horse Trials and Events. Where FEI requirements refer to a “CI” this may be satisfied by achieving an MER at a CCI or CIC of the level stated. When multiple Minimum Eligibility Requirements are required, one of the Minimum Eligibility Requirements can be achieved incurring 20 penalties at the obstacles of the Cross Country Test. All USEF requirements do not need to be achieved as a combination.

3. LEVELS OF HORSE TRIALS AND EVENTS
3.1 BEGINNER NOVICE (B) - Open to competitors of any age, on horses four years of age and older.

3.2 NOVICE (N) - Open to competitors of any age, on horses four years of age or older.

3.3 TRAINING (T) - Open to competitors of any age, on horses four years of age or older.

3.4 MODIFIED (M) – Open to competitors of any age, on horses four years of age or older. The competitor must have obtained an NQR at two Horse Trials at the Training Level or higher.

3.5 PRELIMINARY (P) - Open to competitors from the beginning of the calendar year of their 14th birthday, on horses five years of age or older. The competitor must have obtained an MER at four Horse Trials at the Training Level or higher.

3.6 TRAINING THREE-DAY EVENT- Open to competitors of any age, on horses four years of age or older. Both the competitor and the horse must have obtained ME’s at Four Horse Trials at the Training Level or higher, one of which must be attained as a combination. A competitor established at the Preliminary Level may compete on a horse which has obtained 2 MER’s at the Training Level or higher.

3.7 PRELIMINARY THREE-DAY EVENT- Open to competitors beginning the calendar year of their 14th birthday, on horses five years of age or older. Both the competitor and the horse, though not necessarily as a combination, must have obtained an MER at three Horse Trials at the Preliminary Level or higher, plus an additional MER at the Preliminary Level or higher with no more than 20 Jumping Penalties at obstacles on the Cross Country test.

3.8 INTERMEDIATE (I) - Open to competitors from the beginning of the calendar year of their 16th birthday, on horses six years of age or older. Both the competitor and the horse, though not necessarily as a combination, must have obtained an NQR at three Horse Trials at the Preliminary Level or higher, plus an additional MER at the Preliminary Level or higher with no more than 20 Jumping Penalties at obstacles on the Cross Country test.

3.9 ADVANCED (A)
3.9.1 UNCATEGORIZED RIDERS - Open to competitors from the beginning of the calendar year of their 18th birthday, on horses six years of age or older. Both the competitor and the horse, though not necessarily as a combination, must have obtained a minimum of one MER with no more than 20 Jumping Penalties at obstacles on the Cross Country test, at either a CI 2* or Intermediate Level plus three MERs at the Intermediate Level or higher.

3.9.2 CATEGORIZED RIDERS - Open to competitors from the beginning of the calendar year of their 18th birthday, on horses six years of age or older. Both the competitor and the horse, though not necessarily as a combination, must have obtained a minimum of one MER with no more than 20 Jumping Penalties at obstacles on the Cross Country test, at either a CI 2* or Intermediate Level plus two NQRs at the Intermediate Level or higher.

The changes to the levels of international horse trials and events, categorized and uncategorized riders can be found here.

Boot Up

Thu, 05 Jan 2017 00:26:56 GMT

While every rider wants to ensure that her horse is as protected as possible during athletic endeavors, the options of what boots, wraps and other leg-protection measures can be daunting.

By Sarah E Coleman

While there are a plethora of equine leg protection options out there, not all of them are right (or safe!) for every application. What might be popular for a reining or working cow horse might not be the best choice for those riding out cross-country, where boots are exposed to water, dirt and debris, which could weigh them down.

Equine leg protection has several different purposes, which are dependent on their design. Some boots are designed to protect horse’s legs while they are being ridden or turned out; other boots are designed to absorb shock from physical activity.

Your horse may be a candidate to wear boots if:

He is a big mover
He interferes, knocking one limb with another
He has sustained an injury to one of his limbs

No matter what boots you decide to use, fit is key: You should be able to fit one finger between the boot and your horse’s leg. If the boot is too lose, it can slip down or gather dirt, causing rubs.

Types of Leg Protection

Here is a brief rundown of the different boot styles and their uses:

Polo wraps:

Made of a thick, stretchy fleece material, polo wraps can protect a horse’s legs from dings from other limbs. While they are one of the most-basic types of leg protection, care must be taken to apply them correctly; improperly used wrapped polo wraps, those applied either too tightly or with uneven pressure, may cause tendon injuries.

Splint Boots:
Used on horses that interfere, splint boots have a reinforced area on the inside of the leg that is designed to absorb impact from a horse’s hoof. Typically some of the most-affordable boots, they are quicker and easier to apply then polo wraps. Split boots can also be used during turnout.

Support Boots:

An all-purpose boot, support boots are used to provide support more than protection; they have a suspensory strap that helps provide support to the leg.

Cross-country boots:
Designed to protect a horse as he gallops over uneven terrain and water on a cross-country course, these boots are typically made of a strong, lightweight material. They have reinforced strike pads on the interior of the boot to provide additional protection. These boots do not absorb water, unlike polo wraps and support boots.

Open-front Jumping Boots:

With the front of the horse’s leg exposed, the protection these boots afford is in the back, covering the tendon area. The front of the boot is left open so that a horse “feels it” if he touches a rail.

Skid Boots:
Common in Western events, skid boots are used on a horse’s hind legs during ridden work; they protect the horse as he lowers his hocks and sinks down into the footing. In addition to protecting from abrasions, they also protect the legs from strikes from opposing legs.

Bell boots:
Designed to fit around the fetlock and protect the coronet band and hoof from being grabbed by another hoof, bell boots can be either pulled on fastened with Velcro. Designed to cover the heel bulb to prevent injury (as well as shoe removal), bell boots should also be strongly considered if the horse is wearing studs in his shoes so he does not injure himself.

Fetlock Boots:
These boots are used to protect the fetlocks on the hind legs. Similar to splint boots, their protection is focused on the inside to absorb strikes from opposing legs.

Flat Work/Dressage Boots:

Typically lined with neoprene or fleece, dressage or flat-work boots are easy to apply and easy to clean. Similar to splint boots, they are reinforced on the inside of the leg to protect from interference.

Feeding Rice Bran

Tue, 20 Dec 2016 23:07:38 GMT

By Aubri Hostetter of Excel Equine

One of the most common struggles I hear from horse owners is that they always have one or two horses that they are trying to put weight on. When you feel as though you are doing everything right, such as deworming regularly, getting their teeth done, having great quality hay and feed, and consulting your veterinarian to see if there are any underlying issues, it can be easily frustrating to not notice an improvement in your horse’s body condition. Sometimes horses are simply hard keepers…just like some people! One practice that I have seen people have success with is supplementing with rice bran. There are many advantages to engaging in this feeding practice and a few precautions that need to be taken into consideration as well.

First, rice bran is the brown layer left from when the rice seed is harvested. So yes, it is a by-product of rice milling…which just goes to show you that by-products are not bad! There are many by-products that make great feed ingredients. These days, there seems to be many negative connotations associated with by-products so I just wanted to clear that up…now back to rice bran! Being that it is high in fat and fiber, it is a good product for digestive issues related to starch. Anyone that has horses who are struck with laminitis and colic often knows what I’m talking about. Some ailments call for a low starch diet, but you still need adequate calories for athletes, lesson horses, hard keepers, etc. This is where rice bran can come in and be a huge asset to your feeding program. Rice bran is also very palatable. Another complaint I hear is that someone has one horse in the barn who is just a picky eater. If this sounds like one of your horses, trying rice bran could be an effective strategy for getting those that like to turn their noses up from so many things to eat better. Furthermore, rice bran is high in vitamin E. For horses exercising heavily, Vitamin E is required in large amounts, and rice bran is a good, available source. From a cosmetic standpoint, you will likely notice an increase in quality of hair coat and skin condition. Rice bran will help your horse look slick and shiny for its next big competition.

Now for the precautions…there are several that people need to keep in mind when supplementing with rice bran. Make sure that you purchase fortified rice bran. This kind will have added calcium to balance an inverted calcium to phosphorus ratio. Also buy stabilized rice bran. If it is not stabilized, then due to the high fat content, it will go rancid quickly unless it is used within about a week. When feeding, keep in mind to not feed more than 2 lbs of whatever rice bran supplement you are using per day. It is very high in calories so don’t treat it like you would your regular feed!

So if you are one of those people out there struggling to find a solution for you skinny animal…this might just be it! Rice bran can be purchased in pellets or in powder form. So start taking advantage of the many benefits that a high fat supplement such as rice bran has to offer and enjoy your happier and healthier horse!

New Year’s Resolutions, Equine-style

Tue, 20 Dec 2016 23:03:53 GMT

By Sarah E. Coleman

New Year’s resolutions aren’t just for humans. We’re sure our horses are creating their own resolutions, as well—we can only hope they involve being good, not BAD. Here are some of the resolutions we hope our horses are making for 2017:

I won’t spook at the mounting block that my human just got on from.
I won’t refuse to put only one ear forward for selfies, win photos or other candid shots.
I will not leave if my rider makes an unplanned dismount.
I won’t try to eat from my bucket while my human is still hanging it in my stall.
I won’t pretend to not hear my owner calling me on the coldest day of the year.
I won’t roll in burrs when I know my owner is on a short riding timeline.
I won’t become magically sound when the vet comes out to see me.
I won’t strategically step on my owner’s foot when she girths me.
I won’t come in from the field looking like a mud monster, then refuse to walk through a puddle on the trail.
I won’t try to jump out of the dressage ring.
I won’t try to poop on my person’s head when she’s picking out my back feet.
I won’t immediately shiver when my owner takes off my blanket to brush me and ride.
I will not sneeze on my human.
I won’t pull off my brother’s blanket every.single.day.
I won’t wipe grass on my owner’s show coat.
I won’t be dramatic when I have a rock in my shoe.
I will try to make it out of the show ring before I have to move my bowels.
I won’t turn up my nose at the expensive supplements my owner buys.
I won’t turn feral after three days off.
I won’t stand by the waterer and act like it’s frozen every 10 minutes in the winter.
I won’t close one eye and pretend there’s a hair in it just to get out of work.
I won’t dump over the wheelbarrow every time my stall is cleaned.
I won’t pretend I am starving if I am supposed to get ridden around feeding time.
I won’t bite the farrier’s butt when he is working on my front feet.
I will not pull my shoes off right after being reset just because I can.

Canker in Horses

Tue, 20 Dec 2016 22:56:01 GMT

While many of us have heard the term “canker,” (as in “canker sores” in people), most may not know how it applies to equines.

Sarah E. Coleman

While the exact bacteria that causes canker is unknown, canker is an infection in the surface tissues of the hoof that causes rapid overgrowth. While it commonly begins in the frog, it can invade the sole, bars and hoof wall.

The down-and-dirty on equine canker:

-can occur in one foot or multiple feet

-common in draft horses, but can be found in any breed

-not always affiliated with wet, unhygienic hoof conditions; many horses diagnosed with canker are extremely well cared for

-while in its early stages, canker may be mistaken for thrush, but there is a growth of tissue in canker (not a loss of it like with thrush)

-initially it may look like a bunch of granulation tissue in the frog that bleeds easily when touched

-it evolves into a cauliflower-like growth

-left untreated it will eventually involve the majority of the hoof

-a horse may be sound when initially diagnosed with canker, but the condition can become quite painful if not addressed immediatelyt

-there is no one effective treatment

-horses that get equine canker have a guarded prognosis for complete recovery.

Diagnosis and Treatment

A canker diagnosis is typically made based on the appearance of the growth in the hoof, but a biopsy can also be performed. Unfortunately, there is no hard-and-fast remedy to treating canker, but several principles seem to work best. These include thorough debridement of the area (how this is accomplished is less important) to the outer edges, and methodical application of topical treatment.

This typically includes cleaning the affected area with an antiseptic solution, applying preferred topical ointments (which vary by vet), then keeping the wound clean and dry until the area begins to heal. Many vets will use a mixture of crushed antibiotics (like metronidazole and tetracycline) directly on the canker.

It’s imperative that affected horses be kept in a dry area while the canker heals. The application of hospital plates can be used, but it can be difficult to keep the hoof as dry as necessary with these plates on. Systemic antibiotics can be prescribed, but their use has not been thoroughly evaluated.

Care of canker in horses can take weeks to months, but once it is cured, it is unlikely to recur.

Kinesiotape and Horses

Tue, 13 Dec 2016 14:56:13 GMT

You may have seen horses warming up for shows wearing what looks like colorful Vet Wrap on their bodies, laid out in lines almost mimicking their skeleton. Just what IS this tape and what does it do?

By Sarah E Coleman

The horse world has made some rapid advances in the last two decades: Acupuncture and chiropractic care are more mainstream, and herbal remedies and other techniques now have their place in most veterinarian’s toolboxes. Kenisiotape, one of the newest modalities on the block, is rapidly gaining a following among both riders and equine health professionals.

Dr. Anna Hichborn Dunlap of Creek Hollow Veterinary Services in Georgetown, Ky., is licensed in chiropractic care, acupuncture, laser therapy and kenisiotaping; she services Kentucky, Georgia, Florida and New York. She began using kenisiotape in 2012, but took a long break from the modality until seeing it used again on Kerri Walsh Jennings at the Rio Olympics.

“There is really no magic or medicine [to kenisiotape] … it’s just a stretchy tape that’s very sticky. The top of the tape has a fabric-like feel and are often lycra/cotton blends, depending on the brand,” she explains. While this may not seem like a modality that would see a lot of benefits, Dr. Dunlap explains that the tape can be used for a variety of issues. “[Kinesotape] is used for pain reduction, physical and mechanical support of joints and muscles, to improve lymphatic and blood circulation, and to help patients of any species with body awareness issues (proprioception).”

The tape is applied directly to the skin or hair, sometimes sticking with the help of spray adhesives. “Tensions are applied across the tape and the degree of tension will vary by the application, like supporting a joint versus a muscle group,” she explains.

But How Does It Work?

Kenisiotape works in a variety of ways, depending on the reason for use. “For pain management, the stretch across the tape causes the skin tension to up-regulate motion sensing nerves, which will in turn decrease pain-sensing nerves,” Dr. Dunlap says. When kenisiotape is used to improve blood flow, it decompresses skin, creating an almost vacuum-like environment that encourages blood and lymph flow, she notes.

For joint and muscle stabilization, the kenisiotape is applied to mimic the natural structure of the joint. And for proprioception, the tape increases consciousness of body parts in space.

Results can be seen immediately for joint and muscle stabilization. The other techniques are affecting the nervous and circulatory systems, so results will be evident with time and may require reapplication of tape.

In Dr. Dunlap’s practice, she uses kinesiotape a lot for painful cases and has had good results on neck and back pain. Recently she treated an older mare that had many foals. Her owner noticed that she wasn’t rolling anymore and looked stiff behind. I did sacroiliac support taping and she immediately went out and rolled on both sides, then took off bucking. Her tape stayed on for 12 days!

There are not really any injuries on which she would not use the tape, but she does not recommend using the tape around malignancies because the increased circulation to the area would essentially “feed” the malignant cells, risking spreading them at an increased rate.

Does it Stick Well?

Stickability of the tape depends, says Dr. Dunlap. “During the summer, sweat is a big factor and during the winter, hair is a big factor!” In all the horses Dr. Dunlap has worked on, “some tape has come off in an hour (annoying) and some has stayed on for up to 12 days (unicorn!)!”

So, how is it removed? Most of us envision pain and hair pulling with this process! “You don’t pull it off like a Band-Aid--you roll it back over itself. Using baby oil or a silicone spray can help with the removal. Unless the horse is showing, I encourage [riders and owners to] leaving it on till it falls off and just trimming the ends if they peel up.”

How Often Does it Need Reapplied?

Kinesiotape is used differently in different applications. For tape used for support and to treat edema, it will likely need to be applied more than once. Tape used for pain relief typically only requires only one application, but Dr. Dunlap notes that she is usually adjusting or acupuncturing the horses, as well.

The results seen with the tape depend on the application, says Dr. Dunlap. There is the reduction of pain and swelling, and mechanical support of joints. “The proprioceptive technique should decrease injury by increasing the body's awareness of its various parts while exercising, leading to a more-correct technique from the athlete,” She explains. “Think of using this technique on a rider's back, making them more aware of their position and decreasing the incidence of back injury while jumping,” she offers as an example.

History of Kinesiotape

Kinesiotaping was developed in Japan in the 1970s by Dr. Kenzo Kase, who was a human chiropractor. He was looking for a modality his patients could use in between visits to his office. “It started as an experiment by someone with a good working knowledge of anatomy that ended up helping a lot of people,” says Dr. Dunlap.

While those who apply kinesiotape do not have to be certified to apply it, it’s necessary that whomever applies the tape have a good working knowledge of equine anatomy to be affective. Dr. Dunlap recommends working closely with your vet it you have performance concerns with your horses.

Rider Beware

At this time, kinesoptape can only be used on horses at rated competitions while they are in the stall. As the rules are changing (and USEF, USEA and USDF all have or had annual meetings in the last few weeks), riders will need to be up-to-date on the rule changes regarding kinesiotaping and how they apply to their level of showing.

Additionally, though riders can buy the tape and learn how to apply it, it’s imperative that riders first consult with their veterinarian on any performance issues they are having.

The Lowdown on Dewormers

Tue, 06 Dec 2016 14:57:03 GMT

The science behind deworming horses has come a long way, but educating equine owners still has a ways to go.

Sarah E. Coleman

While some of us are old enough to remember when the veterinarian came to the barn twice a year to “tube worm” the horses (literally, putting a tube into the horse’s stomach and administering the deworming medication), many horse owners have jumped on the fecal test bandwagon to ensure their horses stay healthy—but not nearly enough owners are utilizing this great tool.

Here is a quick refresher on how the world of deworming has changed.

An Easy Test

Gone are the days of dosing your horse according to the calendar. Now, many people pull fecals on their horses before making a decision as to what (if any) deworming medication their horse may need. Here in the Bluegrass, we’re very lucky to have multiple wonderful equine clinics right at our doorstep; in other areas of the county, fecal samples have to be mailed out to be tested.

Getting a fecal sample from your horse may be the easiest, least-invasive test you ever do on him. Breaking the seal on a fecal cup, dumping in one fresh pile of poo and sending it off to the lab (either dropping it off yourself or sending it with the vet) is super simple. But it’s not a one-and-done exercise.

In many cases, more than one sample is needed. Often if the test indicates that your horse does have worms, you’ll need to pull a fecal after treating him with deworming medication to be sure that he has decreased his worm load.

Do I REALLY Need to Have a Fecal Egg Count Done?

While a fecal sample is not required to buy a tube of dewormer, it cannot be recommended strongly enough. Though your horse may look fantastic with old-school rotational dewormer use, there is no guarantee without a fecal that he is not still carrying a significant worm load. Studies have shown that between 20 and 30 percent of the horses carry 70 to 80 percent of the worms.

In addition, fecal tests will tell you not only if your horse is carrying a heavy worm load, but if he is a low, medium or high shedder of worm eggs, which would greatly affect other horses turned out in his field.

Similar to antibiotics in humans, many deworming medications are becoming ineffective because of the worm’s resistance to the drugs. Because of this, you’ll need to target the specific worms your horse carries to have an effective deworming protocol. It is also important to know just how many worms your horse is carrying, not just what kind. Fecal tests primarily target strongyle and ascarid eggs. Once you know what kind of worms your horse has, and how heavily infested he is, you can create a plan of action.

Testing for Tapes?

It’s important to note that most labs that perform fecal samples do not test for tape worms unless specifically asked to do so. Testing can determine if tape worms are present, but they cannot determine how heavily infested your horse may be.

The reason a fecal test cannot detect tape worms well is that tapeworm eggs are not released in the same manner as from roundworms. Tapeworms don’t shed eggs regularly, which means they might not even show up in the fecal sample you sent to the lab, but your horse may still be infested with tapeworms.

Because of this, it is recommended that you administer dewormer specifically designed to combat tape worms every 6 to 12 months (on the recommendation of your veterinarian). Dewormers that specifically target tapeworms are praziquantel (which are found in paste combos with ivermectin or moxidectin) or a double dose of a pyrantel pamoate paste.

Bedding Basics

Mon, 28 Nov 2016 22:31:11 GMT

Help your horse get a good night’s sleep with the right bedding.

By Sarah E Coleman

As the weather turns colder, horses in many parts of Kentucky will be spending more time inside. It’s in a farm and horse owner’s best interest to be sure that the type of bedding they are using in the stalls is absorbent, affordable, accessible and comfortable for the horse.

Straw

A byproduct of wheat and oat grain production, straw is commonly used on large breeding farms and racetracks, and in areas of the country where grains are produced, driving down cost. While this bedding composts well, it can be dusty and moldy, and it does not absorb urine well, which can lead to a strong ammonia smell in barns that use it. Additionally, some horses will eat this bedding, which can be a problem if weight is an issue. Storage can also be problematic as stalls tend to be bedded deeply and require multiple bales of straw per week.

Shavings

Usually made of pine, shavings are traditionally available in compressed, bagged bedding. While shavings smell terrific and lighten stalls with their bright color, they can coat the walls, horses and items in the aisle way with a fine coating of dust.

Sawdust

Traditionally available in bulk for either pickup or delivery, sawdust is a byproduct of lumber mills and is widely available (though mills will shut down during times of extreme cold). The fine particles do have a tendency to be dusty and can cause allergies in horses bedded on it. It’s imperative to ensure that no black walnut was milled at the same time as the load of sawdust equine owners buy as even minute amounts of black walnut can cause laminitis in horses.

Pellets

Less dusty than shavings, pelleted bedding is sold in bags and is made of compressed, kiln-dried wood and sawdust. Typically made of fir, alder or pine, the super-absorbent bedding expands when exposed to moisture. Pelleted bedding works best in stalls with mats, and it can initially take quite a few bags to obtain the depth of bedding desired. After that is achieved, however, very little bedding is taken out as stalls are cleaned, though cleaning a stall bedded in pellets can be a learning curve. While manure is removed, most wet bedding (except those areas that are particularly saturated) are simply spread back into the dry bedding and allowed to dry. The soiled bedding is readily composted as it is so fine.

Flax

While most of us like to bed our horses deeply on some format of fluffy bedding, they really don’t need extremely deep bedding unless they have a medical reason (like Cushing’s disease or arthritis); flax bedding requires 70 percent less material than straw or shavings. Relatively new on the market in the United States, flax bedding is not dusty and non-allergenic.

Shipped on pallets in brown bags (similar to feed bags), flax is absorbent, affordable and can be spread on fields as soon as the stalls are picked (it is pH neutral), eliminating the need for a compost area. Additionally, when picked consistently, minimal bedding is removed from the stall, so it’s very cost effective.

Peat Moss

Though not as common as other bedding types, peat moss is extremely absorbent and soft, though it can be expensive to obtain. Peat moss is also dark in color, so it can look dirty, but it’s a wonderful addition to compost piles and pastures.

Hay

In some areas of the country, bedding on hay is common (in Kentucky, it’s commonly called Bluegrass bedding). There are no side effects to equines eating their bedding, but cleaning can be difficult and continual use can get expensive as hay prices rise.

Shredded Newspaper

Though not widely available, shredded newspaper is an excellent source of bedding for horses with allergies. Torn into strips to improve absorbency, there are no sharp edges to cut horses bedded on it. Economical to purchase, users should be aware that the soy-based ink may transfer onto lighter-coated horses. Additionally, learning to clean a stall bedded in newspaper can take some getting used to.

The Effects of Horse Feed on Behavior

Thu, 24 Nov 2016 15:29:42 GMT

By Aubri Hostetter for Excel Equine

Throughout many conversations that I have had with horse owners and professionals, one regularly occurring statement they make is that they do not want their horses to get “hot” on a certain type of feed. Some are referring to corn making their horses excitable. Others believe it is high protein that causes undesirable behavior. Whatever they have heard or seen from their own experiences, there still is much research to be done that is needed to lead to a definitive answer on what dietary components make horses “hot” or not. Often times, feed is blamed when there are other factors contributing to high strung behavior. Some of these include environment, level of exercise, and physical pain being experienced by the horse. Horses are greatly affected by other horses around them, so an anxious stall neighbor could easily impact the other animal. Furthermore, ulcers are a regularly seen ailment among show horses. Ulcers would cause pain, which often times results in unruly behavior. Whatever the true reason for bad behavior, there still are some considerations that can be made regarding feed that can have a positive impact on your horse.

First, an excess amount of calories will inevitably give your horse more energy than it needs…resulting in excitable behavior. This happens the same way in humans. We only need to consume enough energy for what we are putting out. Make sure you are not feeding your horse too much. Many people tend to over feed grain. Take a good look at your feeding instructions on the feed tag or consult your local sales rep or nutritionist available through your feed supplier. Also, there is some research that suggests feeding a lower starch feed will have a calming effect on behavior, but there is still much research that needs to be done in order for this to be definitive. In addition, there is a rising amount of research being done on the effects of fat in a horse’s diet. There seems to be a correlation between higher fat levels and calmer behavior. Higher levels of fat lead to more level blood glucose and insulin levels. Finally, mimicking how the horse was meant to live most naturally will have a great effect on behavior. Feeding free choice hay, offering ample turnout time, and feeding frequent, small meals will all help in your horse’s attitude.

Since so much is still up in the air in regards to research on nutrition and behavior, I’ll just share my personal opinion on the best practices when feeding horses. It would be a wise choice to offer a free choice, low calorie, grass hay, turn out your horses as much as you can (I know this is not possible for some disciplines), and feed more than twice a day (3-4 small meals) if you are in fact giving grain to your horses. If you are feeding grain, due to having competition and working horses, go for a grain that has higher fat levels (between 6 and 10 percent). A higher fat feed will allow you to feed a smaller amount, but still offer an adequate amount of calories. This is better for the horse’s digestive system and can help you avoid ailments like ulcers. The better the horse feels, the better the results are that you will have while training.

Feeding For Weight Gain

Thu, 24 Nov 2016 15:27:42 GMT

By Aubri Hostetter for Excel Equine

One of the issues that I hear often from horse owners is that they have trouble keeping weight on one or two horses in the barn. Most barn managers have had to deal with the finicky eater or hard keeper at least a few times in their lives. Sometimes horses start to lose weight from being introduced to a more demanding training schedule, stress, bad health care, or they are just picky eaters. Whatever the reason, there are steps that you can take to get your horse on the right track towards achieving a healthy body condition.

First, make sure you rule out underlying issues that could be keeping your horse from gaining weight. Poor teeth are a common problem in older horses. Make sure you are getting your horses’ teeth floated once or twice a year and always do a check yourself to make sure there are not any sharp points on their teeth if you are suspicious that they are experiencing mouth pain. Also, your worming program needs to be up to date. Make sure you are giving your horses a wormer that your veterinarian recommends. This could change based on everyone’s different geographical locations. Aside from teeth and worming…one of the biggest health issues that could hinder weight gain is ulcers. Ulcers will cause the horse to have a lack of appetite and be ill tempered due to pain. This happens more commonly with horses kept in stalls that do not have access to walking around on pasture and grazing for at least a portion of the day. It is also prevalent in competition horses that experience stress from travel and competing at a high level. Make sure that if your horse acts like he or she might have ulcers, to consult your veterinarian and get them on medication to alleviate this. Also, free choice hay helps greatly with ulcers, and should really be a management practice already in place for all of your horses. The horse naturally needs consistent fiber going through its digestive system to buffer the gut. Horses produce acid in the stomach all the time, not just when they eat. So when their stomach is empty, acid is still present and can cause ulcers if there is not roughage running through digestive system.

So after you have checked into underlying health and management issues and your horses still isn’t gaining weight what can you do? First, Make sure they have access to fee choice forage. Also, you can start to add some alfalfa to their forage to increase their caloric intake from a safe source. Adding Alfalfa will increase their protein intake, which will help with building muscle, and will increase their calorie intake, as it is more energy dense than grass hay. If a horse will not clean up all of its hay, introducing hay cubes can sometimes work. Alfalfa is also very palatable, so if you have a picky eater, usually they will take to Alfalfa pretty well.

The last part of adjusting a feeding program is if all of the above mentioned methods do not provide results, start looking into the concentrates being fed. When selecting a grain, make sure to look for a higher fat product (between 6-10%). Fat allows for you to add calories without too much volume, which is important for the horse. Their stomach is small compared to the rest of their digestive system, so food passes through there very quickly. You do not want the large intestine to get overloaded with undigested starch, because this is what often leads to colic and laminitis. So by feeding something higher in fat, you lessen the risk of overload because you do not have to feed as much. It is like choosing a small handful of nuts over a bowl of cereal…you might be getting the same calories, but in a much different amount! Adding fat can be in the form of purchasing a higher fat feed or adding rice bran or oil to your horse’s ration. Remember to add all changes to a horse’s diet slowly as to not upset the microbes in large intestine. Another good point about feeding added fat is that it often provides a slow burn type of energy that does not cause extra excitability…it can actually improve behavior instead!

Whether you are dealing with a health issue or simply a hard keeper, following these tips and guidelines will help in achieving the desired weight gain. At the end of the day, weight gain is about calorie intake. We as horse owners just have to figure out how to get those calories back into your horse and why they might not be enough at the current rate being given. Make sure to also utilize your feed company’s equine nutritionist and you should be on your way to having a happy and healthy animal that is at a good weight and thriving.

2016 Hagyard Midsouth Three-Day Event & Team Challenge CCI*

Thu, 03 Nov 2016 14:12:38 GMT

Winner of the National USEF CCI* Champtionship Meghan O'Donoghue on Rehy USA.

PC: Point of View Photography/- Darlene Shantz

Held on October 19-23 at the Kentucky Horse Park, the Hagyard MidSouth Three-Day Event and Team Challenge was once again a success, hosting a CCI One-Star and Training Three-Day along with Preliminary, Training, Novice and Beginner Novice horse trials competition. The longest running horse trials team challenge in the United States, the 2016 event was graciously supported by Kentucky Performance Products with a Gold Level Sponsorship. This horse trial is our largest annual fundraiser for the Midsouth Eventing & Dressage Association and we are so thankful for everyone who participates as a competitor, volunteer, vendor or sponsor!

MSEDA sponsors a team at each level and provides its members with an MSEDA saddle pad and ear bonnet. It's always a great time and as always, our teams fared well!

Results:

Beginner Novice- 5th Place Team Overall

- Chelsea Smith, Marty Riney, Robyn Munson, Kristen Brennan

Novice- 3rd Place Team Overall

-Caroline Greathouse, Madison Nichter, Whitney Morris, Zoe Zanides

Training-

-Jeannine Buhse, Debbie Iezzie, Pam Kimmel, Lauren Kolegraff

Preliminary- 8th Place Team Overall

-Elissa Gibbs, Katie Hensley, Leah Snowden, Tiffany Smith

The MSEDA Beginner Novice Team. L to R: Chelsea Smith, Marty Riney, Robyn Munson, Kristen Brennan

A neat statistic from the weekend: the horses that competed in the event were lucky enough to enjoy 600 peppermints, 500 packages of Mrs. Pastures Cookies for Horses, 400 pounds of carrots and 250 apples. Lucky ponies!

Complete results can be found here.

Equine Insurance Options

Wed, 02 Nov 2016 13:20:42 GMT

We know we need insurance to cover everything from catastrophic accidents to routine health care. But what do our equine partners need, if anything?

By Sarah E Coleman

Equine insurance options can be quite overwhelming, but can offer horse owners incredible peace of mind. While the most commonly purchased equine insurance policies are mortality and major medical, there are lots of other option.

These two types of insurance are best explained in terms many people may be more familiar with: life insurance and health insurance. Typically mortality insurance (“life insurance”) is paid out if the horse dies. Owners are paid for the full or partial value of the horse. Medical and surgical policies (“health insurance”) can cover the costs associated with treatment of injuries or illnesses.

Mortality Insurance

The most popular equine insurance Kristin Detwiler sells in Girard, Ohio, is mortality and major medical. Detwiler, an Agribusiness and Equine Specialist with Gibson Agri&Equine Insurance, explains that “every policy is required to have mortality coverage and then anything else that is added is added as an "additional" endorsement.”

So, she says, major medical, loss of use, surgical expense, extended renewal protection, accident, sickness and disease coverage, third party liability, and stallion infertility (among others) are all insurance options in addition to mortality coverage.

Mortality coverage generally covers any cause of death, including colic or fatal injuries. A horse’s age will limit his mortality insurance; many insurance companies can insure horses that are 24 hours old up to about 17 years old. Detwiler notes that 15 years old is about when it becomes more costly to insure the horse and when medical packages are restricted.

“A horse can be insured later in life; but, for every year the horse ages after 15, the rate debits making it more expensive,” She explains. “Often, veterinarian examinations are required each year for older horses as well.

Many factors are taken into account to determine a horse’s value; these can include age, sex, breed and discipline. A mortality policy can cover 100 percent of the horse’s value, but the premiums will be more expensive. While it can be very hard to objectively define what a horse is worth, it’s imperative to ensuring you have the adequate policy in place on your horse.

Major Medical

Major medical insurance covers a lot of medical and surgical treatments that may be cost prohibitive for owners. This coverage can include things like medications, diagnostic tools, surgery and care after surgery.

Major medical policies do not cover routine care like vaccines, teeth floating or sheath cleaning; many alternative treatments like acupuncture, chiropractic and massage are also not covered. Many policies also do not cover any cosmetic surgeries or surgeries on things that took place before the insurance policy took effect (think about things like birth defects).

Detwiler notes that a pre-existing condition could limit insurance coverage. “If a horse has a history of lameness in a specific leg or a history of colic, the company is typically going to exclude coverage for that condition The horse can still be insured for coverage for other conditions, but that specific condition would be excluded. For example: If a horse is diagnosed and treated for EPM in writing the policy, all claims related to EPM would not be covered. However, a colic claim or an unrelated injury or sickness could still be covered.”

“Insurance is designed to cover more ‘catastrophic’ accidents and injuries,” she says. “Though each company is different, there is always a deductible [around $300] for medical claims that are made. This helps to deter claims being made against routine procedures.”

Colic Insurance Programs

The American Association of Equine Practitioners estimates that 900,000 horses will colic in the United States each year. That number is staggering to think about! Gibson Agri&Equine Insurance is partnered with SmartPak to raise awareness of and education horse owners about colic. Detwiler explains that SmartPak has “a program in which if the horse is on SmartDigest Ultra [a SmartPak supplement] and is (strictly) following basic veterinary recommendations (up to date on shots, etc), SmartPak will cover up to $7,500 worth of veterinary expenses if the horse colics while on their supplement.”
But this is all the policy will cover, she expounds. “Their program ONLY covers expenses related to colic, whereas if you also have an equine policy with major medical coverage, any other kind of accident, injury or sickness or disease would be covered as well. And, if the expenses exceed what is paid by SmartPak the equine insurance would kick in if the horse colics.”

The Application

Be prepared to answer a lot of questions when it comes to insuring your equine. It will ask you everything from your name, address and phone number to details on where the horse is housed, who cares for him and what his intended use is. They will also ask his age, breed, sex and for a registration, tattoo or ID number. You will be asked to provide photos of your horse if it is not registered with an organization. You will also need to answer his date of birth and date of purchase. You will then be asked a series of question on the horse’s health and its history. These questions could include is he sound, has he colicked, has ever had joint injections or been nerved, does he have any conformational issues, and more.

Additional questions may include who the primary veterinarian is, is the horse co-owned, is he leased and is he covered by any other insurance.

So, Who Really Needs Equine Insurance?

“I would especially recommend equine insurnace for high-profile horses that were costly to purchase; this will protect the investment. And, these types of horses tend to be at greater risk as they are moving around--going to shows, races, in training, etc.. However, I would recommend it to any other horse owner as well. Even if the initial investment in the horse wasn't costly, the medical bills for any kind of accident or sickness can easily add up,” Detwiler says. “This is when it is beneficial to have the insurance to afford such expenses.”

Managing Stall Rest

Wed, 12 Oct 2016 13:14:43 GMT

Keeping a horse on stall rest can lead to unexpected health and behavior issues in response to being cooped up for days on end. Here are some ways to prevent these unwanted changes in your injured equine.

By Sarah E Coleman

Keeping a horse confined to a stall is sometimes a necessary evil if he is ill, injured or recovering from surgery. While not the most desirable treatment management-wise, minimal movement is sometimes required for a horse to fully heal.

If your horse is used to living outside, being worked every day or even just having a few hours of turnout on a regular basis, switching to being stalled 24/7 could be problematic. This transition can make even the most mild-mannered horse so upset that he develops some health or behavior issues, which could include everything from forming gastric ulcers to kicking at walls and acting unruly when handled.

Here are some ways to help your horse handle stall rest as easily as possible:

Adjust his diet.

If your horse is not in work, he won’t need all the calories he usually gets when he is ridden or shown regularly. You will still need to ensure that he gets adequate vitamins and minerals, but backing down on his grain may help prevent him from having too much energy and gaining too much weight.

Provide a small-hole haynet.

Once your horse has eaten his grain, he needs to have something to occupy his time and his tummy. As equines are designed to constantly move and forage, providing access to hay at all times can help prevent ulcers if he’s not able to constantly nibble grass. It will also prevent him from eating his bedding, which some horses will do if they’re bored.

Consider changing stalls.

This option can work two ways: If your horse gets anxious while watching horses go out to pasture or work in the arena, moving him to a quieter area of the barn may be a good bet to keep him calm. Conversely, if your horse gets lonely and bored, moving him to a stall with a window where he can watch horses in the field, see his buddies being groomed or engage in a high-traffic area of the barn might help to keep him mentally happy. If he enjoys (and respects) a stall guard, consider letting him hang his head out and feeling like a part of the activity.

Leave a buddy in with him.

Is it possible to keep another horse in a stall close to your stall rester to keep him company? Many horses don’t do well if they’re the only horse in the barn, but are typically OK if they can see another horse next door or across the aisle. If it’s not possible to keep a horse in with yours, could you get him a (horse friendly!) goat or chicken to pass the time? If all else fails, consider installing a shatter-proof mirror in his stall so he thinks he has some (very handsome!) company.

Give him some toys.

There are loads of horse toys on the market and each is designed to keep a horse occupied and happy while confined to a stall. Whether they are balls your horse can kick and bite, toys designed to be hung and licked or homemade items like milk jugs filled with stones (without their caps), it’s important that each is used safely, without any way for a horse to get trapped or stuck in them. Large stuffed animals can also be used to keep a horse happy; tying one to a stall door or placing a large one in the back corner of a stall can make a horse not feel as lonely.

Administer drugs to take the edge off.

It can be helpful to use veterinarian-prescribed drugs to take the edge off an extremely rambunctious horse. Whether it’s to ensure the safety of barn workers handling the horse or to keep him quiet enough to heal, a variety or drugs or herbal supplements may be key to keeping him quiet.

Spend time with him.

We all know how boring it is to be sick or injured, and stuck at home with no one to talk to--your horse feels the same way! Spend as much time as you can with him, whether it’s a delivering a good grooming session, teaching him clicker training or simply sitting with him in his stall while he eats or hangs out. While stall rest is no fun, you can deepen your relationship with him if he knows that every time you come to see him, it’s not just to work.

Hand walk or graze him.

If the vet gives the go-ahead for your horse to hand walk or graze, take him out as much as you are able. Some horses tend to like a few shorter sessions outside a stall versus one longer time spent in the fresh air. As always, your safety is most important, so if he’s too overly eager to get outside, make sure you can handle him safely.

Ease the ache of confinement.

As your vet if chiropractic, acupuncture or massage might help your horse feel more comfortable during his confinement. Like people, the more cooped up a horse is, the more likely he may be to develop aches and pains from not being able to stretch and move. Additionally, read up on stretches and basic massage techniques (if your vet OK’s it) to add in to your grooming sessions.

Ask others to stop by and say “hi” as well.

Most horses love attention, whether it’s in the form of treats, a scratch in those hard-to-reach places or a simple soothing word. Ask your fellow barn mates to stop by his stall and check on him when they’re at the barn so he doesn’t feel as isolated.

Don’t Be Liable: The Down-and-dirty on Equine Liability Insurance

Wed, 12 Oct 2016 13:02:17 GMT

Equine liability insurance options can seem daunting, but whether you own a boarding barn or keep horses in your back yard, they’re necessary to keep you safe from legal action. And even if you don’t own a farm, carrying some form of equine liability insurance may help keep you safe lawsuits. Read on to find out why.

By Sarah E Coleman

Investigating insurance of any kind can be overwhelming, whether you’re looking at health insurance, life insurance, truck and trailer insurance or equine insurance. And as equine insurance is something many horse enthusiasts feel they don’t have to have, it can easily fall by the wayside (it can be hard enough to remember to renew our equine association memberships at the end of the year!).

However, being uninsured or under-insured can be even scarier: The thought of losing your farm, your home, your horses and most of your assets is enough to make any horse owner quiver in their muck boots. While you may feel that your clients are stand-up people who wouldn’t sue you, it’s important to remember that many times, the injured do not have an option in whether or not legal action is taken—their insurance company makes that call.

So, what insurance is best for you?

Liability Insurance: Who Needs it?

Sadly, in the litigious world we now live in, having liability insurance is more than just peace of mind--it can be key to protecting yourself and your assets should you be brought to court.

One term of importance, says Kristin Detwiler, an agribusiness and equine specialist with Gibson Agri & Equine Insurance in Girard, Ohio, is to make sure you’re working with someone who truly understands the equine operation and what needs to be covered.

For example, some home owner’s insurance policies will cover the liability for a few horses kept in the backyard, but will not cover someone who owns a large farm with boarded horses (owned by other people) on the property. For those people who board horses, they need a different policy: a farmowner’s insurance policy.

The easiest way to tell what type of insurance you need is to ask yourself this question: Is someone making a profit from this operation? If they are, this becomes a "commercial" exposure and a commercial farm policy would be needed, as opposed to a personal policy (meaning you make your income elsewhere).

Insurance Options

There are many different types of liability insurance, but agribusiness and farm owner’s policies are typically what is used to cover a farm property and the liability that comes with it, notes Detwiler. Each liability policy is then tailored to the individual based on their needs and their operations.

For example, the liability insurance a boarding barn owner carries will be different from that carried by a trainer who travels to various farms to give lessons, but insurance is necessary for both. What differs for each is what is specifically covered under each policy.

The most popular liability insurance options for those involved in the equine industry are Equine Personal Liability and Equine Professional Liability.
EQUINE PERSONAL LIABILITY

Generally speaking, for someone who just owns a few pleasure horses in their backyard, equine personal liability would be a good fit, explains Detwiler. This type of policy would include coverage for things like damage to another person or to another person’s property. Equine personal liability insurance would cover episodes like a horse getting into the road and then getting hit by a car, damaging the car or injuring the people in the car.

EQUINE PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY

A more-specific policy targeted to professionals in the equine industry, an equine professional liability policy also covers those who may not own a farm or barn from which they provides these services.

COMMERCIAL FARM OWNER’S PACKAGE

When dealing with equestrian professionals who give riding lessons, board, breed, train, offer clinics, riding camps or something similar, a Commercial Farm Owner’s Package would be a better fit as it could cover all these endeavors. A specific policy would again be tailored to the individual, farm or corporation to cover all of the exposures from their equestrian involvement.

This package insurance policy is the most comprehensive (and often the most affordable) way to cover the entire exposure of the farm to those who may try to sue the farm owner—and it’s done on one policy, says Detwiler.
This policy would cover the actual farm property itself (dwellings, barns, machinery, hay and animals) and provide liability insurance. This liability can include liability for boarding, breeding, training, lessons, clinics and more.

Personal Liability Policy

That being said, stand-alone equine personal liability policies for horse owners who do not own their own farm and aren't covering their liability on a farmowner’s policy are also available. This type of insurance is best suited for horse owners who board or lease a horse that is not housed on property they own.

Some homeowner’s insurance policies will cover the liability from owning a horse, but some will not, so it’s worthwhile to call your current carrier to see if they would extend liability to one owned horse, explains Detwiler.

If your current insurance carrier doesn’t extend coverage, equine personal liability insurance should be considered. These policies are generally very reasonably priced. This policy would provide liability insurance for the horse named in the policy, no matter where it goes. For example, if you were to take your horse to a horse show and the horse bit someone who then tried to sue you, this insurance policy would protect you and your assets.

What is NOT Covered With an Equine Insurance Policy

While there is no “blanket” insurance policy, it’s important that any farm with commercial exposure (think boarding, riding lessons, training, etc.) have liability release waivers and hold harmless agreements, which can be drawn up or reviewed by a lawyer. It’s also important that each farm abide by state-specific equine laws, which could include the posting of equine activity awareness signs. (In Kentucky, you can get yours through the Kentucky Horse Council www.kentuckyhorse.org)

“Insurance agencies do not provide such documents,” notes Detwiler. “It is advised that a person meet with an attorney to draft up such paperwork as it will pertain to them and their farm specifically. In writing a commercial farm policy or general liability policy, these waivers are typically required to be used and copies must be sent to the insurance company prior to beginning coverage.”

Insurance in a Nutshell

“If someone owns their own farm, a good catch-all insurance would be an actual farmowner’s policy,” explains Detwiler. “This policy would cover all of the property and the liability based on the liability exposure on the farm itself. For someone who might not own their farm, but is leasing or travels to different barns to give lessons, someone who is doing some boarding, breeding, clinics, or other equine endeavor, a Commercial General Liability policy with equine personal liability and professional liability along with any of the other exposure coverages would be a good catch all.” You could never cover everything on one policy and it can be changed as the exposures change, she notes.

Keeping this in mind, once you have insurance, it’s a good idea to go over your policy each year with your agent when the renewals come due. A lot can change over the course of a year, and you might not think to call your agent every time you offer a new service or hire new employees, but it’s imperative that he or she know exactly what is being done on the farm so they can make sure you’re protected to the very best of the insurance company’s abilities.

It boils down to this: No matter how you are involved in the equine industry, you need to have liability insurance—it depends on what you are doing with the horses that will determine what type of coverage you will need.

It’s All in the Details: Course Designer

Tue, 27 Sep 2016 16:15:10 GMT

Nori Scheffel has long been a fixture at MSEDA sanctioned events, course designing and setting fences, as well as coaching kids and adults, and lending a hand wherever needed.

By Sarah E Coleman

Originally from Calgary, Alberta Canada, Nori Scheffel’s introduction to horses was a bit different than most. Instead of being exposed to horses by a classmate or a babysitter, “I actually started riding because of my school bus driver in Canada: Ruth Ohlmeyer.”

Scheffelridge Farm hosts two hunter/jumper horse shows a year: one in May and one in July. They have a variety of classes and recently added one near to Nori’s heart: the Ruth Ohlmeyer Equitation Challenge. Ruth passed away last year. “If it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t be riding at all,” Nori says.

Nori’s background is deep and varied. “I grew up not knowing there was English riding; being from Calgary, I grew up with the Stampede. I began in the Canadian pony Club, evented through my formative years and then turned into a hunter who rode some dressage.

“My first was a pony named Sugar that Ruth gave my family for Christmas. All three of us [Nori has two sisters] rode and showed her; we did pony club and hunters. She was a 14 hand bay Quarter mare. After that, Ruth gave me her horse Sunny, who was a Saddlebred/Arabian cross that challenged my horsemanship every day. After that, my mom and dad bought us better horses, so I got Gully, Pacific Fire, who was a Thoroughbred I did the hunter jumpers on.

A Change in Country

Nori ended up in the States for a great reason: “We actually moved to California because my dad didn’t want to shovel snow anymore. He bought a house and said ‘we are immigrating to California!’” However, Nori and her sisters refused to leave Canada until they got to show at Spruce Meadows, which was back when the show still hosted hunters.

Nori completed her first year of college at at Palomar College in California, then she needed to leave the country while my Visa paperwork came through. She then attended Yorkshire Riding Centre, where she got a BHSAI (British Horse Society Accredited Instructor). “After school, I worked in Yorkshire and Salisbury for 8 months, then I went to Germany to work at a Grand Prix dressage stable for 7 months. Then I came back to California, where I freelanced teaching and riding. I also started teaching at a local Pony Club.

Life is Better in the Bluegrass

So how DID Nori end up in Kentucky? “I met Dave Scheffel, my husband, when I came back to the States—my mom had hired him and Jim Boyce to shoe my horses when I was overseas. We bought the farm in Paris in 1996, got married and moved to Kentucky the next day. We started building on the 44 acres we originally had bought, then purchased an additional 75 acres 7 years ago.”

Scheffelridge Farm is now home to about 50-odd horses, and the clientele is everything from casual riders, junior, pony kids, hunters, jumpers, dressage, eventing riders and western horses and riders as well; Nori’s husband Dave is a farrier who ropes. Additionally, the Georgetown College Intercollegiate Horse Show Association team trains out of Scheffelridgem as well.

Of all the horses on the farm, Nori owns just one: Secret Madison, or Maddie. She’s a retired 24-year-old Warmblood mare Nori raised and competed in the jumpers.

Delving Into Course Design

So with such varied boarding clients, how did Nori get into course design, as well? “I had a student 16 years ago who worked for Central Kentucky Riding for Hope, which hosts the Paul Frazer dressage show and combined test. At the time, they were lacking a course designer, so she asked me if I would be interested in helping. That’s really where it all began! After that I began building Spring Bay when I was asked by Stanley Wiggs. It’s really grown from there.”

Nori designs everything from unsanctioned events like mini trials and her own jumper shows at the farm to one-star events at the Kentucky Horse Park. “Course designing is my creative outlet. I love fitting the necessities into a pattern that’s smooth but challenging,” she explains.

A Passion for Teaching

When asked what she is most passionate about with regards to her job, Nori explains that “my passion isn’t really riding—it’s seeing my students grow and learn as riders. My specialty is talking people off the ledge!” she says, smiling. “No, in all honesty, my specialty is building confidence in my riders, whether they are timid beginners or adult amateurs who can’t afford to get hurt.

I love when I can teach something well enough that my rider walks out of the ring with a smile—I know they have really learned something—a lightbulb came on and they GET it. And that feeling can come with the smallest thing—any sort of breakthrough makes me feel like I have accomplished something meaningful.

Benefits of a MSEDA Scholarship

Tue, 27 Sep 2016 12:27:24 GMT

By Susan Harris

Continuing Education is amazing! Last winter I was very fortunate to receive a scholarship form MSEDA. This scholarship allowed me to attend the outstanding USDF Trainers Conference in Wellington, Florida. The symposium was with Johann Hinnemann. He has been the coach for German, Dutch and Canadian Olympic Teams. He also is a Reitmeister or Master Rider.

Every year the seminar is held at a beautiful farm in the White Fences Equestrian community. The participants range from 1st level through Gran Prix. The horses and riders are outstanding! Each pair has specific issues that are addressed in their sessions.

It is such a wonderful learning experience to sit around and watch these amazing athletes. It is always good to hear the about new techniques in dealing with training problems and to refresh yourself on the basics.

The following are some of the ideas and exercises I found particularly helpful:

Focus and structure:

Saying out loud what you plan to do at each letter.
Visualize each movement you plan to do.
How should it look - how to prepare to do the movement – finish & evaluate.

Ideas

Not to go so deep in corners as to upset the rhythm or cadence.
Always shoulder fore.
Canter to achieve more activity.
Many transitions within the gaits and in lateral exercises.
Renew activity – example, medium to collected to medium.
Look where you want to go.
Clean simple aids and repetition.

I am still excited about the seminar. Learning so many great exercises and new ideas is wonderful. I continually refer to the extensive notes that I took during the conference.

In addition to attending the MSEDA Trainers Conference, I went to the USDF Certified Trainers Symposium with featured speaker Shelley Francis. (Shelley and her horse, Doktor were the alternates for the United States in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio).

Shelley gave an overview of her training philosophy. I loved her simple and quite approach, while maintaining the utmost attention to detail. We viewed her instructing to several of her students. She also gave a fabulous demonstration on her Grand Prix horse, Danilo.

Fortunately Shelley made room for me to take several weekly lessons the entire time I was in Wellington. My 6 year old horse, Endeavor, who is just starting 3rd level greatly benefited from Shelley’s patient training methods. Shelley really helped with his overly enthusiastic Flying Changes.

My students benefit every day from the new exercises I learned, my better eye on the ground and the enthusiasm I attained while in Florida. I appreciate the financial help from MSEDA very much! Florida 2016 was such a wonderful experience.

Thank you for your sponsorship!

Susan L. Harris

MSEDA Dressage at the Park

Tue, 27 Sep 2016 12:19:56 GMT

By Sarah E Coleman

This year’s MSEDA at the Park was held on September 9 and 10. Though the show was a bit smaller as many riders has just returned from the American Eventing Championships in Tryon, N.C., and it ran between some United States Dressage Federation Regional Championships.

A total of seven USDF teams competed, with five adult teams and two youth teams. The results can be found here: http://showsecretary.com/rs.asp?Show_ID=602

The 2017 show dates are September 8-10 at the Kentucky Horse Park. There will be both USDF Youth and Adult team competition once again.

We would love your feedback on the competition!

We look forward to seeing you in 2017!

Don’t Choke!

Wed, 21 Sep 2016 13:10:12 GMT

While choking in humans can be a very violent, noisy affair, choke in horses can present in a very different way.

By Sarah E Coleman

What horses are at risk?

The main cause of choke in horses is a lump of poorly chewed food, though horses can choke on non-food items, as well. These objects are typically rocks or some other item a horse samples, or could be wood if a horse is a cribber.

Horses that bolt their feed are more at risk for choke than horses that eat more slowly, as they eat as much food as they possibly can as quickly as possible. Additionally, older horses that have bad (or no) teeth are also at higher risk for choke as they have a harder time chewing their food properly.

Horses that eat specific types of feed can also be predisposed to choke: pelleted feeds, in particular, can cause a horse to choke as they are compressed during the processing of the feed, then expand when exposed to moisture, like saliva.

How to diagnose choke

While not all chokes present the same way, some indications that your horse may be choking include:

Standing with his neck held straight out and down
Repeatedly trying to swallow (the horse might seem like he is gagging)
Drooling
Saliva and/or food or grass coming out of the horse’s nose
Coughing

How choke is handled

No matter what, choke is a veterinary emergency. While you’re waiting for your vet, if you’re comfortable doing so, you can sedate your horse to try to get him to relax. Sometimes the sedation alone will allow your horse to relax enough that the mass will pass. Once your vet arrives, she will administer anti-spasmodic medicine to try to get his esophageal muscles to relax. If this does not work, she will pass a tube through your horse’s nose until it hits the obstruction. She will them pour warm water into the tube and empty it repeatedly as she tries to gently push down the mass. The goal is to soften the mass with enough liquid to allow it to pass into the stomach. If your vet is unable to get the mass to pass manually, your horse may need surgical removal of the obstruction.

Once your vet gets the mass to pass, which may take quite a bit of time, you will most likely be advised to not let the horse eat for 24 hours. This time allows the throat to rest and begin healing from the trauma of the lodged mass. Once your horse can eat again, he will most likely need to eat food that has been softened with water before transitioning back to dry food in a few days.

Your vet will administer pain medications to your horse to alleviate the inflammation from where your horse had the obstruction. Choking horses are also at risk of developing pneumonia, so your vet may opt to place your horse on a round of broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Reasons why horses choke

Horses can choke for a variety of reasons, but some of the most common are:

Anxious about grain meals (there are also many causes of this, but it could be related to having had food withheld from him in the past, being low in the pecking order, etc.)

Not enough saliva

Poor dentition

Complications from EPM (where muscles surrounding the larynx may not work as well and allow food to get trapped

Injury to the esophagus (either from trauma or a tumor)

How to prevent choke

There are certain things that can be done to prevent choke. These include:

Getting your horse’s teeth checks at least twice a year, more if he is older or having issues
Feeding a non-pelletized feed
Using a slow feeder for grain meals or drop some large, smooth stones in his bucket if he bolts his feed
Adding water to his meals to make them more moist
Feeding more grain meals so he is not as anxious to bolt feed
Feeding hay first so he is not as hungry when his grain comes
Separating him to eat if he is fed in a herd and bolts his feed
Having water available to him when he eats grain meals

MSEDA Missy Ransehousen Training Session

Tue, 30 Aug 2016 15:32:16 GMT

By Kristen M. Janicki, MS, PAS

The Mid-South Eventing and Dressage Association welcomed Missy Ransehousen on August 21-22^nd at Masterson Station Park in Lexington, Kentucky. Missy has made her own mark on the equestrian world through her chosen sport of eventing. Many would view her to have an obvious advantage of growing up with an Olympic legend (her mother, Jessica), but proving herself in this sport has been based on hard work & dedication. When you grow up in the shadow of a three-time Olympian, you work hard, develop your own style, and choose what you love the most: coaching & eventing!

Photo by Erica Spradling

Saturday's Dressage Lessons

Day one began with individual dressage lessons at the Dressage Complex under cloudy and sometimes rainy skies. Tiffany Smith and the lovely bay gelding Indigenous Gent (currently competing at the preliminary level) took to the sandbox first. Missy and Tiffany joked about her horse “assuming the position” in dressage, so they took to challenging him to take his frame outside of his comfort zone. After a brief warm-up, Missy instructed Tiffany to canter a 20-meter circle in the center of the ring, working on stretching the horse’s head and neck downwards. Keeping him supple through his jaw will his body to follow suit. “This horse doesn’t need to be low in his frame but should be through,” Missy said.

Photo by Kristen Janicki

Then, staying on the circle in that downwards stretch, Tiffany worked on bending him to the outside for several strides, allowing him to straighten and then bending to the inside. By straightening her upper body, Tiffany brought Indy’s head and neck up. “If, when you lift, he starts bracing, bring his head and neck back down and ask again,” Missy explained. She encouraged Tiffany to keep the canter swinging, and, if it starts to feel up and down, push forward for a bigger stride.

Tiffany Smith. Photo by Kristen Janicki

Tiffany also admitted that riding the corners are a challenge for her, so Missy reminded her to keep her eyes and chest up to prevent the upper body from tipping forward in the corners. Instead of using her inside lower leg to support and bend the horse’s body, Tiffany should close her inside thigh with steady lower leg contact.

Beginner novice level riders, like Claire Mulhollem and Anastacia Curwood, worked to create a steady rhythm throughout the three gaits. At the trot, Missy had them work off the rail and leg yield over on the long side, using their legs and body to move the horse rather than directing with the reins.

Anastasia Curwood. Photo by Kristen Janicki

To improve your horse’s walk, Missy suggests stretching your leg downwards and be conscious of your position in the saddle, sitting tall. If you are wearing spurs, turn your toe outwards keeping your legs long rather than shortening your lower leg position. Riders should “feel your horse’s hind legs stepping underneath them,” Missy said.

Sunday’s Stadium Jumping

Beginner Novice

Beginner Novice group, consisting of Sharon Anthony and Claire Mulhollem, worked on creating a steady rhythm to the fences either at a trot or canter and keeping the same rhythm throughout their courses. For Sharon, Missy wanted her to think about keeping her eyes and chest up with her weight in her heels. This helped to create better balance over the fence itself.

Photo by Erica Spradling

Claire’s big mare tends to get very enthusiastic about jumping and the key element to controlling that energy included maintaining a steadier canter to the fences. Staying centered to the fence, especially off of a turn, requires preparation. Making sure the horse remained on the aids helped Claire prepare for the fence ahead.

Photo by Erica Spradling

Training

Martha Lambert. Photo by Erica Spradling

Hannah Hubsch and Martha Lambert were up next aboard their mismatched mounts, a tall Thoroughbred and Connemara pony. For Martha, Missy concentrated on keeping the connection and hind legs moving. Keeping the horse on the aids and maintaining connection helps the horse balance his body. If the horse loses balance in the turns, “finesse the reins and use a half halt,” Missy said.

Hannah Hubsch. Photo by Erica Spradling

Missy really challenged Hannah’s position over fences, having her shift her hips more underneath her and forward. “That way, as you jump, you don’t have to move as much with your body,” she said.

With her tall and lean mount, Missy told Hannah “don’t get in a hurry to get to the jump with a big horse,” especially one with a lot of scope. Keep the rhythm of the stride you want and close your leg rather than using your upper body to meet a distance.

Novice

It was all about pace and energy for Bridgette Aickelin’s big grey gelding who would rather poke his way around the course. Missy worked on getting Bridgette to use more power while maintaining the same ground-covering stride, resulting in a steadier smoother round and scopier jumps.

With Megan Lynn, Missy emphasized her position to help Biggin’s jump. “Don’t throw your shoulders forward, he has to jump up to you”. Maintaining a firm lower leg in the last stride to the fence helped to keep the stride moving forward.

Photo credits: Kristen Janicki (Saturday), Erica Spradling (Sunday).

MSEDA would like to thank Missy Rasehousen for sharing her eventing expertise with all of the horses and riders.

For more information about MSEDA, go to www.mseda.org

Just Say Whoa to Weeds

Wed, 17 Aug 2016 00:15:25 GMT

Weed control in pastures can seem futile, especially if you have limited space and resources, but proper pasture management is key to making sure your horse’s get the most nutrition from turnout.

By Sarah E Coleman

We all know that horses can be picky eaters, so it behooves farm managers and owners to eliminate as many weeds as possible in their fields. While it may not be possible to eliminate every weed single weed, in reality you may not want to: some weedy plants provide horse’s with nutrients, as odd as that may seem. In Kentucky, some of the most common non-palatable weeds include curly dock and tall ironweed, but crab grass is readily eaten by most horses.

Thankfully, most horses will not eat poisonous plants unless there is no other forage option available. Here in Kentucky, the most poisonous to horses are horsechestnut, red maple, wild black cherry, Japanese yew, mountain laurel and rhododendron.

Weeds are tough buggers: they tend to be more aggressive than grasses and other desired forages, competing with them for water, light and soil nutrients. If nothing is done to stop them, weeds tend to win and take over entire fields.

Ways to Win the Weed War

The way you manage your fields will have a major impact on the presence (or lack thereof) of weeds. While it may not be possible to incorporate every weed control strategy, the goal is to incorporate some practices that promote the growth of desired plants instead of weeds, which thrive on low soil fertility levels.

To maintain fields well, you need to use some of the following strategies:

Use controlled grazing practices
Maintain proper soil pH and fertility levels
Mow at the proper time of year and for the stage of maturity of the weeds and forage
Renovate pastures as needed
Allow new plants to become established before turning out horses on the fields
Apply herbicides

Typically an effective program will need to incorporate a few of these strategies.

Overgrazing is typically the most-probable cause of weedy pastures, but if you have only one pasture or your field is small, consider sectioning off portion of the field using electric fencing tape that is easy to move. While this may not be possible on every farm, keeping horses off of parts of the pasture to allow the grass to grow is one of the best ways to improve pasture quality.

Now is the time to seed (just be sure that the seed tag tells you how pure the seed is you are applying!)! Seeding in late summer or early fall will let the crop get established and compete with weeds like yellow foxtail and crabgrass that will come on in the spring; a spring seeding will have to compete with these weeds. However, weeds like chickweed will compete with the grass seed in the fall. There is no time of year where you can seed that will 100 percent guarantee that your seed will take, sadly.

It may be most beneficial to apply grass seed in late summer or early fall and then seed legumes the next spring. Application of seed in this manner would allow you to apply a broadleaf herbicide in the spring before seeding the legume species if you wanted to.

You should test your soil before applying any herbicide or seeding so you know if any additional steps will be necessary to give your seed the best shot at surviving. Knowing your soil’s pH and nutrient levels will help you judge whether or not you should add lime or fertilizer first. The addition of lime or fertilizer alone will not usually help control weeds—in fact, some weeds respond well to lime application in the field—exactly what you DON’T want!

Herbicides can be used on fields, but to just apply them willy-nilly will do no good. If the forage in the herbicide-treated field is not strong enough (and actively growing), new weeds will begin to grow in the bare areas where the older weeds died.

Know When to Mow

Mowing can help control weed growth, but it is mainly effective in preventing and reducing seed production—which means you need to mow when weeds are growing, but before flowers or grass seed heads come on. Fields mowed after weed seeds become mature don’t prevent future weed development. In fact, some weeds grow better once they have been clipped (cocklebur)!

Mowing should be done when weeds are about 12 to 18 inches tall. Best results come when the vegetation is mowed as close to the ground as possible. It’s even more important to mow pastures that have been selectively grazed by horses as this will help reduce or prevent seed production of the plants that were not eaten.

Not all weeds are inhibited by mowing, however. Dandelions and crabgrass, for example, tend to be more prevalent in pasture that are mowed frequently; however horsenettle and johnsongrass can be suppressed by repeated mowing (pick you poison, eh?).

Should You Use an Herbicide?

The type of herbicide you use on your field will be largely be determined by what weeds are present, but that is not the sole deciding factor as to whether or not using an herbicide on your farm is necessary.

Other things that should be considered are:

Stage of weed growth
Amount of weeds present
Temperature and rainfall
Time of year
Cost
Waiting period after treatment necessary before horses can be returned to the field

If you determined that your farm is a candidate for herbicide application, a good general rule of thumb is to keep horses off treated fields for 7 to 14 days, though some herbicides state that they have a zero day waiting period

County extension agents are some of the most underutilized tools for horse owners and farm managers. If you have questions on your pasture and its management, it can be helpful to contact your local agent for help.

Find the agent for your county here.

For more info on herbicides, click here.

What the Borell Case Means for the Future of Neglected Horses in Kentucky

Wed, 17 Aug 2016 00:08:37 GMT

By Sarah E Coleman

By now, everyone in the state of Kentucky has heard of the equine neglect case involving Chuck Borell and his daughter Maria, a Breeder’s Cup-winning trainer, who, as of early August, had a warrant out for her arrest. With 43 counts of second-degree animal cruelty against her, she has not yet been served, as she has not returned to Kentucky.

There were 43 horses involved in the case on the 121-acre farm in Mercer County; 28 of the horses in the best physical shape were left on the farm. Eight horses were moved to the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s Blackburn Correctional Facility and several others that were not Thoroughbreds were taken in by the Kentucky Horse Park (but are not on Park grounds). Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farms took in two Thoroughbreds.

Though the horses are now being taken care of, those passionate about equine welfare felt that it took much too long for the horse’s health to become a priority. Adding to the confusion, it was clear before the horses were moved to the Mercer County farm that they were being neglected—so how did 43 horses slip through the cracks?

Why Did it Take So Long to get Anything Done?

While many people were unhappy with the how long it took for the horses to receive care, the state had to play by the rules—which, like most animal welfare laws in the state, seem to be subpar.

Trainer Ken Summerville, who used to keep horses with Borell before losing them in a legal dispute, stopped at the farm in Mercer County in hopes of seeing his old horses. What he found was overwhelming; the horses were in poor condition and a volunteer at the farm let him know that neither Borell had been to the farm in weeks.

Summerville alerted the local sheriff, Ernie Kelty, and waiting for the sheriff to begin to investigate the case. That step alone took weeks, though they did provide the horses on the farm with a limited supply of hay. Once Summerville called again, saying that the horses were now in dire straits, and when the press got ahold of the story, things began to move.

The state veterinarian in Kentucky, Rusty Ford, became the point person in the case. The first that had to be tackled before anything else could be done was discovering just who WERE the horses on the farm? As they were having no luck reaching either Borell, the onus fell on the state to determine who each horse was who was on the farm.

Thankfully, The Jockey Club stepped in to help determine who the Thoroughbreds were. DNA samples were taken for every horse on the Mercer County farm and The Jockey Club has worked diligently on identifying the horses. Work was also done to not only identify the horses, but their owners, as well.

In some cases, however, the horses had not been registered, so there was no way to locate an owner. So what happens to these horses?

What Happens to These Horses?

Previously, in Kentucky, any horse that was a “stray” had to be held for 90 days before anything could be done with it (given away, sold, etc). This means that if a horse was abandoned at a boarding barn, the barn owner had to feed and care for the horse for at least 90 days before he or she was allowed to take possession of the animal; from there they could do with it as they wished.

Thankfully, in 2015, this stray hold period was cut from 90 days to 15 days—a huge boost for those working to save horses from dangerous situations. This law, while helpful for potentially cash-strapped communities without the resources to care for stray horses, also is helpful to farm owners who must care for a horse for a shorter period of time before trying to recoup some of their losses.

The horses involved in the Borell case are now listed on the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s website on the “Stray or Abandoned Horses” page. This page is searchable by both county and breed; every effort is being made to locate the owners of the horses that are not registered.

Why Didn't More Thoroughbred Entities Step Up?

While it would seem like a logical choice for Thoroughbred aftercare organizations to rally around the horses abandoned on the Mercer County farm, it’s not that simple. Very few Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance-(TAA) accredited organizations could provide shelter to the Mercer County horses because of the way the organizations operate: To take in a horse, the horse must transfer ownership to the accredited organization; the organizations are not entities that provide foster care. Transfer of ownership was not an option in the Borell case as it was still under investigation; horses rightfully owned by someone could not be given away without the proper protocol having been followed.

But the equine industry didn’t let the case go unnoticed. They quickly rallied, with multiple veterinarians and shipping companies offering aid; donations rolled in to local feed companies and volunteers willingly gave up hours upon hours to care for the horses at the farm.

So What Happens Now?

While the horses in this care are gaining weight and being cared for, their owners are still sought. While things seemed to move slowly in this case, it has shed light on some of the inadequacies in the equine welfare system, and things are in the works to change them and strengthen equine welfare laws.

The Kentucky Equine Health and Welfare Council unanimously approved a motion to examine changes to animal welfare laws. The council is chaired by Ford, who has first-hand knowledge of how poorly the system has worked in this case in particular. It is hoped that Kentucky laws will be clarified so that officials might take control of abandoned horses more easily. As a comparison, law enforcement officials are able to more-easily take possession of smaller animals like dogs and cats.

Also suggested for additional changes are increased sanctions for those who have committed crimes as well as a possible emergency fund safety net for horses that are in dire situations.

Feeding for Weight Gain

Fri, 05 Aug 2016 12:17:44 GMT

By Excel Equine Feeds

Ulcers will cause the horse to have a lack of appetite and be ill tempered due to pain. This happens more commonly with horses kept in stalls that do not have access to walking around on pasture and grazing for at least a portion of the day. It is also prevalent in competition horses that experience stress from travel and competing at a high level.

Make sure that if your horse acts like he or she might have ulcers, to consult your veterinarian and get them on medication to alleviate this.

Also, free choice hay helps greatly with ulcers, and should really be a management practice already in place for all of your horses. The horse naturally needs consistent fiber going through its digestive system to buffer the gut. Horses produce acid in the stomach all the time, not just when they eat. So when their stomach is empty, acid is still present and can cause ulcers if there is not roughage running through digestive system.

It is like choosing a small handful of nuts over a bowl of cereal…you might be getting the same calories, but in a much different amount!

Adding fat can be in the form of purchasing a higher fat feed or adding rice bran or oil to your horse’s ration. Remember to add all changes to a horse’s diet slowly as to not upset the microbes in large intestine. Another good point about feeding added fat is that it often provides a slow burn type of energy that does not cause extra excitability…it can actually improve behavior instead!

We as horse owners just have to figure out how to get those calories back into your horse and why they might not be enough at the current rate being given. Make sure to also utilize your feed company’s equine nutritionist and you should be on your way to having a happy and healthy animal that is at a good weight and thriving.

Hagyard MidSouth Team Challenge Rules and Info

Thu, 28 Jul 2016 16:20:17 GMT

Taking place on Oct. 19 at the Kentucky Horse Park, the Hagyard Midsouth Three-Day Event and Team Challenge offers a unique format for MSEDA member competitors: the opportunity to ride on a team. Teams are available at the following levels: Beginner Novice, Novice, Training and Preliminary.

Riders interested in riding on a MSEDA team should email Martha Lambert at landsendfarm@hotmail.com and ask to be placed on a team. If the team is not full, they are added to the team roster.

Riders will need to send in their entry and fee (on opening day, by mail) to the show secretary—but the check for their entry fee should be made out for $100 less than the traditional price, as MSEDA will “sponsor” the team.

All MSEDA-sponsored team members get an embroidered ear bonnet and saddle pad.

This is a great way to ride in a team environment and for MSEDA to give back to their members!

Sneaky Ways to Beat the Heat

Mon, 25 Jul 2016 16:32:49 GMT

While many people think those of us who are horse-obsessed are crazy to ride when it’s so blessedly hot outside, we all know better: the horse world doesn’t stop, whether for heat, rain, cold or wind (or anything in between!). Though riding through August in the Bluegrass can bring its own set of challenges, whether it’s hydration, proper clothing or finding time during the coolest part of the day to ride, we wouldn’t change it for the world.

By Sarah E Coleman

Not all riders have the ability to ride before work before the heat really comes on, whether because of unusual work hours, the distance to the farm or because the farm amenities don’t support riding while it’s dark outside. If you’re forced to ride during the heat of the day, there are some precautions you can take to get the most out of every ride—even if it’s brutally hot outside.

One thing to note, however, is that there are going to be some days that are truly too hot to ride. While none of us like to lose training days, it’s more important that both you and your horse stay safe. Heat stroke—horse and human--is no joke and can have dire consequences.

The National Weather Service says that a heat indices of 102-124 degrees F are “dangerous”--so you should begin to contemplate not riding at all. If the heat index is 125 degrees F or higher, you shouldn’t ride at all, as both you and your horse become at risk for heat stroke, which is where the body loses the ability to regulate its temperature because of excessive heat.

Keeping Your Cool

So if you’re in the “safe” temperature zone to ride, but it’s still uncomfortably hot, consider these tricks to make your hack a bit more comfortable.

Hack in the woods. It can be up to 20 degrees cooler in the shade, so consider taking your horse out of the ring to walk on shady trails. A long hack, or one that involves hills, can make your horse exert himself physically, making him use his back and hind end, while not having the sun beating down on him.

Consider investing in clothing that’s made of technical fabrics. While it can seem silly at first to spend in upwards of $60 on a shirt you will get filthy at the farm, there really is something to be said about the wicking properties of the fabrics. More breathable than cotton, they can help keep you cooler; shirts with mesh under the arms also increase airflow. And don’t think you have to buy these shirts at a tack shop—Dicks, Target and even Wal-Mart usually have some clothing options in their athletic wear sections (might be a good excuse to check out the new outlet shops!).

Wear loose-fitting clothes and consider dampening your shirt before you get on if you’re not ready to take the splurge on a technical riding shirt. While this might not necessarily appropriate for group lessons, if you generally ride by yourself, wetting your shirt before you get on can be a lifesaver. And really, no one will know after about 10 minutes if your shirt is wet from water or sweat!

Investing in cooling vests and bandanas is also an option, though they, too, will wet the shirt you’re wearing. While helpful, they may warm up before you ride is over if you’re hacking for a longer period of time.

Purchase smaller summer wardrobe upgrades. While new, lighter-weight breeches may not be in your budget right this second, you can purchase breathable summer socks and even lighter-weight gloves to help get you through the dog days of summer.

Consider a vented helmet, if you’re in the market to buy a new one. While traditional black velvet caps are always in style, you’ll be amazed at how much cooler your head is if you wear a vented variety. If a new helmet isn’t in your budget, contemplate purchasing a helmet visor to keep the sun from beating on your face and chest.

Wearing lighter-colored clothing can help keep you at least a few degrees cooler, so be a bit picky about what you wear to the barn for a ride.

Take water to the arena with you and be sure to sip it while you take walk breaks. While many sports drinks tout their hydrating properties, some of them are so sugary as to make you feel sick if you guzzle it while overly hot. Cut these drinks with straight water or a flavored water to dilute some of the sweetness.

Consider adding fruit to your barn diet if you can’t seem to drink enough water. Watermelons, peaches and even cucumbers will help you stay hydrated during hot days.

Turn on the sprinkler system in your arena while you ride, if your horse is quiet. It’s sure to make you feel like a kid again!

Place a personal misting fan near your water and use it when you take walk and water breaks. These tiny-but-mighty tools may also help your steed stay cool.

Place a bucket full of cold water and old towels on the side of the arena. Pull one out (don’t wring it out) and place it over your horses neck as he takes a breather. Swipe of the excess water with your hand before you go back to work.

While there are many options to help keep your cool, there’s bound to be some days where it’s just too hot to ride. Chilling out in front of a fan with your horse isn’t a wasted day—it’s simply more time for you to bond.

The Benefits of Clinics

Thu, 14 Jul 2016 11:56:28 GMT

It can seem a bit daunting to ride under a Big Name Trainer whom you don’t know, but clinics are wonderful ways to get a new set of eyes on your riding and add additional insight into ways to make your horse even better.

By Sarah E Coleman

We all have equestrian idols, those we admire for their partnership with their horse, the way they get the job done and even the grace with which they accept a less-than-stellar outcome at a horse show or event.

Lucky for us, many of these equestrian superstars offer clinics as a way to supplement their training and riding income and as a way to give back to the equestrian community. If you’ve never given a second thought to riding in a clinic, now is the time to rethink your decision.

Erin Strader

Erin Strader, Barn Manager and Trainer for the Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center, tries to attend between two and three clinics a year, depending on what her work schedule will allow. She finds clinics helpful as they can help her refresh her riding and look at how her horse goes differently. “They allow me to get a lot of quality instruction in a short amount of time,” she adds. Erin currently has a 5-year-old Irish Sport Horse she got in the fall of 2015 who is ready to move up to Novice.

Though many clinics are typically in a one- or two-day format, Erin prefers the two-day format as she feels that the first day is more of an evaluation period for each horse and rider combination. By the second day, the instructor can really hone in on some key areas that need improvement, she notes.

To prepare for a clinic, Erin ensures that both she and her horse are fit and ready for any jumping or galloping that is asked of them. She also makes sure that her horse is fit to jump the height at which she is entered. She goes into the clinic with a good idea of where the horse will be headed in competition and what specific things she needs to work on. Erin recommends that it’s best to bring up and concerns or issues with your horse at the beginning of the clinic, so the clinician has an idea of what troubles you have been facing and how you have been dealing with them at home.

And don’t think the learning stops when you step off your horse. To get the most from her clinics, Erin tries to bring a notebook with her to jot down phrases and explanations while auditing other lesson groups. “I also try to write a recap of my own lessons at the end of each day, specifically noting what did and did not work for me and my horse. I will also draw diagrams of any jump grids/courses with distances so that I can recreate them at home.”

No matter with whom you decide to clinic, “you can always find at least one takeaway from a clinic, and if nothing else, it gets you and your horse off the farm and used to riding in front of other people in a new place!” Erin says.

Jody Cattell

Jody Cattell clinic between two and four times a year for a few reasons: “It is one of the only ways I hasve of getting comprehensive cross-country instruction,” she notes. Jody lives in Columbus, Ohio, where event barns are virtually non-existent. “I am usually the only eventer where I board and/or take lessons, so clinics are one way of meeting other event riders--I know more event riders in Michigan than any other state because I’ve attended so many clinics over the years at Hunters Run in Metamora!” she says.

In addition to the camaraderie, Jody appreciates that clinics are typically relaxing environments; there are “no boots to polish or coats to wear. Often there is a group dinner, which is a good opportunity to ask the clinician questions about conditioning, bits, favorite boots, etc. Plus, they usually have interesting stories to tell,” she explains.

Like Erin, Jody appreciates riding under a different set of eyes. “However, they may say things a little differently that brings on the ‘aha’ moment or have a helpful exercise you have never tried before.” She, too, will address any issues she and her horse are experiencing with the clinician beforehand if the clinician is interested in tailoring the lesson for them specifically. Jody has cliniced with Leslie Law, Kim Severson, Kyle Carter, Doug Payne, and Buck Davidson, as well as Cathy Wieschhoff, Diana Rich and Robin Walker.

Jody has this advice for people who are looking to clinic:

Ask around about the instructor. If you are a beginner novice rider, ask if this person is appropriate choice. There are some clinicians who have more patience than others. If you have not participated in an event (recognized or unrecognized), you might be better off putting your money toward regular lessons instead of one shot with someone whom you may never see again.

Even if you are an experienced rider, you need to know the instructor’s idea of the appropriate degree of difficulty at each level. For example, when I was thinking about moving up to Preliminary with my current horse, I still rode with Buck in a Training group, knowing full well that we would be jumping a lot of Preliminary fences. With another trainer, a Preliminary group might be more like a Training group.

Find out how many riders are going to be in a group. To me, four riders or less is ideal. I won’t ride in a clinic with six riders--the wait time is too long.

If possible, find out from the organizer how the groups are going to be arranged. I think this is an important factor that many people, including organizers, overlook. Ask other people if the organizer arranges the groups properly. Many years ago, I took a clinic from Jimmy Wofford at Training level. No one in my group had ever gone Training. Only one participant had ever been to a recognized event (at Novice). We spent the day jumping 18-inch logs! It’s even worse if you are over faced in clinic--chances are that both you and your horse will lose confidence.

Jody also recommends watching the sessions both before and after yours while you’re at the clinic. The “sessions before yours will help you understand the exercises and what the instructor is looking for. The sessions following your ride will solidify what you learned,” she notes. Jody, also, makes notes as soon as she can to help remember what she has learned.

To make the session enjoyable for others as well, Jody suggest that those riding in a clinic “ask questions, but be careful and be considerate. Don’t ask every question that pops into your head and don’t interrupt the flowing of the session with questions.”

Clinics are great ways to ride your horse under a new set of eyes, meet new friends and gain new tools for your riding toolbox.

Beating Burnout

Sun, 10 Jul 2016 21:08:08 GMT

As the heat keeps coming and the grind of the show season wears on, it can be hard to keep your heart in the show ring game. While many riders can’t afford the luxury of weeks of downtime for either themselves or their mount this time of year to get their heads back in the game, there are some easy tricks to try to keep you from getting burnout on horses and showing. Here are just a few tips to keep things interesting and lively for you and your horse.

By Sarah E Coleman

Every rider knew that one lesson pony when they were younger: The sour steed would pin its ears every time it was saddled, try to scrape an inattentive rider off on the rail or turn and bolt for home while out on a trail ride. While now you can probably assess each of these actions as a sign of burnout and stress for that lesson pony, sometimes determining that your show horse is burned out is a bit harder to do.

Signs of Stress

While your steed may not try to bite you every time you tack him up, more subtle signs like shifting weight away from the saddle or refusing to be bridled may indicate that there is more going on than simply a bad day. Barring health issues (which should be investigated by your vet), your mount might be trying to tell you he is simply done for a bit.

If you mount outside the arena, does it take more encouragement than normal to get your beast to the arena? Does he have a harder time paying attention while in the ring? Is he sticky to go forward or has he lost his crisp changes? Conversely, has he turned into a fire breathing dragon that anticipates everything and adds drama to every request? Any of these could indicate that your horse needs a break from the ring.

Combatting Equine Burnout

While it can be easy to mount up, walk for a few minutes and want to get down to business, to keep your horse from getting tired of his work week, you might want to consider a long, leisurely warmup, maybe even outside of the ring, before asking for more-intense work. Additionally, adding in frequent walk breaks on a loose rein, especially as the heat of summer intensifies, can keep him happy and more eager to work.

Though it’s most likely difficult to work in extended vacations with show season at its height, consider stringing together three or four days where your horse can be just that: a horse. Letting him play outside, roll in dirt and hang out with his friends can do loads for his state of mind. Asking nothing of him but to be groomed and maybe hand graze will hopefully let him return to the ring refreshed and ready to work.

If you’re worried about maintaining fitness, try hacking on trails or even taking him off the farm to new environments to trail ride or play. Knowing that every time he gets in a trailer he won’t be asked to show will also help him maintain an eager attitude. Though long lining and lunging is really “work,” if it’s not part of your horse’s routine, alternating these in with mounted work may be a way to keep him from feeling overworked.

If you really are feeling that the show ring is no longer calling your name, in theory there should be no issue with simply walking away for a while, or in stepping down your competition level to give both you and your horse a mental break. But we all know riders are competitive—that’s why we horse show. It can be hard, but important, to remember that you are not in competition with anyone but yourself. Taking time off, or even stepping down a level, does not mean in any way that you have failed. Actually, it means the exact opposite: you’re acutely in tune with both your horse and yourself.

So what can you do to make riding seem like less of a chore? Consider a lower-key horse show or event, or even taking time to do events like Summer Bird Dressage or some cross-country schooling at Masterson with less pressure.

Instead of going hot-and-heavy with 5 to 6 rides a week, contemplate sitting on your horse three times a week or so, dimply to keep him fit. Riding should not feel like a job (unless it is!) – and it certainly should not be one more thing on an ever-growing to-do list.

Consider finding an additional passion, if you don’t have one already. Kayaking or hiking may be just as fun for you as riding, especially if you can share the time with friends. It’s easy to get trapped in the workworkworkriderideride mentality and not leave room for other fun activities like dinner or drinks with friends or a leisurely walk through the park.

Reassess your goals. While most of us make yearly riding goals in the winter before the show season starts, now is not a bad time to take a step back and reassess if your original goals were on-target or so lofty that you’re pushing yourself and your horse. Though it might be hard to conclude that you may not be making a move up this year, making the determination now may save you months of stress through the remainder of the show season.

Burnout isn't Permanent

That being said, if you’re overwhelmed in additional areas of your life, your horse is being a stinker and you just aren’t feeling the show ring—don’t fret. Your riding mojo will return—it just make take a bit. Don’t make any rash decisions when you’re in a state of unhappiness, like putting your horse for sale or giving away all your show clothes.

Sometimes a few days away from the stresses of the showing ring, as well as some distance from a bad ride, can lend a perspective that’s hard to find when you’re in the throes of show season.

MSEDA Year-End Awards Notice for Members

Thu, 07 Jul 2016 23:32:53 GMT

By Mandy Alexander

Are you interested in getting year-end awards with MSEDA? All members still need to achieve eight (8) hours of volunteering. Four of those hours have to be at either the MSEDA Dressage at the Park show or at Midsouth Team Challenge Horse Trials. There are a couple of awards that need a little extra to achieve. We have put together a list of these awards to help all of our members get the most out of their MSEDA Award experience! Get your information and needs in NOW to have a chance to win these fabulous year end awards!

The FEI Certificate of Achievement

What is it? This award is given in Dressage to any member who completes an FEI test with a minimum score of 57% at a USEF/USDF recognized competition.

What to do to be eligible? You need a copy of YOUR qualifying dressage test from the FEI show. It must have a judge’s signature (but if it’s from the FEI show, it will have it because judges have to sign every test). This must be submitted to the MSEDA Points Secretary along with information on date and location and name of the FEI show you competed in.

ßThe Eventing High Point Adult Amateur Award

What is it? This award is given to the adult amateur (over the age of 21) who has amassed the greatest number of points competing in eventing during the competition year

What to do to be eligible? Submit a copy of your amateur card to the MSEDA Points Secretary!

The Pony Club Award --->

What is it? This award is given to the MSEDA member in good standing who accumulates the highest number of points and is also a member of Pony Club.

What to do to be eligible? Notify the MSEDA Points Secretary of your Pony Club status!

Important Note Points on this award don’t start accumulating until the Points Secretary is notified!

The Hall of Distinction Award

What is it? It is awarded to any MSEDA member who completes an FEI competition (Dressage or Eventing). A trophy plaque will be presented in the initial year of induction. Each subsequent completion will be recognized with a new brass plate to be added to the plaque.

What to do to be eligible? Members must self-report for this award. Proof of FEI completion must be sent to the MSEDA Points Secretary

ßThe Grasshopper Award

What is it? Awarded annually to the high point OTTB in the Eventing division.

What to do to be eligible? The horse must be tattooed and nominated for eligibility. Members must notify the MSEDA Points Secretary.

So, if you think you would like to apply for any of these awards please notify the MSEDA Points Secretary, Mary Margaret Sterling as soon as possible! Imagine, you could have a lovely perpetual award or certificate or plaque to show off as a reminder of your achievements for the year! Good luck and happy competing MSEDA!

Alternative Therapies Part Two

Tue, 21 Jun 2016 14:34:30 GMT

By Sarah E. Coleman

There are many options to keeping your horse in top condition—here are three more of the most commonly used techniques.

Myofascial Release

Myofascial release is a hands-on technique that uses sustained pressure on restricted areas in the horse to eliminate pain. It focuses on the fascia, the web of three-dimensional connective tissue that surrounds every cell in a horse’s body. This technique is also used to restore motion in the horse.

Similar to a spider’s web, the fascia is literally one structure that runs from head to tail in the horse’s body, covering every bone, muscle, nerve, vein and artery. The constant pull of the fascia provides stability to the horse’s body. Healthy fascia is wavy and relaxed; it can stretch and move easily. When there is damage or inflammation, however, the fascia becomes restricted and a source of tension and pain.

Myofascial release treats this fascia dysfunction. The use of sustained pressure on the area of restriction for 90-120 seconds allows the tissues to release. The practitioner then follows the release down the horse’s body to make all tissues soft and pliable once again, taking the pressure off sensitive tissue, and restoring alignment and mobility.

Myofascial release is typically used in conjunction with other modalities to treat horses. It differs from chiropractic care as it does not directly manipulate the bone structure of the horse. It also differs from massage therapy as massage therapy providers shorter-term results by addressing the elastic components of the fascia. Myofascial massage provides longer-term results as it engages the entire fascial system.

Myofascial therapists need not be veterinarians, but many have taken classes to learn techniques. The laws about if they need veterinarian supervision vary from state to state.

Lower-level Laser Therapy

Low-level laser therapy (also known as LLLT, therapeutic laser or cold laser) uses monochromatic and coherent light to stimulate healing in equine injuries. This laser is not the same as thermal or surgical lasers. The use of this modality aids in pain relief, reducing inflammation and increasing the strength of tissues. These lasers cannot damage living tissue.

“Laser” stands for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. Lasers supply energy to the body in the form of photons of light, which transmits through the skin and fat, increasing cellular metabolism, which assists in healing

While traditionally known for their ability to heal acute injuries, these lasers also help stimulate the body’s repair processes for chronic conditions. Some of the most common applications for laser therapy include tendon injuries, back issues and osteoarthritis, in addition to wound healing. A laser’s effect is cumulative, and is usually used in conjunction with other modalities.

Some cold lasers are available for purchase with no training (most just have an on/off switch), but it is wise to work with a veterinarian or other practitioner who is familiar with both equine anatomy and the machine. Programmable lasers that have varying power levels typically require classes and a certification to purchase and use.

Osteopathic Care

Osteopathy is based on the idea that tissue that has a sufficient blood supply, nerve supply and lymphatic drainage will be healthy. Osteopathy uses physical manipulation to remove tension and restrictions in the horse’s body, restoring and maintaining health.

Osteopaths use their hands to identify problem areas in the horse’s body, then use gentle stretches and adjustment techniques to manipulate joints to facilitate healing. Osteopathic care in horses is not relegated to the spine; it can also help with stiffness, rehabilitation and chronic conditions.

Osteopathic care is traditionally used in conjunction with other modalities to keep a horse in peak condition. While an osteopath need not have a DVM, they typically work in conjunction with primary care veterinarians, though the laws vary from state to state.

MSEDA Needs Your Feedback

Fri, 17 Jun 2016 15:22:36 GMT

The MSEDA Awards Committee is conducting a survey on your Year-End Awards! We invite all MSEDA members to participate & are grateful for your feedback.

Please click here to take the survey!

USEA Area VIII Town Hall during Midsouth Pony Club HT June 24

Thu, 16 Jun 2016 13:18:18 GMT

We invite everyone to attend the upcoming Area VIII Town Hall Meeting! This is a great place to connect with the USEA.

From the USEA's website

"Area VIII is next up in a series of 11 town hall meetings being hosted around the country this year. The town hall meetings are a continuation of the Eventing 2016-2026 Summitwhich was held at the 2015 USEA Annual Meeting and Convention. Those in attendance will be invited to discuss the issues facing the sport and their recommendations on how the USEA can address them. Members of the USEA Board of Governors, USEA staff and local leadership will be present to listen and take notes on the input provided. All town hall meetings will be free and open to all people with a stake in U.S. Eventing. Food will be served to all attendees. "

Please click here to read more.

Alternative Therapies

Wed, 08 Jun 2016 15:08:44 GMT

There are multiple modalities available to aid ailing horses now than ever before. Here are just a few ways you can help your horse feel his best in addition to traditional Western medicine. Many of these are used in conjunction to keep your steed feeling top-notch. The first in a two-part series will cover the two most common alternative therapies: acupuncture and chiropractic care.

By Sarah E Coleman

While Western medicine has long been the gold standard of equine care in the United States, over the past few decades, dedicated horse owners have been expressing interest in a wide range of non-mainstream modalities to keep their horses feeling top-notch.

Here are just a few of the alternative therapies that can assist you in your quest to keep your horse feeling his best.

Acupuncture

One of the most-common Eastern medicine modalities, acupuncture is used most commonly for musculoskeletal complaints, explains Dr. Martha Rodgers of Shephard Hill Equine in Lexington, Ky. “Acupuncture can also be utilized as a treatment for other conditions, like cardiac, respiratory, reproductive and gastrointestinal issues, as well as part of a wellness exam.”

Acupuncture involves the insertion of a needle over specific points of a horse that correlate to certain anatomic structures of the nervous system. The needles cause a small place of trauma, which incites a local inflammatory response. This in turn triggers increased blood flow and muscle relaxation.

While most people are familiar with the use of just needles for acupuncture (called “dry needling”), there are additional acupuncture modalities that can be used to help a horse. Dr. Rodgers explains the different types of acupuncture therapy:

-          Dry needling
-          Aquapuncture, the injection of a fluid through the needle (typically B12), which will continue to stimulate the point after the needle is removed and until the liquid is absorbed
-          Moxibustion, where an herb is burned over an acupuncture point to stimulate the point
-          Electroacupuncture (also called electrostimulation), where electrodes are attached to the acupuncture needles and a pulsing electrical current is applied

Any of these acupuncture treatments can offer both local and systemic effects. They all cause vasodilation and a change in pain fiber transmission. Acupuncture can also cause histamine and endorphin release, promoting healing.

While some people have their horses regularly receive acupuncture treatments, it truly is a case-by-case basis. Whether or not your acupuncturist needs to have a doctorate in veterinary medicine degree varies state by state, but because of the use of needles and the potential for harm to an underlying structure (ie. joint or vessel) a DVM is usually required to have a thorough knowledge of the horses’ anatomy.

Chiropractic Care

Like acupuncture, chiropractic care seeks to keep your horse in optimal health. Chiropractic care, however, assesses the alignment and mobility of the spine. When any area is out of alignment, also called subluxation, your horse can be affected in a myriad of ways, including pain and changes in gait. This misalignment can also cause a physical issue by limiting the range of motion and flexibility typically exhibited in a joint.

A chiropractor will apply force to a misaligned vertebra or joint to return it to its proper position. Depending on the issue being addressed, you may see an immediate improvement or the recovery may be more gradual, taking place over a period of days.

Similar to acupuncture, chiropractic care can be an ongoing regimen for your horse, or it can be used on an as-needed basis once any initial issues are addressed. For some horses, chiropractic sessions are helpful when regularly scheduled for an underlying issue.

Like acupuncturists, different states require chiropractors to have different certifications, though 20 of the state currently require that equine chiropractors hold a degree in veterinary medicine. An additional 20 require that the equine chiropractor be under the supervision of a practicing vet.

In the next issue: equine myofacial release, the use of lasers and osteopathic care.

Snowbird Team Challenge a Huge Success

Mon, 06 Jun 2016 18:49:31 GMT

By Sarah E Coleman

Snowbird Dressage has been a staple in the Bluegrass since 1987. Hosted by Julie Congleton and Judi Tudor, the dynamic duo began to wonder how they could reinvent their ever-popular show series. Thus, Snowbird Team Challenge was born.

Launched this past winter, the Team Challenge offered riders an opportunity to ride as a team in addition to riding for individual awards. “You sign up as a team of three, paying a one-time fee of $30 to register the team. You can mix the levels of the team, meaning you could have one rider at walk/trot, another at training or any combination you want in regards to team members,” explains Julie.

Teams had to compete at three of the five Snowbird Dressage shows, and then points were awarded in accordance with placings, similar to how Mid South awards points in first through fifth place. A “low score” was not dropped, it riders who attended four or five of the shows accumulated more points than those who only rode in three shows. There were 14 teams that competed this year.

Teams must use the same horse and rider combinations, and riders could not change levels; a team test must be declared at the beginning of the series. Though riders can still ride two or three tests (three is the maximum number any horse can participate in), only the declared test counts toward team points.

“The Team Challenge classes really increase our numbers,” says Julie. “We were oversubscribed at all five shows! People were all over it.:

And for good reason! The money used to register the teams was put directly back into prizes for the division, explained Julie. “We gave coolers, groom boxes, neck ribbons and saddlepads.” The hope is that the prizes and ribbons would encourage participation in Team Challenge next year, as well.

“We have such a good, loyal group who come to Snowbird,” Julie explained. It has been exciting to offer them a new class, which has been very well received! Both Julie and Judi look forward to offering Snowbird Team Challenge in the upcoming 2016-2017 show season.

For the latest on Snowbird Dressage, find them on Facebook here!

MSEDA Members Give Back at Rolex

Tue, 17 May 2016 20:10:35 GMT

By Sarah E Coleman

MSEDA members give back to their equine communities in a number of ways, including scribing, stewarding, working with show secretaries and more. Some MSEDA members are lucky enough to volunteer at some of the biggest events in the country, including “The Best Weekend All Year:” The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. Find out what integral roles three MSEDA members play to keep the event running smoothly.

Erin Woodall: Chief of Saturday Cross-Country Groom Shuttle

Erin Woodall has been involved with Rolex for the past 20 years, 10 years as a driver for the shuttle and 10 years as the Chief of the Groom’s Shuttle. Erin had been involved in various volunteer roles with Rolex before becoming a shuttle driver. On how she got such an interesting volunteer role, Erin explains “Judi Tudor … put me in a truck and said ‘drive!’”

As Saturday is one of the busiest days of the show for riders, grooms and owners, shuttle drivers provide transportation from the vet box and back for both the people and all the equipment necessary for a competitor in the vet box.

Erin thinks that talking with the riders, grooms and owners is the best perk of her job at Rolex. The people she shuttles have a range of emotions from excitement, deflation and elation, depending on how their rider/horse goes. “Everyone is so appreciative of our group donating our time and use of our personal vehicles,” she says. “The groom shuttle team has grown to be a family who have our reunion at Rolex each year.”

The hardest part of the shuttling job, Erin says, is “not expanding the Groom Shuttle force to 50! I have so many offers from people who want to help, but our crew keeps coming back year after year, and openings are few and far between.” What a great problem to have!

Mary Fike: Stable Manager

Mary Fike has been the Stable Manager at Rolex for the last 34 years. She stepped into the role when Edith Conyers, executive director of Rolex from 1976 to 1985, asked her to be the stable manager after TDing Mary’s Painted Stone Horse Trial in 1982.

The role of stable manager includes a lot of moving parts, not the least of which includes stall assignments and stable credentials. Another main responsibility of the stable manager is to act as a liaison between competition management and the competitors and owners to ensure they have the best Rolex they can. Mary works very closely with Vanessa Coleman, the Competition Manager of Rolex, because her office has become the Show Office for the competitors. Another way Mary keeps competitors happy? “We have the best coffee and donuts for them every morning!”

Mary says that the best part of being Stable Manger is helping the horses and riders. “We have the live feed in the office, and that’s where they come to watch—unless they’re out on the field of play. I get to be part of their ‘talking shop,’ and for the past few years, Sally O’Connor has watched the Saturday cross-country in my office. It’s been wonderful to be able to have her commentary live!”

The hardest part of the Stable Manager’s role is having to say no, she says. People in the office have to act as the intermediary with people who want to get into the barns “just because.” Over the years, Mary has come to know most of the people and can usually tell when someone has a real reason to go into the barns. “Occasionally we get someone who is rude or unpleasant, but not often,” she says.

This year, Mary was featured on the USEF Network! Click here to watch the video on Facebook.

Megan Carr: Vet Box

Megan Carr has been running the End of Phase D/Vet Box at Rolex since 2011. The vet box is a very busy place to be. Once the horses come off cross country, they’re examined by a group of international vets (this year it was Drs. Catherine Kohn, Karen Nyrop, Duncan Peters and Jennifer Miller). Megan is responsible for providing six vet scribes, in two shifts, for the vets to record all the horse’s vitals. Also in the box is a competitor hospitality tent, logistics (which includes ice and water for the horses) and security (since this is a high-activity area, only people with the proper credentials are allowed in)—that’s a lot to coordinate!

“The best part of this role is the amazing crew I have gained over the past six years! This year went off almost without a hitch, and it’s really because I have a crew who work so well together and is so efficient.” The hardest part of her role is problem solving, Megan explains. “There is a lot that can be planned ahead of time, but there are always things that pop up. One year, we had zero electricity, so we had no coffee, which people where not happy about! Some things just can’t be planned for. Also, for the past two years: THE WEATHER!”

Volunteering is a wonderful way to give back to the sport, and there are many exciting volunteer opportunities at Rolex. Getting to see the behind-the-scenes workings of the only four-star event in North America is an added bonus! If you’re interested in volunteering, it’s helpful to speak with someone who already volunteers, or click here for more information: http://rk3de.org/competition/returning-volunteer-login/

Laminitis Update

Mon, 16 May 2016 13:04:01 GMT

While most people see lush, green grasses as a hallmark of spring, many horse owners see bright green warning signs dotting Kentucky fields.

By Sarah E. Coleman

The heavy rains we’ve gotten in Kentucky this spring have led to rich, lush grasses in many pastures and fields. For those who own easy-keeping equine companions, the bright green fields, while lovely to look at, could be a potential disaster.

Horses that “get fat on air” have a higher insulin response, meaning they are at a greater risk of developing laminitis. It has been theorized that this greater insulin reactivity is an evolutionary response from when forage was difficult to come by or of poor quality. When these conditions occurred, it was necessary for a horse to release greater amounts of insulin to support body condition.

When food was plentiful, the increased insulin response allowed horses to lay down more fat, which in turn helped them survive harsh winters. While helpful years ago when herds were wild, this insulin response can be frustrating for modern-day horse owners.

The intake of high-quality pasture (sometimes constant if your horse is out 24/7) that is high in non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) can create sustained levels of high insulin, which can contribute to pasture-associated laminitis. Studies have shown that maintaining very high levels of insulin for 48 to 72 hours in otherwise “normal” horses will reliably cause laminitis. (Asplin et al., 2007, de Laat et al 2012).

The Signs of Laminitis

A very painful condition that affects the laminae in a horse’s hooves, the terms “founder” and “laminitis” are typically used interchangeably, but “founder” generally references outwardly visible signs on the hoof, such as founder rings.

While many of us are well versed in what a stereotypical founder case looks like, recent research has indicated that what had once been considered a hallmark of the disease, the “founder stance,” is actually found in less than 50 percent of cases. In this position, a horse stands with his legs stretched far out in front of him, rocking back on his hind legs to alleviate as much weight bearing as possible on his front limbs.

In a British study of 381 laminitic horses, laminitis was found to occur in all four feet, but both front feet were most commonly and most severely affected, followed by the right fore alone, the left fore alone, then the right hind and left hind, then all four feet. http://www.scarsdalevets.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/DocsEquineCareAboutLaminitis2016.pdf

Although there were no individual signs present in all577 cases used in a 2013 study, the most common signs included:

- difficulty turning
- increased digital pulse
- short, choppy walk

Because some of these common laminitis signs could easily be confused with other conditions (like arthritis), it’s important to be vigilant in the observation of horses turned out on lush grasses.

Becoming familiar with your horse or pony’s normal temperament, gait, hoof temperature and digital pulse will help you notice any abnormal changes. Be aware that the above clinical signs, though being common, don't always occur in every case, so it’s important to also keep an eye out for general discomfort and foot lameness.

Do All Grasses Cause Laminitis?

Not all grasses are harmful to horses. Classified as either cool- or warm-season, depending on how and when they metabolize and photosynthesize sunlight, specific grasses pose health threats at different times of the year. In the spring, cool-season grasses like tall fescue, timothy and orchardgrass are the main concerns for horse owners.

How to Prevent Laminitis

Horses prone to laminitis are those that are overweight or those that have metabolic issues. If your farm has a plethora of these grasses and your horse is prone to laminitis, the following precautions are recommended:

- Adapt him to new spring grasses gradually (start with one hour and increase by 30 minutes each day)

-   Place a muzzle on your horse at all times when he’s turned out
-   Put him in a drylot
-      If you don’t have access to a drylot, only turn your horse out in the very early morning while wearing a muzzle

Take lateral X-rays of your horses feet twice a year to monitor coffin bone position

MSEDA Awards

Mon, 25 Apr 2016 13:24:47 GMT

By Sarah E Coleman

Each year, the Mid-South Eventing and Dressage Association hosts a plethora of year-end awards. Detailed information about all of the award categories and eligibility and qualifications are listed in the Rules and Guidelines. Below is a brief overview of the award categories, and special awards that MSEDA offers each year at the awards banquet. To be eligible for any MSEDA awards, members must take note of the following:

1. The Competition Year begins on November 1 and runs through October 31 of the following year.
2. The rider must be a member in good standing and fulfill the minimum volunteer hours: 8 hours total, 4 of which must be completed at either the Mid South Dressage Show or Mid South Team Challenge.
3. Complete a membership form the horse/rider combination. Points accrue only after activation date is in effect.

The MSEDA awards include:

Horse Trial Awards
Horse Trial Awards are given through fifth place (MSEDA reserves the right to combine sub-classifications if there are fewer than five qualifiers). They are offered in the following categories:

HORSE TRIALS/EVENTS

a) Starter - Junior

b) Starter - Senior

c) Starter - Master

d) Beginner Novice - Junior

e) Beginner Novice - Senior

f) Beginner Novice - Master

g) Novice - Junior

h) Novice - Senior

i) Novice - Master

j) Training - Junior

k) Training - Senior

l) Training - Master

m) Preliminary - Young Rider

n) Preliminary - Senior

o) Preliminary - Master

p) Intermediate

q) Advanced

Additional horse trial awards are given that recognize the following:

* Eventing High Point Award - Midnight Sam Memorial Trophy - Awarded to the horse who has amassed the highest number of points in eventing during the competition year. ** This award consists of a perpetual trophy as well as an individual trophy.

* High Point Eventing Mare - The Philosopher Trophy - Awarded to the mnare who has amassed the highest number of points in eventing during the competition year. ** This award consists of a perpetual trophy as well as an individual trophy.

* Eventing High Point Junior Rider - The Craig Bryant Memorial Trophy - Awarded to the rider under age 18 who has amassed the highest number of points in eventing during the competition year.

* Eventing High Point Young Rider - Awarded to the rider aged 18 to 21 who has amassed the highest number of points in eventing during the competition year.

* Eventing High Point Senior Rider - The Bennet Trophy - Awarded to the rider age 22 - 49 who has amassed the highest number of points in eventing during the competition year.

* Eventing High Point Master Rider -- The Helmut Gratz Trophy - Awarded to the rider age 50 and over who has amassed the highest number of points in eventing during the competition year.

* Outstanding Horse Trials/Event - Must be sanctioned by MSEDA. This award is determined at the annual awards banquet by nomination and vote of the general membership.

The Grasshopper Trophy – Awarded annually to the high point MSEDA offtrack thoroughbred in the eventing division. The horse must be tattoed and nominated for eligibility to MSEDA prior to the end of the competition year. It is the responsibility of the member wishing to be considered for this award to notify the points secretary of eligibility. The award is based on eventing (not Combined Test) points. The member must also meet the volunteer hours requirement in order to be eligible.

*Pony Club Award - Given to the MSEDA member in good standing who accumulates the highest number of points and is also a member of a recognized pony club. It is the responsibility of the member wishing to be considered for this award to notify the points secretary of eligibility. Points begin accumulating upon notification of the points secretary.

* Hall of Distinction Award – Awarded to any MSEDA member in good standing who has completed an FEI competition. A trophy will be presented in the initial year of induction. Any subsequent FEI completions will be recognized at the Annual Meeting. It is the responsibility of the member to notify the points secretary and provide proof of each FEI completion.

Please click here for more information.

Combined Test Awards

Combined Test Awards are given through fifth place (MSEDA reserves the right to combine sub-classifications if there are fewer than five qualifiers). They are offered in the following categories:

COMBINED TEST

a) Starter - Junior

b) Starter - Senior

c) Starter - Master

d) Beginner Novice - Junior

e) Beginner Novice - Senior

f) Beginner Novice - Master

g) Novice - Junior

h) Novice - Senior

i) Novice - Master

j) Training - Junior

k) Training - Senior

l) Training - Master

m) Preliminary - Young Rider

n) Preliminary - Senior

o) Preliminary - Master

p) Intermediate

q) Advanced

Dressage Awards
Dressage Awards are given through fifth place (MSEDA reserves the right to combine sub-classifications if there are fewer than five qualifiers). They are offered in the following categories:

a) USDF Walk Trot - Junior Rider
b) USDF Walk Trot - Senior Rider
c) USDF Walk Trot - Master Rider
d) Training Level - Junior Rider
e) Training Level - Senior Rider
f) Training Level - Master Rider
g) First Level - Junior Rider
h) First Level - Senior Rider

i) First Level - Master Rider
j) Second Level
k) Third Level
l) Fourth Level
m) Fifth Level
n) FEI
o) Musical Kur

Additional dressage awards are given that recognize the following:

* Dressage High Point Award - Awarded to the horse/rider combination who have amassed the greatest number of points competing in dressage during the competition year.

* Dressage High Point Junior Rider - Awarded to the rider under age 18 who has amassed the greatest number of points competing in dressage during the competition year.

* Dressage High Point Senior Rider - Awarded to the rider age 22 - 49 who has amassed the greatest number of points competing in dressage during the competition year.

* Dressage High Point Master Rider - Awarded to the rider age 50 and over who has amassed the greatest number of points competing in dressage during the competition year.

* Dressage High Point Adult Amateur - Awarded to the amateur rider over age 21 who has submitted a copy of his/her USEF amateur card to the Dressage Points Chair and amassed the greatest number of points competing in dressage during the competition year.

* FEI Certificate of Achievement - Awarded to any rider who has achieved a minimum score of 57% at the FEI level at an USEF/USDF- recognized competition. A copy of the qualifying test, including judge's signature, must be submitted to the MSEDA Dressage Points Chair in order to be eligible.

* Dressage High Point Mare - The Tundra Memorial Trophy - Awarded to the mare who has amassed the greatest number of points in dressage during the competition year. ** This includes a perpetual trophy as well as the individual trophy.

* Dressage Company's Musical Kur - Awarded to the horse who has amassed the greatest number of points at musical kur competitions during the competition year.

* Outstanding Dressage Show - Must be sanctioned by MSEDA. This award is determined by nomination and vote of the general membership at the annual awards banquet.

* Pony Club Award - Given to the MSEDA member in good standing who accumulates the highest number of points and is also a member of a recognized pony club. It is the responsibility of the memberwishing to be considered for this award to notify the points secretary of eligibility.

Please click here for more information.

MSEDA Sanctioning 101

Mon, 18 Apr 2016 15:10:50 GMT

By Mary Fike

Ever wonder why some out of area USEF shows count for points and others don't? There are two ways that those shows get MSEDA sanctioning.

The Organizers have been asked by many of their competitors to sanction with MSEDA. If an Organizer can be convinced that they have a strong MSEDA presence in their entries, they might consider it.

The competitors pay the sanctioning fee themselves. If you know you are competing out of the area, consider sanctioning the event yourself.

Here are the costs involved:
- $25 at least 3 months before the show.
- $55 less than 3 weeks before the show.
- $100 Post-Sanctioning Fee for USEF Shows or Events

If you are sanctioning 3 or more competitions, a discount of $5.00 per event will be offered if all applications are submitted at the same time.

Disaster Preparedness on the Farm

Thu, 07 Apr 2016 12:08:23 GMT

By Sarah E Coleman

Natural disasters are not pleasant to think about as a home owner, but add a farm with an assortment of animals and outbuildings into the equation, and preparation takes on an even more prominent role in diverting disastrous consequences.

Step One: Gather Information

The types on natural disasters most likely to occur vary by region of the country. Here in Kentucky, we are most likely to see tornadoes and flooding before we will see out-of-control wildfires and hurricanes. Other types of disasters do occur here, however, though they may not readily spring to mind. These can include chemical spills, barn fires and explosions.

Some of the things you need to prepare for a natural disaster include:

Make a list of farm inventory. While this might seem like overkill, if the worst does happen, you’ll be one step ahead of the game when it comes to dealing with insurance companies and filing a claim. On this inventory list, you should record the number and type of animals on the farm; any crops you may have; the make and model of all machinery; and any hazardous substances stored on the farm (fertilizer, fuel, medicines, etc.).

Keep a list of emergency phone numbers, and update them regularly. This would include the numbers of your local veterinarian, your insurance agent, local fire and police, and the contact numbers of any boarders you may have at your farm.

Create an evacuation plan. If you don’t have the means to remove all the horses from your farm on the trailers located on the property, locate additional trailering resources and their cell phone numbers, and find out just how many horses they can help you remove from your property.

Install a weather app on your phone, whether or not you can hear emergency sirens from your farm.

As Stormy Weather Approaches....

While it’s one more thing on the to-do list, it’s helpful to contact your insurance agent yearly and go over any additional purchases you have made and determine if you need additional coverage. It might be worthwhile to investigate “all-hazard” insurance, which covers flood and hail damage, as well as some other non-traditional issues.

Next you will need to stockpile supplies in preparation for a weather-related event. This would include everything from ensuring that the animals have a multiple-day supply of feed and hay; making sure you have extra fuel for tractors and vehicles; that fire extinguishers are available and charged in all barns; and that hand tools and first-aid supplies are readily accessible. Also important is a working generator and extra fuel.

And don’t forget your two-legged family, as well. Easy-open containers of food; bottled water; a flashlight and extra batteries; and a well-stocked first-aid kit are all essential if a disaster occurs.

Additional Precautions

If you have employees on the farm or if your barn has boarders, it’s important to review with them the plan on what to do in case of a natural disaster. Where is the safest area to shelter in place or where will you evacuate to if flood waters are rising? What happens to the horses—are they turned out or left in the barn? Be sure to establish a phone tree so that if the worst does happen, you’re able to quickly update owners on their horses.

While most farms have access to city water, it is not a bad idea to have a hand pump available to ensure a clean water supply. In many natural disasters, municipal water supplies become contaminated and unsafe to drink.

If you know strong winds and/or tornadoes may be in the forecast, be sure to secure any items that may become flying objects, like feed troughs, barrels, jumps, and similar items. It is also worth considering putting halters (the breakaway kind) on horses before a weather-related event occurs.

Mud Management

Wed, 06 Apr 2016 13:47:01 GMT

By Sarah E Coleman

Ah, spring. While most of us are relishing seeing our horse’s fuzzy winter coats go by the wayside, we’re not as welcoming to one of the side effects of spring rains: mud!

While some mud is inevitable on almost every farm, it is possible to limit its occurrence with some strategic planning.

Health & Safety Hazards

There’s nothing quite like losing shoes (yours and your horse’s) to make resentment of spring rains bubble over. Is your trailer parked in the back 40? Be prepared, it may be buried when it sunk into rain softened grounds.

In addition to being hazardous to safety, mud can create a health hazard for your horse if he has to stand it in with no ability to move to higher ground. Not only is it hard on his hooves and legs, potentially causing everything from thrush to scratches, pooling water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes and flies, which can carry an assortment of diseases.

Defensive Tactics

Combating mud on your farm can seem an exercise in futility, but here are some long-term strategies to help eliminate the sticky stuff.

Create a sacrifice lot that will keep all of your pastures and paddocks from turning into muddy quagmires, if you have enough space. In a perfect world, this area would be on higher ground, away from streams and ponds.

Install rain gutters and downspouts on barns and outbuildings. These help direct water away from paddocks and foundations.

Fence horses out of streams, ponds and low-lying areas on your farm. Hooves trample embankments and shorelines, creating an ever-expanding muddy shoreline.

Place bridges over low-lying areas in walkways between paddocks so you’re not constantly walking through a muddy bog to retrieve horses.

During the warmer season, don’t allow horses to graze growing grass too short. Grass without a good root system in place loses its ability to prevent runoff and is easily trampled into mud.

Remove manure around heavily trafficked areas like waterers, hay feeders and gates at least once a week.

Consider installing French drains, which intercept water flowing through paddocks and pastures using trenches filled with gravel, then flows toward a specific outlet.

Place sand, gravel or wood chips around gates, waterers and feeders and even in run-in sheds. These materials are always more effective when used on top of landscape fabric to prevent them from sinking into the soil. A good rule of thumb is to put down twice as much footing as you have mud, generally at least 6 inches deep.

Investigate soil stabilizing grid systems that allow grass to grow through the grid, protecting roots and preventing mud. Many farms use these around gates, waterers and hay feeders.

Move hay feeders periodically so horses are not chronically forced to stand in mud to eat. This will allow the muddy areas to dry out while horses spend their time elsewhere.

Plant trees and shrubs. Thought not immediately beneficial, plants use a lot of water and can reduce the standing water on your farm. Planted around paddocks (make sure they are equine-safe), shrubs can keep them drier and reduce runoff.

MSEDA Member Spotlight: Eric Sampson

Mon, 21 Mar 2016 00:11:03 GMT

By Sarah E Coleman

Each issue, MSEDA will highlight a member who is active in the organization to give other members a peek into their horse-loving lives. Interested in being featured? Email Sarah at redhorseentrprise@gmail.com

MSEDA: Where are you from?

ES: My wife, Jill, and I live in Westfield, IN, just north of Indianapolis. We've been here exactly 20 years this week, and lived on our farm for the last 11. We came to Indiana for Jill's job as an elephant trainer. She's been with the Indianapolis Zoo elephants ever since.

Jill with Zahara, one of the six African elephant calves born at the Indianapolis Zoo

MSEDA: When did you begin riding?

ES: I started, um, later in life than most people. I was 34 or so when I first sat on a horse. But then I saw a video of eventing (Dorothy Crowell, riding Molokai at The Hague) and thought "this is something I have to try."

MSEDA: How long have you been competing?

ES: This year I am hoping to compete in my first-ever recognized horse trials. I've been competing at schooling shows the last 4 or 5 years.

MSEDA: When did you get your first horse?

ES: Ah, Monty the Morgan. The perfect first horse was purchased in the late 90s. He was 17 years old at the time and had the patience of a saint.

MSEDA: What horses do you own now?

ES: We have three horses at home now. Elvis, the wonder horse, a Thoroughbred who, at 24 years old, regards anything lower and slower than training level as insulting. Tardis, my 7-year-old OTTB who is really starting to learn his new job, even if he hasn't found his brave just yet. And Doc, my 31-year-old Dutch cross, who is truly enjoying retirement.

Celebrating a clear starter XC round with little Tardis. Photo by Lee Ann Zobbe, used with permission.

MSEDA: How did you get your horses? What horses do you compete (and what do you compete in?)

ES: Elvis came to us permanently a little more than a year ago, after we leased him for a while. His owner, the wonderful Mary Tinder, made the difficult decision to get out of horse ownership, and astoundingly picked our barn as this remarkable horse's final home. To say we are honored is a profound understatement. Elvis now has the unenviable task of getting me to my first recognized horse trials. Tardis came to me by way of one of my all-time favorite professionals, Sharon White.

Eric and Elvis compete in the Derby to raise funds for the new Indiana Eventing Association's water complex at the Hoosier Horse Park. Photo by Lee Ann Zobbe, used with permission.

MSEADA: What are your horse's favorite treats?

ES: Anything, pretty much. Both Thoroughbreds are total treat hounds.

MSEDA: What do you do full time? Do you enjoy it?

ES: So, my full-time job is as the journals manager for the American Statistical Association (ASA, the second-oldest nonprofit scientific association in the United States.). I manage all of the Association's peer-reviewed journals. It's a perfect job for me and allows me to work from home.

My second job, and how I came to the MSEDA, is as a horse show announcer working primarily eventing and dressage shows. I've never competed in an MSEDA show, but members might recognize my voice from Spring Bay, the Kentucky Classique and Team Challenge.

Eric announcing cross-country at the Kentucky Horse Park, with JJ Johnson (left) and Karen Winn. Photo by Leigh Anne Robertson, used with permission.

I love my announcing job, especially when working at the Kentucky Horse Park. It really is special---and I'm always a bit awestruck---driving past the statue of Man O' War as I'm going to work. I also announce in Georgia, Texas, Indiana and Illinois. I currently serve on the MSEDA Board of Directors, representing the northern part of Area VIII. I also serve on the board of the Indiana Eventing Association.

MSEDA: How did you get into this job?

ES: I've been working for the ASA for … a very long time! I got into announcing first by volunteering at dressage shows, and it morphed into something really unique and fun. I owe fellow announcer Cyndi Kurth (who also works at MSEDA shows) a real debt for patiently mentoring me on how to announce and how to best help the show organizers.

MSEDA: What are your goals for the 2016 season and with whom do you ride?

ES: My goal this year is to ride Novice at a recognized show. My second goal is to have Tardis competing Beginner Novice at schooling shows. I have the BEST coach, Lee Ann Zobbe, in Sheridan, IN, at Come Again Farm. I try to take two or three lessons a week, splitting them between the two horses. And it is through Lee Ann that I've been able to ride in clinics and eventing camps with Dorothy Crowell, Lauren Lambert, Leslie Law, Leslie Grant-Law, Sharon White and others. It's been an amazing journey.

MSEDA: What are your favorite brands?
ES: Mavorite eventing store is IndyEquestrian (https://www.indyequestrian.com/). Amanda and Brian are the best---they know the sport and what riders need.

MSEDA: What is your favorite part of you’re the barn where you lesson?

ES: I love riding at Come Again Farm, and trailer up there (20 minutes--I am spoiled!) a few times a week. The people at CAF have become sort of a second family for us, and we love the facility and schooling shows that are held about once a month during show season.

MSEDA: What other animals do you own?

ES: Just two barn cats and a house cat … between the horses and elephants, we enjoy a lot of critter company!

MSEDA: Is there anything unusual about your horses now?

ES: All three of my horses seem to possess an over-abundance of personality. I am fortunate that Elvis is a benevolent dictator and manages the herd firmly, but (for the most part) gently.

MSEDA Gives Back to Membership

Sun, 20 Mar 2016 13:01:54 GMT

By Sarah E Coleman

MSEDA sponsors two scholarship opportunities to members in good standing who wish to expand their equine education: The MSEDA General Education Grant and the Christine Brown Memorial Grant.

The MSEDA General Education Grant is $500 scholarship that can be used for anything related to equine education. The recipient for 2015 was Anastasia Curwood, who used the grant to go South and complete some dressage training. As a give-back, she will be bringing in Sandy Osborn for a MSEDA-sponsored clinic in November of this year. In 2014, Reese Koffler-Stanfield was the grant winner.

The Christine Brown Memorial Grant is a 2-year-old scholarship of $1,500 that can also be used for equine educational activities. The 2015 grant was awarded to Katie Hagerty, who is using it to be in Florida from January through mid-April with her trainer, Ali Knowles. Katie is trying to get one of her two horses qualified for the 2* North American Junior and Young Rider Championship in Colorado this summer! The 2014 Grant winner was Kaileigh Nida, who used her grant money to travel to Florida as a working student for 2 1/2 months and also worked with her event horse schoolmaster Houdini, who was given to her from Tracy Corey. Kaileigh also had weekly training from Pete Rodda, a Level 2 Parelli instructor. Kaileigh put her training to use and earned a top award in her 4-H horsemanship competition in 2015.

To be eligible, MSEDA members must complete 8 volunteer hours, and half of them must be completed by the person applying for the grant. The remainder of the hours can be donated.

MSEDA currently funds both of these grants. To apply, candidates must describe how they plan to “pay back” the equine community for their scholarship in a way that might benefit MSEDA or through a program related to the scholarship activity. The deadline for both scholarships is December 15. The application can be found here: https://mseda.org/resources/Documents/MSEDA_SCHOLARSHIP_APPLICATION%202015%20(5).pdf

Grant recipients are determined during an educational committee meeting and are awarded at the MSEDA Annual meeting. Recipients are notified before the banquet takes place.

Scholarship winners are asked to submit a report about their educational experience within three months of completion. These pieces are then used in the MSEDA newsletter and shared on the MSEDA Facebook page.

Core Vaccines and Lyme Disease

Sun, 20 Mar 2016 12:47:53 GMT

By Jen Roytz

It’s hard to believe it’s that time of year again. Spring. That means spring cleaning, springing forward with our clocks and, of course, spring vaccinations for our horses.

Core vaccinations are simply vaccinations against diseases that are the most common risks to our horses’ health in their given region, pose the most significant risk to a horse’s health if infected and/or are required by law. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), core vaccines include the following:

-        Eastern/Western Equine Encephalomyelitis
-        Rabies
-        Tetanus
-        West Nile Virus

Vaccinations for additional diseases can be given on a risk-based, as-needed basis. This means that the disease might be prevalent in your area; there has been a recent outbreak or history of outbreaks in your area or an area in which you ship; or that your horse has shown previous susceptibility to a specific disease. Risk-based vaccinations include, but are not limited to:

- Equine Herpesvirus (EHV)
- Influenza

-        Streptococcus equi (Strangles)
-        Rotovirus
-        Potomac Horse Fever (PHF)

Information on risk-based vaccination types and schedules can be found at http://www.aaep.org/custdocs/AdultVaccinationChart.pdf?osCsid=bnlmf3d1ou3j3dpfvppdj713i0

Of significant interest to many horse owners, especially those who ride in or stable their horses near forests, tall grass or particularly dense brush is Lyme disease. Just as with humans, horses can contract the disease from the bite of an infected tick. Also as with humans, the disease can have severe effects on horses.

While the bulls-eye pattern seen in humans at the site of a tick bite to signify Lyme disease isn’t visible in horses, there are signs to look for. Not all horses will show signs of infection, those that do may present initial clinical signs that mirror those of other diseases, including low-grade fever, lethargy, undiagnosed sporadic lameness, swollen joints, neck or back pain and weight loss, tests can be done to diagnose whether or not the cause is Lyme disease, as well as whether it is in the early or chronic stages of the infection.

If a horse is infected with Lyme disease, a one to two month round of antibiotics will be prescribed. If left untreated, the disease can significantly impact a horse’s organ and neurological health.

Currently, there is not an approved vaccine for horses for Lyme disease. Some veterinarians use the commercially available canine vaccine for Lyme disease for their equine clients.

Prevention is a horse’s (and horse owner’s) best protection against the disease. Owners should use insect repellent (those based on Permethrin or Pyrethrin have shown particular efficacy) and should check their horses for ticks regularly, especially under the mane, under the tail, and on their throat, ears and stomach.

Spring Barn Prep

Tue, 08 Mar 2016 14:55:31 GMT

By Sarah E Coleman

“Spring” to most barn owners is a wonderfully frustrating season. While everyone is anxious to be rid of winter blankets and colder temperatures, mud and shedding season come right on the heels of warmer weather, leading to dirty everything as barns come into heavier springtime use.

Whether that means that horses on your personal farm will come back into more-consistent work, or, if you own a boarding barn, that and lessons and riding are about to ramp up for the season, the implications are the same: the barn, tack room and common areas will get much more use than they have over the last three or four months.

So what can you do to prepare for this increased barn workload and get a jump on warmer weather?

Declutter. It’s exceptionally easy when winter has us in its throes to simply pile things like horse blankets, broken buckets and similar seldom-used items into corners, wanting to deal with them when the weather is a little warmer (and you can feel your hands!). Now is the time to go through everything that’s been collecting dust throughout the cold months and either fix it, send it out for repair or toss it. It’s amazing how much better your barn will look after just this one step!

Clean heated buckets and remove tank heaters. After you scrub the buckets and descale the heater, inspect their cords for wear and tear (and damage from curious teeth). If you don’t find any damage, roll the cords and secure them together, and store buckets upside down. If you find a break in the cord, throw the bucket or heater away instead of trying to repair it yourself with electrical tape. The same can go for any extension cords that have been used. Before simply plugging fans into them for the summer months, carefully inspect them to be sure they are not frayed or cracked. Many barn fires are caused from electrical cords that have been damaged.

Check stalls doors and walls for damage. Horses that have been in more than usual can have energy to burn, and can take out their frustration on the walls that contain them. Check all surface areas for damage, loose boards, protruding nails and the like, and repair as needed.

Level floors on stalls and walkways if they are not asphalt or concrete. While this is a difficult job no one looks forward to, it’s necessary to take care of these areas in a timely manner so that the holes don’t become so large that they trap water and manure, making cleaning a hassle.

Pressure wash the outside of the barn and stalls. While this task isn’t necessary, it’s amazing what a difference blasting off the dirt can make! Just be careful not to get so close that you blow the paint off the building.

Clean out the hayloft or hay storage area in preparation of first cut. Here is another area where cold hands can take a toll. Most areas where hay is stored get “good,” “bad” and “questionable” piles after a long winter of dark feedings; now is the time to inspect the hay carefully and toss what can’t be fed.

If you store your hay on pallets, pull off all the bales and clean out the loose hay that has built up under the pallets, tossing it on the manure pile as you go—it’s most likely too dusty or moldy to be fed. If you use a loft, move all the hay to one end, sweep the floor, then swap ends and restack the bales neatly and toward the front so that hay gets fed first when fresh bales start coming in. This also lets you know just how much hay you have leftover when preparing to purchase hay for the fall.

Inspect the barn for rodent damage. Mice, rats and the like are sneaky buggers. They love to wreak havoc on even the tidiest barn. Carefully inspect all lights, wires and switches to be sure they haven’t been chewed through by critters in search of a cozy place to nest for the winter.

Clean out your first aid kit. Toss all old or expired medicines, or any that seem to have changed colors or textures. Write down what you will need to replace so you can ask your vet to bring it when she comes to do spring shots. Also double-check that you have enough commonly used items like elastic wrap, syringes, ointments and similar products. It can be helpful to make a checklist of everything you have and keep it with the kit so you can denote what you’ve used and replace it as needed so you’re prepared for the next emergency.

Unclutter the feed room. Remove all old feed bags, and throw out expired supplements and congealed liquids. Sweep up spilled feed and make sure you have tight-fitting lids on feed containers.

Decobweb. Not only are cobwebs unsightly, they’re extremely flammable. This task is best done when “helpful” equines are not in stalls and after you have cleaned the hayloft.

Manage your manure pile. How you deal with your muck depends on your farm, but have it hauled away as soon as the ground firms up, or turn it as compost as soon as you’re able.

Deep clean tack. With little fear of frosty fingers to keep you from only lightly cleaning bridles, make a concerted effort to really scrub all leather goods in your tackroom. Condition them once they have been cleaned and store them in their proper places.

Clean out your tack trunk. When you’re really looking forward to a hot shower after a cold ride, it’s easy to toss everything in one big pile in your tack trunk or locker and go home. Now is the time to remove everything from your tack trunk and thoroughly clean the inside, scrubbing at spilled ointments and removing old containers. Put everything back in neatly once you’ve wiped it down.

If you come across items you haven’t used in ages, that doesn’t fit you or your horse, or that you have duplicates of, consider donating them to an equine organization in need or finding a local tack sale.

Clean and repair blankets. While it’s easy to jump the gun on the first warm days and send every stich of horse clothing you own out to be repaired, make sure you have at least one sheet on hand for the infamous snows we get in March. While you can wash and rewaterproof your blankets yourself, if some blankets are in need of repair, it may be easier to simply send them out, having them washed, waterproofed and repaired in one place.

Sanitize brushes. Put dirty brushes in a bucket of soapy water, allowing them to soak, and then rinse them clean and leave them to dry in the sun. A bit of bleach can also be added to the water, which is especially if any horses in your barn are fighting any skin funk.

Clean leg bandages and wraps. Once they’re clean, roll them and make sure you have the mate. Store them in one area so they’re easy to locate later.

Clean and reorganize the tack room and other storage areas. If your barn has a community tack room, no doubt it’s become a bit of a jumbled mess as lessoners, boarders and their guests have come in and out all winter long, dragging in muddy tack and hairy saddlepads. Take time to move everything from one side of the tack room (or completely empty it, if possible), and thoroughly clean the walls, hooks and floor before moving on to the other side. Consider adding more shelves to help corral the clutter, which can feel never-ending.

Putting MSEDA Grant to Use: Stacy Curwood

Mon, 07 Mar 2016 14:40:13 GMT

By Stacy Curwood

I’m Stacy Curwood, and I’m the rider and owner of Special Dark, aka Sparky. Sparky is a six-year old Thoroughbred off the track and I am a 41-year-old history professor at UK. We’ve been together for almost two years, ever since I saw Sparky on a video and had him shipped to me sight unseen. He’s called Sparky because he is a bit opinionated in the barn, but he’s turned out to be a very willing and athletic partner, and I’m excited about our future together.

We completed a couple of Beginner Novice horse trials in 2015, and both times he was a superstar jumping. I was frustrated with the dressage phase, however. Sparky has good gaits and is more than capable in the sandbox, but I did not have him solidly on the aids and it showed. I vowed to go home and do some homework. I moved Sparky to a facility with an indoor arena and good footing, and was delighted to discover that talented trainer Megan Lynn was available to teach there. With Megan’s help we spent the fall building basics on the flat and over jumps, making significant progress in both areas. My equitation and Sparky’s responses to my aids improved greatly.

When I applied for the MSEDA scholarship, I decided to focus on dressage and to return to a trainer who has made a huge impact on my riding: Sandy Osborn. Sandy is a USEF “S” judge and USDF Gold Medalist who teaches and trains near Atlanta, Georgia. Sandy had helped me previously with my older horse Cat Burglar (“Taco”), and transformed my riding by teaching me to engage my core muscles and feel straightness in the horse. Every lesson with her was an immersion experience, both incredibly demanding and rewarding. Now I wanted to utilize her skills in pushing horses and riders to new levels of excellence with Sparky. When I was lucky enough to win the MSEDA Education Scholarship, I signed us up for a week of dressage “boot camp” with Sandy.

Sunday

I pull into Ashland Farm, a fabulous facility in Walnut Grove, Georgia. Ashland has belonged to multiple generations of the Calhoun family and, after farming cotton, cattle, and fresh produce it developed into an equestrian paradise a few decades ago. It has a boarding barn but what makes it special is that non-boarders can purchase a membership and use two dressage arenas, a showjumping arena, a cross-country schooling field up to Preliminary, and 300 acres of wooded trails and fields to hack in. The boarding barn is adjacent to a covered arena with textile footing.

Lucy Calhoun, the owner, greets me. Sparky is to stay in one of the six stalls that are attached to the covered arena and reserved especially for guests. We get him settled in and she patiently writes down the detailed feeding instructions I give her. I give Sparky a kiss goodnight and head off to my friend Lynda’s house to bed myself down.

Monday

I tack Sparky up and ride into Ashland’s covered arena. Right away, Sandy notices me clamping my leg at the walk. She has me relax my leg and bump him lightly with both calves to tell him to walk forward. This will be a theme for the whole lesson—bump with one leg or both, then relax and let my legs lie on his sides. The aids should be short-lived and definite. Not only that, I have to be certain to allow him to step forward with the rest of my body. Sit back so more of the horse is in front of me. Weight my elbows but keep my hands weightless so that he can lift his wither and drop his neck over onto the bit. If I want to slow the tempo, I must do so with my core and not the reins, because the reins stop his hind legs and encourage him to drop behind the bit, one of his go-to evasions.

We also address straightness. Since he is carrying his haunches to the left, Sandy has me push him from my left leg into a leg yield on a left-handed 20-meter circle. My tendency is to lean over my left hand and pull on that rein, but that solves nothing. The real problem is that he is not stepping from his left hind into the right rein, so the leg yield is a tool to push him into the proper alignment and help him start learning to step through with the left hind. She has me either leg-yielding or being prepared to leg yield every moment when we are tracking left so that we preserve the correct alignment. Going right, I am to curve his body around a right leg that is weighted and directly underneath me, keeping his haunches correctly positioned to the right. We think we have improved the straightness so Sandy has me trot a serpentine to test it. I ask him to turn left with his haunches on the correct track—and he has a tantrum! Back to the circle, pushing the haunches left until he settles. We try again. Much better this time!

To finish, we do a little bit of canter. Sandy wants me to kick forward, much more than I think I need to, almost thinking medium. The canter seems too fast to me and I am tempted to lean forward and slow him down with my reins. But she tells me to sit back and follow with my elbows, and to my surprise Sparky’s wither lifts under me and he balances himself for several steps.

We finish there. Sparky and I are going to sleep well tonight!

Tuesday

I meet saddle fitter Nancy Bardy at the barn in the morning. Nancy sold me my dressage saddle two years ago, but at the time she had flocked it for Taco. Now that Sparky is my main competition partner, it’s time to flock it for him. Nancy finds that she can make some substantial changes that will greatly improve the fit. We’re both pleased with the result. Sparky has his own saddle now!

In my lesson, Sparky is already better. Between the saddle reflock and his memory of what we worked on the day before, he is straighter and more willing to go forward. I’m still weighting and elongating my right side, sitting back to allow the hind legs to come forward, and pairing heavy elbows with weightless hands. Today Sandy pushes us to move more forward in all three gaits, keeping the energy constant. On the circle left, I concentrate on leading him with my right rein, always encouraging him to step over to it but without changing his bend so his shoulder follows the path of the circle. We spend less time leg-yielding on the circle (though always making sure the haunches don’t fall left) and practice leg yields on the center line. He’s stepping to my right rein better when we leg yield over toward the right. When I weight my right stirrup and gently push with my left leg, he moves fluidly over to the wall. Leg yielding toward the left, where he wanted to lead with his haunches and fly over to the left, he is staying underneath me. Sometimes we just trot the center line and don’t leg yield, just to ensure that we can maintain straightness without the arena wall.

At the canter, I practice allowing with my elbows again and establishing a forward hand-gallop. This time, when I sit back and lighten my seat, thinking about lifting his front end with my lower abdomen, he lifts his wither for several circles and stays wonderfully light in the reins. He feels like a real dressage horse now!

As I’m finishing my ride, Dr. Kim Keeton, a sport horse veterinarian who happens to be a dear friend and the person who helped me find Sparky, watches him at all three gaits and then walking in hand. He shows some asymmetries, so we decide to acupuncture and do a chiropractic adjustment. I’m excited to see how he feels tomorrow.

Wednesday

I’m excited to see the sun when I wake up in the morning because the past two days have been rainy—and then I hear the wind howling. Trees are swaying and when I get on Sparky and ride into the arena leaves are dancing around his feet. He has a little spook at one end but, when we start to work, he becomes steady and attentive. He’s easier to straighten today and Sandy notices greater swing behind the saddle, very likely a result of his bodywork yesterday.

My hands are still bouncing around, however, and Sandy decides to have me put a bridge in my reins for better stability. Then she tells me to think about “sitting him through” instead of pushing him through to the contact. This image helps me sit taller and counteract my frustrating tendency to tip forward in the saddle. It also helps me push his hind legs so that he opens the angle of his throat latch into a more correct outline rather than ducking behind the contact as he tends to do. I engage my core to moderate his tempo—and I am the one who dictates the tempo, not him. I am also more able to drape my legs on his sides, especially at the canter, and give more definite leg aids.

At first I feel that I am not riding him round enough and that he is above the bit. But the video another of Sandy’s students shoots of me shows a different reality: he is carrying himself correctly, with a longer neck and lighter on the forehand. My leg yields are far more consistent and I am riding both sides of him more classically, with true bend each way. His canter is far more coordinated. We wrap up with a short hack around one of Ashland’s wooded trail loops. Even though it has started to spit cold rain, I’m warmed by a sense that we are getting somewhere and I don’t mind the weather anymore.

Thursday

Sparky’s last day of work before two days off is very similar to the previous three rides: the theme is bringing his hind legs under his body and ensuring straightness. But that second item is becoming easier each ride. I’m still using the leg yield on the circle left in order to straighten him here and there, but I can ride with classical bending aids most of the time in both directions.

This time, Sandy increases the demands somewhat. We leg yield from quarter line to quarter line, with no wall to catch us at the end. This requires me to keep him between my right and left aids, neither allowing him to trail his haunches nor escape my outside rein and fly outward. We start with bridged reins again but I drop the bridge halfway through the ride, working hard to keep the feeling of having the same bearing and independence of the reins.

We also pay more attention to trot-canter transitions. In preparation, I ask for a bit more step with the hind legs, again keeping the tempo steady. Sparky doesn’t like that! He kicks and bucks, behavior that Sandy tells me to ignore. I keep up the pressure and his trot grows more expressive and I can even sit in preparation for canter departures. I’m to keep the hind legs under and the correct bend, thinking about keeping him pushing toward the outside rein and maintaining bend in the ribcage with inside leg. Some transitions are mediocre, but some of them are the best I’ve ever felt on him.

We finish the week practicing carefully letting his neck out into a stretch at the trot, then picking him up again, and then allowing stretch again. Sandy suggests that I add this exercise into his repertoire, as well as near-transitions to walk followed by trotting off again, in order to keep his hind legs responsible and stepping underneath him, even when we are wrapping up a ride.

Saturday

Sparky gets some well-deserved time off while Sandy and I travel to Pine Top Farm for the Advanced Horse Trials and CIC. Sandy is judging all day Saturday, and I am her loyal scribe (aka fly on the wall). Since I first met Sandy scribing at this same event, I know that I will learn much from the day and it doesn’t disappoint. The theme of the day is balance: depending on the level, the horse should be in level or uphill balance. The majority of Sandy’s comments relate to the horse being on the forehand (I write “4hd” at least 50 times throughout the day) and the balance makes a big difference in the scores each movement gets. She also makes many comments that horses need more bend in circles and in the shoulder-ins and haunches-ins. She notes that eventers tend to do better halts and rein-backs than dressage horses do, in her experience. The day reminds me that the judges can only evaluate what they see in front of them during the four to six minutes of a test, and that the test directives dictate how the judge evaluates each movement.

Sunday

After a morning of cross-country jump judging at Pine Top, I’m back at Ashland for another lesson. Sparky seems refreshed after two days off, and I’m happy to be back in the saddle too. As in the previous two rides, I start out with my bridge and work on pushing him out in front of me, creating the feeling of pushing the energy from his hind legs up and forward. As we keep going, I drop the bridge and Sandy asks for more and more of that uphill tendency. She has me visualize his shoulder and front legs reaching up and out, and lift my own core to facilitate that. He feels more swingy today, and he’s not dropping behind the contact. I still have to work hard to keep my right leg positioned correctly at the girth, but he is moving in better alignment.

Sandy introduces an exercise that combines the bending figures and lateral movements we’ve been doing during the week. We do a ten- or twelve- meter half circle on to the center line (or just off it), then head back to the track. As we do so, I change the bend and ask for a leg yield to the track. Once on the track, I do a ten-or 12-meter circle, and then continue on down the track in shoulder-in. After several rounds of this, Sparky feels much more supple, and asking him for more uphill work yields a satisfying feeling.

Monday

We squeeze in another lesson on Monday morning before I have to head back to Kentucky. We do leg yields right out of the box (they are a warm-up exercise, Sandy likes to remind me) and some canter work that includes baby counter canter on a shallow serpentine along the long side. Today it is really helping when I visualize a small circle from the side that includes my elbows and my hip bones, and I want both parts of my body to stay in the circle. Expand that circle, and it includes my seatbones, the tops of my legs, and his withers—in other words, our shared center of gravity. We finish with walk-trot-walk transitions around the outside of the arena, working on preserving the energy through the down transitions (I should feel like I could trot off again at any moment during the process) and the suppleness during up transitions.

The horse I bring home is much improved from the one I started out with a week previously. He’s easier to keep straight and more responsive to my leg and weight aids. He’s helped by a rider who is sitting taller and more evenly (though I think I will need to be aware of keeping my right side long and my right leg underneath me for the foreseeable future!). He’s swinging and rounder behind the saddle and he’s gotten a better idea of how to use his abdominal muscles to lift his wither and take more weight on his hind legs. All in all, it’s been a tremendously educational week and we are leaving with plenty of homework. I can’t wait to try out our new skills this season—catch us trotting down center line at a competition near you soon!

Ramping Up Horse and Rider Fitness

Tue, 23 Feb 2016 21:05:58 GMT

By Sarah E Coleman

As with most girls, Erin Pullen, owner of Go Big Eventing in Shelby County, Ky., was drawn to horses as a young girl. Erin fell in love with the sport of eventing because of influential force Jennifer Crossen of Windy Knoll Farm in Winchester, Ky. Jennifer taught Erin on some very kind lesson horses that instilled in her the confidence to run cross county. “I owe Jennifer so much,” says Erin. “Without her guidance I doubt I’d be the rider I am today.”

Erin began Go Big Eventing in 2012, catering to a vast array of horses and riders, though her specialty is off-the-track Thoroughbreds. Having worked on the track for 13 years, in positons ranging from galloping, assistant training and eventually having 30 racehorses under her care, Erin loves and truly understands the Thoroughbreds. “They have their own language, one I very patiently learned to understand,” she explains.

Erin’s clientele also includes adult riders who started riding a little later in life, and Saddlebreds that have recently flocked toward her. One of Erin’s favorite parts of Go Big Eventing is seeing horses and riders learn and excel at new disciplines. As with the Thoroughbreds, Erin is extremely patient in helping her students reach their goals, whether that is the American Eventing Championships or a one-star event.

In addition to training and teaching, Erin has lofty goals for her two personal upper-level horses, Big and Tag, as well: She would love to compete at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event and abroad.

Erin’s OTTB Big is currently competing at the Intermediate level. Erin and Big have an extensive history together: Erin owned and trained him during his racing career, then retired him as a 4-year-old after he suffered a minor injury. “He and I have the greatest partnership, he’s a beast and a blast on cross country, and has so much grace and elegance in the dressage ring. He has helped me with every other horse I bring along,” Erin says of Big Photo by Liz Crawley

Tag, Erin’s second horse, is also an OTTB. In 2014, the duo was 11th at the AEC’s at Novice, and at Team Challenge that same year they were second at Training. In 2015, the pair moved to Prelim, where they completed the CCI* at the Hagyard Midsouth Team Challenge and then finished seventh in their first Intermediate at River Glen in November.

Photo by Liz Crawley

The Fitness Formula

So what does it take to keep her upper-level horses fit and ready to compete? Diligence. As Erin doesn’t go South to train in the winter it’s absolutely imperative that she be based at a facility where she can continue to ride year-round. Erin is based out of Allday Farm, owned by Dr. Steve and Kim Allday, who were Erin’s first sponsors. Erin has 16 stalls on the property, which includes 82 acres with some cross country jumps, a generous covered arena and an outdoor arena.

Photo by Walter Lehner

After the conclusion of her show season in November, Erin allows both her horses to have the month of December off, then begins to leg them back up in January. Her goal is to compete her horses, on average, once a month. As she is now riding at the upper levels, more travel is necessary to get to events like Poplar Place and Chattahoochee Hills.

Erin begins to bring her horses back into shape with lots of flat work, riding them six days a week. She works on the basics, including transitions, balance, straightness and lateral work. She incorporates in ground poles, raised poles and cavaletti before starting any sort of conditioning work. Once the flatwork becomes easier, with fewer breaks needed before being pushed, Erin begins to get her horses out of the ring for conditioning work, which she can do on the farm. She can then ask them for hill work, with lots of walking up and down hills first, then trotting.

“I let the horses tell me when they’re ready to start galloping,” Erin explains. “I have to be careful galloping Big and Tag, they tend to keep themselves pretty fit. They both have knack for having silly antics in the dressage arena if they’re a little too fit!”

Depending on the level of horse, they’re in work at least a month before going back to competing, Erin explains. “With Big, I always drop him down a level when he starts out in the year. As he’s getting older, I don’t ever want to push him past what he’s ready for.”

“He’s a funny one—he’ll let on that he is tougher than he is, but I have to be able to recognize that and protect him from himself,” she comments. Here again, knowing Thoroughbreds and her horses is imperative to getting Big properly conditioned for his show season.

Photo by Liz Crawley

Maintaining Human Fitness

Erin doesn’t have to do any specific training to get herself ready to perform at the upper levels, as her job tends to keep her quite fit. “The farm has a lot of space in between paddocks, so I do a lot of walking. I ride at least six or seven horses a day, and I do stalls,” she explains. “When I teach, you’ll never see me sitting; quite often I will be constantly walking or sometimes running next to one of my beginner riders.”

However, Erin does pay close attention to her diet. “I don’t eat junk food or drink soda,” she says. “I always have a bottle of water nearby and healthy snacks that are easily grabbed” so she can fill up on the good stuff instead of quick, tide-me-over-for-now junk food.

Photo Credit Xpress Foto

She keeps grapes, cheese cubes, smoothies and protein bars on hand, and constantly drinking water keeps her from getting the “oh my gosh, I have to eat right now!” feeling.

A conscientious approach to horses, which Erin honed on the track, has served her well with Go Big Eventing. Taking care of herself, as well, can only help her on the path to success.

Understanding MSEDA Volunteer-hour Requirements

Tue, 23 Feb 2016 20:55:35 GMT

By Sarah E Coleman

Midsouth Eventing and Dressage Association has a unique requirement for membership in addition to paying dues: members must volunteer at events to be eligible for year-end honors.

While this may seem onerous to some, the number of hours to volunteer is not a burden: Members must donate 8 hours of their time total, over the course of the competition year (December 1 through the end of the Hagyard Midsouth Three-Day Event in October as it is the last horse show in the area). Four of these volunteer hours can be at any MSEDA-sanctioned show, but the other four hours must be at either MSEDA Dressage in the Park or Hagyard Midsouth Team Challenge. Members can obtain hours by fence judging, stewarding, bit checking, scoring and jump crewing, to name just a few possibilities. Riders, too, are eligible for these awards in the division in which they compete. For example; a rider who competes in Preliminary Eventing is eligible for awards at that level. If the same rider competes at Preliminary Combined Tests and First Level Dressage, they will be eligible in those categories as well. If they garner the most points of all of the competitors in a given discipline (Eventing, Dressage or Combined Tests), they are eligible for overall High Point Rider, Overall High Point Horse or Mare of the Year, Master Rider (for adults over the age of 50), Junior/Young Rider (for anyone under the age of 21), or special awards such as the Grasshopper Award, for the High Point Thoroughbred, or the Pony Club Award for active Pony Club members who are also MSEDA members, to name a few.

Volunteer coordinators at each show must sign off on volunteer hours. Forms can be found and printed from the MSEDA website. Completed forms must be sent to Mary Margaret Sterling (sprgcrk@bellsouth.net). All forms MUST be SIGNED by the Volunteer Coordinator at the show for the hours to be counted. If a member is interested in a special award such as the Pony Club Award, the Grasshopper Award, the Adult Amateur Award, or the Hall of Distinction they must notify Mary Margaret Sterling in writing that they would like to be considered. Points for those awards will not start accruing until Mary Margaret is notified.

In addition to being eligible for year-end ridden awards, there are also year-end awards that recognize the people who accrue the most volunteer hours during the competition year called the Volunteer Awards. Twelve people who accumulate the most hours are recognized at the MSEDA banquet. Incredibly, the top winner of the 2015 MSEDA Volunteer Awards, logged over 158 hours helping at events!

Click here to read the Volunteer Awards from 2015.

Download the form to begin tracking your hours here.

Setting Goals is Key to a Successful Campaign

Tue, 23 Feb 2016 14:03:00 GMT

By Jen Roytz

Around this time each year riders young and old are thinking about what competitions they want to enter throughout the upcoming season with their horse(s). What is the best way to create a plan that will be easy to follow and allow you and your horse to peak at the right time?

Lexington-based trainer Jenn O’Neill, barn manager and trainer at Antebellum Farm, says it is important to be goal-oriented.

“I suggest my students pick one or two goals for the upcoming season,” said O’Neill. “They don’t have to be big ‘riding career-defining’ goals, like winning the AECs or a big FEI competition, but they need to have a goal,” said O’Neill.

The goals can be simple, like moving up a level in competition throughout the year, qualifying for the American Eventing Championships (AECs) or competing in their first one-star event. Then, it is all about mapping out a plan to get there.

When moving up a level in competition, for example, O’Neill suggests deciding well in advance what specific competition will be the least intimidating to move up to a more challenging level, then plan your competition schedule using that as an end-goal. She also strongly suggests making sure your coach can be there for support and guidance.

“Moving up a level can be stressful, and having someone there to remind you that you can do it is really important,” said O’Neill, an advanced level rider who has competed at the CCI** level. “I find that meeting the minimum requirements to move up a level is seldom enough to be prepared, so I want my students to be overly prepared and confident to go out and get the job done safely.”

Be considerate of your horse’s abilities as well as your own. If he or she is struggling to comply with what you are asking, they may not be as ready as you are for such a big challenge. An outside perspective from your coach or a trainer can be helpful.

Photo credit JJ Sillman

As is the case with everything in life, even the best laid plans often need to be adjusted along the way. So many things can impact your progress, from weather and injuries to having an uncharacteristic poor performance. Be open to modifying your plan, allowing you to stay focused on your greater goal.

“It’s always good to have a back-up plan in case an outing doesn’t go

as anticipated,” said O’Neill. “So much of the sport is mental, so talk with your coach if you get frustrated or overwhelmed, or if something makes you start to question the plan you’ve set for yourself.”

The bottom line is that the goals one sets should be fun an achievable. It is good to have a bit of nervous excitement when attempting a new challenge, but the task you are facing should never feel overwhelming or scary.

“Choose goals that are realistic and achievable with hard work, but don’t forget to dream a little,” said O’Neill. “Go out of your comfort zone a little with that end-of-year goal, but don’t forget, this sport is supposed to be fun for both the rider and the horse!”

Photo credit JJ Sillman

2016 MSEDA Annual Meeting Door Prize Winners

Tue, 23 Feb 2016 13:24:22 GMT

Congratulations to our door prize winners and a huge THANK YOU to all those who donated prizes! We are so grateful for your support of MSEDA!

DOOR PRIZES	DONATED BY	WON BY

Miscellaneous
1- E-Z View Number System	A Friend of MSEDA	Susan Posner
1-Horseshoe Ornament X/C	KVT ART	Carol Lee
1-Horseshoe Ornament X/C	KVT ART	Tiffany Smith
1-Horseshoe Ornament Dressage	KVT ART	Janice Holmes
1- Thoroughbred Pillow	Friend of MSEDA	Chelsea Smith
1- Thoroughbred Pillow	Friend of MSEDA	Susan Moran
1- Blue/ Gray MSEDA Halter	Valley Vet Supply	Marianne deBarbadillo
1- McCauley's All Natural Rice Bran Oil	McCauley's & Alltech	Mary Margaret Sterling
1- Black Crown Crystal Dressage Bridle	Dover Saddlery Cincinnati, Ohio	Pam Kimmel
1-Horseshoe Wine Holder	Nonesuch Horse Shoe Design	Marianne deBarbadillo
1-Black Halter	Luckett's Tack Shop	Joe Carr
1-Horseshoe Design Drink Coasters	Nonesuch Horse Shoe Design	Shawna White
1-Avon Big Tote Bag	Friend of MSEDA	Chris Hayner
1-Avon Big Tote Bag	Friend of MSEDA	Rachel Henson
1-Avon Big Tote Bag	Friend of MSEDA	Shawna White
1- Wine Cards/42 Facts and Quotations/Nectar of the Gods	Friend of MSEDA	Julie Congleton
1- Hasbro Fur Real Friends Life Size Pony	Friend of MSEDA	Mary Margaret Sterling
1-Framed Artist White Head Fox Hunt Print	Friend of MSEDA	Marian Zeitlin
1-Pair of Horse Pierced Earrings/ Valley Vet Supply T-Shirt	Friend of MSEDA/ Valley Vet Supply	Katie Hagerty
1- Camargo Hunt Calendar	A Friend of MSEDA	Elaine Farr
1- Camargo Hunt Calendar	Friend of MSEDA	Anastasi Curwood
1- Picture Frame Horse Shoe	Nonesuch Horse Shoe Design	Chris Hayner
1- Gold Filly Pins/ Mouse Pad/ T Shirt	Valley Vet Supply/ Friend of MSEDA	Robyn Munson
1-EquiOtic Ice Pack Cooler and Pastes	Doug Froh/EquiOtic	Elaine Farr
1-EquiOtic Ice Pack Cooler and Pastes	Doug Froh/EquiOtic	Chris Hayner
1- Fine Art Custom Design Show Bowl	Beth Goldstein Designs	Sara Hubbard
1- bag of Buckeye Nutriton EQ 8 Gut Health	Buckeye Nutrition	Mary File
1- bag of Buckeye Nutriton EQ 8 Gut Health	Buckeye Nutrition	Lynn Miles
1-5lb-McCauley's Hydrolyte and Calendar	McCauley's & Alltech	Ellen Thomson
1- 5lb-McCauley's Hydrolyte and Hat	McCauley's & Alltech	Linda Lauren
1- Bath Perfume Cubes Along/ Scented Candles	A Friend of MSEDA	Bev Henson
1-T-Shirt/ Musical Box Old Kentucky Home	Valley Vet Supply/ Friend of MSEDA	Erin Woodall
1-Fox figurine and Hunt Pin	A Friend of MSEDA	Anastasi Curwood

Gift Cards and Certificates
1-Annual Maintenance Service	Mark Kubicki Trailer Service	Janice Holmes
1- Certificate for DEVER 3- Day Upgrade to 4 Golf Cart	Dever Inc	Julie Congleton
1- Equine Movement Therapy Sesson	EHB Elise Bealer	Anita Bolen
1- KHP Family 4 Pack/ General Admission	KHP Janet Rivers	Erin Pullen
1 Hr Full Massage	Janet Grisco	Mandy Alexander
1- $25.00 Amazon Gift Card	Friend of MSEDA	Pam Kimmel
1- Annual KHP Parking Pass	Kentucky Horse Park	Julie Congleton
1- DVD Taped Combined Test at Participating Show	Another Point of View	Anita Bolen
1- DVD Taped Dressage Ride at Participating Show	Another Point of View	Ellen Thomson
1-Gift Certificate $25.00	The Tack Shop of Lexington	Elaine Farr
1-Gift Certificate $25.00	The Tack Shop of Lexington	Mandy Alexander
1-Gift Certificate $25.00	The Tack Shop of Lexington	Jolene Fullerton
1-Gift Certificate $25.00	The Tack Shop of Lexington	Mary Fike
Gift Certificate Suzanne Fisher Photo	Suzanne Fischer	Meg Upchurch
Gift Certificate Suzanne Fisher Photo	Suzanne Fischer	Chelsea Smith
1-X/C Shooling Fee at Land's End Farm	Martha Lambert	Bev Henson
1- 2016 X/C Shooling Session at the KHP	KHP Foundation/ Laura Klumb	Marian Zeitlin
1- 2016 X/C Shooling Session at the KHP	KHP Foundation/ Laura Klumb	Mandy Alexander
1- 4-Day General Admission to the RK3DE	Vanessa Coleman	Robyn Munson
1- 4-Day General Admission to the RK3DE	Vanessa Coleman	Shelley Ryan

Horse Show and Clinic Entries
1- Horse Trial Entry Fee	Spring Bay Horse Trial	Erin Woodall
1- Horse Trial Entry Fee	Kentucky Classic Horse Trial	Linda Laurel
1- Certificate for entry to Combined Test	Wilderness Trace Pony Club CT	Suan Posner
1-Certificate for entry to Combined Test	Wilderness Trace Pony Club CT	Cathy Jacob
1- Entry Paul Frazier Combined Test and Dressage Show	Paul Frazier Show/ Anita Bolen	Jolene Fullerton
1-MET Hunter/Jumper Entry Fee	Masterson Equestrian Trust (MET)	Mandy Alexander
1-Hunter Pace Entry	Masterson Equestrian Trust (MET)	Rachel Henson
1-Spring Run Farm Dressage Show Entry	Spring Run Farm/ Susan Harris	Carol Scherbak
1-Spring Run Farm Dressage Show Entry	Spring Run Farm/ Susan Harris	Martha Lambert
1-Lands End Farm Mini Horse Trial Entry Fee	Lands End Farm/ Martha Lambert	Carol Scherbak
1-Covered Bridge Pony Club Combined Test Entry	Peggy Bindner	Anita Bolen
1-Mid South Pony Club Horse Trial Entry Fee	Midsouth Pony Club/ Erin Woodall	Carol Scherbak
1-Entry for Stone Place Stables Hunter/Jumper Show	Stone Place Stables, Prospect, Ky	Chelsea Smith
1-Entry for Stone Place Stables Hunter/Jumper Show	Stone Place Stables, Prospect, Ky	Kristin Posner
1- Entry Fee Stone Place Stables Mini Horse Trial	Stone Place Stables, Prospect, Ky	Erin Woodall
1 Entry Fee either Combined Test or Dressage Class	Sayre School Combined Tests and Dressage Show	Sarah Andres
1-Horse Trial Entry Fee	Jumpstart Horsetrial	Mary Margaret Sterling
1-Dressage Class Entry	Snowbird Dressage Show March 2016	Martha Lambert
1-Dressage Class Entry	Snowbird Dressage Show March 2016	Nany Wentz
1-Entry 2016 Camargo Hunter Trials	Camargo Hunt	Mary Ann Andres
1-Entry Camargo Hunt Pace 2016	Camargo Hunt	Julie Congleton
1- Entry 2016 Camargo Hunter Trials	Camargo Hunt	Mary Lynn Garett

Daniel Stewart Clinic Recap

Tue, 09 Feb 2016 13:16:53 GMT

By Sarah E Coleman

Eager participants were greeted with enthusiasm during Daniel Stewart’seducational clinic at the MSEDA Annual Meeting held at the Four Point by Sheraton. Starting Saturday morning, and continuing through the afternoon, attendees were taught a plethora of helpful hints to manage their horse-show nerves.

A successful international trainer and instructor for over 25 years with a degree in Sport Science and a host of World Championships, World Equestrian Games and Olympics competitors on his resume, Stewart believes that one of the easiest ways to be a successful rider is to think positively. Throughout the day, he incorporated the power of positive thinking into everything he taught, and imparted ways to stay positive in the heat of the moment.

Some of these ideas included:

-          Humans focus on the “bad” because of natural, caveman instincts to protect ourselves. Because of the way humans operate, we can only focus on one thing at time, good or bad--we should focus on the good.

-          Mental multi-tasking doesn't work.

-          Being focused can help keep you in the ring when you get hit by "the duck,” which is anything that takes your greatness away. This “duck” could be your horse, your lack of confidence or anything that makes you lose your focus while competing.

- Pressure and stress make us rush and makes us forgetful.

-          Horseback riding is error-based learning; mistakes are good and lead to growth and learning. Riders need to learn mistakablility: The ability to make a mistake and realize that it is beneficial and we learn something. “Don't blame mistakes away,” says Stewart. The best mistakes are the ones that we learn and grow from. We only grow outside of the comfort zone.

-          All riders need a positive affirmation sentence to train ourselves. Even better, make it a positive affirmation song. A positive affirmation song is simply music that makes you happy, which in turn will make you more optimistic. Everyone needs an “athletic anthem.”(One example is Miley Cyrus’ “The Climb.”)

-          All riders should also create an athletic acronym in addition to their anthem. This are cue words with five or fewer letters that form one sentence. For example, BIG (breathing is good) BEST (balance every single transition) SANDY (smile and never doubt yourself) is an acronym that will help a rider remember specifically what it is she should do at different points in her ride. Acronyms fire the memory center of the brain.

-          Science proves that you are 34 percent better at a task when you are happy.

- Never ask of your horse what you are not willing to do yourself.

MSEDA Annual Meeting & Awards Banquet Recap

Mon, 08 Feb 2016 18:43:21 GMT

By Jen Roytz

The Mid-South Eventing and Dressage Association’s annual meeting and awards banquet was held on January 30^th and 31^st in Lexington, Kentucky and included a wide arrange of speaker topics, updates and, of course, the year-end awards for the 2015 competition season.

Photo by Suzanne Fischer

The featured educational speaker on Saturday was internationally renowned coach, clinician and author Daniel Stewart. Stewart, who has trained riders to success in various World Championships, World Equestrian Games and Olympics, also gave a riding clinic on Sunday and Monday at the Kentucky Horse Park.

Sunday’s MSEDA board meeting covered a wide range of topics, including updates and takeaways from the USEA and USDF conventions, the unveiling of the new MSEDA website and the election of six new MSEDA board members for 2016: Kristin Posner (VP, Dressage), Cheryl Steele (Treasurer), Julie Congleton (Central Seat), Chelsea Smith (Central Seat), Megan Carr (Western Seat) and Eric Sampson (Northwestern Seat).

The highline of the weekend was Saturday evening’s 2015 MSEDA Awards Banquet, which honored all year-end award winners. Special award winners include:

Volunteer Julep Cups

Debbie Hinkle- 158 hours

Millard Spencer- 140.5 hours

Vicki Baumgardner- 124.5 hours

Ron McGinley- 123.5 hours

Carol Robertson- 121.5 hours

Shelley Ryan- 101.5 hours

Leigh Ann Robertson- 95.5 hours

Rudy Vogt-90.5 hours

Thomas Bell- 87.5 hours

Mary Ann Andres- 83.5 hours

Lori Snyder- 81.5 hours

Margorie Hines- 80.5 hours

Special Recognition Awards

Mary Margaret Sterling

Lynn Anthony Miles

MSEDA Grants for 2016

Anastasia Curwood $500

Susan Harris $1,000

Christine Brown Memorial Grant (2016)

Katie Hagerty- $1,500

Dressage Show of the Year (2015)

Antebellum

Horse Trials of the Year (2015)

Midsouth Pony Club Horse Trials

Kob Ryen Memorial Trophy

Mary Margaret Sterling

Dressage High Point Junior Rider

Mary Grace Timmons

Dressage High Point Young Rider

Madison Deaton

Dressage High Point Senior Rider

Joan Gariboldi

Dressage High Point Master Rider

Catherine B. Jacob (tie)

Susan Posner (tie)

Dressage High Point Adult Amateur

Catherine B. Jacob

The Spy Games Memorial Trophy Dressage High Point Award

Susan Posner and Tympani

The Tundra Memorial Trophy Dressage High Point Mare

Aryus (tie) owned by Catherine B. Jacob

Brunswik (tie) owned by Catherine B. Jacob

The Craig Bryant Memorial Trophy Eventing High Point Junior Rider

Paige Pence

Eventing High Point Young Rider

Chelsea Kolman

The Bennet Trophy Eventing High Point Senior Rider

Megan Moore

The Helmut Graetz Trophy Eventing High Point Master Rider

Alston Kerr

The Midnight Sam Memorial Trophy Eventing High Point Award

Sir Earl Grey owned by Alston Kerr

The Philosopher Trophy Eventing High Point Mare

Miss Airheart owned by Mandy Alexander

The Grasshopper Trophy High Point MSEDA OTTB

Miss Airheart owned by Mandy Alexander

The Bryn Wilborn Memorial Trophy for MSEDA members who competed at the NAJYRC Championships

Paige Pence and Class Action

Hope Walden and Lily Langtry

Mary Peabody Camp and Rivertown Lad

Click here to see the full list of year-end award winners.

2016 MSEDA Grant Recipients Announced

Mon, 08 Feb 2016 15:43:01 GMT

By Sarah E Coleman

Congratulations to all of our recent MSEDA Grant recipients. These grants were awarded at the MSEDA Annual Awards Banquet on Jan. 30, 2015.

$1,500 Christine Brown Memorial Grant: Katie Hagerty

Katie Hagerty is a sophomore at the University of Kentucky, where she is studying to be a business marketing major. Her ideal career will be in the equine industry working at a sales rep. Katie trains under Allie Knowles and is currently in Ocala, Fla., at Buck Davidson’s farm with her two horses: Rocksteady (also known as Eddie), a 10-year-old Thoroughbred and Courtly Miss (also known as Missy), a 10-year-old Thoroughbred.

Katie is using her grant money to ready both mares for competition; Missy for The Fork and the Carolina International two-star prior to the Ocala International CCI two-star. All of these events are in preparation for the North American Junior and Young Rider Championships in Colorado this summer. Katie is aiming Eddie for a one-star in Ocala in 2017.

$500 MSEDA Educational Grant: Stacy Curwood

A MSEDA member since 2009, Stacy Curwood has a 6-year-old Thoroughbred named Special Dark, or Sparky. Stacy will use her grant to attend a week of dressage “boot camp” with “S” judge and USDF gold medalist Sandy Osborn at Ashland Farm in Georgia. Stacy will be blogging through a training diary while there and will be bringing Sandy up to Kentucky for a Ride-a-Test clinic later this year, open to MSEDA members, and the dressage and eventing communities. Stacy is honored to have been chosen for the scholarship, and is hopeful that MSEDA members will benefit from what I learn and from the clinic.

Photo by Wendy Wooley/ EquiSport Photos

$1,000 MSEDA Educational Grant: Susan Harris

Susan Harris is very thankful to receive this grant; she is training in Wellington, Fla., with Kathy Priest and Shelly Francis on her 6-year-old Dutch Warmblood, Endavour Adventure. Learning his flying changes and aiming toward Third and Fourth level, Kathy is so thankful for the grant to allow her to continue his training. She also used part of the grant money to attend the USDF Trainers Conference in Loxahatchee, Fla., with Johann Hinnemann.

Winter Weight Management

Mon, 25 Jan 2016 19:58:30 GMT

By Jen Roytz

As the temperatures dip down around freezing or below, it can be difficult to keep weight on our horses, especially those who are up in age or known for staying on the lean side. At least every two weeks, it is advised that you asses a horse’s BCS (Body Condition Score) and weight, using a weight tape or scale. Based on the nuanced changes you see in your horse’s weight and BCS, there are simple adjustments you can make to manage their weight.

Staying Warm

One of the easiest things you can do to help your horses maintain weight is to help them stay warm during the winter, as the colder they are, the more calories they will burn trying to keep their body warm. If they aren’t in regular work, the best option is to let their body do what it does naturally and grown a thick winter coat, which provides plenty of insulation to keep them warm. If they are outside most or all of the time, making sure they have some type of shelter to avoid harsh wind and freezing rain is key.

If they are in work and you are keeping their coat thinner or clipped. Note that the blanket is smoothing the coat down, thus taking away much of its heat-retaining properties, so changing blanket weight or layers as temperatures warm or cool is necessary to maintain the horse’s comfort. Also, be sure to inspect the horse without a blanket on regularly to make sure it is maintaining weight and isn’t developing any skin irritations or rubs.

Regardless of whether the horse is indoors or outdoors, be sure their access to water is not compromised (frozen) and that they are drinking enough, as a reduced water intake can lead to decreased food intake and gastrointestinal issues.

Feeding

Horses don’t have ample grass to graze upon in the winter, so owners must be sure they provide enough forage for their horses – about 1.25 to 2% of forage per day. While increasing the amount of forage offered is important during winter months, increasing the quality is also paramount, especially for individuals who are proven hard keepers.

“Select less mature grass hay that contains more leaves than stems and include a legume forage, such as alfalfa, clover, or lespedeza that can provide more calories than typical grass hays on an equal weight basis,” said Catherine Whitehouse, MS, Nutrition Advisor for Kentucky Equine Research. “Offering poor-quality hay – those high in indigestible fiber – can limit the amount horses will consume, which can be a factor in weight loss, even if they have access to forage such as a round bale.”

If forage quality is an issue, Whitehouse suggest providing an alternative forage product, such as beet pulp, forage cubes, pellets, or chaff, which are high in fermentable fiber.

“If the horse is receiving grain, it may be as simple as increasing the amount offered by two to three pounds per day,” added Whitehouse.

Adding a top dressing to a horse’s feed, such as stabilized rice bran or vegetable oil, offers highly digestible energy and calories, which will help horses maintain body heat and weight.

Hard Keepers

When it comes to senior horses or those who are known to be hard keepers, being proactive can help them immensely as temperatures drop.

“Horses that repeatedly lose body weight during the winter should have their BCS assessed in the fall and, if needed, be started on a weight-gain diet with a larger amount of calories prior to the start of winter,” said Whitehouse. “Consider reducing their workload during the winter, if possible, to allow more calories to be used for maintaining weight and condition.”

She also suggests using a fixed formula concentrate with fixed ingredients that uses a combination of energy sources, such as starch, fat and fermentable fiber, which should help maintain weight.

If you have questions about how to help your horses maintain a healthy weight through the winter, KER nutrition advisors are available for consultation via email or phone. Go to www.ker.com for more information.

First-aid For Winter Horse Wear

Fri, 01 Jan 2016 20:05:17 GMT

By Sarah E Coleman

We all know one: A blanket-busting horse that seems to delight in ruining even the toughest-denier cover-up money can buy. Inevitably, these horses seem to destroy their blankets right before a holiday, major weather event or when their other blanket of the same weight is out for laundering.

Even though we’ve been lucky so far this winter, with our horses going without heavyweight blankets for many months past normal, there’s still plenty of time for your beast to beat up his clothes. If he decides now is a good time to put air conditioning in his blanket or rip off straps and buckles, here are some quick ways to keep your kid comfortably covered until you can get his blankets to a professional.

Unfortunately, your blanket needs to be as clean as possible to make the repair—usually a tough thing as Kentucky winters don’t really lend themselves to clean horse clothes. If the body of the blanket is torn, and you’re worried that washing it completely may cause the fill to fall out, spot washing near the repair is A-OK. The most important this is to ensure that at least the edges of where you will repair, in addition to a few inches on either side, are clean. While you could soak the blanket and clean it with soap and water, cleaning it with rubbing alcohol and letting it dry will work just fine.

Addressing the Broken Bits

Broken straps, chest, belly or leg, are the most difficult to repair without professional help. If your horse was able to break these straps that were professionally put on, it’s likely that he’ll blow through most repairs you are likely to make, as well, but don’t let that discourage you from trying!

Most home sewing machines don’t have the oomph to get through both the blanket’s fill and the strap to hold the straps on securely. In addition, some horses manage to destroy the almost the entire length of a belly strap, leaving you very little to work with!

If your horse has destroyed his belly straps, an elastic blanket surcingle can be used behind the withers to hold the blanket in place until you can properly repair it. If you happen to have an older blanket on hand, you can try cobbling together a new strap, sewing the new piece onto the old and sewing a new hook onto the body of the blanket for a fastener.

With any blanket repair, you’ll want to use the heaviest thread you can. If you’re in a pinch and don’t have heavy thread on hand, try using braiding thread, dental floss or fishing line. While a large, blunt needle may be easier to wield, working it through all the layers of fabrics and straps is tough.

If your horse has frayed the elastic and lost a T-strap, you can either use a sewing machine or hand-stitch the elastic around a new piece of hardware.

Though smaller, leg straps can be a bit harder of a repair as they require stitching through additional layers of fabric. A heavy-duty sewing machine is usually necessary to fasten the hooks securely to the body of the blanket. If you do try to reattach the straps, consider using leather or heavy canvas as a backing to make the repair less prone to re-tearing.

If you can’t seem to get the leg strap to stay even with a repair, you can tighten the remaining strap as much as possible between his hind legs or you can use baling twine as a tail cord to try to keep his clothes in place until they can be professionally repaired.

Your Horse May Look Homeless … But At Least He’ll Be Dry

Horse can be such stinkers; even if he’s top-dog in his field, it seems like a given that he’ll find some nail or other sharp object on which to tear his (usually new and/or very expensive) blanket.

Large rips and small holes in the body of the blanket can be the easiest to repair. If your blanket is made of polyester, consider using a lighter to (carefully) seal the hole. Though it may smell horrible, this usually works for smaller tears.

For blankets made of other materials, try making a woven duct-tape patch to hold the tear together (like the lattice weave you do for the bottom of a hoof pack). A blanket-specific waterproof patch is also easy to apply, as is an iron-on jean patch from a craft store. Simply trim the patch to a size slightly larger than the tear, iron on and let cool completely before putting it back on your horse.

Super glue is also an option to repair tears and small holes; just be sure to allow the glue to dry completely before testing its strength.

No matter what repair you make, waterproofing the repair is never a bad idea. Spray-on waterproofing is the easiest and quickest to use—just double-check that the type of waterproofing you purchase is useable on your blanket’s material. Also, be sure to check what temperature is recommended to get the best effects of the waterproofing; if it recommends over 50 degrees F, you may need to take the blanket into a garage or other climate-controlled area for best results.

Even if you’re not a super-savvy seamstress, sewing is best for large tears. Remember that the repair need not be beautiful—it just has to be functional. A straight or zip zag stitch is easiest, and hand sewing is always an option.

When to Cry Uncle

Finally, if your horse is ripped from stem to stern, it may be time to call it quits. If you do choose to trash your blanket, be sure to cut off all the hardware (including leg or belly straps, if they’re salvageable) and save them for later use.