Historical event: wild horses are returning to Central Europe after centuries

A first herd of fourteen wild horses has enriched Central European nature today. A non-state reservation in a former military training area in Milovice became their new home. It is the first and only herd of wild horses in Central and Eastern Europe.

The wild horse, which belongs to the original animal species in Europe, was exterminated by humans on the continent. Wild living horses, however, survived in a rough mountain area in Exmoor in Great Britain, in a plateau with a lot of marsh and moorlands. The first written mention of them goes back to year 1086 and they thus belong to the oldest horse breeds in Europe. For centuries local people simply called them „wild horses“ and in royal hunting they were traditionally stated on wild game lists. A relatively short time ago, in the 19th century, there began to use the name Exmoor pony for them, sometimes also Celtic pony.

„The return of wild horses ranks among the most significant events of the history of nature conservation in Central Europe,“ stated Dalibor Dostal, the director of the European Wildlife organisation. This non-profit organisation prepared the project for the return of wild horses to the Czech Republic in cooperation with experts of The Biology Centre of ASCR, South Bohemian University, Charles University and The Institute of Vertebrate Biology of ASCR.

„Genetic and archaeological analyses from the past indicate that only the Exmoor pony corresponds the best with its appearance, size and colouration to the original wild horses of Central and Western Europe. Any other breed of this area has not lived for the last thousand years in free nature, in fact, without any human influence and without any crossbreeding with other breeds. These horses have never been used for draught, nor for riding, their only task was to maintain local pastures by grazing rough vegetation,“ explains Dalibor Dostal.
The wild horses will also have the same role in the new home. Their task will be to graze rare steppes and remaining rich meadows and in specified localities to stop a loss of the open and half-open landscape which is necessary for the survival of disappearing species of butterflies, numerous species of birds, reptiles and other endangered vertebrates, but also for countless plants.

The experts chose suitable horses after several years of careful analyses. During them they gradually excluded unsuitable breeds, which despite frequent proclamations have nothing in common with wild horses; for example the Polish konik or German Heck horse. Besides Exmoor ponies, at the beginning they also considered using huculs, which are also often stated to be close relatives of wild horses in the literature. „A deeper analysis, however, showed huculs are in fact a mixture of several diverse breeds, including Arabian horses and the Noriker. What is more, it is a relatively young breed, which came into being by intentional crossbreeding for the Austro-Hungarian army‘s needs,“ says Miroslav Jirků of The Biology Centre of ASCR. The latest findings on two crucial species of big hoofed animals are summarized in the study The Wild Horse and the Aurochs: crucial species for forming the Czech landscape.

Archaeological discoveries document the presence of wild horses in Central Europe, including the region of the Czech Republic, until the late Neolithic period, which means about 4,700 to 3,700 BC. Later than this we are not able to distinguish them any more from domestic horses. The literature dates the extinction wild horses in Western Europe to the 13th century; in Lithuania they are mentioned in the 16th century and probably in Lithuania and in Poland they remained up to the second half of the 18th century. In Ukraine the last wild horse is stated as being caught at the end of the 19th century. At the later dates there is, however, a considerable risk they were not original wild horses but domestic horses gone-wild or crossbreeds.

The film True Appaloosa is the result of a chance viewing of a Conor Woodman documentary about travelling in Kyrgyzstan by New Zealand foundation appaloosa breeder Scott Engstrom.

New Zealand foundation appaloosa breeder Scott Engstrom travelled to Kyrgyzstan seeking spotted horses.

US born Engstrom, who has lived at the top of New Zealand’s South Island since the mid 1990s, saw a horse in the documentary (Around the World in 80 Trades) that Woodman had traded during his journey. She thought the horse looked a lot like the appaloosas on her farm.

The spotted appaloosa has been recognised as a breed since about the mid 1940s, after a group of breeders got together to form the first stud book, based on horses who were originally selectively bred by the Nez Perce tribe.

But in recent years, cross-breeding has eroded many of the bloodlines and the original type of the breed. There are only a handful of breeders world-wide who work to maintain the old bloodlines dating back to the early 1900s, avoiding crossing the horses with other breeds such as the quarter horse, which is common in the US. It is not know how many true foundation appaloosa horses remain today, but there are estimated to be fewer than 200.

Engstrom has been breeding foundation appaloosa horses since the mid 90s, and has built up a sizeable herd.

Three of Scott Engstrom’s foundation appaloosa horses.

After seeing the 80 Trades show, Engstrom contacted Woodman, the show’s presenter, and from their discussions about the origin of the breed, the film was born. Engstrom, at the age of 69, packed her bags to join Woodman and a film crew in Kyrgyzstan to find the horses and see if there were any more.

Woodman said: “Scott and I exchanged quite a few emails about the Appaloosas and I also started to talk with my friend Munarbek Kuldanbaev, who had initially helped me buy horses when I made the 80 Trades show. Eventually we all started to get excited that we might be onto something.

“The problem was that we needed to find that horse that I’d sold years before to an unknown farmer. Then in 2012, Munarbek contacted me to tell me that he’d tracked down where the farmer was from. I thought – ‘OK, now’s the time to put up or shut up’. So I emailed Scott and asked her if she was serious. Because if she was, then it was time to go to Kyrgyzstan. I think she booked her ticket that day!”

For Engstrom, it was the adventure of a lifetime. “I would do it again in a heartbeat!” she says.

“The first time I saw that first herd coming over the hill, I cried like a baby… such tears of joy!  I will never forget it ever. It was almost surreal and what a blessing to know that this special breed still exists in the wild and it tells you they are survivalists.

“The Kyrgyzstan men are wonderful horsemen, having been raised since early childhood on horses. It was such a pleasure to watch them handle the horses and not a mean thing was done with even the most wild.

“One of my biggest thrills was being called into the makeshift enclosure by the head stallion to say hello. Yes, he was wild as.  He had placed all of his mares and foals (about 20) behind him and then looked at me and started to chomp like a foal would do,” she said.

“I just couldn’t believe it. I went through the gate in with him and he proceeded to sniff and then let me touch him all over. It was almost like an out-of-body experience and oh so special.  He picked me to be his friend.  He must have sensed somehow that I was not the enemy. I would bring him home in a heartbeat if we can arrange it.  He is solid as, but all Appaloosa and producing some gorgeous foals.”

Engstrom has used only foundation lines on her appaloosa stud farm.

Woodman says as the action was being filmed, he didn’t know how it was going to end.

“I wanted to stay true to the spirit of adventure and the journey into the unknown.

“I knew all along that Scott might be wrong and if she was then we were going on a wild goose chase. But something about that blind faith attracted me to her story. How many people just up sticks, fly to the other side of the world, meet up with some guy they’ve never met before and agree to ride off into some of the most inhospitable mountains in the world just to see if their ‘crazy’ theory is right or not? On every level it’s madness. But I must confess I like a bit of madness.”

He says the film had changed his life.

“It’s my first time directing, which presented a whole new challenge on top of being the guy in front of the lens. But more than that, it’s reaffirmed my faith in following your heart and never taking no for an answer when you’re convinced you’re right. Scott is a massive inspiration to anyone to do exactly that. Her drive and her unbridled courage in making this journey should be an example to us all. And don’t forget she was 69 years old when she did it.”

True Appaloosa will be showing at various film festivals around the world  in 2015.

Another Seasoned Rider Story

by Cheryl Childs
 
 Every horseman/woman has this vision, in our head,  of the future - still riding and going strong even in our 70’s and 80’s. Of course we hope that’s a reality when we reach that age. Well for 78 year old Sally Scott of Rogersville, Missouri that is her reality.
 Sally Scott started riding when she was six years old and is still going strong. Sally, a retired teacher, is still raising, training and showing horses. Nowadays she finds herself being the senior most rider in the show ring, but she will quickly tell you that’s not something she thinks about much. Horses are a way of life for Sally. She and her husband, Duane, have raised and trained horses for 40 plus years. “ I would have to say they help keep us young,” Sally admits.
 Sally is no stranger to the show ring or the winner’s circle. She has taken   home several Grand Championships and Reserve Championships in her career. Sally competes in Western Horsemanship, Ranch Horse, Open Trail, Working Cow Horse, Reining, and Cutting. All of those events are physically demanding, and would be for someone 30 years old, yet for Sally it’s just what she loves to do.
 Fellow horsewomen of any age who compete against Sally or just watch her in the show ring will quickly tell “you I hope I’m that good at her age”. or “ I wish I was that good now”. When you see Sally in the saddle you’re struck not by her age, but her horsemanship.  It’s that incredible horsemanship that brings home all the trophies.
 Sally and her Fox Trotter mare, A Thrill a Minute, are always open for new challenges. For the last three years they  have entered the Women and Horses Versatility Challenge. This three phase competition includes horsewomanship, obstacle course and freestyle. In the freestyle phase the competitors need to use their imagination and creativity and are encouraged to use props, costumes and music while riding their horses. The horse/rider team with the highest combined point total from all three phases wins the Challenge. Sally Scott and her mare won that Challenge in 2008 and 2009. In 2010 they came in a close second. In 2012 she and her mare Thriller came back to win the Challenge again.
 Again  Sally found herself competing against women younger than she and ,in fact, a couple of the competitors were teenagers. When her fellow competitors asked  Sally never hesitated to proudly to tell her age. “ Some of them told me that I inspired them,” Sally explained and that was fine with her.   “  I’m pretty proud of what I do,” Sally says.
   A Thrill a Minute is a mare that Sally raised and trained herself, which makes the wins in  the Show Ring and at competitions like the Women and Horses Versatility Challenge even more special for Sally.
     When asked about her age, in reference to her riding, showing and, of course, winning  Sally explained, “They say age is just a number.”
  Sally Scott should inspire all of us, whether we are in our 30’s or our 60’s, to keep riding. So next time you hear someone say, “ Well I’m getting a little too old to ride. It’s not like when I was younger and more limber” tell them about Sally Scott, who is still in saddle riding, competing and taking on new challenges at the age of 78

.

Three Great Years

In January 2011 Seasoned Rider Facebook-Magazine and Blog was launch, so we are celebrating our 3rd Anniversary. We would like to thank all the great Seasoned Riders out there who have been part of these three great years. You have all made this a great ride( no pun intended) for all of us at Seasoned Rider. 

I think the best part of this journey is connecting with all great then Seasoned Riders across the country and all around the world. It doesn't matter what breed of horse you have we are connected. It doesn't matter if you show or trail rider,  or drive we are connected. It doesn't  matter where live the United States, Mexico, Canada, Australia  or UK we are connected by two things our passions for horses and of course that we all seasoned riders.

So here is to all the Seasoned Riders out there that will never hang up those riding boots ,driving gloves or walk away from those magnificence horses that are our the best part of our lives.

Seasoned Rider Rock On!!!!!

Healthy Horse Tip

 Researchers at Michigan State University have found that the use of trotting poles can be more valuable to a horse’s rehabilitation after lameness than previously realized.
  In setting out the objectives of the study, researchers from the Michigan State University’s McPhail Equine Performance Center said that trotting over poles is used therapeutically to restore full ranges of limb joint motion. “The mechanics of trotting over poles have not yet been described, hence quantitative evidence for the presumed therapeutic effects is lacking.”
  They set out to determine changes in joint angulations and hoof flight arcs, by comparing limb kinematics in horses trotting over level ground. The horses were put over low poles (11cm) and over high poles (20cm) spaced from 1.05m to 500cm apart.
  Standard motion analysis procedures with skin-fixed reflective markers were used.
  Peak heights of the fore and hind hooves increased significantly and progressively from no poles (fore: 13.8 ± 3.8 cm; hind: 10.8 ± 2.4 cm) to low poles (fore: 30.9 ± 4.9 cm; hind: 24.9 ± 3.7 cm) and to high poles (fore: 41.0 ± 3.9 cm; hind: 32.7 ± 4.0 cm).
  “All joints of the fore and hindlimbs contributed to the increase in hoof height through increased swing phase flexion. The hooves cleared the poles due to increases in joint flexion rather than by raising the body higher during the suspension phases of the stride.”
  The researchers concluded that trotting over poles is effective for activating and strengthening the flexor musculature.
  “Unlike the use of proprioceptive stimulation devices [where tactile stimulation is applied to the bottom of the foot] in which the effects decrease over time due to habituation, the horse is required to elevate the hooves to ensure clearance whenever poles are present.
  “The need to raise the limbs sufficiently to clear the poles and place the hooves accurately requires visuomotor coordination which may be useful in the rehabilitation of neurological cases.”

By Cheryl Childs 

Native Americans made horse hair pottery to celebrate the birth of a great horse. Today, Artist Sandy Shultz helps horse lovers honor and remember their cherished horses through the same technique Native Americans use.
She creates lovely pottery for horse owners who wish to remember their beloved horses or to celebrate the horses in their lives now.
Sandy will quickly tell you she is not horsewoman, but an artist who admires horses and understands the connection people have to their horses. It’s that understanding combined with her talent as an artist that makes her Horse Hair Pottery so special to horse owners.
Sandy taught school for 15 years, but she took tons of pottery classes, discovered the pottery wheel, learned about firing methods and honed her pot throwing skills.
Like so many of us when Sandy turned 50 she decided to take her pottery seriously. She left teaching and took a job working part time at a nursery, but also sought out college level instruction and a mentor. She saved money for a kiln, kicked the cars out of the garage and filled the space with her pottery studio.
Sandy was first introduced to horse hair pottery traveling in the Southwestern United States. She brought home finished pieces of pottery so she could research the pottery’s history. She spoke with artists and finally located a book about horse hair pottery. Sandy threw pot after pot to develop the perfect shape. After much trial and error she perfected a basic shape in three sizes. Not owning a horse herself the first horse hair for the first pot came from a client of a chiropractor friend.
Sandy likes the natural feel of the pottery. Her pottery remains unglazed to maintain an earthy, authentic feel and spirit. Once the creamy white pots are hand thrown by Sandy they are reheated in her kiln to 1300 degrees. She carefully removes the pot and places it on a stone for “decorating”. A single strand of coarse horse tail hair is gently placed on the hot pot. The hair strand immediately burns into a black vein onto the pot and the residual smoke leaves a milky gray stain. She repeats the process until she’s happy with the result, making each pot completely unique.
The final step Sandy takes is to use a soft cloth and rub the pot to remove loose residue. With each gentle swipe the pot begins to soften and polish. She then takes any remaining horse hair and braids a “ribbon” that she ties around pot’s neck. Sandy places the horse’s name, the artist’s name and the date on the bottom of the pot.
Sandy feels these pots often give an owner, who has lost their horse, some closure. Often times people will become very emotional when they receive their pots and Sandy has received many thank you notes from those people. Once in awhile the horse owner will be present while Sandy is working on the pot. Sandy remembers one gentleman who was there while she did the pot. “ He was 6’5 and a cowboy,” Sandy explained, but when the pot was finished and Sandy gave it to him he had tears in his eyes. “It was like he had a peice of the horse he could hold,” Sandy said.
Horse Hair Pottery isn’t just for those horses who have gone, but also for those horses that owners believe will be great horses.
Whatever the reason a horse owner has for wanting their horse’s mane and tail hair put it a pot it’s a way of connecting to the spirit of the horse.

Visit Sandy’s website:
http://www.earthandwheel.com

Beezie Madden named USEF Equestrian of the Year

US showjumper Beezie Madden has made history as the first rider to win the USEF Equestrian of the Year title four times, after the New York based equestrian was honored with the Robert P. Strub Trophy at the USEF Pegasus Awards Dinner last week.

Her leading horse, Cortes ‘C’, was also named International Horse of the Year, by public vote.

The 2005, 2006, and 2013 Equestrian of the Year extended her legacy in 2014 with a remarkable campaign that saw her collect victories throughout North America and Europe.

Her season began with multiple top placings at the Winter Equestrian Festival before claiming her third American Invitational title in Miami and a win in the Gran Premio Veracruz at CSIO4* Coapexpan. In May, Madden suffered a broken collarbone that forced her out of the saddle, but the steely veteran returned on remarkable form, helping the US to Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup victories at CSIO5*s Hickstead and Dublin.

In addition to producing a double-clear in Hickstead’s Nation Cup, she made history two days later as the first woman to win the The Longines King George V Gold Cup. Madden closed out the summer by anchoring the Hermès US Show Jumping Team to Team Bronze at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, where she also added Individual Bronze to her medal haul. Her season came to a conclusion with strong performances jumping at indoors, including scoring a remarkable win in the CP World Cup Qualifier at the National Horse Show.

“The honor of being chosen as Equestrian of the Year is a great one, as it is voted on by my fellow riders and fans,” Madden said.

“It is always my priority to be a great equestrian, not just in terms of winning in the show ring, but by taking excellent care for the horses and representing my country and my team the best that I can.

“Most of all, though, I have to thank and give credit to Abigail Wexner for the opportunity to partner with Cortes and so many great horses.”

Several other equestrians were honored for their achievements, including Judy Werner, who has played an influential role in the American Saddlebred industry for decades. She was honored for her devotion to equestrian sport as the Lifetime Achievement Award winner with the Jimmy A Williams Trophy. Para-Equestrian Sydney Collier received the Ruth O’Keefe Meredith Memorial Trophy as 2014 Junior Equestrian of the Year for her honor, courage, dedication, and sportsmanship.

A South Carolina company is voluntarily recalling its over-the-counter product called Gastroade Xtra, marketed for the prevention of stomach ulcers, because it does not have the required federal approval.

Cox Veterinary Laboratory, Inc. is recalling the product which was previously marketed by the firm as an over-the-counter drug for use in horses. It contains Omeprazole. Affected lots include Batch 0052 (UPC 091037382986), manufactured on May 29 last year.

The recall was initiated after the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) told the company that Gastroade Xtra must have an approved new animal drug application to be legally marketed in the US.

Gastroade Xtra is not approved by the FDA. In addition, some lots may be sub-potent and pose a risk of continued ulceration.

As a consequence, the company has ceased all production and sales of Gastroade Xtra and is recalling the product.

Because the FDA has not approved Gastroade Xtra, the safety and efficacy of the product has not yet been established. However, to date, there have been no reported adverse events associated with its use.

Gastroade Xtra is labeled for the care of gastric ulcers in horses. It is a paste packaged in a 32ml tube. It bears the name Gastroade Xtra, Omeprazole 2.28g.

Cox Veterinary Laboratory is notifying its distributors and customers by letter and through a press release. It will arrange for a return of all recalled product.

Consumers and distributors with unused product should stop using it and contact the company to arrange its return.

Consumers should contact their veterinary healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to the use of this drug product.

Budweiser Clydesdales and a puppy star again in 2015 Super Bowl commercial

Budweiser’s Clydesdales are back in another heart-warming commercial to grace this year’s Super Bowl.

The commercial, following on from last year’s successful Puppy Love offering, continues to build on its theme of animal friendship.

The stars of the latest Budweiser commercial. Image: Budweiser “Lost Dog” commercial

Lost Dog recounts the escape of an adorable puppy and his eventual return to the fold with his Clydesdale friends, but not before a frightening encounter with a wolf.

The Clydesdale trainer is played by actor Don Jeanes for a third time.

Reports suggest eight puppies – seven females and one male – were used in the shooting of the commercial, each aged 11 to 12 weeks old.

The seven Budweiser Clydesdales underwent training over three months for their part in the one-minute commercial, which will air during coverage of the annual American football final.

The background track, I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles), is performed by Sleeping At Last. The song, by Charles Stobo Reid and Craig Morris Reid, was made famous by The Proclaimers.

The ad was directed by RSA’s Jake Scott.

Heaves in Horse More Like Asthma Than COPD

Heaves in horses is more akin to asthma than the serious chronic obstructive pulmonary disease found in humans, a specialist in the field says.

Heaves and broken wind are terms used that have been used for decades to describe an allergic respiratory disease of mature to older horses. Its signs include increased breathing efforts at rest and chronic coughing.

More than 40 years ago, the German veterinarian H. Sasse used the term chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to describe horses with heaves because of similarities with the human disease.

However, Dr Laurent Couetil, who directs equine research programs in Indiana at Purdue University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, says our knowledge of respiratory diseases in people and horses has grown considerably since then.

“It is now clear that heaves in horses is more similar to asthma in people rather than COPD,” he writes in the latest issue of Equine Disease Quarterly.

“Veterinarians and scientists prefer using the term ‘recurrent airway obstruction’ (RAO) that implies the reversible nature of the disease once horses are turned out on grass pasture.

“Equine asthma is used to describe the state of airway hyperresponsiveness following inhalation of dust particles commonly found in barns.

“Such exposure is usually the result of feeding moldy hay. However, some horses present identical signs while being on pasture during the summer in response to high levels of grass molds and tree pollen.”

Feeding round bales at pasture is more likely to trigger equine asthma and is usually associated with more severe disease, he says.

“Molds are particularly abundant in moldy hay. However, it is important to note that the same types of molds are also present in good quality hay but in lower numbers. A genetic predisposition has also been shown in some breeds, such as Warmblood and Lipizzaner.”

Couteil says the goals of therapy are to avoid exposure to dust and to treat lung irritation.

“The most effective way to avoid dust is by keeping asthmatic horses outdoors all the time and not feeding hay.

“Appropriate substitutes to hay and grass are complete pelleted feeds or hay cubes. If horses have to be housed in a barn, it is important to use low-dust feed and bedding,” he says.

“Wetting hay or steaming it will help reduce dust levels, however some very sensitive asthmatic horses may still show signs.”

Couetil says most asthmatic horses improve one to two weeks after being turned outside on pasture with no access to hay, but it may take one to two months for horses kept indoors to show the benefits from reduced dust levels.

“Horses that only improve partially after dust exposure has been reduced should benefit further from drug treatment.

“Treatment with corticosteroids and bronchodilators help reduce lung irritation and hasten recovery.”

Oral or injectable drugs usually cost less than aerosol drugs, he says, but oral or injectable therapy may result in adverse effects.

Albuterol, a commonly used bronchodilator, is not absorbed orally in horses but is effective when given as aerosol, although the benefit is short-lived (around one hour).

Antihistamines may help some asthmatic horses but most will eventually stop responding to treatment.

Recently, research has shown that that feeding a supplement rich in omega-3 fatty acids helps asthmatic horses breathe better and stop coughing within two to four weeks.

“Remember, horses evolved on earth as free-roaming grazing animals,” he says.

“Modern use of horses dictated husbandry practices that are not ideal for the horse respiratory health. Asthmatic horses in particular will greatly benefit from returning to their ancestral environment.”

Wild horse advocates mount legal challenge against Nevada roundup

Press Release:

Two wild horse advocacy groups have filed a lawsuit in a bid to stop a wild horse roundup in Nevada.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) plans to gather all of the estimated 332 wild horses in and around the Pine Nut Herd Management area, permanently remove 200 of them from the range into long-term holding pastures, and release the rest. About half the released horses – the mares – will receive the birth control drug, PZP-22.

The lawsuit has been filed by Protect Mustangs and Friends of Animals.

The groups also intend to seek a temporary restraining order so that the agency cannot gather any horses or administer PZP-22 until the court has heard the case.

The roundup, expected to last for 10 days, is scheduled for late January/early February.

Jenni Barnes, the attorney for Friends of Animals’ wildlife law program, described the December decision made by the BLM to proceed with the Pine Nut operation as abrupt.

“This decision has long-lasting implications for wild horses,” she said.

“BLM violated the law by excluding the public from this decision and completely failing to consider its impacts. Friends of Animals and Protect Mustangs have filed this lawsuit to ensure that BLM does not destroy Nevada’s last remaining wild horses.”

Protect Mustangs’ executive director, Anne Novak, criticized the intended use of PZP. “Risky drugs like PZP and other forms of sterilization are a sham at this point because there aren’t any ‘excess’ wild horses on millions of acres of public land,” she said.

Friends of Animals’ president Priscilla Feral contrasted the BLM’s treatment of wild horses with that of cows and sheep on the range.

“Cows and sheep owned by large corporations and hobby ranchers are seen as having a dollar value, so ranchers are relieved from having to compete over water and grasslands with horses. Since horses are not hamburgers, Nevada and the BLM want them gone. People don’t want this madness anymore.”

The lawsuit asserts that the BLM did not prepare an environmental assessment for the proposed roundup and instead relied on the 2010 environmental assessment for the Clan Alpine, Pilot Mountain and Pine Nut Herd Management Area Gather Plan, which did not take into consideration science that showed negative side effects associated with PZP.

The plaintiffs also argue that BLM did not solicit public comments.

Friends of Animals and Protect Mustangs oppose all roundups of wild horses and the use of PZP. They believe the appropriate management levels set for the herd management areas in all states are too low, outdated and do not accurately reflect the number of wild horses needed to maintain genetic viability

    

For those Seasoned Riders out there who are interested in the sport of Cutting or who are already participating in the sport the National Cutting Horse Association is pleased to announce the NCHA Senior Tour for 2015. Riders 60 and over are eligible to compete in those classes. All NCHA approved weekend shows ( grass roots shows excluded) will e eligible to include Senior classes in all 10 regular classes. 

The NCHA is looking forward to the Senior Tour. They want to make it a fun and exciting way to recognize and award their senior competitors. They also hope that the Senior Tour will increase participation and entries in the classes. 

For more information on this great event go to their website http://www.nchacutting.com/. Let's show them what Seasoned Riders can do. 

New Member Of The LAPD

Valor is the new – and extremely cute – face of policing in Los Angeles County.

The Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station, part of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, has announced that the miniature therapy horse, along with trainer and handler Victoria Nodiff-Netanel, are in the process of becoming the station’s newest volunteers.

Valor and Nodiff-Netanel are part of a nonprofit organization called Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses.

The group is dedicated to visiting and assisting a range of people, from children suffering from extended illnesses to survivors of natural disasters and terrorism.

The organization works with 35,000 adults and children each year inside hospitals, hospice programs, law enforcement community outreach programs, Ronald McDonald Houses, and with families who have experienced traumatic events.

Valor lives in Malibu, California, with four other therapy horses that, together, make up Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses West.

Valor is specially trained as a law enforcement therapy horse and was named in honor of fallen Police Officer Kenneth Tietjen, who died during the September 11 terrorist attacks.

As part of their duties, Valor and Nodiff-Netanel will comfort those in need during traumatic events.

Valor will also be an integral part of a local reading program and the station’s community outreach events.

Valor will serve as a “face” of law enforcement and will do so while upholding the sheriff’s department’s motto of “A Tradition of Service”.

Partnering with Valor and the Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horse Organization gives the department the opportunity to reach children at a young age.

Valor will be part of a commitment by the department to continue to work together and build a productive and healthy relationship with its community.

You Have It's For Life

 “ If you have it, it is for life. It is a disease for which there is no cure. You will go on riding even after they have to haul you onto a comfortable wise old cob, with feet like inverted  buckets and back like a fireside chair,” - Monica Dickens author, great-granddaughter of Charles Dickens and horsewoman.

That’s one of my favorite horse quotes, among others  from Monica Dickens. I’m sorry to say I didn’t really care for her great grandfather’s work,  but I have always enjoyed hers. She is often still quoted by her fellow horse enthusiasts today,  nearly 20 years after her death. I honestly think I like that quote more now than I did when I was younger and read it for the first time, for obvious reasons.

Every time I read that quote it makes me think about a number of years ago when my sister was in her mid  30’s and was speaking with someone about the fact that she owned and rode horses. The woman commented to my sister “Oh, well you’ll give that up when you’re forty.” When my sister asked her “Why is that?” she replied “You’ll be too old to ride at forty”. My sister, being a horsewoman,  quickly informed she didn’t see that happening. On my sister’s 40th birthday she mounted her 5 year old year Arabian mare for the first time, so she celebrated turning 40 by being the first person to get on the mare and taking the maiden ride. My sister is now past 50 (not saying that’s old) and still riding and isn’t planning to hang up her riding boots any time soon.

What is it about non-horse people that they think there is age cut off for riding? Okay,
jockeys retire from racing, but the sport of horse racing is different. With age comes wisdom which makes us wiser and better riders than when we were younger. I know that today  I’m far more knowledgeable than I was at 18 and, in some respects, a better rider as well. I think at a certain age we begin to seek out  more knowledge and want to improve our riding skills and be better horse owners in general. I believe that experience makes a better rider.  A friend, and fellow horsewoman, once said to me “ age is just a number I don’t think about it,” she was 72 years old at the time.  Today, at the age of 75, she is still riding and competing with her beloved mare. She also told me she thought the horses kept her and her husband young. I agree with that statement wholeheartedly.

Over 50% of horse owners today are past 45 years of age and we are still going strong. We   compete and ride in Endurance Rides, Reining, Hunter/Jumper, Dressage, Drill Teams,   Combined Driving, 3-Day Eventing, Ranch Horse Competition and, of course, Trail Riding.
We aren’t planning to retire or give up our horses - which are our passion in life. So when someone says to you will give up horseback riding when you’re past 40 or, worse yet, that you should give it because you are too old read Monica Dickens quote to them - then gallop
off on your horse.

Proper Horsemanship At Any Age

By Cheryl Childs 

When I learned to ride  30 years ago I was taught how to sit correctly on the horse when riding so that I was seated correctly  and so that I was balanced in the saddle. This may be “Old School”, but it’s still valid today and more riders need to learn this method. It's also valid no matter if 7 years old or 70 years old. 
  Riders need to sit up straight and tall in the saddle. Sit centrally in your saddle looking ahead into the direction you are moving. Heels pushed downward with the ball of your foot in the stirrup/iron. Your toes should be pointing forward and higher than your heel with the inner leg wrapped around the horse.
   Your hands should be held level above the wither of the horse while your wrists should be straight with the thumb uppermost. The upper arm relaxed with the elbows held into the side. 
   There should be an imaginary line that runs from the rider’s ear, through the shoulder, through the hip, and through to the heel.  A second imaginary line runs from the bit in the horses mouth, through the rein, through the wrist, through the upper arm, and through to the elbow.
  Here is breakdown of the rider’s postion:
   • Eyes - need to be looking ahead into the direction that you are moving.
 • Head - needs to be mobile and able to turn into the direction you are moving.
  • Shoulders  - care must be taken not to round the shoulders, but to keep them relaxed and mobile. This way, when the shoulders are closed, for example, when riding a half halt, the instruction will be understood by the horse.
  • Elbows - should be relaxed to allow the horses movement to flow through. The elbow should also hang loosely at the side of the rider’s upper body.
   • Wrists - need to be straight and not curved inwards or outwards, with the thumb uppermost and on top of the rein.
   • Fingers - need to be closed around the rein in order for a contact to be held, but mobile enough to allow the rider to squeeze and play with the rein to aid in turning and softening of the rein.
   • Back - needs to be held tall, straight and relaxed to allow all of the horse’s movement to flow through the rider without jarring.
   • Hips - need to be mobile and non restrictive to allow the horses movement to freely flow through the rider’s body.
   • Seat Bones - the rider’s weight is channeled equally through both of the seat bones. When riding lateral exercises slightly more weight can be placed into the inside seat bone.
   • Waist - needs to be able to turn through, in order to follow the horse’s movement, care must be taken not to tip in and collapse through the waist when riding a turn or lateral work.
   • Thighs - the inner thighs need to be held in close contact with the horse, as this gives a secure upper leg.
   • Knees - need to be flexible and have the inner aspect in close contact with the horse.
   • Calfs - need to have the inner aspect wrapped around the horse, and it is from the calf downwards that the lower leg nudges the horse forwards.
  • Ankles - should be mobile and facing forwards.
  • Heels - the rider’s weight needs to be pushed downwards into the heels, this helps the lower leg to wrap around the horse.
   • Toes - should be pointing up and positioned to face forwards.
    • Ball Of The Foot - the ball of each foot should be positioned onto the stirrup iron, to help to keep the foot in the correct position.
     I see so many riders today,  riders of all ages and levels, who don’t follow this method. It’s important to have a balanced proper seat for your safety in the saddle. Many people today have their stirrups/irons too short or too long - not at the proper length - and their foot positioned too far into the stirrups/irons. I see riders who aren’t sitting centrally in the saddle but are off to the left or the right. It’s important for your safety that you keep the balls of your feet in the stirrups, your heels down and sit in the center of the saddle so if the horse does spook or stumble you won’t be unseated as easily.

 It may be “ old school”, but it’s the proper and safe way to ride.

About the Author- Cheryl  Childs is certified in equine safety, equine psychology and equine behavior. She began her career as a riding instructor in 1989.   In 1994 she began show coaching - specializing in Adult Amateur riders. In 2007 Cheryl developed the concept of the Woman and Horses Mind, Spirit & Body clinics. These clinics were confidence building clinics for woman who needed to get their confidence back after a bad experience with their horse that was keeping them from enjoying their horse.  She is a qualified instructor in both Western and English disciplines as well as in Show Coaching. She is a member of Equine Assisted Learning Association, Western Dressage Association of America, North American Western Dressage and American Riding Instructors Association. 

Cheryl teaches balanced horsemanship or what she likes to call "back to basics horsemanship" where the rider learns to how to be balanced in the saddle and how to use their legs and seat to make them a better rider. Cheryl's favorite phases are "heel downs" and "use your legs" when she is instructing.  Cheryl has a special gift for being able to watch a horse and rider then explain to the rider what they need to do to improve their riding skills or solve a problem.  www.cherylchildshorseanship.com

by Cheryl Childs
 
 There seems to be  lot of discussion today about youth riders and how the  horse industry on the whole seems to be loosing youth riders. It seems everyone is worry that there is no future generation of Seasoned Riders.Many speak about the decline and fall of horse shows, because there is no next generation of riders out there. Others speak about how young people don’t have any interest in horses.Some say all young people are interested in is their I-Phones and I-Pads. Perhaps we have seen a slight downturn in young people who are interested in horses, but believe me there are still plenty of young people out there who couldn’t be more enthusiastic about horses, riding and showing.
 There are still kids out there who are growing up around horses. Whether it’s Mom and Dad who have those horses or Grandma and Grandpa the horse gene is still being passed on. There are also kids out there whose folks have no interest in horses, but they have convinced Mom and Dad that spending every weekend showing and trail riding is a good idea. No, I don’t believe that the young people today have no interest in horses.
  Standing in center ring at several horse shows a year I  see those  kids with their horses. Perhaps there aren’t as many as when all of us were younger, but they are out there riding their horses - with those silly grins on their face all that horse enthusiasts get.
   The ten and under lead line class are usually well attended. They come in grinning ear to ear patting that pony’s or horse’s neck as the are lead around by an adult (or sometimes an older sibling). They are more than happy to talk to you about their horse/pony and tell you all about them. Those smiling little faces peaking out  from underneath a riding helmet at you  are the future of the horse industry and they are out there.
   For all of you who say “ teenagers have no interest in horses anymore,” I say you are wrong. I know several teenagers who arrive early on a Saturday morning with their parents and horse in tow ready to spend the day doing what they love - riding their horse. I see them hugging their horses as they wait to come into a class. I hear the conversations they have about their horses and how proud they are of their horses. I see their face light up and watch them throw their arms around their horse when you hand them that Blue Ribbon.  I see them work harder at each show and see how pleased they are when they do better. I see them laughing as they put costumes on their horses and themselves for the costume class. Guess what -I don’t see them looking at their I-Phones too often unless it’s to show someone photos of their horses. Oh, they do get their phones out to take photos or check the time.
  I have seen kids of all ages in the show ring showing their horses in performance classes and in-hand classes. I have seen them driving horses as well. I have seen two and three generations showing together.
 I see photographs posted on social media of Grandmas and their Grandkids out riding on the trail. I have seen photos of three generations of horsemen/women trail riding and camping together and loving it. If you talk to a 50 plus rider there is a good chance they will tell you their Grandkids love being around horses and riding with them.
  I myself have a 9 year old great niece who comes to visit two or three times a year and the first place she wants to go is the barn. When her Grandma  tells her “You have to take those dirty clothes off before we go to out”  Beth looks at her says “ No I  don’t - I’m a horsewoman,” and she means it. She will groom the horse and help tack them up. She wants to ride all the horses and would rather ride than go to an amusement park. She has that silly grin when she is riding. She wants to learn to everything she can about riding and horses. She talks about when she will be able to have her own horse.
  So in conclusion I have no doubt that the torch will be carried on for generations to come. I think there is a future generation of Seasoned Riders.

Old West Horse and Rider Challenge

  In the Spring of 2015 a new and exciting event is coming  - the Old West Horse and Rider Challenge.
  The Old West Horse & Rider Challenge is a four phase competition where teams consisting of three horses and riders compete in an Old West competition.
  According to the producers of the the events they want those participating, as well as those attending the event,  to feel as though they are spending time in the Old West or  their favorite TV Western.
 While the actual horse competition is similar to other events what sets it apart is it’s held in an arena with a Old West motif.  Those competing are encouraged to wear costumes while competing. Along with the competition there will be vendors as well. Those producing the event compare it to the popular Renaissance Festivals except it will be set in the Old West. They want people to feel as though they have spent the day in 1800’s. They are certain this will appeal to the Baby Boomer generation that grew up watching shows like Bonanza, The Virginian and High Chaparral whether are entering the competition or just want to spend a the day experiencing the Old West.
  For those who bring their horses it is a great way  to step back into the Old West for a day of competition, fun and camaraderie with their horses.
  Look for updates about the event here and be sure to visit their website.http://oldwesthorseandrid.wix.com/oldwesthorseandrid and like them on Facebook (Old West Horse & Rider Challenge).

A Seasoned Rider Dream Comes True

by Cheryl Childs   

  

For Terri Crawford Arabian horses have always been a part of her life. She has owned them ridden them and shown them for many years. Terri has an  affinity for the Arabian horse, but one day, while attending an Arabian show, she found out she had that same affinity for Half-Arabians when she saw a lovely Palomino Half Arabian mare being led down the barn aisle. It was in that instant that she fell in love with that mare. Terri had been looking for another horse for  the show ring and the Palomino mare was just what she was  looking for. 

   Hollywood Fyness SF, Cover Girl as she is known around the barn, was bred by Singing Hearts Farm out of Rogersville, MO. It was their trainer, Troy Murrell, who was leading Cover Girl down the barn aisle when Terri spotted  the mare. Terri joked, “I said  look what Troy has!” She knew right then and there Cover Girl was the horse she had been looking for. With the help of  both Troy and Sharon Davis (owner of Singing Hearts Farm) Terri was able to purchase Cover Girl. “Troy told me they could make it happen and they did” says Terri.

   The lovely Palomino mare had been started under saddle when Terri purchased her and she was ready to start her career in the show ring. Cover Girl has the bloodlines of Champions on both her Sire (AQHA) and Dam(Arabian) side, so it only seemed logical she was destined for greatness in the arena. 

  Being a Palomino Cover Girl attracts attention, but she is more than a pretty color  she has the disposition and talent needed to be successful in the show ring today. 

   Terri has had a dream for many years that a horse of hers would qualify for the Arabian Nationals and take a Top Ten. Cover Girl has made that dream a reality. Cover Girl qualified for the Arabian Nationals and took four top tens this year. Terri will tell you it takes a  team effort to get a horse to that level and she appreciates everyone who helped get her mare to Nationals. “Troy and everyone did such a great job” she explains. 

   Her dream now is to come home with a National Champion. Maybe Cover Girl will be that horse.